Yukon Begins [IC | Region Only]

[Vvarden]

Inner Chorrol

"So we're holding?" The commander asked one of the captains.
"Just barely, the Vokun are intercepting all trade supplies. They have us cornered."
The two walked around the area. It was lucky for this town to have a wall, and extra so as it was the only one which did. Some areas blown up have been fortified with ruined trucks and cars.
Around were the wounded, being nursed by red and white Royal Guards, the medical corps.

Screams filled the air as they made makeshift surgeries and dressings, mostly without anaesthetic due to it being used up almost immediately, and the cutoff of the area.

Around were grim and disheartened Royal Guards, eating their rations which they often carried in their backpacks. They each had about a week's supply, and with the townspeople also in need of food, they couldn't hold out long.
"Well, we have half of our forces wounded, many glum and morale is low. A feast or party could increase it, but it would waste supplies." The captain replied.
"And hope of a breakthrough? Could be possibly puncture through their forces?"
"No. We could if we could train the townspeople, but it would take at least a week to get them battle ready, and we don't have a week."
"Hmm. So not much we can do." The commander sat down on a piece of rubble.
Then a small pop sounded, like a small explosion, and then another and another.
Then came the loud unmistakable roar of jet engines. Within seconds they flew over, unfamiliar. Then a lookout shouted and the commander and the captain ran up to the walls and saw the view. Outside entire legions of Vokun scrambled as the jets bombed them, scattering, blowing up and burying entire sections of Vokun.
Then a horn sounded, and the commander's view shifted to a line of Vvardeni, possibly 25,000 at least, in a long line, three rows thick. At once the first row fired their lasers into the Vokar, wiping out sections. The Vokar tried to regroup and made a primitive charge, but then the first row ducked down and the second fired, scattering them. The few Vokar who survived and now ran caught the mercy of the third row as they fired, as the second one ducked.

The siege was lifted, they were saved.

[Airatania]

Reporter: Okay, and President Ward has just taken the podium. Let's listen in.

President Ward: Good afternoon everyone, I just want to make a brief announcement on the crisis in Vvarden before I board the presidential jet back to New Miracus. After a conference call with my cabinet, as well as our ambassador in Vvarden and several Vvardeni officials, I have offered any support necessary to Vvarden in this critical time of need for them. As an ally, anything they need from us, they will have the moment they ask. The situation there is tense, and the last thing anyone wants to see is an armed conflict, especially one drawing in outside nations such as our own. However, we also recognize Vvarden's right to defend itself, and I have pledged the full resources of the Airatanian government and military to helping Vvarden obtain that goal. As of yet, they have not asked for our assistance, but again, anything they need from us, they will have. Thank you. *walks off*

Press Secretary: The President will not be taking any questions at this time, thank you.

Reporter: Well, a very concise, but very clear statement from President Ward there as she heads off for the Presidential Jet back to New Miracus. And that is, that the Airatanian government will unequivocally support the Vvardeni government as they attempt to fight off the recent attacks by the Vokun.

[Vvarden]

"How could we lose Chorrol?!" The Inquisitor shouted. "HOW?!"
"Excellence, we were bombed and then taken by surprise by a Vvardeni force." A wounded Vokar asked.
They were in their main camp in Almalexia, Wounded walked around along with troops exercising and training.
Purity governed things here, and the few Vvardeni which stayed had been captured and killed, so they couldn't spread their inferior genes around.
The severely wounded and the deaf had also been executed, and most of them understood, except from the deaf, because they couldn't hear the explanation.
Behind him Ursus stood.
"You lost Chorrol." He said.
The Inquisitor turned, angry.
"That foolish general Yngol lost it. Now, we have to take it back. Or take other towns."
"I suggest Mzungthunch. It is remote and in a fertile area, perfect for us. It could become our base, our capital." Ursus pointed to the city on the map to the north.
"Won't they have soldiers?" The Inquisitor said. "We cannot have another Chorrol."
"Not if you move all your forces there, take it with the million you have. Million crushes a few thousand." Ursus smiled.
"I think I have just the General for the job, General." The Inquisitor smiled.
"You won't forget it, my exellence."
Ursus bowed and walked off.

[Herargon]

MILITARY FLIGHT RECORD OF HERARGON:

''23 o' clock, I repeat, 23 o'clock, I have arrived at the siege.''

''Well done, now fly carefully and silent over them. Drop over the city. Good luck.'', the marshal said.

''Understood, sir! Soldiers, ready to drop the goods above the starved city?'', spoke the pilot through the microphone.

''Sir, there is news..'' said another, barse voice.

''What?'', said the higher-pitched voice. A female.

The deep, barse voice spoke again.
''Vvarden survived the siege, but those people can't be given humanitarian aid unless there is an international mandate for it...''

''Didn't the world already acknowledge our neutrality?'', muttered the pilot. He sounded surprised.

''Yes, but is humanitarian aid through droppings not an act of supporting an enemy...?''

An collective *sigh* could be heard among the people in the formation of, what it sounded like, 23 airplanes.

''Guys, let's just drop this, okay? This is why we wrote ''Humanitarian Aid'' in big letters all over it before.'', sighed the pilot.

''You're right. Let's drop this. Should we let fall a few 'accidentally' on the Vokun, what then?''

''Then it's an accident. We'll tell this later then.''

''But-''

Suddenly, an angry voice spoke through the intercom. ''SILENCE! Or do you want to be fired?''.

It was the general.

''Okay, sir. You can see our position? Is it correct''

''Roger, and yes.'', spoke the loud, redneckish voice of the general.

''Goods ready for dropping?'', the pilot spoke again.

''Roger. Yes.'', spoke all 25 pilots.

''Flaps ready for opening?'', the general asked again.

''Roger, yes, sir!'', they spoke, with one voice.

A brief moment of silence followed, and then the general spoke again with his thick voice.

''Then why didn't y'all guys drop earlier? DROP THE BASS NOW!''

The pilots laughed softly and happily from the joke.

''We'll drop as soon as possible, sir! Over and out!'', spoke the female voice.

''Over and out.'', said the general, ''I will be observing your actions from now only. After the droppings you will return to our base.''

