"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12
[OOC Thread]
For centuries the Crusade has rested - licking its wounds inflicted upon it half a millennia ago. Only in modern times has the Holy Duchy of Luttenried, a Stem Duchy of The Empire of Common Territories, remembered its true calling. Crusade. Bathed in the blood of pagan heretics, the Luttenried Order once thrived on battlefields against the enemies of God & Empire. Even as the Order was handed the reigns over a foreign land, Crusade had not vanished from the Order's modus operandi. But in their greedy haste, failure upended their grand aspirations. Those wounds left scars, scars that told many horrific stories and taught lessons learned first-hand on the battlefields against the Musgorocia Coalition and United-Islands Mujahideen Front. Lessons learned would be put to the test half a millennia later in the Bourgougian Blitz where Luttenried put theory into practice. Rebirthing the Holy Marquess of Klingewalde was proof Luttenried had not forgotten nor truly let go of its aspirations of reclaiming what had once been theirs. Luttenried had not truly forgotten the Crusade.
Luttenried presently found itself in a cauldron ready to boil over. For more than a decade Luttenried, and the Empire by extension, warmed up to its chief ally in the Kali Yuga region, the Holy Empire of Nifon. Not only were they members of the same international organizations, Luttenried and Nifon separately held close military, political, and economic ties. It was no understatement to say that in the other's eyes, their neighbor across the Southern Furukuran Sea was their closest ally. Even so, the two, especially Luttenried, viewed the other as an adversary requiring close attention and stiff competition. Nifon spent every opportunity to expand its influence across the globe with Luttenried/Imperial support every step of the way, even as their actions began to encroach on Luttenried interests. Meanwhile Luttenried slumbered, waiting for perfect opportunities to strike certain success. First of their many perceived offenses towards the Holy Duchy, Nifon considered the island nations to its south and Luttenried's west part of Nifon's sphere of influence. Nifonese SOI is guarded fiercely, even in the face of an ally like Luttenried. Equally so within the Empire too, with Luttenried and the Empire at whole defending its territory with fierce bravado. To prevent future hostilities the two sides agreed to divide their influence along a parallel splitting the islands metaphorically in half lengthwise; while the Nifonese controlled what was north of these islands, the Luttens would hold the same authority south of them. Soon the islands themselves became a de-facto buffer zone, even as joint patrols in the other's waters became a norm under mutual defense agreements. Nifon's second offense violated this agreement by establishing a naval base in Potomiak, an ancient muslim enemy to the Luttens during the Crusade located within the island chain. Potomial wasn't the end of Nifon's activities south of the parallel neither. Their continued crossing of the boundary in the far-west saw no end, hopscotching from influencing Potomiak politics, controlling Palmyrion affairs, and even as far west as Rookanse where Nifonese military bases can be found. In recent affairs, the Eulabian-Angeland joint naval exercises initially drew Luttenried and Nifon closer due to an encroaching invader, but suddenly this affair resulted in a complete reversal that put the two nation's alliance to its greatest test since their alliance was formally signed nearly a decade ago. In the end the exercises were moved away from the two allies, but as part of the deal Nifon clearly leapfrogged over its ally in order to score significant profit from its ally's distress. Unlike their ally, Luttenried walked away with assurances and safeguarded future relationship with EAN. Nifon on the other hand gained a new economic partner, military guarantees, and a political marriage destined to throw the alliance between the two into total disarray. To Nifon the marriage secured an interest in EAN politics along with assurances for future cooperation. In the eyes of many Luttens, including the Holy Duke, Nifon just secured a puppet state flanking the Holy Duchy's southeast, totally ignoring previous agreements and now surrounding the Holy Duchy on all sides. To resolve these differences, a meeting must take place as soon as possible, or the damage will grow so large that the two may never be truly friends again. Luttenried has shown its loyalty to its ally more times than it can count. It is time to repay that loyalty, or to walk away for good...
