Smoke Of War (Steampunk Nation RP) [IC]

[Benutanairan]

General Cleburne-Leader of the Confederate Central Army
The man with idea for the freedom of blacks and their citizenship prepared for the training of the blackguard units. Most of them haven't seen any form of contact with weapons considering the various slave codes. The confederacy was halving some of the poorer military for its experienced men involved in the wars against slave ships and the new mass of recruits involved as blackguard. Integrated units of black and whites to fight alongside themselves. Blacks could attain the rank of officer as can whites. Ofcourse the Confederacy wasn't expectant to go to war with the union.


Richmond, Virginia-Louis Napolean Nelson
The black representative for the confederacy was sitting at breakfast in his temporary home in the former Capital of the Confederacy. He was a confederate citizen but worried if the union did go to war against the confederacy tragic events might occur. There was already a plan of evacuation from the cities downwards to the boats of texas to florida. Ofcourse there is no need for war in times of peace.

Alabaster Plantation outside Charleston, South Carolina-Party
P.G.T Beauregard " Do not be worried madams- this whole affair of "war" with the union is nothing but a trump card. The confederacy seeks peace not war but if it does come to war I assure you we will find a home in africa for ourselves. I shall not send my men to die in a hopeless war of jargon"

Mrs Alabaster " I hope you are right general for lincoln seems to think the otherway around"

Mr. Alabaster " The union knows it can't go to war- it will lose and we shall flourish as a republic under the sun. After all God willing may peace prevail"

[Leo X]

During her negotiations with Japan, Russia did not expect the Japanese to go to war. After all, Japan was a newly emergent country, whose naval officers might have been trained in Britain and her army officers in Germany, but several of those officers had begun their careers wearing armour and brandishing swords. The Russian army is the worlds most powerful, or at least that is what the Russians believe. But the Japanese have other ideas. Japan knows that they could not win a long war fought over a vast expanse, but they could win a short localized war.
Due to this sudden turn of events the Emperor of the Empire of the Rising Sun has allowed the Field Marshall of the IPJ to increase the conscription army to a minimum of 1 million. The Emperor, fearing that his Empire might crumble, has ordered the Daimyo of the Empire to raise and bring their own private armies to fight for defence of the Empire.

His Imperial Highness, Lieutenant General of the Imperial Japanese Army, Prince Komatsu-no-miya Yoshiaki sends his regards to Her Royal Highness Queen Victoria of Great Britain and her military advisers,

Since The Empire of the Rising Sun has been insulted by the Russians through their demands, the Emperor has declared war on them. However, the Imperial Japanese Army is small, though it is modern, and would very likely be annihilated by the Russians. I now permit myself to ask for the help of the most powerful nation in the world. Therefore I would very much like to I ask you to consider the following things I propose, regarding the new Russo-Japanese War. Firstly, in the last ten years, the Russians have acted aggressively towards the French, British, Ottomans and the Sardinians and this led to the Crimean War. I propose that we should humble the Russians for their trouble making and angering many nations. Secondly, Russia wishes to expand their empire in the Far East, which in the long term could pose a threat to Great Britain, even though the Tsarina already rules over a population many times the size of that of Japan’s and also a huge expanse of land which Japan neither has.
The Crimea was a display of the might of Britain and its allies. I have no doubt that what happened during the war could be recreated now, even without the help of other nations. Therefore I ask you to join the war against the Russian Empire and its Tsarina, who is a witch in popular opinion, and to fall on the overseas colonies nearer the Empire of Great Britain.

Yours, very respectfully,
His Imperial Highness, Lieutenant General of the Imperial Japanese Army, Prince Komatsu-no-miya Yoshiaki

[Kherkov]

Buckingham Palace, London, England.
Victoria found three letters on the silver plate her servant was holding up. The first was from the Dutch. She took it and began to read it. "Yes. It is." She mumbled to herself whilst taking the next letter. This one was from Abyssinia. She placed that down by the Dutch one after reading it carefully. The last was from the Japanese Emperor. "By... well... this certainly is bad news. Have this one sent to Updale. I'm sure he'd like to see this." The servant bowed, "At once, your majesty." Victoria then took out her quill and began to write.

10 Downing Street, London, England.
Lord Updale looked at the letter that was in his hand. He then sent for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of War. This was a very serious matter indeed. It would require a tough decision.
When the two men entered the room, they exchanged greetings, and then sat in the living room. "Gentlemen," Updale started, " Japan is our old ally. It is under attack by the huge monstrosity that is Russia. What to do, what to do." He shook his head as the Minister of Foreign Affairs began to speak. "Lord Updale, if we join Japan this will encourage Russia to join France, gaining them a powerful ally. However, this could prove to be a golden opportunity for us. Alaska could be ours." He sat down. "Excellent idea," said the Minister of War, "We have troops in Canada ready to attack Alaska. The Union won't attack otherwise the Confederates would strike. We force them to choose between Alaska and Japan. If they choose us, we hold them in Alaska whilst the Japanese push further into Russia. If they choose Japan, then vice-versa. We can move up some troops from Australia to support the Japanese. " Updale smiled. "Very good, gentlemen. Let us send our recommendations to the Queen."

Buckingham Palace, London, England.
Queen Victoria had just finished writing the letters to the Dutch King and the Abyssinian Emperor:

To: King Thomas I of the Netherlands.
It would be a delight to discuss matters in person. I can arrange transport for you to Britain, and we could meet within the next two weeks. April 15th, perhaps?
I look forward to meeting you in person,
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

To: Emperor Tewodros II
A trade agreement would be excellent, and we are open to one. However, the British Empire sees upcoming war with the Russians and the Ottomans, and we are already at war with the French. Can we count on the mighty Abyssinian Empire joining us?
I thank you for your time,
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

Victoria knew the Abyssinians would want to side with the Ottomans, so she needed to know whose side they would pick.
Around half an hour later, Updale's recommendations arrived. She then took out her quill once more and began to write, taking as much care writing this one as she had done for the previous two.

To: His Imperial Highness, Lieutenant General of the Imperial Japanese Army, Prince Komatsu-no-miya Yoshiaki
Greetings to our old ally and dearest friends.
Britain has decided to join Japan against the Russians. We shall mobilize a force in Canada and attack Alaska. We shall also provide Japan with military aid, sending troops from Australia up to Japan.
May we prevail once again,
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

She then gave it to a servant for posting, and told another to send a message to Updale. He was to draw up troop movements.

