1855 : Alternative Divergence [AH][IC][REBOOT]

by **Cymrea** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:51 am

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Foreign Relations Secretary, Theodemocracy of Deseret

On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, and the Governor of Canada, I am honoured to extend the hand of neighbourly friendship to Deseret and to President Joseph Smith. Further, I propose a diplomatic summit to discuss closer relations and the future of a stable and prosperous West America. It is hoped that the convention may take place in Salt Lake City and result in an historically cooperative era between Cambria and Deseret.

For our delegation, we appoint the Right Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie as the Legatus Extraterritorialis to Deseret.

Ever in service,

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

by **Lenyo** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:12 am

The great port of Nouvelle-Orléans had been the pride of the French one and a half centuries ago, but the Kingdom's embarrassment in the Seven Years' War had effectively ended its colonization of the continent of North America. Nonetheless colonial officers still lurked in the bigger cities of North and South America, collecting intrigue on both continents' governments and scouting out the stability of the hemisphere. For well over a century this spying in the Americas bore little fruit, but the sudden and tragic collapse of Louisianne changed the political climate considerably. Although Louisianne's massive government debt - the majority of which was owned by the Second French Republic - had lost all market value, the crisis in Louisianne did not have to be a total loss.

Caribbean Governor Matthias Delaplace sat with Fleet Admiral Léon Vincent, de facto leader of Louisianne's navy. Nouvelle-Orléans had experienced decent economic growth in the last few years, but recent instability threatened to destroy the city's newfound prosperity. "My men only barely control Nouvelle-Orléans, monsieur gouverneur," began Fleet Admiral Léon Vincent. "The Great Plains are a total loss at the moment, but I think that the port can be saved from anarchy. Desertions in the old Louisianne army are so commonplace that the institution no longer exists in practice, but under my fair rule the navy has held intact. Nouvelle-Orléans needs to be saved from impeding chaos, and a coup d'État is the port's only hope. I can impose martial law and bring Nouvelle-Orléans back from the brink, but I will need French aid."

"Obviously, otherwise you would have already acted and not visited me at all," said Caribbean Governor Matthias Delaplace after downing a shot of cognac. "I don't even want to mention how many of those damn government bonds the Republic holds, but I suspect you already know France's predicament. We were Louisianne's biggest benefactor, and now that social experiment was officially a failure," Delaplace sighed and downed another shot. "France will bankroll your creation of a Nouvelle-Orléans city-state, and this time don't even bother venturing into the hinterlands. Let somebody else deal with the Indians. My colonial officers will help you pacify Nouvelle-Orléans, and if things don't go to plan French sailors can always reinforce you from Martinique. You are to seize Nouvelle-Orléans province, no more."

"Of course, as I said, my men only barely control the city," agreed Léon Vincent.

"Now all we have to do is calm down the jingoists in Paris who will cry out for a vast reconquête," complained Matthias Delaplace.

by **Oscalantine** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:04 am

Movement in Pirate Kingdom of Persia

One thing about pirates is that, despite their ability to behave, they don’t know a thing about diplomacy. While Laura was born and bred Dutch nobility that still knew how to hold a pen, her megalomania about being a “queen” made her delegate important position of diplomacy, of all things, to her fellow pirate crew. The one who was appointed, Sour Tongue, was a sly and shrewd speaker who was unfortunately without any literacy. As a result, Laura maintained friendly relations with its Hanseatic neighbors in Jamen, but never completed diplomatic agreement with the superpower of the West. Dong-Nyuc also suspect that Laura just doesn’t like Hansa due to Hanseatic conquest of Belgium, but young Viceroy knew better not to pry too deeply into his future wife’s secrets; especially when she was far more proficient with the use of firearms that he would ever be.

Thus, when skilled advisors of Dong-Nyuc saw the myriad of stacks of papers, they poured a batch of thick, black coffee and got started on the foreign affairs long overdue. The young Viceroy wished to help, but the advisors pushed Dong-Nyuc away from anywhere pen and papers were found. Not only that, Laura also made frequent, successful attempts at kidnapping the young Viceroy and spiriting him away to remote locations in Persian Gulf. Somehow, her Roman guards knew where to look for her always, and followed her around much to Dong-Nyuc’s amusement. The legionnaires usually stood watch within their own boats, but it didn’t make Laura any less vexed.

Regardless of precarious romance between the leadership, the diplomatic letter was signed and sent to Hansa, who were supposed to be friends not only in words, but in paper. It was the Viceroy’s hope that his presence in the West would solidify the relations between Korea’s European acquaintances once and for all.

Official Document from Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do

The advisory board of Viceroy wishes to send salutations and apology to the Governor of Jamen as well as the Greater Federation of Hansa as a whole. In the light of our recent diplomacy within the five years, we thank the leadership of the Hansa Federation through this trying times of instability within the pirate-controlled region of Persian Gulf.

With the recent turn of events, the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do is currently in the Middle East region and is expected to tour the Western European allies. Prior to this occurrence, this advisory board would with to humble request my lords’ agreement in a proper channels of proper alliance in documentation not only for the diplomatic protection of the Viceroy, but also for the continuation of the mutual friendship that the two nation shares.

The attached documentation is offer from the Viceroy with respect to the Merchant Board back in Chuk-Jae-Do as well as the Pirate Kingdom of Persia. It is our greatest wish that my lords will review the documents and solidify the relations that our two great nations share. This advisory board will be traveling with the Viceroy to Constantinople, where the recent Roman Triumph will take place. Should my lords be present in the city at the time, we eagerly hope to see my lords there.

Signed,
Advisory Board of Viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do

The Viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do, with the blessing of the Most Serene Imperial Highness of the Imperial States of Korea, would wish to offer the following proposal to Greater Hansa Federation and its holdings:

For the sake of mutual prosperity, the Greater Hansa Federation and Imperial States of Korea will enter into treaty of expansive alliance, where, at the request of another, shall join the imperial ambitions of another for as long as doing so does not conflict with their own ambitions
For the sake of mutual prosperity, the Great Hansa Federation and Imperial States of Korea will reduce their tariffs to 20% for each other. Furthermore, both nations will open their ports to civilian vessels of each other’s merchants at all times, allowing security of mercantile interests of each other even at the most political difficult situations.
For the sake of mutual prosperity, the Great Hansa Federation and Imperial States of Korea will hold joint summits of enlightenment to be held every three years in the regions of Persian Gulf. The engineers, scholars, and scientists from respective nations are free to join this summit to freely discuss whichever is necessary to bring greater scientific and philosophical discoveries to respective nations.

Institute of Scholarly Engineering,
Malay Peninsula, Viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do

Koh Yeong-sil, the scholar-engineer of the Chuk-Jae-Do, sat at his desk in the lavishly-decorated personal studies in the Academy-City of Chuk-Jae-Do. Since the conception of the tiny islands and patches of land that collectively declared themselves “Chuk-Jae-Do,” the colonials of Korean had held craftsmen and merchants in high regard. So much was their elitism that an entire institution was developed on their honor, a city-sized conglomerate of academies designed to specifically bring up the best and the brightest of Chuk-Jae-Do in the art of craftsmanship. Not only that, the massive compound was also home to Korea’s Engineering Core, whose disciplined military-engineers were able to hold the lines while mercenaries and soldiers alike would break and scatter. The Institute of Scholarly Engineering was epicenter for Korean ingenuity, long away from the mainland where nobility and politics choked the life out of creative license.

The elderly scholar, however, was not alone in his private studies. Surrounding him were several of his brightest students, which includes his personal slaves whom he bought from their masters at excessively high price for their engineering minds. His team were busy at work in revisiting the design of the latest ironclad of Korea: Gabuk.

Koreans always had advantage over iron-plated ships designs, as they have always implemented these works before Europeans thought of covering the weak wooden frames with wrought irons. Koreans, with their already high-understanding of technology, were already implementing heavy steel framing while keeping a close tab on the buoyancy of the vessels. While Gabuk was the end conclusion of the fact, Koh Yeong-sil was unsatisfied with the ceremonial and impractical designs that the Ministry of Works brought up. It was his team’s thought that the era of broadside guns were over: with ironclads’ advantages so obvious, the need for tightly packed rows after rows of lighter cannons would fade in favor of heavy cannons that can puncher through ironclads’ thick iron plates.

Koreans were in luck, however, as Cheonja-Chongtong were already light while punching serious firepower compared to even the genius of Second French Republic and Greater Hansa Federation. The secret came from packaging the black powder within the tough paper called Hanji before loading the weapon, allowing the full force of the gunpowder to be used to launch the projectiles while not dirtying the interior of the cannon. Thanks to this design, Cheonja-Chongtong would not need much revolutionizing design: still, Yeong-sil and his team were already on the case.

