Ashes of an Empire Falling Skies-IC

[The Industrial States of Columbia]

2183 After the Fall
Post-Apocalyptic Alternate History RP
Links: OOC | Map | Number Map | Theme
Lesser Links: Factbook | Maps Thread

OP Board:
OP – The Industrial States of Columbia
Co-OP's – Alleniana-- Lingang
- Lore Master -

OP Directives:

Leom applios tuhm pheiat

RP Description:
Once, man looked to the skies with wonder. Then, the flames of our civilizations blotted out the night sky, vivid neon and bright cities covering the globe in a perpetual day.

Man made much progress, however, it was not to last. Our confidence in our technology and our supposed supremacy over the natural world was our downfall. For all of our science and scanning of the skies and mathmatical calculations of trajectory, we still could not see the threat that loomed above us.

The fall came quickly. Stars plummeted to the earth past the speed of sound, obliterating anything in their path. In a day and a night, millenia of progress was lost. Cities simply ceased their existance, nations collapsed, and the hungry seas swallowed the old coasts.

Our world is quieter now, yet, the embers of ancient nations still glow, ready to rekindle the glory of the old world. Will you build great monuments and structures as beacons to future generations? Or will you conquer all under the sun and sky to satiate a lust for conquest? Great leader, the rise or fall of an empire, is in your hands...

Roster:

---

List of Nations:
1.The Federation of Sicily-Conwy-shire
2.Impirrenship of Rylonia-Reatra
3.Northern Slaver League-Alleniana
4.The Kingdom of Armenia-Mesrane
5.The Empire of Dacia-Tracian Empire
6.The Republic of Vladivostock-Kisinger
7.The Holy Empire of Adlanda-Lingang
8.Long Dynasty-Caraani
9.The Empire of Romanian Balkans-The Intergalactic Russian Empire
10.The Holy Republic of Rhomah-NPC/Open
11.The Republic of Maehlan-NPC/Open
12.The Fraenkreik-NPC/Open
13.The Crusader States of Mo'jave-Ralnis
14.The Republic of America-Zenoch
15.The Most Serene Republic of Sh'Kago-NPC/Open
16.The Libertine Federation of Nu'Anglia-NPC/Open
17.The Holy and Supreme Empire of Vesperia-ME
18.The Confederation of American States-Of the Rnclave
19.The Confederation of the Boh'Ime-Bleddynia
20.Empirrium dae Cascadia-NPC/Open
21.Raepublik dae An'Corosh-NPC/Open
22.The Free Republic of the Car'ulinahs-NPC/Open
23.The Holy Empire of Alaeshka-NPC/Open
24.The Kingdom of Kamaljot-Negotiable

---

Rules and Regulations:
There are a fair few rules and guidelines for the RP, listed here. These following six are basic and should be easily understood and followed, and after that will follow more specific info that is more liable to change.
1. Obey NationStates forum rules
2. Obey the OP and those appointed as per their role
3. Make sure you are not metagaming, godmodding, numberspamming, or generally RPing in bad form
4. Have a couple of paragraphs a post and good grammar & spelling
5. Exercise common sense generously
6. Be active every couple of days at least

Beyond the basic rules, there are a few regulations, which is basically a special way of saying special rules for regulating the RP. So rules+1. Each regulation is R.X.~~~ where X is the regulation number and the squiggles are the subject matter.

[Caraani]

和平塔
Hépíng tǎ

'' Your Holiness. ''

That rough voice, like a thunder before the storm, that clouds the beautiful night sky, broke the peaceful silence that was ruling over the Northern Palace of the Zhu, and as he moved his cold eyes from the shinning waters of the Chinese Inner Sea, which were reflecting the dawning sun and the clouds runing amok, the Zhu looked down, brutally woken up from that moment of meditation by that Xiezi.
The Xiezi are the official personal servants of the Zhu, which must clean him and feed him, like the royal-blood that he is; In truth, they are a ruthless agency used by the Zhu to crush and annihilate all those able or willing to stand in the way of the grand scheme of the God-king (Zhu).
'' Your Holiness, I beg you to forgive me for interrupting you, but a letter arrived from our agents in the west this morning. '' And without further introducting, the bowing-at-the-waist guard was waiting for his leader to take the letter from his extended right hand.
The Zhu noded, dismissing the guard, which left, bowing, facing the Zhu, until he was 4 meters away from the emperor, then proceeding to stand straight yet again and turn away from the emperor. Meanwhile Bai's eyes were slowly inspecting the letter, which was signed by General Li Chao, assigned to the Western Banner Army, currently stationed in the Bangladesh region(officially).
'' So, how's your little campaign going, your majesty? '' A man in his 30s, very handsome, dressed in a blue robe, on his head bearing the common guan hat, said, seemingly mildly amused, smiling, trying not to laugh, as he stood near the Zhu, at a very disturbingly close distance, even for a friend. The Zhu however didn't seem to be bothered at all.
'' Oh please do humor me. '' Bai said, in a sarcastic tone.
As the man comprehends that the Zhu was slightly bothered by this advisor's previous statement, he begins to get closer and closer to the emperor, until he has the zhu's left arm right in front of him, proceeding to grab it the way a wife grabs his husband's arm. '' I didn't mean to sound like that. I just...think this is a waste of time and resources. We should push north and crush that little hub of republicanism before it sends waves of 'new' and 'progressive' ideas our way. ''
The emperor grabs the marble balustrade as he stares at the landscape around him, still holding the letter in his right hand.
'' After the last meeting at the Palace I was quite sure your biggest problem with Vladivostok was the danger it could pose to our trade and colonies. Now however it's a different story. What, did last night made you change your mind, An?'' Bai would say, smiling as he teases his most trusted advisor, shaking a bit his left arm.
'' Hh-huh? No way.'' An would say, blushing, trying to keep his cool. '' I just think they are a bigger problem now then some indian buffer-zone. ''
'' Don't worry, we will do it as quick as possible, and then we will return on this 'northern affair'. Meanwhile, I will need you to redirect some supplies to the colony of Formosa, aswell as weapons. Also, get some good expensive map regarding the isle. Make it worth it.'' The Emperor said, as decisive as ever.
'' Hmm, supplies, weapons and a map of Formosa. When should I have'em there?''
''One week from now.''
'' Understood. I will make all the arrangements, your holiness.'' The eunuch would announce as he leaves the comforting strong arm of Bai, ready to leave, waiting for his master's dismisal.
'' Good. Oh and An, don't worry yourself with those rats in the north. As soon as we deal with our most urgent matters, we will let them know that they either bend or they break. Long's power knows no bounds. ''
'' Understood, your holiness. '' An would repeat, almost smiling, albeit it wouldn't be proper to do so, in front of the Zhu.
'' And when you return for the tea, bring some Xianzi emissaries. Dismissed.''
The Eunuch would gently bow-to-the-waist, slowly, then, as he would remain in the said position while he walks backwards, he would take a brown blank fan from one of his spacious sleeves, a small bottle of ink and a small feather from his robe's pockets, preparing to write some things down, a way to keep track of all the things the Zhu orders. It is difficult to be the most trusted advisor of the Zhu, albeit it does have its bonuses.


不丹
Bhutan
As the sun was slowly leaving this forgotten valley of loneliness and strong winds where General Li Chao happened to make camp for the night, as they were tehnically on foreign soil, and as such it was prohibited for them to be there, some men where waving their arms, calling for attention so that they may tell the others that it's time for them to go back in their tents. The biggest tent, bearing the mark of Long, was homing Li Chao, a man in his forties, with as many scars as there are stories to be told about them, sporting the decorated armor of a Long General. Inside his tent, a few men around the table were closely listening to their commander as he was laying out the plan on a map of the surrounding area: '' A Bhutanese border outpost is on the left side of the mountain, at the feet of the mountain. They are exactly on our right. Now, I know what you are thinking, it will be an easy picking, since our scouts reported it's only a small tower. However the true issue is that if we are too slow, the bhutanese post guards will most likely send an emissary to the closest city, sending word of our arrival. Now, we have more men then they do, and it is only normal we would.'' The general stops for a moment to smile, as the rest of the men either laugh or smile. Then, in the blink of an eye, he returns as he previously was, and all men follow suit: '' However, it is better to fight a man who didn't see it coming than to fight him knowing what he's getting into. When men are trapped they fight like beasts. let us not let them know our numbers and our location, so that they may not even have time to think about their families and homes. That is what gives them strength. I will send this night an emissary to His Holiness with our plans and request for an attack. We will divide our forces into 3 units. One made of the best, quickest men, to watch over the tower while we move our other units, and to see to it that no one leaves it without their heads chopped off. The second unit will be the main assault force, and will march silently through the woods downhill on our left, shielded from sight by the peaks of the mountains. When they get down, they will no longer be visible due to the forrest, and they can march on the tower without any problems. The first unit will get to the tower quicker. They will stay still and watch for any suspicious movement, be they emissaries or patrols to check the surrrounding area. The second unit must get there by midday if they start marching before dawn. The first unit will begin their fast-paced march to the tower during the night, and will have to secure themselves a position from which to observe the tower. Meanwhile, the rest of the army, most of it, meaning the third unit, will stay still here in the mountains away from prying eyes until we secure the outpost. Chang, you got the first unit, Ling, you the second one. I will stay with the third unit and await your signal from the tower, which will be waving a torch three times from the tower around midday. I hope you gentlemen understand I do not expect failure. As soon as word gets here from His Majesty, we get going. We'll leave diplomatic matters to the eunuchs and their embassy in Bhutan. With Heaven's blessing, we will be in their capital before officials even get to knock on our embassy's door.'' The general would inhale one time, sighting after his long explanation. '' Now, questions?''


