I have written to you to ease your mind as I have safely arrived in Thermydon, the capital of that nation who has yet to engage in saber rattling war games, Itherae. The first sight I was greeted to when I had first entered the nation was the great amount of untouched land within it, some views were remarkably breathtaking and it reminded me of the views from the farm we grew up on in Cydernia. A man by the name of Kaenas Mnesus, a coal miner native to the country, explained to me that the reason for much of this untouched land was for the mere fact that Itheraens prefer to stick to their roots rather than industrialize heavily like the nation of Tyria.
When we had arrived to Thermydon, it had become clear that the city was more of a large trading hub than a large industrial power and we had passed many farms outside the city for what seemed like kilometers after the untouched land had ended. In fact there was maybe a handful of factories at most, so we could presume that many Itheraens, like us, make a majority of their income off of farming to be sold in the city, or mining for coal. Nevertheless, Kaenas had offered to show me around the foreign city in which I had agreed to. Outside the train station, was a rather large and bustling market, advertising the consumerist views of the people who lived here. There were many shops and I passed by a professional camera man who had offered to take my picture in exchange for a very small amount of money. I agreed and Kaenas followed me into the building the man took his pictures in. This man was named Thero Hyllus and when I made conversation with him, he explained that in actuality, many Itheraens who lived in these cities worked in small businesses, mainly run by families but really the people just wished to get money to go to the theatre, a common pastime in Itherae. However, I was soon accosted by a group of thugs who had said some rather xenophobic things, only told off by the two I was with, which was explained that it was actually rather typical of Itheraens to do.
It seemed that people such as Kaenas and Thero were a rare breed in Thermydon where many did not like outsiders such as myself. That explained the rather isolationist view the nation seemed to take when it was not dealing with the political troubles of the world, such as Cadian and Tyrian war games.
Regardless, after my picture had been taken Kaenas took me to a grand sight. It was the ‘Palace of the Gods’ which was built in the year 1056 and, while I could not go inside to view myself, told the stories of ancient gods that many Itheraens had believed in before the rise of our own religion. The palace was large and opulent, and virtually untouched and stood out as a marker of old architecture within the city that had built around it.
While I would have loved to stay and learn more of the city, I had to retire to our cousin’s home on the edge of the city and say goodbye to Kaenas, though he did invite me to go to the theatre.
- Posting IC will be immensely beneficial to you as a player. It is, however, not necessary. This is designed so that you can still send in your orders if you are too busy to post, but posting IC will provide a tangible bonus to your DRM (Die Roll Modifier). - Each Turn represents one In-Game Month. The player will submit 3 Orders. - Each order is then subject to a 1d6 roll. A 6 means a perfect execution and a 1 means a horrible failure. Posting IC gives you a +2 die roll to a single order, or a +1 die roll to all three. [Specified at the end of your IC post.]. This means that more active players are rewarded. - Orders: * Economic: An order designed to benefit the nation economically. * Military: An order designed to affect your military. * Diplomacy: An order designed to conduct diplomacy. * Imperialism: Exploring and developing new lands. * Design Contract: Fill out the following info below
- SCOPE: [Domestic] or [International] - TYPE: [Rifle], [Field Gun], [Machine Gun] - DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS: [As much or as little detail as you see fit.]
* Conference: Used to call a Political or Military Conference. Select which nations to invite. Begins a Conference. (See PM for rules). * Spend Point: Used to spend an available point in a Corporation to further their specialization.
1. City-State of Julia: 4 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino.
2. Kingdom of Cadia: 1 / 5 Tensions with Kingdom of Etelia - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 1 / 5 Tensions with Melgaria
3. Empire of Tyria: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 2 / 5 Tensions with Helrox Empire
4. Helrox Empire: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino
Eurania and Faresia, 1905
The Fifth Continent, 1905
Turn 3
March
March 9th
Realizing that the Melhorn S55 field gun to be at risk of being overtaken by the more modern field guns fielded by foreign powers, the Tyrian government has begun to investigate replacements. Domestic Tyrian gun manufacturers were invited to propose potential designs for a new field gun. Overseeing and offering advice is to be the newly established Imperial Committee for Equipment (ICE), a committee of brigade and battery commanders selected for their experience and distinction chaired by General Vincent von Hegewald, who had been an artillery commander in the Tyro-Helroxian War (1899-1900).
1 March, 1905
FROM Hofkriegsrat, Tyrian Imperial War Command:
To: Imperial Committee for Equipment, SecCom, General Hegewald
Subj: Request for Proposal #001
1. We are requesting an approval for a new field cannon. 2. The requested design must include a [REDACTED], [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]. 3. Requirements abridge to be [REDACTED] and ideally crewed by [REDACTED]. 3. Emphasis on both [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] in expense of [REDACTED] or [REDACTED] if necessary.
Signed, Chief of Staff, Imperial Armed Forces Ludvik Bauer
Evaluation of potential new equipment aside, the Melhorn S55 was beginning to show it's age. The S55 has been developed in 1897 by engineers of the Landorf Plants. Since 1898 the Imperial Tyrian Army was looking for a new field-gun and multiple manufactories sent in their designs. The decision was made in favor for the S55 and it became the first Tyrian gun with a recoil system and at the same time the first Tyrian 76.2-millimetre field gun. The guns were manufactured in the Imperial Armoury plants. Considering the slow development of field artillery pieces, 1905 seemed a prudent opportunity to begin scrounging for future pieces of war making.
March 10th
A dozen Itheraen Army Officers disembark in Hokkan-Shirito. The name of the port they disembarked on was unknown and the captain, attempting to explain himself to the Port Authority Officer mentioned later in his journal that night: "The incessant bitching of the Hokkanese people will drive me into an early grave. Their complaints and nagging remind me less of my wife--and more of the shrieking banshee that is her mother. Surely, High Command has made a mistake." Given there no agreements on weapons were made, the Itheraen soldiers were allotted accommodations with the very same soldiers they intended to train, and by morning, four of the thirty-six Itheraens who had disembarked had gone missing. This was filed formally in a report by the commanding officer, Lieutenant Georgious Draguomis that would be received by Itheraen High Command on March 30th.
The nameless Hokkanese city, nicknamed kólasi, which is Itheraen for hell, circa 1905
"If surely there is a God, he has forsaken this place," one Itheraen soldier grumbled over breakfast--maggot infested rice and only slightly warm meat. Picking out the "protein" became a game for one Itheraen, and figuring out the best time to skip town on the next boat the Fusan became another. Of the remaining thirty-two Itheraens, twenty-five were infantrymen and seven artillerymen. Beginning on March 12th, formal drills would begin, although Lieutenant Draguomis made note that nearly none of the Hokkanese Army was even present in the "city which exists on no map, and for which can be possible only by Fate's hand or Luck's fortune that we ever arrived anyway."
The city of Vashaqamak tells many stories ever since the first stone was laid by the Parakans. The tall buildings, the temperate climate and the incesant sounds of civilization, locomotives, factories and music. For if one was to summarize Vashaqamak in a couple words those would be the ones they would use.
The history of the city began when the first founders of the Republic, revolutionary general and first president of the Republic Kayutar realized that in order to build a new and strong nation that could stand against the Euranians on the same ground, the republic needed for a new capital that would show the values fo the new republic. A city of strength and of freedom. For that very reason, Kayutar gave those who had supported land in what would become the new city, as well, as his soldiers who became the first settlers of the city.
One could say that the city begins and ends with the central plaza, a very large plaza where many of the iconic government buildings are to be found, from the presidential palace to the ministry of finance and the ministry of defense, and at the very center of the plaza a tall statue of a man and a woman extending their arms to the sky, a clear symbol that the Parakans embraced their future with hope and freedom, for we are all the same under the sky.
The city follows a mix of Etelian and local style of buildings, for many in the first years of the Republic, the cities of Etelie were seen as a good example as to how a city was to be structured and made, with wide roads and wide sidewalks. Tall and wide buildings made with strong materials that served to give the buildings their own personality even if some of them weren't exactly all that practical. Nonetheles, one can not deny that the early choices for the construction of the republican capital have had a great influence on the contemporary arquitectural movements of Paraka.
The Ramaray river is also another geographical feature of the city, this navigable river ends up on the eastern coast of the Republic and has served the capital industrial growth well, allowing for the relatively cheap transport of goods to the sea. Another feature of the city,a lthough, less notable is the use of trams and a subway system within the city that help with the transport of people, between the many districts and from one side of the river to the other in a rather fast way.
Another thing to be said about the city regards its inhabitants, who have taken pride in living on the capital of the Republic ever since its inception (not to forget that the first settlers were soldiers), many of them living on the oldest of houses that have been well maintained and sometimes even become museums if the need arises. Many industrialists and successful bussinessmen have also taken residence within the center of the city, often buying entire blocks to house their newly built mansions that also work as their company's headquarters. Albeit some of them have start to move to more isolated places, where they can run their bussiness on a more peaceful manner.