10 Downing Street, London, England.

Summary for British Military movements, Late March.
Force of 800,000 to move from Canada and attack Alaska. Attacking in one week.
Force of 200,000 to sail from Australia and New Zealand to Japan to provide Military aid. Arriving Early April.

[Valourium]

-Berlin-

"Hey, what is that going on over there?" Private Strattford asked at a rather high volume. His companion, Corporal Hiddleburg, squinted as he looked where Strattford had pointed. It was night time.

"There are vandals ruining the granary!" he said, "Halt! In the name of the king!" Hiddleburg said as he and Strattford raised their rifles. They allowed a whole of two seconds to pass before they shot the mysterious men in the back, where it would travel through their chest. They each cocked their bolt, and took aim again. One of the men moved once more, and was shot by both rifles. After loading yet another bullet, the two soldier guards walked over to the corpses. They looked French. They were placing explosives on the granary. Doubtlessly an attempt to slow the progress of the campaign in France.

More soldiers came to see what had happened. After retelling the story, Field Marshal Katczinsky turned around and started running to the palace to tell the king what had happened.

King William IV was in the map room which connected to the throne room of the palace. From what he understood, the armies have already made some progress.

Multiple reports have defined this as the extent to which the Prussian armies have traveled before deciding that it was best to set up defensive positions for a very possible counter attack.

Field Marshal Graft sprinted into the room panting. The king told him to stand at attention and to speak. After about one second, Graft took the proper attention stance and delivered the news. "Your majesty, my grace, we have caught and killed two Frenchman attempting to sabotage our granary!"

The king stood and looked into the Field Marshal's eyes. He then said "It is a good thing that they are dead, then. But tell me, did it ever occur to you that we could have used those saboteurs to gain information about our enemy?"

Graft was slightly shocked by what they king had just said. "Your majesty, I had no part in it. It was two guards named Strattford and Hiddleburg," he explained.

"What are their ranks?"

"Private and corporal, your majesty."

"Well, then I suppose there is an excuse for their thoughtlessness. You may go now."

Graft understood "You may go" as "Please leave now". So he did.

After several hours, the king retired to his own quarters, and sat down to write a letter to Britain.

To Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom,

As you may be aware, the armies of Prussia have began their invasion of France. We have made progress by pressing on to the River Meuse, and sweeping as far south as Belfort and below, just within this month's invasion.

But doubtless to say, France is soon to launch a counter attack on our occupational positions, and as such, I would like to request military aid from the most successful empire of our day. I believe that with our combined powers, France will stand not a chance. As well as this, I am inclined to believe that our dear friends down in Italy will be joining us down south. This will be a magnificent, crushing invasion, worthy of history for the rest of time.

From King Frederick Williams IV, Emperor of the Prussian Empire

[Danbershan]

Achmed bin Christopher Davies stepped into the Abyssinian Court, with a nervous glance around. The culture of the Ethiopian people was very different to that of his Moroccan home, and even other nations like French Algeria, and the Tuareg confederations to the south of Morocco. Although he had, of course, seen plenty of black people in Morocco, and in his travels in the Ottoman Empire, it was slightly disconcerting to be in a place where they were in the majority. Nevertheless, he could always draw some comfort from the fact that they followed the one true God, albeit through the wrong teachings.

"I request an audience with Emperor Tewodros II, on behalf of King Mohammed IV of Morocco. We seek greater relations between the nations of Africa."

[The Nuclear Fist]

GREEK-OTTOMAN BORDER
NEAR PTOLEMAIDA

Since the fall of Constantinople four centuries previously, the Ottoman Empire had always had imperial aspirations regarding Greece. The Greek isles, which it now almost entirely controlled along with the Aegean Sea, made excellent strategic outposts for the Ottoman navy. But, there was a deeper aspect to it. Since the fall of the Byzantines, the Ottomans saw Greece as the door to European expansion. Naturally, that was a door the Sultans wanted to keep open. But, ten years previously, that door had partially closed with the Greek's successful war of independence. Any potential operations in Europe meant that Greece had to be accounted for. Any enemy in the rear made logistics exceedingly difficult, and the movement and holding of conquered lands became taxing. For the Ottoman Empire, who was only now beginning to show signs of rejuvenation, such a threat could not be tolerated. And it is because of the particular Greek question that thirty thousand men, supported by fifteen airships with twenty naval ships not too far away. Everyone knew the Greek-Ottoman war was coming, so it was better to begin it on Ottoman terms.

The heat of the summer morning was in full effect as troops marched over the Greek border, artillery pieces in tow. The force, lead by veteran general Omar Pasha, was made up of roughly eighty percent conscripts, with the remaining twenty percent being regulars who, for various reasons, were not stationed elsewhere. Taking into account the sheer overpower of the Ottoman force, Omar Pasha did not expect the conflict to last long. One, maybe two months if the weather was poor. The soldiers, rifles in hands, thundered across the border with patriotic zeal, the military band beating their drums and playing their instruments, whipping the men into a frenzy. Ottoman banners fluttered in the wind. Today was the day that the Ottoman Empire showed the world its true potential, that Europe felt its boot kicking in the door of Europe. The airships flew silently overhead, casting huge shadows over the army, much to their relief. In total, their were ten Leviathans, their cannons and pounders manned by crews ready to lob shells and whatnot down upon resisting Greek forces. The Ottoman army was ready to meet the Greeks in battle, ready to deliver a righteous blow in the name of Sultan and in the name of Islam.

[Liriena]

Dutch Royal Palace, Amsterdam, Holland

King Thomas's face was truly lit up with joy as he read the new message from Queen Victoria.

"God is truly on my side today..." He talked to himself, walking frantically around his office while Terpstra merely stared at him with a cold demeanor, occasionally sipping on a glass of brandy.

"Your Majesty...if I may..." Terpstra inquired suddenly, interrupting Thomas' gleeful reverie.

"You...You may." Responded the monarch, his eyes confused.

"I don't believe an alliance with the British would be the most convenient..." The Prime Minister began to explain, setting the glass of luxurious liquid down on a coffee table made of ebony and ivory. "There's a very real possibility that they might force us into a war with France...and if we were to invade or peacefully unify with Belgium, either way France would be a dangerous foe."

