[IC] Blood & Iron [Modern Nation Geopolitical RP]

[Theodorable]

SPRING, 1911

The Western World, 1911

[PLACEHOLDER]

[Lauder]

The True Imperial Press

Saurilia has always been blessed by having the grace of the True Emporer and the royal family in all their glory that had been sent from the heavens to this us simple minded men. However, it is a shame that the rest of the world does not hold the same views and must be labelled in the way of heretics, such goes the way of the world. The most troubling fact is that all the loyal citizens in the Empire believe that the faith can hold, that signifies that these are truly trying times. I may remind my brothers and sisters that we must remain loyal to the faith, lest we all commit the ultimate sin to the Emporer and the heavens. These times are the times in which we are judged, all times we are judged for what we do and what is commonly called sin.

Preachers are doing their job as true loyal citizens and praising the Emporer all that he has done for the Empire, it has always been so. It has been written by the Holy Scribes of Old that we must remain loyal or we may never ascend to the heavens and become truly righteous beings. To not remain loyal would be to damn oneself to oblivion and the soul would forever be tortured by not being able to enter the heavens. So my brothers and sisters, I hope that we remain loyal to the faith and resist the temptation of sin as the royal family would want us to. Hail to the Emporer and the Holy Empire!

[LordZell]

The Grand Imperium of Zellonia

Covus, Spring 1911

As the Czar looked out the window in which only a few weeks earlier the brutal Zellonian winter was he smiled. The new year looked promising with the first of many factories already operational however he had recently been informed of shortages with Steel and would need to look at the wider world for these. Before long the Czar requested a diplomatic party to be sent to the sovereign nation and neighbor to Zellonia, Dongaria. While the Diplomat would work to improve relations the Zellonian army would have to be updated and as such, they were ordered to train. Under the command of Field Marshal Crowley Bernman who aside from being a young officer was a close friend the to czar's son and heir.

[Theodorable]

Bryagovo, Dongaria, 1911

Bryagovo, Kingdom of Dongaria

The arrival of the Zellonian diplomat was unannounced and the whispers that the Dongarian king Rufus II had to cut short his annual hunting trip stymied already soured relationships. Rufus returned and met the diplomat, a man whom never once announced his name and that both Rufus and the queen, Margherita, found incessant and rude. He came with no terms, ideas or dialogue, Rufus at last said: "Well what in the hell have you come all this way for?"

The Zellonian diplomat was sent back to the Grand Zellonian Empire with no news except that Rufus promised if that man were seen in his court again he would be hanged for insolence. The Dongarian Kingdom, long home to a people whom referred to themselves as the Plovdiv, were ceremonial and self-righteous. The young Zellonian Czar would have much to learn about politics.

[LordZell]

The Grand Imperium of Zellonia

Covus, Spring 1911

“HOW DARE THIS RUFUS INSULT US LIKE THIS” The Czar shouted after being informed his diplomat had been turned away. The Czar took a deep breath before turning around. “Minister Yelsof, Inform Field Marshal Bernman to take 150,000 men and half of the field guns to the border of Dongaria, have them continue training and show them the might of Zellonia. As for the rest of the men, Grant the honor to General Sven who served under my father. They may continue military exercises on thecia’s border.” The Minister nodded and turn around to inform the men of their new orders.

[aladdin_sane]

Xyliatos, Emirate of Alijabel Almuqaddas

Emira Fathiyya sat alone on her grizzled throne soothed by the darkness that enveloped the room; when she was in these bleak moods only the fool hearty would dare disturb her. She brought a beautifully engraved pipe to her lips and gently inhaled the freshly rolled Hashish packed inside; a tingling calmness washed over her body. There were some in her lands that spoke against such vices, but the opinion of some stuffy fundamentalists mattered not as if the dare raise any objections to her behavior she would have them killed...no tortured then killed. Those zealots seemed to never learn as she was not only Emira, but Protector of the Faith; they would do well to remember the fate of the four hundred religious functionaries that protested her ascension to the throne.

Her lips curled into a slight smile, her hand begin to shake, her pulse began to race, but the young queen managed to suppress her bubbling emotions as she remembered the reason for her foul disposition in the first place. Mustafa that whelp had managed to woo her easily impressed advisers with his talk of building a united front against the colonial powers, bah he was delusional if he bought into his own spiel about cultural unity and what not. This was an alliance of necessity that was all; if circumstances were more favorable to Alijabel Almuqaddas Fathiyya would have never gave her seal of approval to this farce.

The queen pursued her lips trying to remember which industrialized nation she sent her diplomats too, but the hash was fogging her mind. No matter all those pale skinned foreigners were the same anyways filthy dirty animals with no social graces, worshiping dead gods in guttural tongues. Yet they held the Emira's fascination, they were so intriguing.

"Wahidat Jamila", the Emira beckoned in a seductive tone and a frail, red haired, dirty, young woman entered the throne room.

Fathiyya leered at her favorite possession, a few months a small group of pale skinned foreigners were caught by the mutaween peddling their heathen religion to the masses; all of these missionaries were stoned to death for their insolence save this fine specimen, despite her misguided religious views this exotic beast was rather stunning and Fathiyya had a penchant for surrounding herself with women much to the chagrin and embarrassment of those that wished her to settle with a foreign Royal. Nevertheless, the Emira spared this woman from death and mold her into an obedient subservient.

At first this beautiful creature shunned Fathiyya's advances; spitting, kicking, screaming, crying, cursing her new Mistress with her foreign words, and so on. The pathetic thing even tried to escape, but each attempt was even more fruitless than the last. Fathiyya was pleased that she was able to break the pale skinned animal and even domestic it to a certain extent.

Wahidat Jamila looked expectantly at her mistress, a stranger in a strange land stripped of everything even her name as her current name was bestowed upon her by the degenerate that currently lorded over her; she hoped beyond hope that her captor just wanted to monologue to her in that strange language that Wahidat was just starting to pickup, but the look of lust in the vile woman's eyes told her otherwise. She thought her deceased family and her homeland. Oh, how she missed the snow. It never snowed here, even this mountain was devoid of snow; this mountain was as sick as the people that inhabited it apparently. She thought of saying a prayer, but she learned the hard way that the Gods do not listen to the weak. Wahidat internally sighed as she felt a bejeweled hand stroke her thick red hair. If this heathen had any mercy she would've have killed her along with her family, but alas it seemed like her captor still wanted
to degrade her further.

[Boop_Im_A_Dragon]

Kingdom of Acheona

Spring 1911

A new year

The loud cheering of the new year and grand celebrations could be heard for miles to come. Even the usually quiet halls of the royal castle where lit in joyous celebration as King Bernhart feasted with celebrated guests and family from across the world. “Tis’ a pleasure to enjoy such times with friends and family alike. May this new year bring joy and prosperity to our homelands.” He pridefully shouted to his guests. A man of honor and tradition, he looked over every attendent carefully, caring more for their character rather than the politics behind their relations.

One such man of importance was the prime minister himself. Someone who King Bernhart saw in ill favor, but the landowners of the nation backed him graciously. He pressed for democratic reform and denied the traditional appeal of the monarchy, but because of currently law held onto these opinions with little repercussion.