The entrepenurial spirit of the modern Paraka seems to have also originated from the capital, where many companies that today are considered behemoths such as COMAY had their begginings on the capital were they competition was little everywhere and continues to be to today, for if a man wants to sell something he will have to take into account thousands of entrepeneurs who would sell the same cheaper and better. For that very same reason, there have been come cases were two companies hired tugs to sabotage other company and if often ended in a rather ugly brawl if both companies had done the same. In some rarer cases, government officials were hired to make "mistakes" that would rise the tax rate of a certain company or even make a company pay a fine it didn't had to.
Meanwhile, some workers dream of becoming like those men with their nice suits and wallets made out of exotic Serranthian leather, those men are the men that sometimes manage to beat their previous bosses in their own game and build from the ground up new companies that only expand and expand, in one of the most competitive markets in the world.
The government most of the time has to handle these large companies and make sure they are supervised to a certain extent and that they do follow the law, even if not sometimes that same law allows them to do certain things that some would think are wrong. In conclusion, in Vashaqamak one can find of everything, from the early hopeful past of the republic to the current rapid industrial advancement of the nation, that doesn't let a man take a breath if he doesn't want to lose on the grand game of bussiness that almost everyone is playing.
- Posting IC will be immensely beneficial to you as a player. It is, however, not necessary. This is designed so that you can still send in your orders if you are too busy to post, but posting IC will provide a tangible bonus to your DRM (Die Roll Modifier). - Each Turn represents one In-Game Month. The player will submit 3 Orders. - Each order is then subject to a 1d6 roll. A 6 means a perfect execution and a 1 means a horrible failure. Posting IC gives you a +2 die roll to a single order, or a +1 die roll to all three. [Specified at the end of your IC post.]. This means that more active players are rewarded. - Orders: * Economic: An order designed to benefit the nation economically. * Military: An order designed to affect your military. * Diplomacy: An order designed to conduct diplomacy. * Imperialism: Exploring and developing new lands. * Design Contract: Fill out the following info below
- SCOPE: [Domestic] or [International] - TYPE: [Rifle], [Field Gun], [Machine Gun] - DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS: [As much or as little detail as you see fit.]
* Conference: Used to call a Political or Military Conference. Select which nations to invite. Begins a Conference. (See PM for rules). * Spend Point: Used to spend an available point in a Corporation to further their specialization.
1. City-State of Julia: 4 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino.
2. Kingdom of Cadia: 1 / 5 Tensions with Kingdom of Etelia - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 1 / 5 Tensions with Melgaria
3. Empire of Tyria: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 2 / 5 Tensions with Helrox Empire
4. Helrox Empire: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino
Eurania and Faresia, 1905
The Fifth Continent, 1905
Turn 3
March
March 11th
Tyrian state owned rail company Osterreichische Bundesbahnen, founded 1905
The locomotive firm Osterreichische Bundesbahnen (Tyrian for State Railroad) enters it's third consecutive month of operation in the Tyrian Empire. Collectively, the two lines of rail have transported over 11,000 passengers--though with ticket prices at over $100, riding on these locomotive behemoths was reserved for the luxury classes and landed nobility of Tyria. Additionally, they utilized the Wilmus 4-4-2 locomotive, a 1901 Tyrian design that proved to be both reliable and affordable. The Mersburg-Landorf Line was now starting to gain traction, attracting customers from the thriving capital, through the industrial hub of Landorf and into the sleepy town of Mersburg, which was quickly growing, having a population of 37,000 in 1903 already to a population of 56,000 in March, 1905.
Operations of Osterreichische Bundesbahnen in March, 1905. The Mersberg-Landorf Line is displayed in Red
The same day, the Republic of Paraka requested the following order:
34,100 Model M93 Rifles and 190 Syndére LN03 Machine Guns.
14,100 Model M93 Rifles and 90 Syndére LN03 Machine Guns to be processed through Vernay Arms Manufacturing
20,000 Model M93 Rifles and 100 Syndére LN03 Machine Guns to be processed through State Industry.
March 11th
In the Holy Empire of Vigentino, the Vigentian High Command begins training it's officers. There is very little cohesion here. Men who have been experts in logistics are required to re-learn the same lessons to as those who have no idea how to get a bean, bullet or bandage from one place to another. Men who spent their entire lives dedicated to the study of artillery stand around watching a man explain which end of an artillery piece is the dangerous end. "A sincere waste of my time," one junior officer quipped. "Are we going to war with Helrox?" Another asked, on being tasked with the "studying of military tactics, those that have proven effective both with rifles and artillery, as well as in the face of numerically, and technologically, superior enemies."
A typical Vigentian soldier in full dress, circa 1905
Four of eighteen senior command officials are on leave during these exercises and for reasons unknown are not called back to Vigentino, missing the entirety of the exercises. The training, without a slated end date, continues, many times lessons being relentlessly repeated by the instructors by the end of March.
March 13th
In the Republic of Paraka, Ambassador to Serianeaux Aytan Canamay proposes the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between the two nation. Initially, the Serianeaux are prepared to sign the document until Ambassador to Paraka Anton Silveau mentions, rather offhandedly to Ambassador Canamay: "Surely you do not believe we will sign an agreement with this.. effort?" On second inspection, Canamay left the meeting with a document that clearly misspelled the Commonwealth's name right on the front of the document.
March 14th
Foreign Minister of the Holy Empire of Vigentino Bacco Schiavoni contacts the Vigentian noble Flavio Roti to act on Strozza Riccobono's behalf in the Mashir Sultanate. Returning to the Sultanate alongside Riccobono, they remained there until returning to the Holy Empire with the following request: A Non-Aggression Pact can be signed for a period of three years, but only if the Empire would supply the Sultanate with $1,000,000 a month for the corresponding three years. Failing that, the obstinate Sultan would sign no agreement.
March 15th
In the Kingdom of Cadia, funding for flight is increased by nearly $12,000,000 on the year--with the Cadians hopeful that a research breakthrough will allot them the same cutting edge study of both the theoretical and practical knowledge that the Escyans and others around the world are similarly discovering.
The recent invention of the Segaso Modello 1 had created an immense amount of publicity surrounding its creation lauding its’ creator, Francisco Pereilla, as innovative. Hundreds of cars have been sold throughout both Ustrela and the world with the streets of Viande seeing their use almost immediately upon release. Skeptics, despite the initial success of Segaso, criticize the limited appeal of the automobile. Claiming that it’s immensely expensive, unreliable, and niche. The president of Ustrela, Armando Prats, added to the automobiles legitimacy as a modern mode of transportation by personally purchasing a Segaso Modello himself. Stating that “The Segaso is a fascinating and innovative Ustrelian invention, one that I plan on supporting.” Though the future viability of the automobile industry is unpredictable, Ustrela remains at the forefront of innovation.
Admiral on deck
The man sat nervously staring out into the endless crowd of faces. Hundreds of friends and family gathered together for a rather extravagant event. Each individual watching him and the speaker carefully as his achievements are listed in a monotone voice. “For excellent command during the battle of the Setawa straight, the battle of the Ustrelian Gulf, the battle of the Sancho River…” The list continued for several minutes before the speaker finally finished. “These are the accomplishments and leadership necessary in Ustrela. A man whom has earned himself infamy among our nation's enemies and renown among our citizenry. As such, the nation of Ustrela and her people would like to grant Captain Sebastián Zoido admiralty in order to command this republics fleets and lead them to victory.”
The sound of a steady rhythmic applause could be heard from the audience as Admiral Sebastián Zoido stood to take his place on the stage. He began by clearing his throat and beginning his speech “I’d like to thank the many friends and family who accompany men to this ceremony. Many of you, I’m sure, probably wonder my feelings towards earning this achievement. A position held highly, not only amongst my peers, but by the entirety of the nation. To express how I feel I’ll summarize it by saying simply this, it’s about damn time.” Zoido let off a slight smirk, followed by a loud chuckle throughout the crowd. “Either way, I’m eager to celebrate this accomplishment. I only pray to god that the politicians don’t make me work hard to keep it.”
Journal of Marcos Arias
March 2nd 1905,
I’ve awoken to the sound of the sea crashing against the Luca Carballal as it steadily rocks side to side. Fresh ocean air filling my lungs for the first in many months. This, surprisingly to most, is the hardest part of the journey. Unlike the excitement of exploring new and forgotten lands of primitive peoples or the sense of comradery felt throughout the ship during the final stretch back to civilization, the start is always awkward. Understanding that the crew of the ship are amicable and the captain, while rather dull, has good intentions, it’s rather difficult to converse among a crew that you’re not familiar with. Thus ultimately I long for companionship, a friend or colleague whom I can challenge myself both intellectually and spiritually.
