Before the Storm

by **Tethysia** » Sun Aug 16, 2015 7:46 pm

This thread is for Vomindok members only, please. Thank you!

Before the Storm
This is the thread for 1900 to whenever our First World War starts!

by **Taelete** » Mon Aug 17, 2015 4:38 am

Η αιώνια βασιλική(The eternal Basilica), Trazentiocheia(City), Trazentine Empire

Eleutherios Trazentios of House Megas Kallerzanis had never before felt such tension. He looked at the ornated doors with both desire but also a bit of fear. He looked back and saw the highest nobles of the empire, his family, High magistrates and the highest clergy lined up behind him. All in their best clothes and with all kinds of expressions on their faces, varieting from utter hapiness to very toughtful. All were surrounded by a triple row of gold-clothed Palace Guards(Hikanatoi) and several rows of servants and eunuchs.
Eleytherios knew that the creme de la creme was watching him and for that reason, he knew, he had to be careful as they would all watch him. Then with a loud but majestic sound opened the side doors of the αιώνια βασιλική. Eleutherios took a deep breath and stepped forwards, followed a by more than a hundred others. As he strode forward in a way he had done a thousand times before were all eyes fixed on him. His richly gold embroided silk clothes moved without sound and the gems shined bright on his priceless clothes.
With every step of his gilded boots on the thick gold-embroided Red carpet grew his tension and he tried not to look aside towards everything around him. The huge basilica full of artwork and riches, ome of ancient times were enlighted by thousands of candles and illuminated by divine-like light that came trough the giant stained glass windows that showed religious and imperial deeds. All benches of the basilica were filled with thousands of important people. Everyone that mattered within the entire empire and many that mattered without were within this huge walls.
Eleutherios then arrived at the main way and he turned left towards the sacred stage that was filled with clergy, most prominently, the Patriarch of Kronarlassion, the highest orthodox clergyman of Vomindok. Eleutherios' nose was filled with the thick smell of incense and his ears were filled with the sound of the dozens of choirs and organs but his eyes were clear and right before him did he see the huge, dazzling imperial tiara. It had a few years earlier been officially declared the world's most precious object. Worth even more than the Dekartan crown.
Eleutherios, who had now reached the sacred stage, paused a moment, as prescribed, before he walked up half the stairs of the ten steps high stage. He knew that he had left his escort behind now and felt strangely calm. He kneeled down and looked up to see the patriarch of Krionarlassion and the Metropolitan archbishop of Trazentiocheia walk towards him. They would now soon anoint him, a ritual that involved he sacred myron (μύρον, "chrism"), which is said to contain a remnant of oil blessed by the Twelve Apostles. In order to maintain the apostolic blessing unbroken, the container would never be completely emptied but it will be refilled when needed, pratically after the coronation of every emperor.

The Metropolitan archbishop stepped forward until he was standing just before Eleutherios. Then he stated the cermonial words:"Who has come to the sacred of sacred under the Imperial dome?"

Eleutherios replied:"I, Eleutherios Trazentios Megas Kallerzanis, καῖσαρ of Trazentiocheia, have come."

The Metropolitan Archbishop spoke again:"Why have you come, καῖσαρ of Trazentiocheia? Why have you come so high up these stairs as you're allowed?"

Eleutherios replied:"Because I would like to climb further up these stairs in order to honour my blessed father and ancestors in heaven who have stood up the sacred stage once."

The Metropolitan Archbishop asked:"Who were your ancestors, καῖσαρ of Trazentiocheia?"

Eleutherios aswered by summing up the names of all Trazentine emperors, starting with Trazentiochos I Nicator and ending with his father Basileios Trazentiochos VIII Megas Kallerzanis.

"Step forward then, son of Basileios Trazentiochos VIII Megas Kallerzanis. Step forward to be anointed."

Eleutherios climbed another four stairs before kneeling down again, only one step from the holy stage and he folded his hands like he was praying. Now both the Metropolitan bishop and patriarch stepped forward and together anointed him with Myron. Then they spoke simultaneously:"Rise and step forward once again Eleutherios Trazentiochos Megas Kallerzanis, anointed βασιλεύς of Trazentiocheia and newly anointed priest. Rise, and step forward, one blessed by God, our Lord Jesus, The Holy Spirit, all saints and all christian clergy."
The two clergymen stepped back three paces as Eleutherios Eleutherios stepped forward ne step and kneeled once again, but this time upon the sacred of sacred stage, beneath the huge, richly ornated Imperial Dome.

The Patriarch of Krionarlassion stepped forward until he was standing just before Eleutherios. Then he stated the cermonial words:"Who has come to the sacred of sacred under the Imperial dome?"

Eleutherios replied:"I, Eleutherios Trazentiochos Megas Kallerzanis, βασιλεύς of Trazentiocheia and an anointed priest, have come."

The Patriarch asked:"Why have you come, βασιλεύς of Trazentiocheia? Why have you come upon this sacred stage?"

Eleutherios replied:"Because I would like to be crowned Μέγας βασιλεύς in order to honour my blessed father and ancestors in heaven who have stood upon this sacred stage once."

The Patriarch asked:"Who were your ancestors, βασιλεύς of Trazentiocheia?"

Eleutherios aswered by summing up the names of all Trazentine emperors again, starting with Trazentiochos I Nicator and ending with his father Basileios Trazentiochos VIII Megas Kallerzanis.

"Step forward then, son of Basileios Trazentiochos VIII Megas Kallerzanis. Step forward to be crowned and anointed."

Eleutherios was then guided towards the Imperial Throne of Coronation. A throne that was worth almost as much as the tiara due to all gems and gold on it. He sat down and felt his new gargantuous power as he looked down on the rows of the elite before. Within minutes would he be far stronger than all of them combined. Within minutes he would be a god.
Then he was anointed again before the Sword of Nicator and the Triple Scepter were placed in his hands. Both were precious and ancient objects that could impress thousands and Eleutherios felt more powerful and determined of his future every second.

Then the Patriarch and Metropolitan Archbishop walked to the altar where, right before a huge golden cross, the Imperial Tiara was lying. Both men together thereafter rose the tiara and walked towards Eleutherios. As soon as they stood before him they said:"We hereby crown thee, Eleutherios Trazentiochos II Megas Kallerzanis, Μέγας βασιλεύς(Great Emperor) of Trazentiocheia, βασιλεύς(King/Emperor) of Karsebrea, φως(Light) of the Trazentines, Protector of the world, ασπίς of Tradolia, Μέγας ασπίς(Great Shield) of Tyrdassos, βασιλεύς of Zaldornea, Champion of Krionarlassion and the Holy Church, βασιλεύς of Vigdaria and βασιλεύς of Tolokoria." and after these words was the tiara placed on Eleutherios' head. The weight was heavier than expected but Eleutherios forced his head up as he looked down on the kneeling people before him. Everyone kneeled, even the Patriarch and the other foreigners, for he was now Trazentine Emperor and wielding immeasurable power. He now stood above all, almost nobody was allowed to touch or look at him. All had to kneel for him now. And these were not idle things for Eleutherios, a young man bursting from inner and outer power. A man determined to revive a Golden Age for the Trazentine Empire after centuries of decay.

And this man was actually having a chance to forfill his dreams. But wether he would be able to shape the future as he would like still needs to be proven.

by **Dekarta** » Wed Aug 19, 2015 5:51 pm

Lower east side, Alaron-1900

“EXTRA EXTRA! GRACKLE ROCK SEEKS TO ESTABLISH BETTER RELATIONS TO THE EMPIRE! NEW EMPEROR CROWNED IN THE TRANZENTINE EMPIRE, READ ALL ABOUT IT!” A small child on top of a crate shouts to the street in the small commercial enclave within the southeastern industrial district. The industrial districts were mostly grey and black and the sky usually agreed nicely with the dark city streets providing near constant cloud cover and rain almost half of the week in the autumn. Even the clothes on most citizens in the district matched the drab attitude around them. Not because dark was in style, but the soot would turn most clothes unprotected a greasy grey color. “A new Emperor you say? Do you know his name dear child?” A young man in rather high class clothing asks as he takes a puff from his pipe and adjusts his top hat. He wears a purple scarf around his mouth and nose as to cover his face from the cold and speaks in an accent only the high-class in Alaron speak in “Well I don’t know sir, I can’t read well see. But I’m sure the paper knows his name if you’re willing to cough up a Tour (.5 cents)” The man laughs as he pulls out his bag of money from his trench coat pocket “My dear boy you seem as if you aren’t too well off here on the streets. Children like you need to learn all, and see the world. You will be running this great Empire in a few years’ time you know.” He hands the child 20 Korts (100 dollars at that time)and the child stands shocked, admiring the coin given to him, he’d never seen a 20 Kort coin before he didn’t even know they existed. “T... Thank you sir. I have to get home and show Ma and Da…” Without a thought he dropped the remaining papers and leaped into the man’s arms. The man stammered back, laughing and patting the back of the crying child. “My dear boy you deserve this. Now tell me boy, what is your name? And how old are you” The boy sniffles while he picks up the papers that weren’t ruined by the rain on the ground. The man bends down to help “My name is William sir, William Mckadin. I’m 14 years of age. My Da says I was named after the last king, may his soul rest next to our lord” “Ha! You and I are one in the same; I was named after the last king as well. You’re from Dowrland aren’t you? I can tell by your accent, what is a young Dowrish boy like yourself out in the cold and rain like this, selling newspapers?” The man began to take his trench coat off and give it to him “My family and I moved from Guldin last month and my mother fell Ill. My father and I have been working feverishly to pay for her treatment… But I only make 2 Korts a day if the news is good. The money you gave me may have saved her life. Thank you so much sir, please give me the honor of knowing your full name, the man that saved my family from great grief.” The child puts the trench coat on and is astonished at its very soft interior. The man laughed, took his scarf down and his hat off only for a second as to not gain much attention. The boy thought for sure he knew the man’s face from the papers he’s sold “My name is William Allingham III, King of the Dekartan Empire.” He laughs as the boy drops to his knees and stares at the ground “My king! I am not worthy! Forgive me for touching his most holy-““Stand up boy I am a citizen of this Empire just like you.” The boy slowly looks up and see’s the man smiling “Truly I get tired of never seeing my citizen’s faces, who taught you to do this?” The king holds out his hand as to walk with the boy. The boy shaking at this point due to being in the presence of the king more so than being cold stood and took his hand. “In Dowrland my family could afford my schooling and I was told to never look the Ki…you in the eye. Same goes for any member of the royal family and the prime minster” The man laughs “That prime minster of ours is a daft fool, you may kick dust into his eyes for all I, my family, or anyone in the parliament care.” “Da says he plans to send the Tranzentine Empire to the very gates of the devils house.” “Ah dear boy your father is a wise man for keeping an eye on the government he elected. Speaking of your family, where do you live?” “Not far my King” The man stops him “Please, call me William. We’re friends now not lord and peasant.” The boy nods “Just down that alley way there Si... William” "I’ll walk you there, I’d like to meet your family.”

The McKadin residence, surrounded by neighbors.
The boy smiles and runs down the alley banging loudly on the door “Da! Ma!” A man answers the door “What boy? What are you yelling about? your mother is sleeping just upstairs. Where did you get this coat? And who is this man here?” “He’s the king Da he’s the king!” His father pulls the boy near him and gives the king a suspicious glare. The king giggles “Oh do forgive me sir, may I step in your home?” He pulls the scarf down and take his top hat off and smiles “It’s quite cold out here you know” The man’s jaw drops to the very ground as he begins to bow and motions for his son to do the same “Oh boy, here we go again” King William says “Sir, you may stand I am no more than a man just as you are” The man stands and after tripping over his own words, speaks up in a surprised tone “Do come in my king” “Da he wants to be called William, like me!”The boy says, embarrassed. The king nods, smiles, and steps in the house “Thank you sir, what may I call you now that you know my name.” “My name is Mathew… What is the king doing associating with us common folk?” He nods at his son and the son begins to set the table “Well you see I am Dekartan, and you are Dekartan. I find talking to fellow Dekartans easy as we all speak Dekartan.” He laughs at his own joke while taking off his boots and putting down his hat. “I will go get my wife!” “Oh dear sir no, I know of her state and that won’t be necessary, let her rest.” “With respect William she is a very big follower of the crown” The king shrugs as he sits with the boy at the table. Mathew and his wife walk slowly down the steps and upon seeing the king attempts to bow but Mathew stops her “Dear Elizabeth he’s only a citizen as we are.” The woman looks into his eyes and smiles “I’ve made supper” the man says as he sits the woman down carefully “Won’t you do us the great honor of communing with our family?” The king smiles “Of course I would! I hear you know a lot about our government here in Dekarta, your son told me of your disliking for the Prime Minister” Mathew beams a glare at his son and back at the king worried “No dear Mathew do not fret I myself cannot stand his conservative policies. The man intends to own the whole of Vomindok.” Mathew kisses his son and wife while setting the food out on the table, much more calm. “Forgive me William, I haven’t enough money to make a proper dinner but I went to the cookman’s college in Durest and can cook the best out of a board of wood if I so please.” They all share a laugh.

After supper they begin to clean up the cookware and plates, even the king. The king finishes cleaning his plate and asks for the attention of the house “My friends you have treated me as if I was family, and I only feel inclined to offer you the same most gracious gesture. The Lilina Palace has the best medication in all of the Empire, and your cooking is truly exquisite. Plus I have a child Williams age though their friendship may get confusing as he too is also named after the king.” The king smiles and looks from family member to family member “If we make it there by say 7 your wife will be cured and recovered in a fortnight. “ Mathew looks to his family, all too shocked to move before dropping to his knees, tears rushing from his eyes. He shuffles towards the king and hugs his legs with the grip of a Landser man holding tight his beer. “My carriage will arrive soon, quickly pack what you can and we can come back for the rest on the eve of tomorrow, seeing as your wife is ill I will help her pack her things and rest on the ride to the palace.” He hugs Mathew and the boy. The boy looks up to him “What about my friends?” “They may visit anytime they wish dear boy" the king says just as the carriage arrives. Mathew stands “How did they know where you were?” “This part of Alaron can be dangerous, undercover guards were my shadow this whole time, one was sent to fetch my ride back to the palace. I will tell them to wait so you all can pack your things."

Lilia Palace

King Allingham was a king of the people, hiring his staff by dining with them and choosing based on their kindness and humility. Alas he and his family have little power in peacetime as the Magna Dekarta had implemented the elected parliamentary system and the prime minister’s office. Soon Prime Minster Frederick Wilmington planned to make all of the king’s power null even in wartime and early predictions assume that the bill will pass through the houses of commons and lords if proposed. If that happened the whole of the Royal Armed Forces would be at Dekarta’s rival’s doorstep, at the gates of the eternal Basilica. The king strongly opposed it and the leaders of Dekarta’s close ally Tethysia was too busy fearing war with Reichsland to step up and stop the Prime Minister from invading the great Tranzentine Empire now in the hands of but a boy, ripe for attack.

by **Farenhall** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 2:28 pm

The Varakhton Presidential Building, Allementhia, Capital of Farenhall

A taller woman stands infront of a world map, featuring the various lands and nations of the world of Vomindok..
Her hair reaches down to the center of her back, the dark-brown red locks flowing freely and unrestricted and softly resting against the black outfit she wore, her pale skin lightly radiating due to the lighting of the room, her crystal blue eyes scanning over the lines that dictate who owned what patch of dirt where in the world. She smiles a bit, her arms clasped behind her back before she speaks with an even tone.
"So it seems the world is beginning to change, whether or not it's for the better or worse is up to Fate to decide.."
A voice replied back from behind her, a man's darker voice in contrast to her own. "Aye, President Kazakova. The Tranzentine Empire has a new Emperor crowned, and there are growing concerns of Reichsland entering a war with Tethysia..Ironic, as the leaders over at ChiKet have declared out century one of Peace and Friendship."
"They may think what they wish, however it's very doubtful it'll be peaceful for much longer. With a young man at the head of the Tranzentine Empire, it's only a matter of time before someone invades them, in an attempt to take advantage of the situation.."
"What will our move be then, President Kazakova?" He replies, the man crossing his arms as Kazakova turns to look at him and the rest of her Generals.
"Keep the Military on Alert, if Reichsland should enter a war, the Grand Army should be ready to move, and the Homeland Guard ready to defend."
"As you wish, Madame President." The Man replies before snapping his fingers, the rest of his command stand standing and stepping out of the room as Kazakova turns to look back at the map.