Once the crowd had died down and Bernhart had finished his speech he simply finished with “Now drink” and so they drank. The night afterwards was relatively quiet. The firework display shined beautifully over the castle courtyard and the people gazed upon its magnificence. Beyond that however, the night chose to remain relatively uneventful and so time of celebration ended.

Relations with the Emirate

After the recent celebrations of the new year had passed, along with many weeks King Bernhart was met with an ambassador of the Emirate of Alijabel Almuqaddas in regards to future relations and the possibility of opening up trade between the two nations in the future. The man, while unaccustomed to the more traditional clothing of the Achean populus, held the courtesy of a royal knight.

Soon gifts and various other courtesies followed and it was not long before an embassy had been established between the two nations with promised trade in the future. “While I find your people to be generous and kind, my advisors and I have discussed that it would be best to withhold an official trade agreement for some time, until we can completely understand the relationship between our two nations in the coming future.”

While there was no official trade agreement, the Emirate was granted free travel through the strait of Atlas in the coming future, whether it be a fleet of war or trade. “It has come to my attention that allowing our friends in the Eastern Middle Sea free access through the strait will not only boost their economic prosperity, but ours as well.” King Bernhart cheerfully announced to the ambassador of the Emirate sometime later that day.

Almutasalliqin Embassy, circa 1911

Further expansion of the military

Considering the recent actions of the Zellonian military in regards to Dongaria, the Kingdom of Acheona has begun to bolster its military claiming “While we have no intention of fighting Dongaria’s war, continued uncontrolled expansion of Zellonia may lead to a call to arms. We only seek to defend ourself if that ever becomes the case.” Jeremias Myers, minister of foreign affairs claimed.

Over the past few weeks the budget has already begun to improve the current training regime of the standing army with the idea of quality over quantity. Though some military experts argue that so long as we continue to bolster our naval might, that we will not see the need of our army. A popular opinion among the Chief of Army’s staff.

Along with this focus on military training, the increase in budgeting has also lead to the discovery a newly improved destroyer. While no official designs have been made for such a destroyer, it is suspected that in the future it will be a dominate part of the Achean fleet.

[aladdin_sane]

Emirate of Alijabel Almuqaddas

Almutasalliqin Embassy, Acheona. Spring 1911

Last Remaining Photo of Hishaam Zamani circa 1911

The grizzled old man roamed the ornate halls the official embassy in Acheona, his pace slow yet determined. Even after all these years Hishaam Zamani never stopped being impressed with the pale-skinned people and their penchant to indulge in extravagant excess; what was concerned a luxury back home was common place here. When he was young he naively assumed that it was a trick used to shock and awe him, but after seeing a plethora he began to believe that exuberance was less of a facade and more a fact of life. Of course he realized that diplomacy was about fifty percent pomp and circumstance, but he learned to overcome his internalized prejudices. He chuckled as ruminated on a joke originally told to him by a strange disheveled man years ago in long forgotten hookah lounge in his homeland.

The joke went something like this. A djinn comes across a Almutasalliqin farmer and is coerced into granting the man a wish on the condition that whatever befalls the farmer will befall his neighbors twice-fold. Without hesitation the Almutasalliqin farmer wished for one of his eyes to be gouged out.

Zamani reflected that man's lisp coupled with his odd sniffing really elevated the joke. The diplomat mused on whatever happened to the strange fellow, from what Zamani could recall he was a student of some sorts that was impressed into national service. Or that is what the man claimed anyways. Zamani was never one to believe in the supernatural, but there was something off putting about the man; could be that he was in fact a djinn? Zamani shook his sweat beaded head attempting to clear those irrational thoughts from his head.

He focused instead on the recent dealings with the Achean King. From what the diplomat could gather King Bernhart was a king beholden to nobody and those self-imposed limits on his power were merely a ruse concocted to quell the plebiscite. The difference between King Bernhart and his impetuous niece was that Bernhart was a great man who would proverbially knell down to make himself appear equal to his subjects, while Emira Fathiyya lacked any such tact and would quash anyone that she perceived as more popular than her.

A voice in the back of his mind reminded him that at one point he could have been Emir instead of that degenerate. Once Fathiyya ascended the throne over the still fresh corpse of his brother there was a chance for him to united the tribes against her, but out of principle he did nothing. The aged diplomat was not a kin-slayer like her, the fact that his family was her last living blood relations was a testament to his usefulness rather than a sign of appreciation for his inaction.

He sighed, but continued his slow walk to the kitchen leaning on his cane for support. His late wife always disapproved of his dependence on Fuso tea, but since she was perpetually frazzled it's calming properties never took ahold of her.

On days like this he missed her incessant nagging. 'Hishaam' she would chide, 'when are going to learn to clean up after yourself, I swear if I have to clean another one of your dirty teacups...'

"Did you meet the pale-folks King Grandpa?" A small timid voice cut short the elder man's musings.

"Oh, I met him alright and he personally informed me how much it displeases him when little boys make him aware of his paleness. He is so sensitive about his white skin the he gobbles up anyone who even utters anything negative about it." Hishaam said with mock urgency and a mischievous grin plastered across his aged visage.

"Really?" the boy said softly before retorting "Grandpa, you must be joking as surely a King doesn't eat people."

"You are too clever for me boy, of course I was joking. Though I would probably address him as King Bernhart Van Siegmund just to be on the safe side. Also I hope you were not going around calling the nice people of this country 'pale-folks' They don't call you a 'dark-folk' do they?"

"No sir", the boy said shuffling his feet.

Hishaam patted his grandson's head. "Just be more mindful, that is all. If you are ever going to be a diplomat like your grandpa you must put your prejudices aside...or someone might gobble you up."

"Grandpa!"

"Alright, Alright. Let me compose a letter to the Emira informing her of the progress here in Acheona. Then we can have tea and you can tell me everything the tutor taught you today." Hishaam turned to continue his walk to the kitchen, but was stopped by a tug of his tunic.

"Grandpa, does King Bern...Bernhart actually like the Emira or is he just afraid of her like everyone else seems to be. Does she have any friends Grandpa? I couldn't imagine living life without any friends. Is that why you go to different countries are you trying to find her a friend?"

Hishaam let out a hearty laugh.

[Murtox]

The Great Xhan

The Xhan nation was considered by the elders as the greatest and most civilized in the world , but many young people knew the problems that the old country faced and they often omitted the "Great" word when mentioning the Xhan , even the emperor knew the lacks of the nation as a whole the emperor saw the reflect of many failures of the past take their tool on the current state of the nation , one of those was pride , pride that made people who before sought humility worst than their far away counterparts , however , the new generation of men that the Emperor would reign were better way better than their father , they were people ready to accept change and to improve the status of the country , to make the Xhan deserve the Great in their name , the change of generation was a relatively stable one and many old people died or left power with peace , trusting that their successors would be as good as them.