March 8th 1905,
Praise be god, I’ve grown fond of Commander Carlos Moruga. The naval officer on board the Luca Carballal so happened to be well read in similar fields of study such as biology, history, and archaeology. Expressing a deep interest in the lost tribes of Kimbeto rumored to have founded a mighty empire in the jungles of Serranthia alongside vasts amounts of forgotten riches. Though doubtful of discovering such treasures, I can’t help but feel his enthusiasm for their discovery.
March 17th 1905,
Though Commander Morgua appears to be a fine gentleman and scholar, the same couldn’t be said for his Captain. Captain Jonathan Vera, a crude individual, has recently gotten on my nerves. I’d at first thought the man to be a bit dull yet well intentioned, this judge of character has so far been proven to be far from the truth. I’d come to this conclusion initially due to his insistent, and outdated, understanding of the field of anthropology. Misunderstanding the core concepts of the science itself, believing me to be “indistinguishable from a historian or archaeologist.” At first such an insult was ignored, primarily due to my belief that he was simply taught an ill mannered education. However, this abrasiveness, this crudeness towards my field of study has nearly caused me to snap. Questioning the authenticity of my work, education, and capabilities. Had I not been employed a handsome sum to carry out this expedition, I’d jumped ship yesterday.
- Posting IC will be immensely beneficial to you as a player. It is, however, not necessary. This is designed so that you can still send in your orders if you are too busy to post, but posting IC will provide a tangible bonus to your DRM (Die Roll Modifier). - Each Turn represents one In-Game Month. The player will submit 3 Orders. - Each order is then subject to a 1d6 roll. A 6 means a perfect execution and a 1 means a horrible failure. Posting IC gives you a +2 die roll to a single order, or a +1 die roll to all three. [Specified at the end of your IC post.]. This means that more active players are rewarded. - Orders: * Economic: An order designed to benefit the nation economically. * Military: An order designed to affect your military. * Diplomacy: An order designed to conduct diplomacy. * Imperialism: Exploring and developing new lands. * Design Contract: Fill out the following info below
- SCOPE: [Domestic] or [International] - TYPE: [Rifle], [Field Gun], [Machine Gun] - DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS: [As much or as little detail as you see fit.]
* Conference: Used to call a Political or Military Conference. Select which nations to invite. Begins a Conference. (See PM for rules). * Spend Point: Used to spend an available point in a Corporation to further their specialization.
1. City-State of Julia: 4 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino.
2. Kingdom of Cadia: 1 / 5 Tensions with Kingdom of Etelia - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 1 / 5 Tensions with Melgaria
3. Empire of Tyria: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 2 / 5 Tensions with Helrox Empire
4. Helrox Empire: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino
Eurania and Faresia, 1905
The Fifth Continent, 1905
Turn 3
March
March 16th
On March 16th, 1905 the Karqasia Auto Co. company opened it's doors for business. Asiriyaku Mascoq was a former Parakan Navyman (1886-1892), a construction worker and engineer. He worked briefly with the Parakan Navy working on a failed coal sprayer for their Naval Long Range Escort Program (NLREP). Earlier in the year he traveled to Vigentino and witnessed the test of the Forino 4hp and by the end of the month was back at his home in Tehmaraq, Paraka, working on his own machinations. The K.A. 6hp was a near replica of the Forino 4hp, operating the same basic manifold with a crank but a more well developed engine capable of pushing out a third more horsepower.
Businessman and entrepreneur Asiriyaku Mascoq, 1901
Unlike F.E.A., Mascoq didn't stop there. The Karqasia Model V, although technically displaced in the premier position as the first car by the Segaso Modello 1, the Model V was the first mass produced city car in the world. By the end of March, following an expensive $150,000 advertising campaign on the West Coast, the manufacturing plant had cranked out over 600 Model V's to the local public. The Model V remained a costly affair, costing $1,000 which meant that only the top third wealthiest in the Parakan Republic could afford it
Karqasia Model V, 1905
March 17th
In the Republic of Ustrela, the Ustrelan Army enlists the film studio Cine-ojo to help create a series of short propaganda films depicting the average life of an Ustrelan soldier. While few run off to their local recruitment centers, the films help bring to light that life in the army isn't as dreadful as many make it out to be. [Ustrelan Manpower Reserves increase by 0.025%]
March 18th
In the City-State of Julia, Viscount Zach Nato orders the Mobilization of the Guard as well as military training (is there another kind for the Julian Guard?), firearms training, localized tactics and physical fitness regimens. This mobilization becomes the third in a month, and the Vigentian Garrison--not reinforced from the February Massacre a month before, is overwhelmed when nearly 5,500 Julians rise up--many brandishing makeshift flags that read "Questo è il nostro tempo" which read, "this is our time!" (Although Julians, many growing up in Vigentino spoke Vigentian).
The beleaguered garrison of only 350--spread around the entire province--was attacked, beaten, and many killed. Without a commanding officer (Tenente Sebastian de Sylvia was relieved of command in February, 1905 and no one appointed to replace him), the Methyrnia Garrison put up little fight. 314 men flee, most leaving their weapons. Four men are killed and eleven are badly beaten. The province of Methyrnia is now without any military protection.
In the Holy Empire of Vigentino, the Vigentian Chief of Staff Giordano Vitanza is told within hours of the incident. Minor riots break out in the capital and a hastily published newspaper in La Lazio reads: "VIGENTINO WANTS JUSTICE." An emergency meeting with His Holiness and the assembled Vigentian High Command is ordered.
The blood of the innocent has been shed for too long. The people want justice. We must act now, unilaterally, and come to a decision to acquiesce or show that we will be bullied, pushed around and let our people be hung to the whims of foreign powers. - Declare War on the Holy Empire of Vigentino: * The Vigento-Julian War will begin.
- Acquiesce and Seek a Diplomatic Approach: * Lose 25% Government Stability * -1 DRM on all Diplomatic and Military Actions until March, 1906. * The Holy Empire of Vigentino gains +15% Government Stability. * The Itheraen Conference will begin in April.
[All days following this will be retroactively added to in the case of war.]
March 19th
In a rousing speech to a crowd of 45,000, Viscount Zach Nato condemns the Holy Empire of Vigentino and the Pope for their "savage attack on Julian citizens and the betrayal of Methynrian sovereignty." He called upon both the Great Powers as well as those small to condemn Vigentino and "be weary of their tactics of starving the dog and then admonishing it for biting." Viscount Nato explained the mobilization of the guard as a purely defensive measure to protect from the incursion of possible Vigentian invasion. He was met with jeers and applause.
March 20th
In the Kingdom of Cadia, the Cadian High Command is ordered by King Carl himself to carry out Operation Farewell. Given a lack of timeliness, strategic objectives, operational order of battle and perimeters for success, the operation never receives more than a signature on a piece of paper.
March 21st
Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Cadia is sent back to the Cydernian Republic. He proposes the following:
Cydernia and Cadia form a government owned railroad company 50-50, Cadia will build a railroad using their expertise and Cadia's costs will be subsidized partially by Cydernia to be determined at the table. [Cydernian Response: They would request Cadia put up 75% of the cost. $7,500,000, while Cydernia will put up $2,500,000 and Cadia will have a 75% Stakeholding in the company]
Cadia will bring workers and attract workers to come work on the railroad, temporary and permanent. [Accepted.]
There will be two routes from Cadia and three minimum in Cydernia. [Accepted.]
After Cadia makes a new engine from Forino it will come to Cydernia to be marketed and sold, 25% profits go to Cydernia. [Accepted.]
The Cydernians propose the Cydergarski-Cadian Darzhavni Zheleznitsi, translated from Cydernian into Cydernian-Cadian State Railways.
Cydernian-Cadian State Railways proposed logo
March 22nd
In the Helrox Empire, Ambassador Terven Heusmen arrives in the Kingdom of Melgaria to offer a Guarantee of Independence in return for Freedom of Trade and Military Access for a period of 24 months. The King Simon Itonzo, fearing Southern Eurania is about to erupt into war, accepts the deal. The Helroxian hand now embraces Melgaria.
March 23rd
In the Faresian nation of Confederation of Hokkan-Shirito, the Great Modernization Act is passed by a slim majority. It's tents are: to increase of the mechanization of the nation by encouraging the people to work in/create factories, invent/create modern tools and equipment and allot for the government will manufacture modern agricultural, mining, and drilling equipment, and create factories to produce them with a annual budget of $12,000,000. Engineers assigned to task believe that great work can be made in a sum of eighteen months.
March 24th
In the Republic of Paraka, the Department of Mining and Energy is established and chaired by the engineer Harmaq Siray. It's primary objectives are to prospect the natural resources of Paraka and to to promote the exploitation of said natural resources by private investment and promote the protection of the environment, with respect to energy and mining corporations as well as to encourage friendly relations between private entities, consumers, and civil society. Operations are slated to begin within six months.