龍端口
Lóng duānkǒu
The shining waters of the Chinese Inner Sea were beautifully reflecting the dawning sun, almost as if setting the waters of the port of Long on fire. Around the port, everything was already moving, be them state ships, colonial ships or peasant fishing boats, and in the docks, men were eager to unload the cargos of the ships, and load it unto others. Cries and laughs, barks and meows, punches and yells, all sorts of sounds could be heard in this place of chaos. On the board of a bigger-then-normal ship flying the Long Navy colors, a young officer was watching over the port from the safe ship, away from all the danger, yet so close to all if it's chaotic activity. As he observed his capital come with his guards back unto the ship, he rushed full of life and desire to hear news, and as he was getting nearer to the man, he was shifting his behaviour to one more formal.
'' Captain!'' He would salute the man.
'' Sergeant.'' The captain would say in a dismissal tone.
'' Captain.'' The man would repeat.
'' Sergeant.'' The captain would say again, slightly irritated, yet stopping to hear his man, his guards stopping with him.
'' Captain, I-I'm terribly sorry to stop you, I beg your forgiveness, yet I couldn't bear it not knowing if there are any news yet.'' The young man would say, shaking his head as a sign of asking forgiveness, his ponytail moving from left to right and right to left.
The captain would sigh, reminding himself that this sergeant in front of him is not like him, he is full of life and desire, and he (the captain) has had such a rough night too...
'' Huan, I know the desire to do something other then staying on this ship is burning bright inside of you. I too want to do something instead of watching my men rot on this damn box of wood, but for now, all we can do is wait. I'm sorry mate. '' The captain would say, in a sad manner, resting his left hand on his soldier's sholder for a moment, trying to comfort him, then proceeding to leave.
'' T-Thank you captain, that would be all...'' Huan would say, sadder then ever.
'Since two months ago when the Eastern Banner Army was divided into two units we are stationed here at the docks. I can't get it. What will we be doing, and more important, when? I know the Second Unit is now stationed on Cheju. They are probably gonna get to fight with Vladivostok while we rot in here.' Huan thinks.
'' DAMN IT'' He would yell as he kicks the wooden railings of the ship, hurting himself in the process. '' HEAVENS WRATH!''
'' Huan, watch your dirty mouth, there are kids around here.'' A voice from the docks said.
'' Yeah well, if kids were to hear me, I think a blasphemy was the least bad thing they would hear around this place full of sh-...''
'' Huan!''
'' Yeah, yeah, thank you for the assistence mother.''
A young woman with a patch on her right eye would come out of the docks full of people, getting on the same ship Huan is on.
'' If you weren't to behave like such a kid, I wouldn't treat you like one. Now, what's this fuss all about?'' The harsh woman would ask her friend.
'' W-well, you know...''
'' Come on, spit it out, what, did Pu eat your tongue?''
'' Shut up Ju. I was going to say that I hate staying in this place. We are here for two months, while the second unit's pro-..''
'' The second unit is doing what exactly? They are probably rotting on that isle the same way we do in here, just that we have more booze to keep us company. I say you stop crying like a woman and man up and enjoy life, ay?''
'' I got into the army to fight, not to get drunk every night.''
The woman would get near the man, sitting next to him as she grabs the railings, staring at the city of Long.
'' If you want to know it so much, I hear tell Long's gonna hit Formosa next.''
'' What, like..''
'' The island mate.''
'' But ain't it ours?''
'' Half of it.''
''Half?''
''Aye, the southern half is home to some cannibals that like to throw spears into every bloody thing they see. Plus the island is a jungle, so if we go there they're gonna carve some pretty holes into us. Well, some of us, anyway.'' She would say, smilling, as she looks at her inexperienced friend.
'' O-oh yeah? Well I'm gonna kill two times as many as you do.''
'' Oh will you green man?''
'' You're damn right patch-eye.I'm gonna remoob some cannibal ass.''
'' Remoob? I've got the strange feeling between the two of us you're the drunk idiot.''
''Heh'' Huan would smile. '' We''ll see.''
'' We'll see.'' She smiles.


P.S. to have a better look at the place where the action in the first scene happened, go to the link below.
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Summer-Palace-Walkway-421101038

[Tracian Empire]

The Empire of Dacia/ Imperiul Daciei

Nova Sarmisegetuza, the Imperial Palace

It was a usual cold day in the capital of the Dacian Empire. A man dressed in a Dacian uniform was walking down the hallways of the Imperial Palace. He reached a door guarded by two soldiers. When they saw him, they saluted and said: Good afternoon, sir General Anghelescu. The Emperor is in the map room.. Anghelescu saluted too and entered the room.

The room was large and had only a few windows. In the middle of the room was a great table, with a map on it. The map was made during many decades, and it contained all the lands the Dacians knewed about. Over the territories of Dacia and the neighboring lands were more figurines, each representing an army. A young man was looking at a portion of the map. He was dressed in black, and was armed with two Dacian sica's. On his head was a black small and simple crown, formed by two draco's coiled up. The man was looking at what is, or was, Ukraine.

Anghelescu saluted and said: Ave, Carpathia Imperator! My Emperor, we have received news from one of our forts, the one near the ancient town of Haisyn,in Ukraine. The barbarians have moved. They have surrounded the fort. The commander of the fort is requesting help.

The young man, Andrei Carpathia, Emperor of Dacia, has looked at the map for another minute. "Bring 20.000 soldiers near Rivulus. I will lead them personally. I can't accept such a defiance from those barbarians." "Of course, Imperator. I will leave now to send the orders.", said Anghelescu and left the room. The Emperor looked at the map in silence.

Carpion fort. near the former city of Haisyn, Ukraine

It was a chilly night in the former Ukraine. Dacia was trying to conquer the region since 2179, but the desperate resistance of the Ukrainian barbarians made it really hard. In one of the towers, Alexandru Augustin, the commander of the fort was looking a the many camp fires that were surrounding them. An entire barbarian army was surrounding the walls. They were outnumbering the Dacian soldiers, but the commander had no intention to surrender."I hope that the rider I sent arrived in Lupia. We need help.", thought the commander.


Note: Sica, is a ancient Dacian sword http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sica

[Conwy-Shire]

The Federation of Sicily

---

Sicily was always a lovely place to govern in Autumn. The grass grew, the trees faded, the realm was pacified, the populace was content. It was on such a day that Anselm d'Montpellier; King of Sicily and her territories, Mandator of the Mediterranean and Patriarch of the d'Montpellier family concluded his familial business for the week and left the "Royal Palace" with as small an escort as he could negotiate. Situated almost 4 leagues away from the bustling port-city-capital of Messina the palace looked more like a fortified hunting lodge than the residence of one of the most influential figures in the Mediterranean, yet Anselm always called it home. Whilst the Mandatorship of Sicily always occupied the same city hall within the City of Messina the title "King of Sicily" did not come with any personal demesne attached, which meant that the King-elect had to supply his own residence as the Royal palace for his tenure as King.

The current "Royal Palace" was located on the northernmost spur of a mountain range which marked the Westernmost boundary of Messina, and as such the palace held a South-Easterly view of the City, whilst staying high enough in the hills to become quite indistinguishable; that was how Anselm liked it: remaining small so as to remain unnoticed by others, yet that was before he was elected. It had already been 3 years since his election at the Royal diet yet he was still stuck in his patriarchal mindset, rather than the nationalistic mindset a King needed to occupy to successfully govern his nation.

The 4-league ride into Messina became a blur for Anselm, yet as he neared the Northern Gate of Messina he held up his right hand and the escort reigned in behind him, confused that they had stopped just metres outside of their destination. The king pulled a hooded cloak out of his saddle bag and removed his crown before carefully placing the crown of Sicily inside the leather bag. he donned the cloak and raised the hood, even though it was the middle of the day and he knew he would be sweating by the time he reached the Mandator's Palace; yet he was the king, and his actions went unquestioned before he moved his horse into a trot and entered the city unrecognised.

Whilst the ride from the Royal Palace to the city and the ride from the City gates to the Mandator's Palace remained uneventful and deserted, due to the high temperature, inside the Mandator's Palace ran the lifeblood of the Federation. Bureaucrats walked through the palace silently on errands, though they never even looked up to notice the hooded man leading an armed escort, nor did they even notice as the King lowered his hood and replaced it with his crown. It was only as he entered the Mandators room that he received his first "Your Majesty" for the day, such was the indistinguishable manner of the king. The Mandator; Agostino Fibonacci, was stuck in a discussion with the representative from the Mandator of Calabria, the ruler of Sicily's only possession on Mainland Europe. Both of the men broke off as the dark varnished wooden doors opened, but the representative turned again towards Agostino just as quickly as he turned, not recognising his King.
"Here is the full report, as filed by the Mandator of Calabria himself; perhaps we can continue this conversation later..." The Calabrian continued.
"No need, I'll take it up with the king; who just entered the room if you didn't notice. There is a room for you in the Eastern Wing of the complex, it would be appreciated if you could remain there until a reply is penned and signed." The Mandator replied with a shooing motion.
"Of course, I would be delighted to return your reply as soon as possible." With a nod he turned and strode out the door, still not acknowledging Anselm.
The door closed with a soft 'whump'
"What a nice fellow" Anselm said, taking the seat which the Calabrian had just vacated.
"Ha, indeed. The Mandator of Calabria has a fine Intelligence, yet when it comes to envoys it seems as though he is always trying to offend me with snobs and fobs." The Mandator replied, leaning back in his chair.
"No matter, what is this report I heard of?' the king asked, leaning over the table to collect the report in front of the Mandator.
"Truthfully, I don't know; that envoy spent the last five minutes introducing himself and vaguely mentioning a parcel of some sort from the Mandator of Calabria."
"Let's see it then" Anselm said, as he picked up the report and cleared his throat. He read it aloud:

My Dear Mandator of Sicily,
Recently, the peace in which we all live appears to be evaporating, and fast. Reports have filtered into my office of lights on the Northern border, and whilst the farmers and pasturalists who spotted these lights; fires presumably, swear on their lives they saw what they claim were army camps, Spies I sent into the area have confirmed these lights, and have also spotted large signs of mass movement, they have not been able to foray across the border and confirm a possible convergence of the Roman Military. However in light of this a review of the Military Strength in Calabria has brought to my attention that we are seriously under-strength in the face of possible invasion. because of this I respectfully request reinforcements and a division of engineers to secure the northern border, as if we lose Calabria, we lose our only possession on the European Mainland and would possibly be defenceless against forays across the strait directly into Messina.

Respectfully,
Antonio Alaschisling,
Mandator of Calabria

"By the Restorer," Agostino breathed, "war looming on our borders... this will not sit well with the people. We'll have to divert public funding to protect Calabrian Interests"
"The people will support us if they believe that We have been attacked without a formal declaration of hostilities and war from Rome" Anselm countered. As opposed to the Mandator, Anselm was not concerned at all about the possibilities of war. Whilst he had never lived to see one, he had been schooled by the Royal Academy of Militaristic Disciplines in Palermo to the North-West, and as such he felt confident enough to face off against the armies of Rome, which were reputedly more zealous than trained, and who still employed old equipment and tactics. Furthermore fueling the King's confidence was his disdain for religion and anything related to it.
"It looks like I will have to issue a prepare and act warrant for every Mandator and General this side of North Africa." The mandator of Sicily said with a look that resounded utter boredom and resignation to many sleepless nights.
"Except," Anselm said, "We have no Generals, Agostino, the last one died of old age after our last war in North Africa, which was over a century ago..."
" A century ago... An incident like this never even came to my attention, and I've been in office for over 25 years!" The Mandator exclaimed.
"Don't worry Agostino, I'll travel to Palermo and sift through the candidates, you just worry about the Prepare and Act warrants." The King said, rising from his seat. The Mandator also rose and walked over to the door to see his King out.
"No need for that, I know the way out." Anselm said with a wry smile.
"You can never be too sure, this palace is a maze after all." The Mandator said, "I hope you enjoy the coastal road, i'll see to those warrants."

---

Royal Academy of Militaristic Disciplines
A week later,
Palermo,
Northern Sicily

---

The King sat on a balcony overlooking the drill-yard at the academy with his old tutor, who now ran the academy. His visit had spanned 4 days, today being the last of those; and today was also the day he needed to choose and elevate to possibly lead the Armies of Sicily.
"Now, look over there, across the field, The Academy Director stated, That one with the short black hair on the left wing of the drill. He's the most promising one on my opinion, aced his tactics exam, third in the aptitude test, comes from a family that owns land in Sardinia, he was left here when he was four years old, can you believe it?" he old man continued, "If you don't take him, I will; I'll make him the next director of the academy and you'll be all the poorer for it." he said with a laugh.
"Interesting, I'll look into him." Anselm said, focusing in on the young man, "I certainly will."

