Joseph “Crazy” Russo sat in the dining room surrounded by his lieutenants as they ate sweet savory brahmin steak. Each of them laughing and smiling as if the times were good, as if that shit has ever been true. All except two, to his right and two seats down sat the oldest man at the table Tristan “Stats” Crusie he was called stats as he had previously made some name for himself at the tracks getting odds and that’s how he’s lived life ever since, which made it all the more curious that he would stay in the Russo family. Everyone knew the Russo’s were the weakest and that Joe was the youngest, least experienced at leading and the hot headed man out of the five leaders. But for some reason Joseph also called Joey and Tris were close friends, so many assumed that was the reason but the name stats and given how much he relies on it for his life makes others think he sees the russo as the growing power. The other man was a newer guy at the table, prolly sacred shitless because he didn’t know these men or how he got to this table and didn’t wanna die on his first night, he was so new Joey didn’t even learn his name and didn’t really care enough to find out.
Joey simply shook his head before he slammed his fist with a fork in it on the table. The room immediately went silent and everyone turned to see what the noise was “Jesus Joey, why the hell do ya gotta do something like that and ruin the mood.” Russel “Bats” Tony said confused. Joey gave him a death stair and shook his head “Because Rus, you and every single one of you fucks seem to think everything is going swell ere, well let me tell ya. IT’S NOT!” He shouted “Ya see we have to go out of state hell outta country to deliver goods to some god damn southern fucks, then we have to pay fucking Creed from the congress of pennsylvania in the hopes he can get the congress to loosen up the rules so we can see more there. Then let’s not forget, the other 4 families are eating away at us. Stats, how many men have we lost so far?” Tristan slowly turned and pushed up his glassed taking a moment to think “Well, Joey, if my numbers are correct 23 men mostly to the Salintines.” Joey spit “Fuck the Salintines, we need to get moving boys and expand. Otherwise we’re gonna become the next fucking Redcliff family.” Russel looked behind joey and nodded to one of the girls who walked over and put her arms around joey and whispered in his ear “Aww, joey you’re all worked up come on and let take care of ya.” Amber whispered with a smile. “God damn why ya gotta do this, how many time do I say not while i’m working. Well I’m gonna need to teach you a lesson.” Joey stood up and pushed her down pulling out his 9mm pistol and shooting her in the left leg and she screamed. “JOEY OH MY GOD, JOEY!” Joey looked disgusted “Eww, no one’s gonna want you after this ya look horrible and can’t pay ya rent.” “JOEY NO PLEAS-” the gun went off again before amber could continue amber slumped to the floor. Russel stood up as two men rushed in with tommy guns concerned before they saw it was joey and walked back out “Joey, she was a good one why’d ya gotta do something like that.” Russel said as he blinked slowly. “Because, she was troubling me while we were working and I tell her it all the damn time. Now can we continue?” Joey said as he turned around as if nothing happened. “Oh and someone get this filth out of here. Now back to business.” The room now more shooken nodded and listened to Joey’s plans
The Kaiser sat in his office drinking his scotch trying to decide what was to be done. Finally he decided he would allow his military officers to handle the future plans for the war, instead the Kaiser would take on the role to improve the war effort and diplomacy. In fact, the Military would only need to be approved by Casper Braun the current Chief of the Army.
To better improve the war effort, propaganda posters were made showing the Kaiser visiting troops and asking for recruitment in posters.
