1850 : Alternative Divergence [AH][OOC][CLOSED]

[Oscalantine]

I know, i have already acknowledged the fact that they are very effective against wooden ships and such.

It could probably be somehow effective against ironclads too. Even if it won't burn the metal, it can burn on the water around the ship. And being in a metal ship surrounded by fire isn't exactly a good thing.

It would make a menacing scene, though... so I think that it will scare your seamen to see a devilish ship (mind you, the crew is cooked by then) slowly sailing towards your naval line with neigh-invincible plating XDDDDD

[Tracian Empire]

Wouldn't the survival of Greek fire make so that fleets in the eastern med start to favor long ranged artillery on their ships instead of the close ranged artillery of RL? I mean if coming close to your enemies ships means getting burned to death wouldn't you start to build ships that can shot them apart instead?

I don't know, that might happen. Of course, according to my history, the Empire mainly focused its attention on the Balkans, after the last attempt to take Syria failed. I don't know how much it would have pressed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

[Cymrea]

I know, i have already acknowledged the fact that they are very effective against wooden ships and such.

It could probably be somehow effective against ironclads too. Even if it won't burn the metal, it can burn on the water around the ship. And being in a metal ship surrounded by fire isn't exactly a good thing.

If the ship comes to a full stop, but I would think you'd want to keep moving in a naval battle. Move and shoot, move and shoot...the steam engine will ensure that doctrine.

[Tracian Empire]

It could probably be somehow effective against ironclads too. Even if it won't burn the metal, it can burn on the water around the ship. And being in a metal ship surrounded by fire isn't exactly a good thing.

It would make a menacing scene, though... so I think that it will scare your seamen to see a devilish ship (mind you, the crew is cooked by then) slowly sailing towards your naval line with neigh-invincible plating XDDDDD

And then, after the crew dies, and the ship sails through our lines and behind them, we just wait for it too cool down and capture it. Roman brilliant tactics.

[Tracian Empire]

It could probably be somehow effective against ironclads too. Even if it won't burn the metal, it can burn on the water around the ship. And being in a metal ship surrounded by fire isn't exactly a good thing.

If the ship comes to a full stop, but I would think you'd want to keep moving in a naval battle. Move and shoot, move and shoot...the steam engine will ensure that doctrine.

Well, wouldn't the engine mechanism be vulnerable? And the deck? But anyway, the biggest question is, would the Greek fire be capable of burning steel? It burns on water and there are very few substances who can extinguish it, but I don't know.

[Oscalantine]

It would make a menacing scene, though... so I think that it will scare your seamen to see a devilish ship (mind you, the crew is cooked by then) slowly sailing towards your naval line with neigh-invincible plating XDDDDD

And then, after the crew dies, and the ship sails through our lines and behind them, we just wait for it too cool down and capture it. Roman brilliant tactics.

Damn. Remind me to not use Turtle Ships against you... not that I am going to park such a good ships up your alley when it is OH SO far away.
It really saddens me that I cannot interact with folks in Europe, and have to contend with only two neighbors (four if Shai decides to pop up) until Russia comes around... well, I suppose there is Cambria, French, and Brazil colonies. Guess I should contend with that.

[Benuty]

.

Awesome, you are online. Have you received my last TG that I sent a day or so ago?

Wait, what telegram?

I don't see anything in the inbox.

[Tracian Empire]

And then, after the crew dies, and the ship sails through our lines and behind them, we just wait for it too cool down and capture it. Roman brilliant tactics.

Damn. Remind me to not use Turtle Ships against you... not that I am going to park such a good ships up your alley when it is OH SO far away.
It really saddens me that I cannot interact with folks in Europe, and have to contend with only two neighbors (four if Shai decides to pop up) until Russia comes around... well, I suppose there is Cambria, French, and Brazil colonies. Guess I should contend with that.

Well, you know that the Byzantines sent delegations in China once or twice. It won't be impossible for me to try to send some delegations in the Far East.

[Epraria]

If the ship comes to a full stop, but I would think you'd want to keep moving in a naval battle. Move and shoot, move and shoot...the steam engine will ensure that doctrine.

Well, wouldn't the engine mechanism be vulnerable? And the deck? But anyway, the biggest question is, would the Greek fire be capable of burning steel? It burns on water and there are very few substances who can extinguish it, but I don't know.

This all if your ships aren't just shot to pieces before that.

Damn. Remind me to not use Turtle Ships against you... not that I am going to park such a good ships up your alley when it is OH SO far away.
It really saddens me that I cannot interact with folks in Europe, and have to contend with only two neighbors (four if Shai decides to pop up) until Russia comes around... well, I suppose there is Cambria, French, and Brazil colonies. Guess I should contend with that.

Well, you know that the Byzantines sent delegations in China once or twice. It won't be impossible for me to try to send some delegations in the Far East.

It's the 1850's. The time period when Britain kicked the living shit out of China in RL so you can certainly send delegates.

[Tracian Empire]

Well, wouldn't the engine mechanism be vulnerable? And the deck? But anyway, the biggest question is, would the Greek fire be capable of burning steel? It burns on water and there are very few substances who can extinguish it, but I don't know.

This all if your ships aren't just shot to pieces before that.

Well, you know that the Byzantines sent delegations in China once or twice. It won't be impossible for me to try to send some delegations in the Far East.

It's the 1850's. The time period when Britain kicked the living shit out of China in RL so you can certainly send delegates.

Don't think that because of my navy's technological inferiority, my navy is weak. Even without the Greek Fire, I am after all one the naval powers in the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. I am thinking of buying or trying to make some ironclads, but that might take a while.

[Oscalantine]

Well, you know that the Byzantines sent delegations in China once or twice. It won't be impossible for me to try to send some delegations in the Far East.

It's the 1850's. The time period when Britain kicked the living shit out of China in RL so you can certainly send delegates.[/quote]

XDDD that tidbit changed a bit.

Far East (by this I mean China, Korea, Manchurian region, and Japan) have a tech boost. They are at the same tech level as the Europeans because Ming never decided to F*up the progress and neoconfucianism never happened... because... well, Mongols. [-cue exception music!-]

So... Far East never got the living crap kicked out of them since they are treated as equals in the Europe. It is a Guidance system thing, where you can change any part of history as long as you can contend with me sending fifty TGs at you asking nonstop questions about it.

