Beyond the Atlantic - Alt History 1500 AD RP - IC/OPEN!

by **DrakoLand** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:00 pm

OOC: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=279362

Constantinople, Rhomania

The Basileus reigned at his palace in the eternal city of Constantinople, the city destined to rule all the corners of the Earth. Rumors of a new continent across the seas being discovered have changed the Greek external policies for good. Now after pressure from the merchant class, Emperor Constantine Palaiologos funded a new expedition to this unknown land with ambitions of ammassing wealth, but for now, he waitted.

Suddenly, unexpected visitos entered the palace as 5 men requested to speak with Constantine.

"My lord, we have travelled far away, in lands no Greek has ever seen, where tales of entire cities made out of gold are told and where jewels can be harvested from the ground. If you would support our cause we could rule the world!" Said the men, prompting the King to keep funding the travles of the merchants.

by **Sebtopiaris** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:29 pm

Cádiz, Spain
Men loaded crates onto the big wooden ships. Weapons, supplies and preserved meat would help feed the soldiers that would board these ships. You see, and armada of 70 ships was being readied for an attack on Aragon that would take much of their land, giving Spanish merchants better access to the ports of the friendly Byzantine Empire and taking Spain one step closer to reuniting Iberia. The ships would land in Barcelona, and it was hoped that with the element of surprise the soldiers would be able to sack the city.

But for now they were just preparing, and with many of the 70 planned ships already built the outlook for the attack was very promising. Their attack would be made even more effective by the soldiers marching to Zaragosa...
Madrid, Spain
Several thousand Spanish soldiers marched out of the city of Madrid. They, like the armada, were going to attack Aragon, but their role in the attack was more instrumental. You see, these well-trained soldiers were going to march to the Aragonese capital (Zaragosa) and dethrone the kingdom's monarch, thus allowing Spain to annex Aragon.

The soldiers trudged on under the relentless Spanish sun. Horses, their saddles laden with supplied, marched along with them, and all of the men kept their eyes peeled for any danger. There was no danger, so they carried on walking. In a few days they would reach Zaragosa...

Palermo, Sicily
The merchant carefully loaded the boxes of wine bottles onto his merchant ship. Several sailors from his crew helped him, and with extra carefulness they didn't drop any of the boxes. This was good, as more wine would maximise the profit when trading with the Byzantines in eastern Sicily. Their wine was good too, and many of the local townspeople (both Byzantine and Spanish) enjoyed the wine regardless of whose territory it was grown on.

Eventually the men walked back into the ship and set sail for Syracuse, where they would sell their bounty of wine. There were many fortunes to be made in the Sicilian wine business.

by **The Jonathanian States** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:49 pm

The German Nation.
Since the Great German War, with the Wittelbacher aim at a Coup d'etat, the Holy Roman Empire had started to emphasize its second title more and more.
The focus on integration of the areas who were not German, while strengthening nationalism and national unity in the areas who were has formed a unified nation from the mass of states that existed on it.

Berlin. The Capital of the Germans since the day his ancestor became Elected King and Holy Emperor.
The change in capital and steady centralization had done the city well. No city North of the alps, between Paris and the east could claim such size.

Schloss Hohenzollern. Called after its owners, the family who can be called the most powerful in Europe.
A mighty castle, and a beautiful palace. Started outside the city of Berlin, but the growth of the city had reached it, though not yet surrounded it.

Schloss Hohenzollern, Berlin,Deutsches Reich
The Great Kaiser sat in his office.
He had to received note of multiple issues on which he had to decide.
The first, was the coronation. His Adviser for foreign Affairs had prepared the Invitations.
The Adviser entered bowing, holding the draft and handing it to the Emperor.

The Emperor read the draft, and approved.
He ordered it sent to all rulers and major nobility in the known world (fully filled out, of course). The Coronation should be an event to be remembered.
The Adviser nodded, and left.
The next issue came a merchant who returned from Portugal.
He bowed and, when the Emperor motioned him to rise, started speaking,"I have returned from Portugal just now, and I bring interesting news. It is told that a Sailor managed to reach a new continent in the west."
"I see. Then we shall outfit an expedition. To thank you for your information, you will be offered a worthy position in it.", replied the emperor calmly.
The Merchant got a small smile of his face, bowed, and left.

