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1850 : Alternative Divergence [AH][IC][HIATUS]

PostPosted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 7:55 pm
by Oscalantine
1850 : Alternative Divergence

IC THREAD






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“Men make History, but not at the time he wishes.”

– Karl Marx__________________________________


But for the sake of argument, what if we could?

Be it a point of divergence or a whole new nation, what if we could make history EXACTLY at the point that we wish?





Hello and welcome to Another Alternative Divergence, an AH/AW RP where the world is your oyster to do whatever you wish. For the sake of continuity, the time now is 1850 C.E., and nations are expanding in a world not quite yet sobered by war for annihilation. What would be your vision of a world shaped by the nation that you call your own?





Few ground rules for dispute settlement:

If it is not on the app or prior post, it isn’t real
Don’t make wild assumptions if there wasn’t a prior “claims” to your fame.

Uniqueness = strength
Not saying that you should throw ducks at people and call it unique, but clever tactics would be awarded… and Iranian style of “million men army” and American style of “I throw my money at problems and things go away” will be punished. We are here to RP, not play a game of Risk, right?

1 page = 3 months 1 page = 2 months Announced by OP
In the span of three months, a message can be delivered from one end of the globe to another… assume it to be true, and let’s not throw wrench at little details. Basically, assume that your message to another nation’s leader can be received instantly, so feel free to respond without needing to wait around a page .
For wars and the likes, if you are fighting NPCs, at least wait a page or two (that’s 3~6 months) before you declare victory. That should be enough time for everyone who wanted to jump in to jump in.


Due to quick pace of the IC, the RP-dating system has been changed to 2 months per page.

Due to difficulty in determining the dates, the OP will decide the CURRENT year of the IC post. This will be updated in yearly intervals.

Assume IRL unless otherwise
We have A LOT of historical paradoxes… don’t mind the elephant in the room. Unless it is app played by RPer, all NPC nations have IRL values unless changed by the players. Similarly, all histories are also IRL unless changed… which by this time around probably has been fudged in every twist and turns.

Colonial Rule
Few things to keep in mind for colonial region:
  • Colonial Rule applies to everyone not in the "Western" or "Oriental" culture. Basically, you declare yourself western or oriental, everyone says alright... you are that culture group.
  • Colonial Rule applies to colonies made by Western or Oriental culture group that is NOT connected to the mainland. So... basically your colonies
  • These lands where Colonial Rule applies can be taken without consent from both parties. You are allowed to invade, keep the occupation without resistance until the OP realizes it, then it is yours. Similarly, ex-owner can come into its defense and take those lands back.

Annexing Rule
Few things to keep in mind for claiming land from NPC (the white/grey lands)
  • Assume IRL history at earliest possible point (i.e. Since Ottomans did not exist, Egypt would have to follow post-Napoleon Mamulks or something of that nature). Questions on this can be asked to OP for more direction.
  • One territory per take (You can have more than one occupation, but only one territory will be recognized at a time)
  • Occupy annexing territory with your military for 1 page (roughly 3~6 months IRL). If someone contests this while you are occupying, you gotta duke it out with the other RPer.
  • After 1 page of waiting, contact the OP (or OP just sees you sitting with your soldiers) and it is yours for the rest of the RP until otherwise.

RP Battles
Few things to keep in mind for fighting with another RPers.
  • In all seriousness, battles should be planned rather than spontaneous. However, there is no reason to not have spontaneous battles.
  • Tactics > Troop size. This applies regardless of size difference.
  • Admitting defeat will stack in your favor. There is a list, and I am check them twice.

Firstly... unless it is a predetermined war over OOC as to who will win or lose... the OP or Co-OP will be deciding who wins and who loses

That being said... here are factors that will determine who wins and who loses.

This is in the order of significance... with 1 being the primary factor to 5 being less important factor.
  1. Diplomacy: Alliance = Less Attrition. Your supply lines are better established, your troops have morale boost since there is a friend in the battlefields, and your navy isn't as taxed covering ALL your colonies. IRL principle goes here. More participants would mean better war.
  2. Military Strength/Weaknesses: I believe I have told EVERYONE that this is important, right? Well... I have been making a separate, off-line resource of everyone's military strengths and weaknesses when you make apps. The system will work like this: how you use your strength to your advantage and how you cover your weaknesses would put points to realism, and therefore earning my bias on the ruling. Now... for those who were jerks and didn't give me all too much information to work with, or have given me only numbers... you have an uphill battle against those who have MOUNTAIN of information ^^;;;
  3. Previous Precedence: This is for fairness. If you lost a war/battle before, those points will be stacked towards your advantage. Therefore, a clever tactician can lose smaller battles to win points for a decisive battle that is to come. Similarly, a clever tactician can gobble up as much victory as possible, then make peace before "going bust." this aspect is also part of IRL wars after all, so I thought it should be involved... plus it makes everything kind of more fair ^^
  4. Quality of Post: As I have been singing on about for quite a bit... quality = epic-win. Of course... quantity does not mean quality, so be careful not to overwrite when a few well-placed sentences would do. The quality I am referring to is how clever your tactics are... how you use your terrain, alliances, your own military, etc. to your advantage. Those who essentially "A-move," to quote a RTS terms, will be penalized.
  5. Great Person: Basically your special generals and admirals. The event is already under way to give you that special someone, and it will only increase as many events comes. If these people are active in your IC posts (and not whipped out JUST for the war), then you will get advantage for having them participate in the battle. They are your aces, and they should have a lot of background surrounding them... which can be earned through your IC posts (ESPECIALLY DURING EVENTS). They will win battles, so please raise them with care ^^

Accepted Applications - Updated 2015-08-29

Current Events - Updated 2015-08-22
[EVENT #1] - Last Age of Piracy [ONGOING]

PostPosted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 7:59 pm
by Oscalantine
[EVENT IN PROGRESS!!!]


Current Status of Each region

Caribbean

Mediterranean Sea

Red Sea

Spice Islands (Southeast Asia)

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 12:16 am
by Mandicoria
Stockholm, The Scandinavian Empire: Parliament

The halls were full of loud voices, each arguing on what actions to take when it comes to the fate of the independent territory of Iceland. Many calling for a neutral stance, others calling for war on the smaller nation. Iceland has always been a major source of debate ever since the wars with Denmark. In the war that saw Denmark lose all of it's mainlands, Iceland and Greenland were promised to Sweden. Yet Iceland was never officially incorporated into the Empire due to the Danish military moving in to establish a rebelious state. Each attempt to administrate ended in failure thanks to that. Despite the fact Iceland has been constantly bothering with Scandinavia's reputation, it is still considered a controversial act to believe in taking over Iceland.

"Clearly, Iceland is a Scandinavian possession. The only reason we do not have it is due to rebels taking the area!" stated one politician "It is cowardly not to quell this foolish group, and take back the land promised to us."
"While it was promised, Iceland poses no real starteg-"
"Yes it does hold strategic importance! It can serve as a naval base and as a gateway to our colonies to the South! How could everyone be so foolish to believe otherwise?"
"I would prefer you not interrupt me." replied the opponent, giving an annoyed expression.

Debate continued for hours and hours, eventually ending with another stalemate. Each day that passed with the same debate, more and more recieved the attitude that Iceland should just be conuqered to end all the debate. Despite Iceland, Copenhagen was another huge debate, many pushing for autonomy to be lowered significantly since the territory is already represented in Parliament, and one of the main cities in the Empire. Although how popular anti-autonomy is, many also argue that it could incite rebellion.

Despite the constant debate, Parliament has maintained great stability within the empire, and also kept a policy of keeping the military extremely well maintained. Thus securing the nation from foregin threats.

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 3:00 pm
by Cuprum
Republiek Argentinië - Urquiza haciënda

The Urquiza haciënda was a rich seat of power. It was a joy to see the crops grow to be truthful. The Estancias were surrounded by a few bushy fields decorated with thin acorn trees. A peaceful land, renown for being a sanctuary for all travellers, whether merchant or criminal. However there was a reason why it had never been conquered, The president knew, and that was because it was so far away to anyone, whether a bandit or a king.

Urquiza loved his birthright. He had spent his childhood reading books about the great koejongens and kings, and the awe-inspiring lands that they called home. Great stone goliaths, with walls high so high one could hardly see the top, and thick villages dwelling in its shadow. And then when Urquiza became a man, he travelled to Europe and saw these sights for himself. A wooden garden like his Estancia really did pale in comparison to the might of the European palaces or the impenetrable fortresses that sprouted up by the hundreds in the Russian lands. When Urquiza was a boy he promised himself he would make a force out of his country.

Urquiza gazed out of the open window of his study. It was a cramped room, with bookshelves taking up what little space there was for manoeuvrability. Sometimes He had no choice but to dangle out of his window or suffocate. Why are the fields not green? he pondered. The ones in the books looked to be coated in emerald sprinkles. Yet the fields of his Estancia were brown as mud and as mossy as an infant’s tangled locks. There was a peasant tugging a wheelbarrow of acorns across it most ungracefully. He was so filthy that he would never have even spotted him if not for the shrieking racket caused by his acorns rattling in the barrow.

Rattle rattle. Rattle rattle. On and on. The acorns bouncing like waves, falling out at regular intervals. They only settled when the peasant stopped to gather as many fallen snacks as he could. What a miserable existence. But really, how are he and I so different?

“M-m’lord. I’m sorry to interrupt your sightseeing b-but is there any reason for this visit?”

Urquiza turned quickly and saw Doctor Eikenhouten staring him down, trembling under his brittle legs. I had almost lost myself. Urquiza chuckled. “My apologies Doctor, I was simply admiring my father’s wealth.”