[Epraria]

Well, you know that the Byzantines sent delegations in China once or twice. It won't be impossible for me to try to send some delegations in the Far East.

It's the 1850's. The time period when Britain kicked the living shit out of China in RL so you can certainly send delegates.

XDDD that tidbit changed a bit.

Far East (by this I mean China, Korea, Manchurian region, and Japan) have a tech boost. They are at the same tech level as the Europeans because Ming never decided to F*up the progress and neoconfucianism never happened... because... well, Mongols. [-cue exception music!-]

So... Far East never got the living crap kicked out of them since they are treated as equals in the Europe. It is a Guidance system thing, where you can change any part of history as long as you can contend with me sending fifty TGs at you asking nonstop questions about it.[/quote]
I already know that. That's why i said in RL and not in this RP.

[Tracian Empire]

Well, you know that the Byzantines sent delegations in China once or twice. It won't be impossible for me to try to send some delegations in the Far East.

It's the 1850's. The time period when Britain kicked the living shit out of China in RL so you can certainly send delegates.

XDDD that tidbit changed a bit.

Far East (by this I mean China, Korea, Manchurian region, and Japan) have a tech boost. They are at the same tech level as the Europeans because Ming never decided to F*up the progress and neoconfucianism never happened... because... well, Mongols. [-cue exception music!-]

So... Far East never got the living crap kicked out of them since they are treated as equals in the Europe. It is a Guidance system thing, where you can change any part of history as long as you can contend with me sending fifty TGs at you asking nonstop questions about it.[/quote]

But still, I could be technically able to send delegates in that area. It will be interesting to establish some kind of relations with the Far Eastern countries.

[Oscalantine]

But still, I could be technically able to send delegates in that area. It will be interesting to establish some kind of relations with the Far Eastern countries.

Build a Suez Canal or something, dude. Because Korea is waiting for ANY advantage against the Mongols. I am seriously fearing for my existence here... especially since Shai seems to be rather absent in all this.

[Tracian Empire]

But still, I could be technically able to send delegates in that area. It will be interesting to establish some kind of relations with the Far Eastern countries.

Build a Suez Canal or something, dude. Because Korea is waiting for ANY advantage against the Mongols. I am seriously fearing for my existence here... especially since Shai seems to be rather absent in all this.

Well, until I can finally do that, I can send some on the longer way... But seriously, nobody touches the place of the future Suez Canal. The mighty Roman engineering will do it!

[Oscalantine]

Build a Suez Canal or something, dude. Because Korea is waiting for ANY advantage against the Mongols. I am seriously fearing for my existence here... especially since Shai seems to be rather absent in all this.

Well, until I can finally do that, I can send some on the longer way... But seriously, nobody touches the place of the future Suez Canal. The mighty Roman engineering will do it!

Certainly sounds better than letting other build it XDDD

Anyhow... working on history. Brb. I am almost done with Goryeo Dynasty, and I should be well on my way to Joseon and building of Empire soonish.

[Elerian]

But still, I could be technically able to send delegates in that area. It will be interesting to establish some kind of relations with the Far Eastern countries.

Build a Suez Canal or something, dude. Because Korea is waiting for ANY advantage against the Mongols. I am seriously fearing for my existence here... especially since Shai seems to be rather absent in all this.

You should think about sending out some TGs to all the inactive people.

[Benuty]

Build a Suez Canal or something, dude. Because Korea is waiting for ANY advantage against the Mongols. I am seriously fearing for my existence here... especially since Shai seems to be rather absent in all this.

You should think about sending out some TGs to all the inactive people.

Might be a good idea to figure out who is still interested in role playing.

If they aren't, and they have a reservation that means land can open up for the new players actually interested in joining the roleplay. I should probably get started on the IC since things seem a little slow there as well.

[Benuty]

What surprises me is that nobody has bothered to create a power in Persia yet.

[Oscalantine]

Might be a good idea to figure out who is still interested in role playing.

If they aren't, and they have a reservation that means land can open up for the new players actually interested in joining the roleplay. I should probably get started on the IC since things seem a little slow there as well.

You should think about sending out some TGs to all the inactive people.

I am slowly working towards that. As soon as my app is finished, I am sending msg to everyone who is not around the OOC scene that we are starting to get moving.

Regardless, I sent TG to some who kinda stopped in the middle of app request. Others... I am planning on sending them as soon as my own app is up, which is becoming more likely ^^

What surprises me is that nobody has bothered to create a power in Persia yet.

Probably 1850 is a bitch to play as non-Europeans? I mean... it is the hightime of colonialism. Tbh, the blank lands right now is almost becoming lands reserved for further colonial ambition rather than actual land for apps. All the more reason for me to send out to see who is doing on board... although almost everyone who applied has finished the app, however.

[Oscalantine]

Full Nation Name : Imperial State of Korea (대한제국)
Majority/Official Culture : Korean, but many minority groups in Indochina expresses their own culture group in unique way against the mainstream Korean culture.
Territorial Core : Korean Peninsula, Jeju-do Northern Philippines, Coastlines of Gulf of Thailand, western coastal regions of Brunei, Lower half of Malay Peninsula, Northeastern coastlines of Sumatra.
Territorial Claim : Indochina region and the Spice Islands, vested interest in Arabian Sea.
Capital City : Hanyang (Seoul)
Population : 25 million, roughly 10 million in the mainland (according to statics of 1881 and estimating down) and 15 million in the colonies (mostly natives)

Government Type : Absolute Monarchy
Government Ideology/Policies : Economic, political, and cultural imperialist
Government Focus : The government’s focus is always to assure supremacy in the region. Long-oppressed by the dominating Chinese, the imperial court focuses heavily on its legitimacy by checking its rivals, mainly the Mongolian Chinese and Japan. As a result, the government is necessarily expansionist in this mercantile world, where colonies are established to gather trades and exploit resources. While not militant by design, the Korean government is extremely militant in order to prevent invasion in all fronts in mainland, as well as to protect its colonial ventures in the Southeast Asian region.
Head of State : Emperor Lee Sun (이선황제)
Head of Government : Emperor shares power with Viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do (축제도 총독), former in the mainland while latter in the colonies.
Government Description : Imperial States of Korea, or simply Korea or ISK, is a fledging empire with its focus on legitimacy. Formally ceded from Mongol vassalage only a few generations past, the new government seeks to always prove its supremacy by any means necessary. While it is hostile and has open animosity against the Golden Khanate and other neighbors in the mainland, it shows amiability and openness towards Europeans whom they consider their greatest source of alliance. While unjust demands will fall on deft ears, ISK has been known maintain steady and friendly relations, and while difficult to approach at first, they are all-too eager to make alliances in the world so keen for conflict.