Meanwhile, across the Luttenried-Bourgougia Straight lay one of Luttenried's most despised enemies in this world. It was not muslims like those to the west, nor the degenerate demons Palmyrion & Kesselerstaadt even further west. Not even the old Musgorocia Coalition members were this loathed, Bourgougia included. Free Thouthen is the name of the state those whom conquered it now call the nation they occupy. A Failed State doesn't even begin to describe the horrors of this nation is going through. A once proud people conquered by the forces of Satan himself - the antithesis of the Holy Duchy of Luttenried. Demons walk the land proclaiming diversity and inclusion, social justice and anti-bigotry, moral depravity and selfish desire at its purest. Once a welcoming left leaning democracy, Thouthen fell many years ago into authoritarian dictatorship led by the various peoples they welcomed into its borders. Its regime, backed by the former nation's assets internationally and rouge gangs domestically, is lead by an increasingly racist, homicidal, ethno-racial ilk hellbent on "diversifying" the country by any means necessary. "Social Justice" will be achieved no matter what, or so they say. With vast debt accumulating and more debt ceilings broken yearly, Free Thouthen's economy is in total free-fall year-round. The regime is forced to take more radical action day-by-day in order to maintain both its political agendas and retain its firm grip on power. Thouthen's former white majority, now a minority in their own homeland, have been persecuted every step of the way to make this nightmare on Earth possible. To the regime, white people are the devil. Humanity's source of evil is born in white DNA they claim. However, these social justice policies are beginning to wane on the nation, distracting less and less people by the day. Free Thouthen's wealth is running dangerously low and its people restless for what is to come. Rumor has it that as usual the powers that be will blame the native white population once more for their government's many failures, using their suffering to reinforce their grip on power for another year. But how far are they willing to go before enough is enough? What next does the regime in control of Free Thouthen have planned for its white population and the country as a whole?
Luttenried presently found itself in a cauldron ready to boil over. For more than a decade Luttenried, and the Empire by extension, warmed up to its chief ally in the Kali Yuga region, the Holy Empire of Nifon. Not only were they members of the same international organizations, Luttenried and Nifon separately held close military, political, and economic ties. It was no understatement to say that in the other's eyes, their neighbor across the Southern Furukuran Sea was their closest ally. Even so, the two, especially Luttenried, viewed the other as an adversary requiring close attention and stiff competition. Nifon spent every opportunity to expand its influence across the globe with Luttenried/Imperial support every step of the way, even as their actions began to encroach on Luttenried interests. Meanwhile Luttenried slumbered, waiting for perfect opportunities to strike certain success. First of their many perceived offenses towards the Holy Duchy, Nifon considered the island nations to its south and Luttenried's west part of Nifon's sphere of influence. Nifonese SOI is guarded fiercely, even in the face of an ally like Luttenried. Equally so within the Empire too, with Luttenried and the Empire at whole defending its territory with fierce bravado. To prevent future hostilities the two sides agreed to divide their influence along a parallel splitting the islands metaphorically in half lengthwise; while the Nifonese controlled what was north of these islands, the Luttens would hold the same authority south of them. Soon the islands themselves became a de-facto buffer zone, even as joint patrols in the other's waters became a norm under mutual defense agreements. Nifon's second offense violated this agreement by establishing a naval base in Potomiak, an ancient muslim enemy to the Luttens during the Crusade located within the island chain. Potomial wasn't the end of Nifon's activities south of the parallel neither. Their continued crossing of the boundary in the far-west saw no end, hopscotching from influencing Potomiak politics, controlling Palmyrion affairs, and even as far west as Rookanse where Nifonese military bases can be found. In recent affairs, the Eulabian-Angeland joint naval exercises initially drew Luttenried and Nifon closer due to an encroaching invader, but suddenly this affair resulted in a complete reversal that put the two nation's alliance to its greatest test since their alliance was formally signed nearly a decade ago. In the end the exercises were moved away from the two allies, but as part of the deal Nifon clearly leapfrogged over its ally in order to score significant profit from its ally's distress. Unlike their ally, Luttenried walked away with assurances and safeguarded future relationship with EAN. Nifon on the other hand gained a new economic partner, military guarantees, and a political marriage destined to throw the alliance between the two into total disarray. To Nifon the marriage secured an interest in EAN politics along with assurances for future cooperation. In the eyes of many Luttens, including the Holy Duke, Nifon just secured a puppet state flanking the Holy Duchy's southeast, totally ignoring previous agreements and now surrounding the Holy Duchy on all sides. To resolve these differences, a meeting must take place as soon as possible, or the damage will grow so large that the two may never be truly friends again. Luttenried has shown its loyalty to its ally more times than it can count. It is time to repay that loyalty, or to walk away for good...