''Roger.'', the voices spoke mechanically.

A brief sound of something going off, as a radio being set lower and lower and then instantly off, could be heard.

''Jenny, when we survive this dropping and the last Vokuns don't bomb us because they think we're enemies, I'll slap you on your behind and make sweet, deep love with you!'', said another, barse - but soft as a tenor - voice.

''Oooh, I like that. You're sooo naughty, wanna send your number after that?''

''Sure.''

''I STILL CAN HEAR YOU, FOOLS!'', said the general. His mouth sounded as if he was eating crisps with stacks at the same time.
Go on, go on! Drop it now and go back!''

''Yes, sir.'', all voices spoke immediately, and the flaps opened after a few minutes. They were now flying over the city, because otherwise they could not have opened their flaps.

Then the goods were dropped - including a parachute and a reserve parachute, for if the first one was shot down - and the flaps were closed.

''Task completed, sir.'', said the female pilot.

And they flew back to their base.

[Vvarden]

The million Vokun marched from the wide, grassy plains of Almalexia, into the mountain filled, treacherous rift that surrounded Mzungthunch. The scenery was instantly changed. One foot, plains, the other, a steep sided, mountain filled area, where paths wind above narrow rivers.
They had to walk slowly and in single file around here, else landslides caused by the vibrations of the marching could wipe the entire force out.
A few scouts fell into the rivers, after a rockfall. That was okay, as scouts that stupid did not need to survive.
Within days of sleeping in small caves and rainy weather, they had reached Mzungthunch.
The Vvardeni had forces in the city, small but enough detailed reports of the outside area could be enough for a guerilla war. There were rumors the city was made not by Vvardeni, but long gone occupants, which had built the citadel itself. The city was dug into the stone itself, and was a real fortress. So they had to not mess up. It would be a major failure and embarrassment if 1.5 million soldiers could not win against a few thousand.
And for Ursus this was a chance to redeem himself from the husk that once ruled a nation. He would be, finally, free.
The major bulk of the army hid behind a huge crag of a mountain, like a huge stalagmite, while the rest, 10,000 took a hilly route. While the main army was causing all the ruckus, panicking the forces inside, the smaller army got their grappling hooks and slowly and stealthily climbed over the rocks protecting the city.
Then they descended, swiftly silencing every guard before even a whisper could pass.
While the Vvardeni force held the gates to prevent the enemy pouring into the city, within minutes they turned to realise they had already lost. The Vokun charged from both sides, a massacre ensued as Vvardeni body piled upon body and the sounds of screams and the firing of lasers and plasma ensued. Within minutes the city and the region was now taken. They had their capital now.

Vvardeni News Network
Vokun State Loses At Chorrol, Wins At Mzungthunch

After the city of Chorrol was freed from the clutches of the Vokun, they have moved north into the dangerous, remote, solitude, fertile, fortress like region of Mzungthunch, with its capital now under Vokun rule after a huge defeat in which the extreme bulk of the Vokar forces, 1.5 million, fought a few thousand.
The Vokun have now claimed the area as their new capital and if the Vvardeni plan to take it back, they will have to deal with the frequent rockslides and the rainy weather along with the fortress, Mzungthunch, filled with 1.5 million Vokun, more soldiers than Vvarden has.

[46566]

Grand Duchy offers military aid to Vvarden
Midgar,46566- The Grand Duchy of 46566 has offered military aid to the Vvarden government. The Grand Duchy hopes that with the use of Grand Duchy forces the Vvarden government and military could stabilize and counterattack the invasion force.The hopes are that the movement of the Grand Duchy's military would strengthen the middle section of the TRA. The hopes are that the other 4 member nations of the TRA combine forces to help a TRA member nation in need. The Grand Duchy government hopes that by having a coalition relief force instead of a purely Grand Duchy Relief force would help potentially ease any potential fears of the Grand Duchy's influence growing within Vvarden.

[Airatania]

Admiral Dempsey made it very clear during a briefing at the Central Command Headquarters in New Miracus today that Airatania will help defend Vvarden with military action if necessary, joining 46566 as the second nation in the Robed Alliance to do so. With the two largest nations in the RA now on board with a military option, does it mean they will join the war?

No one knows for sure as of yet, but sources inside the government are saying that President Ward could authorize such action as earlier as tonight should it be necessary. As such, Centcom has ordered several different troop movements, and has put personnel in the area on the highest possible alert. Air force and naval groups are also on their way to the region, where they will position themselves just off the coast of Vvarden, awaiting further orders.

Additionally, President Ward ordered the military alert level to Defcon 4 ahead of the movements, placing Airatanian military worldwide on a slightly higher state of alert.

More information will be passed along as it becomes available.

[Thalmath]

Thalmathian News Network

Today three dropships took off from the military sector of Thalmath. All that can be assumed is that Vvarden will receive help from our brave soldiers.

In other news, the dome is dropping after months of scouting and securing the area. Thalmathians can now claim plots of land outside Taerbole.

[Unibearia]

Wolven Empire offers military aid to Vvarden


The Imperial Council, with the approval of the Czar, has given permission to send some basic military supplies and humanitarian Aid to Vvarden in their times of war. These supplies come in ammunition, Grenades, military rations, very basic firearms (No plasma, just standard projectile weapons), medical supplies and even some medical staff. The Wolven Empire is also willing to send an expeditionary force of 15,000 soldiers to aid the Vvardeni is their struggle. This Unit is called The Krutplog Division, meaning, Death's Soldiers Division. They have been trained to fight to the death and many had relatives, friends or even people they knew that were from Vvarden back on Enkon and the Divisional leader has sent dozens of requests to have his division to be picked for the task. To this, an addition armoured brigade will be sent, and in extreme cases, the Wolven Empire is willing to use their Czar SpaceFleet to bombard the Vokun if necessary.


All that is missing is the Vvardeni response of accepting or refusing the proposal. The Wolven Empire is eager to help their once old time friend.