The administrative level of governance did not change much from the Joseon period, although many of its departments have been expanded in order to meet the competing demands of the empire. Furthermore, Viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do has defacto power second only to the emperor, where he oversees the colonial efforts as well as sending precious resources and trade income back to the mainland for the protection of the Korean Peninsula.

Majority/State Religion : Donghak (동학), Cheondoism (천도교)
Religious Description :

Meaning “Religion of the Heavenly Way,” Cheondoism and its predecessor Donghak started in IRL several decades after the 1850 period. In this timeline, however, the religious tone of the movement started much earlier, as Korea met with the Europeans earlier.

The main cause of the movement is relatively the same: pressured by the “Western learning” (called 서학 in Korean), the Koreans felt pressured to keep what was uniquely eastern… or simply be more Korean. Without neo-Confucian culture in this timeline, the radical ideology to preserve Confucianism sprang from the mainland Korea, calling itself Donghak (동학), which literally means “Eastern Learning.” Founded in the 1790’s, this radical teaching saw revival of the Confucian ideology and anti-Christian theology.

While Donghak movement gained steam, in the colonies from the early 1820’s there was a new heretical religion that was gaining steam. While in IRL Cheondoism was revival of destroyed Donghak movement, in this timeline Cheondoism is created not based on Korea Shamanism, but rather from mixing the Donghak Confucian ideology with Protestant and Sunni religious ideas which the colonists were affected by. With the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do officially approving the ideology into colonial religious options, the mainland Korea has since been warming up to the idea. Cheondoism in this timeline mixes the monotheist idea of the Western region while maintaining concepts of Eastern virtues.

Cheondoism has been recently working with Protestant missionaries in order to find a common ground. As a result, Cheondoism is recognized by the colonial missionaries as a heretic religion to Christianity than a pure heresy. Although there are rumors that this was purely political ploy by the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do in order to open trade and political connection with the West, there is no denying that much of Cheondoism’s religious dogma relies on Christian elements.

Economic Ideologies : Mercantilism mixed with Corporatocracy
Major Production : Even before Korea was industrialized, it was hailed as one of the best chinaware makers in the world (IRL reference: Japanese envied Korean potter’s skills so bad that when they went to war against the Koreans they either killed or kidnapped all skilled potters. Since that didn’t happened, they are still here kicking butt), and Koreans’ skill in this field only increased with greater recognition of the craftsmen class. Furthermore, Korea has managed to create a mass-production procedure for silk, which has greatly improved the silk production enough to be a major export in the country. Rest of the production, however, is mostly created for domestic consumption, with very little export besides these luxury goods leaving the mainland.

Colonial areas are much more liberal in trade policy, actively engaging in trade. As mercantile powers in Europe wage war against each other in frequent basis, re-export of all kinds of goods from Europe to European colonies and vice-versa has been easily facilitated by the Koreans, who only charge a moderate amount of shipping costs to assure safe trip within their border undisturbed by pirates in the Spice Islands and Indochina proper. Alongside this, Korean plantations in the area produce primarily spices, but also sugar, dyes, and other precious cash-crops that could only be grown in fertile lands in the trophic.
Economic Description : Korean economy is, as one could expect from it government, divided into mainland and its colonies. The mainland Korea focuses on industrial production, producing luxuries or domestic products for export and consumption respectively. Perhaps due to fear of other powers in the region, Korean trade in the mainland is heavily regulated, with only few approved international ports in Inchon and Busan being open for international trade. Much of the trade is import rather than export, however, and mostly raw materials enter these ports. The exports almost always is headed for colonial region or is luxury goods that are highly acclaimed in the East, and subsequently being recognized in the West as well.

Meanwhile, the situation is very different in the colonies. With guilds running unchallenged by all but the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do, capitalism of worst caliber is being practiced in these parts. While full-slavery was never practiced, the divide between those who are admitted into Merchant or Craftsmen Guilds and those who are not is vast, where everything from social standings to income paid by employers greatly differs. Unlike many European colonies, Korea keeps its colonies on a loose leash, and requires tributes in vast sums instead of finely-defined taxes. While these tributes differ depending on the need of the mainland, most of the times they are negotiated between the Emperor and the Viceroy, and they have never been detrimental to the colony’s well-being. In terms of trade, the colonies freely accept exports and imports in all its ports, and they are willing merchants to buy cheap and sell high. Many unseasoned in the region hire Korean colony’s services, as their naval power and knowhow in the region is more than enough to get or sell the goods often time much cheaper than if done without them.