Many Emperors would see this as the first step to a new era of glory , but the Emperor did not saw that he saw struggle and determination in order to achieve a good position for the Xhan in the world stage , there was no easy road for the Xhan and that was something true , it would take many years to re-structure a nation with hundreds of years of conservatism , the first step for the Emperor was to establish proper resources supply with other nations and he had already prepared a message to the Holy Saurilian Empire and the deal was discussed previously , the other step was to develop the technology sector of the Xhan , something that could be done thanks to many students of Xhan going to western universities in order to study and the last step for the year was to develop the army and keep training it.The older members of the court gave their advise to change the focus of the Emperor but the new members of the court gladly accepted their orders.

[Theodorable]

STATE OF AFFAIRS [1 of 3 for Turn 1]

Summer, 1911

April 1st: Serial inventor Yong Yang Cheung had long been lauded for his radical and inefficient designs, but it was his "full press" that had been discovered by a magistrate of the province that put Cheung's name in everyone's mouth. Used to press cotton, the machine was replicated at the request of thirty coinage and on a day called "absolutely auspicious," the Y. Y. Cheung factory was opened in the Xhan Empire.

Y.Y. Cheung Factory opens in Xhan Empire

April 17th: The 119th and 120th Imperial Infantry Divisions of the Tyro-Antarian Army finish their nine weeks training and are given an ceremony of honorary induction outside the parade grounds. General of the Tyro-Antarian Third Army, Stephan von Kessel performs the commencement and announces that they are now joining the ranks of the most prestigious military in the world. Regimental and squad level photos are taken afterward.

Photo of B Platoon, 2nd Company, 1st Battalion, Katka Regiment of the 120th Imperial Infantry Division

[Lone Wanderer]

The Tyro-Antarian Empire

"Unbowed and Unbroken"
Summer 1911

The Imperial Palace of Aetoria, Tyria.

A swirl of grey smoke drifted on the still air of a small yet adorned room of rich mahogany paneled walls as rays of sunlight pierced the veil of smoke and dim electric lighting through inset paneled windows. The small group of men who found themselves within this chamber were seated at a round table adorned with scattered documents, each before them had a steaming cup of Achean tea which they nursed while the chill of a departing winter remained. Every now and then there would be a flare of red light as one inhaled from a cigar or pipe, leaving inky tendrils of smoke to drift upwards.

"These proposed tariffs are bloody preposterous. The government of Antar reject them! Over half of our logging industry is exported, our lumber goes as far as bloody Etelia. We cannot put that at risk, never mind the fact that we risk retaliatory tariffs!" A voice resonated from a heavyset man who sat at the table, donned as he was in a great coat, he appeared more akin in size to a bear than to any man. Count Wilhelm Kestler, the Prime Minister of Antar lived up to his moniker well, 'The Bear of Antar'.

"My Emperor." The Bear's principle opponent in the room began as he looked to the Emperor who was seated at the head of the round table. "Do not listen to this buffoon for the trade of logs and sticks means nothing to that which we stand to gain. The implementation of these tariffs will protect our domestic industries from foreign competition and raise revenue! It is no lie when I say that more and more nations turn to nations not even on this continent for trade, our industry must be maintained first and foremost, as such trade must be milked for all it's worth!" The much smaller man retorted, his choice of dress impeccable in a gentleman's black coat with a top hat resting on the table besides him. He was the very image of nobility as Prime Minister of Tyria, one Steffen Kohlhase.

"Enough!" The Emperor King Adalar von Wolfram's voice cut through the din, putting to an end the bluster of both men. "Enough. This is the Imperial Cabinet, not your personal arena! Look at yourselves man! Surrounded by fellow members of the aristocracy and military, and you both bluster and babble like babes! Let this talk continue another day. For now consider today's Cabinet meeting concluded." Adalar's voice settled firmly as he and all present rose from their seats.

"God save Tyria and Antar." The Emperor concluded.

Those present returned cries of "God save the Emperor!" and "God save the King!" in one great shout before clearing the room.

Only one man remained, his top hat now clasped under one arm as the other held a white paper envelope. "My Emperor, a letter from our contacts in Zellonia." The Tyrian Prime Minister announced with a clearing of his throat.

"Zellonia you say? Let me get something stronger to drink."

The Imperial Artist-in-Residences rendition of Aetoria, the capital of the empire in the late spring of 1911.

~*~

Diplomatic Mission to Thecia

It was late april when an automobile made it's way along the plains and roads of Thecia. It's principle passenger the Antarian diplomat Ludomir Kula. A man of extensive intellect turned towards the ways of diplomacy and manner that it might be considered an art form. Never seen without his three piece suit nor bowler hat, the Antari walked with a cane by his side and held himself with a grace befitting an aristocrat. Loyal to the realm and crown, Ludomir now found himself once more beyond the borders of his homeland and headed for a foreign capital.

He was to establish relations with the Thecians and carry himself with a grace while doing so. He was to learn more of the nation which was so close yet seemed so distant, to learn of their nature and perhaps most importantly, uncover the nations disposition to his own.

"Let it be known that in the wake of traditional Zellonian aggression across it's frontiers, the Tyro-Antarian Empire looks to bring stability to the region by the re-implementation at once, of foreign policy."

[Chairman Stein]

The Grand Republic of Karlev

Arise Karlev! Arise!

Minstry of Foreign Affairs, Karlevygrad. Circa 1898

It was rare for the Grand Prince to make an appearance at the Ministry; but when he did, it was important. As assistants and aides ran about the halls, ensuring that every painting was centered and every marble floor so clean one could eat from it, Lubas took another drag from his pipe. From the open window he could hear the police barricading the roadway for the Grand Prince's arrival; safety was key when men of such stature came to the Ministry.

"Mister Bulgakov?"

Lubas looked up from his thinking and scanned the small boy in front of him. He was no older than twenty and pale, more pale than the average Karlevian, and held a look of consistent anxiety.

"Yes, how can I help you?" Lubas said simply, sitting up and gesturing for the boy to step in. "The G-Grand Prince is here for you sir..."

An awkward silence fell over the duo for a long moment before the boy quickly stepped aside, stumbling his way out of the minister's presence. In his place appeared the Grand Prince, ruler of all Karlev and self-titled 'Prince of the Sea', Bogomir Sokolov. Lubas quickly rose to his feet, putting aside his pipe and gesturing for the Grand Prince to enter.

"Greetings your majesty, please have a seat."

Prince Sokolov entered slowly, looking over the small office and judging his foreign minister no doubt, before taking a seat in one of the velvet cushioned oak chairs in front of Lubas's desk. Lubas ignored the Grand Prince's lack of a handshake or even an acknowledgement of him and sat as well.

"How long has it been, Lubas? Last time I saw you, you had only a pencil moustache. Now here you are, full beard and everything!" The Grand Prince gave a chuckle before continuing, "However I'm here on some pressing matters, so we will have to keep chitchat short for now."

Lubas nodded, the Grand Prince may be an arrogant brat but when he came to the ministry it was usually for more than idle banter. Besides, Lubas wasn't sure he wanted to speak with his majesty for long.