Meanwhile, across the Luttenried-Bourgougia Straight lay one of Luttenried's most despised enemies in this world. It was not muslims like those to the west, nor the degenerate demons Palmyrion & Kesselerstaadt even further west. Not even the old Musgorocia Coalition members were this loathed, Bourgougia included. Free Thouthen is the name of the state those whom conquered it now call the nation they occupy. A Failed State doesn't even begin to describe the horrors of this nation is going through. A once proud people conquered by the forces of Satan himself - the antithesis of the Holy Duchy of Luttenried. Demons walk the land proclaiming diversity and inclusion, social justice and anti-bigotry, moral depravity and selfish desire at its purest. Once a welcoming left leaning democracy, Thouthen fell many years ago into authoritarian dictatorship led by the various peoples they welcomed into its borders. Its regime, backed by the former nation's assets internationally and rouge gangs domestically, is lead by an increasingly racist, homicidal, ethno-racial ilk hellbent on "diversifying" the country by any means necessary. "Social Justice" will be achieved no matter what, or so they say. With vast debt accumulating and more debt ceilings broken yearly, Free Thouthen's economy is in total free-fall year-round. The regime is forced to take more radical action day-by-day in order to maintain both its political agendas and retain its firm grip on power. Thouthen's former white majority, now a minority in their own homeland, have been persecuted every step of the way to make this nightmare on Earth possible. To the regime, white people are the devil. Humanity's source of evil is born in white DNA they claim. However, these social justice policies are beginning to wane on the nation, distracting less and less people by the day. Free Thouthen's wealth is running dangerously low and its people restless for what is to come. Rumor has it that as usual the powers that be will blame the native white population once more for their government's many failures, using their suffering to reinforce their grip on power for another year. But how far are they willing to go before enough is enough? What next does the regime in control of Free Thouthen have planned for its white population and the country as a whole?
Holy March of Hachborn, Holy Dukedom of Luttenried
Hachborn was a relatively quiet yet tense region of the Holy Duchy. Once a mixture of Furukuran and Muslim cultures, the islands were conquered by Luttenried in 1513 during the Luttenried Crusade from Muslim rulers in the region whom relied heavily on their larger western counterparts for help. Although not part of any specific state, the kingdoms of Damar and Alor were essentially their caretakers, whom in return used the islands as a makeshift buffer zone between northern and eastern cultures looking to island hop. After their fall to Crusader forces and the eventual invasion of the Muslim kingdoms the following year, Rupert Utz Hachborn, one of Günther Von Grimmelshausen lieutenants, was promoted to Marquess by recommendation and given the island chain to govern militarily for the time being. Given the task to cleanse the islands of heretic remnants and build support networks, Rupert was also tasked with developing the islands militarily as a major logistics hub for Crusader forces in the west; almost every trade or supply vessel heading to or from Luttenried passed through Hachborn's March. By 1530 the Crusade in the west was essentially lost, leaving only Hachborn's March as the sole barrier between the bloodthirsty Muslim Jihad and Luttenried itself. Stories of Rupert's desperate yet brave defense of his islands are still told to this day - to modern Luttens the name Hachborn is recognized as one of Luttenried's greatest Crusader heroes. Of the many naval skirmishes surrounding the islands, most ended in Jihadist victory considering both Imperial and Holy Duchy naval forces in Kali Yuga had been decimated by this point during the Luttenried Crusade(s). Several landings were conducted but no matter who won the results were always horrific. Each attempt to raid the islands ended with heavy bloodshed, with islands lost and retaken within days of each other. The greatest battle ever fought in the March happened on Hachborn Island itself. In a desperate attempt to break the stalwart defense thus far, the United Islands Mujahideen Front launched a vicious siege of Hachborn Island, surrounding even the capital city by land and sea at certain points. Although the ships could not approach the city too closely for fear of cannon fire, their workaround was landing troops away from the city's reach and attacking any vessel daring to break the blockade. What proceeded was a month-long battle that saw Rupert himself lead a daring night raid against the Muslim army's camp, annihilating nearly twenty thousand Jihadists by morning. Although its founding was indeed bloody, the Hachborn Marquess' defense of its islands allowed for the continuation of its story.