She fiddles with a dagger in her hand as she looks over the map, Tethysia..Khaliste..Dekarta..Tranzentine..Reichsland..all of them would be embroiled in war soon enough she thought as she stabbed her dagger into the center of the map, turning and walking out of the room herself.

The Military as per' ordered however would begin to mobilize preemptively, in the event that their southern ally would march to war..or would be marched upon.

by **Tethysia** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 7:44 am

Placed conveniently between the different British, Germanic, and Nordic nations, the High Kingdom of Tethysia, or Hanskönigdom Däderlands, had been a thriving merchant empire for centuries.

But in 1860, the Hanskönig, or High King, was overthrown by post-industrial-revolution intellectuals with support from the working class. The Hanskönigdom was replaced with an interim republic that has fallen on hard times. The loose constituation of the interim republic has prevented any real political accomplishment, and the ongoing dispute between the pre-existing Jäller, or Jarls; and the young government has prevented ratification of any new constitution. Along with political stagnation has come economic stagnation; a sharp decline in trade has deeply affected the nation, and all faith in the prominent Free Trade Party has been lost, leaving a political vaccum waiting to be filled.

Within the next 20 years, the nation will be thrown into the most chaotic decade of its history. Where will the rest of the world fall?

by **Reichsland** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 11:58 am

Himfaldúr, Reichsland 1900

The train puffed angrily into the station belching steam and black smoke, both of which caught the sun's faint rays as it slowly ascended over the large coastal city. It's arrival was unremarkable in terms of train arrivals, except for the fact that on this particular train the Emperor of the Landser Empire happened to be a passenger. In light of this fact, the train did not care whom it carried, it simply did as it was told. This is why at the very moment, as the engine applied its air brakes, the Imperial Carriage found itself victim of a mild but still violent jolt, and along with it, the Chancellor. The Chancellor, Anlaf Einhard, was startled awake for he had been dozing for the last hour of his journey from the town of Thoronihr. He was finally at the next to the last stop of a cross country campaign, trying to garner support for Reichsland's militaristic, international, and economic buildups.

His campaign had been quite successful thus far, promising his subjects a great empire spanning the globe, and plenty of wealth to go along with it and in return young men were signing up for the military quickly, while others worked harder at their jobs. The nation was coming to life with a fresh wave of patriotism, and the Chancellor loved it. He was now here in Himfaldúr to commission a brand new battleship. He had been waiting for his chance to arrive here at the sea for quite a while, as he was tired of visiting every little dirt patch that considered itself a town. He was a ocean lover, born upon the waves and content to live and die upon them as well. However he now found little time to enjoy himself on the water due to the everyday chores of leading a great nation. These chores had made him weary, but now even through the train car he could smell the salt in the air and it filled him with new energy. He briefly wiped the sleep out of his eyes and gazed out the window at the grey colored environment, made so by the overhanging clouds and sea fog, though the sun would quickly burn that away in a short while. He looked across the carriage at the man sleeping in the plush chair beside the opposing window. A dull cigar hung lip from the fingers of his right hand and a whiskey bottle sat half empty on the small table beside him. This alcohol loving man happened to be General Arne Nachtigall, an important leader of the Landser Army, or the Gorogherth as it was known in the Landser tongue. The Chancellor and the General were close friends and drinking buddies, having both grown up in the aristocracy and attending college together.

There were also several important members of the Landser government aboard the train, however most of them were in the sleeping coach a few cars back from the Chancellor's at the time. Those most notable politicians who were along with him on the journey were Minister of Defense Paul Von Anmohr, Minister of Diplomatic Affairs Rudi Grehl, Minister of Finance Heinrich Jaganheim, and Minister of Public Relations Josef Múhle. Together they were taking time to outline a new plan of action for the nation, one that was much needed after the economic stagnation of the late 1800's. The Chancellor knew that vast resources lay untapped in the world, and he had been eyeing several tracts of land in different countries. Reichsland needed room to grow and stretch itself, and the only way it could do that is if it had access to raw capital. He had even went so far as to create a new department within the government known as the Ministry of Territorial Surveys, which was just a fancy way of saying that they were tasked with scouting areas of land to annex or claim. Any foreign entity that called its bluff was quickly dismissed by the Landser government, stating that such talk was unfair, accusatory, and the dreams of paranoid politicians.

The real truth however, was much different. In fact, once the Chancellor had secured a sufficient military bulk up, he would implement a plan that had been drawn up by his cabinet and he. This plan would secure vast tracts of land for Reichsland and along with it, natural resources. However the risk of war was great when it came to such things, and the plan would have to be implemented with quite a bit of tact. If war were to come to the world, then Reichsland's military would be ready. Deep down Einhard feared that the Tethysian government suspected Reichsland of having such a plan in the works, evidenced by the fact of swirling rumors and the ever growing frigidity of the two countries' relations. Einhard also knows that Tethysia is to blame for Reichsland's economic slump. Its failure to reconcile a functioning government had also meant that trade had sharply declined, including trade to one of its greatest trade partners, Reichsland. People already blamed Tethysia for their financial hardships, and the Chancellor would continue to fan the flames. Meanwhile the buildup continues, and Reichsland bides it time patiently awaiting a chance to set a course for its imperialistic ventures.

The General began to stir in his seat. He groaned then said "I see that we've finally made it. Damn this headache! You know Einhard, drinking is horrible for your health, but I welcome its warm embrace regardless." He then took large swig of whiskey from the bottle, in the same one handed manner of an alcoholic peasant. Einhard drank, but not to the extent of his friend. The only reason he allowed him to remain a General was because he was a military genius, if you could ever catch him sober. That fact, plus their longstanding friendship secured Arne's position. The Chancellor answered "Your right Arne, alcohol is a fickle mistress, loving you like a well paid whore today and beating your brains out on the morrow. However, I urge you to please remember your station and have a little dignity today. The people do tend to hold people in the Army High Command to a strict standard. Now get rid of that whiskey, its time to get up and get ready. Undoubtedly the reporters are already awaiting us at the platform."

7 Hours Later...

The reporters had been thick at the platform, however that was nothing compared to the throngs of people that now lined the docks and the surrounding wharves. The Chancellor's entourage were sitting on a large well-decorated stage placed in the front of a large dry dock, which had been enclosed on all sides, to prevent any premature viewing prior to the ceremony. Of course the ship had already undergone sea trials, and people had seen her then, but that was not considered bad luck, for the ship had not been commissioned or christened yet. Now that was about to change, however prior to the naval ceremony, each politician present was to give a speech, along with Admiral Brúno Prahler. Finally the time of commencement arrived and the men shifted the papers on the wooden table before them. The first person to speak would be the Minister of Public Relations. He straightened his papers on the table then stood and walked to a microphone laden podium. He waved to the vast crowd, both in greeting and as a signal to silence themselves.

Josef Múhle began to speak, and as he did the microphone carried his voice across the crowd in a tinny tone. " Ladies and Gentlemen, I am the Minister of Public Relations. I have come here to Himfaldúr along with my colleagues in an effort to inform you of our ongoing plans to revitalize the nation. I know that times have been hard ever since the decline in the market, however my fellow cabinet members and I have developed a plan to get this nation back to its feet. However for the plan to succeed we are going to need the cooperation of every single one of you. We need you laborers to work harder, and faster. We need you soldiers to train harder and fight stronger. Together we will overcome anything that opposes us, and people the world over will know the might of Reichsland. Your government will keep you informed on everything that goes on regarding our nation, and please I implore you, if you ever have any information regarding foreign nations or anything that relates to them, tell your nearest government office! The information will then be forwarded through the proper channels. Again please do not withhold any information regarding such matters because you never know when your contribution might be the one thing that allows us to save Landser lives. I have but a short opening speech to give here, so allow me to turn it over to another of my colleagues, Minister of Finance Jaganheim."

With the conclusion of Josef's speech the people broke into a wave of applause as Jaganheim made his way to the podium. He was a hawkish looking man, tall and sharpfeatured. The crowd quietened down and he spoke. " Good day to everyone. I am filled with pleasure to be here in this great city, it is a beautiful testament to what our society can accomplish. I have prepared a short speech today in order to convey a brief outline of our economic plan for the nation. Though before we can fix the problem, we must first go back and see where the problem occurred. I will tell you where it occurred, and other experts agree with me. Our nation became to reliant on other nations' trade, and our greatest partner was our western neighbor Tethysia. At first there were no problems with this setup, however the Tethysians began to experience political turmoil in 1860. This was the birthing point of our struggle. Their nation could reconcile the differences of the political remnants to form a functional government, and this led to a massive decline in trade. Our export rate fell, and along with it, our economy. Tethysia is responsible for causing this mess, but it is up to us to fix it. I have spoken with the Chancellor who has given me the authority to implement a new two part economic plan. The first part goes into effect next month, and it consists of two things. Placing trade restrictions on Tethysian goods, while lowering the tariffs on other nations; this is being done to show the Tethysians that we know who has done this to us, and that we will tolerate it no longer. We will also extend an an open trade agreement to nations around the world. Signatories of the agreement would be bound to provide fair export and import quotas to each other. Individual nations will have the option to negotiate, and sign for what they wish to offer. This will give all nations the power to choose what best fits their needs, and not be bound to an equal default amount. This agreement is in the process of being drafted this week, and will go into effect when our restrictions do. I also plan to implement a new government subsidy for farmers. Such a subsidy will lower the price of fertilizer, seeds, and equipment allowing more farmers to afford them, therefore increasing our crop yields and maximizing utilization of our available arable lands. This subsidy is to go into effect three months from now. The government printing office will keep you informed of all changes. You are probably wondering what the second part of the economic plan is... Unfortunately that is still classified at the time, preventing me from sharing any details. I can assure you however that it will be of great benefit to Reichsland. With that being said, I cocnlude my speech and hand over the podium to my friend and colleague, Minister of Diplomatic Affairs Grehl." Even louder applause and shouts rang out as the Minister concluded his speech.

Grehl reached the podium. "My speech will be very brief, for much can be said in very few words. Now that you know about part of the economic plan that is going into effect, you are probably wondering what effect that will have on the international stage. In the long run, the effects are impossible to predict, however in the short term several outcomes are a possibility. The nation of Tethysia will be enraged that we are cutting off most of our trade with them, or whats left of it, and they will probably demand that we lift our restrictions. I don't think they will resort to war however, not over that. Though if they did, a peaceful resolution could promptly be found. In fact, if they would simply issue a formal apology along with fair restitution for our lost revenue over the last 40 years, we would consider them friends again! Also, if nations sign our trade agreement, it would only serve to bring us closer together in the international community. Our firends in Farenhall and Taelete will be receiving an extravagant gift from us, in the form of money, gemstones, fine alcohol, and ornate goods. This will be done as a sign of good faith and friendship, proof that Reichsland takes care of its own. Tensions between us and Tethysia are continuing to deteriorate for sure, but we have nothing to fear. My staff and I are monitoring the diplomatic environment very closely, so rest assured that you can sleep safe and content in the fact that your government is doing everything it can to protect you. I would also like to add however, that in case war were to break out, our military is undergoing a continue refit and restructuring. Which is why I will not turn over the floor to Minister of Defense Anmohr."

Again and again applause rang out as Anmohr stepped up and spoke. "My fellow Landser. You are the fiber of this nation, the backbone that makes it strong. I unfortunately do not share the optimism of Minsiter Grehl. I fear that war will befall this land, and it will beset her people. That is why I strongly insist every one of you to consider joining the armed forces, and if not, please do your part to ensure that our nations continues in strength. Mr. Grehl made mention that a peaceful resolution could be quickly found to end a war. If that were true, then it would be great. However being a military man has made me cynical of diplomacy. If a war were to break out between two nations, or God forbid the entire world be embroiled in conflict, that war would not be won with words and pens, it would be won with blood and iron! I cannot discuss many details regarding my activities in this position, so this is why I end my speech here, but once again I implore you to please step up and do your part to aid your country. Thank you."

After the Ministers had given their speeches, the Chancellor said a few words, though they were mostly just echoes and reiterations of what his cabinet had already stated. After the Chancellor closed his speech out, the commissioning ceremony got underway. The drydock doors were opened and the dock flooded with sea water. The people waited anxiously for the great ship of war to slide out of her berths. Finally the bow of the ship appeared in the doorway, and slowly it continued to emerge, As the ship slid into the water, the crowd of people cheered and waved. The ship was the RSS Girithon, the 6th battleship made in the past two years. The Secretary of the Navy, Rudolf Klinger, had convinced the Chancellor to sign off on several Navy Bills, allowing for a massive expansion and command reorganization. On 10 April 1898 the first Navy Bill was authorized by the Chancellor. It authorized the maintenance of a fleet of 20 battleships, 9 armored cruisers, 12 large cruisers and 30 light cruisers to be constructed by 1 April 1904. Existing ships were counted in the total, but the bill provided for ships to be replaced every 25 years on an indefinite basis. Five million marks annually was allocated to run the navy, with a total budget of 408 million marks for shipbuilding. The result was that several older vessels had been scrapped and recycled to create newer more advanced vessels. The Naval Research Arm were currently developing a new turbine drive system to replace the old steam piston drive systems. If the technology could be refined this would save a massive amount of space, allowing for more armaments and/or storage. The entire Landser military was building up its strength. Events in Vomindok were about to begin to spiral out of control...