[Promethius Prime]

Arcadia-Croxoco Diplomatic Talks Begin
Representatives from Croxoco have arrived in Thedes today to begin a series of bilateral talks. The talks were proposed by the Croxoconian government and readily agreed to by the Zutyensin Archonate who also agreed to host the talks. According to a press statement issued this morning the talks relate to issues of "economic, social and military importance" lending strength to ongoing media speculation that a bilateral agreement between the Arcadian Empire and the United States of Croxoco will come in response to the formation of international blocs such as the Robed Alliance. There had been growing concerns for some time that the Archonate's decision not to involve itself in the southern alliances, combined with its polite rejection of Unibearian proposals to form a separate alliance bloc, would result in Arcadian isolation of the international scene - critics of the Zutyensin regime went so far as to describe his foreign policy as 'obscene' in an article recently featured in the Hermes Political Journal. With confirmation and the rapid commencement of detailed and serious talks with the Croxoconians many critics' fears seem to be assuaged, at least for the moment. An official statement from the office of Julian Ulrics of the Foreign Office had this to say:

"Contrary to that which many critics and journalists have stated the Zutyensin Archonate has a definitive and comprehensive foreign policy which does not include the systematic isolation or internalisation of the Empire. It should be noted that due to the circumstances of the present time, with our recent arrival here and need to rapidly develop our infrastructure and industrial base, it is only prudent to turn our attentions primarily to our own affairs rather than those overseas. However this does not mean that we in the government have forgotten our duty with regards to Arcadia's position as a world power - we remain the second largest nation on Yukon in terms of population and one of its largest economies - as such we must assert a degree of authority as well as a well considered policy in international affairs."

"I will be joining the Grand-Archon and his staff during the talks with the Croxoconian dignitaries, who have placed many proposals before us, and will be a part of the teams working to assess their proposals based upon their merits and wider implications for the Arcadian people. The United States have already taken a major initiative in proposing that these talks take place and in setting out a document listing their desired outcomes for this process; having read the preliminary proposal their offer seems fair, reasonable and sensible, though of course it shall require both closer scrutiny and careful consideration over a period of time before any decisions can be made."

"In the interim I must say that I find my counterparts in the Croxoconian government to be both amiable and adroit and I share the high hopes of Grand-Archon Zutyensin with regards to our future relationship with them."

[St Saratoga]

Airspace above the Chorrell-

"Fortress One?"

"Fortress one reporting in, what is the sitrep?"

"We are observing a mass rout of all Vvarden forces in the hotzone, permission to engage?"

"Permission granted fortress one. Please maintain radio silence until package has been dropped off."

Fortress One, an percision airstrike Fighter/Bomber wing of 15, roles over to loose altitude before entering Vvarden radar space. Flying at a rate of around 643 km/hr Fortress one enter the hotzone. The hotzone is an area around the former besieged Carroll that is considered suicide for any military fortess to enter.

"Flight, light the spark." Captain Gordon calls to the flight.

All of the jets enclose to a diamond wingtip to wingtip formation as they activate their payload.

"When we reach the belly of the hotzone, drop and scramble!" One of the pilots see a black outline through the darkness of the but see that it is probably a building.

"2 minutes until touch.... OH SHIT! Break formation and gun it for the target!" Junior Pilot Parks couldn't hear the order over the sound of the sudden rour of the engines of the jets in front of him speeding up. He also isnt going to be able to get home to see his new born child again because by the time he figures out what is happening his jet is a giant piling of burning rubble from the AA missile that one of the pilots thought was a building but is actually a AA implacement.

"flight! Ejected payload and retreat!" As the captains bomb falls, the reminents of a squad of Vvarden infantry are hiding out under a bridge plotting an ambush when it burst into a firy mess. Killing everyone near it. The local citizen who live near the bridge take note that the bridge didn't "blow up" but rather simply started on fire. It reminded of the former servicemen of the napalm used by some nations back on Enkon.

---

Three hours later

On board the SCV Chamberlain. Admiral Wolfsteller, pacing up and down the flight desk of the carrier impaciently waiting the return of the flight. Hears of the sound of a jet engine that is really sick. The Admiral stops to watch a jet with multiple holes in the wings. As the pilot crawls out of the cockpit, see the admiral.

"You murder! You sent my squad in a sucide misson! They are all dead because of you, you bastard!" The Captain yells as he rips off his gloves and helmet. The admiral puts a hand on his shoulder.

"And what are you going to do about it my friend?" The admiral walk to pilot to the edge of the carrier. "We didnt have the intellgence that we thought we had."

"You killed my squad." The pilot looks the admiral straight in the eye and is shock to see the Admiral do the same thing.

"Maybe you just need to take a quick swim." As the Admiral pulls out a pistol and blow the brains out of the pilot, pushing the body into ocean."

[Vvarden]

VVARDENI NEWS NETWORK
Vvarden Acknowleges Aid, Allows Foreign Powers To Help

After a large amount of foreign nations were offering aid, Vvarden has chosen to acknowledge them. Clearance has been granted for these nations:

Unibearia
Airtania
46566
St Saratoga
Thalmath

But there is a catch, only a maximum force of 250,000 can be placed by each country to prevent overcrowding and using up food and ammunition. Vvarden also asks that the nations help research plasma tech, to help fight on an even scale against the Vokun.

In the meanwhile, troops have been moved from Chorrol to Old Sentinel to prepare for an assault on Almalexia. If successful, this will pin the Vokun all the way back to Mzungthunch, losing their only foothold on the plains, and thereby their route to main attacks on other cities.

[Caisus]

Dolara, Caisus ~ The Thrice-Blessed Parliament, after a week of debate has sent an offer to Vvarden to send the Greenfield Class Starcruiser the Eternal Praetorian and the Dominion Class Starcruiser the Sovereign Venture to Vvarden to assist Vvardeni ground forces. The Second Commonwealth also offers ground forces if requested.

[OES Zaphiron]

1st Imperial Legion Marches For Vvarden, Imperial Stellar Warship Lukoss Assists Overhead
Zaphiron, NZE- After careful consideration and deliberation amongst the Nobility and the Emperor, the Emperor has decided to send a token force of one Legion, an armored corps, and a mech division commanded by Lord Cord, into Vokun-held territory to harass their forces and disrupt their troop movements. Assisting in this endeavour is the Imperial Stellar Warship Lukoss, which has been ordered to bombard several key strategic points from orbit as Imperial troops move in. The force departed Port Aeros early today, and is expected to make it into Vokun territory several days from now.