"With the new year comes new circumstances, my dear Lubas. As you're well aware the 'Grand' Zellonian Empire has begun their saber rattling again, and now the Dongarians are their meal of choice. Our forefathers built this Republic after facing the tyranny of the grand eastern empires before Zellonia, and I have no intention of being the elected Prince who sat idle as the northern emperor gobbled the other minor states. So I'm sending you from the capitol. I want you to head south, to the Emirates. I hear word that this new southern queen has stirred quite a fuss in their little desert oasis. Aligning with another power will do well to keep the Zellonians well away from Karlevian soil, and having an Emira in our pocket would do well to ensure our continued naval and economic interests in the eastern sea."

"My apologies, your majesty, but what will a southerner be able to do to aid us if a northern threat comes to our borders? Surely going to the Tyro-Antaris would be more logical."

The Grand Prince chuckled, looking at the older man in front of him. "Afraid of getting a little tan, Lubas? The southern emirates are a powerful and loyal force to their allies. Regardless of that though, this is not a military action. The Republican Guard can handle the logistical nightmare that would be a Zellonian invasion. However, we can't do that without money. The southern emirates may not look the part, but those palaces they live in are filled with gold, silk, and more coin than you and I have seen in our lifetimes. Befriending them befriends their money Lubas. Now, you leave at dawn and when you return I expect you to be dark and carrying good words about this new Emira."

Lubas sighed, and nodded. Arguing with the Grand Prince was a pointless gesture, and he had certainly made up his mind on the matter well before he had arrived at the ministry. Thus, he watched silently as the Grand Prince left the room with his sickly aide following him.

[Murtox]

The Great Xhan Empire-1911

Xhanese 1st Army Soldiers with their banners on the Imperial Capital

The Young Emperor Shui made the soldiers of the first army march near the Palace of the "thousand cherry blossoms" , a palace built by the Yuan emperor previous to the Xhan dinasty that had become the symbolic center of power in the empire for hundreds of years , many know that if someone else wants to be an Emperor they need to take the Palace of The Thousand Cherry Blossoms , but many doubt that will ever happen and even the most radical would not even think of throwing the Emperor out of the country even less execute him and that was what many persons in the court thought.

Going back to the march of the 1st army , the Emperor did that in order to inspect his troops and compare them to the soldiers of the nations of the east with his field marshall Guanyu Shun Liao who had travelled to Fuso and Saurilia to collect information about the armies of those nations , Guangyu was glad to see that the Emperor was not worried about the status of his troops , since Guangyu as a participant in the court and very pro-modernization , had many chances to see the Emperor worried about the affairs of the Empire . This was because the Xhan soldiers showed discipline , obedience and determination at the manoeuvres that they were supposed to do when marching , several of the soldiers were very happy to see the Shui the Emperor that ruled all Xhan and that provided many the opportunities to rise in the social ladder by joining the military.

The Xhan Troops carrying homemade weapons such as the Howqua (A gun , similar to a rifle) and the hats of the Xhan soldiers that are very similar to the ones used by the farmers , but that is adorned with drawings of the army banner , along with their shiny boots that were probably cleaned before the march only to be cleaned of dirt after the march and so on , most of the equipment of the Xhan was homemade as the previous Court preferred to produce their own designs , that by western standards are really behind , but with new minds and people rising that may to change to be "Ahead".

Finally , the soldiers returned to their barracks , leaving the Emperor some peace , that the Xhan troops were atleast prepared to show a fight to anyone that dared to attack the Xhanese people.

Xhan 1st Army Soldiers in a photo made by the Royal Xhanese Cameraman Lu Chan

After the march the Emperor had taken a train to Yaxian , where he would say goodbye to Xhan diplomat Xue Shun Huang teacher of Shui and a pro-modernization politician , he had decided to sent him to Saurilia in order to establish better diplomatic relationships that would allow the Xhan to import resources that were no available in the Empire . Xue Shun Huang is famous diplomat during the 19th century of the Xhan , that mostly started the modernization movement in Xhan and that convinced the foreigners to invest in the Xhan Empire while also avoiding most diplomatic crisis that could had put the Xhan in a situation of revolution , without him is possible that the Xhan Empire would had already experienced revolution and that the blood of the Emperor would bring the whole nation into chaos , the primary mission of Xue was to open access to the steel of the Saurilians in order to make the Xhan made their own steel that would need steel mills that would require coal that would require equipment that would require the wonders of trade in order to function properly , as prepared as Xue Shun was he had already prepared several gifts for the Saurilians and prepared his argument to open more relation with the Xhan.

Xue Shun Huang The most famous diplomat of Xhan

[Theodorable]

STATE OF AFFAIRS [2 of 3 for Turn 1]

Imperial Republic of Fuso, Summer 1911

Hashima blueprints, circa 1899

The third in her class, the Chikihiro was the most modernized armored cruiser the world had ever seen. The Imperial Naval Decree in Fuso, passed in 1905, envisioned a force of thirty armored cruisers intended for service in Faresia. However, the Fusan Navy required cruisers for operations with the fleet as well, and attempted to design ships that could fulfill both roles, primarily due to budget constraints.The first product of the 1905 Naval Decree, Hashima was an alteration of an earlier vessel, Akino, and was equipped with fewer guns and thinner armor in a trade-off for higher speed and lower cost. The design also set the precedent of concentrating the secondary battery amidships; Akino's secondary guns had been spread along the length of the hull. All subsequent armored cruisers were developments of Hashima. Chikihiro was laid down in 1908 at the Imperial Dockyard in Taki. She was set down on May 15th, 1909 and completed just under two years later, on April 30th, 1911. The new cruiser cost 16,588,000 Yen.

Chikihiro was 124.9 meters (410 ft) long at the waterline and 126.5 m (415 ft) overall. She had a beam of 19.6 m (64 ft) and a draft of 7.65 m (25.1 ft) forward and 8.07 m (26.5 ft) aft. The ship displaced 8,887 metric tons (8,747 long tons; 9,796 short tons) as built, and 9,806 t (9,651 long tons; 10,809 short tons) at full combat load. The hull was constructed with transverse and longitudinal steel frames, and incorporated thirteen watertight compartments and a double bottom that extended for 57 percent of the length of the ship. The Fusan navy considered the ship to be a good sea boat with gentle motion, though she suffered from severe roll. Her transverse metacentric height was .731 m (2 ft 4.8 in). Chikihiro was manned by a crew of 35 officers and 532 enlisted men. For the duration of her career as the second command flagship of the Cruiser Division, the standard crew was augmented by an additional nine officers and 44 enlisted men. She carried a number of smaller vessels, including two picket boats, a launch, a pinnace, two cutters, two yawls, and two dinghies.