A Bureau of Tyrian War Effort is formed to examine the Tyrians strategies to beat them back. A telegram is sent to the Kingdom of Illesia asking for military advisors from the Illesians in exchange for $5,000,000 up front and all of the Tyrian battleships if Helrox wins the war
Territory:New York City and the surrounding land History: Before the bombs fell the city of New York held seventeen million people. This meant vault-tec had plenty of people to experiment on. One such experiment was Vault 73 which held only criminals, some smart, some strong, some knew how to make drugs. Initially it was an all out action until the vault was dominated by several families like the old mobster days. Eventually in the year 2250, Godfather Lukas Redcliff of the Redcliff family, decided it was time to venture forth from the vault and begin rebuilding, when they opened up the door they were surprised to see the city was empty, either none of the vaults had made it or none had open their doors yet. In either case this was a great success for the vault dwellers. They had an entire city to themselves one that quickly became divided between 6 different families. With the center of the city a controlled by the ruling Redcliff Family. Over the next few years, more vaults opened and each family grew in strength yet the Redcliff remained the head. Eventually Lukas believed that there needed to be a civil government for outsiders to deal with and for those not in a family to believe they have a say. Soon the positions for city council and Mayor were created, and Lukas had left his legacy forever. However by the year 2264 Lukas had passed and his son was far weaker and reliant on chems to survive. Over the next few years the redcliff territory became ever smaller eventually being driven out of the city all together and a sliver of the territory being declared neutral ground where the remaining 5 families could negotiate. Without the Redcliffs to lead them the position of Godfather was forever vacant. Now in 2290 5 families attempt to gain control through whatever means necessary. Population: 9,000 Government: The official leader of the city is the Mayor and city council, although each one is corrupt and answers to whichever family they came from, with the mayor belonging to the strongest at the time. Elections are held every 3 years or if one of the councilors or mayors have an accident then it’s held a week after the death, votes are counted by the 5 family heads in the neutral lands. Notable People/Organizations:
The Jenson family is lead by Thomas Jenson he is the oldest godfather of the 5 family heads, being the old timer he runs his organization smoothly which has it’s pros and cons. He dables in each market and keeps the locals relatively satisfied but to the other families he is believed the weakest and only remains out of respect.
Joseph Russo, is the youngest of the 5 families he shows it too. Whenever in a room it always appears like he has to prove something, never the quiet one. He recently has made his family focus more on the chem trade. Even experimenting with new drugs.
The Salintines are what you would call the people pleasers. Led by Johnny Salintine his family has focused on casinos and other entertainment for locals and tourists.
Kalob Trestin is often the scariest of the leaders and his family focus on slavery. Because of this he has the largest network and the most contact with the surrounding lands. He isn’t one to underestimate or play with
The Perting family is the smallest of the 5 families and appeals mostly to the locals in anyway they can attempting to strive by, led by Randal Perting he has mostly become a puppet to Thomas trying to keep his family alive and kicking and not to become another Redcliff
Harold Jenning is the current mayor of the city and serves under thomas however never the most loyal he is always looking for more caps and influence.
The 5 city council spots are each controlled by a different family member.
Finally the Chief of the Police Force is Kasey Valid, a rough guy who answers to each of the bosses but is ruthless in dealing with locals and keeps the tourists in line.
Military: Each of the 5 families have varying degrees of men and weaponry. In total the strength of the city would be roughly 700 men. Each armed differently. However the city itself does maintain a police force which keep locals in line that numbers around 200. Culture: The city as a whole is similar to that of the strip and Freeside it has the tensions of Freeside but the urban settings and shady deals of the strip. Each of the families value honor and culture differently but above all the neutral ground is sacred and Lukas Redcliff is the original gangster. Technology: Technology is used as freely as anyone wants so as to attract outsides. Religion: Religions is free as it was in the old days.
The Kaiser and his military officials had been in the meeting room all night with constant arguing about the best course of action should be done. Finally, an ideal plan was set out and reports were sent out the the required units. Meanwhile the navy was informed of their orders. The Kaiser however had to prepare himself and his staff for the war. His father had won the war just 5 years earlier, but times were different then the economy was on track and people adored his father, the same could not be said for him. However he believed that with a swift victory against the Tyrians, he would win the people’s support and anything they acquired would help fix the economy, but the Kaiser went to bed that night with dark and vivid dreams uncertain of the future.