The Girithon glides across the waves around Himfaldúr wharf.

by **Dekarta** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 4:09 pm

February 19th, 1900, Lilina Palace in Alaron. Two hours after parliament had decided to grant the kings remaining power to the Prime Minister

"Wilmington you blithering idiot!" The king marches towards the Prime Minster who was enjoying his breakfast in the world famous Lilina feast hall, it had food and cooks from all over the world making more money than a good portion of those in parliament." Ahhh William take a seat won't you?" He takes another bite of his grilled Tethysian tuna, smiling and dismissing his guards to do as they wish until they were finished talking. "You did it! You've ruined the royal family! You should be hanged in Alaron square for your treason!" The whole of Lilina feast hall was now watching the King and Prime Minister. Journalists were crowding the scene with lights flashing and questions firing. The Prime Minister put down his silverware still chewing and smiling. "Mr. Allingham, please sit and we can discuss this like gentlemen. Breakfast is on me" "To hell with your breakfast, the money you use to feed yourself is blood money from the hard workers of the Empire. You've made a mockery of Dekarta! I should have kicked you out when I had the power." He realizes quickly the scene he has created and begins to calm down. He sits "You're a tyrant under cover Frederick." Wilmington laughs and points to the press "your father blocked the press, I allow it." He looks to the press "Is this not a free nation I've forged?" "My father was an idiot and you are as well, you've stolen billions from our people and ruined the economy. You're freedom is a lie, your tactics are a laugh, and you will find yourself being the last leader of this Empire!" Wilmington finishes his breakfast and pulls out two bottles of Landser lager. "I had two because I knew you'd find me here" he slides the bottle to Allingham and the King simply looks at it and continues to glare at Wilmington. He shrugs and opens his bottle "So uncultured you royals are, but back to you having zero power." Allingham begins to breathe heavily as Wilmington laughs. "Oops I struck a nerve. Anyway, since parliament voted for me to take over the remainder of your power, it's not really an empire anymore, much more of a scattered republic if you ask me." "Nobody would ask you, you have little knowledge of what a republic is. You fixed the last election, it matters not you'll be out of office in a year's time regardless." Wilmington bursts into a loud laugh "Oh William you should have been a court jester. When war strikes the Empire the leader in charge stays so until the war ends. It was apart of the bill parliament passed only hours ago making you no more than a figure with gold on his head. Your crown isn't even the most valuable anymore, you sir are quite a laugh yourself.."Allingham smashes the bottle on the table and holds the shards to the Prime Ministers neck, holding onto them so hard that blood began to drip from the kings hand. Blood laced with vengeance and adrenaline. Frederick stopped laughing and looked back and forth from the glass and the kings boiling face. The press had stood silent and solem. "You wouldn't..." a bead of sweat rushed down his forehead and the silence of the room was so much so that they all heard an Apple drop in the kitchen 20 meters away "You will destroy this land, you will destroy our name, your blood will run down the street faster than yourself as a Tranzentine bullet bursts through your heart. You will lead the world to its end if you stay in power." The kings blood mixes with the Landser lager on the table "Give me one reason why I should spare your miserable life Frederick!" Wilmington closes his eyes "You'll spend the rest of your life in a cell. Drop it now and we will act like this never happened William. Spare me, I beg of you..." Allingham thinks for a moment, all of the families he had saved from poverty would no longer be under his roof. They would be kicked out back onto the streets if the King who placed them there was no longer king, but a prisoner with less power than the families themselves. On the other hand he there could destroy corruption in the seat of power single handedly. He could end the life of the man who tarnished the empire's name; he would be a hero to future generations. Then and there he could stage a coup and put in place a better man more fit to lead the greatest empire on Vomindok. His eyes and jaw clench. The room watches in fear and the press takes pictures of the incident and a few even ran to their editors to have it published within minutes. The news would soon be all over the world. But the King threw the glass against the wall causing the whole feast hall to jump and stepped away, kindly asking those in his way to move aside.

Prime Minister Wilmington sat at his table shocked and exhausted. He would have burst into tears had he not been in public. He felt the shock of what he had done to the Empire. He knew the atrocities were of his twisted agenda and he knew he could do nothing to turn back time and undo them all. He was the first Prime Minister with more powers than a king and he had ruined his chance at reviving the glory of old, being hand and hand with death can change a man's mind in ways that nothing else will. A journalist ran up to him "Mr Wilmington I'm from the Alaron Tribune, what do you plan to do now?" The Prime Minster sat in silence for a moment. "I am to repeal Wilmington's lordship act to give the King his power back... then I will step down as Prime Minister of the Empire of Dekarta..." the journalists began to swarm him but he held up his hand wanting to talk, and talk he did in a quiet tone "Excuse me, I must... I must speak to my cabinet." He got up slowly and walked to his personal quarters where he proceeded to draft up a bill to repeal the act he had installed only hours ago, only after voiding his stomach of the fine food he had spent a fortune on. He estimates it will be finished and put up to vote within a month, but Vomindok may not have a month left.

Prime Minister Sir Frederick Wilmington

by **Kahliste** » Sun Aug 23, 2015 5:16 am

Steuer Palace, Trelleborg City, Imperial Kahliste, 1900

While other nations were stirred from within and threatened by their neighbours, here was Kahliste, sitting on its own in peace. But there was a build-up of military forces on all corners of the Söderland. The Nordland was refitting as well. This began when news of the development of the Landser Army arose within the Scandinavian Fatherland. The government already feared for its colony in the East, known as Östland, which had recently been forced into constructing a dense wall along all of its borders. The Autonomous Vansbro Islands had to divide their fairly formidable Navy in the event of a conflict.

Narveryd, the Autonomous Western colony, was by far the only Kahlistean branch that remained completely silent. Far more silent anyway than the Fatherland, where many people were busy preparing for the worst. It was far too early, yes. But who was to say that in the near future, Kahliste wouldn't be among the belligerents? Who was to say it wouldn't be attacked?.. For now it was best to be prepared. Now more than ever, while the potential enemies were busy with their closer foes. By the time Kahliste would be under any sort of attack, it would be ready. The Empire would not fall.

However, plans were yet to be made. Kahliste was only slightly under Reichsland when it came to military technology. Their military, however smaller, was just as formidable. Made even stronger by their will to defend their Fatherland. The government would utilize this patriotism, of course. It was a last resort should things go South. Emperor Thomas Lundell openly admitted to the press not three days ago that they were thinking too far ahead. But he justified his and his Assembly's actions by saying that the nation would be in serious danger if they waited until it was too late.

The Emperor and some of his highest officials were in the conference room of the Steuer Palace, seated at a long mahogany table. The room was dark, except for the seating area itself. Present at this important meeting were Prime Minister Friederich Monschau, Fältmarskalk Tilman Hirsch, General Benedikt Neubauer, Brigadgeneral Peter Heinecke, Brigadgeneral Zakarias Markussen, Generallöjtnant Siggard Bredesen, and Generallöjtnant Rudi Haugerud. With them was the Prince, Kaleb Lundell. He was only 12, but it was required that he was present during such meetings. This was to prepare him for what would be his position in the years to come. It didn't matter whether he liked it or not, he simply had to be there. But it was alright, since the leaders were nearing the end of their conference.

"Apart from the Havsvapnet (Sea Force), we must re-arm the HemVakt (Hemland Vakt) as well. They are in need of new weapons." says General Neubauer, who had been suggesting this before, but to no avail. The Kahlistean Army was truly inadequately armed, though not inferior. He guessed that now was the best time to give this idea once again.

Fortunately this time, the Emperor was willing to spend on such things. He nodded. "Yes, General. It's about time. The Vakt will serve on many fronts, when the time comes. They will have to be well-prepared for any circumstance." he gestures to the Prime Minister, who nods and writes down what will need to be upgraded. General Neubauer nodded gratefully, and after discussing the necessary upgrades to firearms and research on vehicles and aircraft, Heinecke took the floor, leaning forward against the table. He was among the few who weren't as afraid of conflict as most others. "Sir, if I may, I believe that such large expenses would not be necessary if we retained good relations with our neighbors. We could be no one's enemy."

Generallöjtnant Haugerud scoffed. "That's ridiculous. War is a plague, Heinecke. Should one break out, we will be at some point, involved for that very reason. Neighbours."

The Emperor agreed. "Correct. Not long after a war begins, we'll be prompted by many to take a side. If we refuse, we may be attacked. Refugees will come to us if we choose to be neutral, and we will be engaged by their enemies if we dare take them in. As was said by some of the ancient Emperors, no one is safe from war. Not even our children, whom we are doing this for. Do not forget, Heinecke."

Kaleb grinned and nodded, though he was unnoticed at the end of the desk.

"I won't sir." replied the Brigadier General. He was visibly disappointed, but he could no longer argue, for his colleagues were right. He had to admit to himself that if they were attacked, and if preparations were not made, many innocent lives would be lost. The Brigadier General thougt of his two young daughters and returned his attention to the agenda.

"Besides... Kahliste yields many resources that a few of our neighbours will want, if only to fuel their war machines. Adds Generallöjtnant Siggard Bredesen. "For one, Reichsland is quite focused on its military, as I've heard. They'll need fuel and steel for their ships. Our Fatherland is abundant with both resources."

"Speaking of neighbours," Fältmarskalk Hirsch began, "Considering that Reichsland is the largest threat to our nation, why don't we rise to their level?.. If we are able to improve our relations with them as early as now, it would be beneficial to the safety of our Empire. Do you not agree?" All eyes shifted to the Emperor once again. "Other nations, I feel, won't be as big of a threat as Reichsland will be. Many predict that they will have a more lethal army than ours in two years time at the rate at which things are going at the moment." Of course, at this point, Hirsch was speaking in his own point of view.

"Then this means we've chosen a side?" said Haugerud with a questioning tone.

Hirsch shook his head. "No. We are on our own side. If the rest of the world is to perish, then so be it. If a war begins, being allied with Reichsland will greatly help us. We may clandestinely send them supplies, and in exchange, they will assist in our defence if and when we are put in danger. At the end of it all, we would only be suppliers. Not allies of any belligerents."

Brigadgeneral Heinecke showed his disapproval of the idea. "How do we know that they'll stay true to their word?"

The Field Marshal sighed. "They will have to send their own troops here first, before we give them what they need, of course. Also... We are not to contribute to the convoys' defence, but only for the transport. The Landsers will have to send their own boats to secure the trade-line between Söderland and their own nation."

Emperor Lundell nodded, twirling a pen between his fingers. Kaleb was greatly interested and sat up. He knew what this meant. If his father were to visit the Landsers, he would love to come. Reichsland was one of the many places he wanted to see, after all.

"We may arrange for a meeting with the Landsers after this. However... If we are to share anything with them, it must be minimal. For our own military will need quite a lot of supplying if we are to survive." Lundell says. At the other end of the table, Kaleb clenches his fists and prepares to ask after the conference if he would be allowed to go to Reichsland as well. It would be one hell of an experience, to be in a foreign nation for the very first time. When his father adjourned the meeting and all the others returned to their duties, Kaleb jumped off his chair and followed his father into the next room. Lundell's personal office. His mother, Charlotta, followed a short while after.

Kaleb, in excitement, jumped onto his father's desk, only to be forced off by a gesture from his father. Nonetheless, he was grinning. "Father, are you really going to Reichsland?" he asked. His father, whilst writing a quick letter to hand to his Överste, nodded to his son. Kaleb continued, "Then can I come with you? I'd like to see what Reichsland is like. Really, I would."

The Emperor laughed to himself a little and leaned back in his big comfy chair. "If your mother will allow it." he said, taking his pipe. Charlotta giggled as her son faced her with puppy dog eyes.

"Well... If Kaleb is willing to finish his greens this evening.. Why not?" the Empress said, gently setting her hands on Kaleb's shoulders. Although he was irritated at the thought of vegetables; even wrinkling his nose in disgust, he was happy to be joining his father on this trip across the dark sea between Söderland Kahliste and the Central Continent.

-Image References / Credits-

Liam Neeson as Emperor Thomas Lundell
Jake Lloyd as Prince Kaleb Lundell
Naomi Watts as Empress Charlotta Lundell
Sir Anthony Hopkins as Prime Minister Friederich Monschau
Michael Mendl as Fältmarskalk Tilman Hirsch
Stephen Fry as General Benedikt Neubauer / with Generallöjtnant Haugerud
Justus von Dohnányi & Rolf Kanies as Brigadgeneral Peter Heinecke & Brigadgeneral Zakarias Markussen / speaking with Fältmarskalk Hirsch
Benedict Cumberbatch as Generallöjtnant Siggard Bredesen
Rowan Atkinson as Generallöjtnant Rudi Haugerud

by **Reichsland** » Sun Aug 23, 2015 8:17 pm

Imperial Hall, Weisiger February 19th

Four days had passed since the Chancellor's arrival back in the capital of Weisiger. He was now standing in front of a large plate glass window, observing the grim looking sky drench the city below in a cold rain. Thunder echoed through the room at random intervals, while lightning framed the man's slender but muscular body against the window. He was on the ground floor of the great building, which was as ornate as it was old. He was standing in a large office, which he had chosen to use for press appearances and such. However now, he just stood there with a glass of fine Ùragmar wine. He absentmindedly swirled the deep blood colored liquid as he pondered deeply on both current events and those belonging to the future.

The coronation of a new emperor in the Trazentine Empire was interesting, a wild card almost. Reichsland had been friends with the Trazentines for a while, and he hoped that the new leader would not try to upset the status quo. This is why Einhard had agreed to send the Emperor a gift, to share between him and his closest allies. The Chancellor hoped that it would help guarantee the two nations' continued friendship. This was by far not the largest cause of stress on the Chancellor however. That was caused by another great nation, Dekarta. Everyone knew that their Prime Minister was poised to consolidate his power, and strip the King of his power in the process. The Dekartan Parliament was soon to take a vote, and if the Prime Minister got his wish, he would waste no time in attacking the Trazentine Empire. The Chancellor would not have that happen, not without a fight anyway. He had told the Ministry of Diplomatic Affairs to send an official message to the Dekartan government. It read as follows;

That dispatch had been a little over a day before the Parliament voted in Dekarta. The Chancellor had listened intently as government agents reported the news of the vote, and how it had succeeded. The Prime Minister had gained what remained of the King's power. Once the Chancellor had heard, he had immediately called his intelligence advisers into his office, where they had developed a plan to assassinate the Prime Minister, however only as a last resort. It was termed Projekt Fuincír (Shadowed Sickle). That had been three hours ago. The Chancellor was now receiving new reports from Dekarta. The Prime Minister had just been threatened by the King! Apparently the man had decided to have his Lordship Act repealed, and then he would be stepping down as Prime Minister. This news was unexpected, and had put the Chancellor in the mood to stand in thought in front of the window.

That was a disaster avoided, for now. Einhard trusted that the King of Dekarta was smarter than to go to war with the Trazentine Empire. The Chancellor walked back from the window after he had taken a sip of wine. He sat down at the desk and took a deep breath and leaned back in his large reclining office chair. He would retire for the rest of the evening. The world would hold steady for a few hours, long enough to allow him to take a little recreational time for once. He would take his boat out on the lake and do some fishing. He hadn't got his hands dirty in such a manner for quite some time. Einhard found it relaxing to be out on the water, while the waves gently rocked the boat to and fro. He glanced at the clock, he still had plenty of time before he had to return to his leadership duties. He told his aides to keep watch out for him, and if anything drastic was to happen in the next few hours, find him at once. Otherwise, he was not to be disturbed unless he called for aid. The Chancellor then donned his old fishing attire, retrieved his boat from the lake house, and struck out on the Imperial Lake. Meanwhile, the world clicked on, minute by minute, spiraling ever closer to conflict.

by **Reichsland** » Mon Aug 24, 2015 9:47 pm

The church was dark and cold. if it were not a house of worship, the stagnant, cool, musty air could have been mistaken for that of a crypt. Although, that was not far from the truth considering the large amount of rotted corpses belonging to persons long dead that lay below the church proper. The Bishop of the church pulled his robes tight around him as he went to the door, which was finding itself victim of a rather violent knocking. The loud strikes echoed throughout the massive sanctuary, reverberating all the way up to the upper frescoes which looked as if they had come to life due to the flickering shadows cast high upon them by the flickering oil lamps. The Bishop inhaled deeply before opening the small portcullis door, a fraction of wood embedded within the much larger parade doors. He could hear rough shouting outside.

The door opened, letting in a gust of frigid night air. The old man squinted his eyes at the onslaught of winter's breath, and he could barely make out the soldiers' faces as they shoved him to one side. The men marched into the church, weapons at the ready. As the first few men entered and stood at attention, a single man dressed in an ornate uniform stepped through the door and adjusted his glove. A cape hung smartly over his right shoulder and it swirled outward with a gust of air as he turned to face the Bishop. As the clergyman gathered himself together again, he stole a quick glance outside where he managed to catch a glimpse of troop trucks and horse-drawn wagons. Soldiers were scrambling about the wagons uncovering what appeared to be large crates. The man, who could be nothing more than a Baron, coughed slightly to draw the Bishop's gaze back to him. The Baron wasted no time before he spoke "Fro mun darmúr, arðlach? Mun kerìn. Nim ber Òrothúr Von Enge, ain nim tolúin Kanzelúr. Wor am drun úlandahl tirid ta zekret. Munra lebt rivún an neilass. Rath uhl ta balèr rahn!"

