Wernher

Our World in Turmoil: Revamped

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From Sick Man to Savior - An 1847 Nation RP

Hofburg Palace, Vienna, United States of Greater Austria, January 2nd, 1847.

Many in the Union had celebrated it surviving into a new year yesterday. No, it wasn't fair to use the word surviving, Austria had entered the new year in a better position than it had ever been really, its position secured after the fear of Russian, Prussian or French interventions to restore the monarchy and more importantly, with its many different people actually growing accustomed and accepting of the new status quo. It would take many more years, enough to educate a new generation fully into this new system and for them to internalize its new Motto:

Indivisible and Inseparable, Forever a Federation of Equals.

For Klemenz von Metternich however it was just another morning. He knew his way around parties of course, a real social butterfly that was at home everywhere around everyone, from the petty Hungarian nobles to standing next to Bonaparte himself (The first, of course.).

"Eure Exzellenz."

A servant said as he bowed and presented the Prince-President with his many medals and decorations to chose which he would wear now that he had finished dressed. So much for the american style 'Herr Prasident'. Indeed, in Austria, it was the nationalities that were equals, the men and the classes? Not so much. The monarchy had been abolished but the office of Prince-President had all but replaced that of Emperor in almost every ways. Nobility still existed, the support of the old landlords was too important to be ignored, but a good amount of censorship- no, how did they call it? Ah yes, 'editorial policy' was enough to gloss over these ugly little details.

No matter. It was not the substance that was important, but rather the look of it. Massive concessions had been given, and above all they had been given without even the threat or the act of violence and so the act seemed genuine. Well, it was genuine, certainly! Metternich genuinely wanted to keep what Austria had built together and saw it as his destiny, his reason of being! It just happened that he saw the best way to do this involving giving rights to minorities. Good for them.

"Aherm. In today's news your Excellency, new from Algeria indicates progress in the French intervention."

Ugh. If it could have been a quagmire ending in humiliation for N... Metternich rolled his eyes in silence as he thought of 'Charlie'. He may refer to the current emperor of France as Napoleon when speaking, but he surely wouldn't give him that name in his own private thoughts. A pale imitation of a much greater man.

"Yesterday, his majesty the Sultan of Egypt, Muhammad Ali, died in Cairo. His 16 year old son Sa'id will succeed him."

"Young. Good. If he wants to westernize as badly as his father it'll be easy to continue our rapprochement." Metternich said without any real emotion as he put the finishing touch on his medals.

"Unfortunately maybe not. We have heard he is quite the Francophile." This gave pause to the Prince-President. Only for a moment though, facts were facts, no use raging against them. Plus, Francophile wasn't nearly as bad as Russophile and it might give the englishmen some trouble sleeping if at all possible.

________

The old man was thus dressed and going to work in his personal office, servants and guards bowing before him with the same reverence they gave a few years back to the emperor (even more in fact! Metternich was far from the slow thinking epileptic he had deposed). A man arrived, slightly disheveled after a day of partying it seemed, but before he could give excuses for his lateness, he was interrupted.

"The drafts?" Metternich asked impatiently. To this the man only bowed to silently apologise before taking a folder he held under his arm and present it to the Prince President. The old man took it and began to read its content as he lesurely strolled to his office, about a dozen people slowly and awkwardly following his pace, only stopping when he crossed the door to the office. Klemenz nodded to the man, satisfied of his work and for the first time bothering to actually look at the man and think of his name. Young, fair looking and a bit on the short size, a black haired Sloven with a good sense of style but visibly not a morning person.

"Excellent work mister Kovačič."

He said before giving back the folder.

"You may send these invitations out."

_____________________________

Generalkonferenz zu Spurweiten und Frachtnormen!
General Conference on Track Gauges and Freight standards!

After the recent adoption by the Austrian Reichstag of the national railway standard, intellectuals and industrials across the Union and Europe have pushed for the standardization of train track gauges and shipping containers across the entire continent, believing that such agreements should be made now while this revolutionary method of transit is still undeveloped as to facilitate trade between nations!

Nations that already have a good amount of tracks of their own native gauge may of course object, but the Austrian rail committee insists that the broad 1,676mm gauge, while extremely large by common standards, is designed to be future-proof and accommodate future rail development and size increase! Users of the new Prague-Vienna-Budapest line also described rides on this particular gauge as more 'stately and comfortable than others on gauges of lesser sizes'.

The objective is also described as political and humanist in nature by Prince-President Metternich who believes that increased trade and flow of goods is the best way to maintain the Concert of Nations along with peace in Europe through common prosperity.

The international conference is due to be held at the end of March with the start of spring and of course all European states have been invited to participate along with the United States of America, the Ottoman Empire and the Sultanate of Egypt. In addition, China, Japan and Korea are invited as observers but will not have a seat at the table.

_______

To his Imperial Majesty Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte III,

It is my distinct pleasure to send you a personal invitation to the General Conference on Track Gauges and Freight standards as well as to a broader state visit in our proud United States of Greater Austria. For too long have the French and German people have been at odds with each other, often due to the machinations of foreign powers who benefit to see us divided. It is my personal belief that our people share the great brotherly heritage of the Carolingians of old and that our mutual pride as great people have blinded us to the much greater possibilities that we have in sharing bonds of commerce and friendship rather than live as adversaries and enemies.