[Reatra]

"Damnit! How large was the native force?" Prenci Conlusta Danoline asked General Sammet.
"At least three thousand, Prenci Conlusta." Sammet reported.
"Fuck. Three thousand in the wastes? Where do you think they got so many men from? No, don't answer it, I know the answer. Fucking barbarians think they can repel us Rylonians by banding together! We'll let them know how that worked out for the fucking Cascan centuries ago. We will teach them that they cannot stop the expansion of Reatra's Word, The Way To Live is as it's name suggests." Danoline said.
"Shall I organize an army to attack and wipe them out, Prenci Conlusta?" Sammet asked.
"You know me too well, Sammet. Yes, go ahead and do that, I will talk with the Impirren about what to do with the dead settlers. Go, you can lead them yourself is you so wish." Danoline ordered. As Sammet left the building to go to the conscription center and organize an attack force, Danoline politely knocked on the Impirren's door.
"RyRy," he said, "Can we talk?"
"Yes, yes, one moment!" RyRy said from behind the huge wooden door. While he waited Danoline looked out the window and into the Sea of Khali. The massive salty bay that connected all of Rylonia to itself and allowed the nation to be as efficient when it comes to logistics as possible. He looked across the hallway and saw a window that opened to the beautiful Pasific Ocean, the endless blue that stretched to the distant lands of Chinguo, where riches untold lay and only the most powerful lords survive. Danoline hoped to one day be able to visit Chinguo, and claim it's riches for Rylonia. But, now he had to worry about how his people were going to colonize the wastes if the damned natives kept on fighting back. It's not like they couldn't move inland.
"Yes Danoline?" RyRy asked as he opened the door so fast it hit the wall with a loud crack! Both of the men jumped back, and a pair of guards came jogging down the hall to see what had happened. RyRy heard their steps and yelled "It was just the door again, guys." and the guards promptly turned around.
"So, yes, Danoline?" RyRy said.
"I... uhh... I was hoping to talk about the barbarian attack on our settlers in the Eastern Wastes. Recently several thousand natives have banded together to 'defend their homeland', thinking that this can stop us. It may never stop our expansion, but it does hinder it severely. I believe that we should wipe them out and resettle the lands. We have tried to assimilate them and they simply will not believe in The Way. I think that is our only option if we are to continue settling at this pace. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we could have most of wastes past the Serranev under our control, and the silver, copper, and iron that come along with it." Danoline said as he walked into the Impirren's Room and sat down on a chair.
"Alright, then, Danoline. I trust you are ready to do such a thing?"
"...Yes... Impirren...?"
"Good, take some movilcanon with you past the Serranev, there is no way the barbarians have the means to produce these guns, and it'll scare the ever-living shit out of them. Take some cebcara with you too, no doubt the barbarians will freak out when they see striped horses."
"Alright, RyRy, I will see to it at once." Danoline said, hoping the Impirren never found out that he has authorized the attack already.

[Lingang]

The Holy Empire of Adlanda


"Let he who does not bow before GOD be washed in his own blood" ~ The Holy Book of GOD

---

Late Summer
Mobilus Lordship,
Empire of Adlanda

The calm and still waters of the Great Southern Swamp were disturbed by trampling feet, as three fugitives ran across the marshy landscape. Behind them the sound of horse hooves splashing in the muck could be heard.

"Don't let them get away!"

"If those infidels get to the coast, we're dead!"

The three fugitives disappeared into some brambles, giving them a bit of time before the horsemen caught up. One of the escapee's, a woman, hid the large bag she was carrying under the roots of a large tree. She then hurried on with the two other men, trampling through the marsh. The water here was deeper than the rest of the swamp, and their downfall was guaranteed out here. And alas, the fugitives found themselves stuck in a pit, the mud underneath the surface pulling their feet down. The horsemen charged over to where they had gotten stuck, surrounding the pit.

The Lead Horseman dismounts his stallion, circling the edges of the pit.
"Well, look what we have here. The criminal group known far and wide as "Birds Wings", the craftiest and swiftest outlaws in the whole country, gets caught in a damn pit". The other horsemen laugh, as the fugitives begin to cower.

"Please, please have mercy on us!" begs the woman. "We've heard stories of what they do to people like us in the dungeons....we don't want that!"
The second fugitive speaks up. "Please, we'll nullify our position in the organization, if you don't turn us in. We'll even pay you, look..." He reaches into his pocket, but Lead Horseman stops him.

"No....we aren't taking prisoners today..." A cruel smile stretches across his face, as the fugitives looked on in horror. The knights unsheathed their swords, ignoring the cries of mercy....

The group of horsemen began to head back to Mobilus City with a good report to bring, as their horses waded through the dark red blood which had just been spilled.

[Mesrane]

The Kingdom of Armaenia
Surb T’agavorut’yuny Hayastani
Սուրբ Թագավորությունը Հայաստանի

Yer'Revan, Haratev Palace

Wind.

King Vard II Saroyan felt it slap across his face, parting the strands of his cultivated beard as it buffeted the richly sculpted walls of sandstone behind him. It was for the wind that he came out here so often, to the Bardzr mej Mtk'i, the Eyrie of Thought, the highest tower in the whole ancient Armenian capital of Yer'Revan. It had first existed as a prison under the tyrant Tigranes IV, but for the past century and a half it had seen use solely as a place of solitary thought for Armaenia's kings. Vard certainly enjoyed the quiet, but what moved him most was the primeval wind which whipped through Yer'Revan, a city so old and so unbelievably ancient that men had known it only as a holy place of god for at least the last millennium, if not even in the dark ages before that. Vard was certain it was a construction of mankind, and that it might be more accurate to say the city was endowed with the strength of God, and his chosen arbiters in the world, the Saroyan kings of Armaenia.

The king took note of the sun's position in the sky, just past noon now on a nearly cloudless day. Knowing his solitude was now over, Vard rushed down the tower's endless flights of steps until he arrived in the palace's courtyard, winded in his prime years. He crossed the cobblestones, worn flat by centuries of treading feet. At the opposite end of the courtyard from the royal keep stood the Church of Saint Levan, a medium sized church that had served the spiritual needs of the Armaenian kings and their courts for nearly four hundred years. The priest standing watch spotted him and shoved the heavy oaken doors open with some difficulty. Clearly, the others were already waiting.

Vard strode into the central chamber, rapidly making for the alter at the rear. The church's ceiling was beautifully ornamented with a fresco of Jesus's famed descent into the Armaenian town of Vardenis, where Vard's kingdom had its' beginning, as did God's kingdom on earth. The walls were richly carved with scenes of pilgrimages to various holy sites throughout the kingdom.

Vard reached a small dias to the right of the alter, where four other men were raised in chairs in the otherwise empty church. He sat in the fifth seat, obviously reserved for him. From left to right was seated Nikoloz Ramazi, High Marshal of the Realm, Rostam Gousan, Keeper of Coin, Baruir Hartchaea, Vard's Spymaster, and Kharjag Nishan, the Asthapan, the patriarch and head of the Armenian Church. To begin with, times were dark enough that convening the small council outside the royal keep was sometimes a wise move. But Vard also took pleasure in the quiet sanctity of God's true light, reflected in this particular house of his worship.

'Well gentlemen," Vard began. "The latest Golshyrrii raid has swept dangerously close to Vardenis itself. Our hussars chased them off before they could do major damage, but this is starting to become a serious inhibitor to southern trade, not just a small nuisance. The Babylonians clearly can't control their wild border tribes, and the question of are they even trying? Is starting to float around my head." He turned to Hartchaea, the spymaster. "Bariur, have your spiders chanced upon this particular web?"

Hartchaea folded his hands together gravely. The reserved spymaster in his late 50's looked miffed, as if to suggest that his spies hadn't chanced upon said web was something of an insult. "They have, your Majesty, and I regretfully inform you that this web is certain to crisscross with others."

Vard arched an eyebrow. "Truly? Would this happen to include . . . ?" He let the question hang, as it was obvious to all present.

Hartchaea only nodded gravely. "It does." He always one for bluntness, and never one for wasting words.

Scowling, Vard considered his options. "Boghos Fedeykka climbs into bed with the likes of the Golshyrrii? At a glance it sounds preposterous, but I cannot say that it would be something below his doing . . . It is his coin that flows to the tribesmen, yes?"

Again, Hartchaea merely nodded.

Vard then turned to the High Marshal. "Very well. Nikoloz, raise a regiment of foot and have them set up a checkpoint where the South Highway meets Babylonia. Triple the number of Hussars combing the hills about. And send in a regiment of dragoons to harass a few Golshyrrii villages. Even if it only makes them angry, we'll force their hand out into the open. And Baruir . . . . . . . find me General Andon Mirzoyannis. He's enjoyed quite a bit of off-duty time, more than is appropriate, even for a man like him."

[Reatra]

"Suego!" General Sammet exclaimed, "Fire! Fire! Fire!"
From atop his cebcara Sammet waved his saber around in the air. His disciplined riflemen were facing off against a horde of unorganized pikemen and musketeers. It was almost sad, how pitiful the resistance was. Sammet might have felt bad, if only the same people hadn't killed hundreds of his fellow Reatrists and sent their heads to the Sea of Khali.

Whatever.

They'd be dead soon enough, and when that happened he would go to their homes, and kill every last one of them. Then he would tell his victories to the Eren, or Prenci Conlusta as he was formally called. Lead Conqueror, what a funny title. Sammet realized how strange it was for him to be thinking of these things in battle, and that any second now he could be pierced by a musket ball. That was unlikely, though, seeing as the enemy had barely hit a hundred Rylonians today. This would be an easy battle, this would be a victory for Reatra, and Sammet would gain much prestige in the high comman-

---

"The battle was won, Impirren, but unfortunately General Sammet was killed, he was shot by a musket ball that pierced his heart." Eren Danoline reported to RyRy, "But, the troops are continuing to march inward and kill every barbarian they find. Within the month we should have empty lands free for colonization. We can already begin to send families to Reino, Caarso, and Sparx, as their villages have been burned and their scrap used to construct camps for troops. These camps could provide homes until the village is rebuilt."
"Good, Danny, good. Now, I'll have Jacob send the families, and you can continue to exterminate the barbarians. How is the colonization down south?"
"Good, Impirren, we have reached far into the Bakhali Peninsula and are assimilating the natives at record speed. They seem to enjoy the conversion process to Reatrism, and our Tulites are glad to help."
"Amazing, Danny. You are serving Reatra well. Soon, once Bakhali is taken, we will be able to focus up north once again. The Cascans there, while still disunited, are becoming more and more friendly towards us. Soon they may even assimilate. It is our job to speed up that process."
"Yes, Impirren, it will be a good year for Rylonia."