Army Strength : Korean army is heavily mechanized, consisting superior artilleries which can decimate enemy lines. Chuk-Jae-Do hosts not a military academy, but military engineering academy known as Hwayak-Saguanhakkyo (화약사관학교), or simply the Military Academy of Gunpowder, where Engineer-Scholars are raised from honoary families to discuss the latest innovations of gunpowder technologies. As Chuk-Jae-Do is freed from nobility class belittling engineers, scholars, and merchants, these Engineer-Scholars are respected and highly regarded, and in return they preserve, maintain, and innovate Korea's already potent gunpowder tradition to its utmost heights.
Army Weakness : Despite how much the Empire wishes to deny it, Korean army has traditionally awful morale. More times than not the cavalry charge is more than enough to route infantry lines unless superior Korean mechanized battalion’s firepower can weed them down. Furthermore, neither Korean Peninsula nor its colonies have the capacity to raise many horses, which makes Korean army suffer from lack of cavalry division and is generally very slow in moving on land. These mobility issues prevent Koreans from venturing too far inland without absolute resolve. Another factor to remember is that Korean colonies have their own lines of defense that does not link with the mainland’s regiments. Although mainland sends help when necessary, most of the colonial troops consist of mercenaries, which lack loyalty and could turn sides if given a better offer.
Naval Strength : Apart from being the first nation to have ironclad, the Turtle Ship, Korean engineers have been consistently improving its naval technology to maintain its colonies. Taking the best of artilleries from the Engineer-Scholars, the Korean navy boasts some of the greatest firepower and range in the seas, allowing nothing to get close unless it is intended to be. In that, Turtle Ships, Korea's ironclad, come into play, which charge the enemy lines with impunity to strike fear and disarray at enemy lines. Unlike the military, the Korean navy is much more disciplined and high in morale from continued victories and naval tradition, as merchant guilds have their own seasoned seamen ready for battle. This allows Korean navy to be extremely potent in naval battles, and it further allows extremely efficient blockades to starve the enemies in the case of war of attrition.
Naval Weakness : In order to maintain its legitimacy, the Settlement of 1599 has merged all the naval ranks and files of Korea into one single division. While this was a good idea to keep the emperor in power, the logistics issue cannot be ignored. Burdened by extended chain of commands, Korean navy becomes more and more inefficient as its operation goes further and further away from the mainland. Already in the colonies, the navy suffers from week-long wait prior to its full mobilization, unable to heed the need of the colonies swiftly. While the navy's immediate code of conduct and its excellent admirals would protect both the Korea and its colonies, offensive mobilization by the Korean navy can sometimes take months, owing to the difficulty of the high admiralty in the mainland failing to see the local situation on the field.
Further Military Description :

The military doctrine of Korea is that of firepower. Known for its use of gunpowder since the early 15th century, the Korean military has always made up for its lack of manpower and disciplined troops by decimating its foes before enemies had any chance to get close. This has led to not only superior defensive architecture in the case where armies are lost and need to fall back, but also to better artillery and weapons platforms designed specifically to strike the enemies down from range. Owing this this strategy, the Koreans boast some of the best guns in service, as its howitzers out-range much of the European guns by a clear margin. Its clever use of early rocketry has further allowed for creation of powerful weapons that can decimate foes while crippling their morale.

It should be noted that military division of the mainland and colonies differ, while navy is under the control of the mainland due to the agreement settled after the Imjin War. Colonial armies bolster their number with less disciplined (which is a surprise considering that Korean mainland regiments are woefully undisciplined and in low morale to begin with) mercenaries who fights for coins. These have been often times more than enough to stop the natives from uprising, and it has created several mercenary guilds directly in Chuk-Jae-Do proper which oversees the training and merchandising of guns for hire. Meanwhile, mainland still utilizes traditional army, which are maintained in actuality as a disciplinary force for internal conflict than actual war.

While soldiers may be less funded, the engineering core of Korea in both mainland and colonies are lavishly funded and manned with many gifted individuals. Engineering core often times have discipline and training necessary to hold arms and fire even as explosives are going off at all sides, and they are trained to stand their ground. As engineering core also mans many ship-based batteries, naval morale and discipline is maintained even as ground forces are something of a running joke to Korea's neighbors. In the colonies, few merchant families have created an institute in which military engineering is studied in a professional level, and it is considered as honorary feat to hold the title of "engineer" in the colonies. These Engineer-Scholars in turn serve both mainland and colonies to educate common soldiers in the art of arming and maintaining the gunpowder weapons platforms which form the backbone of Korean military.

Another thing to note is the use of bow. As mentioned before, generals still hold conservative viewpoint on bows... and to some, for a good reason. If there is one branch of army that is distinguished by its excellence, it is the Archery Division, or Shingung (신궁). Founded during the early 1700's, this division of military trains the professional use of modern bows. As the bow never became obsolete in the Korean army and is constantly innovated, Shingungs use the latest technologies of stealth and precision to snipe the enemy soldiers from afar. Shingungs are trained to fight usually in the jungles and in the forests, where they act as pathfinders and rangers for the squeamish Korean army. And when all is lost, Shingungs do not hesitate to become the rear guard, fighting their foes in the forests as the main force retreats to safety. To many generals, a squad of Shingungs are much more valuable than thousands of their front line, and will risk anything to rescue them should they be caught behind the enemy lines.

The Most Serene Imperial States boasts one of the most diversified and efficient assortment of artilleries which gives diverse options to field commanders in open combat. It is one of the reasons of success of Korean navy, and it is primary reason why most military conflicts by Koreans are won despite the laughable morale and discipline among the troops.

Korean cannons, called Chongtong (총통) were built to be efficient in fuel and accuracy, as Koreans were besieged early in the history against military either too numerous or too disciplined with consistent pattern. In order to keep consistent results, Korean military instead turned to gunpowder-related weapons that could cause as much damage as possible, and hence the coming of many gunpowder-related innovations like Chongtong. Chong-tongs are divided into four divisions, named after first four characters of Hanja, Korean Chinese alphabet.

Chongtongs are unique to their western counterparts in that they are shorter, yet were much more fuel-efficient and have much longer effective range. This tradition comes from historical significance as early as 16th century, where Cheonja-Chongtongs (천자총통) used in Imjin Wars during 1592 boasted cannon length of 1.3 m, weighed 300 kg, and charged with 2.4 lb of fuel to approached maximum range of 960 m (effective lethal range of 500 m). Meanwhile, the European equivalent of Culverin in English during the same period, had length of 3 m, weight of 1200 kg, and used 12 lb of gunpowder to reach maximum range of 450 m. (source, [Namu-wiki], [Wikipedia]) Considering that both cannons were in action at the same time and had same diameter, this can be a measuring stick of Korean ingenuity in the field of artillery.