Ports,Hamburg,Deutsches Reich
Hamburg had benefited from the unification,too.
The end of the tiny borders outside every corner had increased the trade to and from Germany, raising the importance of the port cities, and of Hamburg amongst those.
Its ports where always bustling with people from all corners of the known world.
And yet know it was even more so, since the Emperor had ordered the creation of an expedition. The New World was rich, and plentiful, said the rumors. People and soldiers had been rapid to volunteer, while merchants were haste to grab shares of the program.

by **Paketo** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:51 pm

Port of Dublin

10 ships sat in the harbor with men bustling on and off loading supplies onto the ship. This was the Irish expidition to the new world and it's fabled riches as has been told by the portuguese. King Stephan VII walked along the Deck of Eire, the leading ship of the expidition, with Captain Art Mcgrey. "from what we can tell, these new lands are full of golden fertile soil, and a unknown people. This expidition should retur with great results for Ireland'" said Art he walked around the ship with King "this ship should get us there no problem. She is built with irish wood that can stand the sea waves". The king looked off into the sea where the nation england was "we will have many competitors in this new land. England and scotland may try to beat us there" said the king as he looked out to the sea. "do not worry my king, the Irish are a strong and hearty people, we can handle anything they throw at us" replied art to the Kings statement. "you are right Captain, The irish will come out on top in the end as we have before. I hope you have good luck on your voyage captain" said the king before leaving the ship and returing to the Castle of Dublin.

by **Alleniana** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:58 pm

Turku, Finland
The Scandinavian fleet, floating in the thin, icy harbour, after having manoeuvred through the islands they had been so familiar with once and in many ways, still were, sent off a small boat. As on board, the admirals reviewed their old charts and talked with the Swedes living in the area who had been willing to help them retake this land, the sailors on the sails and gunners at the cannons, the oversized rowboat, powered by several beefy mens' arms, bearing a diplomat in the middle with a message tucked under his arm and holding up the white flag of truce, came ever closer to the capital of the Grand Duchy.

On shore, the fearful people, having received the reports of their, in some cases, enemies, and in some cases, brethren across the gulf coming towards them at full speed, gathered on the shore, though often looking cautiously from behind walls, windows or other barriers. This had been a surprise, with the ships' speed and suddenness, and even though the guards rushed the man the cannon, it was obvious that they were outgunned. They had pierced like a needle through the isles, and now, the point had arrived to deal its first, piercing blow.

The diplomat, a highbrow looking kind of gentleman, stepped off the rowboat gracefully, regardless of its wobbling. The harbour officials, gathered already, sweated as they tried to look imposing and step up to him.

The man, reflecting the historical owners of the land, and what they had come to do, spoke in Swedish.
"Good morning. The Empire of Scandinavia declares war with the handover of this note, and the end of this short truce."
He placed the yellow but officious looking document in their hands, a declaration of war that would be no doubt either obliterated in the bombardment or hurried to the leaders of the city and in turn the country, and turned around, getting into the boat again, holding up the white flag again. As soon as the little coracle-like vessel was behind the cover of a larger ship where it could board again, an almighty volley sounded from all the ships, accompanied by a roar from their crew.

As the city of Turku's buildings began tumbling into oblivion and rubble everywhere, and so much of it was destroyed, crushed into dust and dead bodies, the cannons did not cease on either side. The Scandinavian ships took serious damage too, shore batteries hastily manned but well built, ripping great holes in the wood. The Bombardment of Turku had begun, and as shot continued to rain, it wasn't quite clear when it would end. With the destruction caused though... it didn't look like there would be a winner, even at the end.

by **United Social Slavian Republic** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:00 pm

Moscow, Russia

The Russians began to get ready for the winter to come. The Russian Empire was spread from the Ural mountains, to the east and the polish/Lithuanians to the west. They we're a large empire, that was getting even bigger. Although they we're stopping by the Ural mountains not knowing what was on the other side. To the south of them Persians were building up their empire. The Byzantines were building up their nation as a former Rome, although they had the same Religion as us. The Orthodox church would bring us closer, perhaps. The military was also strengthening up. Most recruiters would get 0-120 in a day. But those numbers were starting to fade down to 0-50. The Russian military had 50,000 troops stationed in it's major cities. Including Moscow, Novgorod, and Volgograd. The Tsar at the time began to set out to colonize the east of the Urals.

by **Aldelxane** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:00 pm

Palace of King Adane, City of Axum, Kingdom of Abyssinia

King Adane sat on a carved stone bench, surrounded by nobles and advisors from around the nation. A particularly vocal noble from a province in the west was imploring him to use the Royal Army expand and conquer farther into the interior of the continent, with the support of most of those in the room. A softspoken clerk was whispering in his left ear about the grain production of the southern provinces, and another was in his right wailing on about tax revenues. Adane slammed his fist onto the olive wood table, and suddenly all chatter came to a halt.