The ship was propelled by three vertical 4-cylinder triple expansion engines; the center shaft drove a four-bladed screw 4.28 m (14.0 ft) in diameter while the two outer shafts drove 4.65-meter (15.3 ft) wide four-bladed screws. Fourteen Kito boilers, produced by the Yonban Imperial Arsenal, supplied steam to the engines at pressures up to 15 standard atmospheres (1,500 kPa). The propulsion system was rated at 15,000 indicated horsepower (11,000 kW) and gave the ship a top speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph), though on sea trials, Chikihiro's engines reached 15,694 ihp (11,703 kW) but a top speed of only 19.9 kn (36.9 km/h; 22.9 mph). She was designed to carry 900 t (890 long tons; 990 short tons) of coal, though additional storage allowed up to 1,590 t (1,560 long tons; 1,750 short tons). This enabled a maximum range of 2,290 nautical miles (4,240 km; 2,640 mi) at a speed of 18 kn (33 km/h; 21 mph) and 4,580 nmi (8,480 km; 5,270 mi) at a cruising speed of 10 kn (19 km/h; 12 mph).

Chikihiro was protected by Seto armor. Her armor belt was 100 millimeters (3.9 in) thick in the central portion of the ship, which protected the ammunition magazines, machinery spaces, and other vital areas of the cruiser. The belt was reduced to 80 mm (3.1 in) on either end of the main belt, and the bow and stern were unarmored. The entire length of the belt was backed by equal thicknesses of teak planks. The armored deck was 35 to 40 mm (1.4 to 1.6 in) thick and was connected to the belt by 50 mm (2.0 in) thick sloped armor on the broadside.

The forward conning tower had 150 mm (5.9 in) thick sides and a 30 mm (1.2 in) thick roof. The aft conning tower was much less thoroughly protected; it was covered by only 12 mm (0.47 in) of steel plating. The main battery gun turrets had 150 mm-thick sides and 30 mm-thick roofs. The 15 cm gun turrets had 100 mm-thick armor, while the casemated weapons were protected by 70 mm (2.8 in) gun shields. The casemates themselves were armored with 100 mm worth of steel plating.

Chikihiro was armed with a variety of weapons. Her primary armament consisted of two 24 cm (9.4 in) Mahahito quick-firing guns mounted in single turrets, one on either end of the superstructure. These guns were supplied with 75 rounds each; they could depress to −4° and elevate to 30°, which enabled a maximum range of 16,900 m (18,500 yd).[5] The guns fired a 140 kg (310 lb) round at a muzzle velocity of 835 m (2,740 ft) per second. A secondary battery of ten 15 cm (5.9 in) SK L/40 quick-firing guns rounded out her offensive armament. Six of these guns were mounted in amidships casemates on either side of the vessel, and the remaining four were mounted in turrets in the ship's hull above the casemates. These guns were supplied with 120 rounds each. The shells weighed 40 kg (88 lb) and were fired at a muzzle velocity of 800 m (2,600 ft) per second. The guns could elevate to 25° for a maximum range of 13,700 m (15,000 yd).

The cruiser carried ten 8.8 cm (3.5 in) Dakohito L/30 quick-firing guns for defense against torpedo boats. Each of these guns was supplied with 250 shells. The shells weighed 7 kg (15 lb) and were fired at a muzzle velocity of 670 m (2,200 ft) per second. This enabled a maximum range of 7,300 m (8,000 yd) at an elevation of 20°. The ship's gun armament was rounded out by four autocannons, though these were subsequently removed. The ship was also fitted with four 45 cm (18 in) torpedo tubes. One was mounted on the stern in a swivel mount, one was mounted submerged in the bow, and one was placed submerged in the hull on either side abreast of the forward gun turret.

Chikihiro on sea trials, April 1911

---

Imperial Republic of Fuso gains 1 Armored Cruiser (Hashima Class)

[ClocktowerEchos]

Imperial Republic of Fuso

"A man looks to the past for inspiration, but looks to the future for progress."
~ The Book of Rising Suns

Spring 1911

---

---

Spring had come early this year. The cherry blossoms bloomed their bright petals earlier than normal and the people enjoyed such omens of good luck. The sakura cherry blossom was a unique tree found only in Fuso for the most part, the pink flowers long since represent a multitude of good things in Fuso's history; wealth, happiness, fortune, good harvest, there was a reason why it had been long considered one of the "holy jewels of Fuso". The populace would soon begin wearing pendants in made of sakura petals and trinkets crafted in the shape of the lovely flower in hopes of the luck and fortune it would bring.

Of course, those fortunate miracles were no mere acts of god. No, they had to be made by the labor of those who worked behind the scenes to ensure the progress, prosperity and protection of the divine Imperial Republic. For every new machine that promised to better people's lives, there were those who had to draft it, approve it, inspect it and produce it. For every new discover which would no doubt change the lives of millions, there was a legion of civil servants, researchers, officials, scientists and bureaucrats who carefully watched every step of the way.

It had been the pride of Fuso of being the "advancing crown of the east", but such things required a delicate touch to handle, a careful balance of speeches, displays and outside assistance. Most often in the form of those from the west whose technological capabilities had far surpassed that of the eastern lands. The Kingdom of Acheona often came up in such topics, either officially or not, the Acheonans had a long standing role in Fuso's development. And as of recently, several enterprising individuals came forth and offered a host of new products, theories and ideas in hopes of landing one of the coveted positions at the "Fuso Western Consulate". The FWC was the modern face of Fuso's western interests and those who sought to either assist or make a profit off of Fuso's situation.

People from Acheona occupied a respectable number of open positions in the FWC although that's not to say the minds of other nations haven't sought out a spot for themselves in the FWC. The organization was often attached to domestic research groups and institutes as aid and advisors to Fuso's own pet projects as well as acquiring any foreign supplements and equipment at a rate which normal trade could not compete at. Just recently the FWC had assisted the Meiji University School of Life Science with a new type of fertilizer, synthesized from western chemicals and enriched with native Fusan techniques. Such prospects was well received by both the Senate and the Imperial Court.

Regarding other news which received warm, cordial applaud from the government, Admiral Tananambo Tosuki, better known as Admiral Tanto by his own request, published his first major paper "Gendai no jidai no jūyō-sei to kaijō-sen, senjutsu to tenkai no eikyō" (the importance and influence of naval warfare, tactics and deployment in the modern era). Controversial in naval circles, Admiral Tanto's paper makes bold remarks on traditional usage and view of the Dai-Fuso Teikoku Kaigun, Imperial Fusan Navy or simply the IFN. One notable spotlight he casts in on the "Fireship Doctrine", an old tactic that has seen service in Fusan as well as select parts of Faresia since the age of warlords and clans.

"While honorable no doubt, heavily damaged ships can still be salvaged for use in other operations such a repairs or even coastal fortification... if we are to sacrifice the workable steel of an old ship and the men of a crew who have seen battle, then this is surely a foolish mistake in the long scheme of things and the big picture... what use is there for honor if there is no one left to tell the brave tale?"

Gendai no jidai no jūyō-sei to kaijō-sen, senjutsu to tenkai no eikyō

Such is only another story of a nation who seeks balance of old and new. Regardless, the Naval Command Committee has released its own version of Tanto's work containing only new ideas and tactics regarding the honorable IFN, stripped of any ideological or controversial subjects. Despite some hesitance from some officers, many Fusan captains are now going over the new tactics themselves as up and coming officers-in-training are now being shown the revised work in their curriculums.