The Royal Helroxi Army Mobilizes The Helrox Empire Declares war on the Tyrian Empire +2 to the 3rd order
Mikhail sat in his desk as he looked over the paperwork of his business. The head of a small weapons development and production company which normally would be chaotic and always busy due to competition. Being state owned however and without competition the company was slowly making due. His secretary Terry Walsh knocked on the door, Mikhail waved him in. “What is man, I am busy here looking over the accounts.” The Secretary said nothing just handed a slip of paper and walked back out. Mikhail looked confused and hastily opened the letter
Dear Mr. Mikhail Kamarov,
As armaments are a huge part of this country and our men will always be in need of weaponry. Being that you are state owned currently we wish to expand your business in 2 more cities. The city in the south of Cruslov and Resoulvt.
Signed Kaiser Von Steeb
Mikhail slowly set down the paper and was shaken. This was something big the company would finally expand and be made useful. The future looked bright.
(Across town, the same order was set out for Nikolai Verkalov of Kamerin Naganta to expand in the same two cities)
A Fancy Paper
The Kaiser sat in a huff with the cabinet in session now with one member absent, the Minister of Commerce and with the deputy still away, the entire ministry is in disaree. “The King of Tyria thinks he can fight us once more. Well I’ll show him, I shan’t even respond and should he bring war, it’s a war he’ll lose. Just like before. Don’t you all agree!” The Kaisers eyes furrowed as he looked around the room, “Of course, we’re in full support your majesty. The Tyrians are clearly in the wrong and if they wish to lose two wars in less than a decade let them.” The Minister of Finance said. “Good, Casper, go call the High Command again. We must prepare in case the tyrians are stupid enough to war.” The Kaiser stood up and walked out in a huff.
Both Toshterin Arsenal and Kamerin Naganta are set to expand to the cities of Cuslov and Resoulvt. The Empire of Helrox, refuses to even acknowledge the Tyrian Ultimatum. +1 to all May Orders
The Kaiser entered the room and immediately all of the officers rose and bowed including the ever aging minister of the army Casper Braun who slowly lowered himself to the ground, while the entire room echoed “Your Imperial Highness.” The Kaiser saluted and sat at the far end of the chair “Rise, we have a great many things to discuss if my reports serve me well. If I am the last, then please let us begin.” The officers rose, Casper had be helped by his two adjuncts who flanked him as he seated next to the Kaiser. “General Turven, with our Kaiser arrive begin debriefing us on all the current situation of the army, and then we may discuss some actions that might be taken.” The Minister said.
At that moment the 57 year old Brigadier General Erich Turven stood up, a veteran of the war with the Tyrians he is a well experienced man but being one of the younger men in the room and refusing to play politics he has been forced to remain Brigadier General. He would have remained a colonel had he not distinguished himself in the war and earned the loyalty of many of his subordinates and the love of the people. “Of course Minister, and welcome Kaiser. If you’d like to open up the reports that have been written out. I’d first like to draw attention to some alarming reports. You’ll notice a great deal of our men are without weapons, I would recommend either expanding our current arms industry with haste to supply the men, purchasing some or due to budgetary constraints we inform some of the men to stand down. Secondly, I would like to fully test out our recently produced Machine Guns, and make sure they are in working conditions and should they be, then we reorganize our army to incorporate such weaponry. Thirdly, the infrastructure throughout our entire nation is horrid, but is one of the easiest things to fix, especially should the TEW workout a logomotive design. However, I am not a quartermaster nor industrialist and will leave that to the cabinet or yourself, your highness. Forth, from the reports of Generals Thaddäus Naumann and Christoph Greifelt who are in Cydernia if you recall state the training of the Cydernians is going well, they feel they would be able to do more should they receive funding or if you sent additional resources either in manpower or weaponry. I believe before moving on, you or some of the others may wish to suggest alternative suggestions to my report.” The General stood at the front of the largest table while the men looked at one another, the Kaiser himself had liked the ideas but wanted to see if any of the old guards loyal to the minister had the balls to say anything, almost on cue the Minister turn to the kaiser “My staff and I have looked on these reports and believe that they are acceptable, except for ordering men to stand down, our numbers have always been our greatest strength to stand them down would look weak.” the men around the table nodded “Perhaps, but having men empty handed guarding our borders would look foolish and make us a laughing stock. I’ll think this over but I’ll more then likely request the soldiers without weapons to stand down. Now, what else is there to discuss” The Kaiser returned his eyes on the general, with great care too, before he thought the high command corrupt and ineffective but this general is something else.