"The interior will wait. Our nation quickly slips behind the world in technology, and as we do so we begin to decline. Before anything can be done, we must first modernize Abyssinia." "But, but, your highness, how would this task be carried out? Who would we turn to, and how would we pay for it", piped up the clerk who had earlier been discussing tax revenues, and had now stepped away from the King to give a wide berth. "That, we do not know." With those last words spoken by the King, the nobles and clerks filed out of the room, leaving the King alone to ponder.

by **Sebtopiaris** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:11 pm

A Coruña, Spain
Alfred Corsicano and his brave crew sailed out of the port. After months of planning, they were finally beginning their journey to the new world. The journey would not be without great danger, but the fleet of colonists and conquistadors behind them made them feel a little bit safer. They had heard of gold and riches in the new world, and if they could take the land for themselves and steal the gold they would be filthy rich. Then, by sending colonists there, the land would be made loyal to the Spanish empire.

That was the plan, anyway.

The ship sailed out into the vast blue ocean. Nobody knew what awaited them on the other side of the Atlantic, but it would surely lead them to fame and glory.

Cádiz, Spain
The ships left the port in droves. There were now 70 of them, and in about two days they were expected to reach Barcelona. A surprise attack would cripple the Aragonese forces enough to increase the marching soldier's chance of success, as they would arrive in Zaragosa a day after Barcelona was attacked. The Spanish empire had planned the invasion carefully, and success now seemed likely...

by **Elderowa** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:27 pm

Zhenghe (Bangkok), Siam:

Zhenghe stood out as a jewel from the surrounding forests: the glorious Wat Makok (Wat Aran) had thousands of Thai Buddhists meditating and humbling themselves within it's walls, peasants where farming and collecting rice for the upcoming New Years celebration, and Merchants where selling goods to the growing Thai Middle Class and Chinese Traders. In the Near by Phang Briong Chu Palace, King Borichu (Chi Mei Jiong Borichu Kha), in his regal attire, was discussing the plans for Colonizing many near by islands for Siam with his royal Advisors, while his 5 Wives where in the Kitchen, eating and gossiping.

For a few years, the various islands outside of Siam's reach where ruled by various indigenous people or by the Persians in the Far West. However, Siam was shrinking: The Major cities began to be overpopulated, and farmland was becoming scarce. Although the acquisition of Burma in the West helped give new land to the Thai peoples, it was not enough, especially since the Burmese also owned the land and farmed it themselves. A few years ago, several of Borichu's advisors had suggested they begin creating cities on these islands. At first, Borichu was hesitant, but when the advisors showed the King the Peasants and middle classes support for expanding their kingdom, Borichu could no longer say no. The plans for colonizing these near by islands had been worked on for months, but finally, everything was ironed out, including getting the Persians to accept their take over of those islands (Excluding the Tributaries to Persia, such as Jahore, Singapore, Sabah, as well as others). But now, all was prepared.

"After the New Years celebration next week," Advisor Cho Song Chi Tiannmi said triumphantly, "we can begin settling down on the near by islands. Hopefully within a year, we will have colonies on Sri Indraditya (the Philippines), Uthong (New Guinea), the Island of Suvarnabhumi (Borneo) on the opposite side of Sabah and the Island of Makassar (Sulawesi). Each colony will have 200 of our Citizens, and each one of them will thrive."

Borichu looked quizzically at Tiannmi. "What of the Natives on these Islands?"

Another advisor, General Ka Zhe Orru Po Hetti, replied. "While we do believe the Natives will be hostile to our colonies, they are simply armed with Spears, swords, and Inefficient Arquebus's that are no match for our powerful Ram Kham Haeng Muskets."

Borichu nodded. "Very well. Continue with Procedure. Within a month, I want to know the status of each Colony."

The Advisors bowed, and left.

by **DrakoLand** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:32 pm

To: The magnificent King of Spain
From: The Emperor of Rhomania

It has come to the attention of our Basileus that our nations share common interest in this new continent. We hope to put our past mistakes behind and campgain together as civilised men and followers of the Christ. For that we request access for our ships to sail in your ports, in exchange we offer a non-agression pact.

Meanwhile, in Axum

A man from a far away land, dressed in odd clothing and followed by armed men and a native translator entered Axum. Before entering the city the local soldiers ordered him to give up his weapons and to follow them. To the way to the palace men doing their daily jobs were staring in confusion at the man and his followers while he was being stunned by this unkown landscape.
Upon entering the palace the diplomat bowed in front of the King:
"Your majesty, I am a messanger of the great Emperor of Rhomania. He offers you an alliance pact, trade offers and all the gold you desire. His only request is that you aid his glorious army in his upcoming campaign against the heathens of Egypt."

by **Steampunk Mars** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:36 pm

Samarqand, Greater Turkestani Qaghanate:

In the great Nestorian cathedral of Samarqand, the Catholicos-in-exile was presiding over the coronation of the new Qaghan. Though the cathedral was the episcopal see of the Metropolitan of Samarqand, the Catholicos, or Patriarch-in-exile of Seleucia-Ctesiphon, was the senior Nestorian churchman in the Qaghanate, and indeed, in the world, and as such had the honour and duty of officiating.