The first prototypes of Whangja-Chongtong (황자총통, Emperor-class Howitzer), even larger class than Cheonja, were already in the works. Taking inspiration from the rifling technology as well as newly introduced “breech-loading” schematics from Europeans, Whangja-Chongtong is to become primary weapon of the new line of ironclads which would rely on few heavy cannons to effectively combat other ironclads. Whangja-Chongtong’s schematics specified the mix of sliding block as well as screw breech, mixing the advantage of Eastern and Western definition of “breech-loaded” cannons to its fullest. The reusable cartridge holding shell and gunpowder would be loaded from the breech, which would first be held fast by the sliding lever that will eliminate the gap between cartridge and the barrel. Second seal would be the screw breech, which would completely seal in the breech even in the case of warping in the cannon manage to undo the first level of seal.

Whangja-Chongtong is much larger than Cheonja, being at 2 meters in length and weighing 350 kg. It uses greater amount of gunpowder at around 3 lb, but still not up to the amount that European standards use. However, thanks to this extra mass, rifle, and gunpowder consumption, the lethal range of Whangja-Chongtong eclipses Cheonja-Chongtong at around 7500 meters even with the use of Daejanggun-Jeon. In fact, Daejanggun-Jeon has been re-designed in such ways to fit into Whangja’s 170mm caliber, opting to use lead casing to decrease the burden on the cannon itself to prevent warping during stress of war.

Despite all this, Whangja is still not ready for operation. For one, its warping issue is still not yet solved, making lever-controlled sliding lock become useless after 100 uses. The solution has been raised thus far to either opt out of different metals or to ensure that lever can also be replaced after 100 uses. Optimization and training is still required also for the military corps to implement this weapon into their training as well, which will further delay the complete production.

However, with the Whangja-Chongtong’s successful field testing and its work being conducted by other teams to ensure safety and optimality, Koh Yeong-sil and his crew can now focus on ironclad designs: one that will perhaps do away with the traditional look of “Turtle Ship” design in favor of more efficient coverings. With that said, the team is still in favor of maintain “shell-like” casing throughout the top of the deck while maintaining original intention of “few powerful cannons over dozens of smaller cannons.”

There were many who were opposing this idea at the moment. Their argument was that Korean engineering already ensured that Cheonja-Chongtong was already powerful enough to pierce through armored shell of ironclads. There was simply no need to create even stronger cannons and limit the cargo space when current design did the trick. However, to Yeong-sil and his team, this was only temporary. While the ironclads right now were made out of wrought-iron and thus penetrable, countries like Hansa Federation is already experimenting with superior metal-working, and will create hulls which Cheonja-Chongtong will not be able to penetrate. For this, cannons with even stronger firepower than Whangja-Chongtong will become needed: and for all that weight and firepower, few with plenty of support will do a better job than many Cheonja-Chongtong. It was time that Koreans have gotten out of their fear of gunpowder shortage: Chuk-Jae-Do was already a prosperous and powerful colony that could supply entire Korean needs in gunpowder several times over.

Blachernae Palace,
Constantinople, Imperium Romanum

Arriving from rather tiring trip across the Middle East, the to-be wed couple arrived at Constantinople by the late afternoon. The majesty of the city’s grandeur was almost extinguished by the jovial atmosphere, where drinking and merriment was littered throughout the city. While Laura was very much interested in joining the parade, wearisome Viceroy managed to convince his fiancé of potential danger. Although Dong-Nyuc trusted the legion’s ability to maintain order even in this occasion, he would rather not take any chances until they have unpacked and obtained a proper security under proper authorities.

While Dong-Nyuc was already informed of the magnificence of the Blachernae Palace, he really wasn’t ready just by the words alone. Scholae Palatinae, in order to better serve their guests, frequently asked Laura what Dong-Nyuc was stating; while the pirate queen was versed well-enough in Latin to translate, she had no desire to translate young Viceroy’s exclamation of beauty. To be frank, Laura didn’t exactly enjoy the architecture. Coming from a Catholic background, the color of the palace was too colorful for her taste. Viceroy, however was mesmerized by the exact same reason, making most of their discussion revolve around whether such architecture should be used within Chuk-Jae-Do or not.

At the end of the day, Laura was unable to convince Dong-Nyuc, who insisted that he will no longer take anyone’s words for granted. He decided rather to request the Scholae Palatinae to gather an artist capable and not-inebriated enough to capture the beauty of the building to mark the occasion of his visit. Although Laura protested, she did consent to posing as a model with the young Viceroy to keep him company.

[[Just an introduction post. If there is anything starting, my RPCs will be there ^^]]

Dae-Taeguk Railway,
Beijing Region, Cheng Dynasty of Chinese Empire

With the labor force streaming in from the countryside, the issue with labor quickly dissipated. In fact, with more labor came ability to give greater shifts and more room for breaks, which increased overall labor welfare in the workplace. The Imperial Military Corps also added to the labor force, but the officials in the project thought that it was best for much of the military be put on reserve and to retain order in the workplace, which itself served to promote security. While there were no bandits prior to this, there certainly wasn’t going to be one in the future.

The railway was moving as scheduled, with overabundant supplies coming from both Cheng as well as Korea. Due to this overabundance, both nations were able to specialize: while the Koreans with their colonial efforts in the trophic were in charge of foodstuff and wood, Cheng were able to take charge of sending in higher quality metals due to their budget being less constrained to purchasing food for the labors. The woods of choice by Koreans were Teak, which were grown en-mass by Koreans for their uses in ship hulls. Although the Teaks used here were of lower quality, as much of the premium-grades were put into uses for naval construction, Teak’s unique resistance to the elements made it an ideal material for the use of major construction such as this.

The railway’s name, Dae-Taeguk (대태극) was titled by a young scholar-engineer Gi Moon-Chaek. Moon-Chaek was largely considered a questionable person of choice from within the Ministry of Works for his young age. Nonetheless, he was chosen by the Institute of Scholarly Engineering in Chuk-Jae-Do for his brilliance in the field of public works. While his designs were radical and needed guidance from more experienced scholars, his oversight and instinctive decisions on the field were second to none. Moon-Chaek also welcomed the task, for he saw this as a way to prove himself to the nobles in the Ministry of Works, whom he would undoubtly continue to meet in the future.

The namesake of Dae-Taeguk was, while chosen by Moon-Chaek, actually from a gossip. Moon-Chaek, like quite a few from the Institute of Scholarly Engineering, was not from a wealthy family. He had a humble beginning as a slave who was recognized by his master in Chuk-Jae-Do who oversaw Moon-Chaek’s training and admittance to Institute of Scholarly Engineering. This was fairly common practice among merchant families of Chuk-Jae-Do, as one or two slaves missing was not even a scratch on their wallet compared to having influential geniuses indebted to them. Despite his rise in the classes, Moon-Chaek still identified more with the labors rather than bureaucrats sitting in the tents and drinking tea. During his meal with the labors by the campfire, he heard a few Chinese labors discussing the issue. He loved the idea so much that he pushed for the namesake to be titled for this new railway. Korean officials, who saw this as an opportunity to continue to show goodwill to the Chinese administration, eagerly bought up the idea, and Dae-Taeguk railway was named. There was a bit of controversy over how it should be pronounced, however, as “大太極” was pronounced differently in Chinese (Da-Taiji).

by **Cymrea** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:05 am

14 Martius 1855

NAVY ROLLING ON "OLD MAN RIVER"

Londinium, Cambria - A source within the Admiralty has reported that no fewer than three corvettes have passed through New Orleans, headed north in an effort to eliminate the burgeoning piracy that threatens to plague the mighty Mississippi River. Diamond-class ships HMS Sapphire and HMS Onyx are joined by new Highflyer-class screw corvette HMS Celeritas; the Cambrian vessels will patrol a nearly two thousand mile stretch of the river, from north of the now French held New Orleans to the unincorporated ports of southern Minnesota.

It is expected that the American Commonwealth will maintain the gallant patrols along their eastern banks, and the Cambrian ships will seek to work in cooperation with the Commonwealth navy. The ports of primary concern include Dubuque and Davenport in Iowa Territory, and St. Louis, where the Missouri River meets the Old Man.

Marines are not yet scheduled to land at ports, but that may change if lawful order cannot be restored soon.

HMS Sapphire

by **Orthodox States** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:29 am

The Theodemocracy of Deseret

Salt Lake Temple

Joseph went back to his office to relax after another session of Congress in which nothing happened, due to the lack of pressing matters. As he just started to sit down, his door was opened by a messenger from the Office of Foreign Relations.