Following the Crusade, Hachborn continued to sporadically experience battles on-and-off until the Muslim states eventually gave up on retaking the islands for the time being. That said, the pirates that infest the region never tired of trying to capture Luttenried/Imperial shipping, and their dream of raiding the islands themselves is a constant fear all Luttens on the island share. Of course this fear meant the Marquess needed a strong military to defend itself even when the Holy Duchy or Empire were less than a day's trip away. To that end Marquess Rupert invested his land's wealth in continuing the development of logistics hubs and port facilities on every island. By the time of his death, the Hachborn Marquess had the most capable navy among the Marquess' and it had become a valuable commerce hub for traders traveling through the Holy Duchy. It was this commerce focus that brought vast wealth to the Hachborn Marquess as well as the Holy Duchy. That and killing muslim pirates which earned the Marquess a sizeable bounty each time for doing so - the tables had drastically turned against the muslims when it came to daring raids. In today's economy the Hachborn Marquess plays an important role for the Holy Duchy, acting as the intermediary between Luttenried and its northern ally Nifon. As the border between the Holy Duchy/Empire and the Muslim States to the west, Hachborn plays an important role as vigilant defender of the naval borders between the two. Although serious skirmishes haven't occurred in recent years, the risks of them happening aren't improbable as piracy in the region continues to spiral out of control. As the site of major military bases too, Hachborn plays a vital role in logistics for both the Holy Duchy and the Empire.
It was these quaint and serene islands that were chosen to be the meeting place for one of Kali Yuga's most secretive yet important talks in recent history. The Holy Duke had just conducted an official visit of the islands the week prior alongside some of his staff and the Holy Duchy's Viceroy. There they inspected the domestic and security situation of the islands, touring the communities and military bases to show both support and investigate any shortcomings that could be fixed. It was a nice PR event and inspection of the territory according to the Holy Duke himself whom returned to regular duties in the capital Wilhelmshaven after the week long scheduled visit. Except one thing of course. The Holy Duke had not actually left the Hachborn March nor had some of his staff. Although he was viewed leaving in his personal plane, he left in disguise promptly before the jet took off. As for the interview, it was filmed all within a closed off room so no one could make assumptions of his actual location. Why the secrecy? Because the tour wasn't actually the main purpose of the visit.
Weeks prior to the present situation, officials (including the Holy Duke) were alarmed - or better described as upset - by the news of a Nifonese political marriage between the Queen of Angeland and Nifon's next Shogun, Shogun Kojiro's heir. Even before the news went public, officials within the Holy Duchy were lamenting the decision for its stark consequences. While some didn't care for the obvious political nature of the news, others within the Holy Duchy's leadership did. The less worried (or those in denial) were claiming the marriage was merely a show to tie the two sides together - a propped-up wedding used for deescalation. Only Queens of Angeland held authority after all. EAN still remained as the nation's overlord too, so there's no room for Nifon to climb the pyramid they're surely constructing. Surely the two have an agreement on which child could or could not succeed their parents, right? Well many within Luttenried's leadership were less enthusiastic about these prospects, or were downright furious with the marriage altogether. To all those whom were meek about the marriage, the reply was simple: "What happens in fifty years from now?" A simple question that in this context became drastic. "Fifty years from now Nifon's new Shogun supports his sister's rejection of EAN authority over her domain, instead opting to become an official satellite of Nifon." That reality is not only probable but likely the plan knowing how Nifon's ruling aristocracy is like. Why does that matter? In fact, why did any of this matter? A series of deals between Nifon and Luttenried were agreed upon in order to refrain from encroaching on the other's sphere of influence - agreements that prevented future wars. One of these deals was splitting the hemisphere in half, dictating whom can actively flex their influence on entities within. Nifon was promised north of the Muslim states and the mainland itself while Luttenried promised the south along with Musgorocia. Although both were welcomed into the other's domain, such as during joint patrols and commerce, those activities had to be approved by both sides in order to happen. This is where the conflict of the marriage comes into focus. While Nifon may not see the marriage in the same light as Luttenried, those within the Holy Duchy see this as a gross overstep to agreed upon terms of the Nifonese by acquiring a vassal just off the Holy Duchy's south-east. Nifon was a rival even though it was an ally on paper. Suddenly gaining a new vassal off their coast, well beyond their boundaries, was essentially parking an entire army on the continent's south-eastern flank.