The new work's official release is set to coincide with a recently built destroyer of the IFN's ever expanding force. Admiral Tanto has given multiple public statements of approval of the new Hashima-class's, the Chikihiro, "modern arms and advanced construction and engineering".

[Lauder]

The Holy Saurilian Empire Summer, 1911

It was no debate that the weapons that was currently held by the Saurilian military seemed rather outdated and the soldiers, the captains, the veterans even, hated that fact and petitioned the government to develop better armaments. Little did these petitioners know, the Holy Empire, previously, had increased funding into the Military Research company that was a lesser part of their military as it was not one that would gain as much fame as being a luxurious general. Nay, though the king had already thought of the advantages of more advanced weapons could have for him and the likes. No heretical religion would want to lash out once more when these weapons were finished, though the scientists and manufacturers needed more time and more time they would be granted by the family. The people did not know this fact, however, and so they would continue to petition the government until an official signing was sent to the royal family with signatures from some of the upper crust of society.

The king personally met with these men and discussed with them that he was doing all he could with, the money that he had available in coffers, from the taxes that he was collecting from the citizens mind them. The men were glad to hear that their king was already on this subject and they explained that they would willing give of some of their own funds to help the Saurilian government to further the funding of the research department. Two hours they waged a war of negotiations that discussed prices of these funds and for another three the men celebrated in the palace, feasting with the royal family. Needless to say the was more money for the military to work with and it had also been decided that some of that money would go towards training the men of war.

Men of the army training themselves whilst an officer overlooks them

The Great Xhan people were a lot from a far off land and would normally just be overlooked, but, when one of their most respected diplomats comes to palace with gifts, then it could hardly be overlooked. Prince Charles Graham, second-born to the King, would be the first to meet with Xue and greet him as a true guest to the Saurilian Empire. Charles would give gifts of equal value back to Xue and would proceed to negotiations in order to se what Xue was prepared to say, and accept better relations with the Great Xhan. The king approved of everything when Charles went to him just to confirm some minor details, but nothing important to the negotiations by any means. Perhaps, they would continue to discuss other topics and make merry while Xue was here.

[aladdin_sane]

Emirate of Alijabel Almuqaddas

Ishtar, Summer 1911

Ishtar is an semi-autonomous city state within the Emirate of Alijabel Almuqaddas; in the grand scheme of things the walled port city is an oddity to be certain as where the Emirate as a whole is rather regressive the city of Ishtar is quite progressive not only in the way that it caters to human vices, but also because the city is the home to a plethora of foreigners who found themselves stuck there for some reason or another. Some just can't afford passage home, while others are criminals fleeing prosecution. It has been said that the stench of desperation pours from every crevasse.



Saqr Noor casually sipped his glass of water as he attempted to eavesdrop on some of the bar's foreign patrons; despite residing in such secular city Saqr was born outside its gilded walls and therefore still saw alcohol as haram; though in all honesty liquor made his job as a informant easier as it had a way of loosening even the tightest lips. He worked for the richest man in the Emirate of Alijabel Almuqaddas, the self-proclaimed Shah of Ishtar, the one and the only Shawqi Salim. Truth be told everyone in Ishtar worked for Shawqi Salim in some capacity, but the self-titled Shah was nothing more than an obese gangster who was only able to keep this racket going by publicly swearing fidelity to the Emira the moment she assumed the throne and being her lapdog ever since. Despite the promises of a maintaining a secular safe-haven that the Shah liked to loudly proclaim, he has had Almutasalliqin political refugees arrested and indefinitely jailed to appease the Emira.

Saqr adjusted his glasses releasing that he was lost in thought, he verbally chastised himself as he quickly noticed that his potential marks had already left the establishment. Excluding the staff of the bar and himself only it seemed only three other people remained out this late. One was a regular, an obscenely muscular Zellonian who would be doing one of two things either staring straight ahead dead drunk or vigorously banging his mug on the table laughing at nothing. Odd to say the least, but nonetheless even though Saqr was fluent in six different languages nothing would be gained from attempting to communicate with this dullard as the brute seemed lost in his own little world.

The other patrons were two young pale-skinned people of undetermined nationality, one male and one female though it was hard to tell them apart as they both had long hair. They had this eerie vibe about them and that put the informant on edge; well that and the fact they seemed to have also been people watching this evening, Saqr felt their blue eyes bore into him a few too many times for his liking. He thought they might have even exchanged a greeting. The funny thing was that the pair were oddly familiar like they were important somehow, the gawky informant thought the might have been in the pape...Saqr almost dropped his glass of water. The pair were not famous, they were internationally infamous. They kidnapped that rich kid in Acheona, killed him before negotiating a ransom and were on the run ever since; fugitives from justice. Saqr shuttered repressing the urge to vomit, he was a coward at heart and he knew that he didn't want to be the next one on their hit list. This realization was definitely his queue to leave, throwing some coins on the table the craven man hastily made his way to the door when he noticed that the duo of degenerates had already left. He swiped some sweat from his brow as he began the walk back to his home relieved that the threat of danger was lifted.

Saqr soon found himself walking the deserted streets alone, but before he could pick up the pace he noticed the foreign women from the bar blocking his path with her arms crossed and then he felt something metallic pressed against his back.

"Going somewhere in a hurry chap", a voice leered from behind him.

Saqr was frozen in sheer terror, his life flashing before his eyes.

"Ugh, now look what you've done you made this poor man soil himself in fright. You've could have killed him", the female delinquent said with a tone of disgust apparent in her voice. She uncrossed her arms and ran her hands through her hair in exasperation.

"But, Sis..." the voice behind Saqr began to retort before being cut off.

"The plan was just to politely confront this gentleman here all proper like and get some information out of him since he knows our language and all, but apparently you have learned nothing this past year. This is Thuria all over again."

The young man angrily stomped his foot on the ground. "Don't start with that Thuria nonsense again Sis. Go ahead and mention Thuria one more time and I swear you'll live to regret it you fuc..."

"Ummm...how exactly can one such as I be of service to you exalted foreigners. I beg you, spare me! I throw myself at you feet and beg you please spare my life!" Saqr said breaking up the spat before kowtowing profusely.

[ClocktowerEchos]

Imperial Republic of Fuso

"Only in Death does Service End."
~ Fusan Military Saying

Spring 1911

---

---

While the Imperial Fusan Navy is considered to be one of the strongest if not the strongest naval forces in the world, its ground based counterpart, the Dai-Fuso Teikoku Rikugun (Imperial Fusan Army), is generally seen as not quite up to par with the navy in modest, polite terms. However, the IFA and land forces has a much more regal and distinguished legacy in Fusan history. If not a much more bloody one. The roots of the Imperial Army lays in the Seisen Jidai, also known as the 100 year war in which the nation tore itself apart.

In the olden times, Fuso's power was divided between the Emperor's divine head of state and the Shogun who controlled military might of the nation and. The Shogun at the time, Shogun Daikurai Minamato, had his men attempt to assassinate the then Emperor Anatoiji Youmeru in a bid to seize all power for himself. Due to a betrayal by Hakatori Numebe, one of his generals, the Emperor was warned and managed to escape the attempt on his life. Almost immediately, the various clans and daimyos declared their allegiance to either the Emperor or the Shogun and full scale civil war broke out. Hundreds would die in the first few months of fighting, soon causalities were rising into the thousands as the samurai warriors were running low on numbers and peasants were drafted into both armies to fight.