The Patriarchate of Seleucia-Ctesiphon was technically located in the Safavid dominions, but the current incarnation of the ancient Persian empire was keeping up what appeared to be a tradition of marginalisation and persecution of the Nestorian minority in what had once been its heartland, and several hundred years ago with the rise of the Timurid dynasty, the Nestorian Qaghans had invited the leading cleric of the Nestorian branch of Christianity to come north to the Silk Road city of Samarqand.

Lifting the golden vial of blessed oil above the head of Qutluq-Timur, the kneeling Qaghan-to-be, Catholicos Mar Yeshuyab XVII invoked the blessing of the Christ, Yeshu Msheekha, over the sovereign, making the Sign of the Cross over him.
"Rise, Qutluq-Timur Qaghan," the Catholicos intoned. "Serve the God of Heaven with faithfulness, ruling in His strength and with His justice, forgetting not mercy, all the days of your life."

The Qaghan rose, to cheers from the multitude, even the Manichaeans, Tengriists and Mohammedans who had not shrank from coming into a church to see their ruler crowned, accepting the sceptre of his office from the hands of the Nestorian pope.

by **Sebtopiaris** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:58 pm

Barcelona, Now Captured by Spain
People screamed and shouted as the unstoppable armada of ships reached the port. They had no knowledge or warning of the attack, and soon the ships spread themselves out across the shores of Barcelona as soldiers came pouring out of them. The first sounds of gunfire roared through the city, and any soldiers present there were quickly shot by guns or sliced by the Spaniard's swords. One of the Spanish soldiers set fire to a building, sending a blaze roaring down the street. Anything in its path was burned alive.

The soldiers pushed deeper into the town as the helpless townspeople fled, and soon they had captured the town building. The Aragonese flag was burned, and a Spanish flag was placed atop the building. Barcelona had been swiftly captured.

The outskirts of Zaragoza, Aragon
The army had been marching for days, and they could see towns in the distance. They had almost reached their destination, and the town was only starting to become aware of the attack in Barcelona. The Soldiers set up a camp to stay there for the night, and the generals planned the attack. Tomorrow Aragonese blood would be spilled in the capital...

DrakoLand wrote:
(Image)

To: The magnificent King of Spain
From: The Emperor of Rhomania

It has come to the attention of our Basileus that our nations share common interest in this new continent. We hope to put our past mistakes behind and campgain together as civilised men and followers of the Christ. For that we request access for our ships to sail in your ports, in exchange we offer a non-agression pact.

TO: The Mighty Emperor of Rhomania
FROM: The King of Spain
We happily accept your offer, and we hope that with our non-aggression pact we can colonise the Americas together. We shall become allies soon, as it is our destiny. God has intended it.

by **United Social Slavian Republic** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:15 pm

Russia, Moscow

A tension grew between Russia and Finland. Russia wanted to take over Finland for the trade port, with control of if they should own most of the trade there. Russia wanted to destroy all of Finland, but Russia feared that Finland would be Allies with Scandinavia. Russia decided that it'd need to gain Poland and probably another nation. They decided to try and gain Germany.

"From- The Russian Empire
To the great empire of Germany, and poland.
I wish to add your empires to ally with me against the nation of Finland and it's Allies. In return I shall trade with your nations, and give both of you Military Acess until Cancellation
Sincerly, the Empire of Russia"

Russia recruited more men and sent them closer to Finland. sending the letter to begin their war. The Russians sent them to St.petersburg to attack their city

by **Elderowa** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:19 pm

Zhenghe, Siam:

After a few Days, it was New Years Night, and the whole town was celebrating. Unlike the Chinese that celebrate the New Year for 15 days, the Siamese Celebrate it all in one night. All Day, people would dance and sing on the streets, play music, play sports, Pray to their ancestors every hour and give gifts and Bahts (Money) to everyone they could. Fireworks where shot on and off all day and all night, and performers re-enacted tales and legends. And King Borichu, again in his royal attire, sat outside the palace all day to watch the festivities.

After the Sun had set, the Siamese Festival of Fire began: The King, His Advisors, His Wives and His Servants where paraded royally through town, and all the people would carry a candle. As the King passed them, they would light the Candle and place it at their feet, staying there until the King was no longer in their presence. Those the King Did not pass would still light a Candle in their house or on their person, or shoot off a Firework into the Heavens. It would end with the King arriving at the Wat Makok, where he would pray to the Golden Buddha statue in front of it, and give it a burning Candle. With that, the Celebration would end as the King was royally taken back to his Castle.