Holy Duke Friedhelm von Luttenried was probably the first person to be enraged by the news. Although word is hush, rumors among even the highest nobleman say his office required redecoration after he lost control of his burning rage. Such rumors are often made up by political enemies since the Holy Duke is known to be very calm and thus most dismiss such rumors, but if even the higher ranked nobles believe it, it's impossible to not believe some merits to this rumor. Higher ranking nobles among the Holy Duke's personal council are split on the marriage, as are the nobles of the lower realms and the Luttenried Diet. While some will argue this event changes nothing, others on the contrary believe Nifon has crossed a red line this time. What was once a mere political wedding designed for deescalation with EAN was now the cause of escalation within the Holy Duchy. Many of Nifon's actions in the past that angered the Holy Duchy had little merit to cause an uproar, but this was the last straw. The most conservative of the voices in power call for war preparations. "Angeland must not fall to the Nifonese no matter what happens - the agreement made with EAN be damned! EAN along with Nifon violated the agreement first!" Meanwhile the most radical and pro-war factions in positions of power call outright for war, even if it means fighting the Nifonese and enraging the Empire as a result. "EAN violated their agreement by selling their dominion to Nifon, thereby aiding in the Nifonese in violating their commitments to recognizing our sphere of influence. It was not us whom created this tension, it was them. If it was war they're preparing for, then we should bring it to them as the good neighbors that we are."
In the wake of the marriage announcement, Luttenried's Armed Forces Ministry announced it would begin shifting forces to its south-eastern flank in response to "advances made by international bodies rivaling Luttenried on her doorstep." It was reported to the press days later that by order of the Holy Duke himself, the Luttenried Maritime Forces would begin development projects for two naval bases within the vicinity of Kulmain using pre-existing naval stations previously used by Maritime Coast Guard units. According to Ministry staff, the stations will be greatly expanded with more coastal and inland facilities in order to compliment additional large warships along with air and marine units. The Holy Duchy Air Force is also slated to expand one of its air bases near the city of Waldsteig in order to station additional air assets. News of these development projects were allowed to air with the subsequent press release from the Armed Forces Ministry that Luttenried would be stationing for the foreseeable future at least one Battlecruiser Group along with two combat aircraft wings from the Maritime Forces and Air Force to the southeastern coast of the Holy Duchy. Although not specified entirely, the Holy Duchy Maritime Forces stated that marine units would be stationed in the new naval bases along with increasing the number of coast guard units to the theater. Luttenried's Air Force declined to comment on the exact number of aircraft moving to its new base, but stated it would include a mixture of strategic bombers, fighter aircraft, drones, and multiple supporting non-combat aircraft types. If it was not before, the leadership of Angeland were more than likely feeling nervous with such moves being made let alone allowed to be openly reported on by news organizations. As if doing so was meant to be a warning not through words but action. One would call it an open breach of the agreement made with their overlord weeks prior but Luttenried would beg to differ, saying it makes the two now even.
Flash back to the present, cooler heads were finally prevailing with this latest attempt at diplomacy. While most in leadership at the time only saw red, now that the initial anger subsided it was time to allow the diplomats to solve the crisis before their own rage erupted in an unparalleled military conflict with its chief ally while also simultaneously pissing off their own overlord back home. Although the grudge was now seeping into public view intentionally, it wasn't evident that the two sides were actually mad at each other strategically speaking. Rather than making a big show of it, the Holy Duke had the idea of settling the matter quietly once and for all. Thus the order was given to use the back-channel method the two utilized in the past to discreetly contact the other party if the situation was both urgent and needed to be hushed. It was a simple message along with instructions set for the Shogun himself. The personal letter addressed to the Shogun covered in frank terms what the Luttenried stance was on recent events. How for years now the Luttens have been scratching Nifonese backs from recent political conflicts with ICON to the broader economic partnership that favored the Nifonese. A promise, not a threat, was included in the letter: "No more." No more support, no more backing, no more compromises, not until Luttenried received what it had expected to be a fair return for its investment into the relationship. The time had finally come that many within Luttenried's highest authorities looked forward to for years: Collection Day. Simply put, the letter included some... ideas you could say for what Luttenried wanted in return for allowing Nifonese free reign up until now. Territory, better trade deals, rights to resources, a number of options were presented to give the Shogun food for thought while he followed the instructions presented with the personal letter. It was nothing complicated to say the least. The Shogun was requested to meet the Holy Duke face to face on a specified date on the island of Kesfeld within the Hachborn March. An address was listed that would bring him to the Kesfeld Logistics Company's harbor, specifically their main office within the harbor's property. Accompanying the instructions were the code words "Yellow Sun." This code would not only grant the Shogun's transportation entry into country (giving that phrase to traffic handlers and assigning it his plane's callsign allowed him to enter swiftly), they would be treated generously and avoid all possible stops once within Hachborn. Waiting for him there would be the Holy Duke along with certain aids whom could be trusted to not leak anything spoken. All the Shogun had to do was arrive at the designated time and place - simple enough.