First Wolfen Arbiter Is Raised Within The Empire, Among Others
Zaphiron, NZE- Today was a landmark day in the history of the Empire. Five Arbiters were raised today not from amongst the Zaphirite population, as was tradition, but from the Weyroodite, Aquinsterians, Remnantfolk, and the small Wolfen population within the Empire.

Each of these newly-minted Arbiters were submitted by various nobles for their roles in keeping the peace amongst the rising criminal wave in recent months. Since the adoption and ongoing reformation of the Sanguis Luna guild in Zaphiron, this wave has declined sharply, allowing these people to be entered for nomination in respect for their deeds.

Since there are no current areas open for governance, they will be assigned as Underseers to the various nobility to receive training for their eventual administration post.

Plans For Expansion Have Been Considered Due To Rising Population Density
Zaphiron, NZE- Several analysts have noted in the last census that the Empire is approaching one billion in the population charts. While this is a great occasion worthy of celebration, they have come to the conclusion that the current Imperial holdings cannot sustain the Imperial Population. Therefore, the unclaimed southern Coast has been pegged as the next likely expansion point.

[Promethius Prime]

Excerpt from Journeys Through Arcadia, A Narrative of the Empire by Archon Irylyn Malvos

Into Orbit
In more ideal circumstances I would have been able to travel directly from Czerniy to the south coast and then onwards to Ishthatar in Nova Asphodel, however as the integral grav-line does not run to the south coast from Czerniy, and the secondary arterials have yet to be constructed it is not possible. If I were a younger man I would have hired an armoured all terrain carrier and make the journey through the frontierlands, but as an aging man and an Archon this alas is not possible. The terrain is by all accounts rough and only partially charted, who knows what though forested uplands contain, both in terms of native flora and fauna and ragged frontiersmen; I am told that Exodite reavers cross over the border into imperial territory so as to prey on frontier towns and as such the government has wisely taken to arming its own and sending military patrols through the area on a regular basis. The recent introduction of the M1 Atlas Scout has made this task much easier.

In any event I digress, the spaceport in Czerniy is the second largest in the Empire after the one outside Thedes and provides passenger, freight and military service, though at present it mostly handles military and freight traffic with there being little call for passenger craft. Normally under the circumstances I would choose not to leave the planet when travelling from Czerniy to Ishthatar and would instead travel by air, however I felt that in order to gain an appropriate insight into all aspects of the Empire I should travel into orbit and see the shipyards and docking facilities there at least once. The spaceport is vast, the space is primarily built as a warehouse for freight use, however sections of the interior have been partitioned off for the construction of a nominal passenger traffic facility. Back on Enkon it is recorded that the Commonwealth boasted spaceports with at least six passenger terminals in every major city, at present Czerniy has only three and judging by the looks of them as I passed through they see little use; many waiting areas are closed off and without lighting, passengers are scarce and staff more so, nonetheless I can foresee this changing once the Empire is fully established. Unfortunately at this time there were no government craft available for my journey as they are already in use supplementing the vital freight transit force so I was required to wait for the next shuttle transporting workers from the surface to the orbital stations. Though unusual for me not to be using a government provided transport I must say I hardly found the situation disagreeable as it gave me ample opportunity to explore the spaceport and talk with the workers who would be my travelling companions on the trip into orbit.

As I walked around the spaceport I noticed empty units being prepped for the introduction of shopping facilities, rest stops and other sundry services; workmen stroll around in gangs periodically as they make their way from one job to another, though I get the feeling the working attitude here is much more relaxed than it is in the rest of the spaceport for the impetus to complete construction on the passenger terminals is not so great as it is for the freight sections. Having spoken with a few of the workmen I was informed that only very basic services were required in the passenger terminals as they only see cursory use mostly by workers on the platforms, crewmen from one of the many space craft currently in orbit or their families; one foreman told me frankly that there was nowhere for commercial passengers to go using the spaceport that couldn't be more cheaply and easily reached by land, sea or air. No doubt this will change once an orbital economy is established, however since there is little call for the colonisation of either of Yukon's moons at this time and asteroid mining is only a small scale business, there are few passengers.

Having waited for an hour and a half I and my travelling companions were summoned to the embarkation deck; the workers quickly gripped their heavy kit bags and slung them over their shoulders effectively doubling the amount of space required for the group to move in comfortably, they it would seem, were quite used to the routine having done it many times before. Only a few of those gathered for the journey carried less than a hefty kit bag and those I was told were inspection officials and merchant assessors who would be on the orbital stations for no more than half a day before returning to the surface. For my part I intended to stay in orbit for some time, hopefully touring more than just the shipyards themselves but also a few of the craft, all of which are a good deal older than I am and have a much more storied past. Stepping onto the shuttle was an experience; the passenger areas were divided into three decks with no real difference between them except for the bottom deck; the two upper decks had rows of front facing seats with crash harnesses attached; large numbered bins ran along the side in which each passenger deposited their belongings; the lower deck had its seats running parallel to the spine of the craft, in case I was told, the craft was called up for military use as such a seating arrangement allowed for rapid deployment of airborne infantry forces. I, my aide and security contingent were given the whole lower deck; it had less seats overall and there would not have been space to cram all the workers in down here and it was deemed inappropriate for security reasons that I travel on the same deck as them. So my belongings were stowed in cargo netting at the back of the deck and I watched as my security contingent clipped their weapons into the mountings beside their seats and then clipped the crash harnesses onto their armour for quick release.

The journey into orbit itself took mere minutes; it was a rocky ride and it is easy for one to understand the need for crash harnesses in such a craft as this. Commercial passenger shuttles are designed with internal systems which smooth out the ride, however this was an industrial transit craft based on an old military transport design and had no such systems on board as, the head of my security team informed me, they interfere with core functions essential to a military craft and drain power which is much better used for shielding and defensive weapons. Another thing apparently considered an interference was view ports; as we shuddered and shook on our way into orbit I would have wished to watch our passage, but the shuttle had no such ports, having been built for military and industrial grade structural integrity; a shame, though my security chief assured me that with all the turbulence the view would only have made my shuttlesick. I shall have to take is word for it as I had not travelled in this manner before nor since, with access to a view port.