Doctor Eikenhouten was a very small man. He hardly reached Urquiza’s chest. He was two and seventy of age, but Arthur would have thought the little man had long celebrated his ninetieth name day. Between his spotted wrinkled skin and his jiggling jaw that looked ripe to fall to the floor to join the teeth that littered the wooden floors. He thanked god that he had stopped grooming, otherwise there may not have been a patchy beard to hide the discomforting image. ”It’s your House now m’lord. Has been for some time now.”

“You’re mistaken Doctor. This is my father’s Manor. It was he who turned this little garden into a renown shelter for the weary traveller unless I am mistaken?” And then it was he who got greedy and wouldn’t pass the reigns to his son and heir, even once he was senile. Perhaps that was why the countryside was now a Kingdom of Thieves?

“He left you a great birthright m’lord’.” The doctor insisted. He’s trying to fill my belly with good feelings. Urquiza noted. He had been summoned without warning, which even he knew was odd as nowadays Urquiza tended to call on his younger attendants to help him in his activities. Eikenhouten had served as the family doctor for a very long time, having started as the Dokter of Urquiza's grandfather. There was no doubt that he knew many a story about Urquiza’s paternal line. Yet he was growing old, and no doubt feared this was the long time coming dismissal.

“I fear that is something we will have to agree to disagree on.”

Doctor Eikenhouten brow rose sharply when he heard that. Have I offended him? But he simply walked to the window with Urquiza and pointed out into the thickest bush of trees. “A few years ago, whilst you were still out travelling with Lady Juliana, a small army of bandits took up residence in that forest. They were fierce and well armed, using the gaps between the thick trees to aim bows at passing peasants. Needless to say the people were terrified. They ran like mice straight to the Manor, tugging on the robes of Johannes, your father. He asked them what they would have him do, and they pleaded with him to have the bandits killed. Your father knew that wasn’t an option of course. The Hacienda had no soldiers, no weapons. So Lord Johannes used the one weapon he did have. His words.” The Doctor began to chew on his bristly beard. Urquiza turned away once he saw the crumbs resting there, hiding from The doctor’s rabid jaw. The less he knew about Eikenhouten’ twitches and quirks the better. After pausing for long enough, The doctor continued his story. “So Lord Johannes walked into the forest, fearless. The bandits shouted slurs, but he did not step down. He marched into the barrage of insults, and didn’t even flinch as they got louder. Soon he was out of sight, and the noises faded into nothing. When your Father emerged hours later, the bandits had rid off in the opposite direction, and Urquiza Estate was that day named the Castle of Solace.”

Urquiza was not impressed. Eikenhouten was shaking violently, clearly hoping that Urquiza would accept the parable and dismiss him. The only problem was that Urquiza had already solved the magician’s trick. A bucket of gold and a bucket of promises. But He wanted Eikenhoutrn somewhat happy, so he kept his response simple and entirely false. “My father was a good man.”

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 1:07 pm
by Soviet Chernarus
Republique de la Louisiane

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"Nous ne sommes pas français, mais la Louisiane!"

The early days of Lousiane date back to more than 140 years ago, when the French founded the settlement of Nouvelle-Orléans, which, over time, became the most populous and arguably important city of the colony, being a bustling port and center of trade and commerce. The colony was extensively settled and to an extent developed by their French colonizers, but it was forcefully ceded to the British, along with most, if not all, of France's other North American colonial possessions, much to the resentment of the populace there. The colony was then, for a period of 10 years, subject to harsh British rule, as the governor attempted to suppress all Catholic influences, barring them from holding government office and even other jobs, discriminating against them, authorizing harsh deportations, and encouraging Protestant immigration to the colony. Finally, in 1775, the population of Louisiane decided that they had had enough - protests occurred in Nouvelle-Orléans and St. Louis, but once it became apparent that the protesters weren't leaving anytime soon, it turned bloody, resulting in a massacre. This was enough to rally support for the rebellion throughout the colony, with one of the revolution's major orchestrators, Jean-Jacques O'Connell being able to raise an initial army of 7,000.

This would mark the beginning of a 9-year struggle against British rule, and initially the rebels would face difficulties and obstacles, having been pushed out of most cities and towns and reduced to controlling barely populated areas of the colony. However, bolstered by foreign mercenaries willing to work in their Catholic army (like the wild geese), as well as foreign aid and assistance (namely France, who sympathized wit the revolutionaries and wanted to weaken the British), the rebels eventually began to turn the tide in 1779, following a victory at Ste. Genevieve. The last battle of the war would take place in St. Louis, where forces succeeded in taking the city before marching on to besiege Nouvelle-Orléans along with French troops. The Treaty of Paris would finally make Louisiane independent for the first time in its history, but although they were finally free from their former colonial master, conflict quickly grew, mainly between O'Connell and his supporters in St. Louis and Charles Blanchot and his supporters in Nouvelle-Orléans. He seized power in 1790 and would reign for 21 years until he was finally overthrown by a Liberal coup. "Emperor" Charles was exiled from Louisiana and a republic finally restored in Louisiane.

Since then, Louisiane has largely maintained an isolationist foreign policy, not caring about any affairs outside of North America, so long as it didn't directly affect Louisiana. The country was developed and infrastructure constructed with money borrowed from French and British moneylenders, as politics grew ever more corrupt and the Liberals and Conservatives remained the only parties that were able to win the Presidency. A number of other issues began to plague the country - for example, slavery, which was and is still legal in Louisiane, although it is largely limited to the deep southern parts of Louisiane where slaves work on sugarcane plantations. In addition, the nation has continued to experience high rates of immigration and birth rates, and while the current state of affairs within Louisiane continues to change, one thing is certain: the population will continue to keep growing at rapid rates. As the nation enters a new decade, its future is still murky and uncertain. Will Louisiane overcome its corruption and become a true democratic republic? Or will it simply fall apart, like many nations before them, and collapse, unable to bear the strain? Only time will tell.

Nouvelle-Orléans
Capital
Republique de la Louisiane


The President of the Republic Gaultier Beaulieu looked at the portrait of Pierre Ebert, considered to be Louisiana's most influential president, which hung in his office - he was thinking about his nation, and particularly what was to become of it in the future. While it was politically stable, the nation still faced a few key issues - namely the increasing debt burdens, the corruption that was rampant in the government, and the fact that both Liberals and Conservatives seemed to be dominated by a small political elite, which didn't represent the population fairly nor did it have the interests of their nation and its people at heart. While he did indeed want to bring about change, it wasn't as easy as it sounded, and many of his fellows in the government were usually blissfully ignorant of the country's problems - and Gaultier knew very well about the agreement between the Liberals and Conservatives to switch the Presidency off every 1-3 elections. Sighing, Gaultier knew that he had more pressing matters at hand, although he knew he - or one of his successors - would have to start helping the country's various problems. First on his mental to-do list, was to solve the various territorial disputes he had with the Confederation of California - given the fact that most of Northwestern Louisiane consisted of sparsely-populated territories, it was prone to disputes which caused tensions between the two nations and a lack of defined borders also hindered the improvement of relations between the two nations and lead to sometimes violent confrontations between settlers from both nations.

Republique de la Louisiane

Addressed to: Whomever it may concern in the Californian Confederation
From: President Gaultier Beaulieu of the Republic of Louisiane

I have decided to send this message in the hopes of resolving territorial disputes between our two nations, which have brought upon a number of issues between our two nations, including a lack of a defined border and conflict between settlers, which have proved to continue to harm our relations. As neighbors, it is imperative that we sort these issues out in some sort of meeting between our leaders at the meeting of your choice. Included in the meeting will be a discussion regarding the possibility of a defined border between our two nations, attempts to protect both of our settlers without resorting to military conflict and protection, and other matters we perceive as relevant to the meeting. Should you agree, the meeting shall be held a week after the deliverance of this message; hopefully we can both agree to a location where the meeting should be located, and I sincerely apologize if the date of the meeting may be inconvenient to you, but even if you cannot personally attend I must ask you to send some sort of representative. This meeting will be very important in regards to Louisiane-California relations as well as resolving any territorial disputes or claims we may have on each other's territory. I patiently await your response, and hope you will agree to my proposal for my meeting.

With best regards,
President Gaultier Beaulieu

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:51 am
by The Union of Courland
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Second Kingdom of Brittany and Her Global Dependencies:

Queen Helene of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, reigning monarch of Brittany until her son comes of age, was stuck. Not literally, but figuratively stuck between a rock and a hard place, as the saying goes. Many politicians in the government had mixed views about a woman running the state, and she had to save face. She had to prove that a woman could run a government as well, if not better, than a man could. She had decided upon four very important decisions. The first of which was the expansion of Brittany's existing colonies. She would have New Brittany expand into the area called Sierra Leone, and Breton Sahara would expand further north, towards Andalusian Morocco. Formosa and Hainan would not be able to expand, and neither would Ynys Cfoetheg. The second big decision was the most controversial. It was the matter of women's rights. Queen Helene was dead set on giving women the same rights as men. They would be allowed to serve as members of government, they would be given equal pay and have the same job opportunities as men, and there would be no sexual discrimination allowed. The third was a war. For quite some time, Brittany had been hammering out a deal with The Golden Khnatae and the Jappanese Empire for a war with the Manchurians. A secret deal known only to the Khan, the Emperor, and the Queen had almost been worked out, and Brittany would gain a fair amount from this deal. The fourth and final decision was an alliance with France. Relations had been improving for quite some time after France formally recognized Brittany as an independent nation, and the Queen finally decided to approach the French about an alliance. Sitting down, she began to write.

Movements in the Colonies:
New Brittany has sent 3,000 soldiers into the region known as Sierra Leone, working on expanding its colonies. So far, the integration process was going well, however a group of natives has been harassing colonists. 2 people had died, and the soldiers are working on crushing the natives resistance. Breton Sahara has moved troops into the province Northeast of the colony, and is sending more troops south into the coastline of what is called Mauritania.