[Reatra]

Historians from the Great Holy War Era* would say that the Discovery Era was the time that Rylonia pulled far ahead of the rest of Terep Reatra’a in technology, this was mostly due to the fact that Impirren RyRy the Scholar was so interested in the texts of Ancient Khali and the technology used before The Fall that not only did he study it himself, he founded an entirely new School of Tulites designed to unlock the secrets of the Old World. Based in the Tower of Study in Rynatoo, which overlooked the flat and plain Pasific Ocean, a body of water largely untouched by Rylonian shipping. This gave both inspiration to thinkers and made sure there were little distractions while they studied and thought. Usually teams of half a dozen scholars would enter the room, study quietly for an hour or two, then discuss their ideas, and findings they may have made, and how this could further Reatra’s work here on Dunaron.

The Tulites of The Tower were known as being the most intelligent and wise men and women in the Impirrenship. They rediscovered the art of crafting full hot air balloons (which had, up until this point, been only paper lanterns used for communication), and came up with incredible ways for rifling every single cannon made in Rylonia. Most of the advancements were either logistical or military in some way, but there were ideas on increasing the efficiency of tax collection, and mining. Although the arguably greatest ideas were too far ahead of current technology to be taken full advantage of, the Tulites of The Tower gave Rylonia an exceptional advantage over her neighbors.

Eren Danoline used these to devastating effect in the Wars of Waste Barbarian Extermination.

---

“Et tou, kau nau!” Danoline exclaimed.
“Fet tou, nau pau!” His soldiers repeated.

They continued their marching song for hours, stopping once the sun set to set up camp for the cold night. Here in the Serranev, the days were mild, and the nights grew chilly. Luckily it had been a mild and wet winter, so the nighttime temperature wasn’t too far below the daytime temperature. The army was on a mission, the forty thousand strong force was made up of literally every professional soldier, trained by elite Garday da Reatra’a members who had been in the army for nearly thirty years. The army was actually led by the Garday da Reatra’a, and their bright orange, blue, and gold uniforms were the only color seen in the entire force. It was honorable to let the enemy see you before they died, but only for those who pledged their entire life to Reatra. With rifled cannon pulled by hundreds of cebcara, and with hunting raptors at the side of the artillerymen, the army looked to exterminate any barbarian presence in the Eastern Wastes. The army would defeat the large enemy forces near the Serranev, and then split up to eliminate any retreating armies or smaller villages. Hopefully, by the time summer came around, the Eastern Wastes, and all their copper, tin, coal, and iron, would be empty, and open for settlement by Reatrist families. While the natives in Bakahli were slowly being assimilated, and the Tulites were preaching in Cascan to convert the barbarians there, soon Reatra’s People would rule the entire coast of Terep Reatra’a







*Totally not foreshadowing

[Zenoch]

Seven...Seven....Six....Seven...

The voice of an unseen man drifted across the river, through the dense fog and to the ears of young Jedd, who was sitting on the front porch of his father's house. Jedd was by no means alarmed by the calls that floated across the water, though they may have seemed strange to a foreigner. Where he lived, the sounds of a riverman calling out the depth of the water was commonplace.
After a few more minutes of relaxation, Jedd heard his father call him inside.
"Yousa gwon go'a town nah, Buyin suh mo' lumba pour ya pap'a wok wit.*" His father told him. Jedd obeyed, and immediately ran off in the direction of the nearest town.

fifty miles away, life was not so simple for Noah Hines, President of the Republic of America. His father had formed this country, so he had humungous shoes to fill. Each president served a five year term, and could be reelected as many times as he could manage. For his father, that number had only been one. Gary Hines had been 56, old when he had united the small states of the region in to one republic. When Gary had died in office, it was unclear wether or not the young nation could remain in existence. Under pressure from his father's political supporters, Noah had run in the first real election of the young nation.
It had been a strange thing, a novelty even. The other candidate had dropped out before election day due to a lack of funds for campaigning, so Noah had one with a whopping 18% of the population voting for him, the rest abstaining.
The Federal government of the RA was small, underfunded, and regarded more as a weak political entity than an actual governing power. Within his first term, Noah Hines had changed that. He instituted an aggressive economic expansion project eight years ago, annexing swaths of wilderness to the west and opening it up to farmers, who in turn formed four new states that were loyal to the federal government. This allowed Noah to gain some influence in the economy of the agriculture-based nation, a thing his father had never achieved. With his economic base secured, Hines turned his thoughts toward more relevant goals. He had won his second election relatively easily, however this time more than 33% of the population had voted, a good sign for Hines and anyone else who wanted to see the Republic become a major power. Noah knew that a weak central government meant a weak nation, and that would simply not do. Over the past couple of decades, explorers and tradesmen had found that not all other nations were peaceful. Luckily, the founders of the Republic had known this. The Republican Military was a formidable force, albeit nearly untested. A small conflict with a city-state in N'braka had shown that.
Noah's thoughts were interrupted by a man walking in to his office with a note. He thanked the messenger, and read the text.
"Harold, bring me Mr.Parnin, now."

[Kisinger]

Vladivostok, Republic of Vladivostok

Leonard Vongrad sat in his office in the Upper Section of the Presidential Residence, which he thought felt like was more of a Fortress. He overlooked the papers on his desk once more that Islands had been found off to the East of Suberia, his has ordered several more expeditions to happen over the next 5 years of his term, as well as sending a diplomatic envoy to the Lang Dynasty in Southern China. He hoped to establish zones of Influence knowing of the Lang's hunger for a Hegemony of Asian Culture as they would put it.

[tab=6]After shuffling through several more papers he looked at reports of a expedition of 2,000 Men heading further up the Coast of Suberia in the bay of Kamtara. He sighed, "Damn Imperialist Russians." He said, he preferred quiet colonization not outright annexation of people, more of a gradual in doctrine of the people not this... Moving to the next paper he as well saw another expedition put together this time for Northern Japan, he knew neither would, similar tries have occurred and failed, only successful attempts had been by state sponsored ones, which neither were.

[Conwy-Shire]

---

The Federation of Sicily
Late Autumn,
Calabrian-Catanzaro Border,
Southern Italy

---

"Sir, the fires were sighted just over that hill there." The lead skirmisher whispered.
"Alright, douse the torches, we'll crawl up the hill from here; you may as well leave your long rifles here too. Abelard, Gerald; you two stay here and guard the long rifles, we may need to leave in a hurry and I don't want to give those fools any of our Snaplock Rifles." General Cassius ordered. Though Cassius had only just been promoted to the position of General he was still held in awe by those around him, partly due to the fact that he was the first man to bear the title "General" since the Tunisian Civil war decades ago.
The group was huddled in a muddy ditch near a low sloping hill, of which reports indicated was a picket-post for the Roman army, yet it appeared as deserted as the last hundred hills the Highland Fusiliers had passed since they left camp that morning. By now the sun had set and a thick mist was rolling in, lowering visibility to a near-negligible state.
"Actually," General Cassius stopped. "Gerald, you're the best shot here. You bring your snaplock and Abelard can bring his knife, everyone else can stay here."The rest of the unit started muttering amongst themselves, Abelard and Gerald were the most junior men in the unit, but the muttering stopped when Cassius raised a hand. A head had appeared above the crest of the hill, and whilst it could have been anyone, Cassius had the strong suspicion that it was a Roman picket. The man at the top of the hill stayed still, scanning the distant horizon, not noticing the 16 men crouched metres away from him. The General noticed slow movement on his left and saw Abelard cock his rifle before bringing the sights of his long rifle to his right eye. Cassius had to grunt softly to get the mans attention and when he saw Abelard turn to face him the general shook his head slowly.
A minute later the Sentry's curiosity was satisfied after a Campanian Hare scurried up the hill before it disappeared into a hidden burrow. Moments later the sentry disappeared too, and the Sicilian trio began to crawl up the hill. Halfway up Gerald stopped unexpectedly, whilst Cassius and Abelard kept crawling before Cassius noted the lack of movement on his right. Turning silently he saw that Gerald was lying face down in the dirt, hiding. When Cassius looked back at the crest he noticed the Roman was back, and he had brought a torch. The General stopped immediately and slammed Abelard's face into the soft mud before doing the same himself.
He felt Abelard crawling forward again and so Cassius raised his head fractionally from the mud crater his face has created. He noticed the Roman had turned around again, as though he was listening to someone else, whilst not noticing the mud-spattered Sicilian crawling towards him. The mist thickened just as Abelard rose into a crouch, and Cassius lost sight of the soldier just before a muffled grunt was heard, followed by a thud-splat and Abelard whispering, "come on, he's down."
Cassius tapped Gerald on the shoulder and the two of them crawled up to where Abelards' voice came from. They found him wiping his dirk on a crimson-coated soldier lying face down in the mud, his hat askew and his sword half drawn. Off in the distance the hills were illuminated by what appeared to be several hundred light sources, but that was the least of their worries. The picket was wearing the flamboyant armour and clothing that marked him as a northerner, which boded ill for the Sicilians.
"Barbarossa protect us," Gerald muttered. "Is that man from..."
"Milan?" Cassius finished for him. "Yes, it appears the poor fellow here was from Milan. Gerald, you need to take the rest of the Fusiliers back to camp, file a report in my name and forward it to the King via the Mandator of Calabria, we're gonna need more men... and see if those engineers have arrived yet; there's a chest full of plans I drew out for the fortification of Calabria in the command pavilion."
Gerald nodded and began to turn around.
"Oh and Gerald,"Cassius continued. "try to clean up after yourself," gesturing at the corpse on the ground.
"Yessir," Gerald said before sliding back into the mist; the only sign of his departure being the mud trough he created by dragging the corpse over the ground.
"He'll make an officer yet," The General said, turning towards the North. "And don't give me that look Abelard"

[Caraani]