Soon enough though the shuttle stopped its shuddering and shaking and everything seemed to slow down momentarily as the artificial gravity kicked in. We were given the green light to unfasten our crash harnesses which was something I most enjoyed as the military fast release harnesses have a quite fascinating quick release mechanism on the front. At my aide's insistence I stretched out the memory of the rough journey thus far. The rest was smooth sailing, with only the slightest of jolts as the craft landed in one of the docking bays of the vast Hephaestus Orbital Shipyard; I could hear the hiss and feel the pressure change as the shuttle slowly and safely matched the pressure on board the shipyard and witnessed first hand just what had been meant by 'rapid deployment' when, wholly for my benefit I am sure, the side of the shuttle opened out granting me a direct exit onto the docking bay floor via a drop ramp. My security chief once more proved himself to be a most excellent travelling companion on an intellectual level by pointing out how the sides of the shuttle could open out entirely so that those seated along the outer edge could disengage their harnesses and drop directly into combat, either by drop ramp or grav-cable; this sliding section of the hull he told me, was there when there was a need to deploy directly into combat.

My first impression of Hephaestus was the cold; though not uncomfortably so the shipyard seemed much cooler than it was on Yukon, no doubt the warmer temperatures of the Empire could not be practically replicated up here in space so a much more reasonable 18 degrees centigrade was maintained. The workers from the shuttle disembarked via a metal extending catwalk which took them directly onto a mezzanine above, while I had stepped out on the floor of the docking bay itself, which was shot with lights and emitters to aid craft in their docking. Here for the first time my visit was greeted by a government official; I would have preferred my journey go unmarked so as to decrease the inconvenience to the government functions of the places I visited, however it was a necessity on Hephaestus for security reasons, and so here I was on Hephaestus for the first time.

[Vvarden]

The Battle Of Brandywine

The Vvardeni marched towards the north in the dusk. Within hours, under night, they would reach the towns of Almalexia and Brandywine, and hopefully they would take it back, withdrawing the Volunteer back to the isolated fortress of Mzungthunch. Mzungthunch was a cage. It was dependable sure, but really hard to get out of, and if you got your troops out, they would be at the mercy of other forces. Neither side could get in or out easily, and now the Vokun were vulnerable to bombings there.
Within several hours the Vokun sat, eating, tucking into rations, while the Vvardeni slowly crept towards the town of Brandywine, where the majority of Vokun camped, and while the Vvardeni had a force of 25,000, it would not be easy to stay in stealth. But eventually they surrounded the area, staying still in scrub and bushes to stay hidden. Up on the hill, Vvardeni artillery was set up slowly, silently and was aimed under cover of night.

A scream echoed across the rainy field as a Vokun soldier, while peeing into a bush in which a Vvardeni hid, saw a laser rifle poke out and shoot him. Other soldiers witnessed a flash of red light blast the soldier next to him as they began to eat. Seconds later, dozens of flashes burst from every direction, each instantly killing a Vokun and causing havoc amongst the troops.
Officers quickly rallied the Vokun as they fired their plasma rifles back towards several of the points where the hidden enemy were.
As the fresh screams arose, the Vvardeni rose up all around them, some trading fire with the Vokun while others charged towards the Vokun brandishing melee weaponry. The Vokun responded in kind, and those who rushed forward to meet the Vvardeni charge held deadly weapons of their own.
Screams and warcrys mixed with the clashes of steel on steel, halberds and swords meeting maces and war axes in a deadly dance of death as laser and plasma fire flew through the air. Vokun and Vvardeni alike fell and fell again to the sodden killing ground, with people from both sides struggling to scramble over the bodies of friend and for alike.
The Vokun quickly searched for reinforcements and sent a soldier to run to Almalexia, but when the runner arrived, he saw the town already taken, with dead Vokun lying everywhere and victorious Vvardeni celebrating their revenge.
When the runner looked behind, he saw Brandywine behind him, burn as the artillery pounded the place, collapsing entire towers filled with Vokun.
The runner quickly ran, and stole a nearby car from a small home. He was the only Vokun not captured or killed in that battle, and the Vokun were sealed in the cage.

[New Wolfeinstein]

New Wolfeinstein News Network

War in Vvarden draws corporate attention

With news of the Vokun invasion arriving in New Wolfeinstein yesterday evening, the Corporate Empire has reached the decision to send troops to Vvarden. The company head of Sixin manufacturing had this to say:

"The Vokun are not just a threat to Vvarden, they are a menace to the rest of Yukon. These monsters from deep space will not stop with just Vvarden. I don't know about the rest of the world but I know a good bit about Vvardenani history, and from what the books say the Vokun are pure evil. They will not stop until every man, women and child is enslaved under their tyranny and for this reason New Wolfeinstein is sending 50,000 Sanguis Luna soldiers to find and eliminate the Vokun leaders"


Massive military development in progress

Late last night Daquis Inc announced that New Wolfeinstein's military was going through some massive changes, starting with the development of an airforce, navy and space fleet. While this means approximately 47% of the infantry would be repurposed, it also means a large recruiting program is in store for New Wolfeinstein.

Underground city begins construction

Due to the sudden growth of population in New Wolfeinstein, Fason Production Co has begun contracting for the construction of another city towards the northern borders of the country. A name hasn’t been selected yet but suggestions can be submitted at www. FasonProductions.com.
(OOC notice~ list of major cities in New Wolfeinstein:
Arkin City
Yizith
Irithorn
Qurwin City
Smoke)

[Vvarden]

...The Vvardeni prospered, but alongside them rose another civilisation, the so called Kingdom of New Heaven, Halamshiral. At first the Vvardeni and Halamshirali were allies, and they became friendly and sociable, with the Emperor of Vvarden, Aeric I even marrying off one of his daughters.

Then the Vvardeni Emperor died suddenly. Vvarden rained for a whole month, as if the world itself was crying. People mourned as the body was carted through the streets from the palace to the famous Whitesnake Barrow, where he was mummified. His body still remains in the Vvardeni Museum in New Erriel to this day.