"Sir! Message from Cambira!" he said, and then after putting the message on his desk he hurried out back to his Office.

Wondering what that was all about, Joseph opened the leader and read its contents:

Cymrea wrote:
(Image)

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Foreign Relations Secretary, Theodemocracy of Deseret

On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, and the Governor of Canada, I am honoured to extend the hand of neighbourly friendship to Deseret and to President Joseph Smith. Further, I propose a diplomatic summit to discuss closer relations and the future of a stable and prosperous West America. It is hoped that the convention may take place in Salt Lake City and result in an historically cooperative era between Cambria and Deseret.

For our delegation, we appoint the Right Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie as the Legatus Extraterritorialis to Deseret.

Ever in service,

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

Joseph Smith was delighted at the news of a potential meeting with another nation. Deseret didn't have that many diplomatic options, so he started to write his response as soon as possible. Getting out his pen and paper, he immediately set to work of writing a reply:

To: Right Honourable Meredith Aurelia Rhys-Jones

A friendship between our nations would be most welcomed indeed, especially since Cambria is one of the leader's in the world stage. We gladly accept your proposal for the convention in Salt Lake City, and hope our nations grow an indivisible and eternal friendship. Please inform your delegate, Right Honorable William Lyon Mackenzie, that the meeting shall be held in the Presidential Office in Salt Lake Temple.

From.
President Joseph Smith of Deseret

Finally, after finishing his letter, he ordered an aide to give it to the Office of Foreign Relations of review and shipment. He then opened up his daily paper, Deseret News, to find an article about recent movements in Dakota and New Orleans from European powers. He decided on a later date to ask Congress to expand Deseret land by annexing the Indian tribes, preferably in the areas north of Deseret (Washington and the rest of Idaho)

by **Cymrea** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:52 am

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Joseph Smith, President of the Theodemocracy of Deseret

Mr. President, it is my great honour to be the Cambrian ambassador to Deseret and I send forth this telegram from the Diplomatic Corps office in Vancouver. It is a race to see whether it or I arrive in Salt Lake City first! I shall arrive by steamer at Portland in six days and from there travel by the fastest means available.

One point of paramount importance to Cambria is the securing of the Puget Sound and the city of Seattle, and the northern valleys of the Washington Territory. The area is of vital strategic importance to the Crown and, if Cambria could secure the cooperation of Deseret in its negotiations with the native Salish and Athapaskan peoples, your nation could benefit from reciprocal cooperation and support in developing the remainder of the Washington, Idaho, and perhaps even Wyoming Territories.

I do hope you will give the matter serious consideration. I look forward to meeting you and your delegation soon!

Ever in service,

Right Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie, Legatus Extraterritorialis to Deseret
Royal Cambrian Diplomatic Corps
for HM Queen Victoria

by **Second Helghan Empire** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:53 am

Constantinople

Johann and Tyra stepped off of the ship they were attending as celebrity status VIP's from the Federation. Beside them was political adviser Joseph Ackler and councilman Hans Sidle, both of which had been sent by the Chairman while Johann and Tyra had seemingly appeared from thin air on the passenger roster.

Reykjavik

With Iceland all but fully under their control the Hanseatic troops stripped the city of all its dangerous weapons. Icelandic soldiers found themselves banned from using more than one weapon and were only allowed 10 shots with that weapon. Every Icelandic unit of 10 was monitored by an Aufpasser or minder. Men who were previously in military units before the dissolution of Iceland's standing force were either marked as dangerous individuals or conscripted into the Hanseatic military which saw them immediately shipped back to the Federation proper.

However for the civilian aspect the Hanse stayed out of the civilian's business. They helped when they could, walking expectant mothers home. helping the police and fire organizations set u by the new Hanseatic governor. All in all while the Icelanders originally opposed their new leaders they suddenly realized that the Hanse government could actually make their lives better here.

The allied forces who had helped in pressuring the control of Iceland into Hanse's hands were given full access to the Icelandic ports as they were across the rest of Hanseland.

The Lousianne Crisis

A hastily marshaled force now steamed toward port Galveston. Equipped with six Ironclads, three of which had been moved from Iceland to this new task, and over a dozen steam transports ranging in size from massive to the same size of the ironclads. They carried 42,500 men, mostly Belgian, Danish, and Icelandic conscripts which were considered poorer trained even though they had attended the same training institutes save the Icelandic soldiers and a small portion of the Belgian soldiers. Armed with much of the new technology such as the Gatling gun and nearly 22,000 repeaters the force was to move inland from Galveston as soon as it had been secured. They were to "restore order" as quickly as possible to as much as possible but had been told to not fire on french or aztec forces unless fired on first.

While this happened Chairman Schmidt himself took a train to Paris to notify the French leadership of his intentions in North America. He also sent notification to the Aztec Ascendancy to notify them of his impending landing.

TO: The leadership of the Aztec Ascendancy, and whoever it may concern.

By the time you receive this the men will most like have already landed such is the problem of intercontinental communication. Do not fear as these men will not encroach on Aztec soveriegn land and intend to restore order there under the Hanseatic banner. We wish to remain friendly in politics and this act is in by no means meant as a threat to your nation.

Regards,
Alfonse Schmidt, Chairman of the Greater Hanseatic Federation.

Jemen Colony

Governor Amadeus Lutz stamped his approval on the offer made by the Chuk-Jae do government. He sent his top to advisers to the capital of the Persian Pirate Kingdom. They would begin further talks with the Koreans to better organize the friendship between the two. Hopefully extending it to become a deep seeded unifying force.

Stockholm, Schweden

Ludwig Oster now stood at the docks in Stockholm and awaited the Swedish to meet him and take him and his men to the meeting place.

by **Tracian Empire** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 11:03 am

The Roman Empire
Imperium Romanum
"Empire of Empires, Ruling Over Those Who Rule."

The Imperial Capital of Constantinople, the Second Rome, the Queen of Cities

Neorion Harbor, Nepali delegation

Prince Michael was also pleasantly surprised by the Nepali queen. While in the ancient past, the Romans had been fairly bad at diplomacy, since they considered most of the other people to be barbarians. After the division of the Imperium, the Eastern side had always proven to be more diplomatic than the west, the many times migrating barbarians had been averted to the West was the clear proof. Even so, with all its diplomacy and connections to the east, the Roman Empire had only barely heard of Nepal, and having the leader of such an exotic nation here was surely a delight. And the Nepali queen, with her attractive features was of course, worthy of her name.

The fact that the Queen was also speaking Latin was of course, another pleasant surprise for the Prince and his guards. While the Prince himself was able to speak Latin, Greek, French, German and in moderate measures, languages used in the Middle Orient, it could have been indeed more difficult to converse in a different language. She was also able to speak it very well, her Indian accent somehow mending in perfectly with the language.

"I'm glad to know that the name of Rome has been heard even so far away from here.", Prince Michael said, responding to the queen's bow with a bow on his own, but done in the normal Roman style, with the clenched fist of the right hand over the chest, in the region of the heart."Your simple presence here, in Constantinople, and the effort you have done in order to come to our beloved capital from so far away is enough to honor us, but we are most thankful for your gifts. From the distant past hasn't a majestic animal like that be present in Constantinople, even if the only place suitable for it to stay in currently would be the Hippodrome, and that wonderful statue can rival with the most beautiful treasure of the Imperium."

The Prince then motioned to the Varangian guards, who came forward, one with a set of golden jewelry, a ring, a necklace, earrings, and a small crown, all with the purest rubies the Imperium could use, while the other one came forward with a golden statue, with emeralds instead of eyes, representing the ancient Roman goddess Victoria.
"I must apologize for the meagerness of our gifts. We've tried to bring worthy of such a queen, even if it was on a short notice.", Michael explained.

The Japanese Delegation
"Salve!", the Romans responded, also bowing, but saluting in the usual Roman way, with the clenched fists over their chests. The Roman delegation was made out by four Scholae Palatinae, or "paladins", as they were also known, in their red with yellow parade uniforms. The Palatinae were seemingly led by a young man, in his mid-twenties, with a neat, light brown hair, and amber eyes, who was wearing the red uniform of the Exercitus, seemingly a high ranked officer.
"In the name of the Emperor, the Senate, and the People of Rome, I would like to welcome you in the Imperial City of Constantinople. The presence of such esteemed guests, from such a faraway but mighty empire like Japan is an honor for us.", the officer said."I am Aurelianus Commenos, Legate of the Legio I Thraciae Victrix, the First Legion of the Imperium. From the orders of His Imperial Majesty himself, I will serve as your guide during your presence in Constantinople. Of course, you can visit the entire city, and the Imperator will later be expecting you at the Great Palace, if you would wish to speak with him."