"So? What? Should I forsake our dream of building the most powerful navy in the face of the Earth and ally myself with France?" Thomas turned swiftly to his Prime Minister, his eyes fierce, his voice loud and full of true royal authority. "This is a unique opportunity we have been given. I'm not wasting it. If I must fight the French to ensure the glory of my country, then so be it!"

With that, Thomas I stormed out of the office, leaving a baffled Alexander Terpstra to deal with the response to Queen Victoria, and wondering about what must be going on inside the mind of his king.

To: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom
On behalf of His Royal Majesty, Thomas I of the House of Lusieri, King of the Netherlands, I hereby accept your offer of a personal meeting between both sovereigns on April 15th.

Yours faithfully,

Alexander Terpstra, Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

[The Grand Network]

Tewodros Palace
Addis Ababa
Abyssinian Empire

"Sir I would like to offer my men as the spearhead of you pan-African ambition. I can bring several thousand troops to the walls of any enemy," Ras Negus Yilma said as the two men walked through the Emperor's garden-to-be.

"A noble gesture. Sebehr Rahma's land to the West is a perfect first strike. His men are mostly tribal conscripts with little training and he himself is a mere slave holding warlord. You best pounce before the Franks or Turks." Tewodros said replied.

"It will be done, Your Highness," Negus said, leaving the Emperor to his business.

As Tewodros proceeded into his half-built palace, an aid walked up to him, bowing before speaking.

"You Highness, an envoy of Morocco has requested your audience."

"So be it," The Emperor said, changing his direction to head towards a meeting room.

---

Achmed would be silently waved into a meeting room by a servant. The palace itself was under construction with only certain rooms completely finished, the meeting room being one of them. The walls were lined with everything from a Western style painting of the Emperor to traditional African sculptures and masks. At the back of the room sat Tewodros on a mat, tending to a lion that sat docile next to him. The Emperor himself was a very well kept man, adorned in very expensive clothes with an ornate golden crown on his head. Above his head on the wall behind him hung a solid gold Ethiopian Orthodox cross.

"What is it you have come to speak to me about, my African brother?"

To: The British Empire
From: Minister of Foreign Affairs Guma Mihret of the Empire of Abyssinia
Subject: Alliance

We would be more than happy to push the Franks and Ottomans from our homelands, however we lack the military strength to fight either of them in any sort of open war. Should the chance present itself the Abyssinian Empire would gladly jump in to retake our lands, but without a suitable air or sea fleet we are useless to you.

Signed,
Guma Mihret, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Tewodros II, by the Grace of God, King of Kings, Emperor of Abyssinia, and Rightful Ruler of all of Africa

[Chinese Federation]

Operations of the Russian Empire

Pacific Theater:
With the start of the hostilities, Russian plans to use the full force of their Eastern armies to stage a broad scale offensive of Japanese territory. The fifteenth and eightieth rife battalions (3000 strong) has been ordered to stage a three pronged push into the north most eastern regions of Korea, sacking villages and causing general mayhem as they go. They are order to pull back as soon as they encounter a sizable resistance. Meanwhile, the bulk of the Russian army (180,000 and growing) in the east will be based around the city of Vladivostok. Elements of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and Areal Armadas have also been seen into the region to strengthen the forces in the Far East.

15 ships of the lines has also been mobilized and send to the east china sea to conduct a partial blockade, ordered to turn back or else sink any ship that is bound for Japan. They are also told to conduct raids on lightly defended coastal villages and towns in the southern areas of Japan.

The Russian diplomatic cable has given out an international warning on all ships that are active in the region. It also warns of “consequences” of aiding Japan in anyway.

Meanwhile Russian agents have been sent to Japan posing as Dutch, English, and American traders. They are order to gather intelligence on the size of Japanese forces, their positions, and which Daimyo they hold their allegiance to. They are also ordered to study the political situation in Japan and map out geography of the country.

Russian agents and trade companies in China have also been told to lobby the Chinese government to act in favor of the Russian in the Russo-Japanese war or at least stay neutral in the course of the conflict.

Europe
The Russian embassy in Prussia has sent a message of condemnation to the Prussian government, siting their attack as “baseless” and “destabilizing” for Europe. Though opposing the Prussian attack, Russia is currently unwilling and unmotivated to start another war in Europe.

Forces in the across the Empire has been ordered to stay vigilant, though no order of mobilization has been given expect that of the East.

[Soviet Ruk-Tsan]

To: King Luis I

Very good.

I can lift tariffs on Reatium and other natural resources trade between our 2 countries if you wish, while generally lowering other taxes. As well as the private benefits, I'd be happy to directly trade 50,000 tons of Reatium for the same weight of crude oil between our governments per month. I'm not sure whether it will pass through Congress, though I doubt anything more than a suspension will happen.

As for a military alliance, I am very interested. Since independence relations between Mexico and Spain haven't been friendly. If we can form a '1 fights, the other fights' pact then I would be interested. Considering Prussia and France are both readying for war and I wouldn't mind getting rid of the Spanish in Cuba, then this could be benificial to us both.

Yours sincerely,
President Juan Olmos-Perez

To: President Juan Olmos-Perez
All your offers are agreed to, however, we can not entertain the idea of transporting that much Reatium. It is simply too valuable, and as you may agree, more valuable than oil. May I propose the transport of 35,000 tons of Reatium for 40,000 tons of oil per month? I am open to negotiation, however.
Yours, King Luis I of Portugal

[Leo X]

War in the Pacific
In response to Russia's blockade in the Sea of Japan, the Minister of Admiralty has ordered 100 ironclads to engage with the blockade and not let a single Russian live even if they have surrendered. The rest of the Imperial Japanese Navy (350 ironclads) has been sent to blockade all Russian ports in the Far East and to destroy all sea-worthy naval craft along the coast, which could pose a threat to the safety of Japan.
The Japanese forces in Korea (100,000) have employed a largely defensive strategy with Prince Komatsu-no-miya Yoshiaki as their commander, for the time being. The rest of the army is being shipped across in a heavily defended convoy leaving the conscription army and some Daimyo with their private armies of provinces prone to attack to defend Japan.
In Japan, soldiers are allowed to execute suspect Russian spies on the spot. Foreigners who have arrived in Japan since the beginning of the war are being expulsed whether they have any evidence of being spies or not.
The Emperor of Japan has asked the Chinese Government to join the war against the Russians. The Emperor has offered financial and military assisstance to the Chinese if they do go to war with the Russians. He has also promised that the land conquered by the Chinese will not be influenced by the Japanese apart from offered Japanese help to industrialise some of their regions.