Holy March of Hachborn, Holy Dukedom of Luttenried
Kesfeld Logistics Company, Kesfeld Harbor, Kesfeld Islands (Kesfeld Burgravate)
Kesfeld was a well known name in both Luttenried and Nifon due to its significance in the two's relationship. The original Kesfeld was a baron whom served the Holy Duke until he was transferred to the command of Rupert Hachborn during the Luttenried Crusade. Serving as the commanding officer of the northern-most set of islands, Koloman Kesfeld played an important role in defending the islands and using them as a major logistics hub for the Holy Duchy and Empire. After the Crusade, Koloman spent much of his time developing the six islands given to him by investing in major infrastructure projects and building additional port facilities. Although the Kesfeld Islands would see the most development, by time Koloman passed away, all six islands would have major port towns bustling with activity thanks to the increased trade through the region. Today all six islands are major port cities that hold significant value as trade hubs. Why you may ask? Kesfeld are the northern most islands of the Holy Duchy. In fact, Kiefer Island (Luttenried's north-western most island) is roughly the same distance away from Nifonese islands as it is the Kesfeld Islands. Kesfeld is Luttenried's maritime border with Nifon and thus a lot of shipping/air traffic pass through the islands daily just between the two countries alone. Many shipping companies throughout Kali Yuga make pit stops at the islands for fuel and supplies as the islands act as a gateway between Luttenried's sphere of influence and other landmasses on the Holy Duchy's flanks. Five of the islands economically thrive on the logistics/transportation industry while the sixth island (Kiefer Island) is a military island home to only the Maritime Forces and their families. Aside from trade, the people of Kesfeld are sea-faring folk, focusing their energy domestically on fishing, tourism, and other services.
On the southern-most Kesfeld Island lays the Kesfeld Logistics Company, one of Luttenried's largest trading conglomerates that facilitates almost all trade between Luttenried and Nifon. As a company dedicated to logistics, many of the businesses under its control include transportation companies, storage companies, and companies specializing in food and oil logistics/transportation (Nifon's main Luttenried imports). Almost every harbor within the realm was owned by the Kesfeld Brand and obviously the owners of this company were the Kesfeld Family themselves. The collections alone have made their bank accounts swell over the centuries, but the kickbacks and incentives from both the Holy Duchy and Empire leave no doubt in how well-off the Kesfelds are. While the rest of the Kesfeld Islands were dominated by industry parks and port facilities, the southern-most island was home to a larger city and more luxuries given its population size and the fact it was home to many vacation homes of the Luttenried elite. Rather than many busy ports there are large numbers of private docks along with well preserved beaches. Where downtown storage and goods transferring businesses typically sat were hospitality stores and conglomerate headquarter business parks. One could say the island was a tourist magnet while the other islands were industrial hubs. Kesfeld Logistics' own business park served as both a business center and a small port where sensitive materials could be docked under the watchful eyes of the company's security apparatus. It was here that prying eyes were not allowed and anyone dumb enough to violate their non-disclosure agreements found themselves paying off their debt in a penal monastery in the mainland for the rest of their adult lives. Things like uranium, special weapons, technology secrets, and warships sold to overseas buyers would float here for a few days before setting out. Between Kesfeld Security, March Maritime Forces, and Holy Duchy Maritime Forces, the entire property was locked down tighter than the gates of Heaven itself.
The main building of the park was elegant. A combination of western themes along with a gothic church architecture made the building a work of art. Inside one would find the business infrastructure one would expect when visiting a multi-billion Imperial Dollar business. Offices, small warehouses, IT facilities, and much more. Outside was a perimeter filled with a garden interrupted by the employee facility along the way. The main employee facility was where day-to-day staff worked from along with enjoying the perks of their employment. Next to it were the main warehouses, the actual connecting port facility, and of course a luxurious accommodations facility for staff to live, eat, and sleep if they chose to reside in what many called "The Barracks." Kefeld Business Park was described as a mixture of natural beauty and mighty business appeal by many magazines, and with the amount of money spent on the property one would see why. This day-to-day peace was disturbed one day with the arrival of a certain helicopter...