The Russian delegation
As the Russians arrived in the port, they were waited by a guard of 12 Scholae Palatinae, in their red parade uniforms, and four Varangian Guards, with their parade uniforms, parade weapons, and of course, their viking axes, led by Prince Constantine Palaeologos, the same one who was going to leave for Russia after the celebrations. Prince Constantine was more like his brother, the Emperor, being born from the former Emperor's first marriage. With a black, somewhat messy hair, and eyes somewhere between brown and amber, Prince Constantine was a characteristic Mediterranean Roman.
"Ave, Prince Vasily of Russia. Welcome to Constantinople.", Prince Constantine welcomed them."I am Constantine Paeologos, First Prince of the Roman Empire. I would like to welcome you and your wife to the city, in the name of the Emperor, the Senate, and the People of Rome."

The Cambrian delegation

As the Cambrian ship arrived in the Neorion Harbor, one of the larger ports in the Golden Horn of Constantinople, between Perama and Galata. Being closer to the entrance to the Golden Horn, the port was seemingly chosen by many of the delegations as their arrival point. Between the old sea wall and the water, under the watch of a few forts, the Neorion Harbor was quite the fortified harbor, a direct consequence of the policy of certain Roman Emperors to never let Constantinople get in the same state like it was in during the Traitorous Crusade. While the city had never been conquered, that was the time the Second Rome was the closest to being conquered and plundered. That will never happen again.

As the delegation docked their ship in the harbor, and landed, they were waited by a greeting party, formed by ten Scholae Palatinae, the elite Roman troops of the Imperium, and two Varangians, the elite foreign troops of the Imperium. The Emperor had sent his younger brother, the Fourth Prince Manuel Palaeologos, to meet Consul Primaris Tristifer Augustus Gladstone. Being also born from the late Emperor's second marriage, Manuel was closer to his brother Michael, with a little lighter blonde hair and lighter blue eyes. Like other members of the Imperial Family right now, Manuel was wearing a red officer uniform of the Exercitus, with a golden crown of laurels and with a purple cape. In strict accordance with the laws of the Imperium, only the Emperor, the Imperial Family, and those related to it were allowed to wear purple, a tradition leading back to the Ancient Rome.
"Ave, Consul Primaris Tristifer Augustus Gladstone.", Prince Manuel said, as the Roman greeting delegation saluted, just like always, in the Roman way, with their clenched fists over their chests."I am Manuel Palaeologos, Fourth Prince of the Roman Empire. In the name of the Emperor, Senate, and People of Rome, I would like to welcome you and the delegation of the great United Kingdom of Cambria, to the Imperial Capital of Constantinople."

The Christen delegation

The arrival of the Christens, or how the Romans were usually calling them, Itali, the Italians from the popular name of Christendom, Italia. Other names that were used were "Occidentales", the Westerners, or a more ugly one, "Proditores", the Traitors. The official names like Christendom were used mostly in official contexts, with the name Italia being fairly used on a popular level. Usually the Italians were considered the descendants of the traitorous Western Romans, usually treated with contempt by the population. But of course, that didn't mean that the Romans weren't going to treat them with respect. Still, having them come like that.. the biggest rivals of Rome arriving in the middle of a celebration for Rome's victories.. well, yeah.

60 Scholae Palatinae, 10 Varangian Guards arrived in the port, with each of the respective units wearing an aquila, with the Roman flag and the signs of their respective units. One of the Scholae was carrying the golden aquila with the signs of the Scola Scutariorum Prima, the first cohort of the Scholae. One of the Varangians was carrying the aquila of the second cohort of the Varangian Guard. The Romans delegation was led by Valerian Leo, Second Legate of the Scholae Palatinae. Valerian wasn't necessarily a pure Roman, having foreign origins, but having chosen the Scholae instead of the Varangians. He was wearing the red with yellow parade uniform of the Scholae, with a dark brown and neat hair, and light green eyes.
"Ave, Christiani.", Valerian spoke, saluting in the Roman way, with the fist over the chest."In the name of the Emperor, Senate and People of Rome, I would like to welcome you to the Second Rome, Constantinople."

by **Lenyo** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 11:17 am

After Caribbean Governor Matthias Delaplace and Fleet Admiral Léon Vincent met, preparations for a coup d'État began immediately. Fleet Admiral Léon Vincent's sailors occupied the police buildings and army barracks abandoned during the political crisis, and the navy seized the telegraph and post offices in order to control the flow of information in and out of the port. Caribbean Governor Matthias Delaplace communicated back and forth with business leaders in Nouvelle-Orléans, all of whom spoke perfect French. Many of these important men identified with the French Republic, long believing that la Republique de la Louisianne should emulate the spirit of republicanism that emanated from Paris. And since Louisianne had succumbed to internal conflicts, why not simply join the Second French Republic? France and its colonies were far more stable and solvent than Louisianne had ever been, and the region had strong economic and cultural links to Paris. French colonialism would be good for business, and the city of Nouvelle-Orléans was far too small to survive as an independent nation. Collaboration with France was the safest option for the port's elite, almost all of whom pledged allegiance to Matthias Delaplace and Léon Vincent.

All the locals saw the increasing power of France in Nouvelle-Orléans, and many of those who opposed the Second French Republic simply left for the American frontier, far away from reach of the notorious Colonial Officers. Those who remained either kept their mouths shut or enthusiastically embraced France's return. Several pro-French political parties, with ideologies ranging from conservatism to Bonapartism to socialism, staged large demonstrations celebrating France's reversal of fortunes in Nouvelle-Orléans. With most dissidents choosing exile over resistance and genuine irredentism in the port, the coup d'État was the easiest colonial operation in French history. The Colonial Office was ready for a bloodbath, and the new regime in Nouvelle-Orléans was surprised by the anticlimactic transfer of power.

Léon Vincent was soon thereafter elected mayor, and Governor Matthias Delaplace approved a military operation to expand French colonial rule from Nouvelle-Orléans to Acadiana. The two coastal provinces would connect French commerce to the North American market, expanding international trade with the Azteks, Americans, and Cambrians. While Nouvelle-Orléans was a bustling city, Acadiana was a much more provincial fishing and farming region. All the same, the two coastal provinces would make fine additions to the Second French Republic.

by **Lenyo** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 11:28 am

To Alfonse Schmidt, Chairman of the Greater Hanseatic Federation,

The Second French Republic salutes Hansan expansion into North America. France has taken control of the coastal Francophone provinces of Nouvelle-Orléans and Acadiana, but it has no further colonial ambitions on the continent. Hansan troops and vessels are of course welcome to pass through French territory, as that will benefit the Hanseatic Federation's colonial and commercial interests.

Peace and prosperity,
Foreign Ministry of the Second French Republic and
Colonial Office of the Second French Republic

by **Cymrea** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 12:08 pm

Constantinople, Imperium Romanum

"Ave, Consul Primaris Tristifer Augustus Gladstone," Prince Manuel said, as the Roman greeting delegation saluted - just like always - in the Roman way: with their clenched fists over their chests.

"I am Manuel Palaeologos, Fourth Prince of the Roman Empire. In the name of the Emperor, Senate, and People of Rome, I would like to welcome you and the delegation of the great United Kingdom of Cambria, to the Imperial Capital of Constantinople."

Gladstone, in his finest attire of state with medals bedecking his chest, marched to the Roman prince - two representatives of powerful nations, each with their delegations and staff arrayed behind. With the Cambrian contingent were two sections of Welsh Guards, the elite army regiment most frequently charged with the defence of the royal family. Ceremonially attired in grey coats with white belts and red sashes, black trousers with blood stripes, and a tall bearskin atop their heads, the Guards were armed only with ornate (though eminently functional) broadswords. Nonetheless, the Cambrian soldiers were the very model of discipline and radiated a tightly-reined ferocity.

A lance corporal carried the regimental colours and it was in the banner that the Roman influence upon Cambria's history could be clearly seen. Deep red and fringed in gold, it was embroidered with the crowned Welsh ddraig. Along the edges were embroidered ribbons emblazoned with the names of battles in which the Welsh Guards had fought; beneath, a ribbon declared the motto: Cymru am byth. the whole of the banner was mounted on a pole capped with a golden ddraig.