As King Borichu arrived at the Wat Makok that night, he had a strange sensation, one he had not felt since his youth. He slowly walked to the front of the Buddha statue and stared at it: He would swear that the Statue was happier then it normally appeared. As he prayed to the Statue, all of the Thai people silenced themselves, as it was important. During his prayer, the strange feeling kept growing in his body, giving him goosebumps. When he was done, he stood up and took a lit candle, putting it gently in the Buddha's open hand. When it was placed there, the Candle light grew brighter, so light that even the people up to 50 feet away could see it. It was then that Borichu knew what his feeling was; it wasn't a bad feeling, it was a very good one. It was pride; pride in himself, in his people, in his country. He turned around, and with watering eyes and a great smile, he raised his arms up to the Heavens, causing the Thai people to cheer and bow and celebrate! They all knew that their destiny was sealed. They all knew that they were destined for greatness.

The Festival of Fire didn't end, even after the King was taken back to his Palace, until the sun began to rise the next day. The Candle in the Buddha's hand was still burning, even as the wax was almost completely melted from the wick. The Thai people where tired, but since it was the day after New Years, it was customary for today to be a day of rest and relaxation. However, at the docks of Zhenghe, 5 large ships where being stocked with food and supplies to start new Cities, in far off lands...

by **Alleniana** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:28 pm

Stockholm, Scandinavia
The Grand Duchy's capital had finally fallen, it had seemed. The ships had taken less damage than expected, though that was still a terrible amount, the city had taken more; the Swedish populace still around had rallied surprisingly well to the cause, despite the destruction, and the crews had occupied the city fairly quickly. Arrows and cannonballs were still strewn around; even the primitive artillery had done massive damage to the old capital.

The news had come back quickly, and now, in Stockholm, an army of a couple thousand knights and their thousands of footsoldiers in their retinues had been gathered. Filing onto the ships, the still relatively feudal system made it hard for King Karl I to raise his troops particularly efficiently, but he had been working on that; the nobility was already losing power fairly quickly, and he had plans to declare himself autocrat, by using nobles against each other, and his court; one of the most efficient in Europe.

Nevertheless, to war they went. Arquebusiers, crossbowmen, pikemen, knights and noncombatants, and, of course, the gunpowder artillery now used so commonly across Europe. They would occupy Turku, and march on the many villages that dotted the Finnish coast Gulf, and then, finally, land in Ingria, and take over Estonia, if the plan went ahead at least mostly flawlessly. The war was taking up Scandinavia's full attention, even as militias and irregulars advanced in the north. They would have no time for investigating the rumors of a new land, or much diplomacy.

by **The Jonathanian States** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:35 pm

The diplomats started arriving in the courts they were sent to, all over the world know to the Germans.
The letters to the nobles and rulers had all followed the same draft, only with names edited appropriately.

by **United Social Slavian Republic** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:51 pm

*Near St.Petersburg*

The land units moved towards St.petersburg, The horsemen rode onwards to scout saying the city was only a Few hills away. But that was an obvious lie, St.petersburg was many kilometers away. They decided to rest in a village near by. They ate and drank, then slept or just played games. Many decided to go inside the Abandoned homes and take some stuff. A few meters away a Finnish Scout unit decided to see what was going on. They charged at us, as if they could over power us. Our archers fired upon them killing 10 or 20 of the 80 men. Our cavalry flanked them and took them out. The last of em' surrendered and gave us Information. They told us that they had 10,000 men stationed at St.Petersburg and Cannons stationed at the walls. Russia knew it might be a problem to take the city. They decided to wait until more unit's arrived.

by **Alleniana** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:13 pm

Copenhagen, Scandinavia
Karl I was preparing to make his way into the Holy Roman Empire to attend the coronation; a young but powerful monarch, he had to make his presence well felt as the person who ruled most of the northern tip of Europe. A coronation would be an excellent place to begin hobnobbing with his fellows; indeed, among another new monarch, it would be useful to attend, even despite the Scandinavian Conquest of Finland.

As he prepared to leave, however, word was received of problems. Apparently, the Russians had too attacked the ancestral Swedish lands of the Grand Duchy of Finland; not Finland proper, but Ingria, still an important territory. It joined Estland to Finland major, and if taken, it would be a great blow to Scandinavian hegemony in the Baltic, as it would open a port for them that would not be controlled by Saaremaa. Not only that, but it would separate Estonia, and also reduce Scandinavian legitimacy for the area. Hastily preparing a communique, he and his procession made their way on horseback into Schleswig, where many local Danes were glad to see him, whereupon he gave gifts. That, however, was not his destination, nor was winning them over his trip's purpose.