Letters:
To the Might Khan and Glorious Emperor,
Here is the set of terms for the war with the Manchurians.
Brittany: will support the Khanate and Japanese troops with its large navy. An amout of ground forces will be contributed. Brittany will take Port Arthur and a large sum of Manchria's money.
The Golden Khanate: will contribute the most troops to the fighting. They will take Manchuria proper as a reward.
Japan: will contribute a mixed amount of land and naval forces. They will take the Island of Sakhalin as a reward.
I believe these terms to be fair. If you accept, we will crush the Manchurians like the filth they are. Long May You Reign, Great Emperor, and Long May You Reign, Great Khan.


To the President of the French Republic,
Greetings, my Southern neighbor! For quite some time, Brittany and France stood at odds. But ever since Frabce recognized Brittany's right to exist, relations have improved greatly. We may have out differences, but we both have one thing in common: the French people. I would like to formally extend the offer of an alliance between France and Brittany. Long Live France, Long Live the Republic.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 12:13 pm
by Benuty
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Philadelphia, Commonwealth District, Grand Parliament Square

Boston, Capital of Massachusetts, Cromwell Manor
Current Owner: Edward Cromwell II (1821-present)

Cromwellsville, Capital of Carolina, Society for the promotion of Marxism

Shikaakwa (Chicago), Capital of the Province of Iliniwek (Illinois), Headquarters of TARC (Trans-America Railroad Company)
Work in Progress

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 4:38 pm
by Princess Kenny
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KINGDOM OF RUSSIA
PROLOUGE

"Shalt we cross, strong and majestic"
"On voyage, name of the brave"
"The Slavonic people's shalt triumph!"
"Triumph!"
"In the name of the Tsar and for glory.."
"To arms to triumph! Shalt slay thy foes against God!"
"Thou come to fight, defend the motherland!"
"Strong and united, we shout;"
"Russia our homeland!"
"Russia our homeland"
"May we pledge to honor that blessing"
"Towards, the north, east, west and beyond!"


Said by troops marching throughout Moscow, snow proceeded to fell onto the city, and the Russian frontier. Russia; and endless landscape, rich in history and culture, the dominant power of Eastern Europe, and the crusader against those who trample the Slavonic people, and Russia's desires. For centuries Russia stood as a strong regional trade power, until unified under different means. Ideologies continue to push forward. "Siberian Riches", as Russian territory continues to expand into Siberia, and Russians settle into the region. "Avenge thy brethren." A goal to take St. Petersburg, an area claimed by Russia, and populated by a majority of Orthodox Christians.

While Russia remained somewhat backwards in time, it shouldn't be underestimated. With a massive army and ruling a enormous landscape, the vast plains and winter lakes of Russia helped form the identity. Efforts for westernization and industrialization continue to push forward, to keep Russia as a major power, and not out of date. Russia moves forward to this goal at a steady pace, yet the majority of the Russian economy still relies on agriculture for profit. The printing press's increased popularity of more modern status leaves Russian citizens more connected and informed about their country and the world than ever before.

Politics-wise, the Russian governmental system continues to be changed, which is slow due to the Tsar's ambitions to keep a grasp into power, the weak system has lead to internal struggles for power, before being brutally oppressed. But in order to prevent regional governments from revolting, the vassal states were assigned during the "Treaty of Omsk". However, the population is slowly integrated, as-well as the governmental system. Pskov will be integrated into Russia itself soon, being mostly Russian.

In foreign affairs, Russia seeks to make good relations with the Romans, and those in the Hansa. Ideological drifts continue the Siberian expansion, but a even fiercer one brews in the hearts of the Russian mind, taking Finland and crushing Scandinavian hegemony over Northern Europe. Although the nations have been at peace for more than 100 years, and new trade ties have developed. Yet the claim remains, and with a official Russian claim on the region, and the Russian military on the rise, only time will tell.

With infrastructure developments continue to take ground in Ukraine, Belarus, and Siberia. Russia will remain a large and influential power in Eastern Europe, as of yet however, Russia has no attitudes for war, but with possible interests in Romania and in other places, the opinion may soon change. As for now, the only expansion will be into Siberia.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 6:15 pm
by Elerian
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Greater Commonwealth of Saxahvall
The Reformation





Rolighavn, Province of Vest Hjamland


Out with the old and in with the new didn’t even begin to describe the radical changes that came with the incumbency of the current Premier, Rama Majumdar. The first full blooded Indian to take the Premiership in a nation ruled by an upper class primarily made up of whites. He was first elected in 1848, and has since begun a campaign of undoing what many of the white minority sought so fiercely to suppress; equality.

Many of the nobility, with veins running with ancient and noble blood, pled with the aging Emperor Thror to end the madness and put Majumdar in his place. However, unwilling or unable to do so, Thror sat idly by as new legislation destroyed hundreds of years of tradition.

Race riots erupted in the days following the passing of the legislation, and the streets were awash with death and depravity. Scores of lives were extinguished and thousands more were injured as hate became the weapon of choice on both sides of the equation. It seemed the country would be ravished by senseless bloodshed and potentially the destruction of the nation entirely.

The white minority was asking for the resignation of Premier Majumdar, and some of the most radical were advocating for deposing Majumdar and installing the Emperor as an absolute Monarch. On the other hand, the native populations merely wanted equal representation in both houses of the Parliament, as well as the abolishment of any noble titles within the nation.

While this was all occurring, Premier Majumdar did not languish at the growing prospect of his demise, he called for an end to the violence between his fellow man, if only temporarily. The forefront of the two sides agreed to a short truce, in which time Majumdar took a leap of faith and poured all his energies into writing a wholesome and defining speech that he hoped would give both sides an indication of his intentions, dreams, and aspirations for his beloved country.

Over the course of nearly two hours, and before nearly a hundred thousand people, a number of things were made abundantly clear to those gathered. Majumdar made it clear to his people, both majority and minority, that if they wish the nation to remain whole and their people strong and independent of oppressive rule, the violence would have to stop. Majumdar wanted only for the nation to be unified as one society, one people rather than fractured like broken glass. Even if that unification tore down centuries of tradition, they would be rebuilt piece by piece in a new glorious image. An image of equality, peace, and understanding.

He confided in them his dream of a brighter future for the nation, but that brighter future rested perilously on the edge, and that if the violence continued that dream, the dream of a better tomorrow, would be irreparably torn apart. He had plans for finally uniting all of India under one flag. There were a great many things Majumdar wanted for their country, but if they did not stop their rampant aggression, they would never come to fruition.

By the time the speech was over, the crowd was stunned into silence. A spark had started a fire in each and every person present. A spark of hope, pride, ambition and so many other things, and they knew the man before them would be the one to stoke that spark and create a vibrant blaze. Majumdar was something of a new experience for the men and women of Saxahvall, he at least appeared to care deeply about the country and its people, unlike many of his predecessors, something they would likely only see once in a lifetime.

Somewhere in the crowd a slow chant rose through the ranks, at first it was barely a whisper, but it quickly swept through the gathering and shortly everyone was shouting “Majumdar! Majumdar! Majumdar!” And shortly after the riots turned to non-violent protests, and the murders turned into brawls, and slowly the country went back to its daily blissful routine knowing that a great man was leading them into a new era of prosperity.

Two years had passed, and Majumdar was re-elected as the Premier with a much higher margin of votes than in the previous election.




After Majumdar was elected, one of the first things he did as Premier was reform the military by dismantling the current system that gave military ranks based upon the noble blood in their veins as opposed to their personal merits. However, reforming the military in its entirety would take an exceptional amount of time, and once it was demolished it would have to be rebuilt from the ground up, starting with the leadership. However, Majumdar was no military man, so he was forced to rely on his Defense Minister, Aake Engen, to select appropriate leadership to revolutionize the dilapidated Saxahvallan military.

Minister Engen exhausted a list of the entire current and past military leadership to look for someone fit for the job. After weeks of searching, interviewing, and researching, Engen decided upon one man, a high ranking Oberst within the army, by the name of Anar Konda. Oberst Konda had distinguished himself on several occasions throughout his career, and from what Engen could tell, he would be an exceptional candidate in leading the military to new heights. And, with oversight from Engen would rebuild the military on a grand scale.

It had been two years and there was still much to be done, however, the results of the radical restructuring could already be seen. The men on the front walked with more pride and enthusiasm, as opposed to the drab and gloomy state they’d been in. Not only Engen, but also the Premier were pleased with the rapid progress that had followed Konda’s appointment, something that wouldn’t have been possible under the previous system’s backwards ways.




It was a well kept secret that at the time of Premier Majumdar’s election that the very Emperor himself was one of the Premier’s greatest confidant’s. Now that that fact was well known at least on the political scene, the Emperor had been all but shunned from many of his usual duties, something that Thror, in his advanced age, was almost glad of. His public appearances were becoming fewer and far between as he ceded much of the limelight to his executive counterpart, something people from both sides of the economic and social spectrum simply ate up, yet often for different reasons. Despite that, when Thror did come out of his Palace walls it was more often than not for good reason. Such was the purpose of his latest visit to Majumdar’s personal residence.




Premier's Residence


Rama Majumdar, Lord Premier of the Greater Commonwealth of Saxahvall and publicly proclaimed as the saving grace of the nation, was enjoying a light lunch of Masoor Dal soup and flat bread. As he drained the last of his bowl, he heard the familiar sound of a moving carriage which could only mean one of two things, either the radicals had decided to finally depose him, or the Emperor had finally arrived. As he peeled back the curtains, he was happy to see it was the latter of the two.

The fabulously ornate carriage of the Emperor was parked just beyond his door, and the old pale Thror was stepping down onto the heat blasted red brick sidewalk, stubbornly waving away any offers of assistance from his loyal retainers. Rama silently chuckled to himself as he walked towards towards the front door to greet the cranky old man. One of his own retainers rushed past to open the door for his Imperial Majesty. Rama stood straight as an arrow, but his face and eyes faced the floor. The door was opened and Rama spoke, “Be welcome to my home, my lord. Treat it as you would your own.”