Since then, Chongtongs have only increased in effectiveness. While the use of largest caliber of Chongtongs, the Cheonja-Chongtongs, have declined in the earlier eras of colonization due to its limited use and fuel-efficiency, Cheonja has started to make a comeback as naval conflict with the Europeans have increased. As Korea was no longer in any vital lack for resources, gunpowder is much more widely available, and thus the military has found that the destructive force of Cheonja-Congtong is needed once more.

The modern (1855) Cheonja-Chongtong boasts an impressive 5000 m effective firing range while maintaining its original weight of 300 kg and slightly elongated length of 1.5 m. Its fuel efficiency has also remained, utilizing roughly 2 lb of gunpowder to fuel its massive range. Obtaining technology from French Army has impressively boasted the usual range of 1900 m that Cheonja had before through La Hitte system of rifling, which allowed Cheonja to nearly triple its range. Engineers have tested that a complete use of La Hitte system with elongated shell to the specifications of French Howitzer will boost Cheonja-Chongtong extra 1000 m, creating a lethal range of 6 km. Although this shell is indeed used in high seas, Korean military utilizes different shells for more devastating results.

Called Daejanggun-Jeon (대장군전), it is anti-ships, anti-armor shell of Korean navy since early as beginning of Imjin War. Essentially shaped like that of missile of 21st century, the Daejanggun-Jeon is created with specific focus in putting a hole into enemy ships and sinking them. Considering that no other weaponry was specifically aimed to destroy ships until late 19th century, the Daejanggun-Jeon is a powerhouse of naval supremacy weapon that only Koreans can boast. As the technology has evolved by the Koreans, the Daejanggun-Jeon has also evolved, benefitting from the rifled technology rather than resting on the muzzle of the gun; the Daejangun-Jeon has effective range of 4000 m when loaded into Cheonja-Chongtong and has enough piercing power at this range to pierce through Turtle Ships and other equivalent ironclads of modern (1855) time.

Another arsenal of Cheonja-Chongtong is Bikyukjin-Cheonrei (비격진천뢰), which is fragmenting shell designed for anti-personnel purposes. Invented 25 years prior to Imjin War, this overtechnology of Korea required separate delivery mechanism and had effective range of 900~1000 m. After landing on the ground, the separate fuse which was lit before firing would detonate, scattering metal fragments as well as destroyed shell in a wide range. The technology itself is simple to make, and it is widespread weapon of choice for all Korean armies by the modern (1855) times. However, the technology itself is kept a secret only among blacksmiths of militaries, and it is punishable by law just as any other technologies to recreate the technology beyond military supervision. Bikyukjin-Cheonrei has since improved to be able to be fired from the Cheonja-Chongtong rather than a separate delivery mechanism, and has effective range of 5000 m.

The ultimate weapon of choice for Korean army, the Shingijeon (신기전) is anti-personnel rocket platform that has existed since 14th century. During that time, the weapon was a monster to use… in both effectiveness and resources required. It wasted quite a massive amount of gunpowder… even more so than Cheonja-Chongtong. While this may not sound much for Western standards (as some cannons during the same era used 12 pounds per round of cannon), Koreans needed to import all aspect of gunpowder at this time, and thus the weapon was deemed extremely expensive to use. However, Shingijeon served its purpose as both destructive in close range and devastating to morale of armies. With effective range of roughly 1000 m, Shingijeon fired rocket-propelled arrows in massive succession, firing with a particular whizzing sound. While accuracy was something to be desired, Shingijeon did its job in scaring the barbaric foes in the battlefield at the cost of much-expensive gunpowders.

While the technology fell out of favor during the 15th century, the rush of resources from colonies saw its revival as effective anti-personnel weapon of choice to morale-depraved Korean armies. The modern (1855) Shingijeon has for the most part fixed the accuracy issue, where the arrows would fly out in unpredictable direction. The new Shingijeon has effective range of 2000 m and can fire straight into enemy formations with characteristic whizz for a devastating effect. The newest designs have benefited from innovative use of La Hitte system of French navy, which allowed for rifling to greatly improve accuracy at the cost of a heavier metallic frame compared to a lighter pure-wooden hull.

Shingijeon can be armed with both explosive and flaming rounds, allowing for versatility in open warfare. This piece of weapons platform essentially is guaranteed to create havoc in the enemy lines, as rain after rain of metallic arrows fall down upon the enemy formation before any guns can be fired. When combined with accurate shots of Cheonja-Chongtong to remove enemies artilleries before they could destroy Shingijeon, Shingijeon alone sometimes is enough to destroy ill-prepared armies in open combat.

[The iconic weapon of Koreans], the Turtle Ship has actually received a complete makeover since its conception to become a much more effective weapon of war.

The modern Turtle Ship addresses several problems that traditional Turtle Ship had: mobility and lack of armor. Turtle Ship was world’s first ironclad, but this just meant that it had only modest metallic armaments. The new design completely encases Turtle Ship in metal, giving no ground to penetrate its hulls. It has two rows of cannons on each side, although the upper “row” only consists of paltry 2 slots on each side. The iconic turtle shape prevents boarding as spikes and round shape makes Turtle ship difficult, if not impossible to board. Meanwhile, the iconic turtle head is made of solid metals which are used to siphon toxic gases at enemy ships in range, creating both mystique and produce tears which obscure vision.

To fix the mobility issue of Turtle Ship, the newest design of Turtle Ship is fitted with steam engine, allowing it to navigate even without wind at tremendous speeds. The naval designs from French engineers have completely revamped the ship, allowing Turtle Ships to travel even to high seas without difficulty. This has created some issue in interior, as engines did reduce the hull size significantly. However, considering the three-story hull that Turtle Ship already was prior to installment of steam engine, the lack of rowers meant that there were more space for weapons and supplies. In fact, the newer designs of Turtle Ships are actually smaller and flatter to the sea level. While not making it completely safe in the open waters and need support from nearby ships, the design has allowed Turtle Ship to be often times undetected during heat of battle until it is too late, as Turtle Ships’ design still has classic ramming in mind.