龍資本
Lóng zīběn

Capital City of Long, Special Administration Zone nr-1.
It was a chilly night that was dominating Long, but not silent. No, the city of a thousand dragons never slept, and as such it was ripe with movement. Men who were going around the streets looking for bars and prostitutes, assassins, thieves, men of law, priests, ordinary men. It was known that during the day merchants sell their goods, but during the night...Poison shops, illegal weapon sellsmen, brothels, bars, and a thousand other types of such businesses were all open for customers. At the Dragon Palace something important was happening as the servants were running like mad dogs around the many corridors, bringing food and pappers, and leaving with empty plates and empty ink pots. Inside the Sacred Room, dozens of men in fine silk robes wearing on their heads guan hats all sat down on detailed carpets, divided into two by a red carpet going from the entrance to the throne, both of which were guarded by Xiēzi guards. On the left Generals, Admirals, High Priestesses and upper rank monks sat, all in blue silk robes; On the right patriarchs of important families, high-ranking eunuchs, the richest men in Long and delegates of every province.
The Throne was before them, a marble glorified chair with countless jade and amethyst and ruby dragons rising from behind as if they would try to escape, but guarded from the eyes of the unworthy by a transparent curtain which was boosting the colors of Long. On the throne which was heavily guarded by Xiezi assassins sat the God-King, the Zhu himself, in all his magnificence.
As the Zhu spoke, all other voices were silenced: ''India for the moment has been taken care of. Our loyal general Li Chao will see to it that a vassal nepalese kingdom dominated by chinese culture be created as a border between Long and the rest of India. However, we still have problems in the south. We have managed to establish dominance in China, yet our neighbours are still free of will. Indochina is dominated by a so called empire, and we simply cannot allow that. In the east, after taking Formosa, we will have to either go on with our plans of colonisation in the Fei Li Ping Islands, or to reunite our East Banner Army and Invade Japan. As for the North, sources tell of a possible friendship with Vladivostok. Of course, we will still march onto Manchuria, and then Korea, but should we really attack the so called 'Republic'? You may speak.''
At that point, a countless voice begun to propose and protest:
''Indochina must be invaded, Long will crush anyone who doesn't obbey us.'' ''We need Indochinese resources!'' '' We MUST colonise Fei Li Ping, the resources they can provide us are infinite!'' '' Gentlemen, gentlemen, we need to focus on Vladivostok, they may bring us wealth and a safe border.'' ''Nonsense, do you really think we can deal with those barbarians?'' ''We need to invade Japan and Korea so that we may block them!'' ''What about Formosa? And have you forgot about Manchuria?'' '' His holliness should lead or Manchurian Army into Vladivostok'' ''You mad monks, you will get his Majesty killed!'' '' I say we establish an embassy in Vladivostok and then begin talks with them.'' '' Long can and will crush them, talk is for the weak!''
'' SILENCE!'' The Emperor's voice echoed through the room.
'' I've heard your voices. Now let me speak my mind. We need Indochinese resources, which we can have access to if we force them into trade. Indochinese territory is not that fertile, and neither are the men there enlightened. We also need a safe southern border, so if we manage to either talk or beat these southerners into open trade with us, and to systematically transform them by means of trade into a dependent nation on Chinese imports and exports, then we can have all we want, without the heavy burden of managing that giant pile of jungle and unwashed men. Questions, opinions?''
The entire room got up and started applauding, albeit it wasn't really a surprise, since the same thing always happened. The Zhu was capable enough to heir his subjects, and when he spoke of all their needs being addressed, they just started faking their worship of him. At each and every coference since the Massacre of the Ma Family, the same thing happened. They knew that questioning their divine monarch meant death. And why should they? He managed to keep the poor masses in check with religion, under him all court factions thrive, and he expanded Long interests around Asia. This man was perfect for them.
The Zhu waved his hand, and the court silenced and sat down again. '' Vladivostok will be heard. Most times these 'republics of the people' have a economy such as we do, and we most likely can work something out that can be beneficial for both of our economies. By giving Vladivostok free access to our market we will have a bigger market, and they will have cheap prices for their needed resources. By driving Vladivostok towards Siberia and giving them some help, we not only free Korea and Japan from foreign intervention, but we also secure the North-Eastern border. And as for Formosa, if we focus on Formosa and Fei Li Peng, we will get more prime resources and land for colonists, which would bolster our economy. Meanwhile, if we establish an alliance with Vladivostok, we will no longer have any need for a dual army in Manchuria, and can silently and eficiently re-establish Chinese interests in both Manchuria and Korea. The second unit of the East Banner Army will be moved to Manchuria to help Vladivostok, and the Manchurian Army will be moved to Japan, to get the Island of Nippon back into it's rightful place: under Chinese protection. Any propositions?''
After the Zhu ended his speech the room exploded in applause and religious yells, acclaiming the Zhu.


不丹
Bhutan

The sun was going behind the mountain as the moon was slowly beginning to show it's pale light uppon the sky. Around the buthanese outpost laid dozens of dead bodies, and out of it chinese soldiers were carrying enemy bodies to burn, as is custom in China and Bhutan. Li Chao stood trimphant at the top of the tower, overseeing his men. ''Soldiers! Brothers! Sons of Long! This is the beginning of our struggle against the Bhutanese. To be a soldier is to struggle between life and death, and at the end of the day to look death in the eye and send it to hell! Our struggle with the Bhutanese has just begun, and 'till now we are the ones to be on top...Well I tell you, after we get to the walls of Bhutan, after we climb them and break them into pieces with our siege weapons, after we get in there and rain hellfire on them, let us all yell in happiness, that we won the goddamn struggle with these bastards!'' The men rised their weapons high and acclaimed the general's speech.
After a night spent around the outpost, the army once again begun their march, against an unknown, unprepared enemy. The outpost attack was a success, since few men were guarding it, mostly placed to warn the capital city of any invaders. Bhutan is a small kingdom, and so it won't be much until the West Banner Army of Long gets to be in front of the gates. The march started strategically, at early in the morning, so that they may arrive before sunset, enough time to let the Bhutanese lay their eyes on their enemies, but not enough to let their archers shoot at us. Since in the dark of the night it will be quite hard to kill anything, even from the walls.


台塑
Tái sù

From the Sunny beaches of South West Formosa (Taiwan) dozens of ships could we seen, slowly geting nearer and nearer. From the opposite side, Ju standing attop the crow's nest of the ship, yelled down towards the captain: '' LAAAND!''
As Huan hurried to see the sandy beaches, Ju came down from the tower, and then, after catching Pu, the cat of the ship which was running amok around the ship, got to the side of Huan, with a intrigued expression on her face. Huan was happy that he will finally get to set foot on land, a land he never seen before, full of misteries, and of opportunities. He looked at Ju with a giant smile on his face, and as he turned to her his smile dissapeared: '' What happened Ju, is something wrong? ''
'' N-nothing..It's just...''
'' Well, tell me...What, did Pu eat your tongue? '' Huan would grin, hidding his true emotions, which were of concern for his friend.
'' Hah, don't get me started kid. '' She would smile, grabing Huan by his face and pushing him, in a joking manner.
'' I know there's something wrong. Just tell me.'' Huan's smile would dissapear as he says those words.
'' Heaven, you are so irritaiting....Well, if you indeed want to know why I'm worried, look toward the isle.''
'' Yes....And?''
'' Heaven's rule Huan, what the heck do you see?''
'' The Sandy Beaches of Formosa, what else?''
'' Yeah genius. And where we had to go? ''
'' To formosa?''
'' What specific place? The full name?''
'' The port of...Wait a moment! There is no port!''
'' Bingo. Someone give the man a prize.'' Ju would say sarcastically as she would pat Pu.
'' What the heck.. So if we ain't going to the port, where are we?''
'' My guess is that we are storming them from the flanks, since the middle of the island where colonists stopped is full of jungle.''
Huan's eyes would englighten: '' So...So we get to remoob them even better and faster, right? RIGHT?!''
'' In the name of the Zhu, you are so idiotic, I swear, I don't even know why I still stick around. ''
'' Because I ain't gonna remoob cannibals by myself, will I?''
'' Are you really going to say that dumb word for the rest of our journey?''
'' You bet I will.''
'' It's gonna be a looong Jurney.''

[Tracian Empire]

The Empire of Dacia/ Imperiul Daciei
Rivulus fortress, near the city of Cervitsy
In the last weeks, the soldiers requested by the Emperor have gathered near the Rivulus fortress. 20.000 soldiers, and 5000 skirmishers , ready to smash the Ukrainian barbarians once and for ever. Instead of flags, the Dacian Army had it's draco's prepared, ready to send the enemies of their motherland to hell. 20 priests will follow the army in enemy territory.
Andrei Carpathia, the Dacian Imperator, was at a meeting in his tent with the other military commanders. They were all looking at a map of Ukraine and the last known positions of the barbarian armies.
"The 1st Army Corps under my command will go north, to smash the barbarians that are surrounding the Carpion fort. After that, we will move to the north, to take the former city of Kie, and the barbarians capital city, Vielk", said Carpathia and turned to face Marshall Anghelescu."Marshall, the 2nd Army Corps under your command will advance in the direction of Polta. Eliminate any enemy resistance.". "Of course my Emperor.", answered Anghelescu.
Carpathia that turned to face Marshall Reverscu."Reverscu, you and the 3rd Army Corps will advance in the direction of Melitop Beware, you might meet Armenian forces. If you or Anghelescu meet any Armenian troops, do not attack. We are in peace with them."
Caprathia made a step back to see everyone in the tent."This was all. May God be with us.". "May God be with us. Ave, Carpathia Imperator!", said everybody and left the tent.
In the middle of the night, the skirmishers left, followed by the rest of the army the next day.




Carpion fort

The first and second attacks of the Ukrainians failed. Even if they were fewer that the overwhelming barbarians, the trained and disciplined Dacian soldiers fired at them with their muskets. one line after the other. In that night, the barbarians attacked again.

"Foc, foc, foc!!", shouted the officers. The first line of soldiers fired, then made a step back, so that the soldiers behind them could fire.
With great losses, the barbarians managed to reach the walls, and used ladders to try to climb them. The Dacian soldiers stabbed them with the bayonets from upon, while the Ukrainians tried to climb. This attempt of the Ukrainians failed, and their troops retreaded again. The fort was resisting, waiting for the backup.

Note:
"Foc"- means fire in Romanian
the Dacian Draco: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dacian_Draco

[Reatra]

With the majority of the barbarians bordering the Serranev exterminated, Reatrist families were finally able to colonize the Eastern Wastes effectively. While pockets of barbarians still survived, the armies of Danoline and others would soon wipe them out. Allowing Rylonia to claim the land fully. This was only a stepping stone into the rest of the Eastern Wastes, and soon the Great Exploration would push Rylonia farther and farther east.

The great workshops of Rynatoo had decades ago grown into massively efficient and productive gatherings of hundreds of laborers into a single setting. This had allowed Rylonia's economy to boom and allow for every farmer to have a steel hoe, every soldier a rifle, and every miner a steel pick. The economy became far more centralized around the government, too. People had always relied on the Impirren to provide food and water and clothing, as long as they paid their taxes of course, but this was different. This meant that every man I the nation could own things his grandfather would of only dreamed of! Not only that, but the new huge mills in the farming cities allowed for grain, and rice to be milled right away, ensuring only a negligible amount went bad before it could be distributed. Housing also improved, as more wood, concrete, brick, and stone was available to create permanent apartment complexes for fitting hundreds into the space which would usually have fit dozens. With food, items, and better housing, the population of Rylonia began to climb for the first time in centuries, but soon the factories would begin to produce something else. Something that would allow Rylonia ao have the biggest army in Terep Reatra'a, setting the stage for the Great Holy War Era decades later.

[Lingang]

The Holy Empire of Adlanda


"And of sorcerers and heretics; do not permit them to live, for they foul the good people, and they will not inherit the kingdom of GOD."~ The Holy Book of GOD


Late Summer
Outskirts of Kn'tuckee lands


A bitterly cold wind blew through the fields of Ghal, as a sect of the Adlandian army finished off the remaining Kn'tuckee tribal warriors. It had been a long and harrowing battle, but the Adlandians reigned victorious. The Kn'tuckee warriors, clad in furs and rags and armed with spears, had attacked from the north, attempting to ambush the patrolling soldiers. The outcome of their plan was evident in the red blood soiling the dirt.