March 25th
In the Republic of Ustrela, Sebastian de Halt is launched by balloon in a tandem-wing glider designed by his sister. He reaches a height of nearly 3,800 feet and stays there for a recording setting sixteen and a half minutes. Following the event, Sebastian de Halt announces publicly that lighter-than-air travel is ineffective and impractical.
Moments before Sebastian de Halt's first balloon experiment, 1905
March 26th
In the City-State of Julia, diplomatic efforts to "turn Melgaria against the Holy Empire of Vigentino" are, beyond belief, wildly successful. The Petty King Simon Itonzo's hand is stayed only by the overreach of Helrox's Guarantee of Independence. The King Simon Itonzo is offered a proposal of Military Access for the Kingdom of Cadia, but Itonzo defers to the Helroxi Emperor for guidance.
Functionally a rump state under the hand of Helrox, Melgarian King Simon Itonzo diplomatically urges guidance in the affairs of the region by inquiring to directly to the Helroxi Emperor on whether Cadia should be friend or foe of the Julo-Cadian partnership. Given it's fear of Vigentino in the region, Melgaria defers to Helrox for answers. * Allow the Kingdom of Cadia Military Access We should allow the good Kingdom of Cadia Military Access so that it might aid it's friend, the City-State of Julia--a small state similar to Melgaria to oppose militaristic adventurism by the Vigentians.
* Do Not Allow the Kingdom of Cadia Military Access The City-State of Julia must stand by it's own, and by allowing Cadians into the mix we may potentially up heave the delicate balance of Southern Eurania
March 27th
A diplomatic negotiation between the City-State of Julia and Tyrian Empire is concluded. It is predicted these rifles will take two to three weeks to arrive in Tyrian hands.
Stengel Deal (1905)
The City-State of Julia will sell 60,000 1905 Mataxi Rifles to the Tyrian Empire for a price of $13,200,000.
The rifles will be delivered via private vender overland through Melgaria, the Kingdom of Cadia and then through Cydernia.
March 28th
The Republic of Escya makes a monetary investment of $45,000,000 into the railroad industry, effectively subsidizing the entirety of an industry that is largely non-existent. It is predicted that from this investment a new company may, or may not, emerge. Given no authority is issued to handle said investment, it's likely this money will sit in a bank account until effectively doled out for use.
March 29th
In the Holy Empire of Vigentino, a trade agreement between them and the Seljuk Empire is made of petrol in exchange for aluminum. 500 tons of petrol will be exchanged for 500 tons of aluminum. Bonsi, who has no idea what the practical effects of either petrol or aluminum are, returns to Vigentino relatively confused but feeling exceptionally accomplished for once in his life.
March 30th
In the Republic of Ustrela, the Ustrelan Navy begins construction of a Simuz-class light cruiser through the Mariano Marina Shipyard.
March 31st
In the Parakan Republic, the President signs the Just and Clean Act, making corruption punishable up to a $2,000 fine and a minimum of five years in prison. The Anti-Corruption Department is created but without a chairman and an annual budget of $0.00, it's ability to enact any effective counter measures of corruption are comparable to the amount of cowards living in the Memoital Commonwealth.
The Chief Engineer of a fairly small machining company, Northman Machining, quietly strode through their small machining shop. The employees were hard at work creating parts necessary mainly for farm equipment maintenance, as agriculture was big business in the Illesian Kingdom and mechanization of it in particular had really taken hold in the past years. As he looked on at the parts of a steam engine being built, a younger engineer stepped next to him and handed the Chief a newspaper, excitedly pointing at the front page, "Look at this Charles, there's a government-sponsored contest that wants contestants to submit prototypes for an automobile in a year."
Charles Amlore, the Chief Engineer, took hold of the newspaper and read it carefully, the slight wrinkles on his face moving ever so subtly before his eyebrows arose in amazement, "Really? And the prize is.... ten million cesars as seed money to make an automobile company? Good Lord. That seems rather excessive."
The younger engineer ignored this critique, his blackened face smiling, "I bet if the engineering team got together and asked Señor Ernan to help fund us, we could definitely submit a working prototype in a year!"
"Robére, relax. There's plenty of time. I'll go ask him about it as well. You tell the others about this contest and get a consensus on who wants in." Patting the younger man's shoulder, Charles chuckled a bit, "Even if we don't win, it'll be a fun exercise."
Twenty minutes later, Charles was standing in the office of Señor Ernan, presenting the news article to the grizzled old man, "I do believe in the capabilities of the Engineering team, sir. This new creation, the automobile, is extremely interesting and we have all the tools we need in the shop to create parts for a prototype. Within a year, we can absolutely pull this off, and if we win, that's a ridiculous sum of money to create our own automobile company."
Señor Ernan considered the article for a few minutes from behind his glasses before looking up above them at Charles, then setting the newspaper down and leaning back in his seat that protested heavily of the heavy man sitting on it, "How much do you want, Charles?"
"Enough funds to purchase two Forino 4HP motors, two Segaso Modello 1's, and two Karqasia Model V's, as well as to get them here to Illesia. We also need the materials and tools to produce our own parts and such, but the engineering team will do this on our own time."
Ernan took a slow, deep, nasally breath as he considered the numbers and risk involved. It wasn't a particularly large amount of money, but it was a fair amount considering Northman Machining wasn't that big. And even if it failed, Ernan could always just resell the purchased automobiles. Finally, he smiled but tapped his desk twice, "You'll have your money, Charles, but I want 51% ownership of the company that results if you win. The remaining ownership can be divided between the engineering team as you all see fit. Also, if you fail, the automobiles are mine to do with as I see fit. Understood?"
Charles took a deep bow, thanking Señor Ernan, "Thank you very much sure. I'm sure the team will greatly enjoy this challenge."
Later that night, Charles and the engineering team of five others sat together in his Charle's parlor at his home, smoking cigars and bandying about names for their little group.
"Illesia United!"
"Farin Express."
"What the fuck does Farin even mean?"
"Piss off, Samuelle."
"I've got it, King's Express."
"To hell with that, we're not owned by the King."
"Well then, you suggest a better name."
"Uhm..."
"How about this: Yorvagr Motor Company."
Everyone seemed quiet for a few seconds, before Charles asked the young man who proposed the name, Harold Yngold, "That name sounds familiar, what does it mean?"
"Yorvagr was the old God of Lightning. Feels right to me," explained Harold, a great burly man with an enormous red beard who more resembled the Dwarves of legend than a human.
There was some small criticism of the name from one member of the group, but they quickly came to accept it. That night, they decided to pool their wealth together along with the funds given by Ernan to form the Yorvagr Motor Company, setting in motion the purchases and logistics necessary to get all six of the cars and engines they needed to Northman Machining. One of each automobile or engine would be left untouched so as to have a reference for how it worked in the first place, while the other automobile or engine would be disassembled and examined closely. With Charles Amlore at the head of the group of six total, together they began their journey towards the emergence of the Yorvagr Motor Company upon the world stage a year later...
The Illesian Kingdom, Concise History, Basic Government Structure
The Illesian Kingdom is a fairly old Monarchy that dates back centuries, from a time when it was once composed of three separate Monarchies that fused themselves together under one crown, which is the source of the flag representing the Three Old Crowns. Never one to rush to war, the Illesians tended to focus on their people and maintaining relations with other powers, ensuring their existence with a defensive-focused army and diplomatic alliances. The nobility of Illesia is absolutely still present, though as the Kingdom advances further into the modern era, they have seen their power decline more and more as a growing middle class begins to take hold and wield increasing influence and sway with the government.
It is a Kingdom that exists with King Avandre VII at the very top of the power hierarchy, theoretically wielding absolute power and the ability to overrule any decision made within the Kingdom, though the Kings of Illesia have refrained from the use of such power since the beginning of the Monarchy, instead delegating portions of their power and jurisdiction to underlying Committees formed of men more knowledgeable in areas of governance than the Kings. The Committees send their determinations and suggestions to the King to be checked and either accepted or rejected, allowing for oversight and control over the Committees' powers. Thus, both executive and legislative power are distributed among the Committees but ultimately held fully by the King or Queen themselves.
Judicial power is also derived from the Crown, with a series of High Courts and Lower Courts arranged in a descending hierarchy dealing with increasingly more mundane issues. Appeals can be submitted such that cases can climb the hierarchy and eventually be presented before the King, but it is extremely rare for the King to care to decide a judicial case, usually leaving the decisions to the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of Illesia, which derives its power directly from the King or Queen themselves.
The Military, meanwhile, stands also directly beneath the King, with the Monarch able to order them to do exactly what they wish, though again, the Illesian Monarchs usually take a back seat to the running of the military, instead leaving it to two Triumvirates that head either the Army or the Navy. High-level decisions require the majority approval of their respective Triumvirate, with the command structure descending hierarchically from there.