The legendary armor of Shogun Daikurai Minamato, Arashi no Yoroi.

Battles raged across the lands, people died by the masses, clans rose and fell like the growing and harvesting of wheat but war persisted. It seemed like that the flames of death and destruction would last generations but it was not the case as slowly and surely, the Shogunate forces pushed back the Emperor's men to their last few cities. Desperate and beaten, it seemed the the last member of the Imperial family, the young Prince Shitatasu Honji would be the last of his line.

But then, help came from the distant horizon with great ships from a strange land bearing new, deadly technology from the west. At the request of his advisors, Prince Honji allowed these foreigners into what little lands he still controlled. These foreigners would then share something incredible with the young heir, firearms; the black powder-fed dragons of death which would send an iron hail through the armor of any warrior. It was exactly what the Imperial forced needed. Armed with these new modern weapons, Prince Honji would lead his troops against the treacherous Shogunate forces, dealing deadly blows to his forces. Within a few years, Fuso was once again reunited under the banner of the most divine Emperor who would allow the westerners that save him and his people to walk and trade freely amongst his lands; with limits of course.

Wood Block Print of the Battle of Honji-to-Kamai, a major battle and turning point where Imperial forces would be sent continuously forced back until the arrival of the westerners and their guns.

The modern IFA has seen only very limited action outside of training, most of the military budget of Fuso going towards the prestigious Imperial Navy. Their equipment is old, the primary rifle still being the M1898 Type 4 Service Rifle, a firearm based on older Archonan rifles adapted and modified for use over a decade ago. The reasoning behind the use of such old rifles is both a lack of budget for upgrades, no suitable replacement in the eyes of the higher up and pure stubbornness. It should also be noted that something of a rivalry is set between that of the IFA and the IFN.

Yuki no Shingun, a popular IFA march/military song

Regardless of weaponry, Fuso boasts claims of having the most zealous and dedicated of troops who fight on behest of the Emperor himself as well as the best close quarter combat capabilities per soldier; the lack of long range fire power seemingly combated (in theory) by discipline and close range engagements. The bayonet used by the men of the IFA are long, almost like short swords and able to turn their rifles into spears if need be with many an officers carrying their own swords or katanas. Where as some drill sergeants may send their troops to additional firing practice or running exercises, Fusan officers are just as likely to send their soldiers to close quarter combat training or bayonet practice. Such fierce melee prowess amongst Fusan troops translates well into terrifying charges and courageous acts of heroics. Enlisting in the army means that one will be tied to the military in some fashion for almost all of their lives, wether it be in active service, reserve or support/administrative roles; being in the army also boasts several social benefits as well such as certain discounts and tax breaks. In short, while Fusan troops may lack the most modern armaments, their discipline and deadly close quarter combat training certainly makes them dangerous regardless, after all, "Service only ends in death."

Imperial Fusan Army uniforms circa. 1908

[Theodorable]

STATE OF AFFAIRS [3 of 3 for Turn 1]

The intricacies of the Euronian continent had been never been so fragile--or so crooked. The turn of the century brought a gust of hesitation, as industry breathed itself to life and coal and steel turned gold into a tertiary sentiment. A similarly sinister wind had taken over as democracy, an institution held at the throat by superstition of reactionary governments all over. The Grand Empire of Zellonia, long bespoke as a "power of land and people, but never of arms" by a Prudian Foreign Minister in the 1870's, suffered such revolutionaries herself--but not in her borders, but beyond them.

While the Zellonian Czar ordered his divisions to the Dongarian border, a move condemned by the Kingdom of Thecia and the Kingdom of Etelia (Theodorable) alike, it was the consequence of the border people's that took hold. In early June, a patrol of Zellonian soldiers was ambushed while walking a well mapped path along the Zello-Dongarian border. Out of sixty plus men, only a handful survived, most by throwing their weapons and fleeing back to less hostile territory. This was not an isolated incident, two days later a pair of men were found with their throats slit only yards from their campsite. During the day, the heat beat down--puncturing the thin leaves of the Zellonian trees that ran in long belts up and down the Kadush Mountains.

Artists depiction of the Dongarian Mountain Fighters, 1911

In the city of Ishtar, in the Emirate of Alijabel Almuqaddas, life went on as was usual. Nicknamed the Stolen Jewel of Serranthia as an exotic paradise where--for the right price--anything could be purchased that should've been landed in Euronus, and not a despotic and faraway Serranthian hegemony. While moody, the city was comparatively calm in an oddly hot summer. It was the death of Pence Kolovsky that changed everything.

A feathered and silver spooned aristocrat from the Grand Republic of Karlev, Kolovsky often summered in Ishtar where the women and booze were equally cheap. With a penchant for a loud mouth, Kolovsky often dabbled in more underhanded activities and later announced said involvement, attempting to boost his own popularity--for better or worse. A man named Mustafa al-Abukir--for whom even the Emirate had only base information--had found himself in the employ of Kolovsky as a courier of messages between the docks and the seedier districts of the town further along the interior of the desert.

For reasons known only to the now deceased Mustafa al-Abukir and the Karlevian Alexandr Kolovsky. Mustafa was tied to a chair and shot once through the back of the head, then his corpse tossed into the Akafa River, where it was found 16 hours later by a fisherman on the western bank.

The initial investigation report by the Emirate's internal police bureau insinuated that Kolovsky had al-Abukir at gunpoint, threatening his family if he did not comply in running messages--and sometimes even narcotics and women--for him. One of the lead investigator's reports indicated: "As is expected with dynastic Karlevian personalities, Kolovsky was hardly aware of his inhumane treatment of small minded men such as Mustafa al-Abukir. Previously homeless and without a coin to his loins, al-Abukir was nothing beyond an honest man looking for honest work and he was murdered for being a step too slow"

Fourteen hours after the report was typed up, Kolovsky's home was swarmed upon by local Ishtarian law enforcement and the man thrown in prison. The papers the next morning in Karlevygrad read: "KOLOVSKY HEIR ACCUSED AND JAILED" The Karlevian government, assuming that a single--albeit well known aristocrat--man being jailed for a crime he had potentially committed, did nothing at first. Then they protested. It remains uncertain whether the Karlevian government will request the admission of their own investigation at the expense of Emirate relations, or whether they will let the issue lie.

[CowboyCommando]

Bundes Wiederaufjuwel Republik

Bundeshaus Wiederaufjuwel, Spring 1911

I will uphold integrity, honour, and justice. I will serve country first, foremost and the people before myself. -Zeurst Kanzler oath

Norman listened to the cabinet debate in the meeting room. Aides went in and out with orders and reports like waiters. Business was becoming more interesting as of late. Zellonia was playing the drums of war on its borders of Thecia and especially Dongaria. The slight of being refused causing the Czar to make the rash action in the first place. The warhawks were growing restless, and given the news there were messengers practically at his doorstep every day.