[Glasgia]

To: President Juan Olmos-Perez
All your offers are agreed to, however, we can not entertain the idea of transporting that much Reatium. It is simply too valuable, and as you may agree, more valuable than oil. May I propose the transport of 35,000 tons of Reatium for 40,000 tons of oil per month? I am open to negotiation, however.
Yours, King Luis I of Portugal

To: King Luis I of Portugal

I completely agree with your deal. It shall be written into a bill and sent to congress immediately. You are correct in saying Reatium is worth more than oil, though not much more so the proposed offer is perfect.

However, you did not address my ask for a military alliance. I could assist you in the invasion of France, if you side with the Prussians or even if you wish to defend the kingdom, provided together we can put a stop to the Spanish empire in the Americas. If you wish, my elite Guerrila units could be shipped to Europe. The alps would provide perfect territory for them to eliminate the French army, while the Pyrenees could also suit their attack style. Other than they they are a very versatile force to be committed anywhere for anything. The offer stands.

Your sincerely,
President Juan Olmos-Perez

Office wing, Palacio del Senado, Mexico

"Come in." Andreas' monotoned voice called grumpily in answer to the knocks on his office door. Probably another file to read or round of mail.

"Andreas! Good to see you once in a while compañero." Or not. Andreas rose to his feet and hugged the unexpected visitor.

"Fernando! Too right, I haven't seen you for weeks. What brings you here?" He released the friendly grip and shook his workmate's hand.

"Work I am afraid, though it's interesting work. Mr Olmos has been talking to King Luis of Portugal. Seems they've come to an agreement on oil. 40,000 tons of oil per month gets traded for 35,000 tons of Reatium. He's drawn up the bill with me and we've each tried to find 4 sponsors. We've secured against rebellions and now have backing of the International Party, Third-Way Liberals and Liberal Conservatives thanks to their corresponding leaders. If we could add the Social Democrat's leader, then the bill is passed no matter what happens." Fernando meant business. Andreas wanted to look good for his party and for the elections. It was going to pass easily even without other parties involved, but the Liberal Democrats were safeguarding it. If the President could tell the Portugese that hardly anyone had objected, the deal was done for him too. Both men calculated the possibilities in their minds.

"I'll do it, if you sponsor the bill I'm drafting to raise benefits." For Andreas that was perfect. Being a fairly minor party, passing any bill successfully would be amazing. He doubted Fernando would agree though.

"No. I co-author the bill, if not be the author. We can't look weak and you know it. Anyway, what's the proposals?"

"Raising child benefits to Mx$80 per month, while the reciever's wages get moved from under 50k to under Mx$60,000. It will also require states to create free houses for those in need. Me, you and someone else from my party co-author it together?" Andreas watched his counterpart's reactions carefully. He needed Fernando to agree.

"I'll co-author it with you and you change 'require' to 'allow'. We're not a welfare state. Deal?" Fernando extended a hand and found the firm grasp of Andreas.

"Deal."

[G-Tech Corporation]

The High Chamber of the Emperor, The Jade Palace, Palace of Heaven, Yajing, Jiangxi Province, Empire of China

The Emperor breathed in deeply, the thousand herbal essences of the Jade Palace entering his lungs and reinvigorating his mind. Calm and order, that was the key to good governance, a principle even more necessary in the turbulent waters of the world beyond the borders of the lands ruled by the Eternal Dynasty. In Europe the white devils warred amongst themselves for reasons that seemed petty to the Immortal Emperor, and the discovery of the gift of heaven, Reatium, had only fueled their conflicts. His fingers tensed around the cool surface of his throne, the slick stone surface a comfort against his supple palms. The Eternal Empire could stay out of the growing flames of war, that was true. Perhaps it would be for the best.

Only recently had the Empire been able to secure viable amounts of this material for its war-machines, from a source recently discovered in the far African nation of Abyssinia, and though the Emperor had placed a great emphasis on the need to equip their maritime fleet and airships with it, his generals had informed him in a recent report that they lacked enough material to plate even a tenth of his massive armies. He swore slightly under his breath, startling a courtesan that was lounging at the foot of his throne as he contemplated the state of the Empire. Knowing his moods she rose quickly, and padded from the chamber. His generals would be called shortly if the Immortal Emperor followed his recent habits.

The Chamber of the Sun, The Jade Palace, Palace of Heaven, Yajing, Jiangxi Province, Empire of China

The Emperor's hand stroked his short beard as Zhang Sha, one of his most trusted military leaders, outlined the state of the near East for the assembled council. His short stick traced out the lines of the axis of the Tzarina's advance into Chosun through their tiny shared border with the province of the Empire of Japan, a long-time adversary of the Eternal Dynasty. Next the stick curved down into the Pacific Ocean and around the islands of the Japanese mainland, detailing the maritime skirmishes between the Russian forces and those of the Japanese. According to their military observers and assets in both Japan and Russia, these battles had been inconclusive, with neither fleet gaining the upper hand, but only time would tell of the eventual success of either side.

His brows rose as the Immortal Emperor's ears listened to exactly what plan Zhang proposed; the Empire would benefit greatly if such a stratagem could succeed. He paused a moment, lost in thought, and the generals held their collective breaths as they awaited his Imperial Decree.

He nodded. It was to be so.

[Viperia]

Kaiserlich und Koniglich Palace, Vienna, Austrian Empire, Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen

Johan scuttled into the room, quickly but still managing to keep himself upright and presentable. "Sir the Reatium mines have finished being constructed in our Somoan colonies and we have begun shipping all mined material to Hungary. We also have teams escorted by military units searching all land under the Dual Monarchy for more mines of such kind." Finishing the telegram he was in the process of writing, Franz Joseph I of Austria nodded in recognition of the statement. "That is excellent news Johan, but more pressing matters trouble me now, this 'Reatium Race' is accelerating fast and I fear our great nation may be left behind. Also I fear attack from those heathen ottomans to the south, we must co-operate with our British, and more importantly Greek, allies to crush them in a pre-emptive strike, I have drawn up a telegram to send to Britain, they can contact the Greeks. Send this right away Johan as well as sending word to the Prime Ministers of Austria and Hungary!", managing to speak above the practice artillery fire, but still keep a formal tone "At once sir!" was Johan's reply.