War: City State of Julia vs Holy Empire of Vigentino
Julian Homeguard seen marching to the walls, April 1905...
The news came about the horde of Julians in south Vigentino, they drove of an entire Garrision by themselves unarmed and unprepared. It was news that Viscount Zach Nato wasn't expecting to hear. Now Julians had spilled blood, and it was too late to back. This was like garbage fire that was kicked down the road, it would only get worse from here. By now though, everyone had been expecting nationalistic tendencies something unseen in Julians since the early formation of the City State. It was insane, and intoxicating even Zach's son Zach the 2nd in all his glory was calling for the death of Vigentinos. At the possibility of losing it all, or being killed by his own people Viscount Nato had no real choice but to declare war. People say there is choice but when all choices lead to horror you pick the most selfish, one for yourself. Spare yourself and not the children.
Commander Mark Killigan had began to hobble into the legislative chambers, the assembly had just ended as Viscount Nato had looked a little paler than before. Everyone around him seemed ecstatic, in a partisan effort the vote for war had been passed and people were celebrating. The commander who was pushing eighty-two hobbled up to the young King. "Sir.. Awaiting your orders for the guard." He said in a raspy and sinister voice. The Viscount waved him away "Form up the guard, defend the walls from Vigentino. They'll be coming soon, I just hope I'll be here to see this end." The commander patted the king on the shoulder "Don't worry young king... When your father was around, him and I fought the Vigentinos once... We'll do it again."
The Commander walked out of the room, heading to his new Homeguard Army Group! "Men... To me! Today we fight, for Julia! For the City, for the World!" He raises his hands as he stands tall at the steps of parliament. The soldiers outside, of course not the entire army group erupt in cheers and applause, even some civilians are excited aswell. Little did Viscount Nato know that Mark Killigan had fought in the last Vigentino war but that war ended in the loss of Methyrnia.
That was then, this is now.
Dear King Roy Carl,
War has been declared by Viscount Zach Nato, he calls for Cadia to take arms and supply at least [REDACTED] amount of troops in the capital by July.
Sincerely, Foreign Minister Lupius De-Rosa
I, Viscount Zach Nato faithful leader of the City of Julia in her best wishes for the people and country declare war on The Holy Empire of Vigentino until death or reunification of Methyrnia.
The old men all laughed as they sat around the table drinking their wine and eating their cheese. “I must admit, this reminds me of the time under his father. He would never come to meetings too busy having fun being loved by his people. But we must talk about what is going to happen in the east. The kaiser is going to allow the cadian’s access however I imagine for free to cease the holy empire increasing in strength. But I say what if we send orders demanding payment for the access.” Minister Braun said. The men laughed and nodded then took a moment and thought about if they could do it. However before they could continue the Kaiser entered and slammed his fist on the ground “The damned Holy Empire and City state seem to be at it and we’re right on the corner of history gentlemen. Inform the Melgarian King to allow the Cadian’s access through their country, this shall serve as a message no minor nation shall be allowed to be harassed by a larger one.” The kaiser said “Send that immediately and now let us begin discussing real work like a better set of weapons.
It seemed that Itherae's offer to make peace between the two quelling nations of Julia and Vigentino had fallen upon deaf ears, while both parties may have once been open to the idea of peace it was lost. Queen Athena Tyroli had very little words to say over the incident of the Julian revolt in March, regarding it more as "... a sad instability that let war-mongers unsheathe their blades and set upon the world in a blaze of smoke and and fire..." While Itherae's stance on the declaration of war was more or less neutral, the government within the Great Empire of Helrox decided to far the flames further by allowing Cadian troops to move through the territory in aid of the City-State of Julia. Upon word of this, the Queen's own words were, "I am not surprised that the Helroxi Government would fuel the fans of war in such a manner, it sickens me to see such leaders of powerful nations not realize the full weight of their actions. I pray that Cadia see sense in not raising their banner for war as it would only bring destabilization to our own nation as well."
Later that day, Queen Athena and most members of the Supra Dobranie convened later that day to speak of what to do on the situation regarding the chance that Cadia does aid it's 'ally' in a war against the Great Power of Vigentino. Little word has come out of the regarding the meeting but many speculate that soldiers may be moved to the border in an attempt to be sure that actions of Cadia do not destabilize Itherae itself nor her ally, Cydernia, so it would be likely there would be communications between both nations on what would be the best course of action the two would take together given the Trakovski Accord that had been signed earlier in the year.
Many hope that the High Kingdom will not have to begin fighting it's own war as it has proven in the past and, in the case of Cydernia, is always a costly affair. The Itheraen Government did not want to end up in the same state that Cydernia had once been in, in major debt and a an overall unstable backwater. That is why Itherae was hesitant on considering going to war, however, with hushed talks in private, it seems that only the Supra Dobranie would now the official Itheraen response to such a contingent. However, Alexandros Basae, Superintendent of the Army, stated that "Should Itherae be threatened with the possibility of total instibily of the region, she will not be afraid to defend herself and her ally of Cydernia."
The world would watch Julia and Vigentino fight and Cadia would be the final arbiter of what Itherae would do. May they make the correct choice.
Vincenzo de Fino stretched his legs as he rose from bed. He was pulling a lost shirt over his underclothes, when there was a heavy pounding on the door. He frowned, waiting for a few moments and almost dismissing it as his imagination until there was another heavy pounding on the door.
Vincenzo had once been a well-known figure in the town of Pefina, but after his wife's sudden death he had retreated away. The town sat in the valley far below where he had now made his home, a simple thatched house that served him fine. With a river running down the mountain past him, and a small farm that he had set up, with chickens, pigs and a garden of vegetables, Vincenzo was able to live a comfortable life, keeping himself to himself. The pounding at the door was a suprise. He had had no visitors, nor desired any, for almost three years.
Pulling on a rough cotton pair of trousers, Vincenzo limped slightly across the room, and pulled open the door. On the other side of it, stood a soldier. Clad in the resplendent uniform of the Vigentino Imperial Guard, with a rifle slung over one shoulder, Vincenzo looked the young man up and down for a moment, frowning.
"Can I help you?"
The soldier nodded curtly before replying, his voice measured and clipped.
"Good afternoon, Mr de Fino. I'm here to ensure that order is being maintained, and to ask that you accompany me down to Pefina."
Vincenzo frowned again.
"The orders perfectly fine up here. And why do you want me to come down? Haven't been down there for years."
"I understand, sir. But the Vigentino Imperial Guard have been brought in, and as a non-Julian, you are being evacuated from the region."
"Now come on, what's the meaning of this? I'm no Julian, but I'm no Vigentian either, parents are both Mashiran truth be told."
"Of course, sir. The Julian's have been rioting, and our orders are to ensure their safety passage back to their own territory, for the good of the region. But we fear it will still come to war, and have been ordered to ensure non-Julian civilians are given passage to the safety of other Vigentino regions."
Vincenzo grumbled under his breath for a moment, before shrugging slightly.
"I've heard stories of the last war that came through here, and I don't want to get caught up in the next one. Give me a second to pack my things"
Picture of Cadian Workers ready to work on a new railroad line!
Cydernia and Cadia form a government owned railroad company 50-50, Cadia will build a railroad using their expertise and Cadia's costs will be subsidized partially by Cydernia to be determined at the table. [Cadia will pay 75% cost as agreed] Cadia will bring workers and attract workers to come work on the railroad, temporary and permanent. [Accepted.] There will be two routes from Cadia and three minimum in Cydernia. [Accepted.] After Cadia makes a new engine from Forino it will come to Cydernia to be marketed and sold, 25% profits go to Cydernia. [Accepted.]
[x] King Roy Carl of Cadia
[]
The news reached Aliban Geoff in the early days of April that the deal between Cydernia and Cadia has been accepted by the king. Geoff the Minister of Transportation once again had work to do, he usually managed the transporation within Cadia and worked along All Cadian transport along with CEO Wilbur Marot. Geoff slipped on his clothes and cheap pair of brown leather shoes and left his dingy apartment. Not all ministers get the VIP treatment as seen in the cadian newspaper... He made his way to the train station where he got aboard the ever dilligent and aging machine that was the Wilmus 4-4-2. Hours later he's in the Captial - Markus a ever growing and ugly looking city, The King's city.
He walked through the dusted streets towards the All Cadian Transport headquarters, which was quite large just like a small mansion of sorts. After going through reception, he met with Wilbur Marot in his office - as he was expected. Wilbur was full of fat, gluttony at it's finest. A fine steak half eaten on his desk and a Cadian Rat Cigar in his mouth "So do we have it!?" He snaps, a puff of smoke emitting from his mouth. Geoff rolls his eyes "Yes, but we're covering 75% of the costs essentially. We're not sure if you'll even get to be CEO in this government company in Cydernia."