Rather than say the traditional response, Thror simply walked past him towards the Parlor saying “you know I hate it when you do that.” A sly grin formed on Rama’s face for a moment before he raised his head and followed the Emperor towards his Parlor, saying “I know.”

As they stepped into the parlor and Rama closed the door he wondered at how he and the Emperor could get along so well. Thror had been born into one of the richest and most powerful families in the nation, and he had the blood of Kings and Emperors flowing through his veins. Rama on the other hand had the blood of dirt poor farmers in his veins, and while Thror was learning to play at politics, Rama was learning to survive in the streets of Mumbai. They were polar opposites, and yet so very much alike.

Rama poured the Emperor his usual drink in silence and seated himself at his desk. The Emperor had already seated himself before him and was silently contemplating, which for him could never be good. Rama set a glass of Akvavit in front of Thror and took a sip of his own. With a slight grin Rama asked “so, what may your humble servant do for you today?”

Thror gave him a great sigh and a scowl before replying with a blunt as ever response “I want you to convince the country it's time to go to war. Your new military genius has had two years to work his magics, it's time to put him to the test. I’ve been told the Sultanate of Gujarat is in the midst of religious turmoil, and the Gaudan Kingdom of the Ganges is too weak to defend itself for long.”

“You know I can’t do that, and besides from what Engen has told me, they’re simply not ready for something like this.”

“Engen? Engen knows less about war than he does about administering to the defenses of this country. We can only truly know if they’re ready when they’re tested, no matter how much training they receive, they’ll still know little of real war.”

Rama let the notion run through his head, the Emperor could force him, but Rama would receive nothing in return. “Fine, I’ll do it so long as you do something in return.”

“And what would that something be?” Thror asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I want you to sponsor some legislation in the near future, it will be largely minor, but I intend to finish what I started two years ago.”

Thror thought for a mere second before replying, “done. I think its time I left, people might start to wonder.”

Thror downed the last of his drink and set the glass down. Both men stood, and Rama escorted the Emperor to his carriage. As the Emperor’s carriage disappeared out of view seconds later, Rama could only wonder if he’d done the right thing.




General Anar Konda
Fort Tønsberg, Province of Pradesh


In his youth the hustle and bustle of a moving army had always filled General Konda with both pride and excitement, and now that he was older and more experienced, it had had a decidedly less profound effect on him. Yet, now that he was the supreme commander of Saxahvall's land forces, Konda felt again like the young lad that first joined up, but now he could feel something else too, it was almost a fear of what was coming for these men that he had come to know and love like brothers. And deep down he knew that many of the men arrayed before him would never make it back. Konda suppressed the notion for now, lest it consume his thoughts.

Wagon wheels creaked, orders were shouted, and many a frightened horse whinnied in distress. These were all things that came with a force of this magnitude marching all together. Over a hundred and thirty thousand men were stretched out over several miles, soon to be split into two armies of eighty thousand, and fifty thousand. Each going their own separate ways towards the dangerous borderlands, then beyond to bleed, and for some die in the name of the Emperor. Such was the life of a soldier.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:15 am
by Tracian Empire
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The Roman Empire
Imperium Romanum
"Emperor of Emperors, Ruling over Those who Rule!"



City of God, City of Light
Constantinople!
Brave New Rome, show your might
Constantinople!
Defending Europe and her honor
Constantinople!
Like the Phoenix will rise again!




Rome. The Eternal Empire. Thousands of years of power, glory, wealth, and history. Ancient Rome conquered Europe. From Britannia to Africa Proconsolaris. From Hispania to Syria, many countries and civilizations bowed before the mightiest of them all. Rome. Roma Eternal. Roma Invicta.

Ever since 330 B.C., Rome forged history. When Rome and the Western Empire fell to the barbarians, the capital of the Roman Empire moved to the New Rome. The Second Rome. Constantinople. From there, the Empire continued the glory of Rome for more then a thousand years. Even today, the mighty Emperor of the Romans rules over the Empire from Constantinople.

The Empire isn't what it once was. Even if they aren't as advanced as it's western counterparts, the Roman forces are the most disciplined in the world, with centuries of history. Underestimating the Roman forces would be a fatal mistake.

In the last decades, the Empire has been going through many reforms. The young generations under the rule of His Imperial Majesty, Julius I Palaeologus, Emperor of the Romans, will reform the Empire, and bring it back to its former glory and power. Europe will fear the power of Rome again.

Despite being an Absolute Monarchy, the Roman Empire is a pretty liberal nations. All it's citizens, no matter the race or religion are equal. Being a Roman citizen, a Cives Romani, is more important then whatever your ancestors were before.

Even if the main religion is the Imperial Eastern Orthodoxy, the citizens of the Empire have a complete religious freedom, as long as they pray for the Empire and the Emperor to their Gods. Of course, that doesn't change the attempts of the Orthodox priests to convert the citizens to the one true religion.

The Empire was now trying to establish friendly relations with the other big Orthodox superpower, Russia. The border with the Neo-Akkadian Empire was pretty peaceful now, and chances of a friendly relationship were there.

The biggest problem right now were the heretics and the traitors. The so called Kingdom of Christendom. Italy, and Rome were ruled by a bunch of heretics, liars and traitors. But the day when the Imperial flag will once again wave over the Eternal City is drawing near.The first objectives of the Empire are to secure its northern border, and then colonize Egypt.

In the north, the Romanian Principalities were divided between the Roman and the Russian influence. Maybe they could be divided between the Empire and the Russian Kingdom.

Egypt. The province of Aegyptus. If the Romans could take it, the road to the East and the christian heretic states in Africa would lay wide open. The country of the pyramids will be Roman once more. All hail the Emperor! All hail the eternal Roman Empire!

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 6:25 am
by Cymrea
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3 Januarius 1850

NEW HORIZONS!


Londinium, Cambria – The Praetor Extraterritorialis has orders from Her Majesty Queen Victoria: expand the empire! With the prodigious growth of Sydney and Brisbane, new settlements are expected to land in southern and western Australia this month, to be named Adelaide and Perth, respectively.

In Rupert’s Land, expeditions are preparing to embark into the wilderness of the untamed New World! Trading forts are to be established at sites named Winnipeg, Yellowknife, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Calgary. Ambitions to reach the Pacific may require negotiations with the nascent republic in Alaska. Further south in the American Commonwealth, the Crown and Government seek to mend fences and bury rusted hatchets; a discussion of treaty is on the agenda with our emissaries there!

The Cambrian North Africa Company is poised to purchase vast tracts in Egypt and Nubia as well as eastern South Africa. Along the Nile, entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes is establishing an uninterrupted telegraph link from the Cape to Cairo!

Closer to home, diplomatic ties with the Roman Imperium, France, and the American Commonwealth look to secure a prosperous future for all involved. The Scandinavian Empire, Hansa Federation, and Russia are also scheduled to receive Cambrian envoys in the near future, in hopes of forging a more peaceful coexistence in Europe. In the Far East, the Golden Khanate remains an enigmatic puzzle of diplomacy. Cambrian ambitions in the Orient and Pacific hinge on a successful negotiation with strong Asian partners!

At HMNB Pembroke, the Royal Navy frigate HMS Warrior was recently christened and began her maiden voyage after successful sea trials off the western coasts of Africa. She’s the first armour-plated, iron-hulled warship, and was built in response to France's launching in 1849 of the first ocean-going ironclad warship, the wooden-hulled Gloire. Her sister ship the Black Prince is scheduled to launch later this year.

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HMS Warrior off Ascension Island

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 7:21 am
by Cymrea
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United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs



Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, hereby make the following announcements to the world at large:

Growing settlements in the western and southern marches of the continent of Australia necessitate the security of those pioneering Cambrians. To this end, the United Kingdom of Cambria makes known to all and sundry that the south and west coastal regions are now under the protection and possession of the Crown and Government.

Cambria encourages her friends and allies abroad to recognise and respect these claims, as Cambria has and will continue to do in return.


Southern Australia

North of the Fleurieu Peninsula, on the plains between the Gulf St Vincent and the low-lying Mount Lofty Ranges which surround the area, the settlement of Adelaide was planned to stretch from the coast to the foothills, extending from the handful of buildings standing now, near Sellicks Beach. All of these places were freshly named, the ink yet to dry on the proclamations. The settlement itself was named in honour of Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, queen consort to King William IV, and was planned to be the capital for a freely-settled Cambrian province in an expanding Australia. Colonel William Light, one of Adelaide's founding fathers, designed the city and chose its location close to the River Torrens, in the area originally inhabited by the indigenous Kaurna people. Light's design set out Adelaide in a grid layout, interspaced by wide boulevards and large public squares, and entirely surrounded by parklands.

The Kaurna people were hunter-gatherers; among their customs was the practice of deliberately lit bushfires for hunting purposes in the Adelaide Hills. These fires were part of a scrub clearing process to encourage grass growth for emu and kangaroo, but this tradition led to conflict with the earliest colonists as the fires tended to cause considerable damage to farmland. In an official report made to Colonel Light, Major Thomas O'Halloran claimed the Kaurna also used this as a weapon against the colonists by lighting fires to deliberately destroy fences, survey pegs and to scatter livestock. As a result, the Kaurna people were displaced by the local garrison of the Royal Cambrian Army as the settlers continued to arrive.


West coast of Australia

There was gold here, folks just bloody knew it.

Swan River Colony, founded by Captain James Stirling of the Royal Cambrian Navy in 1829, was originally a naval outpost - a waystation to the Indian Ocean. Rumours that France might have designs on the area, rumours that appeared self-substantiated by the French occupation of New Zealand, prompted Cambrians to settle around the colony. The colony was soon to be renamed after Perth, Scotland, by influence of Sir George Murray, the Legatus Extraterritorialis in Australia.