“Well Kaiser, I have here the positions and current standing orders for our 3 army groups. To our South West stationed on the Holy Empire of Vigentino’s border we have Army Group Franken, lead by Lieutenant General Volkhardt Herzberg and composed of 226,000 men. To the far west on the border of the Confederation of Hokkan-Shirito we have Army Group Brezler, under the command of Major General Venderzon Jusev, with 280,000 men under his command. Then Brigadier General Yultiin Illyosen commands Army Group Reselven which is to the South East on the Border of the Tyrian Empire with 140,000 men under his command. Finally Army Group Wesleven, under Major General Zurosev Fregrelen is on the border of the Marnish Kingdom to the North East with 136,000 men under his command. All 4 army groups have men without weapons and none of the armies have standing orders.” The Kaisers eyes furrowed angry and confused “Why do they have no orders?” He looked to the minister who refused to acknowledge the Kaiser either out of fear or lack of caring since he had already become invested in a conspiracy that was ever growing. “That I am unsure of, but orders can be drawn up quickly, I believe war games, training or stand border patrols would work.” The Kaiser nodded “Is there anything else we need to discuss the?” The Kaiser looked around the generals and adjuncts were shaking their heads and closing the reports, before the General coughed “If I may, your highness, I would like to propose some, radical changes if I may speak freely.” The General stood there atease.
“General thank you that will be -” The minister was cut off by the Kaiser “Please General, by all means I did request this meeting to hear things of that nature.” Erich smiled “Thank you, your highness. Well, there are three major things I’d like to suggest. First, the opening of Military Academies, for you see as it stands we rely a lot on nobles who while maybe educated are perhaps not the most sound in leadership for one reason or another, that’s why I’d further suggest these academies be open to all classes. Secondly, I would recommend we begin to cut back on conscription and conscripts in general, while our numbers often are one of our greatest strengths and untrained man can be susceptible to a number of things, if we opening military training camps to have a trained for our numbers would be one of many strengths. Finally, this being perhaps the most radical currently, all military officials here and throughout the empire are of some royal background which is a noble thing. However, men who were born to lower classes have served under me have been as good as if not better then officers who were nobles. That is why I believe, in future rank should be based on experience and ability over that of nobility, influence or money.” The General then stood as many of the men in the room their eyes narrowed liked daggers many here would be what you call old guards, the kaiser himself took a long deep breathe and began to slowly nodded “General, I believe all of these are of sound judgement, especially from reports that have been sent in by the Julia-Vigentino war, we should even learn from our own war against the Tyrians. Though make it Helroxi officers only and get the documents written up I will then overlook them and authorize them should they look accordingly.” The Kaiser said as he stood up, “Minister Promote him to Major General, he clearly knows his information. Now I must go speak with some corporate heads and meet with some candidates for the Minister of Commerce. Excuse me.” With that the kaiser rose along with everyone else, the officers saluted him as he left.
Diplomacy
The Kaiser sat in his desk chair with a fine Helroxi Wine as he read over the Diplomatic agreements that were to be sent out at once. The first on his desk was Addressed to King Simon Itonzo of the Kingdom of Melgaria
Dear King Itonzo,
With the war to the west, it is believed that the Helrox Empire and the Kingdom of Melgaria become even closer, aside from the already guarantee of Independence which we provide, we would like to offer additional resources to help grow out friendship and increase security in the region.