Marot puts out the cigar on his ash tray, he gets up and waddles over taking the papers from the ministers hands before shoving them back. "Fuck... Fuck!" He says, after going to his desk to take out another cigar, lighting it up. "Well.. It's a win but not the one I wanted." Geoff shrugs at him as he goes to pull up a chair by the desk "So we get this done what do you think we should do next, I think we could do with a better and bigger train." Marot laughs at the minister "Hell fucking no I want to build a railroad across this continent, from the Hokkan to Tara!."
"Sir Tara isn't on the same..." Geoff cuts himself off "Yes, sounds excellent we'll work something out and I'll pass it to Graham."
- Posting IC will be immensely beneficial to you as a player. It is, however, not necessary. This is designed so that you can still send in your orders if you are too busy to post, but posting IC will provide a tangible bonus to your DRM (Die Roll Modifier). - Each Turn represents one In-Game Month. The player will submit 3 Orders. - Each order is then subject to a 1d6 roll. A 6 means a perfect execution and a 1 means a horrible failure. Posting IC gives you a +2 die roll to a single order, or a +1 die roll to all three. [Specified at the end of your IC post.]. This means that more active players are rewarded. - Orders: * Economic: An order designed to benefit the nation economically. * Military: An order designed to affect your military. * Diplomacy: An order designed to conduct diplomacy. * Imperialism: Exploring and developing new lands. * Conference: Used to call a Political or Military Conference. Select which nations to invite. Begins a Conference. (See PM for rules).
1. City-State of Julia: 5 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino.
2. Kingdom of Cadia: 1 / 5 Tensions with Kingdom of Etelia - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 1 / 5 Tensions with Melgaria
3. Empire of Tyria: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 2 / 5 Tensions with Helrox Empire
4. Helrox Empire: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino
Eurania and Faresia, 1905
The Fifth Continent, 1905
Turn 4
April, 1905
April 1st
The Hokkan-Julian Trade Agreement is signed. It's stipulations are thus:
Article I. The Confederation of Hokkan-Shirito will purchase 250 Thamber M1891 howitzers at the price of 4.5k per howitzer, with the price being lowered down to 4.5k per howitzer due to buying ten or more howitzers.
Article II. The Confederation of Hokkan-Shirito will purchase 1440 shells from Thamber, and the reasonable price of said shells will be decided by Thamber.
Article III. The purchased howitzers and shells will be transported to the Confederation of Hokkan-Shirito by sea, and will be transported to the sea through either the Seljuk Empire or Melgaria via the quickest and most efficient land route. If the nation that holds the quickest route to sea denies the passage of these products, then a route to sea will be taken through the other nation. If both nations deny passage, then an overland route west through Faresia will be taken.
Article IV. A permanent embassy will be established in both nation’s capitals.
Article V. The Confederation of Hokkan-Shirito and the City-State of Julia, by signing this document, agree to all of the above, and in addition agree to a non-aggression pact.
[x]Signed Liu Jiang [x]Signed Mikkado Tento Shinderotto [x]Signed Viscount Zach Nato"
Public discourse for the trade agreement in Julia was mixed. Many felt sending off necessary weapons of war right as Julo-Vigentian tensions were peaking was a mistake. Supporters of the trade agreement however argued the deal had been in negotiations for months and would bring in much needed revenue.. to buy more weapons? Based on travel precautions, it was merited that the weapons and ammunition would arrive within a month.
Julo-Vigentino War The Holy Empire of Vigentino, a day after the war is declared, orders a Full Mobilization of it's army, the Imperial Guard. They begin reporting to their local garrisons for rearming and training. The City-State of Julia issues the formation of Homeguard Echelon Killigan, a totality of 20,000 soldiers under command of Homeguard Commander Mark Killigan. What this changes, only the wisest Julians could know. Having been mobilized for three or so weeks, the Julian soldiers remain waiting patiently in their barracks. Some men play cards. Methyrnia remains the most dangerous place in Eurania--Julian and Vigentian citizens lope around the city in packs, often attacking those simply trying to get home from work. One of three roadways East to Julia becomes blocked when Vigentian citizens turn over several carriages along the path, killing the horses and stacking them up against the carriages.
April 2nd
In the High Kingdom of Itherae, the Petrol Development Grant Act passes to much confusion in the national legislature. Arguing that "petrol will become important as the future of automobiles become popular," the bill sent half a million dollars in national grants to help increase the development petrol resources in the nation. One minister allegedly reported to a local newspaper: "What the fuck is an automobile?" With just over 1,300 sold in the entire world (and 4 of them in Eurania), the amount of people in Itherae who had ever seen an automobile was in the ranges of 0 and 3.
Julo-Vigentino War The City-State of Julia passes the Scarlet Arms Act. It stipulates that any permanent resident (of where? Helrox?) who serves in the Julian Homeguard for a term of 3 years and is injured in combat will be granted citizenship? An Itheraen citizen on the streets of Julia allegedly replied: "So I have to get hurt first? Next you'll tell me we'll be on the defensive! Pah!" In the Holy Empire of Vigentino, soldiers who have been at their barracks for less than 24 hours are immediately ordered out of the barracks and to the front lines for an offensive military operation.
5th Brigade, Vigentino Imperial Guard, entering Methyrnia, April 2nd, 1905
The genesis of Operation Origin is unknown, as the existence of a planning phase lasted apparently only minutes. 15,000 regulars were deployed--baggage trains sometimes in tow--into Methyrnia, crossing the border. The determination of where they crossed was luck, or perhaps the Vigentian High Command simply did not care, as 5th Brigade of the Vigentino Imperial Guard "The Coming Storm" trudged along the road into Methyrnia from the Southwest while the 11th Brigade of the Vigentino Imperial Guard "Purgatory" lived up to it's namesake by trudging through the Sitrap Swamps that cut Western Methyrnia in two. They would arrive to their destination seven days late and covered in filth and grime with wants to return home.
Baggage train of the 11th Brigade, Vigentino Imperial Guard, Sitrap Swamp, April 5th, 1905
The Vashaqamak's Industrial Exposition Announcement
It was on the newspapers, it was on the walls and most importantly it was being heard right at this moment, in the grand plaza of the republic, where the vice-president was announcing to the whole public that he had been given the honor of organizing the Vashaqamak's Industrial Exposition to be held from October to November of this year, barely a couple months away. After all, the exposition wasn't meant to be a grand event the likes of the Marsera World Exposition in 1899 or the Grand Exhibit of Vermaka in 1902, for it was meant to promote science and invention to a broader public, to the working class and everyone who wished to attend.
The price of the tickets was barely $2 dollars, less than 2% of the average national wage and although truth be told, the fair was paid by the citizens of the republic, it also meant that many more could attend in stark contrast with other private expositions and exhibits, which were meant to have a profit, although, sometimes they didn't achieve their goals.
Many companies were expected to attend both national and foreign alike. Be it arms companies, railway companies, the newest airship companies, the automobile company. For many this presented an opportunity like never before, for some it meant a waste of public taxes and for others the chance to present to the wider Parakan populace their inventions.
One of the posters for the exhibition portrayed the typical street's man family, all taken by the hand going to the exhibit and below it in big letters said "They will go see the future, will you?" . It had been made by artist Ñaran Iqtay, a not very well known artist but with a style that certainly appeal the common populace.
The Recruitment Campaign of 1905-1907
With Tensions rising on Eurania and with newly found political will to strenght the army, the minister of defense Ameyalli Coeget had been assigned to conduct a recruitment campaign around the country in hopes of having a big enough army to protect the peace of the republic, for the motto of the campaign was "Peace through Strength"
For the state of the army had long been neglected and many historians and contemporaries will agree that it was because the republic of Paraka had never seen a need for a big army, after all, it was isolated from the rest of the world by two large oceans and its two neighbours didn't pose much of a threat to the republic, however, president Armaq Talaqo had long been a man who wished to see the Republic strong and healthy, stable and prosperous, without corruption and without fears.
Soon enough, recruitment centers were established on major cities and thus the recruitment campaign started.
In light of a recent discovery in the mistake on the ticket price of the Exhibit, the ministry of finance quickly changed it on announcements and posters, thus making the ticket price 1 cent per person. Several posters have been changed and an apology has been given. The Vice-President who doesn't exactly thinks fine of mistakes has fired the persons in charge of the ticket prices and also apology in other meetings and asked the newspapers to inform of this mistake.
As well, as the funds for the exhibit had to be raised in $100,000 to counteract this mistake with PR campaign.
It is said that Vice-President was almost as red as blood when he was informed of the mistake and after hours of reprimands, continued the organization and rectified the mistake, even if at the cost of a couple of jobs.
OOC: Price of the ticket for the Vashaqama's exhibit was changed to 1 cent per person.