The Headquarters of the Austro-Hungarian Army, Drill Square

"Sir an urgent message from The Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, we are to prepare an assault that will be co-ordinated with Britain and Greece to form some sort of Pre-emptive pincer strike against the Ottoman Empire!", snatching the letter and skim reading it Archduke Friedrich, Duke of Teschen bellowed "Parade! Parade Halt!" turning away from his men said "We are to battle the Ottomans! Mobolise troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Set up Heavy Artillery as far forward as we can allow without being noticed, ready the Cavalry for immediate charges on Ottoman military positions, Ready and load all Cog Repeaters and sharpen all bayonets, Ready the men at once! To war!".

[Chinese Federation]

Operations of the Empire of Russia

Pacific Theater

In light of Japanese countermeasures, the Russian forces made adjustments of their own. The ships blockading the Sea of Japan are to cease their operations and instated conduct light raids on Japanese naval and dock facilities. When faced with Japanese ironclads, they are to disengage and flee, using their speed to outrun the heavily armed, but slower ironclads. Their theater of operations will expand to the southern and eastern coast of Korea as well.

The warships based in Vladivostok are ordered not to engage to numerally superior Japanese forces, but instated be on high alert and wait until the time when are ordered or move. The Pacific Areal Armada (PAA) is order to engage the Japanese patrols in the skies and harass the Japanese ships blockading the harbor.

The PAA is also order to begin air raids on military, communication, and transport facilities in Korea as well as mainland Japan. The Russian sky ships are faster and more highly armed than the Japan’s, but they are still outnumbers. That why the raids will be conducted in wolf packs of 12 sharks or more and will be staged at night.

In light of the expulsion of foreigners, the Russian intelligence offices have begun using agents recruited of Japanese descent. They are ordered to infiltrate Korea through China and into mainland Japan. They will cause civil unrest through rumors and sabotage as well as acts of terror (public bombing, poisoning water supplies, introducing smallpox to cities, etc.). They are also order to recruit more agents, establish sleeper cells and make contract with antigovernment elements within Japan.

Europe

The Russian Baltic Fleet, the main naval force of the Russian Empire has been mobilized. They are sent in ones and twos, out into the Atlantic (so as to keep their movements hidden). A total of over 200 warships along with troopships and the flagship Arkhangelsk have been sighted exiting the Baltic Sea during the past month.

Russia still holds firm to their neutrality in the European war, but is politically slowing aligning themselves with the French. Russia has also sent diplomats to their ex arch enemy, the Ottoman Empire to inquire and begin normalizing relations with the nation.

[ooc: the 200 warships is tangible, depending on if the other players are willing to readjust their numbers to a more realistic level]

[Soviet Ruk-Tsan]

To: President Juan
I agree to this military alliance, but suggest you stay your hand when it comes to the spanish, for now.
Yours, King Luis I

To: Morrocan leaders
On behalf of the portuguese people, I wish to increase ties between us, with a military defence pact.
Yours, King Luis I

[Glasgia]

To: President Juan
I agree to this military alliance, but suggest you stay your hand when it comes to the spanish, for now.
Yours, King Luis I

To:King Luis I of Portugal

I will not stay my hand, but neither will I attack Spain outright. The guerrilla sabotages will continue, as will propaganda and interference. Spain is at its weakest now, we must hit them hard.

Yours sincerely,
President Jun Olmos-Perez

Sandino, Golfo de Guanahacabibes, Cuba

"Jose, remember your training. Complete this and the job is yours." Jose simply nodded and stepped ashore, leaving the small rowing boat. Staying crouched, he shuffled towards the mansion. Keep low, roll your feet, stay alert. Finally he spotted cover behind some bushes and darted for it.

"And then he claimed the freed slaves were his friends now! I was all like, we frickin hate ya man! An he be saying that I was no good for da job,so i gotta pack..." Only 100 yards from the compound, he could hear guards chatting. He drew his hunting knife and moved to the next bit of cover.

"Hey, you see dat? There be sumadin outta der... bet it be a big scary crocodile! Haha, you scare easy man." Jose stiffened. The guard was joking around, but had he actually seen something?

"We betta be checkin dat out. Kevin, you go an watch me behind." Shit. Jose flattened himself against thee bush and remained silent, waiting for the ambush. The 2 guard walk forward, one of them straight towards Jose. He waited for the guard to pass, before kicking the back of the Cuban's ankle hard. Catching his jaw, Jose put a finger to his victim's lips and injected a small poisoned needle into the man's neck. He shuddered and suddenly went completely still, except for the rise and fall of his chest.

"Kevin, where hav ya gon man?" Jose assessed the situation. Peeking through the bush, he made out 2 guards still at the mansion and of course the loud guard was still searching. Forget silence. Pulling his pistol out of its holster, he dropped the fist guard and alerted the others. Time for action. He burst out of the bush, firing at the others. He managed to see 1 fall, before diving back into cover. His opponent chargd straight for him now, firing madly. In a split second, Jose made his mind out. With a huge backflip, he knocked away the guard's gun and grabbed his neck. Jose twisted and let the corpse fall to the ground.

Next morning, they would find 6 corpses and women and children locked in the cellar. On 1 particular corpse, that of the land owner, there would be a small note:
"Liberar a los que os aman, crear una verdadera Cuba cubana"

[New Nassrau]

Tianjin, Belgian Oversees Asian Territory

Over the past couple of months, the people's minds were preoccupied with many things. One was the fact that the sleeping giant known as the Qing Empire has reemerged on the international stage. It is no longer an immobile beast, but instead is trying to jumpstart its nothing of an industry. As of now, the Belgian Colony of Tianjin is the most technologically advanced and cleanest cities in China, and the Qing have their eyes on it. The population is officially scared of this threat, and the governor has asked if Tianjin would be able to build another war blimp to protect the city. Another pressing matter is the fact of the Russo-Japanese war. Tianjin is close to the conflict, and the Belgian government is worried the Japanese might invade the city. Due to the fact of that alone, trade has decreased between Tianjin and Japan, and an economic lull has begun in the prosperous city. The skies darkened again as its been raining there for a week now.