To the Tsar of the Russias,
Sovereign of the European Orient, we have received word and reports that your troops and men march into Scandinavian Ingria. This is an atrocity; though they be rebels for now, those lands are still ineffably and inarguably Scandinavian, meaning at present, you trespass on our lands and kill our citizens. We demand that your soldiers withdraw from all Finnish territory, or else we will be forced to respond accordingly. We do not with this to spiral into armed conflict, but if we must, we must. Call your armies to retreat immediately, and be glad we demand no reparations.
From Emperor Karl I of Scandinavia

Vyborg, Scandinavia
The navy had managed to finally secure the surrender of this major town on the Gulf, and it was not long before they docked and began the occupation; gentler than most due to surrender, but nevertheless an occupation.

It had been here that fleeing Finns and Ingrians had informed the Scandinavian Empire of the Kievan intent to expand here, and indeed, partially for that reason that they had surrendered. Soldiers were on their way here to enact a pincer movement on the Finnish coast to their Gulf, but it looked as if they might have to face a new foe; the easterners, the slant eyed descendants of Norse immigrants and the Mongolic people, who had produced these abominably barbaric Slavs. Now, it seemed, these people would prove a threat to what was technically their home country.

The conquest of Finland was coming along well, but the central Lake area, the far north and Estonia were yet to be taken, as was now probably Russian Ingria. It would be a harder war than had been intended, it seemed.

by **United Social Slavian Republic** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:32 pm

Alleniana wrote:Copenhagen, Scandinavia
Karl I was preparing to make his way into the Holy Roman Empire to attend the coronation; a young but powerful monarch, he had to make his presence well felt as the person who ruled most of the northern tip of Europe. A coronation would be an excellent place to begin hobnobbing with his fellows; indeed, among another new monarch, it would be useful to attend, even despite the Scandinavian Conquest of Finland.

As he prepared to leave, however, word was received of problems. Apparently, the Russians had too attacked the ancestral Swedish lands of the Grand Duchy of Finland; not Finland proper, but Ingria, still an important territory. It joined Estland to Finland major, and if taken, it would be a great blow to Scandinavian hegemony in the Baltic, as it would open a port for them that would not be controlled by Saaremaa. Not only that, but it would separate Estonia, and also reduce Scandinavian legitimacy for the area. Hastily preparing a communique, he and his procession made their way on horseback into Schleswig, where many local Danes were glad to see him, whereupon he gave gifts. That, however, was not his destination, nor was winning them over his trip's purpose.
To the Tsar of the Russias,
Sovereign of the European Orient, we have received word and reports that your troops and men march into Scandinavian Ingria. This is an atrocity; though they be rebels for now, those lands are still ineffably and inarguably Scandinavian, meaning at present, you trespass on our lands and kill our citizens. We demand that your soldiers withdraw from all Finnish territory, or else we will be forced to respond accordingly. We do not with this to spiral into armed conflict, but if we must, we must. Call your armies to retreat immediately, and be glad we demand no reparations.
From Emperor Karl I of Scandinavia

The Tsar did not like the words of the Scandinavian leader. But he was going to plan something with them.

(outside of Nyen)
The reinforcements arrived ready to take on the city of Nyen. They move closer to this land scouting out the soldiers that were protecting it. It looked like there were less people at that fort. They must've went to fight the Scandinavians. The Russians drew closer and closer ready to fight the city. Russia's men charged at the fort that wasn't as protected as the scouts said. There were only a few cannons that were being tended, but they looked damaged. The Russians fired their cannons at the walls destroying some of the wooden fortresses walls. They thought it'd be easy to take them. But from afar the Finnish cannons fired. Not from the fortress but to our left flank. They had prepared as we rested, they charged at our men in great numbers of 5,000 men. Although we had the upper hand our Moral began to fall. Suddenly our Cavalry took out some the men that were flanking us. They scouted their positions in a sneaky way. The Cavalry then moved onto the cannons. The main force moved into the fort that was being Heavily guarded by the Finnish men they...

by **Elderowa** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:39 pm

Zhenghe, Siam:

At around 12:00 PM, the Royal Horns began to blare, and fire works where shot into the sky from the Docks of Zhenghe. The over 1,000 men and women, who had months prior signed up to go to new lands for Siam, knew that it was finally time to leave Zhenghe. They marched to the docks, as curious onlookers looked. Soldiers guarded the Docks, guarding the 5 ships meant to transfer colonists to 4 Near by Islands. These ships where moderately sized (About 80 Feet long), with 3 masts, 50 sailors each, and enough room to hold 3 months of food and over 300 people each. However, each ship only had 1 month of food on their ship, with the remaining space meant for wood, weapons and constructive supplies. The islands weren't so far off that more then 1 month of food was needed, however.