The Bishop had been told that the government was bringing something for the church to keep watch over, though it had not specified as to what. The sealed document had merely stated that it was supplies of great import. Great import indeed, but what exactly did national treasure mean? He tried to press more information out of the Baron while the soldiers brought in the crates, though the Baron refused to divulge anything more. They walked down into the crypts of the church, dead saints and the faithful slept on, undisturbed by the raucous noises of the living. The stench of death permeated the air, though none of the men acted as if it bothered them. They had all been sworn to secrecy and thus not much was said between them. Their footsteps echoed throughout the dust covered vaulted halls. Downward they went, staircase after iron railed staircase. They paused every so often to allow themselves to catch their breath, though few wanted to linger long in the halls of the dead.

The Bishop knew what the Baron had said when he meant deep passages, though he was surprised that anyone else knew of them. They were a vast expanse of tunnels carved into the very bedrock under the church. One could easily get lost fast, and wander long, all while starvation took its toll. After much winding and turning, they at last came to a dark iron door, ornately carved though the effects of time and nature had ruined its once majestic glory. The Bishop reached into a robe and produced a key, inserted it, and opened the door with a loud rusty screech. The noise was loud enough to waken the dead. The Baron told the Bishop to lead them to the Gates of Dir Gòldur. The Bishop was taken aback at the mention of that name. The Gates of Dir Gòldur was the entrance to the tomb of Alric III, the Dark King as he was known in those days. It was a grotesque place, so the fragmented records read, carved by his cruel followers, worshipers of the pagan gods of sacrifice. Though in order to open the gates, one needed a key that had long been lost. When the Bishop mentioned this, the Baron smiled in the darkness and produced a rusted key, well worn with the passing of time.

After much walking, and cursing by the men who carried the small crates, they finally found themselves at a set of massive metal gates, made of unknown metal for they appeared to be as new as they were when they were first forged, aside from a few splotches of moss here and there. The Baron inserted the key and turned it, the lock clicking free with almost no effort. He pushed the door open and walked through the stone passage. He then called for the rest of the men, and they entered the tomb itself they were greeted with a sight of macabre dimensions. There were reliefs carved on the walls that depicted the sacrifice of humans, and of mass orgies surrounding pagan altars. This was a place of evil, but what better place to hid some of the most expensive treasures that Reichsland possessed. As the Bishop entered, he immediately crossed himself. He found it ironic that a shrine to such evil was located underneath a house of God. The men quickly set down their crates, arranging them neatly to one side. Once their payload had been dropped, the entire party reversed the steps of their journey and made their way back to their transportation.

All over the areas surrounding the capital of Weisiger, soldiers were doing the same as these were. Fearing the possibility of war, the Chancellor had ordered that almost all of the Imperial Treasures of Reichsland be removed from the city and hidden among the land. The treasures contained gold, jewels, ancient weapons and armor, royal crowns, artwork, and other valuables. The only problem with hiding so many easter eggs, is remembering where you put them...

by **Tethysia** » Thu Aug 27, 2015 2:41 pm

February 28^th, 1900

For a man passing into his third year of his six-year term as chancellor, Oliver Byström was tragically unseasoned. His bid for chancellor was a maneuver by the out-of-touch conservatives to 'keep the boat afloat;' a scheme that ended in Byström humiliated, compromising with a grand coalition of socialists and traditionalists alike. He was a plain-faced man, much like his predecessor, and the predecessor of his predecessor. The conservatives had a proclivity to men who didn't draw attention; however, Byström was certainly drawing attention today. In a matter of minutes, the executive cabinet was meeting to discuss the embargo that had been placed upon them.

Byström heaved open the door to the council chamber. as the solid oak doors shut, Byström sat his advisors around him and called on his foreign minister, Ludvig Väggt, to adress the situation

Ludvig Väggt was a thorn in Byström's ass, to put it lightly. At 30 years old, with a handsome face that seemed 10 years younger, he was a national sensation. As the son of an earl, he turned down a seat in the Jälladag¹ to run for a seat in the Volkskamb for Välland, where he managed to steal the majority of votes from the conservative-backed, anti-tariff free-traders; as well as winning the hearts of the ever-liberal northerners. A young, southern liberal was a dangerously potent mix. but worst of all, he was a radical; a trait Byström despised. In this age, a moderate, coalition government didn't need the stress of an important cabinet member pulling on the outer fringes of the nation; nonetheless, not giving Vägt a cabinet poisition would have put a spark to the unions.

Väggt rose . “Sir, Riksland, citing our economic recession as a catalyst of its own, has sanctioned us; and will levy lower tariffs towards our rival investing nations within the next month.” Byström paused and

“The obvious solution is a counter-sanction, is it not?” Byström replied.

“With all due respect, sir, a sanction will have little effect on Riksland. I have a plan that could prove to Riksland that we do not mean to be bullied into economic submission and depression. Observe the island of Bärstö,” Ludvig explained. “The island bridges the channel which leads to Rikslands coast. Should Dädland’s maritime economic border be redetermined, we could prevent passage of any ships through that channel.”

The Minister of the Navy, scoffed. “Riksland is rapidly expanding its navy, and you wish to enact a blockade? The Stridsarmåde would be crushed.”

“That is where you are incorrect, Torvald,” Ludvig exclaimed. “Any trading ships would be in territorial waters; therefore, if a tariff levying entrance into territorial waters was enacted, we would have the legal right to charge all ships a fee to pass, as well as the right to hold all ships who refuse to recognize the tariff. If Riksland attacked us, it would be in our territorial waters. We would not be at fault!”

The room began to shift as the cabinet began to consider Ludvig’s proposal. It was bold, but the response showed that the nation was serious towards reinvigorating and protecting its trade. Byström had his reservations. The plan was a bold move for the party; yet, this could give Byström the moment for Väggt to out-do himself, allowing him to find a new foreign secretary.

“Prepare your bill for presentation to the Volkskamb, Ludvig. Cabinet dismissed.”

Ludvig ecstatically marched out of the room to his head staffer, “Set up a meeting with the ambassadors of Farenhall, Dekarta, and Reichsland!”

¹ The upper house of the parliament, reserved for members of royal blood.

by **Dekarta** » Sat Aug 29, 2015 1:15 am

March 7th 1900
Prime Minister Wilmington officially passed a repeal and counter bill of the “Wilmington’s Lordship Act of 1900”. The majority of parliament agreed to give the king his power back, and abolish the office of the prime minister of Dekarta making Prime Minister Frederick Wilmington the first, last, and only Prime Minister of the Dekartan Empire. The office of the Prime Minister was popular with the last generation but not with the new one who felt the brunt of the corruption under PM Wilmington. The new act or consul (similar to an amendment) gave the king almost all of the power the prime minister had, but set in place terms and elections for the office of “King of Dekarta”. Each term was 5 years, and elections could be held anytime during the 5 years if 60% of the population of the Empire was unhappy with the king’s service to Dekarta and called for a ‘snap election’. If 5 years pass without a snap election then the king would be allowed to run again and win the office once more and only once more. Much of the population was happy to get rid of the office of the prime minister despite the consul being criticized by many as simply a “change of name and a waste of parliamentary and royal time”.

The King was even more popular after word got out of his distinct hatred for PM Wilmington, and often held meetings with citizens who gained popularity among their peers. This one another part of the consul, one hour everyday would be spent listening to the complaints and ideas of the citizens and each complaint and comment would be brought to parliament if the king and his group of 10 common advisers (Not to be confused with his 20 appointed advisors) agreed that the issue was to be taken seriously.

Lilina Palace, Alaron Dekarta, March 20th 1900.
“So… explain to me again why we should declare war on Reichsland?” King Allingham sat across his desk in the new ‘room of the common man’ that had been refitted from a small political meeting room in the palace to a… small political meeting room in the palace with less chairs and a new table (Avinaan dark oak, a LOVELY brownish-grey color). The table was a rectangle with 21 chairs around it, on one end of the table sat the king and his 10 advisors appointed by the parliament who are obviously appointed by the people. On the other end sat the disgruntled or worried citizens who demanded something be done about one problem or another. A young lower class man with black and grey balding hair who had obviously spent at least a month’s salary on a less than expensive suit in preparation for his meeting with the king spoke up in a low raspy voice “My King-“ The king held up his hand “William, call me William” The man nods. “Right… Sir William the Landser threaten our ally east of the channel Dresdo and in turn threaten us, all of us, every man woman and child you see every day are in grave danger I assure you this. Their navy and army are quickly growing and may soon surpass ours as the biggest as they have already surpassed ours in the most technologically advanced. That happened while you were having your political cat fight with Wilmington the past 6 years, Mr. Allingham.” The king giggled a little and nodded as if saying “That was pretty idiotic of me; I could have gone about that a better way I admit.” But instead he continued listening “As you can see on this map, Tethysia is considering on enacting a blockade in the Faren Sea, near the isle of Barsto. They are simply asking to get blown out of the water and the war that would follow would be… terrible to say the absolute very least. They believe because they will not be at fault if they are attacked they will somehow gain an advantage when Landser boots cross their border with guns full of bullets meant for the hearts of their common men. I am definately not saying we should declare war on the Landser; I’m saying we should warn them and send ships to help enforce the blockade, as well as increase the defense and technological research budgets. In a year, if we start now and play our cards right our military will be ready to fight off both Reichsland and the Tranzentine Empire, and WIN.” William looks at his advisors and the group of citizens who wish to take action against Reichsland. The room had an uneasy feeling in it as they all knew very well that this issue would come up someday. “Maxwell, Is it? As frightening as your proposal sounds I must say it seems a lot of your fellow men and women agree with what you’ve just stated here before us this morning and your calls must be answered by the government that represents and projects the voices of Dekarta. Personally I believe that Reichsland is an aggressor and that they are bullying our dear friends in Tethysia, however declaring war…or even provoking them at all for that matter just seems unnecessary.” “With all due respect… I can assure you it isn’t” The King sat back in his chair pondering the current international situation on the mainland. What if Reichsland and Trazentiocheia did mean to end the Dekartan Empire as the world knew it? Do they harbor such hatred? Could it even be possible to topple an empire completely that is so vast that the sun never reaches the horizons of its ever-stretching lands? How far would they go to defeat the Empire? Would they butcher the people on the streets just for being Dekartan in the event of their victory if It were to occur? And the last thing the king thought was would he indeed be the last king of Dekarta? After an extended period of silence, save for a few murmurs between the advisors and the citizens the king spoke up, obviously conflicted on what to do “Women and men of Dekarta I would like to thank you dearly for your time here today.” He stood up to shake Maxwell’s hand “If any of you took your day off of work to attend this meeting we will gladly speak to your employer and have your pay for the day brought to your door by the day’s end. You will all receive mail once we have agreed or disagreed to bring it up to parliament, and a follow up letter inviting you to speak in front of the national legislature if it is indeed accepted as a topic of major relevance.” He opens up the door “Now if you will all excuse us we must discuss the matter you brought before us today.” The citizens walked out, all shaking the hands of any official they got near including the king. Allingham shuts the door and stands with his eyes closed breathing deeply, almost shaking. He did not want war but he knew something needed to be done, the Landser aggressors were now the first of their worries. This was a shocking conclusion for the king to make, as the Empire had been crumbling for some time with issues of vast importance crossing his throne (now desk) over the last few years seeming so terrible then and so little now compared to the issue that had been brought upon them this day. He was a different man than he once was, he was very scared for the people of his Empire, and the Empire it’s self.

A voice in the room spoke up confidently, it was the voice of defense minister Valling, a plump man from the northern state of Cadleland (Kind of like Scotland)“The man is a right lunatic! War between our two nations would be absolutely and utterly catastrophic! Our economy is still recovering from the slip in January and he expects us to double the funding of the military in the amount of time it takes to make buttered toast? Preposterous is what it is and I simply will not have it in my nation” The king glares at the man will burning eyes walking towards him with a quick and solid stride “But it ISN’T your nation you bloody oaf you are a citizen just like he, and you know very well that if we do nothing and sit here with our thumbs up our privileged asses that we will be the next target after the Tethysians are dispatched with overwhelming haste! And if you think for one moment that the Tranzentinians will waste a single second getting in on their chance to topple Dekarta then you do not belong here you close-minded, upper-class, ignoramus, inconsiderate, excuse of a representative. Vote now damnit no dicking around, all those opposed say aye.” The king looked around the room at the shocked communion that sit around him, they knew the king was a very kind man but they also knew the 6 year political battle with the prime minister had taken a toll on his temper. The room was silent as Allingham looked around. “Good, I assume we are all for taking action then? I will bring this to parliament’s attention at once.” He said in a much calmer voice to his colleagues before walking out of the room, surprised at his blow up on Valling.

That week the Parliament had voted on taking action against Reichsland’s aggressive behavior by agreeing to do the following.

-Accept the invitation by the Tethysian Foreign Minister Ludvig Vaggt for the Dekartan Ambassador to Tethysia to meet with representatives from Farrenhall, Tethysia, and Reichsland.
-Increase military spending dramatically, the exact amount is yet to be determined but increasing funds will start as soon as possible
-Increase recruiting in all major cities (Including the colonies).
-Increase propaganda production
-Send 20 Herring class Battleships, and 35 smaller ships of varying degrees of military firepower and size to help bolster the force of the blockade if the blockade is indeed agreed upon
-Request to send upwards of 6,000 colonial soldiers to the border of Tethysia and Reichsland
-Request to send 2,000 members of the Royal Engineering service branch of the Royal Armed forces to assist in the construction of a highly militarized border complete with a large concrete wall, bunkers, mortar bases, radio towers, and a new fully functional joint military base all fully funded by the Empire of Dekarta.
-Impose strict sanctions on Reichsland and Landser officials. (Yet to be determined)
-Force any Landser citizens living within the territorial borders of the Dekartan Empire into walled neighborhoods run by and watched by officers in the royal military.
-Invest in the mass construction and development of planes purposed for military reconnaissance and fitted with on-board weaponry and bomb bays capable of holding 3 mortar sized bombs each.
-Restrict any Landser nationals’ access to any part of the Empire.
-Embargo any and all Landser goods and replace the lost products with Dekartan models of similar construct.

The Dekartans set a strict and bold stance against Landser aggression, one that may very well mean the end of the Empire of Dekarta and the Tethysian Republic, but with luck would end in peace as the religious leaders of Chi’khet had hoped for. Envoys were also sent to Avinaa and Grackle Rock to secure relations and request any help whether it be military or otherwise.

by **The Vansbro Islands** » Sat Aug 29, 2015 5:35 am

For servants of the government, there was always little to no rest. Prime Minister Friederich Monschau had been asked by the Emperor to visit the Vansbro Islands while he himself went to meet the Landsers. The Prime Minister would inform the Governors of the Islands and of Östland of the actions that were being taken by the Fatherland. He would also assess the current military capacity of the colony and the autonomous island chain, so they could be in on whatever upgrades there would be in the months ahead. Monschau thought about visiting Narveryd as well, once his affair in the East was over and done with.

Keldershamn, Oleana City, DVÖ (De Vansbro Öarna)

"Is this all, Governor?" the Prime Minister asked, squinting, as he stared out at sea.