"Ave, Your Highness!" hailed Gladstone. "In the name of Her Royal Majesty Queen Victoria o Rosa Regina, and the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, I gratefully receive your welcome. Thank you."

by **Novacom** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 2:04 pm

“Trust me when I say this, we do not wish for war, even the people though they at present are inflamed with great rage do not wish for war, no. Here he paused casting his gaze out the window as the dense jungle began to thin, the verdant barricades receding gently to more azure environs, as it did so however it began to pick up yet greater speed. Before seeming to return to a more normal speed as the train began climbing sharply, as the tracks began to leave the ground they were gently cradled by adorned mason work. As it climbed high other trains could be seen also rising and seemingly disappearing as they joined a single file divided by level, and as it travelled forward across the lake from which erupted carved stone pylons styled as severely vertical ziggurats. The great lake seemed to stretch out in all directions, and it had evidently been expanded over a great deal of time as other settlements half hugged the coast. While their other half sat upon the shimmering surface. Boats and other small craft wove a pattern of colour as they threaded their way between the Great City and coastal towns.

The track held aloft in the sky ran down between two parallel bridges causeways, each was lavished with mosaics depicting ancient mythic cycles, the rise of Quetzalcoatl, and his honeyed words to the dreams of priests among others. “As for what we can do, I think it would be wise to prepare, what would not however go amiss would be perhaps an exchange of ideas and knowledge. Until recently we had not fought a conventional war for many a year,” he paused for but a moment as a fluted horn whose call echoed that of the hummingbird’s song resounded through the carriage. “Ah I am most remiss, I had scarcely noted we were about to arrive in Tenochtitlan, I daresay the good company has distracted me from our destination. I should warn you my good friend that this last part of the journey is on foot, as you will no doubt see, Tenochtitlan, our great capital does not accommodate Carriages or the like well. Therefore we do not allow them, therefore we will continue on foot, I suspect you may enjoy the journey, as for our conversation I believe we can revisit this subject when we get to my office.” Caa’ci smiled gently, being a native of the city he had only truly began to appreciate its uniqueness after visiting abroad and through receiving dignitaries and seeing through their eyes the reaction to the city.

The train had came to a halt at the top of a great Ziggurat that seemed to serve as one of several stations in the city, from the viewpoint offered from this height an encircling ring about the city’s outskirts could be seen. A ring of rails suspended upon high, the stations or at least where the Rails appeared to disappear for a longer time compared to the pylon ziggurats were grand and tall. Yes, but compared to some of the other structures which rose majestically in the distance they were decidedly modest. They blended in artfully as a part of the city rather than something separate evidently great pains had been undertaken to meld the new with the old and if anything were more finely adorned than some of those they surrounded with mosaics trim and finery. It had become something of an emerging visible theme in Aztek Architecture, tall sloping buildings and evidently given the uniformity of tone well-tended and cleaned. For none of the great stone slabs nor the mosaic murals and adornments were marred with soot or filth but instead gave the impression that they could have been finished scant weeks ago.

As they left the train a small Honour guard fell in around them, the concourse, evidently the topmost was a rich expanse of colour both vibrant and tasteful but not enough to distract from the apologetic look Caa’ci gave as he motioned them down to a bank of stairs. The descent had seemed to take an eternity, however the Mosaics upon the wall had to say the least been interesting, depicting the realm of the gods in it’s infancy. As they descended down the flights of stairs, so too did they descend through the Mythological divine realms and through time itself this was also accompanied by more historical images all seamlessly blended together along the stairwell. During their descent they were joined by various other groups of travellers, mostly Aztek all wearing varied outfits of bright colouration and interlocking patterns. However some foreigners could be picked out mainly via their more drab coloured attire and unsure expressions

And there out they walked to a waiting rampant Jaguar, it’s eyes flashed and it’s fangs bared, rearing up about to strike, the sunlight reflecting off of its narrowed yellow eyes and fangs glistening with saliva. It’s golden fur rippling and shimmering with a golden sheen with flecks of obsidian patches spread about it’s great hide and then comprehension dawned, and the spell broke, for atop the monstrous creature rose a man. An impossible man at that greatly tall with scaled skin and feathered plume, and eyes of molten gold, his face painted, or perhaps naturally coloured of crimson and navy, his mouth opened wide as if in a great yell and in each great and muscled arm two long spears.

And now on realisation the objet d’art was not directly before them but at the centre of the square and the city seemed to spread out in all directions, from each direction could be seen wide well-tended streets, rivers and canals. A veritable criss-cross of well-ordered patterns, and as the city spread off in the distance it seemed to grow taller as it spread out beyond, “Ah this way,” Caa’ci interjected to whatever Reverie Doyle was now in. He had taken a small moment to check about to remind himself of his bearings, upon each of the direction corners a set of signs indicating Locations was visible in almost cadaverous Nahua script, “at times I sometimes need to remind myself, the city seems to get bigger every time I leave.”

The various neighbourhoods were lively having passed through various open markets filled with rich and unusual aroma’s soft spoken merchants extolling the virtues of their wares both from afar and from nearby, of course understanding that was another thing entirely, for all any non-speaker could know they were invoking a spell to curse the body and steal the soul. Of one thing that was of immediate note was the smell, or almost lack of, while other cities around the world there was the foul stench of human waste and excrement, instead the air here was fresh, almost fragrant, the rich aromas of burning pallets from the markets filling the air with sumptuous aromas and fragrances.

The entire city thus far seemed to have been laid out in an immaculate grid, not once did the streets seem to deviate, and broken only be canals and the bridges over them, originally the bridges would be moved at night but as the lake’s boundaries had expanded so too had the canals allowing for more permanent bridges. Caa’ci explained to his counterpart this all manner of things more, telling of the meaning of several of the great statues, just what some of the strange wares being peddled in the markets but what really renewed the flow of the conversation was the events of the next square.

They had passed through into what was evidently a residential district or perhaps an academic one if the descriptions given by Caa’ci were anything to go by, he had made mention of no small number of schools thus far and now began to elaborate on how things had been hundreds of years ago compared to now. Before all had been schooled be they noble or commoner, girl or boy, the content matter had been different but all Aztek children had received basic schooling and could read and write. Now however rather than sectioning by status or occupation of the parents they were now separated by age of the child, they would spend five years in one school and then five years in another, those who had proven exceptional in one way or another, or indeed had shown the desire to go further were offered a further five years and in some cases more depending on their ultimate profession.

After this explanation his comrade asked of the fourth corner piece structure, and asked as to what that was, Caa’ci explained further, “AH, my friend that school is for adults, those who have need of skills they did not attain in their youth for whatever reason. It has some overlap with the school for the exceptional or ambitious I mentioned earlier,” as he finished this in the front section of the outside walled yards of the second school he had mentioned two groups of children trooped out. One wearing red vests and the other green, and on one hand tied at the wrist the majority had carved wooden scoops, most had theirs on the right while some on the left

Three in each team however had different accoutrements on their hands, two opposed to scoops had what could be described as wide spoonheads upon a single hand while the final one had large paddles upon both hands. A similar scene was repeated in the other years but instead of young boys, instead girls, what was universal however was the patterned head cloths they wore tied around the forehead and secured at the back. That and the long hair all had, tightly and rigidly controlled in various means, “It was an old tradition that cutting the hair of a Witch or a Sorcerer or demon robbed them of their powers. Now it is somewhat different, we do not cut our children’s hair until the day they become an adult, when they finish their schooling, then when it is cut we declare whatever transgressions they may have committed as a youth are forgiven and forgotten.”

This last seemed to have passed by unnoticed as the game of the children began a brightly coloured rubber ball was hurled into the air and the teams sprang into action attempting to catch the ball and hurl it with their scooped hand to their comrades while the spoon-hands attempted to block. “The aim is to get the ball through the stone rings,” here he pointed to an outcropping from the mosaic surface that was the wall, the team that gets the ball through the other team’s ring gets three points. Every time however the defending team gets a point every time their defender or guardian deflects a shot from the ring, the ones with the longer paddles, in your language I suppose you would call them interceptors or disruptors. They aim to get the ball from the other team, while the other players can also do this it is somewhat more difficult instead they position themselves to make it more difficult for clean passes and to set up for their interceptors.

This isn’t just a sport for our children you know, it once used to hold religious significance and had many variants, however all use the same court but in different ways, if you wish there is a match later on in the evening not far from the government district if you wish?” he enquired mildly after a polite pause. After another short amount of time Doyle seemed to be able to pull himself away he seemed somewhat lost in thought at what he had just seen, then again Caa’ci was beginning to grow accustomed to seeing others getting into such a state after seeing how alien Aztek culture and ways were compared to their own.