The Empire of Helrox would like to offer Major General Redwulf Yulsig and Lieutenant General Dresvan Groslig as military advisors to help train the Melgarian Army
Provide a loan of 100,000,000 to help train, and equip a melgarian army with an interest rate of 3% however the Generals Redwulf and Dresvan would have final approval of all funds.
Allow a treaty of Open Borders between our two nation to allow the freedom of trade and resources to flow along with people.
Finally a pact of Nonaggression with one another.
Signed Kaiser Jakob Von Steeb
After the kaiser signed it he shifted it to the side and looked at the letter addressed to the Kingdom of Cydernia
Dear Foreign Minister Hugo Tasaric
To keep up relations between our two great nations, encompassed within the letter is a list of agreements that we would wish for you to sign so that we may keep our relations steady and our borders secure.
A Pact of Nonaggression
From the reports of Generals Thaddäus Naumann and Christoph Greifelt, the military drills seem to be working however we would like to offer a loan of 200,000,000 to train,equip and pay for additional cydernian forces provided the Generals have final approval of these funds with an interest rate of 2%
Provide open borders and free military access for 24 months
The creation of embassies between our two nations that would be located in one anothers capitals
Signed Kaiser Jakob von Steeb
The next treaty on his desk was to the Holy Empire of Vigentino at first he was confused and taken a back however after he began looking at the paper he began to chuckle
Dear Pope Carlo Bocci
After receiving numerous reports as well as having our eyes and ears everywhere it has come to our attention a Helroxi Nationalist was killed within your nation, while it was closely guarded and not let out I have found out, as such we demand compensation for this unless you wish to upset this great empire
An apology sent to myself and the empire of Helrox for the wrongful killings of the nationalist
All Vigentino Troops are to be pulled from the Helrox Border and come no closer than 50 miles.
A payment of 7,000,000 for damages to family members as a personal apology.
The Recognition of superior Helroxi people.
You have until July 1st to comply and respond or a general order of mobilization will be ordered.
Signed, Kaiser Jakob von Steeb.
With all papers signed and approved the kaiser called over his aides and had them sent out.
Treaties sent to the Kingdom of Cydernia and Melgaria Demands sent to the Holy Empire of Vigentino A complete layout of the 4 major army groups along with command duties. The beginning of Military Expansion and Improvements within Helrox +1 to all April Orders
Alwin Gessner the minister of commerce stepped out of his carriage as he looked up at the large manor of Minister Yannick Dehne, the minister of Foreign Affairs. He turned back to his driver “Go tie it up with the others, I’m not sure how long I’ll be but be ready my wife will kill me if I’m home to late.” He turned back to the manor and walked towards it, he had received a dinner invitation, stating all of the ministers would be in attendance so that they may discuss the empire in peace and as friends. He knocked on the door and a servant had lead him to the dining hall which he could hear as soon as he stepped in, he apparently was the last to arrive. But was welcomed all the same.
“Alwin, welcome we were begining to think you weren’t going to show.” Minister of the Army Casper Braun said with a grin. Alwin walked toward the empty seat next to the head of the Table Minister Dehne as a servant poured him a glass of wine. “Now, that your here we can finally begin the feast, Rogers begin serving my guests and me.” Dehne said in a commanding tone before returning to his conversation with minister of Justice Tim Fleischmann. Meanwhile Alwin turned towards Casper who seemed half asleep seeing as how he was 77 years old many wonder why he stays around, but apparently the army is very loyal to him and he holds great esteem if not great care like he once had. “Casper, do you know why we’re here exactly or what we’re gonna be doing here? Besides where is the kaiser?” Before Casper could get a word in Yannick turned “All will be explained after dinner one shouldn’t eat and speak politics at the same time.” Yannick chuckled as did the rest of the table even Alwin all be it suspicious of what was to be discussed.
The food was served in 3 courses, first a light warm chicken soup, followed by the main course of Roasted moose with mashed potatoes and vegetables of the guests choice. Finally the desert served was a sweet chocolate cake, but only Alwin,Yannick,Tillman and Torsten ate that, the rest were full and just continued to drink.