But it was that intoxicating lure of gold that brought intrepid settlers to the western frontiers of the continent.


Australian Expansion Claim
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 9:58 am
by Cymrea
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United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs



Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, hereby make the following announcements to the world at large:

The exploration of untamed wilds west of Rupert’s Land have provided those brave Cambrians of the Hudson’s Bay Company heretofore unclaimed areas in which to establish hunting and trapping trade concerns. To facilitate these endeavours, the Crown and Government of Cambria has established permanent centers of trade, localised in the settlements of Forts: Edmonton, Calgary, Yellowknife, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg. To this end, the United Kingdom of Cambria makes known to all and sundry that the lands and regions west of Rupert’s Land up to the 120th Meridian, and southeast along the Rocky Mountains, to the 49th Parallel are now under the protection and possession of the Crown and Government.

Cambria encourages her friends and allies abroad to recognise and respect these claims, as Cambria has and will continue to do in return. In particular, the burgeoning republic in Alaska, which will find regions remain into which it too may grow.


Fort Edmonton

My Dearest Emily,

Six months now I’ve been trapping for the HBC in the dark and uncivilised wildernesses of the New World; it’s one of the most difficult undertakings I’ve ever experience, yet the wealth to be earned here seems limitless. I trust that in just another six months, I shall possess more than enough for that cottage in Devonshire.

The Cree peoples of this place call it
Amiskwaskahegan, Beaver Hills House, and the name is rather more fitting than the Cambrian one more recently bestowed upon it. The indigenas trade us ten beaver pelts for one of our rifles; in Cambria, a single pelt brings ten rifles. Can you countenance such a profitable exchange? There are also a number of French coureurs des bois , but it seems that the daily struggle against and contrasting communion with nature here seems to transcend mere national origin.

And have I told you yet of the trees found here? Many new kinds of maple, of the species they tap for sugar in Rupert’s Land, can be seen scattered here by the Elements. Conifers grow to colossal heights and with a number of variations of the pine only imaginable by all the gods. The druids here have found a meadow nearby, most suitable for prayers. I have heard that there are plans to plant and consecrate a proper Sacred Grove soon. I intend to lend an effort there.

The evening meal time is being sounded, Emily, and so I must close. But know that I continue to hold you close in my heart and my thoughts.

Ever yours,
Daniel



Fort Yellowknife

Quintus Douglas Mackenzie hit the hard frozen ground in a heap. His nose, now surely broken, was bleeding profusely. One eye was swelling shut and he found it hard to breath – at least one rib was certainly cracked.

But he held tight to the small yellowish stone in his fist.

“Fine,” said Behchoko, the Dogrib man looming over him. “You keep your tiny nugget, ghost face. But I’ll be damned if any of you invaders steal any more gold from my tribe’s lands.” With a final desultory kick, the indigena stalked off.

Perched on the northern shores of Great Slavey Lake, Fort Yellowknife was a jest in poor taste that barely deserved the name. A small wooden palisade surrounded three squat buildings, comprising little more than a venue for trading hides, pelts, and skins from the arctic fauna – oils and fats from the seals and bears. The summers were short and tempestuous, the winters were seemingly eternal and cruel. And there were so few trees. So few, and not a one of them bearing much dignity or nobility. Why Cambria wanted this place, Douglas would never know.

The local tribes – Dene, Dogrib, Slavey – all of whom had been at each other’s throats for centuries in bitter rivalry for the scarce resources, banded together against the newcomer Cambrians. Only the northern Inuit, called Eskimeaux by the French, had sided with the Crown colonists. But the Inuit were too few in number and too far away to be of much help.

The extensive copper mining in Rupert’s land and the continuous encroachment of Cambrian settlements had left a very bad taste in the mouth of the northern indigenas. Now with traces of gold being found in the areas around the lake, the tribal chiefs were intent on extracting enough wealth to buy the Cambrians off and make their own start in the modern world.

Mackenzie new better. He’d been in Rupert’s Land as a boy and had seen first-hand how European technology and diplomacy worked hand in hand to maintain an inexorable advance of progress, against which the indigenous communities of North America – or South America, or Africa, or Australia – stood little to no chance.

He picked himself up off the ground gingerly and made his way to the small building where the assay office was located. It was good gold, Mackenzie was sure. And despite Behchoko’s assertions, Mackenzie was certain that Cambrian enterprises would enrich themselves by mining the tundra.


Canadian Expansion Claim
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 2:33 pm
by Lenyo
Le Père Duchesne

TREATY RATIFIED WITH BRITTANY.
President Maximilian Travilliste met with Queen Helene of Mecklenburg-Schwerin at the Place du Parlement de Bretagne in order to officiate the final signatures of a defensive alliance. Neither nation will be called to wars of choice, but if invaded, both countries will defend their European provinces and colonial possessions from foreign aggressors. President Travilliste called the treaty "a great day for peace in Europe," emphasizing the power of diplomacy in the modern era. (Read more on page 10.)

PUBLIC EDUCATION PASSES.
Parliament passed the much-debated bill guaranteeing a secular education for all French boys and girls. The reform was praised by many labor unions in the cities that organized celebratory demonstrations, while several more radical unions in Paris protested the continuing absence of state pensions and healthcare. The Church lambasted the bill, condemning the education reform as atheism. (Read more on page 2.)

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 3:52 pm
by Atramentar
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Dai Nippon Teikoku


At the cutting edge of industrial and scientific research and development, yet steeped in the traditions of a bygone age, Dai Nippon Teikoku had risen to challenge the dominance of the established powers. Now, as the Little Giant of the Pacific sought to expand its influence, it encountered the industrial and commercial agencies of the established powers. As much as the Emperor wished to avoid conflict, it appeared that the empire must employ force as well as words to win their arguments.

In Kyoto, the Emperor Komei and his Council of Seven had been deliberating on the means by which they could further aid their allies. Honor demanded that the Britannian diplomatic intervention in Manchuria, which had ultimately proven vital to the planned Japanese occupation of Sakhalin, be repaid. A summit with the major powers of Asia, as well as Cambria and France would further aid in stabilizing the local situation. However, the Emperor felt that some means had to be found of striking at the Manchurian territories.

Surprisingly, it was the normally cautious High General Shinji Takeda of the Army of the Shield who suggested a plan, a limited offensive against two key targets, within easy reach of the Japanese home islands. These were Sakhalin itself, and most significantly, the major fleet base of Vladivostok. With the bulk of Manchurian forces engaged in Siberia, the High General of the Shield maintained that this would both ease pressure on the Khanate and Brittany by creating a threat the Manchurians could not ignore, while also making retribution very difficult to achieve due to the immense distances involved, and the favorable geographical position of the Japanese heartlands. Takeda likened this to “placing a foot on the throat of a sleeping man, and gently shifting one’s weight – not enough to provoke a savage response, merely to make him squirm and struggle.”

The Emperor and his Council agreed in principle. However, High General of the Sword Kojima stated that the empire could not carry such an operation of this scale alone. Defensive measures against any aggressive moves by Siberia or Korea had to be maintained.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:01 pm
by In Gentem Et De Libris Scientiam
The Khan sat in his chair, his Red Hair glowing with the light of the setting sun. His normal red hair turned into blood red color as the mainly red rays of the sun hit his hair. "You say the nation of Brittany has sent us a message?" He asks his secretary. "Yes, Noble Khan, sir." he says, in his deferential tone. "Then could i see it?" The Khan said, his voice slightly exasperated, but also a little bit of humor in it.
"Ah, yes sir. I'll go get it right away, Noble Khan, sir." His secretary says, and scurries off. He soon returned, carrying a sealed letter. He bowed and handed it to the Khan.
The Khan took it, said thank you to his Secretary, and opened the letter, and read the foreign script.
Letters:
To the Might Khan and Glorious Emperor,
Here is the set of terms for the war with the Manchurians.
Brittany: will support the Khanate and Japanese troops with its large navy. An amout of ground forces will be contributed. Brittany will take Port Arthur and a large sum of Manchria's money.
The Golden Khanate: will contribute the most troops to the fighting. They will take Manchuria proper as a reward.
Japan: will contribute a mixed amount of land and naval forces. They will take the Island of Sakhalin as a reward.
I believe these terms to be fair. If you accept, we will crush the Manchurians like the filth they are. Long May You Reign, Great Emperor, and Long May You Reign, Great Khan.

"Secretary, could you get me several letters and a pen. I need to write something. " He said, a bit out of it. His Secretary reached into his desk, grabbed the appropriate materials, and placed it on the Khans table.
"Thank you, Secretary. Do you think you could call my top 3 general in here?" He said.
Soon his top 3 Generals were standing before him in the room. Chi Heng, the 34 year old second in command, was a imposing 6'3" man, with Uighur features, and a scar on his cheek from a piece of shrapnel. Bao, the leading general, was a underwhelming man of 60, standing at 5'1", with a minor stomach. His appearance was underwhelming, hiding the sharp intelligence that his head held. Chang was his 3rd in command, and throughly average, except in his tactical intelligence, where he was one of the best in the world.
"You maybe wondering why i asked you all to come here. The reason is because i have receive word from Brittany about them helping us in a possible Conquest of the Shai. I will write back and tell them we will start it in 3 months. I am trusting you three can get troops set up at the border in the correct places, and get the navy in position?" He spoke to the three, looking at them.
"May i speak freely Khan?" Chi Heng spoke.
The Khan nodded.
"I'm very happy that you have done this. I've been wanting to fight these fuckers. I have set up some plans. We will set half of our army in our most north-eastern province, and the other half will be at our most southern border with the Shai. We will then move on the coast, and ending up near the border with the Koreans. The Northern Army will divide into two, curving out, and ending up at the border of the Koreans. Our Navy will go out first, hitting their coastal cities and forts." He spoke.
"What do you two think of this idea?" The Khan asked, liking the idea for the attack.
They both agreed that it would be a good idea.
"Then I give you free rein to set up the attack." The Khan says, and writes that down on a document, and put his seal on it.
"Now could you leave, please? I have to write out a letter to Brittany." He said, and then started writing, as the three general left.