Soldiers with lists helped individuals who had signed up get on their correct boats, and King Borichu with a large happy smile was there watching the whole event. Hour after hour, more and more of the people got on their ships. By 5:00 PM, all people where on board their ships. With that, the King gave a small speech.

"Citizens of the Country of Sukkhothai," he said, "Today, marks a new chapter for our Kingdom. Today, we set sail for new lands, and for new opportunities. With these ships, we expand our kingdom's borders. With these people, we build new generations. And with my blessing, we start a new era. An era, of Thai dominance!"

The Crowd cheered, and fireworks blasted. With the fireworks blast, the Ships boarded up, and began to leave the port. The Thai people still on the dock cheered and waved for the sailors. The Colonists where heading for their new homes...

by **Sebtopiaris** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 8:23 pm

Modern Hispanola, Spanish Empire
The Spanish sailors, soldiers and colonists had seen several small, jungle-covered islands on their journey through the ocean, and it became clear that the famed new world was close. They were running desperately low on supplies though.

All of them were hungry, thirsty and hot. The salty water could not quench their thirst, and the sun was even hotter than in Spain. When all hope seemed lost, the colonists saw a massive island where they could stop for supplies. They feasted on the meat of coconuts and fished in the water for a while, but then they decided to set up camp and stay for the night.

That night they sat around the fire, and Captain Alfred Corsicano jabbed the Spanish flag into the sand of the beach. They talked, laughed, ate and even decided to leave about 50 people there. These 50 people would start a new village in this land of plenty, and with this colonisation they could legitimately claim the island of Hispanola.

Zaragoza, Spain
The Spanish men charged down the hill at the Aragonese troops, who raised their lances. The battle had begun! Several men were speared on the long metal lances, but more horses and people were charging down the hill. An unstoppable force of Spaniards was ploughing down the Aragonese due to their high ground advantage, and they swiftly charged towards the city as the last troops fled.

They ran into the streets of the city, setting buildings alight and stealing valuables. They jabbed their swords at the fleeing crowds, and painful cries for help rang out in the air. The screams were accompanied by gunshot and the crackling of fire, and soon enough the men charged into the king's palace. His guards were killed, and soon the Aragonese king was held at gunpoint.

There was a massive bang, and the pink mass that was once the king's brain stained the wall. Blood was everywhere, and pieces of shattered skull went flying. The men cheered! They had won the war!

by **Alleniana** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 8:33 pm

(sorry if it seems like fast conquest, but I messed up a bit, and this post should clear things up)

Turku, Scandinavia
He gazed at the map, looking at the latest advances. The little wooden counters, meant for children's games had been used to give him an idea of where things were at with the conquest.

A curve of little counters were pushed up against the inland lakes, near where he was; the inland forests and ponds of Finland were distinctive and beautiful, but a nightmare to fight in, especially in logistics terms. There were also few Swedes in those areas to help them; attrition would be ever present. The troops, however, were making good progress, with skirmishers and light cavalry doing the rounds, and pike-and-shot backing them up where possible and necessary.

Up in the north, counters scattered about represented the bulk of the Norwegian forces; mainly irregulars, militia, skirmishers and others of the sort, they had been hastily pulled up to fight the sparsely populated and barely controlled lands of the far north. They had too encountered the same problems as in the lakes region, but they were more used to the climate, and at least there were no bog-like formations to hinder them any more than the Finnmark did. He had little contact with them, but the few Finns who lived there weren't all that enamoured with the central government, being so far from civilization and isolated as they were.

Down in the south, below the bottom curve of those against the lakes, was those who had swept through the villages of the Gulf of Finland. It was the most fertile and populated part of Finland apart from that island-scattered strip that faced Svealand, and it had been surprisingly easy to take with shock cavalry followed up by plenty of pikes, all supported by crossbowmen and arquebusiers. They spread out into Finland proper, being occupied too, but most were in that area, ending at approximately Vyborg.

Finally, apart from those few units scattered about as they moved or occupied large centres, was the ships. Smallish inroads had been made into Finnish Bothnia, becoming known quite incorrectly as the Finnbotten, mainly supported by the Baltic navy's less strong ships. In fact, many were commandeered, hired or patriotic citizens' vessels, being used merely as ferries. In the Gulf of Finland, however, it was a different story; effectively all Scandinavia's navy was focused either on controlling the Gulf, or Estonia. The Gulf of Riga was not yet penetrated, and though many ships pirated the coasts, no real progress had been made to its conquest. The ships were playing a vital role in this cross-Baltic war.