Hwacha is semi-mobile weapons platform of choice for the Most Serene Imperial States to cover for its greatest advantage’s only weakness: mobility. First implemented in wooden form during Imjin War, the Hwacha utilized wooden box-like shape and numerous hand cannons inside. Hwacha’s operators will enter the box and light the hand cannons for firing. While the mobility of this weapons platform was questionable, its ability to reposition with ease allowed for complex guns to be moved without needing to dismantle. Furthermore, the hard-wood Hwacha was easily positione din the front of the standing army to provide cover from gunfire; itself serving as a lethal barricade.

In the modern times, Hwacha is a much larger weapons platform complete with steam engine for mobilie. While even slower than its predecessor’s horse-drawn wheels, the increased consistent horsepower has allowed metallic hulls to be used instead of wooden frame, creating a shelter even from howitzer fire. Due to its weight, however, its armament is limited only to Shingijeon, and it is hulking ass that is extremely difficult to mobilize. However, in an open field, its firepower and ability to provide shelter to soldiers cannot be ignored. Hwacha alone is responsible for sopping cavalry charge against Koreans, as where horses can operate, Hwacha can also. Its Shingijeon line and the abiity to effectively create a wall of metal halts even the most disciplined knights from charging.

As stated before, Hwacha is especially limited weapon, as it cannot be operated in all but open fields on a relatively dry day. However, Hwacha has actually found its use in naval warfare. Owing to its ability to block small arms, Hwacha was used to prevent boarding parties even before its metallic renovation. After the renovation, every captain has one or two Whachas primed for countering boarding parties, as Hwacha’s metallic hull provides extra cover from raiders and its Shingijeon is highly effective to lightly-armed marauders. Its effectiveness is so well-pronounced that some captains insists on using several Hwachas to completely fortify his deck and charge into enemy lines after Turtle Ships, acting as a secondary line of close-range combat.

Reflex bows of Koreans have received much love, and are usually utilized as primary weapon of choice up until very recently. Even now (1855), Korean generals prefer bows over guns as it opens more versatile options. While many Europeans see bows as a primitive weapon of choice, Koreans’ mastery of bow should never be underestimated.

Reflex bow itself did not change much in design since its first innovation. Its construction process has been industrialized, but materials for construction is largely the same. What has changed, however, is mechanisms that allow for ease of stringing the bow. Most bowmen now carry a small contraption made from springs and flax which allows completely-circular unstrung bows to workable bow in a single step. This allows Korean bowmen to easily deploy this bows on the go, creating greater mobility in the process.

While many arrows still exist, the standard for Korean military has effectively become Pyeonjeon (편전). This small bolt has similar properties to crossbow bolt, and thus emphasizes greater armor-piercing properties and range. Pyeonjeon is also much more portable, as its small size indicates that it can be pocketed. Because of its size, Pyeonjeon uses an extension that is held with the bow when firing, called Tongah (통아). Tongah is used as a slot path for Pyeonjeon, and thus can be used as part of a bow rather than discarded after use. With the recent metallurgy breakthrough, Tongah is now has rifling done inside, which has greatly increased the range and destructive power of Pyeonjeon.

National Goals : To protect its territory and further expand into Spice Island both territory-wise and colony-wise.
National Issues : Relationship between mainland and colonies has always been that of neglect for either sides. In order for Korea to truly become powerful, these two sides must merge in order to create a more whole Korea. Furthermore, Korean government is always antsy about their legitimacy and protection against stronger neighbors. Korea needs to get out of its comfortable shell in order to fully achieve its potential.
National Figures of Interest :

• 축제도 총독 권동녘 (Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do Kwon Dong-Nyuc : Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do is the second most powerful man in the Empire, having control over chaotic guilds in the area and even extending some influence over pirates who swore allegiance to Koreans.
• Laura Angenent – self-claimed “Pirate Queen,” she is a famous figure among the Spice Islands as the most notorious pirate in the area. Hailing from a Dutch Merchant family, she has since positioned herself to intercept European ships coming and going between the Southeast Asia and their homelands. After a run-in with young viceroy Kwon, she has been impressed into signing a treaty to not attack Korean merchant vessels in exchange for handsome fees and support directly from the Viceroyalty. Since then, Laura’s attacks has been more vicious, to a point where Viceroyalty is actually making surplus from European merchants that rely on Korean ships to trade their goods across the Spice Islands.

National Ambition/Aspirations : To successfully claim recognition from the global community as the superpower in the region.

History :

The history of Imperial Korea must first be explained with its pre-predecessor, the Kingdom of Goryeo. The history of Goryeo follows that of IRL, where Mongol Empire managed to wear down the small kingdom into submission and forced it to be a vassal under the overlordship of the now-known Golden Khanate. However, unlike the Goryeo today, the kingdom was unable to muster more resilience, and the kingdom falls during the 1238, where they fulfil the agreement of vassalage and send the royal hostages to the Mongol Empire instead of violating the agreement like in our timeline. During the fifty-two years that Korea was under Golden Khanate’s vassalage, many innovations that was once blocked by the Song Dynasty pours into Korea. As Korea was more ideal staging post to produce weapons for Siberian front, technicians arrive to establish a proper front against both the Japanese invasion as well as Siberia. This further infuses superior Song Dynasty technology improved by the Mongol’s global idea bank with Korean knowledge, creating a scientific revolution in the Peninsula. During this time of progress, Goryeo managed to even out technological improvement alongside the Mongols. However, much of this advancement was not implemented in the civilian sector, but in the military development and buildup, as both the Goryeo government and its overlord wished to improve military capability in the region.

The time to strike back came during the 1790’s, when the empire was suffering from massive civil war. While the attention is divided elsewhere, Koreans declare independence from Khanate, separating from the Mongols altogether. Whether it is due to internal conflict or losing ambition to continue eastward expansion, the Mongols did not return since Goryeo’s independence.

Korean Peninsula was able to continue its due course in history towards the end of the Goryeo period to the early Joseon period. During this time, Korea was in its own rapid industrial revolution. The major driving force was, of course, the fear of Mongolian retaliation. As the Mongols cleared the rebellion and civil war and continued to consolidate its power, the Goryeo never stopped industrializing and modernizing its military. The atrocities of Mongolian raids never left the Korean populous, and against the greatest foe the political realm was able to unite in a common stand. This, however, had an issue of uneven industrialization, which created skewed progress where technology only applied to military improvement rather than being used to raise the standard of living.