Brussels, Belgium

The Belgian government has noticed at an alarming rate of how many of the powers are getting sources of Reatium. Despite the fact that Leopold Ist, does not really care, the rest of the cabinet and the congress does care. They care so much that Belgian expeditionary forces have been searching throughout the congo, but it is to no use. Belgian ships have been sent around the world and to no avail, in north South America, no suitable sites of mines inland could be found, so the government sent them down south. The wind battered the mining fleet, and the people on board soon got the signs of starvation and disease. Finally by order of the captain, the ships stopped in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Montevideo, Uruguay

The skies of Montevideo were bright and glorious. The sun rested on the horizon with an eternal glow of caramel. The sailers saw this and were reminded of the many sweets and treats Belgium had back at home. The captain of the fleet, Sir Dahl Fleeing had been in Montevideo for no more than a minute and then the police arrived. The Uruguayan police came due to the fact that they thought the ships were of military nature, and not allowed in their country. Dahl Fleeing argued with them saying how the men are tired, these are not military ships, and that they have no supplies. The police still had stern looks on their faces. Dahl looked back at his fleet. One ships had been completely fueled up, but the rest were not. The police surrounded them... the Belgians snapped. Shots stared to come from Belgian sailors at the police. The police then took out their antiquated weapons and fired on the Belgians. In the ensuring chaos, the police were defeated and the sailors scattered through out the city and started to hideout. The one Belgian ship then got out of the harbour with minor damage, and was sent towards the Belgian Congo in need of reinforcements. The war between Belgium and Uruguay had begun.

[The Nuclear Fist]

OTTOMAN SERBIA,
SEVERAL KILOMETRES FROM OTTOMAN-AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN BORDER

Work had begun on the project a week previous to the invasion of Greece. The project entailed the building of a trench system to defend against an Austro-Hungarian invasion. It involved a series of fortified trenches dug in along the Sava river in the Pannonian basin, with a further, more densely fortified series of trenches further back into the Dinaric alps. The trenches would be roughly three and a half metres deep and two and a half metres in width, with sharpened stakes tipping them to ward off advancing enemies. The first trench would connect with the second via a series of smaller 'corridor' trenches, which would be far heavily fortified to protect the artillery batteries they would house. The front trench would be lightly garrisoned with a mix of volunteer and conscript troops, with the volunteers acting as sharpshooters with their breach loading rifles and the conscripts putting out waves of minie balls to compliment. The trench systems would have a series of telegraph wires to help with communications, several of which would run to the trench systems in Dinaric. If the Pannonian trenches were overwhelmed by the Austro-Hungarian forces, a good portion of Ottoman troops would be able to retreat into the Dinaric systems and link up with forces there. Several artillery batteries were being retrofitted to fire into the air directly, so as to act as a deterrent against airships.

The Dinaric trenches would be key in the defence of Serbia. Having a distinct advantage of already being prepared to defend, as well as firing down range in an easily defensible position would, if the judgement of the officers and general in charge were to be believed, would halt any Austro-Hungarian advance or at least severely blunt it. Regarding artillery, where as the Pannonian trenches would be lightly armed with primarily the Abus cog cannons and a few small Bombardier pounders, the Dinaric trenches would be armed primarily with heavier Bombardier pounders and quite a few Sultan heavy pounders. Artillery ammunition had been shipped in continuously, and a supply line that lead from behind the trenches would keep it constantly stocked. All of the artillery batteries were effectively immobile, as they had been placed in the need to hold a static defence. The entirety of the trench system was roughly two thirds complete, thanks to around the clock work by penal labour brought from the effective emptying of Serbian and Albanian prisons, with military engineers overseeing the project. The hope was to use large pools of penal labour to quickly construct the elaborate defence system. In addition, fifteen Leviathan class airships had been stationed strategically across the system to allow for the multiplication of force, and to fight off any enemy airships.

To further defence, the cities of Belgrade and Sabac were in the process of being evacuated, the populace being relocated deeper in Ottoman territory to be returned after the conflict had ended. The empty towns now were being fortified, with thousands of troops being brought in to garrison, along with dozens of artillery guns, albeit being mostly light artillery. The plan regarding these towns was not to repulse the enemy, but to blunt their advance. The garrisoned troops were likely to inflict heavy losses onto the enemy, and if retreat became prudent, they would relocate down to Cacak and Paracin, who were also being fortified and were far more defensible. However, the Ottomans were fully prepared to lose Serbia and retreat into Macedonia and Bulgaria if necessary, so long as the Austro-Hungarian forces were blunted enough to allow for a push to knock them out. In order to help with this, a dozen Leviathan class airships had been requisitioned and stationed to the south of Belgrade and Sabac, to act as force multipliers. Smaller forces were located in south-eastern Serbia, near Bulgaria.

OTTOMAN ROMANIA,
SEVERAL KILOMETRES FROM THE OTTOMAN-HUNGARIAN BORDER

Much like in Serbia, prisons across Romania were emptied in the search of a labour pool. Villages and towns had men offered significant sums of money to join the needed labour force. Those who agreed were put on trains and shipped upwards or otherwise marched to the border with Hungary. The trench systems being built were exact copies of those in Serbia. The first line of trenches were built along the Olt river west of Bucharest. The secondary trenches were built into the Carpathian mountains eastward and the Transylvanian alps to the north. Each was being heavily reinforced, like those in Serbia, to protect against shelling and bombardment. The first line of trenches was made mostly of conscripts, whilst the second line was made mostly of volunteers. Should the first line fall, and it was likely that it would, the troops could fall back into the Carpathians and the alps and regroup with the forces dug in there, which were heavily armed with large artillery pieces and crack troops. In the southwestern area of Ottoman Romania, a small, highly mobile force was located to act as reinforcements if needed, or to swoop down into Bulgaria, much like their counterparts in Serbia. Just like in Serbia, fifteen Leviathan class airships were placed along the secondary trenches with a further dozen placed along the primary. The city of Bucharest, which was located near the border and thus near the soon-to-be battleground, had been evacuated and was being slowly turned into a fortress. It was being flooded with thousands of troops, hundreds of artillery pieces, and nearly twenty airships. Complete with hastily crafted telegraph lines and a supply line that lead into deeper Ottoman territory, it was becoming increasingly noticeable that any siege of Bucharest was going to be a particularly bloody one for the invaders.