The man right next to him, Governor Gustaf Hjertsson, shook his head. Still, he was quite evidently proud of what he could gather. The two leaders watched as a portion of the Vansbro Islands Navy waited at the port of Oleana. Here were a hundred and seventy of the Navy itself. "The remaining ninety-eight are stationed at Sandin Island or are in Östland's waters, sir."

"Ah. I see." the Prime Minister nodded and turned away to straighten his coat. "You should see to it that more ships are commisioned. The waters these days, they are very rough, Gustaf. Waiting for the action is not a good idea. We must be ready." Monschau walked back to the limousine, and the Governor followed.

The Vansbro Islands, apart from being a goldmine of natural resources, was also a stronghold. It had been a long time ago colonized by the Kahlisteans, along with Östland, but now.. They were being forced off, diplomatically. So the goverment, paranoid as it was, started constructing a navy. Now considered as one of the best in the world. With a plethora of littoral battleships and agile destroyers, to threaten or even invade the Vansbro Islands was a foolhardy venture that would most likely end in a humiliating loss. As of now, most of the island chain's male population was serving in the Navy, so the number of ships wasn't a problem. People here thrived upon the natural resources, but also never forgot to give back. That was how they were able to manage these islands so well in the past 70 years.

To the West of the main cluster was Sandin Island, almost entirely covered from end to end with fortifications that were meant to take out all threats, from something in the air, to something at sea. Here also lurked 50 littoral battleships and 12 attack subs. Among the first to be fielded in this time and day. These subs weren't too large nor lethal just yet, and were considered experimental, but at the speed at which development was going, the weapons would be full-fledged killers in 6 years time.

"The Fatherland is looking to field an Air Arm for the Imperial Army. I'm sure you've heard." said Monschau as they boarded the limo. He pulled up his briefcase and opened it, filing through the stacked folders and sheets of paper.

Gustaf nodded as he stepped into the vehicle. "Indeed." he replied, pulling the door shut and giving the driver a quick gesture to start moving. The limo lurched forward and rounded a corner. They were heading back to the Anderberg Building.

"You'll have the first 50 when they come out. Give the rest to Östland." the Prime Minister passed the Governor a letter of some sort. Hjertsson grinned. The Empire truly was growing quite quickly.

"I didn't know the Empire was developing aircraft." remarked the Governor, pocketing the letter.

"It was a secret... That is, until our spies found out about Dekarta's own ventures. Our military refuses to be left behind in the dust as our neighbors grow." Monschau laughed. "You know, I hear... Of this group... They believe that our government is preparing a military only to enforce martial law later on. And no matter what we say, they stand by their ridiculous beliefs."

"So what have you done to deal with this?"

"I say, good riddance! Let them die if a war breaks out. " Monschau shook his head in disgust. "They're fools, those peace mongers. Fools, the lot of them! The truth of the matter is, we are doing what we do, to protect them. But then, we're all just quite paranoid lately, no?"

"Speak for yourself, old man." the Governor shook his head, laughing.

"Well! Look who's talking!" Monschau joined the Governor in laughter.

Miles and miles North-West of Sandin Island, 6 of the older battleships were breaking away from the main group. They had received orders to join the assembled detachment at Östland. The VHV Lindelöf was in the center of the column, heading straight for the bay past Mochira and Fodica. They could somewhat feel the tension, as though people of both these sides were plotting something evil between themselves. Not all Vansbro Islanders shared this feeling, but it was most common these days.

The Captain of the Lindelöf, Gärdar Augustsson, was on the bridge of his ship, giving commands as you would expect. But what you wouldn't expect was about to happen. The Lindelöf's crew saw a Mochiran fishing boat, drifting about in the cool morning fog that hung a bit above the water's surface. But they did not acknowledge it, even as its crew rang bells and shouted. The Lindelöf was too fast, and the fishing bot was sliced in half. The accident... It was not an accident. The crew of the boat were then left in the water as the hulking battleship and its companions continued upon their route...

Far ahead of them was the Östlander Navy, gathered at multiple points to ensure that no naval attacks from Fodica nor Mochira were imminent. In the colony itself, people were afraid, so much so that hundreds had left the colony by ship, to return to Kahliste. For now there was a larger military than there was a civilian population.

-Image References / Credits-

Peter Stormare as Governor Gustaf Hjertsson of DVÖ
The Lindelöf's Group, minutes before the Mochiran fishing boat (Left) was crushed.
DVÖ Destroyer. Newest of the Line, and a common configuration for Scandinavian combat vessels.

by **Trazentiocheia** » Sat Aug 29, 2015 2:44 pm

Trazentiocheia, Imperial Office

Eleutherios sighed as soon as the Kallisankan delegation had left the office. Their audience had been more boring than the thirty before. It seemed every authority wanted a talk with the new Emperor and although that was understandable was Eleutherios hating it. It was for him then a big relieve when First Eunuch Sarqades, Aristagoras Eudalros and Lydiadas Dakrelios entered the office, as Eleutherios had summoned them himself to discuss with them his plans for the future. The first to enter the room was Sarqades, a bald eunuch that was however bot as soft and fat as most eunuchs were and his eyes showed his intelligence. Sarqades was followed by Aristagoras who entered right when Sarqades was bowing. Aristagoras was a tall man with greying brown hair and deep, tranquil grey eyes. Aristagoras had been named σακελλάριος(Treasurer) by Eleutherios' father Basileios and Eleutherios had decided to keep the man on that position, not only for his efectiviness but also because the man was head of one of the most important families in the realm. Directly after Aristagoras followed Lydiadas Dakrelios, the only man of the three without a high court title. Lydiadas, however, was still considered second man in the realm by many for his immense wealth and power. The lord of Dakrelioupolis and king of Vatrangaria was a tall man with golden hair, sharp features and keen green eyes, aging not much more than thirty.

When the three men were finished kneeling and were standing in front of Eleutherios' desk started the latter to talk:"Greetings, gentlemen. I am glad to see that you all answered my call so quickly and came together. I summoned you to discuss with you my plans for the future and to give you appropiate orders for executing those plans." Eleutherios paused for a moment before he continued:"Let us not be stupid, we all know war is going to come and I suggest we talk openly about that now. The Dekartans will remain a threat to us as long as we don't make an end to their imperialism. Before we throw us in awar, however, is there a lot that needs to be done. We need, allies, a better industry and we need to settle matters with other neighbours like the Escanis, the Ghurasznid Sultanate, Pavorogna and Utreloia. For that reason, Sarqades, will I send you to Zaldornea." said Eleutherios as he turned to Sarqades "You will be my Antibasileas(regent), Megas Doux(Military governor) and Megas Domestikos (Commander of several Legions) there. It will be your task to either reach non-aggression with the Ghurasznid or or to destruct their military totally. I give you a full carte blanche to act like you seem right there although I'll replace you if I disagree. Do you understand this?"
"Yes, Megas Kyrios." answered Sarqades. Eleutherios then turned to Lydiadas Dakrelios:"You, lord Dakrelios, will leave to Karsebrea. Like Sarqades will you become my Antibasileas, Megas Doux and Megas Domestikos there. Your main task will be the mobilization of the region and its preparation for war, as well as finding an excuse to do so. The latter is quite easy, I guess, with all the inner strife in Dekarta that reveals some anti-trazentine policies. Also, if war would break out will you command the Karsebrean and Vatrangarian armies. Is that understood?" "Yes, Megas Kyrios."

Eleutherios smiled and said then:"Well, now that is settled will I tell you the main topics of my general policy. As said before will I bring in some reforms. I will abolish some parts of our huge and complex bureaucracy in order to make our government system more effective. My main reforms, however, will concern the industry and military. Our industry is outdated and I'm thinking we should blow new life into it as a coming war could diminish our trade revenue which is currently still our biggest revenue. To accomplish that have I contacted Zolsvegorod, a nation possessing a modern, well-functioning industry. The Zolkrovin family has promised to help us, in return for some payment and now already are the first plans being made by their economists and designers to help us. Soon, when I will travel to Reichsland to bring us closer to their empire, will I ask them also for support concerning the reforming of our industry." Eleutherios looked at the three men to see what they tought of his plans before continuing after they nodded in agreement:"The reforms of the military are connected with the reforms of the industry. This because the main point within the military that needs reformation are the artillery and armoured components and to reform and modernize those will we need a better weapon industry. Another reform will be that distinguished soldiers that are not of noble birth will now be allowed to become lieutenants and captains. In special cases can they even be appointed Kentarchos(Centurio). Another thing that has nothing to do with modernization will be that I wish to double the amount of professional reservist legions from seven to fourteen. What do you think, gentlemen?"
Aristagoras, who was the first to answer, replied:"Your plans look good, Agios Kyrios. They will both statisfy the nobility and the people, besides that will they prove very well for the Empire if they succeed. The only unsure part is then of course the Landser and Zolian involvement. The plans can only succeed with their whole-hearted and effective support."

Eleutherios nodded and answered:"Yes, you're right, Sakellarios, I have been considering this myself and it seems to me that both nations have reasons to keep us as close friends. Zolsvegorod is a young realm, they need an elder ally to help them against both inner and outer threats and we have yet the closest ties with them so that seems a secure bond while the Landser have just like us quarrel with Dekarta and Tethysia and they only have Farenhall at their side, to win a possible war against the Dekartan-Tethysian alliance will they need another power with friendly relations on their side and I can't think of any other nation than our Empire that could fit for this task. Anyway, I'll write the Landser government today about the subject and I will maybe travel to Reichsland myself soon in order to strengthen the ties with the Landser. But now I have got to dismiss you, gentlemen. I've still a lot of audiences to go and you know your tasks, may God be with you." After these words rose Eleutherios while the three others bowed and left the room. With a sigh gave Eleutherios his lictores then permission to bring in the next audience.

Zorkredaeum, the Zorkredaeum

Lydiadas Dakrelios, Antibasileas, Megas Doux and Megas Domestikos of Karsebrea, exhaled a small grey cloud of smoke before looking up the men in front of him. They were all his Domestikoi(Legion Commanders) but Lydiadas had still to discover wether they were worth the title. Lydiadas put the mouthpiece of his water pipe beside him on a pillow and then dropped his hands on the armrests of his throne to listen to what his domestikoi would think about his and Eleutherios' plans. The first to speak was Manouel Razarvanes, Domestikos of the reservist legion:"Kyrios, with all respect but what legal reasons do we have to bring Karsebrea under arms? No other nation has acted against us, not even the Dekartans. We'll be needing a reason to mobilize Karsebrea."

Lydiadas laughed as he answered:"Don't worry, Domestikos, we have reasons enough. I recall that only a day ago the Dekartan Emperor said to his Prime Minister that he would die by a Tranzentine bullet if he continued his policies. That means the policies of the Dekartan Prime Minister are now openly acknowledged as anti-Trazentine which is alarming to us as 'we didn't know anything of such aggression towards us' and it gives us for the masses enough right to bring Karsebrea, our only land bordering the Dekartans under arms."

Manouel nodded and stepped back and as none of the other Domestikoi seemed interested in saying anything more rose Lydiadas from his seat. "Another thing, Domestikoi. With personal permission of the Basileus have I moved the Seventh legion 'Tou Dakruou'(of the Tear) into Karsebrea to guarantee my authority and to increase our strength. Now, gentlemen, I guess you'll have a lot to do, so I would suggest you return to your legions to guide the mobilization. You're dismissed."

The Domestikoi bowed and walked back trough the enormous hall and as the bronze doors closed behind them took Lydiadas the mouthpiece of his water pipe again while thinking of the banquet for the Karsebrean nobility he would host that evening.

Vlissichos, Fields of Ares

The eighteen years old Abaraham Brassos watched the assembling legion filled with awe. Abaraham, who had been a poor farmer's servant only hours ago was not used to such resplendent mass happenings, nor was he used to be totally among unknown people as he had come alone to the Fields of Ares.

The standards of the sixteenth legion were paraded everywhere over the Fields of Ares, the traditional gathering place for legions at each city. Masses of white-clothed legionaries and dirty recruits filled the fields that were filled with activity. Abraham was walking with thousands of other recruits to the signup points. Although joining the legion was compulsory now was it also a positive happening for the poor younglngs like Abraham who now received better clothing and food than normal and many held high hopes for glory and social rise. Abraham was suprised to see that all recruits directly received the white legion uniforms at the signup points. When he arrived himself asked an official:"Your name, racial background, former work and received training please."

"Abraham Brassos, Graeco-Norman background, farmer servant, basic militia training." replied Abraham. Without looking up answered the official:"Alright, you're accepted, welcome to the sixteenth Legion. You will be joining the second Meros, second Cohort, fourth Tourma. Assemble point at the northern fields." The official then waved a hand and said:"Eumenes, give him his uniform." before he called:"Next, please." The man called Eumenes then stepped forward and handed Abraham a white, perfectly clean set of uniform clothes and then said to Abraham:"You can change clothes in the tents behind before joining your tourma." Abraham nodded and went to the destinated tent. The uniform set including two identical uniforms, one normal one and one for parades. As soon as Abraham had changed cloth did he walk to the northern fields where officials and officers shouted their Meros, cohort and tourma.

Soon arrived Abraham at his tourma where he was brought to his squad. Then he received accomodations. The next day started the 16th legion to march towards the Dekartan border, Abraham Brassos now accompanying the legion.

OFFICIAL MESSAGE OF THE TRAZENTINE EMPIRE

ATTN: The Empire of Reichsland.
ENCRYPTION: High

Most Esteemed Chancellor and Kaisar, Greetings!

These days, shadows loom over Vomindok. Imperialism and Greed have left their results on the world. Vomindok is ruled by mistrust, jealousy and envy. World Powers look at each other only with bad intentions, leaving the people and individuals full of fear of what to come. It is yet uncertain what is to come but we here in the Trazentine Empire doubt it is much good. the disease has spread too far over Vomindok, the corruption has already arrived long ago and eliminating it will be hard and will demand sacrifices. The time to come will be unsure for all nations and I doubt nations that stand alone will still stand after the coming years. It is for this reason that I offer you closer ties between our nations. An alliance that would preserve us during the outburst of corruption. An alliance that would create friendship and peace all over Vomindok, as our nations have been friends in the past and are not yet fully corrupted with imperialism. We can still save ourselves and we can rescue others, we can stand together as we have stood for the past millenia. Two nations, guided by God, guided by true virtues, both led by dynasties that know how to rule and how to care for its subjects. We have much in common and both our nations are strong, patriottic and great nations which are no subjects of the totally corrupted imperialists.

Still, those imperialists strangely keep seeing us as inferior and weak. They somehow seem to think that they can rule over us. They somehow think that they can get involved with our business with impunity. They have forgotten we are not vassals but overlords. It is for our common interests and better that I suggest an alliance, both military and economically. I think that an alliance would make us both even greater than we already are, it would strengthen us and it would unite our people. We would together form a sanctuary for all refugees from Dekarta's imperialism and corruption.

An alliance, however, cannot be signed without reasons and demands on both sides. Our request would be for help, technical and theoretical with the modernization of our industry and maybe later even our army, and we would like dipomatic and military support when needed. In return would we offer you economic, diplomatic and military support whenever needed. We also offer you a Trazentine princess, born in purple and direct descendant of the last Emperor and Trazentiochos I Nicator as wife to you heir. I see a golden future for our nations if we become allies and I hope that You consider our proposal.

Signed with good hopes for the future,

Eleutherios Trazentiochos II Megas Kallerzanis, Megas Basileus of Trazentiocheia, Basileus of Karsebrea, Basileus of Zaldornea, Aspis of Tradolia, Light of the Trazentines, Protector of the World, Champion of Krionarlassion and the Holy Church, Great Shield of Tyrdassos, Basileus of Vigdaria and Basileus of Tolokoria.