They continued on in their small talk Caa’ci continuing to make mention of things and answer questions, small talk in the grand scheme of things when they emerged into the largest square yet gathered at the heart of which were rank upon rank upon rank of soldiers. There had been no small amount of soldiers patrolling the streets and the people far from looking fearful looked at them with pride and something resembling comfort or adoration, but these patrols had been perhaps five or six. Here they were present in greater magnitude, Hundreds, if not Thousands perhaps even Millions, it was hard to tell, the square was vast and the buildings surrounding it were almost Cyclopean in scale and seemed fit for gods themselves to descend from the heavens upon. At the fair end of the square was visible a small platform upon which stood a man in a uniform of different cut to the rest, his voice filtered out across the square, sounding slightly metallic and flat while at the same time enflamed with passion.

“Long ago our ancestors brought an end to the age of blood and a new age came, the age of warriors, and at its end we laid our weapons to rest so that we and our children and descendants could enjoy the fruits of their labour. However as we have seen that age has come once again, our desire for peace was boldly exploited and our homeland for but a moment brought under the grip of another, the Pirate Iron Chin. And now we find our kin who have simply wished to live and pioneer subjected to the predations of the preening egotistical fops of Brazil,” here he paused glaring about the assemblage, “NO,” he howled throwing his hands down with dramatic flair. “NO, this shall not come to pass, we must once again stand strong for the Ascendancy, we must carry our banner, our torch, our hammer, the hands that bear it and most of all our Iron Will to bear. We must bring an end to this charade, we must bring our brothers under our banner and secure our frontier, we must reach out and embrace our friends and stand strong with them, no more must we be content to remain where we are, now is the Age of Action!”

“Ah Iron Jaguar, he is somewhat passionate, oh the name, it was a tradition for a great commander of men, or in these times General or Admiral, to forsake who they were, and to claim a new name so that when they served in war or in peace it was known they served with Honour and Integrity.” Caa’ci sighed slightly as he explained, the growing militarism of most sections of Aztek Society had become somewhat worrying to say the least and given the reasons he could hardly be described. However he had his guest to tend to who thus far had been extremely polite and respectful and he had found himself unable to recall precisely what honorific in Cambrian English would be appropriate to a respected equal. What little he did know was more for inferiors or superiors, to say that it vexed him was an understatement for someone who prided themselves on meticulousness.

“The tradition has been revived in recent times, and by recent I mean seven years ago, Jade Eagle was the first, Iron Jaguar the second, and after recent events it will likely continue on for a long time.” He paused as they began to walk again, the filtered tones continued to filter throughout the great square and the assembled soldiery who all appeared to be listening rapt, “come, I’m sure you are keen to be in somewhat cooler climes, I have had rooms prepared for you if you so wish to freshen up as it were?”

---

Aztek Ascendancy
Commissary of External Relations

Greetings to my esteemed friends and colleagues in the Second French Republic, long may it remain a fair and shining beacon to all.

I am writing to inform you of a situation at present that is brewing on our southern border, as you will recall barely two years ago we declared an exclusion zone encompassing our mutually shared sea of Aztlan, this has recently been flagrantly ignored in large numbers by the Brazilians who have ignored all attempts at diplomatic recourse. We have dispatched military forces southwards, for the lands to the south are Aztek in all but name, given our overtures have been utterly ignored, we have resolved therefore to resolve the situation with force, we will however try one more time to resolve this peacefully we regret that the situation may soon turn to war.

I regret that I have had to bear such unpleasant news to you, however I felt it best that you had such news from a trusted friend then to hear from another.
In service to the Aztek people and state,

Caa'ci Icnoyotl,
Commissariat of External Relations of the Aztek Ascendancy.

---

“We will agree to this proposal, but I cannot speak for the others, you must yourself meet with the others, we have been discussing this for many a year now,” Capo paused for a moment sighing deeply, as he gazed into his flask of steaming hot chocolate. “Icyacoyotl, the arrangements which established our presence here were so because the Ascendancy at the time was uncertain of itself, we sought new lands while Tenochtitlan supported us to an extent it was by our effort that these lands are as they are now.”

“I thank you for your time, I will relay the results to Tenochtitlan before I depart north,” Icyacoyotl smiled as he inclined his head politely, he had after all good reason to be happy, with but a few words he had managed to increase the Ascendancy’s territory considerably. While Diplomacy in certain fronts would be helpful he also knew that time would be short, and troops had already been sent in every direction to secure what they could. While nominally many of the likely powers to arrive to benefit from the fall of Louisiana were allies, that did not make it any less palatable, that years if not decades of effort was about to be wasted thanks to Brazil. Were it not for them the Ascendancy would have been in position to sweep in almost instantly, now instead they were commencing their efforts somewhat piecemeal.

---

“I know you, well another representative of the Ascendancy elsewhere has made similar overtures, to the north, we agree that the situation has changed, First Iron Chin, Then the French and Now the Brazilians, we would come home as it were,” returned the man. He had evidently been rehearsing this conversation for some time now as it seemed to tumble from his lips with surprising swiftness, he spoke for the local settlements. The area was entirely Nahua even though not nominally part of the Ascendancy, the situation was somewhat complicated but now it seemed to be resolved, the Ascendancy would be sure to swiftly expand south.

“Your meaning is clear, we will begin securing what we can, though we suspect it will come to war, and your lands are the field upon which it will be fought, for that I am sorry,” Replied Chi’al almost morosely, he had been co-opted into a quick spell of diplomacy as the Panther Prides had begun to assemble. The Brazilians could not be trusted that much had been decided he did not doubt it would come to war, and that their overinflated sense of misguided pride would see that it would be something of a drawn out affair, he did not relish the idea of such a conflict.

---

The work was hard going but essential, two simultaneous efforts had been launched with one of them having been revised given the present situation, the Mormon state to the north had long kept to its own affairs and had in fact been steadfastly isolationist. It had therefore been decided that in light of this and the now dire urgency of the situation it had been decided to forge ahead regardless, by carving through the now defunct Louisiana and through the Mormon Deserts to the north to Cambrian Canada. Four Separate Tracks in each route and two roads, extending the Obsidian Way and the Jade Highway north, linking the Ascendancy to its key ally, and armed patrols kept the surrounding areas clear of course each had been lain down in areas far from occupied areas.

---

“Put your backs into it!” a man with a face like thunder howled a small armada of supply ships were moored off of the dock as porters and dockworkers moved swiftly to unload what they could, despite affairs elsewhere Aztek outreach efforts remained undimmed and unrestrained. As part of the new strategic situation a foothold in the islands to the far south had been established with the intent of using as a springboard to continue colonising and establishing practical links to the Cambrian Orient. The efforts had for a small period stalled before restarting apace due to the unlikeliness of action in this theatre, indeed enough supplies were now in storage to fuel the efforts for many a year by now.

---

“You have already ignored out diplomacy once by even coming here, and then again when we sought confirmation of your intentions, the honour of the Brazilian Empire is now as a result held in low regard.” Cha’co took great care to keep his tone level and honest, he knew his words would provoke however the heavy bruising around his eyes that had certainly not been present before he had set out on this enterprise would hopefully give pause. “I am in no position to offer such a thing, I have my orders which I must follow, I was dispatched with my scout unit from an urgent mission in search for Pirate Remnants and I ill desire to play politics simply to return to my mission.”

“As for lack of Decorum how can you claim such when I have been treated so when I bore the flag of Parley, if I had been a spy I would not have acted so brazenly, instead I have been subjected to indignities and physical assault. Let us conclude this matter swiftly for my time is short.” He had no desire to pander to a great fop’s ego as he would likely either be captured or killed should he chose war over peace, or if instead he chose peace would likely suffer his own indignities. He had heard something of the labyrinthine politics of the empire to the south, though he truthfully had little desire to engage in this process, he shook his wrist gently feeling the comfortable weight of his watch against it. He did not dare check it for he knew of the disdainful attitude foreigners had of men utilising such practicalities, just as they also held in poor regards the Aztek footwear despite it’s obvious benefits simply for the fact of it being made from rubber opposed to leather.

---

It was to somewhat muted fanfare that the hulls of as many vessels as could be fitted into the dockyards as possible were lain down, since before the Pirate Crisis of two years had broken out there had been a renewed enthusiasm in Naval innovation and now it had paid off. The Ocelotl-Class would soon be the pride of the Aztek Navy, and although they would not likely be ready for active service for a year, the crews were already training and preparing for that day. Construction would likely be swift thanks to prior experience in the prototypes, they had been heavy lumbering vessels, barely worthy of being called such, instead they had found other uses as barely mobile supply outposts however other uses for them had been found.