After Aeric I died, the Halamshirali drew further apart, and even refused to help when a Vokun scout force invaded a border town.
Then the Vokun arrived. Within days they sent a notice to Aeric II to prohibit the worship of Vvardenism along with a cart, or else Vvarden would be invaded. The Emperor refused and the cart was upended, revealing the heads of every Royal Guard agent within the Vokar Empire. Vvarden immediately went to war. Within days, Vokun forces from the upper mountains, from the south, from across the ocean and the west seized major towns and areas, trapping the Vvardeni.

The Vvardeni took back half, but was weakened by multiple skirmishes along the Red Ring Road. Within a few weeks, the Vokar forces regrouped and invaded Vorun, executing the Emperor and performing unspeakable horrors on the innocent townspeople.
The Vvardeni clawed at the Vokun, trying desperately to take it back, but a major front by the Vokar wiped them out. After several weeks, the Vokun decided, horribly, that the Vvardeni were not true forms of life, and must be eradicated. Within days, Vvardeni men and women had their genitals removed in order to prevent having children, but some thousand escaped to the north, far out of the reach of the Vokun.

There they settled and created a small constitutional monarchy, and within a hundred years all remaining Vvardeni in the Vokun Empire died out, while the forces in the north grew to 250,000, enough to take back Vorun. But they needed alliances, diplomacy, allies. Within months, diplomats from the reformed Steppe Khans, the New Chorroli and the Ashur-Dan arrived and Vvarden secured alliances with all of them.

Suddenly, they marched all at once, a huge force of over a million. All Vokun resistance was crushed. Together they took back Vorun, and so the Second Era Ended.

The Third Era

The Third Era was the fight against the Vokun, and the reforming of Vvarden into a major power by conquering nearby lands. It stated when Vorun was retaken by the Vvardeni, by a combined force of over a million.

The Vokun were in panic. Within days they tried to take it back, shocked at the Vvardeni return, but the force held strong. Then the Vvardeni marched south, invading the lands they once owned, and then into pure Vokun land, where no outsider had set foot for ages.

By now Vvarden was the size of Earthen Russia, as that was the amount they took while invading the Vokun Empire. Then they came to the Vokun capital, that fortress in the mountains, New Vorun.

By now the city was home to over 1,000,000 and the Vokun had held up tight to the city. There was no way of getting in without a bloodbath, and by then, they would be defeated. All that would be for nothing.

But because the Illuminator loved that Vvarden, he broke his own code of not leaking tech to primitive societies and showed them the cannon and the musket.

The Illuminator taught the Vvardeni how to fire, reload and produce them, and within a month, they were ready for New Vorun.
They had marched, a huge force, there were ones wielding muskets, others swords and maces, some halberds. There were foreign soldiers dressed in primitive furs and hides, others suits of iron, others steel and the Vvardeni, with their golden armour, dressed in their best so they could go down like gentlemen. They marched. And before them lay the city.

It was bigger that it was the last time I was there. This time the city districts actually spread onto the plains, protected by even higher walls. Some buildings were over six stories, others seven. The palace was a whopping nine, and the Vvardeni had to be clever to break through. They set up their cannons on the highest ridge, halfway between their armies and the Vokun. The Vokun looked through their spyglasses and saw only metal barrels, and so they did not see it much as a threat. But when the Vvardeni fired…ooh, they were shocked. Entire sections of the wall blasted open as the cannonballs made a thwack, thwack sound as the slammed against the stone. As the Vokun cavalry charged to the cannons, suddenly the entire Vvardeni army emerged from behind that ridge. The Vokun ignored them, as they saw them only armed with sticks, but then the Vvardeni fired.

The entire first row of Vvardeni kneeled down and fired, then the second row fired, and then the third and so on. This meant there was always someone firing, allowing maximum casualties. The cavalry were ripped to shreds, and the Vokun were furious, so they sent out their entire army, 700,000 troops, to take them. They charged but did not see what happened to the cavalry. They charged, again thinking them armed with sticks, and within seconds many were killed.

Bodies rolled over and Vokun fell as they tried to charge. The cannons switched to carcass shot and shrapnel shot and absolutely devastated the entire area. The Vokun still charged, and plowed into the Vvardeni, but much to the Vokun’s surprise, the Vvardeni had bayonets. The rest of the Vvardeni boxed in around them, and every single Vokun was killed.

The Vokun had been conquered and revenge was restored. The Vvardeni appointed the great grandson of Aeric II, Daeshur I as Emperor and all was peaceful, for a time.

But Vvarden’s allies thought it too big, too expansive, and so they waged war, wanting a piece of the land that Vvarden took. Vvarden was cornered at first, but then the Illuminator told them and taught them about how to make better bullets and rifles.
This gave the Vvardeni an edge and by a hundred years, they had become the main power on Vvae.

[New Toola]

New Toola sends forces to Vvarden

New Toolan Troop Carriers are en route to New Toola

New Toola - New Toolan Military High Command announced today that 250,000 New Toolan Military personnel have been sent to Vvarden to help the united coalition take on Vokun. Military supplies as well as food and medical supplies have also been sent to help aid the forces already engaged in combat.

Elder Beverly Mitchell was quoted saying...

"We will assist Vvarden in its campaign to combat the Vokun which is a menace and a threat to world stability. They must be stopped here and now and that is what we plan to aid in. we will assist in any way possible and we will meet this enemy head on."

[Airatania]

BREAKING NEWS FROM ANN:
AIRATANIAN TROOPS ARRIVE IN VVARDEN
CHORROL, Vvarden -- The first of some 150,000 Airatanian troops have just landed in Chorrol, Vvarden as part of a coalition of several nations meant to help defend the country from the assault by the Vokun. President Ward addressed the nation a short while ago, saying that "while we all hoped to avoid further escalate the crisis occurring in Vvarden, it has become clear that they are in need of the global community's help in defending themselves, and as an ally to the Vvardeni people, we cannot turn our backs to them, we must stand with them, shoulder to shoulder, in their darkest of hours."