Great Leader of Brittany and Great Emperor of Nippon,
We will help out as best as we can, and my generals have a set up plan for attacking the Shai. We will be able to take out the capital and the main area of the Shai rather quickly (probably in the time span of 3 to 6 months). We will have our attack start in 3 months, so be prepared by then.
From,
Great Khan of the Golden Empire



The Ministry For Colonization has decided that a territory to the east (second over (in modern bangladesh) of the Impure Saxahvall is the best possible place to set up a colony. They have started send colonists from the Mainland.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 6:52 pm
by Cuprum
Republiek Argentinië - Urquiza haciënda

The wind was blowing hard today, gusts of wind smashed against the walls of the Manor making everything creak and moan, as if the hall would collapse any second. a servant pelted the roof, creating a thrum to the gusts making the corridors incredibly eerie. Inside the Great Hall, the Urquiza Family were paying the storm no mind. It was a normal occurrence for violent storms to come through the zone, it was nothing new to them. Theophylus had the kitchen prepare bundles of food earlier that morning; a feast was planned for tonight. Marie had made sure to invite all of the Family members, and promised a night of feasting and merrymaking.

“Theo, what is this all about?” Marie had asked him earlier in their room. She was a fairly attractive woman with fair skin, and sleek brown hair that fell past her shoulders. She wore a black linen dress today. Marie’s stomach, usually flat, now had a round shape to it, from her pregnancy.

“We are celebrating a new day for the Family, my love.” Theo said, as he wrapped his arms around Theo, cradling her bulging stomach.

“What are you talking about? Have you gone mad?” Marie jested, turning around and locking her hands together behind Theo’s neck. Theo went in to kiss her, he could feel her soft lips press against his own. Theo smiled.

“If I have gone mad, let the drowned god take me. I’m speaking of a new era for the family, one that doesn't leave a rancid taste in people’s mouths as they say it.” Theo breathed excitedly. Mariw now pulled away from him.

“That is the way our house has always been, Theo. They just don't understand us. Remember our words?” Marie questioned. ‘Though all Men Do Despise Us’, Of course I know the words, my dear. She doesn't understand. Theo now walked over to the window, his favorite window. He gazed out at the oncoming storm.

“My love.. Every member of this proud family has known nothing but contempt from other landowners houses. I understand we are not ashamed of who we are. But I am ashamed of what we are. If a few houses thought of us with disdain, i wouldn't mind. But when every house does, we are clearly doing something wrong. I don't want our child growing up with a family that is known for its Caudillos, it's thieves, and rapists. I want our child to be proud to be an Urquiza. I want my father to rely on me for once. I want our family to matter.” Theo said staring out at the landscapw. Rain started to fall outside. The storm is here. Marie came up behind Theo with a defeated face, and wrapped her arms around him.

“Whatever you think is best, my love. I follow you anywhere. You know this, I just dont want you to leap over the crevasse without seeing how far to jump. Above all, I don't want to see you fail.” dHE said, holding Theo closer than before. Theo turned around and held her face in his hands. I would do anything for you, Marie. You are the joy to my life.

“I received a letter from your father. He crossed the Southern Andes in his plan to subjugate the Chilean tribes. He explained his position, and what is hoping to achieve. He wants me to lead the rear guard” Theo admitted. Marie was taken aback, going wide-eyed and placing her hand over her mouth.

“Theo! You didnt even speak to me about this? They could ask you to leave for Africa!” Marie shrilled. “And your son? Dont even get me started, he is not even born yet. You are a mathematician and a doctor not a soldier! You have never fight a war before!” Marie now began to cry. YTheo walked over to her and embraced her. She burrowed her head into his shoulder, still crying. “Its the only way, Marie. Its the only way.” whispered Theo, still unconvinced.

Later that day at the feast, everyone was there trying to avoid the weather outside. All of the family was currently there. The only person Theo could not find was Joseph. He was Theo’s bastard brother, and one of his closest friends. Where has that oaf been off to? Probably found himself a girl and taken her back to his chambers. Theo chuckled to himself. It was no secret Joseph loved his women, and it was no secret that the women liked him back. If I didn't have Marie, at least all the women would know I was friends with Joseph. That would probably be enough for them to like him as well. But Theo knew without Marie his life would be hollow, I shouldn't think like that, I have beautiful wife whom I love. Finally, Theo spied Joseph across the room. He was sitting on a bench, with a lovely young lass on his lap. He was holding an ale and making her laugh loudly. Theo smiled and walked over to the two of them.

“Brother! I almost thought you didn't make it!” Theo came up laughing, with an ale of his own. The room although large, was quite cramped full of people, making it hard to move anywhere.

“This might be the largest amount of people we have had in the Great Hall for awhile now.” Theo said thoughtfully, rubbing his beard.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 8:35 pm
by Lenyo
Before anyone complains about this being super unrealistic, France was the only country in 19th century Europe that was a nation of immigrants. It had to be in order to fill it perennial labor shortage, which was partly caused by their earlier knowledge of birth control. A lot of those immigrants were Jews fleeing tsarist oppression. Basically my entire alt-history with this SFR is pushing what actually happened slightly farther to the left. So this isn't nearly as unrealistic as Byzantium or the Khans lasting through 1850. It's definitely within the rules.


Le Père Duchesne

MINISTRY EXPANDS WORKER RECRUITMENT.

After years of complaints from the Labor Ministry, the Migration Ministry is greatly expanding its program of worker recruitment in the Russian Kingdom. While workers from Brittany, Belgium, and the Papal States can move to France unaided, the journey from Siberia to France is simply too long for a Russian peasant to self-finance.

"France has a drastic labor shortage," stated Migration Minister Jérôme Bourguignon, "And unless we want the nation to continue to be ravaged by strikes, a new pool of laborers is the only solution. My ministry has graciously extended citizenship to the vast majority of immigrants, and we will continue to do so in order to fill the nation's ranks and factories. Russian peasants are ideal immigrants. They are grindingly poor, and many jump at the opportunity to flee monarchism, pogroms, or just the countryside. Our Migration Ministry will set up immigration centers in Saint Petersburg and Odessa that will provide free voyage to workers seeking employment in France. Families will be prioritized in order to increase the French birth rate. We also hope to expand recruitment into the Russian interior, since many peasants don't have the resources to reach a port city."

"Live like God in France. The saying exists for a reason," commented Rabbi Luc Mallet. "Jews looking for a better life should migrate to France, not wilderness in the American hemisphere. The Republic guarantees religious freedom, which is a lot more than I can say for a lot of countries. I completely support the Ministry's new program. Immigrants are part of what make the nation great."

Many oppose the new program. Henri, Count of Chambord, raged "France has plenty of its own peasants who want to move to the cities. We absolutely should not dilute our great culture with foreigners who aren't even Catholic. This migration program will bring about the end of France, mark my words. It's just another example of how the Republic is prioritizing its dangerous experimentation over strong Christian leadership."

Male immigrants will of course be enrolled in the conscription lottery, which has come under fire as of late. "Why was I deployed to Vietnam when rich kids can just buy their way out of the lottery?" complained Théodore Lafaille, whose year of service recently ended. "I immigrated to France to make some money, not to get malaria in some colony I'd never even heard of. The draft should either be abolished, or actually make everyone serve. The conscription lottery is a total joke."

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 12:04 am
by Oscalantine
The Han River has always been and will always be a symbol for the Korean people. Whoever controlled its mighty torrents controlled the peninsula in the past, and certainly the current regime does now. Indeed, Hanyang, whose city is cut in half by its waters, is truly the center of Han (Korean) culture.

The northern half of the city was reserved for the Imperial Palace, which was surrounded by the mountains to all sides. Defensible location, to be sure, but the significance was in ancient Buddhist and Shamanist traditions of the forgotten era: the city hugged by the security of the mountain will never fall. Perhaps the ancestors were right; the Imperial States of Korea has been the largest and most powerful Korean nation to control the Han River.

However, the Emperor does not control this power alone. At the eastern wing of the Imperial Palace stands Palace of Colonial Embassy, a manor seldom occupied by the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do during his or her trip to the homeland. A symbol of the Empire’s acceptance of the Viceroy’s de-facto power in the colonial world filled with competition, deceit, and conflict, the Palace of Colonial Embassy was lit once more. The Viceroy was home from the lavish life in the colonies to heed the formalities with the Emperor.

The main room in the Palace of Colonial Embassy was massive audience chamber that was decorated as per the Viceroy’s tastes. Most of the furniture, therefore, did not match well with the Korean style: the walls were plated with marble and trimmed with gold, tables were in Dutch style, and chandeliers were French-made silvers. It almost became a tradition for the Viceroy to bring something new to the decoration of the palace when he first came to Korea. Viceroy Kwon, the young Viceroy who visited this palace for the first time after his initiation by the Emperor just few years prior, brought a Cambrian tea set; he felt that the oak-shined table was more or less better matched with an English tea set rather than oriental chinaware.

“My Emperor, I am humbled by your presence. May you live an eternity.” the Viceroy bowed knelt down at the presence of the Emperor as he entered the Palace of Colonial Embassy.

“Dong-Nyuc, please stand, I wish for you to only think of me as your senior. Must our relationship be so rigid?” the Emperor Lee Sun, the twelfth Emperor to the throne of Imperial States, exclaimed with a jovial expression as he lifted the Viceroy up.

“Let us get the papers signed so that the officials will leave us to chat, Dong-Nyuc. I am eager to hear what is happening in the colonies.”

“An excellent idea, my Emperor. I am glad to be your eyes and ears once more.”