Alongside the new announcements, a listed was published announcing which companies had been invited to the exhibit. -Paraka State Industrial Services[Arms][Paraka] -Arsay Electric[Electricity][Paraka] -Marsaran Studios[Moving Pictures][Paraka] -Karqasia Auto Co. [Automobiles][Paraka] -Eastern Pictures[Moving Pictures][Paraka]
The rest of foreign companies that wish to attend will have to pay a fee of $10,000 and pay for their own expenses.
Finally, this is how the Exhibit has been organized: Entrance Fee for Foreign Companies: $12,500 Entrance Fee for National Companies, not invited directly: $5,000 Entrance Fee to natural persons: $0.05
All the money collected by the fees will be equally divided for the top three national companies.
- Posting IC will be immensely beneficial to you as a player. It is, however, not necessary. This is designed so that you can still send in your orders if you are too busy to post, but posting IC will provide a tangible bonus to your DRM (Die Roll Modifier). - Each Turn represents one In-Game Month. The player will submit 3 Orders. - Each order is then subject to a 1d6 roll. A 6 means a perfect execution and a 1 means a horrible failure. Posting IC gives you a +2 die roll to a single order, or a +1 die roll to all three. [Specified at the end of your IC post.]. This means that more active players are rewarded. - Orders: * Economic: An order designed to benefit the nation economically. * Military: An order designed to affect your military. * Diplomacy: An order designed to conduct diplomacy. * Imperialism: Exploring and developing new lands. * Conference: Used to call a Political or Military Conference. Select which nations to invite. Begins a Conference. (See PM for rules).
1. City-State of Julia: 5 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino.
2. Kingdom of Cadia: 1 / 5 Tensions with Kingdom of Etelia - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 1 / 5 Tensions with Melgaria
3. Empire of Tyria: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 2 / 5 Tensions with Helrox Empire
4. Helrox Empire: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino
Eurania and Faresia, 1905
The Fifth Continent, 1905
Turn 4
April, 1905
April 3rd
URGENT! IMPERIAL ORDERS DEMANDED BY THE MIKKADO AND PARLIAMENT TO BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY!
The orders below are to be immediately carried out:
Section 1. The Mikkado demands that High General Yuan Shu travel with great haste to Chong Long-Tao's military base, and be prepared to meet, discuss, and work alongside the Itheraens that have arrived to train our soldiers.
Section 2. Major General Ping Lee and the 1st Guards Division that he commands will be ordered to remain stationed in ChongLong-Tao and prepare to meet, discuss, work with, and further develop their existent knowledge and experience with the Itheraen trainers. This inherently means that several artillery guns with sufficient ammunition will be available, as will a sufficient number of rifles with sufficient ammunition, as will sufficient equipment and supplies just as they should be considering that it is a major military base.
Section 3. That 3 dozen police officers and investigators of the large police force in ChongLong-Tao and surrounding towns be gathered under Police Chief of ChongLong-Tao Shin Shintaka's command and complete the following:
Subsection 1: Be divided into 3 groups a dozen men large.
Subsection 2: That the first group, named 'Ichi', will escort the said Itheraens by carriages the entire 20 miles safely and comfortably to the major southwestern city and military base ChongLong-Tao from their current location: the slums of Echl'at.
Subsection 3: That the second group, named 'Èr', will on-foot patrol the entire town of Echl'at and surrounding towns with a several mile large searching radius, searching for the 4 missing Itheraen officers and any clues to their whereabouts, focusing on alleys and going from door-to-door/person-to-person asking about them. If any are found they are to be taken back to the other Itheraen officers that will most likely have arrived in ChongLong-Tao by this point.
Subsection 4: That the third group, named 'Gurvan' will on horseback patrol the entire town of Echl'at as well as nearby towns and farms, with a several mile large searching radius, searching for the 4 missing Itheraen officers and any clues to their whereabouts. If any are found they are to be taken back to the other Itheraen officers that will most likely have arrived in ChongLong-Tao by this point.
Subsection 5: That if any Itheraen officers are found to have been kidnapped, robbed, tortured, murdered, or otherwise have been wronged, the criminal(s) must be found and immediately be put to trial. If a murderer of an Itheraen exists and is found with clear evidence that he committed the murder, said murderer will be publicly announced as being such, and be promptly sent to be executed.
Subsection 6: That the searches, patrols, and investigations on the whereabouts and fates of these 4 Itheraens not stop until either all 4 men have been located and/or their fates discovered.
Section 4: Once the Itherean officers (numbering 32 until the 4 missing are located and reunited with the group) safely arrive in Chongling-Tao, they are to be treated by military personnel with the same care and respect as if they were of the highest rank and nobility, as though they were members of parliament themselves, in order to attempt to compensate them for their troubles.
Section 5: That the 1st Guards Division, its Major Commander, and the High General comply with every request or demand of the Itheraen officers, and treat them with the utmost honor and respect.
Section 6: That the Itheraen officers be immediately updated with the situation as soon as group Ichi makes contact with them, and that the update will involve giving them a document that has the entirety of section 3 on it, and only section 3. They will also be verbally told that a division, its commanding officer, and the High General of the army is waiting in the nearby city of Chonglong-Tao to be instructed and trained by their wisdom. Chonglong-Tao will be introduced to them as it is: a major coastal city in the southwest of the Confederacy, specifically within the state of Greater Hokkan, with a large police presence to keep the streets clean and safe, and that there is a major army base there, as well as a major naval base a few miles away. They will also be told that Echl'at will be improved as soon as possible, and be apologized to for their poor treatment and improper arrival location.
Section 7: That whenever the Itheraen officers request to see other army or naval personnel or divisions, that the Itheraen officers be transported by carriage to other military bases as they please."
Julo-Vigentan War Etelo Scianno, a no-name man in the City-State of Julia begins traveling the city, "preaching" to young men as to why joining the Julian Army is the right choice and that the "Vigentinos will fucking pay." At one point the assembled crowd tells him to get lost, and some flung cabbage and tomatoes have him running inside to get away from the mob. "Not since 1771 have recruiters gone to the street corner looking for opportunities." By the end of April, Etelo will have enlisted 71 new men to enlist in the Julian Army. 33 of them have come from the Julian Stazzio Prison.
The Vigentino Imperial Guard comes across the first few townsends of Methynria. There is no resistance save for the disgruntled Julian population. Billets are assembled and night patrols are set. The Quartermaster General of the 2nd Artillery Division "Hammer of the Gods" pens the following letter to Vigentino High Command:
High Command,
It is the most urgent matter that Generale d'armata Gumesindo Berretta must be removed from command immediately. We have met with success only on the backs of Julian incompetence. We have been given enough ammunition for four shells per gun. The artillery batteries are without escort of soldier or commander. Already men begin to disappear into the forests after fighting the muck and mud of Methyrnia. We have lost 7 field guns already to "misuse". If Generale d'armata Gumesindo Berretta is not removed from service, consider this letter my immediate resignation as Quartermaster General of the 2nd Artillery Division.
Ciao, Tenente Generale d'artillerie Mazzano Semetti Dated April 3rd, 1905
April 4th
In the Confederacy of Hokkan-Shirito, engineers under Hideki Saburo of the Qiao Armory present their first prototype for the design request made of them. The Type 91A Rifle is a sturdier design, with a single wood stock compared to the double assembly piece of the Type 91 as well as a Tyrian load bolt in place of a Fusanese bolt--which was fabricated Parakan steel--and thus more prone to breaking. The Type 91A is a partial conversion, meaning that existing Type 91's can be converted at a cost of 20% of an existing Type 90. This will increase the reliability by some measure but engineer Saburo believes the only long term viability is to craft a new barrel of a 6.5mm caliber, downgrading from the 7.55mm that the Type 91 currently uses. This will considerably decrease the punching power of the rifle.
Julo-Vigentan War The City-State of Julia places an order of 30,000 Mataxi 1905 SEM rifles and 200,000 rounds of rifle ammunition.
Julo-Vigentan War as of April 4th, 1905 with Southeastern Road Network overlaid
When one joins the military, often times they expect to be served adequate food on their stay in the barracks, it was simply common courtesy back in Itherae. Yet, in the Confederacy of Hokkan-Shirito, the food was, simply put, rancid in almost all regard with a basic shred of any idea of what a man needs to eat in order to work properly. Rice and maggots was by no means what a civilized man was to be intended to eat, maybe the Faresian savages could live off such measly portions, but not a prideful and stronger Itheraen man, who was more used to eating a selection of bread, pork, and a side of greens.
However, these men would do as they were told, after all, High Command was doing what it could and they were on the other side of the world, but why was their meeting point not specified? Why would they have to sit here in kólasi with a bunch of men that had likely taken four of them while they were sleeping? None of the remaining thirty-two knew exactly, but at the very least they had a roof over their head and some shelter from the strange slums that they resided in. What was worse is that none of them really knew anything that these people would say, no customs knowledge, not even the basic culture was stated to them.