Norman finally stood up, the hushed discussions, rustling paper and even the aides devoted their attention to him without a word. “We have debated, and poured over paper for two days now. I think it best if we act strongly and without hesitation.” He nodded to his colleague Fiedrich. “Since I have come into office, I have asked much of all of you. We have taken on every issue without fail. But from here today I will be asking something of you all, to do more than your duty. Ominous rumbles from over the borders about Zellonia and Dongaria have reached us. Many look to us for response. But we will not respond, we will act.” Norman looked to all of his cabinet his calm demeanor infectious, and so they acted. They worked together as they drew up plans and prepared orders.

Norman sat beside Charlotte Serkson also know as Doll Face to those who held less respect for her. She was the only woman in his cabinet, she handled public opinion, and ties to the news companies. Norman asked of her “I want a press conference held tonight, with every major and minor paper attending, I want to announce our stance on recent events.” Charllotte tapped her pen on her stack of papers responding. “Alright, but some parties might write this off as aggressive, and ruthless. Military buildup has long been opposed by a few minor outlets. But something this overt might spark more attention to this than we need.” Norman shook his head saying “We'll appeal to patriotism, this will give people a reason to be proud of their heritage. Long have we stood to the north of Zellonia, and long have we watched them fight, pillage, and destroy. They will think of this as prudent and responsible. We have to phrase it right, and it will be all uphill from there. Public support will go through the roof, we already have the highest ratings since the census of the second term.” Charlotte nodded “I know, but the risk is still there.” Norman chuckled warmly “The same risks I took when I elected you for my cabinet? I doubt this will crash and burn.” Charlotte picked up her notes and went on her way at that, smiling to him just before she was out of site.

Fiedrich came back from an errand motioning him to his office. He nodded to his cabinet as he left, entering the room. It was an well decorated yet not exorbitant office, a painting of the first of the Kanzler's and one of the founders of the new government Karl Van Bruck hung. A wooden framed window casted a few rays of sun on his desk, plus the painting, and a book shelf stood behind. Most of the books were volumes on the natural sciences going all the way before the Industrial period, no doubt all the tomes combined were worth quite the princely sum. He saw Konrad Van Riesbeck look out the window, bellow the river and city streets zig zagged as far as one could see. “Ahh Konrad its been awhile.” Norman was quick to offer his hand and the GroBartig Marschall(Grand Marshal) returned the favor promptly. “Yes, though as you know I'm allergic to cities and the like.”

“I could vouch the same.” He patted the mans shoulder, then directed his attention to the leather upholstered seats. “Please sit.” They both seated themselves Norman taking a bottle of clear liquid and pouring two glasses offering it to his guest he drank his glass down. “Ah, smooth.” The Marschall followed his lead but his eyes widened for a moment drinking it down more slowly and putting the glass down half empty. “Well that's quite potent...” Norman nodded “Yes, its called Vodka an drink from some Zellonian immigrants. It isn't just languages people bring, they damn well bring their alcohol with them.” They both laughed.

Norman's tone shifted to a more serious, tactful speech. “But on the subject of Zellonia, Marschall several abgeordnete are quaking in their boots with anger. They demand action. Now we both know such action is irresponsible but if we were to campaign into Zellonia what would you expect? How are the men of Der BundesKommis(Federal Army) holding up?” Konrad sighed “The men are green as you could expect we haven't fought an actual war in years. But they are well trained enough, our equipment is outdated. I've seen export rifles that make ours look like hunks of steel and wood! A campaign into Zellonia? We couldn't ever hope to cover all the ground, their army is no doubt comparable to ours and as well trained. Any offensive we make would have to be tactful and not ambitious. Lets just say I'd rather not have to cross that border Kanzler.”

Norman nodded “There should be no reason to, not if things go as planned. But that is need to know for now, and this too..” He pressed forward a bill to the Marschall he read it and was surprised. “When was this passed?” Norman smirked “Today Marschall, it is what you think it is, the Bill calls for the immediate modernization of our military to standards beyond the average. You have a blank check, use it wisely I hope? Though I do have a few suggestions myself...” They talked over for two hours or more, from what seemed only just less than an hour. Norman and Konrad shaked hands one more time before leaving, Fiedrich coming in after his departure.

“Interesting times ahead it seems Colonel.” Fiedrich smiled “Like old times maybe?”. Norman just eyed him like he wanted him dead, the silence drew on for a minute “No, no Fiedrich fuck that!” They chuckled over the inside joke for a moment. “But sadly business isn't quite finished, I do have one more task that I can only trust with you.” He handed him a letter sealed in Dark Navy blue wax with an eagle moniker impressed upon it. “I think its time we talk to our old friends in the west.”

Bundeshaus circa 1911. The historic gathering place for nobility and royalty alike had been converted for the use of Democracy. The Zeurst Kanzler, and all Bundesabgeordnete hold offices here.

Zeurst Kanzler Norman Bach 52, former military officer, family man, and founder of Bach Stahl Werk(Steel works). Voted into office the winter of 1910, currently he is popular among the populace and influential members of Bundesversammlung(Federal Assembly) back him.

His political strategies were populist, and industrialist. Promoting the hard working citizen and promising improved jobs, and a stronger economy that had experienced a slight downturn from the in-statement of the new government.

Fiedrich Lund 49 is the head of Norman Bach's cabinet. Widely considered his second in command. He is a former sergeant who served with Norman. Fiedrich is known as tough, dogged, and reliable as Norman has described him.

Eckhoff News

ZEURST KANZLER CONDEMNS ZELLONIAN AGRESSION!

Today our Zeurst Kanzler Norman Bach held a conference at the Bundeshaus about the recent events taking place in the Eastern Yurope. He said the following “It is has been found that over a diplomatic squable, the Czar of Zellonia has commanded troops upon the borders of Thecia, and Dongaria. Such irresponsibility should not go unnoticed, or ignored. We will not stand for Leaders who don't think of their people, who are rash and will plunge themselves into war without provocation. Such actions, if continued will provoke action! It is our duty, to defend ourselves. For if the soveriegnty of other nations fall to Zellonia, then who will defend us when we stand alone?”

Norman Bach didn't have much else to say on the matter, metnioning increased vigilance, and steadfast diplomacy in the weeks to come. Long has Resurgemany been isolated in the north far from wars. But it seems that may no longer be the case.

Letter to Emperor King Adlar Von Wolfram of Tyria and Antar

Dear Esteemed Emperor King Adlar Von Wolfram of Tyria and Antar

I greet you from the east King Emperor, since the birth of the Bundes Wiederaufjuwel Republik relations have remained severed. I think it is time we change that, that we cast aside differences, and cooperate to progress each others interests.

I would think it prudent for us to atleast establish envoys to allow a dialogue between us. For in the recent past we had openly exchanged trade and deals. The Far North is unforgiving, and friends are few, we share more history and culture than we would like to admit. But through that we will find our strength.

Best of wishes to you Emperor King Adlar Von Wolfram of Tyria and Antar,
Zeusrt Kanzler Norman Bach