An hour of negotiations followed, as the officials from both the homeland and the colonies bickered bout the monthly tribute for the following year. Each side contributed to the increasing challenges in defending the borders of their lands, which were becoming increasingly more difficult by the Khanate for the mainland and Europeans for the colonies. At the end of the hour, a compromise was met with the colonies agreeing to the increased tribute in exchange for greater naval presence in the colonial region. The Emperor pledged that three new Turtle Ships will be constructed and sent to the colonies at the quickest availability, making the grand total of the Turtle Ships sent to the Chuk-Jae-Do to 12 from 9 currently docked in the region.

“Now the negotiations are over, please leave us.” the Emperor directed his and Viceroy’s officials. The Viceroy bowed as a gesture to the response, and the officials left the Viceroy and the Emperor in the palace.

“My Emperor, I have brought what the Europeans call ‘Grey Tea.’ The European Trading Company states that the tea itself is created from original Hong-cha (Black Tea) which is mixed with the oil from Bergamot fruit found in the European lands. The tea has a more tangy flavor to the traditional tea.”

“I see. Let us have a taste, Dong-Nyuc, and please tell me what is happening in the colonies.” the Emperor agreed.

As the maids prepared and served the tea to the Emperor and the Viceroy, news of the home and the colonies were introduced between the two. The homeland was feeling the pressure from the Mongols to the North and weakening Manchurian buffer zone, while the colonies were more or less happy with the pirates that were raiding the area.

“Are you saying that you are happy with the rampant piracy, Dong-Nyuc? I would think that such make trade more difficult”

“It should, my Emperor, but with so many pirates favoring to deal with us directly instead of raiding our ships, our dominance of transport in our ports has increased. Our trade interest is unhurt, while the fees we claim for transporting goods from the colonies to safe zones in the Dutch East Indies where they can be shipped to the European heartlands has made our merchants more profitable than not.”

The Emperor nodded in acknowledgement as he sipped on the tea which was served. Both sides exchanged a few notes on the tea’s unique taste, and discussed potential reasons as to why the Europeans would “defile” a tea in such an unorthodox way instead of enjoying the full rich taste of the tea leaves. The Emperor was surprised at the concept of “milk tea” which the Viceroy commented was a common way for the Grey Tea to be served, and asked his maidservants to serve cream to add to the tea.

“Now it doesn’t taste like tea at all! What is the problem with the Europeans and their desire to muddle a well-brewed tea with milk?” the Emperor burst into laughter as he tasted the strange European customs.

“Perhaps it is just a custom among the sailors, my Emperor,” the Viceroy commented, “Even I simply cannot imagine that a royalty in the European mainland would destroy a good tea with such practices.”

“Certainly, I could understand the commoner’s tastes. The taste of cream seems to take away the bitterness in the tea. A poor brewer could compensate for his lack of skills by pouring cream into the drink.”

“An excellent analysis, my Emperor. The Europeans may simply be bad brewers.”

“Be sure to bring a brewer or two, Dong-Nyuc, when you decide to go to the colonies. I do not know about the mainland, but I feel responsible for colonists in our side of the orient if they continue this foul customs.”

“Yes, my Emperor.”

During the negotiations, a comment was raised by the mainland officials that perhaps a discussion can be reached with the Europeans. While the Imperial relations with the Khanate can never be well, Chuk-Jae-Do could create favorable relations with the Europeans so that mutual peace can be established in the colonies. To this, the Viceroy agreed to visit the European colonies starting with the French Vietnam to discuss the potential agreement in trades and other diplomatic ideas.

“While I did not discuss this in the negotiations, Dong-Nyuc, I would like for you to discuss potential military presence in the area. It would be of immense help should of great deterrent to the Khanate should there be a European power present in the south.”

“Yes, my Emperor. But my Emperor, concerning your potential treaties with the Japanese, are you certain that you wish to talk with those primitives?”

The Japanese has been long considered a primitive by the Koreans, who historically gave assistance in the past. While the Imjin Wars changed that mentality among the population to that of barbarians, within the government ranks a peaceful relations were met when the Tokugawa Shogunate succeeded the Toyotomi clan years after. However, as the Emperor of Japan now holds greater power than the Shogun, the diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan has been shaky, with the previous Korean Emperor deciding to not concern with the Japanese at all.

“It has been high time that the two Emperors met face-to-face and acknowledged each other. Barbaric as they may be, they share Imperial legacy that we both would like to preserve against the Khanate to the north.”

“And… Dong-Nyuc, there seems to be a sort of treaty between the Golden Khanate and the Kingdom of Brittany. While I do not mind the economic treaties between the two nations, if this is military alliance, I fear that our Manchurian buffer zone... no, even our mainland could be targeted. After all, the most important factor that is preventing Khanate invasion to our Empire is simply difficulty with the navy.”

“I see. My Emperor, I shall also need to visit the French colonies and see to it that we have French support. According to the maps that the merchants from Europe are bringing, the land of Brittany seems to be connected to the French region. In addition, French sailors have been stating that Brittany was rightfully French. Although it could be a mere sailor talk of supremacy, there may be a merit in keeping a French alliance to ensure that Brittany does not bother with the politics in the orient.”

“Your idea seems to be as great as usual, Dong-Nyuc. I shall order the Industrial Provinces in Incheon and Busan to begin construction of Turtle Ships immediately. With luck, they will be of significant help in deterring any naval power from assaulting the region.”



[b]To the Glorious Empire of Japan[/b]


Greetings to the Glorious Empire and our closest, yet most separate neighbor, the Ministry of Rites would like to extend our greetings on behalf of our Great Emperor, the Emperor Lee Sun of the Most Serene Imperial States of Korea.

Despite our close proximity, the two nations have been at difficult relations due to our historical rivalries. It is perhaps this trivial history that has prevented both nations from achieving our fullest potential: in our negligence for potential friendship and joint protection against the Khanate, we have spent needlessly on defensive measures that could have otherwise been used to promote the well-beings of our people.

Therefore, our More Serene Emperor would like to discuss a meeting between the two Emperors as a meeting of equals to discuss the strategic alliance and mutual protection, as well as trade and other negotiations that could benefit both of our nations. It is our Most Serene Emperor’s greatest wish that the historical difficulties be put aside for a grand future in which the two empires in the orient could share dominance of the land that is rightfully ours.

The Ministry of Rights would like to invite Glorious Emperor Komei to our Imperial Palace in Hanyang, but our Most Serene Emperor has insisted that the honor of choosing the location of our historical meeting should be left to the Glorious Empire of Japan. If there can be of any further assistance regarding this eventful meeting between the two empires, please send a letter or representative back to us. The Ministry of Rites eagerly awaits the response from the Glorious Empire.

Minister Chae Jun-bum
First Seat of Ministry of Rights


To Colonial Governance of Vietnam


To the Governor of Vietnam,

Greetings from Chuk-Jae-Do, the colonial region of the Most Serene Imperial States of Korea.

I apologize for lack of formal letters. While I have been assigned to this post few years in the past, the pirates in the Spice Islands, of which I am sure you know too well, has been holding my attention. However, this does not dismiss the fact that I, your junior when it comes to colonial governor of the region, has neglected to pay visit to my senior in this turbulent times.

I have been noted by my predecessor that the relations between the French Vietnam and Chuk-Jae-Do have always been that of friendship and mutual support. I would like to continue this tradition as well as create a personal friendship between you and myself, governor.

Therefore, while this seems rather sudden, I would like to visit Vietnam during my trip back to Chuk-Jae-Do from the mainland. It would be of greater honor if I could meet you in your busy time to discuss colonial relations between our two colonies. Regardless of your availability, I would like to visit the colony to sample the colonial goods being sent from Chuk-Jae-Do to Vietnam.

I once again apologize for the lack of notice up until now, and I hope that you have a pleasant day,.

Signed,
Kwon Dong-Nyuc,
Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do of the Most Serene Imperial States of Korea.





Military movements in the mainland.

Due to the Emperor’s decree, five more Turtle Ships have been put onto production, of which two will be sent to the colonies after its completion. The naval patrols within the waters of Yellow Sea and Korean Straight have been strengthened at the same time. The official announcement from the Ministry of Defense was to maintain a stronger border patrol against smuggling, those with the insider knowledge could tell that this was as a result of fishy movements within the Golden Khanate and Brittany. Many officials in the Imperial Court had doubts on the Emperor’s overreaction to a treaty between the two, but the Emperor’s stands was that any movements with concerning Golden Khanate had to be checked.

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 6:48 am
by Tracian Empire
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The Roman Empire
Imperium Romanum
"Emperor of Emperors, Ruling over Those who Rule!"



Constantinople, "the New Rome"- Imperium Romanum

A large crowd was gathered inside the Imperial Cathedral of Sancta Sophia. The Roman military commanders were going to be blessed by the Patriarch, before they were going to leave Constantinople with their troops, a thousand years old tradition. The ceremony was close to its end.

The military commanders of the Empire, including the young Emperor Julius II Palaeologus, kissed one of the icons, before turning to face the crowd. People from all across the city were present there. In the same time, the Emperor and the military commanders performed the Roman salute, shouting:
"Roma Eternal! Roma Invicta!"

All the people there enthusiastically did the Roman salute, and everyone started to shout the same thing. The Emperor smirked.
An hour later, Sacrum Palatium

The Emperor was walking on the large hallways of the Sacrum Palatium, the Great Imperial Palace of Constantinople, heading for the Great Balcony, followed by his Imperial Guards. The Emperor was wearing a black with gold military uniform, with a long purple cape. A purple precious stone was tied to his metal eye patch, slowly swinging in the rhythm of his steps. Two guards opened the large doors and the Emperor entered the balcony.

People started to cheer. A large crowd had gathered to see the procession. Roman soldiers in their dark purple uniforms were marching in front of the palace, towards the Gate of St. Romanus.