"Takken me! Du kaddurd!" cried one Kn'tuckee warrior. The Captain of the army, dressed in shining armor, held him by the hair.

"And spare me your barbarian tounge". The Captain stabbed the Kn'tuckee warrior in the throat, laying him aside to die.

The Captain ordered his horse to move along. He called for the other soldiers to gather at the dirt road from which they came. "Let us take whatever captives we can, and move along to Nasaville".

"Yes Captain", replied a second-in-command. The soldiers moved on.

"I just want to get out of this damn wilderness", grumbled The Captain.

[Zenoch]

Ben Parnin walked the cobblestone streets of Loois alone. He was not afraid of the inevitable riff raff he would encounter within the dark alleys of the city. If anything, they would be afraid of him. He stood a good foot taller than the average American, nearly 6'8" with his boots on. He wore a traditional long coat and had a slouched hat atop his head, as all American military officers did.

His boots trailed mud in to the white tiled floors of the capitol building. He didn't care, he had just returned from an army camp west of the city to answer to his president's call. Even though Parnin was the commander in chief of all armed forces in the Republic, he still answered to the man who had appointed to him, Noah Hines. He was led immediately to the President's meeting room, no one daring to question his identity.
"What is it?" He asked gruffly. He never bothered with formalities around his longtime friend and ally, the President.
"What is the current status of your personal light cavalry?" Noah Hines asked arbitrarily.
"Ready to move whenever I tell them to, as always." The tall man responded as he sat down opposite Hines. While most of the army was a volunteer force of civilians turned soldiers, Parnin prided himself in keeping the professional force well organized.
"I need them to deliver this message." Noah said, handing a stack of ten letters to his general.
"To whom?"
"Not whom, but where. I want you to send out three riders east, and three west. Provision them for a long journey. They are to deliver this message to any organized sate they encounter on their ride. Once they have used up a third of their supplies, they are to return home."
"Might I ask why the sudden curiosity in our neighbors?" Parnin asked, perplexed at his President's request.
"If I'm to take over the world," Hines said jokingly "I will need to know who I am up against." He avoided the question.

Outside the city
"Hut hut!" A rider pushed his horse into a run, carrying five letters written in ancient English, a language most people in the region recognized. If he were to come across a settlement or city he deemed worthy, he wold give them this message:

MESSAGE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF AMERICA

The President of the Republic of America recognizes your nation.
The Republic of America is located in the direction these rider's came from.
We wish to communicate more with your nation.

[Conwy-Shire]

---

The Federation of Sicily
The Battle of Catanzaro,
Calabrian-Catanzaro Border
Southern Italy

---

"The charge is primed sir!" A voice cried out over the pre-dawn sky.
"Fire!" The General called back. With a roar that had not been heard for centuries, the centre battery erupted in a fury of sparks and fire. Canonballs shot out into the darkness, followed by the screams of a few hundred men. It had taken all night to get the canons into position, and another hour was spent adjusting the height and range of the Demi-Culverin, yet it was well worth the effort. Whilst only a handful would have perished from the first salvo, the whole army would be disoriented, courtesy of their scarce understanding of Gonne-Powder.
"The canons are primed again sir,"the same voice called back.
"Cease and desist Lieutenant, swap the full shot for the scatter rounds. Raise the angle to 60 degrees and keep up the barrage," Cassius ordered, wiping his forehead with his white gloves. Even though the opening barrage created the desired effect he could not predict what the panic-stricken Romahns would do next. As he mused to himself the Culverin were re-loaded, raised to the desired angle, and a similar explosion was released upon the world. The line infantry stationed nearby, disciplined as they were, involuntarily took a few steps away from the iron-cast monstrosities as they unleashed their payload unto the enemy in the distance. This time red-hot shards lit up the darkness as the shot scattered before raining down upon the frantic Romahn camp indiscriminately; some shards even set the tents alight from the heat.
"Sir; Sir! A contingent of arquebusiers are coming, we need to relocate!" The Generals aide advised in a fit of panic, this was his first battle after all.
"No need, watch and learn," Cassius replied, gesturing towards the copses of trees the arquebusiers were navigating their way through. The general signalled with 4 fingers and the nearby trumpeter made 4 short blasts on his bugle before returning to his rest position. At that signal the trees lit up with Snaplock long-rifle fire, as the Highland Fusiliers picked off the brightly dressed and outdated Romahns. The sniping was the last straw for the Romahns, who fled in disarray, making a beeline for the north, abandoning their posts and their comrades in the rout that was the Battle of Catanzaro.

---

Royal Palace (Messina),
A week later,
Sicily
The king was close to having a fit. He had watched the messenger ship dock in Messina, as far away as it seemed; he knew what the message concerned. The outcome of the opening battle of the Sicilian Reclamation was unknown to the king and his court, and the last correspondence the king had with his General was to confirm the presence of Romahns on the Sicilian border, along with an executive confirmation to engage with the trespassers.
Anselm stood at the tall-glass window which overlooked the entrance to his residence with what remnants of patience he could muster; and he almost jumped when the double doors to his drawing room opened with a flourish and a tired man in the black and white eagle attire of the Royal Messenger corps. The courier did not stop to introduce himself but simply pulled out his missive and handed it to the king before bowing and leaving the room.
The king ripped the wax seal open with a starved ferocity and read the words scrawled onto the parchment.

Your Majesty,
Our work at Catanzaro has ended in success, and the Romahns have fled in disgrace. However I fear that this will be the easiest engagement in this war, as the Romahns were obviously looking to the north, rather than the border they were supposedly trying to cross. A few days before the engagement the Highland Fusiliers killed a picket whilst scouting the enemy location and it appears as though the man was Milahnese; whether this means the Milahnese are officially or unoficially aiding the Romahns I do not know, yet from here on in the army will have to be more cautious.
Deepest Regards,
General Cassius

The king crumpled the note and breathed out a sigh of relief. However this also meant that he would have to pen a reply to the General, along with the Notes of introduction to the Romanian Balkans that were lying unfinished on his pen-desk. He resolved to do both things at a later date and walked outside to see how much the world had changed; because for better or for worse, the Federation of Sicily was now at war with the Italian peninsula.

[Caraani]

龍資本
Lóng zīběn

Capital City of Long, Special Administration Zone nr-1.
'' Ahh, Diplomat Bai Fung, we were waiting for your arrival..And I see you brought Xiezi Squad Captain Kun Li with you. Perfect. You are expected in the Sacred Room in five minutes. In the meantime, I have some instructions for you about your behaviour around his Holiness. So when you...'' Chamberlain Min Ling, a plain, content man with few aspiration, and no spine whatsoever, was cut short by Kun Li, a man full of authority, both when he spoke, and in his posture: '' Enough '' He would wave his gloved left hand, '' Chamberlain, I feel insulted by your thought that I didn't knew how to behave around my master. I instructed the Diplomat with every bit of information he needs to know. Now, let us cut short this conversation, and await his Holiness' call.''
'' Mhm..yes, yes, indeed. ''
Bai Fung did nothing but observe the two, and could not help but admire the strong Captain Kun Li, who was so young. Now that he thought about it, it was only normal that he would be young, since Xiezi serve from twenty to thirty...Afterwards most dissapear, never to be seen again. They are trained since they are 8 too, so it's no wonder he is so disciplined. But still...
A bell inside the Sacred Room is heard, and the chamberlain, clumsy as he is, opens the door, bowing towards the throne after he opens the gates to his Imperial Majesty. A man announces: '' Diplomat Bai Fung, of the Aristocratic Faction, from the Province of Yunnan and Xiezi Squad Captain Kun Li. His Holiness, the Imperial Majesty of the Long Dinasty, chosen of Heaven, guardian of China and Zhu on Earth. Kneel before his grace. ''
The two men walked some meters before being 7 meters away from the throne, at which point they would kneel on the red carpet leading to the Marble Throne veiled away from the eyes of the unworthy.
'' Captain Kun, it is good to see you in one piece. An was worried about your well being for a time now. What shall I tell him my dear Xiezi? ''
'' Your Holiness. You honor me infinitely. If I may be so bold as to ask you your majesty, you may tell his excellency that I am fine as ever. ''
'' Ah, good, good. How was the mission in Tibet then. ''
'' Your Majesty, it was fine. With Heaven's blessing and yours, we managed to eradicate the enemy monks that were inciting rebellion. These Bhuddism should and shall be eradicated. Genism is the only way to go for the Tibetans. Still, a few have yet the dreams of freedom of their grandfathers crushed by his Holiness, your father, may he rest in peace.''
'' That is good Kun. I heard the report, and indeed I agree with you, these monks and their bhuddism are a problem that must dissapear from China's holy grounds, so that we may have peace. But that is not why I called you here. Do you know why you are here today, Kun? ''
'' N-no, your Holiness, excuse me for my ignorance, but I do not. ''
'' Well, do you, Bai Fung of the Fung family? ''
'' A-ahm...Yes your maj-Ahm, I meant, Holiness, W-we...''
'' Well now, that is not how a diplomat must speak, is it? Is there something wrong Bai? ''
'' N-nothing your majesty...it's just....That I always wished to meet your Holiness. ''
'' Well then, let's make a good memory of your first meeting with me, yes? If you are a good and capable diplomat, you may be able to stick around me for yet some more time, understood? ''
'' Y-Yes your Holiness! We are here because your Majesty ordered a diplomat and an escort to be sent to the court of the Indochinese Empire to negotiate with the Empire and bring them back into our ranks. ''
'' Good, good, you are informed I see. Indeed, you are to go to this so called 'Empire' and overwhelm them with all informations needed to let them understand that they need us, and not the other way around. Tell them of our armies, speak to them loudly our lists of resources, that we may provide to them in exchange for influence, and then make the Emperor kneel at the feet of the Long Dinasty. Our West Banner Army is currently in Bhutan, but we can fastly relocate them. Kun right there besides you will gather informations about their army. Their numbers are already more or less known, but we must be sure. As for their economy, our plutocrats have provided a detailed scheme of their weak economy powered by animal husbandry, agriculture, and a weak mining sector. I need you to somehow bring up the discussion about our West Banner Army, and mention the numbers of our men in that army. Tell them of how well they are trained. Then tell the Emperor of our free and cheap market, and tell them of the resources he may find. Then, with subtlety, mention that in return we only want them to be our friends, our allies. Understood Bai Fung? ''
'' Yes your Holiness. Your wish is my command. ''
'' As for you, Kun, I will send two more Xiezi. They will protect Bai here from unwanted visitors. You however must gather info about everything that is either necessary, useful or interesting. And if diplomacy fails, you know what to do. ''
'' Yes your Holiness. My soul and body are your to command. ''
'' Good. Now, go. Chamberlain will provide you with transport, the list of market goods of Long, and some supplies for the journey. I will ask the Heaven to guide you in your journey. Go, for Long's glory. ''
'' Yes, your Holiness!''