With 150,000 troops committed to the fight in Vvarden, Centcom officials believe they can help put a serious dent in the effectiveness of the Vokun armies, and provide logistical assistance to the Vvardeni people as is necessary. Also, Centcom has pledged, with the President's approval, to assist Vvarden in researching plasma weapon technology, expediting research already well underway in Centcom's research department. Airatanian officials have agreed to share any and all plasma technology research with the Vvardeni government.

HANSEN RAISES ALERT LEVEL, ASKS FOR MORE RESOURCES
MILDRANI, Desolaas, Airatanian Sector -- Gov. Miriella Hansen of the Airatanian Sector of Desolaas has raised the Local Emergency Alert Level (LEAL) from 4 to 3 in response to the growing crisis in Vvarden. Gov. Hansen believes that the measure is warranted due to the delicate nature of Desolaas, as well as the lack of personnel currently in place in the sector. Additionally, Gov. Hansen has asked New Miracus for more military personnel in order to both better defend the area, as well as to provide more manpower for the numerous requirements in maintaining Desolaas' infrastructure. So far, there is no word on whether or not Gov. Hansen's request will be granted.

[Unibearia]

Wolven Empire RA application rejected

The news of the RA having rejected the Wolven Empire's application to join and also having a non-aggression pact has deeply saddened the nation. In one of the very few public appearances, Czar Julio addressed the Nation:

People, men, women, wolves of Unibearia, I come here to express my saddened state of the current situation. Our application for the RA has been rejected, both of them, the application to join and if our application got rejected, a second one, being a non-aggression pact with the entire RA was also rejected. Many of our old neighbours of Enkon are in the RA, Caisus, Vvarden and even some nations to whom we had a little trouble with, 46566, we applied to rejoin our friends of the past and it would seem, they do not truly express the same love for us as we show to them. However, they have accepted a trade. Something we deeply as many of you are getting tired of eating porridge, soup and vegetables such as potatoes everyday. Trade with these nations will bring exotic goods, products and opportunities for our nation but also for them. They will get to taste real Unibearian Alcohol, meats and will have access to thousands of Unibearian goods. Point being, we should cherish the small things before getting sad and frustrated with the big things. I wish you all a good evening.

He also assured that the Unibearian meat industry will be at 100% production within the next few months as currently, the animals are reproducing.

Unibearian Troops enter Vvarden

Last night, over 68,000 Unibearian Soldiers entered Vvarden. Since the Wolven Empire lacks seaborne transport vessels, they were all transported via spaceship. The Wolven Empire has also delivered 5,000 nurses and 100 doctors to help the wounded, military supplies like ammo, rations and first aid kits and also, as a gift to the Vvardeni, a 8 foot tall bronze sword to be used as a memorial ground for the times that Unibearians and Vvardeni have fought side by side.

General Milodra Brumov has been assigned to lead the the Unibearian force. She is to coordinate with the Coalition force but Unibearian military doctrine dictates that the Unibearian force must be a separate force as a whole. There is said that Some Blue Knights are also going to be sent but that has yet to be approved.

[Croxoco]

Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Eternal Ai Li-Hua I, Tyrant of Thedes, Flower of the East, By Right and By Endeavour Mistress of all Arcadia and His Divine Majesty William I, Grand Duke of Val Imperieux and Emperor of Croxoco, hereinafter referred to as the High Contracting Parties, enter into this Treaty to foster closer economic, military and cultural relations between the Arcadian Empire and the Empire of Croxoco, hereinafter referred to as the States of Croxoco and Arcadia. This Treaty shall be effective upon conclusion by the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary representing the same States of Croxoco and Arcadia.