A number of recent advancements had been incorporated however great pains had been to add them to the design without adding flaws to the design, and already work on a successor had begun. Upon their launch they would set new worldwide standards in ballistics and gunnery, with Aztek Scientists having been keenly working on Targeting aids in many a field down from scopes for infantry rifles to sights for large guns both Naval and land based.

Aztek scholars had been most busy as of late and had been postulating on many an advance however the main stumbling block had been reproducing it reliably, the possibilities provided by such an innovation had been of great interest in Military Circles. However the first test had been a huge success the real complication had been in replicating the success again, and had nearly cost the life of the lead researcher in an accident. Of more recent note was the successful gasification of a special compound of Chemicals and Herbs into a gas which gave off thick white fumes and lulled those who breathed it in, into a deep heavy sleep.

---

Aztek Ascendancy
Commissary of External Relations

Greetings and Kind Regards to our Hanseatic Friends,

My thanks for your appraising us of your extent, and in turn I shall appraise you of ours, in light of the situation elsewhere and our own exposure to the massive indebtedness of the Louisianan state, and the treatment of its former government of Aztek Citizens we shall likewise be making efforts to bring the former Louisianan lands under our banner. We of course welcome our Hanseatic friends in assisting us in this undertaking and shall be more than glad to enter negotiations to arrange affairs to our mutual benefit, to that end I would like to welcome an envoy here to our radiant city of Tenochtitlan to discuss matters to our mutual benefit.

In service to the Aztek people and state,

Caa'ci Icnoyotl,
Commissariat of External Relations of the Aztek Ascendancy.

---

Ambassador Tei-te shivered slightly as he disembarked into Constantinople, given the deteriorating situation back home it had been judged best to send instead an ambassador to the event, however as a result the wedding gift he bore had been made somewhat more extravagant. Behind him a quartet of Jaguars restrained in shimmering harnesses and accompanied by handlers were being lead down the ramp, behind them came more varied jungle creatures, Panthers and Parrots notable amongst them. The spectacle had gone unnoticed as some overeager revellers had evidently begun to enjoy their libations more than somewhat early, as even though the distances involved were extreme they had arrived ever so slightly early.

A number of attendants also came bearing several chests, they had been advised by Bloody Mary on what best to choose out for a Pirate, and a Pirate queen no less, however not all of the presents were for the bride, several fineries had been chosen for her Husband to be and some also for their gracious hosts. It would after all be poor form to not bear gifts for the host, full to bulging with Aztek Finery in both metalwork and fashion the recipients would be the talk of their respective upper classes, after all Aztek Fashion was becoming something of a surprise sensation owing to both its exoticness and its relative rarity.

Around Tei-te were other Junior Ambassadors and several Jaguar Warriors, in full grand regalia, their Ceremonial Blades, although in this age they were somewhat less than practical should matters take an unfortunate turn would be no less effective. What would go unnoticed however was the true bodyguard, for they had arrived in advance were a unit of Panther Pride, having arrived aboard a merchant ship scant days earlier…

by **The Greater Dutch Republic** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:15 pm

Third Kingdom of Brittany:

Queen Helene of Mecklenburg-Schwerin walked down halls she had not walked down in years. Brittany had, on the brink of civil war due to Brittany's expansionist policies, been temporarily absorbed into France, and it's colonies either disbanded or incorporated into other nations. Now, after the atmosphere had settled down a bit, France had agreed, after several talks, that Brittany would officially declare to the Breton populace that all of its colonies had been disbanded, and that the French, Jewish, and Japanese claims over former Breton colonies were valid. Brittany itself would be returned to Queen Helene, as the Third Kingdom of Brittany. This time, Queen Helene decided that Brittany would not so viciously pursue colonies as it had. Rather, Brittany would send colonists to the easternmost section of former New Brittany, taking the two provinces in the southeast of what was once New Brittany. Brittany would also seek a deal with France that was simple enough. Brittany wanted Ynys Cfeotheg back, the rights to take the city of Sidi Ifni in Morocco as a trading port, and an island in the Straits of Mozambique to use as a refueling station. Queen Helene vowed that this time, Brittany would bounce back, and stay upright and unified. The first step to announcing Brittany's newfound independence was at the worlds busiest city: Constantinople. Queen Helene would send Ambassador Aceline, Brittany's first female ambassador, a promising young lady from France, along with several of the Breton Royal Army, and a gift in Brittany's finest lace for the Emperor of Rome.

by **Cymrea** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:10 am

15 Martius 1855

QUEEN CHARLOTTES PURCHASE FINALISED

Londinium, Cambria - At the southern end of the Queen Charlotte Islands is an area known by the people who live there as Haida Gwaii. It is at Haida Gwaii that an historic purchase of coastal lands was finalised by the Lieutenant Governor of Cambrian Columbia, by the authority granted him through Royal Consent. Terms of the agreement, months in the making, include the rights of the indigenous people to live and fish in districts exclusive to them.

Participating in the purchase agreement were chiefs of the local Tlingit, Haida, Heiltsuk, and Coast Salish tribes, all of whom have signed and ratified the deal, called the Queen Charlotte Purchase, named for the prominent Islands off the northwestern coast of Cambrian Columbia, which in turn was named by Captain George Vancouver for the queen consort of King George III.

Rose Harbour, Haida Gwaii

by **Lenyo** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:28 am

To Commissar of External Relations Caa'ci Icnoyotl of the Aztek Ascendancy,

The Second French Republic recognizes the Aztek Ascendancy's exclusion zone in the Sea of Aztlan. As the war in Iceland is over, I am relocating Naval Groups North and Senegal to the Caribbean Sea, in case of armed conflict. The French are ready to provide naval support to the Aztek war effort, especially since a blockade would deal a decisive blow to the Brazilian export economy.

Long live the Republic,
War Minister Henry Picard of the Second French Republic

To Breton Queen Helene of the House Mecklenburg-Schwerin

During Brittany's recent internal crisis, several nations - most notably France - provided safe custody to Brittany's former colonies. These actions cannot be reversed. If the Third Kingdom of Brittany wishes to claim colonies in Western Africa or Western South America or within the Mozambique Channel, it must do so unilaterally. France will not relinquish any of its possessions, including the Caribbean isles and the newly founded colony of French Morocco. Too much French blood has been shed for the Republic to simply give away vital colonies.

Peace and prosperity,
Foreign Ministry of the Second French Republic

by **Cymrea** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:58 am

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Defence

To: Caa'ci Icnoyotl, Commissar of External Relations, Aztek Ascendancy

On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, I am authorised to express Cambria's official recognition of the Ascendancy's exclusion zone in the Sea of Aztlan. The naval station in Port Royal, Jamaica, is making ready to assist in enforcing the exclusion. Further, I am empowered to authorise naval support to the Ascendancy in armed conflict at sea, and blockades where necessary.

Ever in service,

Right Honourable Shawn Quintus Cambrius, Consul Legatus
Royal Cambrian Senate
for HM Queen Victoria

by **Cymrea** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:17 am

Fort Juneau, Alaskan Panhandle

The Gastineau Channel was a favorite fishing ground for local Tlingit indigenas, known then as the Auke and Taku tribes, who had inhabited the surrounding area for thousands of years. The native cultures were rich with artistic traditions including carving, weaving, orating, singing and dancing. Since its establishment a year ago, Fort Juneau had become a major social center for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples of southeast Alaska.

The first European to see the Fort Juneau area was Joseph Whidbey, master of the Discovery during George Vancouver’s expedition. Whidbey explored the region in the summer 1794; early in Augustus he saw the length of Gastineau Channel from the south, noting a small island in mid-channel. He later saw the length of the channel again in Septembris, this time from the west. He said it was unnavigable, being filled with ice.

In 1850, engineer George Pilz of the Pilz Mining Company in Sitka offered a reward to any local chief who could lead him to gold-bearing ore. Tlingit chief Kaawaée arrived with some ore and several prospectors were sent to investigate. On their first trip, to Gold Creek, they found deposits of little interest. However, at Chief Kaawaée's urging, Pilz sent Joe Juneau and Richard Harris back to the Gastineau Channel, directing them to Snow Slide Gulch - the head of Gold Creek - where they found nuggets "as large as peas and beans," according to Juneau.

On 18 Octobris 1853, Harris and Juneau marked a 160-acre town site where soon a mining camp appeared. Within a year, the camp became a small fort.