In this hardened military conscientious and rising demand for more resources to fuel their industrial engine, it was inevitable that Goryeo needed to expand its troops. The most readily-available target seemed to be Manchurian region, which managed to escape the Mongol vassalage like Goryeo. Goryeo was ready to take the land theirs, with the best general that the Goreyo Dynasty has ever seen and soldiers ready and modernized to take on the primitives. This time, however, the fear of Mongols divided the resolve. Many in the court saw the invasion as a waste of resources which could be instead invested to furthering economic buildup and better defense against the attrition that they have suffered decades past. Others believe that expansion was the only answer to rising demand for resources. Decades of peace was fracturing the small kingdom once so resolved to defend their people.

The last king of Goryeo, despite the wishes of many, including the general leading the assault, decided to proceed with the invasion regardless. However, as if destiny was against Goryeo, the general receives news that Japanese raiders were attacking Korea when the kingdom is at the brink of war. In an effort to save the people, the general turns around, only to receive report that the news were only rumors, and that the general is declared a traitor for disobeying the king’s direct orders. In an attempt to save his family and friends, the general decides to march to the capital with his armies, seize the kingdom and starting his own dynasty. The Joseon Dynasty has begun.

Joseon Dynasty, after initial years of instability and issues with heirs, finally settled down when Sejong the Great was seated on the throne. Under his guidance, the Joseon period achieves the second wave of industrial and scientific revolution, where progress in the civilian sector was taken as a priority. The subsequent agriculture revolution also raised the standard of living for Koreans everywhere, creating a ripe situation for Korea to consider expansion once more. Hangul Alphabet is also invented at this time, spreading fast through the industrializing Koreans as a new, easy way to read and write. The literacy level in the kingdom explodes, and the populous becomes much more conscious about their standard of living.

The legacy is continued with Munjong, whose innovations in military are to be noted even in our timeline. While Munjong did not reign more than two years IRL, modernized medicine keeps the sickly king living, and this contributes to solidifying the royal legitimacy as well as progress that was made during the Sejong era. Crucial innovations are made in military and ship designing, and Munjong era saw first attempts at Korean ambition for expansion. While no colonies are set, the exploratory ships were send to map the coastlines in order to gather potential areas where Mongolian influence does not lie. Unlike the Mongols, Korean explorers decide to travel southward, exploring the islands in the Southeast Asia. While lagging behind the Khanate, Korea manages to discover the Spice Islands death of Munjong at 1472.

During Danjong’s era, the first official attempts at exploring the Philippines begin. Despite the enthusiasm, the colonists sent were never able to establish foothold in the area due to native aggression and tropical climate. Despite the failures, trade centers were established in the area, brining spices and other luxury materials to Joseon, which in turn fueled the spice trade through the Silk Roads. This makes Korean merchants among the wealthiest and the more influential merchants in the region, allowing merchant class to amass wealth that surpasses even the nobles who owned plantations and factories.

By the early 1500’s, the colonization attempts are abandoned in favor of establishment of trade ports. Many of the trade in the Spice Islands is directed by independent merchant guilds which focused on amassing wealth through trade and competing with one another in often times violent manner. This era is known as “Guild Wars” or 조합전쟁 in Korean. The era is marked with disturbing amount of naval conflict among Koreans in the route between the mainland Peninsula and the Spice Islands. Korean Pirates run rampant in the seas, creating needless violence that hurts both the Korean economy and military potential.

While the Joseon Crown never actively prohibited Guild influence during the beginning of 1500’s in fear of Mongol offensive, as the Mongol Empire slowly disintegrated into civil wars the nobles grew ever more jealous of the merchant’s amassing of wealth. At this time cast system of sort existed in Korea, where merchants were separate class beneath the nobles alongside other “commoners” like farmers and craftsmen. Soon, the government started to crack down on the merchant guilds under the guise of “aiding the enemy through internal conflicts.” This brought Guild Wars into abrupt halt during the 1530’s.

Although never mentioned, the hate between merchants and the nobles were reciprocal: merchants often times lamented about their social standings at equal with the poorer farmers and desired nobility status. Scientists and Philosophers, who were also considered of lower class due to their distinction as “craftsmen,” were also in the similar grounds, often times having their work stolen by the nobles who desires fame and fortune of the innovations. This led to exodus of these two classes to the Spice Islands. By the 1530’s, the trade ports were a stable settlement in the region, friendly enough with the natives who relied on the trade to continue to bring exotic industrial goods from Joseon to their primitive abodes. These trade ports will serve as the renewed colonial ventures of the Korean merchants and engineers who desired social freedom from their castes.

The first attempt at settlement was in Chuk-Jae-Do (IRL Singapore) where the Koreans created permanent dwellings and factories to produce goods closer to the native market. Soon, many trade centers centering around the Chuk-Jae-Do expanded to full-scale colonies, where mercenaries from both mainland and native population was hired to push out the native tribes in the area. The main part of success was Korean Reflex bows, which worked extremely well in jungle climate as a long-range weapon that surpassed the native gruella tactics with surprise attacks of their own. This paved a crucial role in dominating the native population and creation of permanent settlements in the area.

As the Korean colonies grew without proper permission by the government, the Crown naturally attempted to control these faraway claims, which led to Battle of South China Sea, where colonial privateers decimates unsuspecting royal transports in extremely one-sided surprise offensive. This caused the Second Guild Wars to erupt, where the merchant guilds actively declared allegiance to Chuk-Jae-Do and moved their assets from the Korean mainland. This significantly weakened Joseon both militarily and economically, as the battle was mostly waged in the ports in mainland, where merchants were seizing control of the ports to ship their goods back to the colonies while the loyalists were preventing their escape. By 1580’s, Joseon was devastated of both manpower and trade, and were forced to acknowledge the independence of Chuk-Jae-Do in 1585.