I would thus like to speak with you of a common future, harmonious and mutually respectful.

As a proof of our noble intentions, I would like to present you during your visit with the remains of the son of your glorious uncle and your cousin, Napoléon François Joseph Charles Bonaparte II, that have as you know been laid to rest in Austria after his death of tuberculosis.

With your benediction of course, we would only ask for his heart and his stomach to be preserved in the Habsburg crypt as per the ancient imperial tradition and as a symbol of yet another bond that unites our two people, for he was a French but also an Austrian Prince.

With my vows of friendship,

Prince-President Klemens Wenzel Nepomuk Lothar von Metternich-Winneburg zu Beilstein.

From Sick Man to Savior - An 1847 Nation RP

The United States of Greater Austria:

Hider

Government

Name: Vereinigte Staaten von Großösterreich (United States of Greater Austria) VSGO
Flag/Badge:

Head of State: Prinz-Präsident Klemens von Metternich
Head of Government: Reichskanzler Franz Anton von Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky
Ideology: Liberal

Military

Army Numbers: 350.000
Navy Numbers:
- 1 Ship of the line
- 5 Frigates
- 5 Frigates
- 8 Schooners
- 2 Paddle Steamers
Army Equipment:
Naval Ship Types:

History, Expansion, and Economics

History:
Metternich, the architect of the concert of Europe, was a masterful diplomat that managed to keep Austria relevant following the Napoleonic wars despite an arguably dismal military performance from the empire. His objective was simple: Maintain the status quo and keep Austria relevant in these changing times. This was easier said than done and when Ferdinand I, a speech impeded epileptic, took the throne in 1835, more power was delegated to him and he realized he could either save the monarchy or make Austria into a durable entity. With the raising nationalism and revolution in the air, old absolute monarchies were ill fit to rule over a large multi-ethnic empire. In this point of divergence, he decided to ditch the monarchy and collaborate with the liberals to preempt the upcoming storm.

A master negotiator, it was easy for him to rally people on his side by stating the obvious: Napoleon had shattered the old order and while the tides of liberalism had recessed, just like the tides, they were sure to come back. The elite could either drown under this wave or try and ride it to greater heights and attempt to harness the energies of liberalism to achieve success on the European and world stage.

Turning Austria around was achieved with extreme ease, all the minorities were clamoring for freedom and reform and so chose the path of least resistance: Metternich`s path. The Emperor relied entirely on the man and trusted him when he told this was the only way: A Federal and Democratic Austrian constitutional monarchy. The monarchy part would quickly take a dive and Ferdinand was forced to abdicate, so the Habsburg name may go down quietly in history as that of diplomats and reformers and so that some privileges may be retained by the aristocrats, there were no breaks on this train anymore.

The great experiment has been a wild success, the liberalization allowing for greater freedom and development while the Maestro of Europe held the economy in a tight leash with standardization efforts and making german the default langua franca of the Union, but despite how the Prince-President speaks with confidence of the future of the Balkans and how this country is a model for the basis of a united Europe, the truth is no one knows where this is going and that no one has gone down the road of progress so fast. Will this be truly a success story that will inspire mankind? Or will this wind of change be too strong for the fabric of this nation to handle, smashing it to bits?

So far, two things have held this enterprise together: Metternich`s personal charisma, and a rapidly raising quality of life for everyone in the empire, closing the gap with germany and france year after year. Everyone is mostly friendly right now, embracing each other as friends as everyone enjoys the fruits of prosperity, but can this friendship last when things don`t go so well?

Territory:


Economic Description:
Bohemia is the economic power-house of the union and industrializing at a pace rivaling the rest of the major powers thanks to its rich coal and iron deposits, likewise there is a growing fashion and ship-building in north Italy while Austria proper is an important financial and cultural center. The Balkan parts of the region are in comparison backward but are seeing quick development, especially around the Adriatic and rivers that can be used to facilitate the transport of resources around. The government generally keeps a hands free approach on things, but the armament industry is a protected area of the economy as it is seen of vital strategic importance for the Union to be able to produce its own arms.

Historical Claims:
Officially, there are only disputes with the Ottoman Empire on the subject of the Balkans and minor things with the Italian states. Unofficially however, the nationalist fervor sweeping through the Union has led many local governments to make quasi-claims of their own and petition the Federal government to seek territorial expansion in states where their own minority exists in a subjugated state. Slavic-Pan-Nationalism in the Balkans, the Polish state wishing to expend itself to include all Poles, including those in Russia and Germany, the State of Venice seeing itself as a contender to form Italy and many german liberals saying all of germany would be better enjoying the freedoms of the Union rather than be under the yoke of Prussia. Some, again, think there should be a 'United States of Europe', but these are the minority.

From Sick Man to Savior - An 1847 Nation Roleplay

@Letter Bee Sure, I can help you with a second opinion if you'd like to hear mine.

Btw y'all, as there is already a premade deal between Japan and Russia, anyone would like to make some with old-new Austria?