不丹
Bhutan

Women were hugging their husbands, crying, they little children looking, scared, at their parents, wondering what was happening. Other kids were simply rejoicing, for the first time seeing such a big and vast army. They were all gazing upon the Magnificent West Banner Army of the Long Empire, but they were wrong. They were not here to show off. They were here to reduce Bhutan to rubble if they were not complying with us. Archers were ready on the walls to rain fire on these invaders, as many men were called to grab whatever weapon they can, as suddently, from their usual life, they woke up with an army at their doorstep, and with the authorities calling them to arms. Men were following suit, but many more were trying to escape. The Long ,using the momentary peace between the Long and Bhutan during which an official came outside to discuss with the General, begun to assemble barricades around themselves to be better protected from the arrows. Wood was gathered on their jurney, ammassed on carts pulled by yaks taken from farms that were so unlucky as to be in the path of the army. The same wood now was used to assemble small barricades, but behind the ranks, engineers were putting their soldiers to work as they were assemblying the siege towers and the balistas that will be soon used to assault the citadel. The Capital of Bhutan was quite big for the small city-state, many people exiled from other countries coming in this city of wonders and colors, to retire from the bussy life of China or India or Indochina. Bhutan was a friendly state to China, but they were staunchly supporting their independence, so this war was necessary. After the Diplomat failed to make the general see reason, he retreated inside the gates, and the siege begun. Arrows were fired down from the walls unto the soldiers shielding themselves with the barricades and their own shields, as archers from behind were shooting back at them. It was clear that Bhutan would fail, but for how long will they last, and how long will the siege weapons still take? Chao was patient.


台塑
Tái sù

'' We are...'' Huan would slap himself across the face, killing an insect that was bothering him for a while now. '' Fuck. We are walking around this jungle for hours now. ''
'' Watch your tongue Huan, the Captain might hear you. '' Ju would say, obviously irritated aswell by the fact that they were seemingly going in circles in this jungles of Formosa.
Suddently, the army stoped. From his position Huan was trying to see if there is anything in front of them, when men begin to whisper to each other the captain's commands: '' The Village is in front of us. Encircle them while staying hidden in the jungle, and when the captain gives the signal, attack. Leave no one alive. Captain's orders. '' The men then slowly begin to move on the flanks, and as Huan and Ju get closer to the edge of the cliff overlooking a tranquil vale parted in the middle by a river, full of wooden houses, children playing and woman washing the clothes of their husbands in the river, they start to wonder if there is truly anything to attack.
'' I think this is wrong...'' Huan would whisper to Ju.
'' Yeah, I kno'. When we go down, stay close to me ok? ''
'' Yeah, but-''
Out of nowhere the right flank rushes downhill, yelling their religious and warmongering mottos, running down towards anything that moves and isn't Long.
The rest of the unit begins to follow suit, and Huan finds himself grabbed by his arm as Ju is taking him by force down with her.
Women and children screaming can be heard around the village, boars that were domesticated begin to agitate and run amok as the dirt and river turn red with the blood of the so called cannibals.
In the middle of the fight, Huan looses sight of Ju, and out of nowhere a child finds his way in front of Huan. With his two swords in his hands, Huan scare the boy to death, and as he stands there, in front of Huan, paralyzed by fear, pissing himself scared, another Sargent, Mu Qiang, finds his way to Huan.
'' What is it, Sargent Zhi, don't you have the balls to cut a child in half? Hahahah'' Qiang begins to laugh with his men, and as he stops laughing, he says, pushing Huan: '' Well then, let us help you..Huan..'' The sword in his right hand meets the boys chest, and as Huan lookes scared at the boy who is caughing blood by now, he drops the other sword, pulling the right sword with both of his hands, then droping that sword aswell, to look at his bloodied hands, finding himself in the Twilight, his head spining around, loosing track of time for a minute, which seems to last a year, during which time he wonders if he trained all those years with the monks to kill children. What was he here for, to spill the blood of the innocents. That is the child of someone, and he had a future, but now he no longer does. Because of him. '' HUAN! '' He hears Ju's voice, almost waking up from the trance, looking to his left, only to see Ju full of blood, after she slew down a woman with her baby in her hands. Before he faints, he sees Ju run towards him, and catch him in her arms, grabing his face and yelling at him to stay awake. ''

After 3 hours.

'' Huan! Huan! Wake the hell up you idiot! '' Ju appears in front of Huan's eyes, hugging him as he regains his consciousness: '' Where am I? What happened? ''
''It seems as if the orders were not of the captain. He wanted to take the village hostage and negotiate with the tribesmen, but a soldier in Qiang's unit tricked the entire army into slaughtering the village. ''
'' Qiang's man? AND HE BELIEVED IT?! ''
'' I did Huan. '' Captain Yu says from behind Huan, approaching him.
'' I-I'm sorry captain, I didn't mean to-..''
'' I understand your rage Huan, I'm furious aswell, but it seems the other soldiers from Qiang's unit all heard him gave the false orders. That's what they said. ''
'' But that is a lie! It can't be..''
'' Huan. I understand your rage. But for now, this is all we can do. We punished the traitor, and now we will retreat into the jungle and wait for the tribesmen to come back. We will hide the bodies so that they don't get what happens at first. Then, we ambush them. ''
'' U-understood, captain. ''
After the captain left, Ju, who was sitting right next to him, spoke: '' I want to talk to you, Huan. ''
'' Not now, I need to prepare, maybe later. '' Huan would say in a cold manner, as he gets up and leave Ju on the cold ground.

滿洲里
Mǎnzhōulǐ

South Manchuria
The North Banner Army was facing the Manchurian Army on the plains of Southern Manchuria, General Xun watching everything from highground while he had bannermen around him ready to give his instructions via symbolic banners.
The Manchurian had mustered most of their army on the field now, confident in their flanking strategy. 15.000 cavalrymen were on the left flank of the N.B.A (north banner army) ready to break our flank while we were focusing on their 30.000 infantry men and butcher us from within. 5.000 archers were harrasing our incoming infantry. 80.000 out of our 250.000 men were led by Captain Zheng towards the Manchurian Main port facing the Chinese Inner Sea. If we would capture that port we would have access to fast supplies via sea from our navy. the rest 120.000 were the following: 20.000 Calvary. 15.000 Archers, 5.000 Musketeers, 20.000 Heavy Infantry, 40.000 Light Infantry and 10.000 Crossbowmen. Most of our infantry was marching towards their archers and infatry, the main body of the army, hoping to break it, while our crossbowmen were on the right flank of our infantry, protected by our men while there were positioning to fire at the enemy and reduce their morale and charge capacities. The archers were in the back, shooting at the incoming cavalry, while our cavalry was mixing with the archers. General Xun looked like an amateur to the Manchurians, and they were confident that they would smash our army and then turn the fight to us.
A green banner was flung on the hill, and the main body of the army broke in half, as the archers were positioning to fire straight at the cavalry, and the infantry were runing towards their infantry, leaving the crossbowmen exposed. Our army was broken in half, like an open wound, ready to be striken at. The cavalry saw this oportunity, and their leading lieutenant charged swiftly to smash into our ranks. The crossbowmen however were ready just for this attack, and they fired at the ranks of cavalrymen, taking out the one in front. Out of the archer unit the cavalry rushed on the flanks of the manchurian cavalrymen, who now either had to go on with their attack on our archers or turn around and face the Long cavalrymen who were positioning themselves to strike at the flank of the Manchurians. The cavalry turned around, waisting more time to get into position and meet the incoming long attackers, while being fired at from the flanks by the crossbowmen, who were taking some time to reload. The Long Archers weren't firing however, and as a blue banner rose from the hill, they begun to fire at the enemy infantry who were marching on our infantry. Half of our light infantry broke free from the main body and charged at the backs of the Manchu Cavalrymen, who were now clashing with the Long Cavalry. As such, the Manchus were now trapped between the cavalry, the light infantry and the crossbowmen. Many men were heard yelling: '' Remoob Manchuria!'' This move however left our main body weakened, protected only by our heavy infantry. With a severe blow to the morale, the Manchu general struggled to keep his men marching at our men, while we fired upon them. Most of the Manchu Cavalry by now was smashed, and the remains were routing. The Long Cavalry were now marching on the left of our flank, ready to outflank the enemy and use their same tactics against them. The light Infantry returned to their initial positions, and the crossbowmen were moving on the right flank, at a safe distance, to take out the right flank of the enemy. The battle lasted one more hour and a half, until most of their army was destroyed. They army in ruin, we lost only a few thousand infantrymen, some hundreds of cavalrymen, and a few dozens archers. Now, General Xun had the mission to re-unite with the rest of the army and help with the siege, not that they will need any, since they are the one with the siege weapons.
The first Battle for Manchuria was won, Long tactics having bested Manchu ones.

[Lingang]

The Holy Empire of Adlanda


"What good would it do a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose his soul?"~ The Holy Book of GOD

---

Old Adlanda City
Cathedral of America


The Judge, ruler of all Adlanda, slept soundly in his chamber, the smoldering remains of a candle near his bedside. The morning sun struggled to break through the windows, as the sound of shuffling footsteps could be heard outside the door. There was a heavy knock.

CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK!

Judge awoke. "What is it, guard?" He sat up, rubbing his face. The Judge noticed the little wrinkles on his forehead, a sign of his coming old age.

"Oh you know what day it is", said the voice outside the door. The guard stepped in, carrying a bowl of water and a rag. "You must make an appearance at the showcase today.... those Alchemists have some amazing things to show us". The Judge wiped his face with the wet rag.

"Yes, yes, I'm aware of the Alchemists gathering today..." The Judge gets up, preparing for the day.

-----

Grand Square, Old Adlanda City

The atmosphere in the great square was a lively and positive one. Hundreds of people had gathered in the huge open area, viewing the various inventions laid out by the Alchemists in a bazaar type layout. One man, with hair resembling a large woolly bush, had a series of potions in front of him. He claimed that the liquids could cure many diseases, like the Ancient Americans could. Another Alchemist, a woman with long auburn hair, stood in front of a metal and wood contraption. She claimed to come from "the far west, from a land of rolling hills and sunshine". She said that she had "traveled across great mountains and a scorching desert, through grasslands that seemed to have no end".

The showcase for the best Alchemist inventions was soon to begin. As a large wooden stage was being set up, fanfare blared through the square.

"Make way for the Judge! Come on, make a path!"

People moved to the side, as a black carriage moved down to the end of the square, towards a large tent. The Judge stepped out, and sat down on a small elevated throne. His advisors sat next to him. As the clock struck noon, the presentation began. Twelve Alchemists lined up on the large stage, each with a table and a large case. After the first eleven had presented their inventions, the last Alchemist (the woman) stepped up.

"Here I have this tool....it is a recreation of the weapons that the Old Americans used", she said, an accent obvious in her voice. "Now this is a weapon of fire and smoke, one that is far more accurate than a crossbow". She raised the weapon and pressed the trigger.

KA-BLOW!

The audience gasped in shock, some people screamed. "Of course, that was just a blank. A truly loaded weapon like this could have pierced the armor of that soldier down there". She pointed to a guard across the square, adorned in the best armor of the country. The Judge rose from his seat.

"I call this a gun, a new type of weapon".

The Judge was alarmed now. He turned to his advisors. "That woman has a weapon! She is holding a weapon, this...this will not be tolerated". He sent two guards to the stage. They approached the woman.