The weakened Korea was a tasty target for the Japanese invasion in the 1592. Called the Imjin Wars by the Koreans, the war was one-sided, as Japanese soldiers were highly trained and disciplined by the inter-Daimyo wars prior to their recent unification by a single Shogun. As Joseon was devastated of both men and economy, Joseon was forced to give ground and continue to move its capital north. Meanwhile, however, Chuk-Jae-Do was at its heyday, being able to trade directly with the Mongols and natives, the trade revenue nearly tripled, which allowed funding of technological advancement to continue their advantage in the region, including famous Turtle Ships which were to be used to prove supremacy against the potential Indochina kingdoms.

Unable to receive help from any, the Joseon Dynasty was doomed. However, in 1595 massive fleet headed by several Turtle Ships were sighted in the Japanese-controlled port in the coast of Yeosu. The merchant guilds of Chuk-Jae-Do, headed by a single viceroy in a unified republic government, successfully gathered support of the merchant families to aid their once-home through counter invasion from the southern Korean coasts. Japanese navy was completely caught unaware by the massive firepower of the Turtle Ships and battle-hardened privateer fleet of the Chuk-Jae-Do, and were forced to retreat without gathering their ground forces in the Korean Peninsula. Trapped and cut from supplies, the combined Joseon forces vanquished the Japanese invaders in a massive pincer move to the capital. At the Battle of Hansung in 1596 signaled the end of the Imjin War, where the two nations signed peace treaty and exchanged prisoners. Although the war was in Joseon’s favor, the negotiations were done in relatively equal grounds as Joseon did not know whether the aid from Chuk-Jae-Do was here for their own conquest.

In a surprising turn of events, the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do came to the mainland following the peace negotiations in peace. In the following meetings between Joseon monarch and viceroy that followed, a settlement was met in 1599 just before the turn of the century. According to the agreement, the merchants of Chuk-Jae-Do will be hailed as equals by the Joseon government, where only the reigning monarch will be held at higher regard. Furthermore, independence of the colonies will be guaranteed as long as the merchants pledged their alligance to the king. The Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do will oversee the governance of the colonies, while a collective navy will ensure that disagreements must be settled through talks and without armed conflicts.

As the century turned, Joseon worked towards further colonialization and aggressive expansion. The colonial effort was fully supported by the Joseon government at this point, where the government openly declared war against the Indochina kingdoms for coastal provinces. While the primitives were assimilated and converted to Joseon’s second-class citizens and workforce, much of the Indochina and Spice Island kingdoms were completely destroyed in favor of establishing Korean settlements. Due to abundance of resources from these colonial victories created prosperous mainland, whose population were often encouraged to take land and status for themselves in the colonies instead of overcrowding the nation’s few precious lands. The population explosion in the 1600’s coincides with the colonial zeal, as Korea continued to aggressively conquer Spice Island territories for their expansion ambitions.

By the late 1600’s and early 1700’s, Joseon was introduced to colonial Europeans, who have circled around African Continent and began to explorer the coasts of Spice Islands. Few conflicts arose as colonial ambitions collided, but obvious advantage in the Joseon’s proximity to mainland made the Europeans acknowledge much of Joseon’s claims at the Spice Islands. As the time progressed, European pirates began to appear alongside Korean ones. Whether this was intentional by the European powers in an attempt to enlist the help of privateers to curve Korean dominance in the region is unknown. However, due to sheer development of ports by the time of arrival of Europeans made developed colonial cities owned by Koreans much more appealing to pirates, who often sided with the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do more often than any other sides. Korean merchants were more than willing to share the fortune with the pirates, as the added fees were not their concern when shipping them back to Europe.

Regardless of dominance in the Spice Islands, the arrival of Europeans was of concern for Joseon. What was even more concerning, however, was the population explosion of the Khanate-controlled Chinese, who managed to complete their modernization and was beginning to show their desire for re-conquest of the world. Seeing the need for Joseon to put up a larger claim than the current status, the Joseon monarchy declared itself an empire, creating Imperial State of Korea in 1760 CE. The “states” part was largely due to two governing jurisdiction: mainland which was directly controlled by the emperor and the colonies which were under the jurisdiction of the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do. As the new century came, the newly christened nation began to create nationalist movements and progressively modernized and improved their military powers to compete with increasingly threatening world.

With the introduction of Donghak movement and subsequent Cheondoism in the colonies, the empire right now is still unstable and fragile. At the same time, however, the colonies could not be stronger, with massive trade revenues from both the east as well as the west alongside profitable arrangement with the natives and pirates alike. Controlling the spice market from the very source, the colony is perhaps ready to stand on their own as their own, independent nation. The greatest challenge that the empire perhaps does not wish to admit may be to control the fracturing relations between increasingly fragile empire that relies more and more on expanding colonies whose independence is increasingly becoming a reality.

Comparison Points – Political : 2
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 2
Comparison Points – Economy : 4
Comparison Points – Military : 2
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

[Oscalantine]

Yush, I am done with my history~!! Done with my app... FINALLY!!

Anyhow, going to sleep... 4 am here T^T. Anyhow, if co-OPs can tell me what's up in my TG during my absence... would be epic.

Speaking of... one of you's TG me that I need to post your position in the main thread. I remember both of you talking about that but I just never got around to it ^^;;;

[Benuty]

Yush, I am done with my history~!! Done with my app... FINALLY!!

Anyhow, going to sleep... 4 am here T^T. Anyhow, if co-OPs can tell me what's up in my TG during my absence... would be epic.

Speaking of... one of you's TG me that I need to post your position in the main thread. I remember both of you talking about that but I just never got around to it ^^;;;

What timezone are you in anyway?

[Oscalantine]

Yush, I am done with my history~!! Done with my app... FINALLY!!

Anyhow, going to sleep... 4 am here T^T. Anyhow, if co-OPs can tell me what's up in my TG during my absence... would be epic.

Speaking of... one of you's TG me that I need to post your position in the main thread. I remember both of you talking about that but I just never got around to it ^^;;;

What timezone are you in anyway?

The obvious jst. Although I prefer kst, tyuverymuch.

[Cymrea]

What timezone are you in anyway?

The obvious jst. Although I prefer kst, tyuverymuch.

Is that Japan Standard and Korean Standard times?

EDIT: I am ready for the IC!