KBP has two helicopter pads, one for business use and the other for the elite officers to quickly travel to and from the property with; since the islands were close, helicopters and planes weren't uncommon to use for wealthy individuals/companies to travel; boats were common too but weren't nearly as quick as a private helicopter. A helicopter suddenly arrived to the complex, taking its time to rotate and land on the executive landing pad attached to the main building. Although many workers would notice this helicopter looked unfamiliar (company helicopters were all the same make and model), it was best not to stare too long and even wiser not to ask questions. Before anyone would even catch a glimpse at the occupants, they were ushered inside to escape prying eyes and howling ocean winds. Although the guides were from Kesfeld Logistics, one could not help but notice the Luttenried Knights escorting the group of men while wearing clandestine clothing to their destination. Security was so tight that not even those whom worked normally in the building were allowed on this floor of the building this day. Eventually the group arrived to a set of doors marked with a plaque indicating it was the meeting room for the chief executives of the company, beside each door was another set of Luttenried Knights armed and standing ready - their outfits left no mistake of whom they were. As the doors swung open with the assistance of the men stationed at the doors, the group took a moment to admire the room before walking in. While large the room felt cozy as well. Facing the exterior of the building, the wall was all glass that revealed the beautiful ocean-side view; one could note the presence of not only security boats bellow, but for some reason Luttenried warships from both the March and Holy Duchy were present too. Dominating the room was an old oak table that had been fashioned with a number of modern conveniences like charging stations and individual work stations. At the table's center floated four screens on the ceiling for sharing items with attendees. The remaining portion of the room was devoted to a rest area where breaks were held. A small kitchen, tables with chairs and couches, and a small fireplace section allowed the executives to enjoy comforts while being locked in the room for much of the day. For those nights where leaving wasn't an option (preference or not), luxury rooms were a doorway nearby for daily use.
In a seat facing the doors to the room sat a man familiar to most within Luttenried. His attire radiated wealth and power, his face might and determination. While dressed in a formal military suit befitting a noble, the presence of religious garbs over it signified religious authority. A dazzling green and gold theme, the outfit was also adorned with medals, ribbons, and decorations befitting someone of high status. Before one could notice his long beard and well cut hair they'd notice his piercing gaze. His green eyes were that of not a man but a calculating beast. It was as if a lion had adorned royal garb and proclaimed himself king. So while the man's attire exuded higher authority, the man himself radiated willpower through his presence alone. This man was Friedhelm von Luttenried, aka the "Lionheart of Luttenried," Holy Duke of the Luttenried Holy Dukedom.
Left of the Holy Duke was Markus Löwe, Viceroy of Luttenried. While technically not above the Holy Duke, his position as chief representative of the Emperor made him a force to be respected even for the Holy Duke. Dressed in a basic (if not wealthy) black suit, the man had little presence. Not of any noble birth, his appearance was also basic. Brown hair, blue eyes, clean shaven, there was hardly anything memorable about the man. Nonetheless, a powerful aura surrounded the man. It was as if you didn't want to be on his bad side but didn't care to get close either - a force of nature one must avoid. Understandable considering his position as a chief representative of the Empire that held regular meetings with the Emperor himself. Crossing him meant more than merely upsetting Luttenried - it meant offending the Empire itself.
To the Holy Duke's right was Kunibert Wörner, Luttenried's Reichskanzler. As the head of his government, the Holy Duke's chancellor had a lot of authority depending on the duties assigned to him. Kunibert was the Holy Duke's chief aid one some regard, but in other capacities he served as the Holy Duke's chief enforcer. If the Holy Duke wanted something done, Kunibert handled it. A noble acting up and needs punishing? Kunibert dealt with them. An issue with the Luttenried Diet needs addressing in person? Kunibert would make an appearance. Someone threatening the stability of the Holy Duke's reign? Kunibert made that threat go away. In practice Kunibert was not only the government's chief officer, but was also the Holy Duke's closest subordinate outside those in his own family.
With all three men assembled, they greeted their guests. The man standing before them was one of superior age. Wise beyond his years, that intellect was honed by years of experience. So too was his body honed, clearly a man of focused martial arts training no less. Luttens respected the man as a potent warrior of God, but more so for his cunning abilities with both a sword and pen. It was none other than Maki Kojiro, Shogun of the Holy Empire of Nifon. With him his entourage entered the room, the doors promptly shut behind them as if airlock tightening its hold. The typical pleasantries were exchanged, offering of seats and numerous amenities were given. As tradition often dictates, Holy Duke Friedhelm lead the room in prayer, not just for everyone's health and wellbeing, but for a successful exchange between the two parties. With that out of the way, Holy Duke Friedhelm cut straight to business. Beating around the bush was no longer an option.