Yet, in the little time they were there, the one translator that they had with them was able to bargain for some better arrangements, primarily in the way of food that was not maggot infested. That translator happened to be a Hokkan man who had studied some basic Itheraen, and while he did not know that basic nuances of the language, which likely would have gotten him laughed out of town back in the High Kingdom by her majesty and the paupers alike, he got them the standard rice but even better, some actual protein from the market, primarily cattle, or was it horse? None of them cared, they were simply happy to have actual meat rather than some bugs that would often cause men to shiver.
That translator, Hong Daici, seemed to be very nice to them as well as eager to train under them as he was a part of kólasi’s militia. While he was technically a civilian, he told the Itheraens that he had dreams of serving under the Mikkado and doing what he wished to be the very best soldier that he could possibly be for his nation.
The Itheraen’s felt the man’s patriotism, in fact it actually brought out a tear from Lieutenant Georgious Draguomis, who had done little other than complain about their living conditions, as he was reminded of when he wanted to serve the kingdom proud in the name Her Majesty Queen Athena. Many of the men were also moved, and some even had questioned if they truly wished to leave and let this foreign man to whatever fate had in store for him. In fact, Hong had earned their respect, which was rare for Itheraens who viewed themselves as better than many Faresians, and was given the title of ”Mikrós aderfós” which translated to “Little Brother” in Itheraen as many of the men had grown fond of his presence, rather than just seeing him as some translator.
Yet, many of the Itheraens, including one Artillery Officer, Jayr Mikos, grew worried of the four who had gone missing in the night, so much so that the men began to fight amongst one another to form a search party and find them, despite having been a few weeks since the incident and their trail likely having gone cold after their first attempt to find them by asking the people when they didn’t have Mikrós aderfós with them. However, there was also the argument that if they stayed then eventually the Confederacy would dispatch officials to go take them to their proper location so that they could fulfil orders. This quickly turned into a heated argument and somewhere down the line Jayr and Georgious had gotten into a scuffle after Jayr claimed Georgious did not care for his Itheraen brothers. This, in turn, led to a holy painting that had been hung in the militia barracks being destroyed.
Several Hokkan men were grievously offended by the act, throwing insults at the men, who had little clue as to what they were saying but one of them knew enough Itheraen, from having heard the officer’s incessant complaining, to say “Whore Queen Athena.” That was the last line drawn, Jayr challenged the man to a duel in the dawn out in the densest woodlands they could find, which none of the officers were sure if it was even legal. It had been accepted and all men, including Hong swore to secrecy.
Jayr, being armed himself with a revolver, and the militia man who had been named as Chu were escorted into the jungle by some of the officers and other militia men, as well as Hong. The two men turned their backs to each other the moment that they had reached their destination, after both said prayers to their respective faiths, the countdown was commenced. Hong regarded it as the most tense feeling he has ever had when in the presence of the Itheraens, not knowing that they would be violent enough to take a life if someone insulted their Queen, which he viewed as lesser to the Mikkado. Once the countdown finished, only a single shot had been fired and a bullet had landed itself firmly in Chu’s chest, who had little time to draw up his own weapon. The shot had gone through the heart of the Hakkon and was lodged firmly in his spine, he bled out in seconds.
Silently, all the officers were taken back to the barracks while some of the others took Chu to be buried. None of them uttered a word, everyone would comply to their promises. All the officers would remain silent that day, then the argument was settled, they would wait for Confederate officials to come to them.
- Posting IC will be immensely beneficial to you as a player. It is, however, not necessary. This is designed so that you can still send in your orders if you are too busy to post, but posting IC will provide a tangible bonus to your DRM (Die Roll Modifier). - Each Turn represents one In-Game Month. The player will submit 3 Orders. - Each order is then subject to a 1d6 roll. A 6 means a perfect execution and a 1 means a horrible failure. Posting IC gives you a +2 die roll to a single order, or a +1 die roll to all three. [Specified at the end of your IC post.]. This means that more active players are rewarded. - Orders: * Economic: An order designed to benefit the nation economically. * Military: An order designed to affect your military. * Diplomacy: An order designed to conduct diplomacy. * Imperialism: Exploring and developing new lands. * Conference: Used to call a Political or Military Conference. Select which nations to invite. Begins a Conference. (See PM for rules).
1. City-State of Julia: 5 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino.
2. Kingdom of Cadia: 1 / 5 Tensions with Kingdom of Etelia - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 1 / 5 Tensions with Melgaria
3. Empire of Tyria: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with High Kingdom of Itherae - 1 / 5 Tensions with Cydernian Republic - 2 / 5 Tensions with Helrox Empire
4. Helrox Empire: 1 / 5 Tensions with Republic of Escya - 1 / 5 Tensions with Holy Empire of Vigentino
Eurania and Faresia, 1905
The Fifth Continent, 1905
Turn 4
April, 1905
April 5th
The Republic of Escya fills out paperwork to hire foreign military advisers to conduct improved high command and officer training. Unfortunately, the Republic did not choose which foreign nation would be the target to import military officers and so the paperwork, signed and approved by the Escyan High Command sat unused in a desk somewhere.
Julo-Vigentan War In the City of Julia, Homeguard Echelon Killigan begins the deployment of defensive fortifications on the stone walls, utilizing sandbags and haphazard construction of pillboxes. Field artillery guns for reasons unknown are deployed outside the city walls while the infantry are deployed behind. Having never left the city, the Julian sentries see very little. One Corporal is reprimanded for using a traveling merchant's donkey for target practice. The first Julian refugees from Zilorno emerge from Methyrnia--750 women and children--who request entry in the Capitol.
April 6th
The Prats Administration in the Republic of Ustrelia signs into law the Antiquities Act of 1905 giving the President of Ustrela the authority to, by presidential proclamation, create national monuments from federal lands to protect significant natural, cultural, or scientific features. It aims to protect hundreds of acres of federally owned territory from private collectors and increase the public tourist industry. [+4% Stability. +$1 in National Wages.]
Julo-Vigentan War 450 Julian refugees from Zilorno show up, gathering outside the city walls and requesting entry.
April 7th
The Franken Army finally finishes assembling in the center of Eastern Helrox. They are tired, confused, malnourished and low on morale. "Assembled for what?" A Helroxi soldier asked, to no one in particular after having spent the last three weeks marching in circles. [-2% Stability in Helrox Empire.
Julo-Vigentan War 950 Julian refugees from Zilorno arrive, 150 filth covered refugees from Pessassa behind them, having braved the Sitrap Swamps to make it here.
April 8th
In the Illesian Kingdom, King Avandre VII announced the running of a national contest, one that aims to produce an Illesian Automobile produced by an Illesian Company. All contestants are welcome, so long as they are Illesian, live permanently in Illesia, and are interested in establishing an Illesian Automobile Company that is not owned by the government. The contest was simple. One Year from the start of the contest, which began on April 8th, 1905, contestants will present a working prototype of their self-designed automobile and present them at the Palace of the Monarch in Regoth for inspection by the Committee on Innovation. The winner will be chosen based on who could produce the most cost effective and reliable functioning vehicle, ideally even cheaper to produce than all existing models at the end of the contest. The winner of the contest, if there was one, would receive $10,000,000 as seed money to start their own Illesian Automobile Company, of their own name, design, staff, and so on, free from government intrusion.
Julo-Vigentan War Newspaper articles in the Holy Empire run headlines that say "JULIA'S FIGHT HAS GONE OUT," accusing the nation of cowardice. In neighboring Itherae, newspapers call the Julo-Vigentan War equivalent to watching the grass grow.
April 9th
In the Republic of Escya a major public works project in the capital to keep up with the demand of it's growing urban population. Given that no funds were allotted to this project, work is halted on the first day.
Julo-Vigentan War The Vigentan Army continues to advance on foot, with no regards to geography. "The Methyrnian Country is the True Enemy" a recent report shows, Vigentan soldiers being injured by falling and hurting themselves. No Julian soldiers are met and it appears all of Methyrnia will fall--by some strange measure of Grace, even in the face of Vigantan military incompetence--by the allotted end of the operation date.
Your concerns are not taken lightly. With this letter rides Colonnello Fabiano Barbigia, a man you know, and a man that we hope you can trust to lead you, as a fellow Artillery Officer. He will take command of the 2nd Artillery Division, effective immediately on his arrival into Pessassa, or the delivery of this letter, whichever occurs first. We have dispatched him with one of our best maps of the area, and he will do his best to lead you to Pessassa on the best route, if you have not already arrived before this letter does, and allow you to prepare for the arrival of further artillery shells that we are dispatching at once along the road to Pessassa. Unfortunately, we cannot obey your request to remove Generale d'armata Gumesindo Berretta from his position, and we hope that you will understand that High Command still maintains that he is the best man to lead the operation, and that you will not abandon your post.
May the Angel Protect, High Command Dated April 7th, 1905