In addition to all this, Russians were in Ingermanland, and the emperor was going to the land of the Germans. The nation's appointed generals, rather than the highbrow aristocrats and nobles were doing much of the running of the war against this primitive and relatively backward rebel nation. It had not proved to be the worst war ever, really, but it would be quite a challenge, especially with Kiev's interference.

by **United Social Slavian Republic** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 8:42 pm

in Nyen

Russian troops had taken out most of the Finnish men there, taking over the fort and City hall. They began to take posts at the fort ready for the Finnish soldiers to come and try to take it back, however they didn't come. They were too busy with the Scandinavian men.

In moscow, January 15th 1500

The Russians signed a treaty with the Finnish troops stating "The people of Russia gain the right to own the land of Nyen" In return the Finnish gain nothing. The Russians then sent to the Scandinavian leader

To the leader of Scandinavia, we give you the lands of Latvia to keep each other from fighting. We wish for you to accept this land.

OOC: Sorry for such small post.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 8:58 pm

Liaoyang, Golden Ilkhanate

The slow tamp-tamp of the drums was almost buried under the rolling thunder of marching feet, and Zhang Ha looked out upon the marching legions of the Ciryu Khan-Emperor. Great and terrible was the power of the imperial dragon; like a stream of devouring fire the hosts of the Yuan were, limitless in their numbers and strength. Nearly thirty thousand men marched under his command, but a part of the Ciryu Khan-Emperor's great war now unfolding with the turning of the seasons. Like a hand of iron, the Yuan armies were poised about the life-blood of the Joseon state, and they were beginning to strangle it. The formal declaration of war, sealed in the crimson and gold of the Grand Dynasty, would have arrived a day ago, and now with the strength gathered from the corners of the Yuan dominions the scholar-warrior marched into the tiny peninsula that had resisted the Khan-Emperors for so long. The Ciryu Khan-Emperor's predecessors had been content to leave the area controlled by the Joseon as a vassal state, paying only lip service to Yuan dominance, but now with the insolence of the Joseon complete with the laggardly payment of tributes a stench in the nose of the Immortal Yuan, the cup of wrath would be theirs to drink in full. Already the Yuan vanguard had swept aside two small border armies with fire and arrows, fighting as their forefathers had in the grand tradition of mounted horse-archers combined with the great bombards and arquebuses of the foundries and armories of Khanbaliq and central Yuan China. The losses to the armies of the Khan-Emperor had been light, the weight of their numbers and speed of advance across the road systems of Joseon too rapid for the peninsula men to make an adequate response to. Zhang Ha nodded; much his star would rise in the Storied Court if he had the head of the Joseon "King" to lay at the feet of the Khan-Emperor. Ahead the horns of his scouts blew; more foes had been spotted to the south. The Confucian scholar spoke politely but with iron will to his advisers and couriers, and soon the plan that would crush the army of the tiny nation was underway. Another victory, for the Golden Ilkhanate. In the north, the winds of war were blowing with fire and gunsmoke.

by **The Nation of Hay** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 9:10 pm

Paris, France, French Capital

"Greetings, His Majesty, Louis XII Valois, King of France and the Levant, Unifier of the Frankish Kingdoms," the speaker bowed, his long blue sleeves almost touching the floor. The man stood in the Royal Palace of France in Paris. To his left stood armed guards. To his right, more armed guards. Directly ahead of him were armed guards. Behind the armed guards directly ahead of him, however, was a throne (as opposed to a wall). Upon this throne sat the King of France, Louis XII Valois. The man glanced upwards, stealthily, to see if he could stand.

"Continue, good sir," this was the king. He stood.

"Magnanimous and glorious king, what a lovely palace you have here," the man said. He was correct, for the palace was indeed lovely. Tapestries of golden fleurs-de-lis upon blue backgrounds hung from every wall, and multicolored banners were strewn across the room. The entrance into the great building was adorned with statues, of both real and fictional beings. A marble checkered pattern made the floor of each room, of which there were many. Each room, particularly the larger ones, contained massive pillars, lavishly decorated.

"But, compliments aside," the man continued, "I bring you good news. News has spread of great lands to the West. Lands filled with mystical creatures and men who stand as tall as gods, and are built even stronger. Tales tell of great cities made of gold, and of fabulous treasures. Mi'lord, if I am just given a small, erm, loan, I could --"

"Enough, Mister Baudin," The king replied, "I have heard such tales before. I trust that, given the funds, you will bring glory to the Kingdom of France, am I incorrect?"

"No, lord."

"And I trust that, given the funds, you will bring my name and that of my country to every corner of the globe, and that you will expand my territory tenfold, am I incorrect?"

"Mi'lord, you are not!"

"Fine! Spare no expense! In the name of France!"

Thousands of men and women and supplies were readied for the expedition. Soon, the New World would wave the French Flag.

Beyond the Atlantic - Alt History 1500 AD RP - IC/OPEN!

Beyond the Atlantic - Alt History 1500 AD RP - IC/OPEN!

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