OTTOMAN BULGARIA,
SEVERAL KILOMETRES FROM THE OTTOMAN-HUNGARIAN BORDER

Contrasted with the heavy border fortifications of Serbia and Romania, the Bulgarian fortifications were relatively light. A trench system not unlike what was in Serbia and Romania, although it had significantly more troops manning it, made up in roughly equal portions of volunteers and conscripts. The artillery was a mix of light Abus cog cannons and the extremely large and powerful Sultan heavy pounders. Backing up the forces were ten Leviathan class airships. It was a significant force, but relatively small all things considered. Its goal would be to do as much damage to the invading Austro-Hungarian forces as possible, and then fall back to Sofia. Like the troops in Serbia and Romania, the Bulgarian troops were ordered to burn everything that could be used by the enemy in their wake, denying them any chance to loot or resupply. Railways were to be destroyed, factories burnt down, hospitals demolished. However, unlike the populaces of the frontline Serbian and Romanian cities, the populace of Sofia was not being evacuated. It was too important a city to disrupt like that, and it served as the effective headquarters of administration for Ottoman territories in Europe, as well as the headquarters for the military in Europe.

Sofia was becoming the definition of a fortress city. The populace was put to work digging a system of trenches in front of the northern portion of the city, this one reinforced far better and far more resilient against artillery than the others. A system of above ground breastwork fortifications was being set up. Due to its extreme importance, the city was being flooded with artillery and troops, totaling more than twenty-five thousand. Hundreds of artillery pieces, including dozens of Sultan heavy pounders, were being set up across the city. The sheer number of soldiers in the city exceeded the number of barracks, meaning that quite a few homes and assorted buildings were being forced to quarter soldiers. Some twenty airships were being deployed specifically for the defence of Sofia. This was the heart of Ottoman Europe. This was the gate and key to the Ottoman Empire's most ancient holdings. And Sultan Abdul Aziz was not going to go down in history as the Sultan who doomed the empire that killed Rome, that besieged Vienna, that brought down Egypt, that took over half of Europe. But if he did, he was going to make sure he dragged the Greeks and the Austro-Hungarians with him.

With twenty thousand men sent to fight in Greece, twenty thousand stationed in Sofia for the oncoming war with Austro-Hungary, fifteen thousand stationed in Belgrade and another fifty thousand manning the trenches and stationed in the towns and villages that were right where the frontline would be, the Ottoman military still had a full 295,000 men without deployment. The Sultan and his generals were more than sure that this would be enough to defend the empire if necessary, and it left enough troops uncommitted if things on the Greek or the oncoming Austro-Hungarian front went poorly. Abdul Aziz was fully aware of the might of the Austro-Hungarians, and that they had many allies. But he had God on his side, and he was sure that he could out think the enemy on the battlefield. However, the rate of conscription was increased across the empire, with a number set for another 150,000 men. Word spread to the regional centres across the Ottoman state, and the slow trickle began. It would be at least three or four months before that number were ready to be deployed, and there was no guarantee that the the Ottoman military would even need a number so large. With the permission of the Moroccan government, recruiters began bringing in Moroccans as Ottomans troops to be deployed in Austria-Hungary's African colonies.

The stage was set for a great European war. A war that enveloped the world. And when the dust settled, and the blood was on the ground, the Sultan was going to damn well ensure that it was his empire that was still standing, even if it must stand on a pile of ashes. And in that spirit, the Sultan Abdul Aziz had donned his military dress to lead his forces personally. Besides, it would be a morale boost to see their leader alongside them in the battlefield.

[Danbershan]

Achmed bowed to the Abyssynian Emperor, in deference. The great Emperor sat with a docile lion. His humility comforted the Moroccan delegate; perhaps, with but a little insight into the truth, these people could learn to follow the one true Prophet. But that was an issue for a later date, once relations between Morocco and Abyssynia had improved.

"Emperor, I have come to seek a closer relationship between Morocco, and our Ottoman allies, and your own Empire. The power of Africa should not be denies, and we must triumph over the nations of Europe, and their products in the Americas. I'd like to extend the protection of the Ottoman Empire to your nation on their behalf."

[Kershya]

I am Pablo Sanchez. A servant of the king. Before I have met his highness, I imagine an old man with a large graying beard and a kind heart, from what he's trying to do with his reforms. Never in my life I would have imagine that the king was in his early twenties.

When I entered his study, with numerous books around, I think I just saw the Bible and the Koran side by side, I gave his highness a letter from Cuba. From the change of expression, it must have been terrible news. He then went to the chapel room and close the doors.

I have chatted with the other servants. I pity him. His older sister, Isabella, died from sickness when she was very young, before he was even born. The queen, his wife, died from childbirth. He only has correspondence with his son, who he send to the Philippines to learn.

I could hear prayers coming from the chapel room. If he wasn't obligated to be the king and serve his people, he might have been a well respected priest, or a cardinal, maybe even the pope himself. If only...

Somewhere in Madrid

"Did you heard, Bishop Rodriguez was caught stealing from the Church. Who would have thought? He baptized my son, I gave my donations. I thought I've been helping the poor, but I've been helping a crook." A woman said to her friend as a man overheard their conversation. The man then went to an alley and entered a building, the current base of operations of the conspiracy.

"How was the Church, father?" A hooded man asked.

"Not good, the newspapers are lying to the masses. How about the Cortes?"

"No, they're currently debating over some religious tolerance nonsense. Allowing infidels to open their forsaken temples to their gods and their mad prophet." The other hooded man said, to which the priest frown, holding back his temper. "The plan itself is moving quite wonderfully. Once enough unfortunate events occurs, and with enough men, we will bring back our country and bring it back to righteousness and greatness once again." And with that, the priest smiled.