Uniform of Trazentine Legionairies.

ORBAT of the Karsebrean armies, far too big for NS.

by **Dekarta** » Sat Aug 29, 2015 4:25 pm

OOC: I was looking through my first few rps and realized they were really short and simple, so I think I'd like to bring that back so I can post more. You guys may do whatever you want however.

Lilina Palace Situation Room, Alaron Dekarta, March 12th, 1900

General George Fedarian sits across a table from King Allingham, the only two in the room. "Sir air reconnaissance has suggested that the Tranzentinians seem to be massing their troops in Karsebrea along our border. We believe they mean to invade our colony of Kilaaton what shall we do?" The King looks troubled "You're the only 5 star general in our army I would expect you to know what to do in a situation like this." The general heaves a sigh "Sir, they plan to go to war with us with no reasonable approach, they simply mean to see the end of our empire, with the situation in Reichsland and Tethysia boiling over we do not have time to defend our colonies there." The king was taken aback "Are you suggesting we abandon Kilaaton? Absolutely not" "With all due respect we have more important regions we need to be protecting sir." The king points to major cities on the map as to express how many lives could be lost "There are people in this land that are loyal to us, they expect protection and we will do anything but abandon them as they are just as important as you and I do you understand that Fedarian?" The General nods "...Yes sir, so whats the plan of attack." "No plan of attack Fedarian, but one of defense instead. Move the 1st, 2nd, and 7th Kilaatian divisions to the border to bolster the defenses and leave the 3rd through 6th in the major cities and major army bases, they are experts at desert warfare and are far more experienced than the silly little Imperials attempting to void our land and make use of it as there own. Move the 33rd Diraaqan division across the border into Kilai and make sure we don't lost the Kilai canal, it is strictly important to us. We have 70,000 soldiers in Kilaaton and we have the largest military on the planet General and I'll be damned if we do not make use of it, have you not looked at a map recently? Our empire stretches farther than any other ever has before. They will not threaten our sovereignty and they will not take advantage of our economic downturn. Inform the people of Kilaaton, protect them, and make sure our navy allows only Dekartan, Tethysian, Avinaan, and Grackle Rockian ships pass through our ports in the Garmorian sea. I want construction of defenses to be built along the border effective immediately, with any luck it will take them over a month to mobilize and by then god willing we will be ready."

"And then what sir." "I want to mass an army on the Isle of Corlas in preparation for an invasion of the Tranzentine Empire in the event of an invasion of Kilaaton, we will strike at two major points on the Tranzentine mainland, here and here" He points at the map

"Send the Ganalian 1st army, the Lerithian 4th army, and the 4th Garmorian Sea battle fleet along with the 2nd Garmorian transport fleet to amass on Corlas. That is over 100,000 soldiers and 60 major warships and transport ships we need to have on that island in 6 months time at the very most. Make that island the most active military base on the planet general. We play no games in this empire and we will not start today. You are dismissed." The general salutes and steps out to prepare the kings orders.

by **Reichsland** » Sat Aug 29, 2015 7:05 pm

Weisiger, Reichsland March 1st

One of the Chancellor's senior aides knocked then stepped through his office door. "Sir, we have just received a diplomatic telegram from Tethysia, they are requesting a visit from the ambassadors of Farenhall, Dekarta, and ourselves. Senior Ambassador Ansel has requested that he speak to you about this matter sir. He is here outside of your office as we speak. " Chancellor Einhard briefly cursed in his mind, he hated when meetings were thrust upon him unexpectedly. He liked to have the time to gather his thoughts and facts, so that the whole picture could be painted instead of just a canvas smeared with conjecture and assumptions. Alas such was not the case, and he would do what was required of him. "Very well, send him in Hans.

The aide turned and left the room, and once he was out in the hall he beckoned for the Ambassador to enter into his office. The man quickly stood and followed in the Chancellor's stead. After he had stridden through the doorway, he turned and shut it gently, listening for the latch to click. He did an about face and looked at the Chancellor, who motioned for him to sit. The two men sat and adjusted themselves at the Chancellor's desk. The Ambassador was the first to speak. "Chancellor, as I am sure you have been informed of the message we have received already, I will skip to the meat of the conversation. I realize that we are not on good terms with Tethysia at the moment, however we must not let them think that we are unwilling to negotiate. Such a failure would exude signs that Reichsland is stubborn, not willing to negotiate, and worst of all belligerent. We do not need that kind of negative publicity. We should be avoiding war at all costs, and this is not a good way to enforce such a plan. I recommend that you allow me to travel to Tethysia with the authority to enter into a non-aggression treaty or some sort of trade agreement. We must show the world that we are not wanting war." Chancellor Einhard pursed the end of his mustache as he listened to the man talking. He answered "I will do no such thing Mr. Ansel, for if were to go to Tethysia and bend to their will because they can't face the consequences of their past failures, we would be the laughingstock of the entire world. No no no, we will not be sending anyone to Tethysia, unless it is Landser soldiers marching to victory across the Tethysian border. Though I do not wish for outright war, I will not back down from our actions. We must stay the course if we are to maintain what respect we have on the global stage. Let the nations of the world know that Reichsland does not back down from its plans just because they are told too." Ansel immediately raised his hand to show that he wished to speak. "Chancellor, you do not realize what you are saying. If we do not send some form of diplomatic response regarding their request, we can most assuredly seal the deal on creating a war. I implore yo to let me go and try to iron things out." "NO!" shouted the Chancellor. "We have the dominant military, we have the technological prowess, we have the heart, the soul, and the willingness to bleed for our nation. We do not back down, we do not falter. That is the way of the Landser, and that is the way it will always be! The world will soon see the shadow of the Landser Eagle grow and fall long upon the land, and it shall rain blessings on its allies, and strike fear into its opponents! I refuse to allow anyone to compromise our future" The Chancellor got quiet for a moment, he realized that he had risen out of his seat and leaned almost all the way across his desk and was practically screaming at the man. He adjusted his tie and sat back down. Taking a deep breath, he continued "You may send a dispatch to Tethysia. Write in it what you wish, but we are not sending anyone to that place. There will be no delegation, and there will be no quarter. Word that in the way you see fit, but let it be known. Have a good day sir." The Ambassador sat there a brief moment, taking in what the Chancellor had told him. He then slowly stood up, curtly saluted, then left the room. He returned to his own office and immediately began to draft a dispatch. He typed for a while, letting his mind wander, then he finally brought the final version together. It appeared as the following...

Reichsland-Tethysian Border, Reichsland March 26th 1900
Colonel Sigmund Fralúin stood overlooking the Landser-Tethysian border. The areas on both sides of the fence had been stripped of almost all vegetation and was home to enormous networks of defensive emplacements. The glint of firearms and heavy weaponry could be seen on both sides also, and beside them the alert soldiers that wielded them. This had become a common sight, though now the rising tensions made everyone on edge. What the Colonel seen now, was not the norm, no not by a long shot. He held the binoculars to his eyes, studying the men who were planning out the location of a new defensive work. He had just noticed them, that they wore a different uniform than other Tethysian soldiers. Those uniforms appeared familiar to him, and it was then that he realized what he was looking at. These men were not Tethysian, they were Dekartan! Along with this realization, his heart skipped a beat, and his adrenal glands kicked into overdrive. "Captain Muehller, get me High Command. We have a f***ing situation on our hand!" The Colonel immediately left his position on the top of his command post and ran downstairs to where the alarm shack was located. He grabbed the crank of the "General Quarters" Alarm and began to turn it rapidly. The klaxon sound began to blare out across the military compound, startling soldiers who were casually going about their day. They scrambled to their assigned areas to await further orders. Rumors immediately began to swirl, ranging from a declaration of war, to the Tethysians capitulating to Reichsland's demand. The sudden sounding of the alarm had aroused the anxious attention of the men on the other side also, they immediately dropped what they were doing and struck out for their barracks.

Meanwhile the Colonel was excitedly talking on the telephone with the Army High Command. General Nachtigall spoke with as much excitement as Fralúin did. "Colonel, your news, while most appreciated, is unsurprising. Let me tell you why. We have just received word that the Dekartan Government has implemented a series of harmful policies against Reichsland. The Chancellor is furious needless to say. especially due to the fact that the Dekartans have began rounding up Landser inhabitants within their Empire and herding them together like cattle into watch camps. One of the other morsels of information that we received is that Dekarta is deploying several thousand soldiers and engineers to the border, exactly where you are located. Here is what you need to do... Firstly, mobilize every soldier under your command along the border and put them on high alert. Meanwhile, your position is to be reinforced by the 7th Gorogherth Division, numbering 12,000 men, followed by the 15th and 42nd Gorogherth Cavalry Brigades numbering 4,000 men. Followed by this, you will be reinforced with the 2nd Mechanized Armor Brigade, numbering 2,000 men and 55 medium and heavy tanks. Once your reinforcements have arrived you are to radio in and confirm status. This is the real s**t soldier, get ready for war.

The Colonel wasted no time in doing what he was told. This news had been relayed to the men and it quickly traveled up and down the lines. It appeared that the moment of war had appeared much faster than anyone could have anticipated. Dekarta's actions were viewed as an explicit threat to Reichsland, and now perhaps they had dragged themselves into a war with the Landser Empire. The Chancellor wasted no time in broadcasting a speech across the radio, though in reality it was about two hours later, though even that was fast preparation on the network's part. The other broadcast stations had to be alerted so that they would carry the message out also. The Chancellor spoke into the microphone stationed atop a podium in the recording room.

"MY fellow Landser citizens. I come before you today, on the 26th of March with news of the utmost importance. We have learned that the nation of Dekarta has cast its lot with the nation of Tethysia. They have lent their support to them in the form of military assets, who at this very moment are being deployed to the Tethysian-Landser border. You may rest assured however, for the Landser Army will bring its own reinforcements to counter this threat. No enemy boots will cross that line, except the last Landser soldier their lie dead or dying.

These nations have no other intentions other than one of prompting war! In addition to this egregious and brazen threat, we have received word that the Dekartan Empire is forcibly evicting Landser nationals and citizens from their homes and placing them in government controlled concentration camps. This move alone should be construed as enough provocation to declare war on them. Reichsland is not through presenting its case however, nay, for we have more complaints to levy against the Dekartans. They have placed their own trade embargo on us, in an attempt to further destabilize our economy. I answer that call by saying to hell with the lot of them, they don't deserve any of our products or goods.

They have also placed a travel ban on any Landser citizen wishing to enter the Dekartan Empire. Allow me to take the time to say that as of this moment, any Dekartan citizen found crossing our borders will be imprisoned with the following caveats. 1)Their right to extradition has been revoked and 2) The rights afforded unto them as mandated by the Landser Bill of Rights in regards to foreign citizens, is hereby suspended. I do so by invoking Article IXX Section 4.3 of the aforementioned Bill of Rights. This will remain in effect until these injustices are summarily and satisfactorily reconciled.

After analyzing the actions taken by Dekarta, my advisers and I have found their actions to be more than enough to warrant a declaration of war. However, I wishing to avert war, will not issue such a declaration at this time. Be that as it may, no nation should take my lenience as a sign of weakness. For if the situation demands it, the talons of the Landser War Eagle will strike forth without mercy and rend our enemies flesh from their bones. I know that the words of this speech will find their way back into Dekarta. Well let them carry this message with them also. To you leaders of the Dekartan Empire, who think that you can meddle in our affairs...Take this as your final warning. If you do not remove or begin the neccessary steps to facilitate a comeplete withdrawal of the soldiers stationed in Tethysia within ten days, you will be considered unduly provoking a nation to war and I will have no choice but to resort to more forceful options. You have been warned, and so to does this warning go out to every other nation who would wish to lock claws or cross swords with the Landser!"

After the speech had been given, the Chancellor quietly gave the order to begin the mobilization of the 3rd,4th,6th,and 8th Infantry Divisions. 60,000 men, such a mobilization would take several days, even if it were but a fraction of the Landser war machine. Come hell or high water, they were about to initiate a plan that in truth had been drawn up quite some time ago, but now played right along with the events transpiring within the Trazentine Empire. The entire world is about to burn in the fires of war.

The Chancellor also took time to reply to the message that he had received from the Trazentine Empire...

by **Farenhall** » Sun Aug 30, 2015 3:15 pm

March 14th, February, 1900
As the world continues to go marching towards it's hellish end, upon the orders received by their President the Farenhallian Grand Army, the Republic Navy, and even the Airforce have been mobilized, and continue to be prepared. While the other nations worry about the Tranzentine Empire, and Reichsland, Farenhall bides it's time, carefully..waiting for the chance to strike against the enemies that do not find them as threasts. The people of the Republic have been up in arms as well, in regards to the tensions between the Tethysians and the Landsers, voicing their support for their southern allies and condemning those to the west, especially the Dekartan Empire.
The Military as a whole has been strategically placed, with the Grand Army ready to march south, then consecutively west if need be and also to cross the waters over into enemy lands when commanded, while the Navy prepares for the possible call for invasion, and also to support guarding Landser interests, and Republic territorial waters.

March 24th 1900, Vahler Parlimentary Building, Farenhall
The Vahler Parlimentary Building was rather large, accommodating not only for Parliament Hall, but also an office for each Senator working there, including the President, and their respective aids, as well as emergency rooms and even a barracks for a small garrison force for when the times got rough if the city were to ever be invaded for one reason or another. Most of the building was made of marble, with hints of metal and wood visible throughout it's infrastructure for supports and other means.
President Leona Kazakova sighed as she sat in Parliament Hall, in here was a large, oval room and in the center of this room was an oval table to match with enough chairs for the President and her Senators, and circling around them for the most part were stands, rows of seats allowing for the citizenry to come in and sit during the meetings and right now they were jam packed, so much there was a line outside of people just trying to hear from the echoes produced by speech made in this room.
The President heaved another sigh, she'd been leaning her head in her hand for some time as her senators barked at eachother. It was to be understandable however, they were upset for a variety of reasons ranging from being cast aside as a nation of irrelevance and non-threatening power to the Western powers trying to bully the Landser Empire into submission. Eventually she had enough however, and striked the table with her fist to command a silence that even fell on the outside groups.
She slowly sat up straight, fixing the tie at her slightly scruffled suit before brushing off her shoulders, and standing.
"Senators, Citizens of the Republic. For how long have the Dekartans been trying to act as the ultimate power in this world?" She asked, slow, each word deliberately placed exactly as she wanted them, like a guitarist and the plucking of his strings.
"For far too long!" The citizens roared from their seating in the stands, all of them stomping once in unison on the wood flooring before being silenced by a raise of the President's hand, who went to speak again.
"And for how long has Farenhall been considered not a threat?" She asked again, though slower and with more evident anger in her throat, as she turned slowly so she could look over all of her present audience, her Senators looking at eachother then her.
"Since as long as we can remember!" They shouted again, more furiously and stomping once more.
"Then times have come to change that. Starting today, The Republic be recognized for the power that it truly is. Our military is just as good as the Landsers, our machines are just as innovative, our culture stretches back just as far as the Tranzentines, our people are just as devouted to their nation as the lot of them. Our Glorious Republic is just as good as the 'major' powers of this world! And starting today, we will now sit idly by any longer! We will march our armies and prepare them for sail for when the Dekartans and the Tethysians make the last, final mistake to challenge the Landser people, when they finally make the last mistake to challenge us, the People of Farenhall! LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC! AND LONG LIVE AMAHIRA, OUR TRUE GODDESS!" The President spoke slowly, at first, before it began to erupt into a furious outburst, with it ending with her stabbing her longsword into the table, causing the parliament house to erupt in furious yelling and stomping, even the people outside were cheering and stomping, however as they did the President leaned down, glaring at her Senators.
"Move the 82nd Guard's Regiment, 94th and 73rd Gravendal Cavalry Brigades. As well as the 12th Shock-Armour Regiment, and the 35th Yuir Artillery Division to the Tethysian-Landser border, we will reinforce their defense there, however make sure to keep the rest of the army ready for sail and possible march. When, not if war breaks out, we need to be ready to strike our enemies while our allies are on the defense, and if their defense should fall we should be ready to march to their aid, am I understood?"
They simply nodded, as she stood back up and smiled to the still cheering crowd, waving them off as she stepped back out of the room, after retrieving her sword.