- The High Contracting Parties agree to create a free trade area between the States of Croxoco and Arcadia. This free trade area shall include the total abolition of trading barriers and tariffs on goods imported and exported between the said States.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to guarantee freedom of movement of Croxoconian and Arcadian Citizens between the States of Croxoco and Arcadia. Such freedom of movement shall not extend to those fleeing Justice in either of the said States.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to a Fair Trade Pact, with an understanding that specific Fair Trade Agreements may be negotiated and concluded by the same High Contracting Parties at a later date.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to a programme of shared intelligence, where intelligence of all forms shall be shared between the Governments of Croxoco and Arcadia when necessary and relevant, or when specifically requested by either Government.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to an Arms Trading Pact, whereby Strategic and Tactical Weaponry and Arms, not otherwise available for trade with other Sovereign States, shall be exclusively traded between the States of Croxoco and Arcadia. Furthermore, the same High Contracting Parties agree to an understanding that specific Arms Trade Agreements may be negotiated and concluded by the said High Contracting Parties at a later date.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to the creation of a None Agression Pact between the States of Croxoco and Arcadia. Such a None Agression Pact shall include, but shall not be limited to Economics, Military Affairs and Intelligence Gathering.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to negotiate and conclude Strategic Weaponry and Arms Limitation Agreements (SWALAs) at later dates when necessary and expedient.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to institute a ban on the research, development, possession and use of Biological, Chemical and Biochemical Weapons within the States of Croxoco and Arcadia, their Colonies, Outposts and Militaries.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to establish a joint Croxoconian-Arcadian Reserve (CAR), which shall have the full legal power to establish Bullion and Monetary Repositaries throughout the States of Croxoco and Arcadia. The High Contracting Parties may deposit and withdraw, at any time, any Bullion, Currency or Securities from CAR. CAR shall have the legal authority to hold Bullion, Currency and Securities on behalf of the States of Croxoco and Arcadia, and any businesses based in either of the aforementioned States. CAR shall have full regulatory powers over its Repositaries.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to establish a Federation of Arcadian and Croxoconian Trade (FACT) which shall facilitate trade between the States of Croxoco and Arcadia, and between the said States and State Actors and Organisations not party to this Treaty. FACT shall have the authority to establish trading posts within the Sovereign Territory of the States of Croxoco and Arcadia representing each of the Contracting States in the Other. FACT shall also have the legal authority to establish joint Croxoconian-Arcadian trading posts in Sovereign States not party to this Treaty, and shall facilitate such trade with said Sovereign States not party to this Treaty. FACT shall have full regulatory powers over its trading posts and trade facilitated through its organisation.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to establish a Croxoconian-Arcadian Military Programme (CAMP). CAMP shall establish Arcadian Military Bases within Croxoco and Croxoconian Military Bases within Arcadia. In additon, CAMP shall establish joint Arcadian-Croxoconian Military Bases within both States and without, having the full legal authority to create joint military bases in international waters and territory. CAMP shall hold a permament military forum with which the leadership of the Croxoconian and Arcadian Militaries may communicate with eachother strategy, weaponry and defence policy. CAMP shall also direct Joint Training Excercises between Croxoconian and Arcadian military forces, the provisions for which shall be specified by a later date. CAMP shall have full regulatory powers over any bases and programmes it may establish, and shall aid in the coordination of joint Croxoconian-Arcadian military programmes.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to establish a joint Arcadian-Croxoconian Education and Cultural Exchange (ACECE), which shall be a centre for Arcadian Education and Culture to be pooled and exchanged with Croxoconian Education and Culture. ACECE may establish International Culture and Education (ICE) Centres across the States of Croxoco and Arcadia. ACECE shall regulate all Education and Cultural exchange efforts and programmes between Croxoco and Arcadia, in addition to regulation of the ICE centres.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to establish a Croxoconian-Arcadian Treaty Organisation (CATO) to execute the terms of this agreement and to oversee the organisations being created by this Treaty, such organisations being the aforementioned CAR, FACT, CAMP and ACECE. CATO, and the organisations over which it shall have direct oversight and general direction, shall have their headquaters on a Croxoconian City-Ship, the USS Athena, which shall be, for diplomatic purposes, be located in international waters, and shall be under the Sovereign Control of CATO. The USS Athena, which shall be decomissioned by the Croxoconian Defence Force, shall be seperate from the Governments of Arcadia and Croxoco. The precise leadership and structure of CATO and its associated organisations shall be determined in a later agreement between the High Contracting Parties.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to consult one another on matters of foreign policy in all cases, to be concluded in a later Treaty.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to issue a joint declaration on Protection of Traded Goods, to be concluded in a later Treaty.
- The High Contracting Parties agree that the Bilateral Relationship between the States of Croxoco and Arcadia shall have primacy among the foreign relations of the said states of Croxoco and Arcadia.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to issue a joint declaration of Common Interest between Arcadia and Croxoco, to be concluded in a later Treaty.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to issue a joint declaration of Sentient Rights, to be concluded in a later Treaty.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to issue a joint declaration on Justice and Extradition, to be concluded in a later Treaty.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to issue a joint declaration on the Conduct of Warfare, to be concluded in a later Treaty.
- The High Contracting Parties agree to issue a joint declaration of intention to set up an international conference which should negotiate and conclude a treaty affirming Sentient Rights, International Justice and Extraditon Law, and the Conduct of Warfare. It is agreed by the same High Contracting Parties that such a conference is necessary in order to establish a semblence of International Law and Order.

Signed on behalf of the High Contracting Party from the Arcadian Empire
- Grand-Archon Andreu Zutyensin, By Endeavour, Lord of the Kratocracy, Subaltern to HIM the Empress Eternal, The Successor
- Archon Julian Ulrics, The Oathmaker
- Archon Luther Paling, The Savant

Signed on behalf of the High Contracting Party from the Empire of Croxoco
- Lord Florian Jardinier of Val Jardinaute, Grand Duke of Biefleurs
- Lady Celene Faucons of Val Mysterieux, Grand Duchess of Valmont
- Lord Gaspard Martell of Val Sollieux, Grand Duke of Aureaux

[Herargon]

$ 1.20 - THE LIBERAL - Edition 13, Februus MMDCCLXVIII - 1.20


Senate revokes important old law dating from 1360 regarding LGBT rights

ROMAE. Yesterday, the Senate passed a law that would make the Senate able to revoke the old ''lex iura diversa entia sexualem'' - 'law on the rights of different sexual beings''. This law made it harder for LGBT people to express their sexual identification.
The vote was passed by 562 against 558, a remarkably divided vote. The Senate even tried to revoke the law and change it into a law that only prohibited sexual intercourse between siblings and pedophilism, since that nowadays is a big taboo and thus would remain forbidden in common opinion. The emperor has stated that he will think about whether he would vote too in the Senate about the question, and he stated that ''If there will be a Senate that allows this law to be revoked entirely, I will veto it in any case on ground of my divine duty as emperor.''

Riots in Minervapolis due chariot races escalating in mass fight
Several riots have erupted in Minervapolis and surrounding cities, as a result of the 'Blue' chariot team winning instead of the 'Green' team. At least 267 have been confirmed to be injured, and 3 people were found dead, as result of the aftermath of the main riot that involved 32,000 angry supporters of the Blue team against the 'Green' team supporters, which were 25,000 men strong.

Communists march to the community of Vespasialis
In the modest city of Vespasialis, an army of 65,000 men and even women strong have marched to the Statue of Freedom to ask for the right to vote. The leader of their march, who does not want to come in the newspapers with his name, said; ''If there is freedom to vote in our empire, then why can't we socialists vote?''. Another participator said that he was demonstrating for the abolition of WMDs. ''We can't be truly neutral unless there is a de jure ban on Hydra Nukes and cluster bombs in the world. These weapons are cruel and unneccessary.''

[St Saratoga]

Coast of Vvarden, about 30km from frontline-

251,000 Saratogan troops land in Vvarden today under the leadership of General Von Houzen. The General has already ordered his expeditionary force to prepare a offensive formation. Secondly, the General has ordered Martial Law in all Saratogan held territory and anyone who ignores Martial Law is immediately detained as a rebel.

The Fleet under Admiral Wolfsteller have begun napalm and carpet bombing raids all over Vokun held territory but mainly targeting towns, cities, and military bases.

[46566]

46566 reach Vvarden territory
Midgar,46566-The forces of the Grand Duchy have reached Vvarden territory. At this time the force is only numbering around 60,000 troops. At this time the forces are divided among 2 divisions of mechanized infantry , 1 division of infantry and one artillery division. The forces are expected to be the first wave of Duchy forces within the country. The reason behind the low level of troops is to make sure that the exsting supply lines are not overly worked so suddenly. At this time more troops are being mobilized to send over to Vvarden, it's expected to reach the country within a weeks time.