From Sick Man to Savior - An 1847 Nation Roleplay

Its Victorian era claims, like Russia claiming overlordship over all slavs because muh panslavism. If something can come out of said claims is another thing entirely.

Aaaanyways. What now? Does this apology means an agreement to loosen the rules or that you're sorry that this isnt what most had in mind? I'm still in. Who else is?

From Sick Man to Savior - An 1847 Nation Roleplay

I agree that its unlikely, but hey, the aim is to have fun. Id say nerf it a little, make Japan be in the process of reforms rather than start 100% ready and induatrializing? Its far fetched but hey, its a roleplay.

From Sick Man to Savior - An 1847 Nation Roleplay

I agree. I think were good for a balkan and middle east focused early game? Britains intentions can historically be seen as 'maintain balance and status quo' anyways.

From Sick Man to Savior - An 1847 Nation Roleplay

Maybe a france and britain, but considering right now its russia austria and egypt, the position of the Ottomans might... intimidate would be players.

Our World in Turmoil

I think sometimes Discord tends to suck the life out of a roleplay, but I wouldnt mind one.

From Sick Man to Savior - An 1847 Nation Roleplay

Formal Application - The United States of Greater Austria:

Hider

Government

Name: Vereinigte Staaten von Großösterreich (United States of Greater Austria) VSGO
Flag/Badge:

Head of State: Prinz-Präsident Klemens von Metternich
Head of Government: Reichskanzler Franz Anton von Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky
Ideology: Liberal

Military

Army Numbers: 350.000
Navy Numbers:
- 1 Ship of the line
- 5 Frigates
- 5 Frigates
- 8 Schooners
- 2 Paddle Steamers
Army Equipment:
Naval Ship Types:

History, Expansion, and Economics

History:
Metternich, the architect of the concert of Europe, was a masterful diplomat that managed to keep Austria relevant following the Napoleonic wars despite an arguably dismal military performance from the empire. His objective was simple: Maintain the status quo and keep Austria relevant in these changing times. This was easier said than done and when Ferdinand I, a speech impeded epileptic, took the throne in 1835, more power was delegated to him and he realized he could either save the monarchy or make Austria into a durable entity. With the raising nationalism and revolution in the air, old absolute monarchies were ill fit to rule over a large multi-ethnic empire. In this point of divergence, he decided to ditch the monarchy and collaborate with the liberals to preempt the upcoming storm.

A master negotiator, it was easy for him to rally people on his side by stating the obvious: Napoleon had shattered the old order and while the tides of liberalism had recessed, just like the tides, they were sure to come back. The elite could either drown under this wave or try and ride it to greater heights and attempt to harness the energies of liberalism to achieve success on the European and world stage.

Turning Austria around was achieved with extreme ease, all the minorities were clamoring for freedom and reform and so chose the path of least resistance: Metternich`s path. The Emperor relied entirely on the man and trusted him when he told this was the only way: A Federal and Democratic Austrian constitutional monarchy. The monarchy part would quickly take a dive and Ferdinand was forced to abdicate, so the Habsburg name may go down quietly in history as that of diplomats and reformers and so that some privileges may be retained by the aristocrats, there were no breaks on this train anymore.

The great experiment has been a wild success, the liberalization allowing for greater freedom and development while the Maestro of Europe held the economy in a tight leash with standardization efforts and making german the default langua franca of the Union, but despite how the Prince-President speaks with confidence of the future of the Balkans and how this country is a model for the basis of a united Europe, the truth is no one knows where this is going and that no one has gone down the road of progress so fast. Will this be truly a success story that will inspire mankind? Or will this wind of change be too strong for the fabric of this nation to handle, smashing it to bits?

So far, two things have held this enterprise together: Metternich`s personal charisma, and a rapidly raising quality of life for everyone in the empire, closing the gap with germany and france year after year. Everyone is mostly friendly right now, embracing each other as friends as everyone enjoys the fruits of prosperity, but can this friendship last when things don`t go so well?

Territory:


Economic Description:
Bohemia is the economic power-house of the union and industrializing at a pace rivaling the rest of the major powers thanks to its rich coal and iron deposits, likewise there is a growing fashion and ship-building in north Italy while Austria proper is an important financial and cultural center. The Balkan parts of the region are in comparison backward but are seeing quick development, especially around the Adriatic and rivers that can be used to facilitate the transport of resources around. The government generally keeps a hands free approach on things, but the armament industry is a protected area of the economy as it is seen of vital strategic importance for the Union to be able to produce its own arms.

Historical Claims:
Officially, there are only disputes with the Ottoman Empire on the subject of the Balkans and minor things with the Italian states. Unofficially however, the nationalist fervor sweeping through the Union has led many local governments to make quasi-claims of their own and petition the Federal government to seek territorial expansion in states where their own minority exists in a subjugated state. Slavic-Pan-Nationalism in the Balkans, the Polish state wishing to expend itself to include all Poles, including those in Russia and Germany, the State of Venice seeing itself as a contender to form Italy and many german liberals saying all of germany would be better enjoying the freedoms of the Union rather than be under the yoke of Prussia. Some, again, think there should be a 'United States of Europe', but these are the minority.