March 28th, 1900 Landser-Tethysian Border
Despite the order technically being issued our only four days ago, the arrival of the 82nd, 94th-73rd, 12th and 35th's at the border so swiftly was no surprise, at least to those in command. The various mentioned forces were already on their way to shore up defenses on the southern border, so it was not hard for them to redirect their course to the Landser's western boarder with the Tethysians, and begin to set up with their allies there. It's here where they'll remain until either told otherwise, or killed.

However, a dispatch were sent out by the Republic, which would arrive roughly around the same time on this day in Tethysia.

MILITARY NUMBERS IN THE LANDSER LANDS:
82nd Guard's Regiment - 30,000 Men and Women
94th-73rd Gravendal Cavalry Brigades - 10,000 Men and Women
12th Shock-Armour Regiment - 40 Medium and Heavy Tanks
35th Yuir Artillery Division - 12,000 Men and Women

by **Mochira** » Sun Aug 30, 2015 3:33 pm

The humble nation of Mochira had always been somewhat peaceful. The lack of authority in earlier times had lead Mochira to becoming a somewhat divided nation. Clans spread across the mountains and tropics. Mini rouge villages had made their home here. However, times were changing. Talk of the rise of an empress had become popular among the coastal villages. Many people were itching for a leader, especially now that there was a hostile stir among the neighboring nations.

"What will become of us if a nation attacks? What we need is a leader to restore order when chaos is amok!" Arata exclaimed.
Arata Saito, his short black hair seemed to spike up even more with his enthusiasm. His lips pursed as he drew his wooden pencil across the thin parchment he was using to write on. His eyes glistened like oval spheres of onyx.

"Right, that empress stuff again. It's not like I've heard you go on and on about it all week. Please refrain from using your voice unless you have something new." Haruki sighed tiredly.
Haruki Saito, with his long dark hair he let fall slightly over one side of his face, his eyes carrying more than the burden of this annoying 13 year old. The two of them were brothers; living on the coast of Mochira just outside of Uzumo.

"But oniisan!!!" Arata whined. Even for 13 he acted like a 6 year old sometimes. "I hear the people of Korika have elected an empress for the nation. She's making her way to each village and town to become fully recognized. One of the islands Hidaka, its people already approve of her. When do you think she will come to our village oniisan? I hear she's beautiful...do you think she will need a husband?"

"Arata...please just do your homework and stop fantasizing about the unknown." Haruki had indeed heard of the empress Misaki Nakano. Her name sounded sweet in his mind. Although he doubted he would ever call her by her first name, he found it to be the most charming. Misaki, meaning a beautiful blossom. How could he blame his little brother for dreaming when he was doing the same? He expected Arata to awaken him from his thoughts to scold him for day dreaming. However it was not so. The sound of rushed footsteps and the loud shouts of nearby villagers sounded outside the house. Suddenly the Saito family's door was opened by a neighbor of theirs. Daisuke Fukui, his usual playful eyes and carefree attitude was replaced with a frantic aura.
"Saito-kun! Saito-kun! One of the fishing boats has been run down by a ship belonging to Khaliste!" Daisuke said in a shaky voice. "Saito-kun, your otousan." He breathed.
Haruki and Arata's father had been out in one of those fishing boats. They had lost their mother when she had given birth to Arata. As hard as it was, Haruki and his father had grown strong, built a new home together from scratch. The thought of losing him too...it was unthinkable. Haruki ordered his younger brother to retreat to his room.

"No! I'm coming with, I deserve-" the determined sound of his brother's voice cut off as Haruki took hold of his arm and leaned down to him.
"Please...stay and guard this house, you will won't you? Until I can return safely with otousan?" Haruki's eyes and voice were warm and calm, betraying his inner feelings of pure fright. Arata nodded slowly as Haruki hugged him and followed Daisuke out the door.
Everything at this moment was clear and foggy at the same time. Haruk's heart pounded and his palms were beginning to sweat. He prayed that everyone on the boat would be safe. Clearly Khaliste had not done this on purpose? It was a mere error of miscommunication right? Haruki stopped at the bay, many people were already struggling to bring in the survivors. None of them were his otousan.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Sensei." Daiki called. Daiki Koizumi, was one of the most regarded crewman. Just a few years ago he had run away from his home in Soma at 15. It seemed all his hard work in the fishing industry had wiped his slate clean, or so he liked to think. He pointed to a ship approaching them at a fast pace. "Do they see us? They must."
"Yet we are a spec in the ocean while they approach us as a hungry fish." Jiro stood up.
Jiro Saito, As captain of the fishing boat he ordered the nets and baskets to be brought up and to set out a signal to the ship of Khaliste.
"Saito-Sensei, they aren't slowing down, what do we do?"
There weren't many crew members aboard, as they preferred to stick to around 10 people a boat. Less people to panic, but certainly enough to cause a commotion. Some people were considering jumping off board, yet others still attempted to notify the coming ship.
"If they do not crush us the propeller's will rip to shreds those who decide to jump off at this point." Daiki announced.
"Then do we die, simple as that? Koizumi-San, we redirect the ship, now, before it is too late!" Jiro roared.
He was the oldest on the ship, nearing his 60's. Despite his age, his hair remained thick with only slight speckles of gray, his body seemingly muscular, only to mask the internal discomfort he often felt every day. But he had a family to feed, sons to send to school. He had to make sure everyone got back safely. But alas it was too late, as the foreign ship clashed with that of Mochira's, leaving mercy far behind.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Light seeped into Daisuke's eyes. Had he blacked out? Not likely. That's right...the ship...I was tossed overboard. The darkness was me hitting the hard surface of the water.If our boats were as large as their ships, I imagine hitting the surface from that height would kill a person. Daisuke was being carried back onto land. He had been drifting on a piece of the ship's debris. How many people were left? Later he would find out three had made it back. Being 18 and a runaway, he didn't consider himself lucky. Saito-Sensei...did he make it back? If not, I hope his last memory was peaceful... The world around him tilted off into another familiar pit of darkness, as he lost unconsciousness once more.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Silence filled the Saito family's house that night. A few others had suffered a loss as well. Arata moved his spoon through the endless sea of soup in his bowl soundlessly.
"Arata...won't you eat something?" Haruki was trying to sound a bit more hopeful, even though he hadn't eaten much of his own meal. At 23 he was well off considered an adult. But for his brother...he had left him an orphan. Tightening his grip on the spoon handle he gritted his teeth, as a new found hatred grew for Khaliste. But with his position what could he do?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Misaki rested in one of the village inns in Hidaka. Misaki Nakano, she had spent an entire three days getting to know her people here, being recognized as the official Empress by two villages was quite a feat, at least, she thought so. The fact that it had been decided she lead the people of Mochira was incredible. It made her heart flutter wildly. She was only 19, yet she was chosen. An educated, virgin women, Misaki presented herself in the most modest and polite manner, her voice sweet yet assertive. People trusted her, perhaps not all of them just yet, but she was also a confident women. She would meet her goals sooner or later. She brought her hair brush down on her long midnight hair. A few loose strands fell onto the floor like leaves gracefully breaking away from a tree for winter. She wanted to make Mochira a trusted nation, free of war. She turned to Mei with a twinkle in her eye. Mei Tachibana, personal adviser to Misaki she was almost always at her side. She always kept her hair neatly up in a bun, a mysterious concern constantly brimming from her eyes every time she was asked to be dismissed.

"Tachibana-San, would you mind leaving me be for a while?"
"Certainly Nakano-Sama." With that, Misaki was left alone in the room. Her confident smile melted as she looked at herself in the mirror.
Nakano-Sama, Khaliste has killed some of your people, what do you propose we do?
"True, but we don't know if it was intentional." Misaki managed to force a hopeful tone of voice.
Nonsense! Finding allies is best for the nation. But who would ally with someone as weak a us? We must make a strong military unit, you are wasting your time forming a bond between other villages when you could be creating a military to force them to do our bidding! Focus on those who have faith in you now! With the right tongue you can persuade anybody Nakano-Sama.
Her look turned cold, then she shook her head and stared at herself once more.
"No! I don't want war for this country! Leave me be to my own decisions!"
Everyone is counting on you to save them! You are weak!
"I just want everyone to get along..." Misaki fell onto the futon upon the floor. "I just want...I do not know what to do..." Every part of her body ached, the sudden happiness she felt at first had been torn apart by the conflicting demons within her.

Mei sat on the floor, her back pressed against the Empress's door. Several guardsmen were positioned around the corner of the wall.
She whispered softly to herself, "Nakano-Sama....I know you are the right one for this...but if the people knew how discomposed you really are..."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The blade clashed against another, a hard yet delicious sound to Akane's ears. Akane Kagome, her slim figure offered more than just a pretty sight. Often a times women of the village would gossip about how she was wasting her looks and ruining her chances to find a husband.
"Well done Kagome-San. Please, take a break to refresh yourself." The voice was that of Hayate Oshiro.
He had worked himself up to be a popular combat instructor. His lips only curled into a smile when he shed blood.
Akane sheathed her sword and took a step outside the barracks and into the chilly air. Her breathing finally slowed as her temperature fell. A fog clouded around her lips as she exhaled. This was the village of Kuzutsuka, most famous for its fearless samurai and ninjas. However Akane knew that was far from the truth. Fear was the emotion that guided them. Just like herself, she too had a fear that drove her to fight. Soon she would be able to prove herself as a true ninja. The instructor's words repeated themselves over in her mind. She was to assassinate the alleged Empress of Mochira.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Characters

Akane Kagome:
Role: Assassin in training

Hayate Oshiro:
Role: Combat instructor

Daiki Koizumi:
Role: Crewman for several years on the fishing boat of Jiro Saito, Currently a survivor of the boat crash

Daisuke Fukui:
Role: Neighbor of the Saito family as well as old classmate of Haruki, currently works at the town bakery

Arata Saito:
Role: Haruki's younger brother, currently attending school

Haruki Saito:
Role: Arata's older brother, currently works as a merchant in the town fish market

Jiro Saito:
Role: Previously the captain of one of the many fish boats owned in Uzumo, also the father of both Arata and Haruki, currently deceased.

Mei Tachibana:
Role: Childhood friend and social/political adviser of Misaki

Misaki Nakano:
Role: Current Empress of Mochira

Places

Uzumo

Kuzutsuka

Korika (Capitol)

Hidaka

by **Dekarta** » Fri Sep 04, 2015 1:21 pm

“Reginald?” Captain James says in a posh accent as he looks across the border to Reichsland through binoculars. “Yes sir?” “What are those fellows doing over there? Yonder across the fence.” “Sir I believe theyre massing along the border.” Captain James scoffs “What?! Why?” The scrawny private looks away worryingly “Yesterday the Landser informed us that we had 10 days to pull away from the border” “When was that telegram sent Reginald?” “…11 days ago sir” a moment of silence “Oh my…”

by **Reichsland** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 11:43 am

Port City of Lilúthirien, Reichsland

The Harbormaster was standing in his office, watching the hustle and bustle on the docks below him. A large mix of both soldiers and civilians scurried about, tending their individual duties. He loved his job and it never got mundane, because every day was a new adventure, posing its own unique tasks and challenges. The pay wasn't bad either, due to the fact that he was in charge of one the largest ports in Reichsland. He had once had a family, with a wonderful house and family, though his wife had become 'restless' due his long work schedule, and she had taken the kids and left with her lover. It had bothered him at first, but he had come to replace his pain with the mind numbing balm of labor. That had been 5 years ago, though he still caught himself reminiscing every now and then, thinking about what could have been. He quickly ended that train of thought though, he had better things to do with his time than to spend it dreaming about such open ended questions.

The loud static of the Harbormaster's Radio caught his attention. This was a private frequency, reserved for diplomatic and high importance correspondence. He looked at the radio set, waiting for whatever message was hurtling through the sky to belt out through the speaker. Finally the static was broken with words, "Attention Harbor Lilúthirien, this is the Imperial Khalistean Vessel ------, we are requesting permission to --ck, Emp--er-- Lundell is aboard on a dip----tic missio-. Please alert your Chancel--- to be prepared for a me---ng. I repe-- this is the Kha--te-n Vessel Ha----, please pro--de berth. Do you Cop-?" The Harbormaster was shocked for a moment, before finally collecting himself and realizing what was being told. He picked up the handset and radioed back, "This is Lilúthirien Harbormaster, I have heard your request, and provisions are being made now to accommodate your vessel and persons. Please reduce speed to allow ample time for the completion of preparation. I am notifying the government at this time." The Harbormaster finished his response and immediately picked up the phone that ran to the Lilúthirien Diplomacy Office. The operator at the end of the line asked him who he wished to be connected to, and he chose the head officer. After a minute of connecting, the head officer answered his phone. "Who is this, and how may I help?" The Harbormaster replied "I am the Harbormaster for Lilúthirien, I would like to report a diplomatic message. We just received word that the Khalistean Emperor is en route to the harbor for a diplomatic mission to Reichsland. They are still a good ways out judging by the static, but we need to get word to the Chancellor." It seemed as if for a moment that the Officer didn't know what to say, but he finally offered a quick "Very good. Thank you for the message, I will see that it gets to the proper channels. Have a good day, and inform me of any updates. Make every effort to clear out a sufficient area to allow berth. The first contact they have with us in person is to be with Diplomatic Staff. Goodbye sir."

The Harbormaster hung up the phone and stared back out the window, waiting for a response from the Khalisteans...

Landser-Tethysian Border

The Landser army was in full swing at the border, the tension in the air was so thick it could be cut with a knife. They had pulled artillery into position further behind the Landser lines, and were about to fire the first shots of battle. While the artillery pieces were getting ready to fire, the soldiers at the front were hurriedly taking up position in their defensive network. They were about to unleash hell on the enemy, and once the barrage was over, they would sound the signal to storm into Tethysia. Their goal for now was to capture the enemy defenses across the border. Once that had been accomplished, they would focus on defending against a counterattack while they were reinforced by other units. They were only going to take baby steps for the time being, however once the Landser forces became settled in place, they would launch a full out offensive. The Landser command were not really wanting to press a full blown out war, thus the baby steps. However they were not afraid to fight with their full might. If they could control the border however, they would be able to mask any troop movements coming out of Reichsland into Tethysia.

Another part of the High Command's plan, which had been dubbed Operation Ramasrúch, was the annexation of the land south of Reichsland currently belonging to Escanis, all the way to the sea. The acquisition of this strip of land would mean that Reichsland would have access to another sea, allowing them to bypass any blockade that might be imposed upon them. The fact that Reichsland only had one coastline was not at all lost on strategical planners, and they knew that they had to find some way to bypass it. The government of Reichsland would offer to buy the land from the nation of Escanis, however if they were to refuse then Reichsland would have to take it by force. This of course carried the potential for another conflict, but it was a necessary effort. If war to break out there, the front's close proximity to the homeland meant that reinforcements should be readily available.

Meanwhile back at the border...