[Valourium]

King William IV received news of Russia's stance on the war, and was swift to reply with a telegram.
The message of the telegram was as such:

Hello, friends. We understand how our invasion of France may seem more than unorthodox to you, and why you would be against it. However, we would like to request that you do not take action about it. After all, we do not want a repeat of the Napoleonic Wars, now do we? Besides, our invasion is not uncalled for. Prussia is in a marvelous state as of the moment, but come a few years, and we may experience a food crisis due to our ever-increasing population. We cannot simply kill people, as it would weaken our economy, and would be entirely evil. We choose not to simply import food because the world is a very turbulent place, and you never know when your supplies will be cut off from you if you do import goods. So our invasion of France is nothing more than a permanent solution to the problem, not just an act of imperialism or lust for power.

Please, do not forsake us now. Our peoples were once brothers in arms against the dire Napoleon and his forces. Historical legacy means the world to my people. Even if the same does not apply to your great empire, I hope that you will value our bonds. In fact, seeing as we are bordering each other, I would like to offer a non-aggression pact between our two great empires. We do not need anymore violence in this political cauldron of a continent.

This is a message by King Frederick William IV, King of Prussia, and Emperor of the Greater Prussian Empire.

[Danbershan]

Kel Ahaggar Caravan, Southern Border of French Algeria

The Moroccan delegate winced at the bright sunlight as he emerged from his camel howdah, into the sceptical view of the high-ranking Tuareg before him. He had travelled many miles from his hometown of Fez, on a mission from the King himself to unify the southern peoples under the true flag of the Islamic Kingdom of Morocco. While he himself ventured out into the deserts of the Tuareg, similar missions were underway to the other Tuareg confederations, as well as to the tribes of Sahrawi and Bedouin to his west. It was hoped that soon these groups would all be united under the true light of God. Of course, those who would not yield would be forcefully brought under the rulership of King Mohammed IV, and his successors, who could trace their ancestry directly to the Prophet himself.

He gathered his thoughts, as he approached the Tuareg chieftain, al-Hajj Ahmad, who raised his head imperiously, while his blue-clad brethren gathered around him protectively.

"Greetings, my brother," he began, "I have come to offer your people citizenship under the rulership of King Mohammed IV, the God-appointed ruler of Morocco. Imshallah, you will benefit from the protection of this kingdom of God."

al-Hajj Ahmad looked at the ambassador imperiously, as he tried not to visibly cringe under his frightening glare. The Tuareg leader paused for just long enough to make the silence uncomfortable, before replying.

"I must admit that we have, for some time now, been having great trouble with the heathen French, who are persecuting many of my kinsmen under their hegemony in their colony to the north. For this reason, most are migrating south, to join us here. But how would Morocco be able to protect my people?"

"The growing expertise of our engineers is constantly producing more advanced weapons for the purposes of defending ourselves, and to spread the word of the Prophet among the heathens and the unenlightened. These weapons would be freely available for your use. Also, our nation is already under the protection of the Ottoman Empire, a nation trying to follow the words of the Prophet. The Ottoman Empire is closely aligned with France, and so there would be serious repurcussions for the French if they were to violate their alliance with the Ottomans by attacking your people, once you are people of Morocco. What do you say?"

The leader considered carefully. "Personally, I can certainly see the benefits. I'll vouch for you, but I'm going to have to convince the chieftains of Kel Ahaggar. However, I must say, I have high hopes."

[Leo X]

Seeing that their sea trade routes and military supply routes are under threat, the government has increased spending in building fortresses in major and strategic ports along the coast of both Japan and Korea. the Lord Admiral of the IJN has come up with a plan to destroy enemy raid fleets: they are to disquise themselves as Japanese merchant fleets and huide their guns until the Russian fleets come for them.
Airships have been sent to Vladivostok to drop fire bombs on their fleets in hope that the captains of the Russian ships will panic, cut their anchors and hopefully a kamikaze (divine wind) will destroy the ships.
The Lord Admiral was a man with a plan.
"We shall blow up the Russian cork factories."
"Err...why?"
"No cork - no barrels, no barrels means no fresh water, no fresh water means no fleet."
"Brilliant!"
Strong weedkillers have also been dropped on Russian farmlands in hope that they will reduce the yield of crops from the farmers. Railguns have also been constructed so they can defend railways from air raids and field artillery has been ordered to open fire on enemy positions.
Government doctors are offering smallpox vaccinations to those who can afford them and to those who can't, they give cowpox. Government officials have put up posters saying that "areless talk costs lives" and that anyone seen gossipping will be fined.
Antigovernment actionists have been deported to Takarajima and some who resisted were put in monestaries in the mountains where they are unable to escape from.

[Viperia]

The Austro-Hungarian-Ottoman Border Line, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Archduke Friedrich stood on the high ridge and looked upon his newly built encampment. Built hastily in but a few weeks it was not the best, but it would do. He could see his men readying and maintaining their rifles, officers and cavalry grooming and preparing horses, these men were ready for a war, and ready to die for their rulers, the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary. "What are we waiting for sir? Why not charge now and catch them off guard?", Friedrich turned to the young officer and replied, "My dear boy, our countries have been staring down one another's barrels for centuries, there can be no surprise. And as for what it is we are waiting for, we await word from our Brittanian or Greek allies as to how we will formulate this pincer attack, make sure the men are all fed and ready to go as soon as the word is given, it could come at any moment, but for our sake I hope those Britannians send word sooner rather than later, word is the Ottomans are preparing heavy defenses, these could rather easily become forward operating bases for attacks. Didn't i tell you to do something!? Go! Now!", the younger officer ran off to his duties, almost tripping over his own feet, "Bloody Hungarians!".

A Telegram to the Prime Minister, and the Queen, of the Kingdom of Brittania

Dear Lord Updale

It is in these most desperate times that our great nations form the greatest bonds, for after all it is only in war that strong ties can truly be formed. Getting to the matter at hand, as you know we too share a hatred for the French and have already given you our gentlemanly word that our aid will be given in the relentless battle against the french. Now comes the time for repayment. All I ask is, a small favour, that you, or if you so prefer it your Greek vassal, aid us in the protection of our borders and in our age old war against the Ottoman Empire. We believe that with a combined and co-ordinated attack from the North and South, creating two fronts, will allow us to take the Ottoman land in between our nations with relative ease.

Signed and sent from the desk of Franz Joseph I of Austria, Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia, King of Croatia, Apostilic King of Hungary, King of Galicia and Lodomeria and Grand Duke of Gracow.