"Shogun Kojiro, allow me to skip straight to the heart of this quagmire we find ourselves in. No filler, no additional baggage, no further delay." The Holy Duke cleared his throat, preparing himself for a long winded speech. "Luttenried has been more than a cooperative ally to Nifon all these years now. Under my reign I continued my father's practice of preferential treatment our northern partners of Faith because I know outside of our bonded Faith in the Lord, Nifon, similar to the Empire, rewards loyalty with loyalty. I dare say we're Nifon's closest friend in this chaotic region bar some of your... vassals." The Holy Duke looked out to the sea, gazing at the ships below in the distance. "I've raised this relationship like it were my own child you see. I watched it closely, nurtured it with care, and as the decades passed by I watched as the relationship morphed step-by-step. There are many men I've met along the way who fear not only Nifon itself but you personally Kojiro. They ask me how do I stand next to someone with death emanating from their eyes, and all I ever tell them is that 'lions feel no fear of death.' Of course when people call me the Lion its both humbling and awkward nonetheless, but they don't understand everything about that line of wording. Im sure you do, but that's besides the point right now." Friedhelm paused again, returning his gaze back to the Shogun. "With all due respect Kojiro, I have of late grown weary of the relationship between Luttenried and Nifon. I have answered every call from yours truly and favored Nifon's benefit over my own on a number of occasions. Military, economic, even political requests have been met with little question from myself. Not because a favor is owed but because friendships are built on building the other side up. As of late, in our eyes Nifon has not been fruitful with returning those favors. This is not only the opinion of my highest confidants but is an opinion I share with them. Unwritten it may have been, but our standing agreement concerning sphere territory seems to have been put into question again as of late. First Nifon dabbles with the Muslim States fencing us apart, going as far as to establish military bases in an area we consider within our Sphere. But more recently, Nifon has stepped over a red line we cannot ignore anymore. Angeland is a flashpoint we are not prepared to ignore. A country so close to our flanks falling into others hands is one thing, but for Nifon to do it in complete disregard to our parallel agreement is an insult to the partnership we hold so dear. I could not take it as anything other than an offensive maneuver on our exposed southeastern flank. Yes Angeland is still not Nifonese on paper, yet, but you and I are well versed in history to know how this story plays out fifty years from now. So for this insult and for our many favors to Nifon, I am requesting favors in return. Loyalty must be paid with loyalty, and today is the day we come together to establish what that loyalty has earned us. It is my firm belief that we're owed a debt for our loyalty as allies." The Holy Duke stared into aging Nifonese eyes of the Shogun. He may not have been far from age, but Kojiro felt older. One would often mistake this as the appearance of being a wise elder, but the Holy Duke wasn't fooled by such wise talk. Yes he's a wise elder but that aura wasn't some manifestation of wisdom. No, it was experience. Experience gained under strenuous conditions throughout one's life. The reason a lion lacks fears of death isn't because it isn't wise enough to, it is because experience has taught it that fearing death is the same as fearing one's life. Fearing death ends with an early life full of mistakes, and lions don't live like that. The Holy Duke not only saw his reflection literally but figuratively in his Nifonese counterpart. Luttenried's Lion could only gaze at Nifon's Tiger and wonder what could possibly be flowing through that vast bank of knowledge and experience. "Im sure you can see that from our standpoint, things cannot remain the same as before."
"My greetings once more to you Shogun Kojiro." Viceroy Löwe spoke up now, as if to calm the situation down a notch. "My role here today is to not only represent His Majesty the Emperor in these proceedings, but to also mediate so that both sides leave the table satisfied with any agreements made. Obviously the Empire suffers when its chief ally in Kali Yuga is at odds with one of its Duchies, thus solving this dispute promptly is His Majesty's utmost desire. I am sure both Luttenried and Nifon can walk away from these proceedings satisfied with what they take away, and what they gave away in return. And even more obvious by the level of secrecy we've all gone through today, these proceedings are between us and the appropriate staff at home only. There is no need to hold back today, speak freely so that understanding one another solves our differences. Before any specific requests or demands are presented, I would like to hear from Shogun Kojiro now that these talks have been formally opened."