The Landser soldiers appeared to finally be in place, thus the time had come for the first barrage. The radio order was relayed to the fire crews, and the distant thump of artillery fire could be heard behind them. When many of them heard the sounds, their stomachs tightened into a ball of anxiousness because they knew the hammer had been dropped and their was no going back. They watched intently as the shells' distinctive screaming could be heard overhead, followed shortly thereafter by explosions. Some of them turned their heads away when they saw the impacts, knowing that while they were the enemy, it could just as easily been themselves in being attacked. That time would come soon enough though and they all knew it.

The Dekartans and Tethysians across the border had been watching the movements of the Landser as well, and they had began taking countermeasures themselves, however it came a little to late. The artillery rounds slammed into the compound, though the initial wave was a little off the mark. Explosions threw up dirt all around the area, mixed with concrete and debris. The enemy alarms sounded immediately, with everyone rushing to take cover. They could not move fast enough for the distant thumps could be heard again. The Landser had radioed back telling them to adjust fire. so the fire crews had done accordingly. The time between salvos would be a little bit longer until they could zero in the correct location, which gave the enemy soldiers a little extra reprieve from the onslaught.

The second wave smashed into the defenses again, this time causing many more casualties than before, Two more waves followed, and once they had made impact, the shrill whistle of the Landser Trench Master sounded out, signaling to the Landser soldiers in the trenches to scramble out and rush the dazed enemy. The Landser climbed the ladders and shouldered their rifles in attack formation as they charged the enemy lines. Shots rang out here and there, and some of the Landser soldiers fell. These shots were answered with return fire of their own, and the shouts of pain that issued forth from the enemy lines proved that some of their bullets found their marks. The charge continued, the Landser were across the border, and now they were clearing the trenches and buildings. The charge was going exactly as planned, all along the border. It appears as if the Landser have won the battle for the time being, but time will tell if they will be able to keep their prize after the counter-attack.

by **Dekarta** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 7:42 am

8:12 a.m. Trenches along the eastern Landser=Tethysian border

"Oi!" Private Jackson shouts as he drops his sandwich in the mud. He was a skinny man from the Northern coast of Dekarta, Nessari to be specific. "The only tuna sandwich in all of these damned trenches, tunnels, and bunkers and now it's no more than dirt" He falls back into a 'seat' he dug out of the dirt the day before. Private Halligan from Durest laughs "That's quite a shame mate." He reaches into his bag and pulls out a sandwich of his own hardly able to chew as he laughs. "Damn you man that's not fair!" "Aye it is, you have one as well." Halligan points to the sandwich on the ground. "Split it at least! We're gaelic brothers you and I, you cant let a brother celt go hungry." Halligan begins to split it in half but stops half way through. "Oh? You mean like the time the Main islands refused to send our island food while we had our potato and corn famine? Gaelic brothers we are! all of us!" He finishes off the sandwich "Bah forget it I'm going to get coffee ya daft bastard" Jackson walks through the trench to a small room dug into the ground, it was mostly made of mud and boxes. The soldiers dug it out of the ground in their free time and named it Alaron Cafe. In all actuality all it sold was cold black coffee which was quite a lucky find in the trenches of Tethysia. "Gimmi a cup mate" Jackson says as he leans against the counter, made obviously of dried mud with a thin wooden plank on top. The man behind the counter nods and pours him a cup. "Where you from?" "Nessari, you?" "Digsby, colony kid." Jackson smiled as he imagined being there in the sunshine and warmth "Quite a place." "Yeah, unless you live there" He begins to hand Jackson the cup of coffee but a large boom causes him to drop it. "What the bloody..." another, another, and another. "Has it.. has it begun?" The man behind the counter asks "..I suppose it has, good luck" The moment every man on Vomindok was waiting for had just happened and Jackson was right in the middle of ground zero. Jackson runs to his position and aims down his sights. His eye catches a Landser man running over the hill in the rain. His heart stops and with it so does the time around him. He'd never killed a man... BANG a shot fires and the Landser man falls. He had no time to stop and ponder what he'd done because 20 more soldiers ran over the same hill towards him. He hears a scream "RETREAT!!! FALL BACK TO TRENCH CHARLIE AND DIG INTO DEFENSIVE POSITIONS MOVE IT!" He runs backwards into the trenches facing north. He wasn't able to secure his bag or his coffee for that matter but his life was assured. Halligan however was nowhere to be found...

The first day of fighting shocked the Dekartan and Tethysian soldiers, construction on the wall hadn't even gotten to the half way point when the Landser attacked. They were advancing fast as they had advanced technology and outnumbered the Allies 7-1. King Allingham called for peace as soon as possible and wishes to meet with the leader of the Landser people in the city of his choosing.

by **Reichsland** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:18 am

6 miles beyond the Landser-Tethysian border

The offensive was a success thus far. The Landser army had advanced 6 miles past the border, and it was here that they were told to wait. They immediately began to set up defensive emplacements along the front, while horse drawn wagons brought up much needed supplies from Reichsland proper. The soldiers milled about, thinking what had transpired. The allied forces had put up a good fight given their size though they proved no match for the weight of the Landser army. The allies had picked a fight here and there, in attempt to try and stall the advancing forces, though they were usually one sided in favor of the Landser. Needless to say though, the allies had not let the Landser Army proceed casualty free. A field hospital had been constructed about two miles past the border, where the wounded of both sides were being treated. The allied soldiers that had been captured were transferred to a POW camp far behind the front lines. There they would be held until the conflict's end. The bodies of the Landser dead are transported back to be buried inside of Reichland, while the bodies of the allies are interred a little ways from the field hospital. The fighting appears to have settled down for now, and word came to the Landser government that the King of Dekarta wished to sue for peace. Chancellor Einhard agreed to entreat with him, in Weisiger, the Landser capital. Einhard immediately sent a reply to the King.

by **Dekarta** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 7:35 am

ALARON, LILINA PALACE

The king laughs "A week? A WEEK?! Hahaha. Weisiger is far inland it would take a week from today to get half way there." The Defense Minister George Valling was a plump man from Cadleland (Scotland kind of, same as Jackson from my last post) He and the king don't always get along but they seemed to both agree this was no time for bickering opinion. "Sir if I may intrude, I think you could make it quite fast if you sail on a Royal Navy Harriet. A day at most across the channel and through the Shon Sea. from there you can take a private train from the ports of St. Clair Shon to Weisiger" The king seemed shocked "Valling is that 'help' I hear you spouting on about? Help? You are helping me get into a nation that just attacked our soldiers on the border? I genuinely thought I would never see the day where we agreed upon a subject." Valling laughed "We don't agree in this respect but I know you're going there regardless of what I say so I must do my best to protect you and get you there fast, for I care for our soldiers and demand peace just as much as you do... Not to mention if you get assassinated in Reichsland I control the funding for the Royal Armed Forces and thus control the military so it wouldn't be too hard to seize control of the crown in your absence." They share a laugh as Allingham flips through papers detailing the border conflict. "Damnit Valling you always have your jokes" "Haha.. ha... right."

by **Trazentiocheia** » Fri Sep 18, 2015 9:18 am

Trazentiocheia, Trazentiocheia

Eleutherios looked toughtfully at the map in front of him. The Dekartan reaction had both been predictable and unpredictable. The preparation of the Kalaaton forces had been foreseen, the sudden activity on Corlas had not. Eleutherios had been thinking how to cease the Dekartan activity on Corlas and he had constantly returned at a naval blockade, only a naval blockade at the Orsadran Isles, the thinnest part of the Garmorian, would already divide the Trazentine fleet too much. So, Eleutherios had cncluded, he needed more ships, and there was also a place where Eleutherios could get those ships. An island nation, small but populous and wealthy. Without a ground force except for a militia but with a proper fleet, Eleutherios was of course thinking of the Aristocratic Trade Republic of Taelete. As soon as this idea had nestled itself in Eleutherios' head, it wouldn't go away anymore.

Soon Eleutherios had expanded his plan even further, what if he would become autokrator(sole-ruler) of Taelete. It had happened before in Taelete's history and it would give Eleutherios full control over the Taeletean fleet and wealth as well as it would make him ruler of literally all greek nations, given the fact Krionarlassion was already his de facto. The grand wealth of Taelete and its strong fleet were too close by hand to reject and after a few days decided Eleutherios to undertake action.

He called a meeting and prepared a small transport fleet, then he appointed the Sakellarios as his Antibasileas(regent) and soon left with his palace guard to Taelete in order to become the city's sole ruler.

Taeletos City, Taelete

Eleutherios stepped down on the pier full of confidence. His palace guards had secured the port and the way to the Golden Hall and the Taeletean troops seemed not interested in interrupting Eleutherios' way as they knew that even if they would stop him now, Trazentine armies would take the city-state anyway, eventually. Eleutherios then started his ride towards the golden Hall upon his stallion. He had decided to ride to the Golden Hall over Ariston's Avenue, the broad way over which Ariston Trefellos, legendary leader and hero of Taelete had walked after defeating Pirate King Nicanor Tardolnios. Ironically had Trazentiochos Nicator also walked this way less than a century after Ariston, after he had defeated the Taeletean Republic. Now, a descendant of Trazentiochos walked the way, again as conqueror. Eleutherios would reclaim his ancestor's inheritance that had been lost in the past. Filled with excitement rode Eleutherios over the broad, empty road. The people of Taelete looking at him from the sides with both awe and expectation, only separated from Eleutherios by rows of Palace Guards.

As soon as Eleutherios reached the Golden Hall was he happy to see that the Taeletean government complex was still under guard of the Taeletean Republican Watch which meant the Aristocratic Council was still inside the Golden Hall, talking, knowing nothing of Eleutherios' arrival as was commanded by Eleutherios and his commanders. Eleutherios then rose his hand together with 700 Palace Guard(of whom 400 horse mounted) and fifty lictores did he enter the Taeletean government complex. The Taeletean Republican Watchmen stepped back, intimidated by the impressive Trazentine Palace Guard. Within minutes reached the colonne the Golden Hall, that was still filled with unaware aristocrates and on the order of Eleutherios opened the Taeletean watchmen the huge, gilded doors that formed the entrance of the Hall.

As first marched the fifty Lictores into the Hall and lined up facing the benches full of Aristocrates. Many aristocrates rose from their seats, filled with anger and suprise. Some, however, turned pale as they understood what the fifty lictores meant as there was only a single man in Vomindok that was allowed to have fifty lctores in front of him. At this moment, with the Hall still dominated by disorder, entered Eleutherios in full uniform atop his white stallion. Some slow aristocrates, recognizing Eleutheriosas the leader of the lictores, shouted:"On whose authority do you dare to enter the Golden Hall during a council meeting in such way?"

Eleutherios then faintly smiled while moving to the empty stage and throne for the Autokrator in the center of the Hall. As soon as he arrived did he turn his horse and spoke:"On the authority of his Divine Kyrios, the Megas Basileus Eleutherios Trazentiochos II of house Megas Kallerzanis of Trazentiocheia who I happen to be in person, do I interrupt your meeting."

The Aristocrates, even the slowest thinking, were grabbed by terror as they feared to lose their power, a fear that had true grounds as Eleutherios had just before also taken power in Krionarlassion with the blessing of the Patriarch. The Aristocrates, however, had more fears as the people of Taelete seemed to welcome the Trazentines, seeing the Trazentine rule over Taelete as the completion of a union of all greeks. And now, with Trazentiochos descending from his horse and sitting down on the Autokrator's throne had already many fears came true.

After he had seated himself down on the Autokrator's throne ordered Eleutherios the aristocratic council to officially elect him as their Autokrator. The Aristocrates, knowing that any resistance was futile, did as he bade and after half an hour was Eleutherios made Autokrator in a quickened ceremony. Quickened because Eleutherios knew that every hour Dekartan fleets came closer to the Garmorian and Eleutherios needed the Taeletean fleet to block their way. After the ceremony was done handled Eleutherios and the aristocrates the transition of power which determined that the daily rule of Taelete would remain in the hands of the council while Eleutherios would handle national, military and foreign affairs.

After those matters were settled held Eleurtherios a short speech to the Taeletean people to get them fully on his side, something that succeeded. Then the Megas Basileus wrote orders to officers all over the nation in which preparations for war, both on long and short term were made.

After these orders had been sent and after the support of the Taeletean people had been secured started Eleutherios and his Palace Guard their way back to Trazentiocheia (City) in order to prepare the journey to Reichsland.

Preparations of War started to counter Ghurasznid and Dekartan aggression

-A naval blockade is being started between Orsadran Islands and Karsebrea in order to prevent Dekartan military ships to enter the eastern Garmorian. The blockade blocks any Tethysian and Dekartan ships, both civil and military with the violation of Trazentine territorial waters and fear from aggression towards the Trazentine Empire as excuses.
- Half the Taeletean and Zaldorean fleets were dispatched to the Orsadran straits to assist the Orsadran fleet.
- The production of weapons has been put upon a double.
- Reservists have been ordered to be ready for war.
- A start has been made with the preparation of food reserves.

The Naval Blockade at the Orsadran Islands.

Zorkredaeum, Karsebrea

Lydiadas asked the Arab warleader:"So, do you understand my orders?" "Yes, sir, we will attack the Dekartan defences and garrisons in southern Kalaaton while acting if we're Karsebrean outlaws instead of your auxiliaries. Then we'll see if we're able to fight the southern divisions and otherwise we'll start harassing them." Lydiadas nodded and said:"Exactly, I wish you good luck, warleader." The man bowed in gratitude and then left the room. Lydiadas thereafter turned around and walked towards the doors on the other side of the hall where the doors for the way out of the Zorkredaeum where positioned. Lydiadas was immidiately trailed by a group of officers and officials, all in full uniform. As soon as they were outside the Zorkredaeum rode Lydiadas and his staff with cars to the Fields of Ares. When arrived there did they mount horses before riding towards the legion that had been positioned. In front of the rows of awaiting legionnaires did Lydiadas rise his voice while riding past their lines:

"Legionnaires, Trazentines! Listen to my words as your next months will be decided by them. We will march today in the name of our emperor, empire and race. Our Megas Basileus Eleutherios, the Trazentine Empire and the whole greek world will be in your hands for the next months or maybe even years. We will march on the border with Kilaaton, a measure necessary due to threats and troop movement within the Dekartan Empire that threathen to harm our glorious and ancient empire. Our Empire, founded by Trazentiochos Nicator who once conquered and ruled Kilaaton and all other Dekartan colonies in the Middle East. Lands now, many centuries after ruled by Dekartans. If war would come it should be our main goal to return these grounds to the Empire to which they belong!" Legionnaires cheered at these words and went silent again when Lydiadas rose his arms and continued:"Our Empire is covered in foreign shadows but like true Trazentines will we not waver as we defend our homeland which has been our land for centuries now. Let us not forget we are legions, the famous legions of legends. The Trazentine legions that have never been totally defeated, not for more than two millenia. It is this legacy that you bear, my friends, but as I look all of you in the eyes am I able to say that I trust you will do as your empire expects of you and even more. You are Greeks, Arabs, Greaco-Arabs, Graeco-Normans, Romans and Graeco-Normans, but above that are you all Legionnaires of the Trazentine Empire, you are one big rock, a rock that cannot be broken. Now, let's stop talking, let's bring truth to these words and show me what these legions are worth! Follow me to wherever the Empire will send us, sons of Trazentiochos, and remember, God is with us!"

After these words erupted the masses of legionnaires in happy cheering and approvingly clamor and did Lydiadas turn his horse and rode eastwards, soon followed by over a hundred thousand inspired legionnaires.

The troop positioning in Karsebrea.

by **Kahliste** » Mon Sep 21, 2015 5:37 am

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Before the Storm

Before the Storm

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