"Why do you have this weapon, Inventor?" they inquired. The Inventor looked in shock. "It is....it's my creation! Of course, I didn't invent it, but this model..." she pointed to the small insignia emblazoned on the muzzle, "This design is mine". A guard spoke. "According to The Word, women are not allowed to carry weapons. And our nation does not tolerate this". The Inventor looked in defiance. "What if I told you that I do not worship the same god you do. That totalitarian overlord you call GOD?" The audience gasped, as the guards hastily returned to the Judge. They returned and said to the Inventor, "You are under arrest, for breaking our law and defying our GOD". The Inventor protested, but to no avail, as a host of guards grabbed her and brought her down from the stage. They bound her hands and blindfolded her, forcing her into a black carriage. The crowd looked on in shock, the attention of the whole square now on this procession.

The Captain, stationed at the Judge's tent, looked on in interest. He watched as The Inventor was locked into the vehicle, and drawn away from the square. The other Alchemists began to cower.

"And you will follow them", the Judge said to the Captain.

"I'm sorry?"

"Yes, I need for you to follow them down to the Hall of Rights. Women of this sort are often known to be witches", the Judge whispered to the Captain. "So keep on their heels, and make sure nothing goes awry".

".....Yes your Honor" replied the Captain. He mounted his horse and followed the carriage, thinking of The Inventor.

[Reatra]

Logann walked through the palace's long halls, he had just come back from the Ufficin Centrale da Conztruyon, and he was to inform the Impirren that his orders had been carried out. Hundreds of new workshops were to be built in the cities to employ the thousands of unemployed men who had been born into a nation unready for more people, there were a mixture of types of workshops, most were related to smithing, milling, or weapon production. On top of these workshops, several dozen conscription centers were built in the major urban areas surrounding the Sea of Khali, and fortresses were being built along the border of Alkhali. These defensive structures also included a myriad of foxholes built into the landscape, and several sentry points in the Serranev and Coast Ranges. Impirren RyRy was beginning to think that any rebellions in the provinces would cause incredible trouble for his administration. So these structures would help local troops take out as many rebels as possible should they show up. Usually rebels were no problem in Rylonia, but recently some Tulites had been getting rather... Unique... With their preaching. Some called RyRy paranoid, but his efforts would pay off later in his reign when farmers from the southern Yakut region proclaimed Reatra's word was not shiny effectively carried out.

Further south, the people of Bakhali were becoming increasingly subservient to Reatra's Will. Nearly the entire peninsula was confirmed by Reatrists, and within a few months the conversions would be complete. In the east, though, the barbarians of the Wastes were becoming a rare sight, as the policy of extermination had so far killed nearly eighty percent of the natives. Now most of the land was clear for settlement, and RyRy ordered several hundred more families to move farther east.

[The Intergalactic Russian Empire]

"One king, one god, one Romania!

An'tolea(Anatolia)
An army was gathering at the fringes of Romanian territory in An'tolea, poised to strike the unsuspecting nations of the An'tolean peninsula, but they wouldn't mobilize until the order was given. The commanders were all meeting in the nearby city, a messenger walked in and handed them an envelope "The king's orders have arrived, sirs." the top general took the envelope and opened in and unfolded a map, setting it on a table he pointed at the markings on it and said "The king wants us to take all of An'tolea, then sweep south and take Sy'rea and Is'ral, we will be reinforced by the sea as we go south. We shall move tomorrow."

---

Black Sea, Near Mouth of Balkans Sea
A small group of warships patrolled this strip of water, one steamer and five frigates, they patrolled the water, while making sure no Dacian ship left the Balkans Sea without being stopped, this was what the High King wanted. They would stop a Dacian ship and demand to know what is onboard and where it is going. There was a larger fleet guarding the mouth of the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, though this one didn't stop ships unless they're under orders to do so. The ones at the mouth of the Balkans sea were there for another reason as well, to prepare for the inevitable war that Dacia seems poised to start.

[Ralnis]

The Crusader States of Mo'jave,
The Holy Casino of Lonestar Spire

The realm of the Golden Desert and the home of the Tuskenshi Horse Masters as they have been having troubles as it seems Barbarians of the North Heathen Deserts had been subjugated and uprooted from their home from invaders from the West that called them Rylonia and they forced religion on those that had the unluckiness to survive and get captured by the invaders, but the Crusader States had internal concerns as of now. The first is to secure better irrigation techniques that they used on the fresh water lake that they have been looking to grow better crops in their desert villages but the fishes were still the main source of food but the first signs of water and grazing have been making the uses of major horses and general animal husbandry that allowed to have more expansions of ranges and try to make better roads and have more impressive style to help the general people that use the strong horses that they bred for speed and to withstand the desert that made them some of the strongest breed in the Western Coast, as far as they know.

They had started to take in the Barbarians refugees that had come in the hundreds to thousands and they had been looking to settle them in Mo'jave as those who have asylum for the women and children fleeing from the region and the men were put to work or war as the next thing had came to them because of the aggression in the North Heathen Deserts, the quest for fertile land. The Infernal Plains of the south were called another name in another time but the plains were great for fertile land and farming, but they also have the barbarians of horse riders that use the Plains as grazing for horses, the Crusaders of the Tuskenish Horse Masters had saw them as equals and spiritual kin to them and they took up the cause to start an expedition to the Infernal Plains of the South and out of the Golden Desert in order to try and make their connections and try to assimilate them into the Horse Master culture and use it for the farming of food and the increase growth of the population and the Horse Masters entirely.

[Tracian Empire]

Freedom before anything!

the Port of Gal't(former city of Galati) the Empire of Dacia
For unknown reasons, Romanian ships have blockaded the coastlines of Dacia. The Dacian ships received orders from Nova Sarmisegetuza to stay in their ports until further orders. It was something really important, because if the Dacian ships were blocked in their ports, Dacia couldn't send enough supplies to it's armies in Ukrai'n.
Surroundings of the Dacian Carpion fort, Ukrai'n(former Ukraine)
After one week of marching, the 1st Dacian Army arrived near the besieged fort, under the command of the Emperor Andrei Carpathia. The Dacians had time to prepare everything, until the barbarians noticed them.
The barbarian commander made the great mistake to send most of his troops to fight the Dacian Army, considering that the soldiers inside the fort were almost finished.
The barbarians attacked, but many of them fell, shot by the Dacian musketeers.
It was already night, and the barbarians prepared a final attack. The fight was very bloody, and at a certain point, the Dacian soldiers fought with their bayonets against the enemy hordes.
Everything was decided at midnight, when the gates of the fort opened. The fort's commander led all his remaining troops, with the cavalry in the front, in a final attack against the barbarians.
A frightening sound was heard. The cavalry troops ere charging with their draco raised in the air. The wind entered it, and made that sound. The draco was moving in the air, and for the stupid barbarians it looked like a supernatural being was allied with the Dacians. For this, the Dacians were called by the barbarians "demons."
The troops in the fort pushed the barbarians in the bayonets and bullets of the 1st Army. The barbarians were slaughtered, and had heavy losses. After another hour of fighting, all the enemies surrendered. The battle was won.
The next day
As bodies were buried, and the fort was repaired, the Emperor received a letter from Nova Sarmisegetuza. It was about the actions of the Romanian Navy. Caprathia decided to send more soldiers on the forts on the Dacian-Romanian border, and to send a letter to the Romanian High King.

From: Andrei Carpathia, Emperor of Dacia
To: High King Veaceslav Ovidiu Pompiliu III
Your Highness, I do not understand why you are trying to blockade the Dacian coastline.I also received of reports of Romanian soldiers being send at our border. I want to assure that Dacia doesn't desire war, but if you keep blockading our coastlines, and blocking our trade, we will need to consider ourselves in war with Romania, even if you haven't declared war. I hope that we can get to an agreement.

Dacian fort Blach, Dacian-Romanian border
The commander of the Dacian fort "Blach" was looking worried at the movements of the Romanian Army on the other side of the Carpion mountains. He was ready to light the beacon and warn Dacia in case of a Romanian attack

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the Port of Gal't(former city of Galati) the Empire of Dacia
For unknown reasons, Romanian ships have blockaded the coastlines of Dacia. The Dacian ships received orders from Nova Sarmisegetuza to stay in their ports until further orders. It was something really important, because if the Dacian ships were blocked in their ports, Dacia couldn't send enough supplies to it's armies in Ukrai'n.
Surroundings of the Dacian Carpion fort, Ukrai'n(former Ukraine)
After one week of marching, the 1st Dacian Army arrived near the besieged fort, under the command of the Emperor Andrei Carpathia. The Dacians had time to prepare everything, until the barbarians noticed them.
The barbarian commander made the great mistake to send most of his troops to fight the Dacian Army, considering that the soldiers inside the fort were almost finished.
The barbarians attacked, but many of them fell, shot by the Dacian musketeers.
It was already night, and the barbarians prepared a final attack. The fight was very bloody, and at a certain point, the Dacian soldiers fought with their bayonets against the enemy hordes.
Everything was decided at midnight, when the gates of the fort opened. The fort's commander led all his remaining troops, with the cavalry in the front, in a final attack against the barbarians.
A frightening sound was heard. The cavalry troops ere charging with their draco raised in the air. The wind entered it, and made that sound. The draco was moving in the air, and for the stupid barbarians it looked like a supernatural being was allied with the Dacians. For this, the Dacians were called by the barbarians "demons."
The troops in the fort pushed the barbarians in the bayonets and bullets of the 1st Army. The barbarians were slaughtered, and had heavy losses. After another hour of fighting, all the enemies surrendered. The battle was won.
The next day
As bodies were buried, and the fort was repaired, the Emperor received a letter from Nova Sarmisegetuza. It was about the actions of the Romanian Navy. Caprathia decided to send more soldiers on the forts on the Dacian-Romanian border, and to send a letter to the Romanian High King.

From: Andrei Carpathia, Emperor of Dacia
To: High King Veaceslav Ovidiu Pompiliu III
Your Highness, I do not understand why you are trying to blockade the Dacian coastline.I also received of reports of Romanian soldiers being send at our border. I want to assure that Dacia doesn't desire war, but if you keep blockading our coastlines, and blocking our trade, we will need to consider ourselves in war with Romania, even if you haven't declared war. I hope that we can get to an agreement.

Dacian fort Blach, Dacian-Romanian border
The commander of the Dacian fort "Blach" was looking worried at the movements of the Romanian Army on the other side of the Carpion mountains. He was ready to light the beacon and warn Dacia in case of a Romanian attack

When the king got the message, he sat down and quickly replied

Dear Andrei Carpathia,
I am sorry for any inconvenience, we do not mean to blockade you, per say, we just want to keep tabs on what you are shipping and where it is going, I enacted that because we were preparing for a war that a lot of my generals think is inevitable. In truth, I am dedicating my main army to the conquest of An'tolea, Sy'rea, and Is'ral, I shall send word to the small fleet to stop interfering with your trade. I for one am glad that we can resolve this peacefully.
sincerely,
High King Veaceslav Ovidiu Pompiliu III