Constantinople, the greatest city of Europe, was situated on both sides of the Bosporus straits. Even if the old Constantine and Theodosian Walls were still there, another wall system was built after them.. The Great Walls, at triple wall system, were built from 1453 to 1502, the construction was started by Constantine IX Palaeologus. The Great Walls were surrounding the entire city, with one part on the left side and the other on the right side of the Bosporus Strait.

Even if they weren't visible from the Imperial Palace, the New Walls or the New Fortifications, were almost ready. A complex system of Western-like forts and fortifications, surrounding the entire city, the New Walls were going to turn the Imperial Capital into an invincible city once again. Constantinople was never conquered, and it will never be conquered.

On the balcony, the Emperor, the Patriarch and the Imperial Chancellor were saluting the troops. Some of them were going to be sent to Cyprus and Crete, to be ready for Operation Augustus, while the others will be sent to reinforce the border with the Neo-Akkadian Empire.

Between the dark purple uniforms and the red-yellow flags, the black uniforms of the priests and the golden crosses were clearly visible. Every unit had it's own religious members, Orthodox priests in this case. Some units even had Muslim inams or Catholic priests, even if they were few. No matter what religion you had, being a Roman citizen was much more important.

The troops slowly marched out of the city, heading for a nearby military fort. To victory and glory.


Late in the night, after everything was over, the Emperor started to write some letters for different European leaders.


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From: His Imperial Majesty, Julius II Palaeologus, Emperor of the Romans, King of Greece, Autocrat of Asia Minor and Duke of Thrace.
To: Prince Alexios XII of Taurica

Ave, Alexios Princeps,

I have written this letter to thank you once again for the friendship between the Roman Empire and the Principlaity of Taurica. Our countries have been close allies in the past centuries, and they will step together into this new modern era.

To thank you for the help of Taurica, I have a proposal. You might be aware of our plans to attack and colonize Egypt. The Muslim state there is weakened, and will fall very easy. If you want, you could send troops to help us, and in exchange for that, you will receive some cities and land as Taurica's colonies. I eagerly await your answer.

Roma Eternal!

Julius II Palaeologus



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From: His Imperial Majesty, Julius II Palaeologus, Emperor of the Romans, King of Greece, Autocrat of Asia Minor and Duke of Thrace.
To: Czar Ivan Barbibsky

Ave, Ivan Barbibsky Rex

I have written this letter, hoping the improve the relations between the Roman Empire and the Russian Kingdom. We are the world's only Christian Orthodox superpowers, and together, we would be unstoppable.

I know that requesting a military alliance from the beginning would be too much, but would you think about a trade agreement? As we are controlling the straits between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, a trade agreement with us would greatly help the Russian economy.

Also, I would like to discuss the situation of the two Romanian principalities with you. In order to improve our influence and security, those two lands have to be annexed before Austria tries something. Facing the influence of both Russia and the Roman Empire, Wallachia and Moldova will probably agree.

What would you say if Wallachia and Dobruja would be annexed by the Roman Empire, and Moldova would be Russia's?

The Patriarch of Constantinople has also told me to announce you that Russia now has enough land and power to be considered a power. Upon request, the Patriarch of Constantinople will recognize you as an Emperor, and Russia as an Empire.

I eagerly await your response.

Roma Eternal!

Julius II Palaeologus

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 6:49 am
by Lenyo
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Governor of Vietnam Philippe Laframboise was getting more and more tired of the palace he inhabited since becoming colonial governor a month ago. Every day it was clearer that his predecessor had been more interested in expanding the palace than actually doing his job. Way too many rooms had original Degas paintings, the gardens were truly sumptuous, and the governor probably had the best kitchen in Vietnam. But at least all the decadence would impress the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do. The governor's servants were rushing around, hectically preparing for a state visit. All the metal would shine, and only the finest would be served for Kwon Dong-Nyuc.

The governor had ordered a long list of gifts for the viceroy. Displays of rice, coffee, rubber, tea, pepper, soybeans, cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas, poultry, fish, seafood, glass, cement, steel, coal, and shoes were set up, and eighteen capitalists were summoned to lecture on the quality of their commodities for as long or little as Kwon Dong-Nyuc was interested. Not all of the products matched the scenery of the formal gardens, especially the 500 kilograms of coal, but utility outweighed ascetics.

Philippe Laframboise felt a great pride looking at the displays of Vietnamese industry and agriculture. This was why the French were here. France was lifting the colony out of the dark ages, bringing prosperity and culture and the republic to distant corners of the globe. And to think the previous governor had hardly left his palace, engorging himself on quiche when he could have witnessed the progression of history in Vietnam. Philippe Laframboise was glad the fat bastard had choked to death on his own food.

The governor gestured toward a maid, who immediately brought him tea in the Korean style. He would never admit this to people in Europe, especially the Cambrians, but he much preferred pure tea to European concoctions of coffee or tea leaves. Of course that wouldn't be a faux pas with Kwon Dong-Nyuc. Philippe Laframboise sipped his tea while appreciating the imminent state visit. "This will all go splendidly," he said rhetorically. From the palace's hill he could see Hanoi's harbor, where the steamship Napoléon towered over other vessels. Philippe Laframboise had managed to have one of the few 90-gun French ship of the lines stationed in the far east, and he was sure Kwon Dong-Nyuc would be interested in the cutting edge of naval technology.

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At Walvis Bay, Namibia four regiments of the French Foreign Legion were disembarking. The twelve regiments of the French Foreign Legion were the finest soldiers in the world, or at least the Republic's textbooks said they were. The elite soldiers would be flanked by two divisions of Oorlam, mixed-race citizens who supported colonization, unlike so many of the Bantu natives. Tomorrow the combined army would be ready to sweep across Namibia, ending the native rebellion and cementing French control over the coastline between Brazilian Angola and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:52 am
by Atramentar
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Dai Nippon Teikoku



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Emperor Komei Eases the Minds of the People
With its widely scattered possessions, the Japanese military is one of the few to operate with a true combined-arms structure. The empire's military is split into three major organizations – the Shield, which defends the empire's existing holdings; the Sword, which constitutes Japan's prime offensive power; and the Crucible, a balanced and flexible force that provides both replacement troops and fighting reserves to the other two forces, while being fully capable of engaging in independent action if necessary.

Ashigaru Make Camp on the Asian Mainland
The Second Division of the Army of the Sword have established beachheads at Sakhalinsk and Nakhodka, in preparation for the Manchurian Campaign. Supported by elements of the Golden Khanate and Brittany, the Sword is poised to fall upon the enemy.

Dai Nippon Teikoku Kaigun Introduces the Ika-class Sensuikan
The Japanese Empire has gone for a death from below option with a techno-mechanical horror. The heavily armored body of this wondrous naval beast allows it to absorb punishment as it approaches and slam into the target. Cannons mounted to the tentacles allow it to engage enemy vessels.
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Kotetsu Maru publicly released technical rendering.

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 8:32 am
by Cymrea
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United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs



To: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Second Republic of France

On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, it is my great honour to propose a diplomatic summit to discuss closer relations and the future of a stable and prosperous Europe. It is hoped that the convention may take place in Paris and result in an historically cooperative era between Cambria and France.

For our delegation, we appoint the Right Honourable Olivia Tertia Wellesley, 1st Countess Cowley, as the Legatus Extraterritorialis to France.


Ever in service,

Right Honourable Meredith Aurelia Rhys-Jones, Praetor Extraterritorialis
Royal Cambrian Senate
for HM Queen Victoria

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 8:58 am
by Utahisdi Gadohi
I missed the application process, How do I get in?

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 9:40 am
by Lenyo
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To Right Honourable Meredith Aurelia Rhys-Jones, Praetor Extraterritorialis of the Royal Cymrean Senate,
Right Honourable Olivia Tertia Wellesley, 1st Countess Cowley as the Legatus Extraterritorialis, and
Her Majesty Queen Victoria o Rosa Regina,

Paris is delighted to host a diplomatic summit in order to improve relations with the United Kingdom of Cambria. May the convention usher in a golden age of peace and prosperity in Europe and the world more broadly. The Foreign Ministry has a number of bold proposals to build a strong alliance between Cambria and France.

First of all, a military alliance would strengthen the security of both our overseas colonies and our homelands. Cambria and France are interested in civilizing Coastal West Africa and Oceania, and an alliance between our great powers would guarantee the continued safety of all of our possessions. This alliance could be purely defensive, or it could be extended to future interventions, if need be.

Cambria and France have traded since time immemorial, but we have imposed trade barriers in order to build up our domestic manufacturing. Both the United Kingdom and the Second Republic are industrial powers, and we no longer need protectionism in order to survive. Cambrian MP Richard Cobden and French Senator Michel Chevalier have proposed a new form of treaty to sharply reduce trade barriers between nations. They call it a free trade agreement. It would limit tariffs between both Cambria and France to 30%. This free trade agreement would surely increase French unemployment, but France is ready to demonstrate its dedication to liberalism and Cambrian prosperity.

Cambrian military technology is famous throughout the world. Although French arms and shipbuilding are some of the finest available, we are interested in mastering the science of war. This requires cooperation. The Second French Republic proposes founding a joint academy in Paris to train both Cambrian and French military engineers. We can share cutting-edge military technology in order to guarantee the modernity of our respective militaries.

Finally both the United Kingdom of Cambria and the Second French Republic have colonial possessions across the globe. Even during peacetime, it is imperative that our commercial and military vessels have safe harbors in which to dock and restock. We propose that Cambria and France share our ports throughout the world. Namibian docks would be particularly useful for Cambrian voyages to Australia, while France would benefit greatly from access to the Falkland Islands when crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Consider our proposals. All of them will benefit our diplomatic relations, and if all four are accepted, the United Kingdom of Cambria and the Second French Republic will have the greatest alliance the world has ever known.

Awaiting our summit in Pairs in March,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Second French Republic,
Joachim Louis Napoléon Murat