After the dinner Yannick lead the men to his large study and more refreshments were brought over. “Now, gentlemen with dinner finished and hopefully you’re all satisfied,- He said with a snickering smile - I would like to say having served with all of you has been wonderful. I remember when I was brought on under Kaiser Henlick Von Steeb, Jakob’s father and how honored I was. But at the time I didn’t realize the power we controlled, Henlick loved the limelight throwing balls and left the running of the country to us. Yet, since his passing - everyone took a sip of their win in remembrance - Jakob has attempted to strip this power away from us. I for one will not have it, I believe his son Jok who’s 14 now and we could install and rule for at least another 4 more years, showing him how to lead - he winked - And then we have control again .Now what say you?” The men each looked to each other and thought, Minister of Security Tillman Noffke was the first to stand up, Alwin assumed to call him a traitor instead clapped and walked over to shake his hand. The rest of the men agreed casper banged his cane in agreement. “Excuse me gentlemen, we can’t just kill our kaiser. We have been afforded this opportunity to reign by him and his father before him. I am absolutely ashamed at all of you, if we weren’t friends I would report you to the Kaiser himself.” Alwin stood up “I never want to hear this again.” Yannick nodded “Well, if we aren’t all in agreement then there we have it, here a toast to the new kaiser” Yannick turned behind him and grabbed an unopened bottle of wine poured himself and Alwin another glass and handed it to him “To Kaiser Jakob eyy Alwin?” Alwin nodded and took a drink, along with Yannick and the rest of the men who were confused but accepted it nonetheless. Yannick quickly grabbed a small bottle out of his pocket and swallowed it “My medicine I nearly forgot it, damned old age.” “Here, Here” Casper shouted. The men continued chatting for the night, until Alwin collapsed and started spasming as if he was having a stroke, that was until Yannick walked over “To the Kaiser, you poor fool.” The men all were aware and in agreement, they would begin laying out plans to regain control.
The Kaiser’s Lunch
The Kaiser sat in his large study looking over reports when a servant knocked on the door, the kaiser shouted a come in, a servant dressed in royal maroon clothes bowed and said “Your Imperial Highness, Grand Duke Realsiv Troves and Baron Jakob Rudist are here and waiting for you in private dining room” The Kaiser smiled and stood up “Excellent, bring us some refreshments, Red wine and the Baron loves Taran scotch.” The servant nodded and walked back to grab the drinks. The Kaiser walked to the large door and stepped out of his study and the walked towards the private dining room, his feet clapped against the marble floor and pictures of his forefathers moved passed him as he walked.
Servants opened the door and the two men stopped speaking immediately stood up and bowed, speaking in unison “You Imperial Highness, we are honored by your call.” The Kaiser chuckled and said “Your honor be damned, stand up and come here.” He gave them both big hugs and then sat down, noticing the drinks were already there and poured himself a glass of wine. “How high we’ve risen, since our days at the Royal Helroxi Imperial Academy. As much as I would like to reminisce of the past though, you were both called for something important.”The Kaiser said. “I think I speak for both of us when I say, as our Friend and Kaiser we’ll do whatever must be done to serve.” Grand Duke Realsiv said. The kaiser chuckled “Good, you see, the Toubres Empire has been having problems with rebels and as little as I care about them, we were invited alongside, the Tyrians and Parakan Republic. This could be huge for us, the damned Taran’s were snubbed and the Republic will have little care about some backwards natives, that means we and the Tyrians will be able to use our influence to further our imperialist nature and attain more resources. I request you both because of your loyalty, friendship and if this works the coastlines will become major hubs both in the east and west.” The two men nodded and stood up with a salute, and again in unison “We’re ready to serve, Your Imperial Highness.” Baron Jakob finished by asking “Who exactly will we be working with and when do we leave?” The three men began to discuss the team and plans.
urukhai