Fort Juneau

by **The Greater Dutch Republic** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:39 am

Greenville, former New Brittany:
The Breton colonists have come ashore, ready to reclaim land for the Third Kingdom. Not wishing to anger the Israeli settlers expanding in Sierra Leone, Queen Helene had told the colonists that only land in former New Brittany east of the Cestos, or Cess, River was to be colonized by the Bretons. The town here would be called New Nantes, after Brittany's largest city. Brittany will reinforce the new province with a regiment of 200 soldiers. The current number of colonists in the province is around 5000, with more colonists coming.

by **Second Helghan Empire** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:04 am

NeuHamburg, formerly Port Galveston Colony

The Hanseastic troops delivered an ultimatum to any resident they came in contact with as they swept inland very quickly. Either bow to their new leadership, leave with whatever they could carry, be forced to leave with nothing, or die. It had taken nearly a month but the army had moved as far as the Red in the north of the new province. As per their orders the men now turned west.

Behind them trustworthy residents were set up as officers of the peace allowing the garrisons to be much smaller in the areas already taken. This gave the advancing force a much larger number than would have been if they had taken the territory as Hanseatic troops normally do, establishing large garrisons as they went.

Hanseatic, Belgian Cavalry at the Van of the Armee der Neuen Welt

by **Cymrea** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:36 am

St. Louis, Missouri Territory

Located near the junction of the Missouri River, the Illinois River, and the Mississippi River, St. Louis was a major port and commercial center with a growing industrial base. The population reached 160,000 last year and consisted mostly of recent immigrants who were Hanseatic or Irish Cambrians. When the Louisianne government collapsed, St. Louis fared better than most of the towns and cities in its former nation. At least initially.

But a division of loyalties between two factions, led by owners of the local banks, did result in loss of life in late Februarius. Armed security guards for the Wells & Fargo bank were attacked by a mob of First Louisianne Bank supporters. Shots were exchanged and six persons were killed. A telegraph was sent to HMS Sapphire as it approached for re-supply; the Cambrian ship and her two sister corvettes had been patrolling the western banks of the Mississippi.

Upon learning of the attack that had transpired just three days before and the subsequent retaliations, Commander Wesley Salia-Jones ordered his ship's Marines to land and establish order. Later that day, Salia-Jones sent word back to Whitehall, even as a similar incident occurred upriver in Dubuque, Iowa Territory. Dock workers has risen up against the town's police force and captured city hall.

With news of chaos and lawlessness becoming more common and more dire by the day, the Admiralty ordered three regiments of infantry to be deployed in Iowa and Missouri. These were order to restore law and safety to the region, which would come officially under the protection of the Crown and Government of Cambria.

Further north, in the Dakotas, such order and law were being re-established. Garrisons maintained the peace, with commanders acting as the local sheriff. Volunteers from the local populaces were given training and even offered enlistment as infantry or - in the case of ranchers - cavalry.

Cambrian cavalry regiment in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

by **Lenyo** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:29 pm

To Breton Queen Helene of the House Mecklenburg-Schwerin and
Parliament of the Third Kingdom of Brittany

While Morocco remains a colony of the Second French Republic, France hereby cedes the city of Sidi Ifni to Breton control. May the Third Kingdom of Brittany protect Sidi Ifni from foreign aggression and encourage trade with all French territories in Sidi Ifni.

Peace and prosperity,
Gaël Thibodeau, Governor of Algeria and Morocco
with permission from Parilament

by **The Greater Dutch Republic** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 1:39 pm

Official Missive of Her Majesty, Queen Helene of the Third Kingdom of Brittany
To Governor Thibodeau of Morocco and Algeria,

Her Majesty thanks you for ceding Sidi Ifni to Breton control, and assures you that Brittany will not squander this opportunity on pointless pursuits.

May the light of the sun forever shine upon your nation,
Marci Beaumont, Minister of Breton Foreign Relations.

Sidi Ifni, Third Kingdom of Brittany:
With the city now under Breton rule, Brittany has sent a regiment of Breton soldiers and several naval ships to guard the city. Brittany quickly set up laws in the city that made trade easier, and solidified Breton power in the city. The locals are slightly disturbed by the Bretons appearing and claiming Sidi Ifni as their own, however most locals don't give it a second thought.

Brest, Third Kingdom of Brittany:
Queen Helene paced the floor, worrying her advisors and her now 7-year old son. "Mother, what's troubling you?" He asked, with great maturity for his age. At this, Queen Helene stopped pacing at turned to him. "Is it really that obvious?" She asked. Her son nodded, adding "you always pace the floor and bit your lower lip when something troubles you." At this, the Queen stopped biting her lower lip abruptly. "Well, I simply don't know what to do. Cambria, to the north, we have more cultural ties with, and their stronger, but France is closer and they've been our long time ally, even helping restore order to Brittany during the crisis. I simply don't know which one I should ally!" Her son became deep in thought, trying to find a solution. "Have you considered neutrality?" The Queen chuckled slightly. "Yes, that worked out marvelously for Switzerland. No, neutrality was crossed off the list a while back." Her son suddenly grinned. "Don't ally either. Wait for someone to ask you for an alliance. Whoever asks first gets it." Queen Helene pondered for a moment, then grinned. "Perfect. You're going to be a great leader one day." Queen Helene hugged her son, who blushed. "Mother!" She laughed. "Oh, stop your whining."

by **Lenyo** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 4:03 pm

Robert de Amboise had more or less inherited the title of ambassador from his father, who up until recently had been the ambassador to Brest. Nowadays the old man spent his time hunting quail and writing editorials about how France was better under the House of Orléans. Robert de Amboise was the son of French and Breton nobility, and his parents had insisted on schooling him in both cultures' manners. He hoped that one day he could get a post somewhere exciting and exotic, but for the moment, Brest would do. He would do his duty: if the Republic wanted him in Brest, there he would work. Robert de Amboise brought diplomatic papers for a defensive alliance and free trade agreement with Brittany, as the two nations were historical friends.

by **Novacom** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 4:32 pm

He could not help but feel a small amount of pride in his new chambers, over the past two years he had had to make do with a small office often packed with several tightly bound tomes and models of military assets. Now however he had chambers of his own complete with a planning table like that of his former mentor Jade Eagle, already he had began moving pieces about the board, assets in former Louisiana the bordering regions between the Ascendancy and the fallen colony had in the preceding months been brought into the fold. It now fell to the vanguard of his forces to take new positions, something that he knew would be an easy task, since the conclusion of the war with the Pirates, the Ascendancy had never been more prepared for war.

Relay the orders, all forces are to continue advancing until these borders have been secured, our Cambrian friends to the north shall no doubt advance southwards and we shall have another land connection,” his words tinged with metal and heavily filtered through his Iron countenance. His mask bore the features of the jaguar, narrowed eyes glowing with a faint amber light, more reflected than from within however the colourations were of a distinctly artificial tone, that or beaten Iron. Although it come not be seen he smiled as his orders were carried out to be relayed by an adjutant, he did allow a moment of apprehension in his musings wishing that affairs to the south could be resolved so swiftly, though given it was in hand under Jade Eagle he doubted it would be much of a problem.

And so the orders were sent out, of course their fulfilment would take some effort they would swing into motion far faster than those of others, and great swathes had already been taken, however by the end of the week the northern most efforts would reach their goals. As for elsewhere, it would be little enough problem after all, other claimants had half a world and more to travel, the Aztek’s had but a few miles to do so, who could reasonably argue when such clear and evident facts were established on the ground.

---

Aztek Ascendancy
Commissary of External Relations

Greetings to my esteemed friends and colleagues in the Second French Republic, long may it remain a fair and shining beacon to all.

You have my personal thanks and the thanks of the Ascendancy for your words and actions of support, it shall mean the impending conflict will with any hope be concluded swiftly and as bloodlessly as possible. It pleases both myself and the Ascendancy to have the support of our French friends in this dark hour and I can assure you that should you and yours need our support in the future it shall be rendered with all due haste!

In service to the Aztek people and state,

Caa'ci Icnoyotl,
Commissariat of External Relations of the Aztek Ascendancy.

---

Aztek Ascendancy
Commissary of External Relations

Greetings and Kind Regards to our Staunch and Noble Cambrian Friends,

It pleases me and my people that in such a short time our friendship has blossomed so fully, Your Legate is a most honourable and interesting man and I look forward to together forwarding and deepening relations between our two great nations. It is also to our mutual credit that this has come at such a dark hour and a mark of our mutual fortitude and character that we have come so far together in spite of the situation, should such aid on our behalf be required we shall render it with extreme alacrity!
In service to the Aztek people and state,

Caa'ci Icnoyotl,
Commissariat of External Relations of the Aztek Ascendancy.

by **Orthodox States** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 6:58 pm

The Theodemocracy of Deseret

Salt Lake Temple

After a week, the Cambrian delegation finally arrived at Salt Lake Temple. Over the course of a day, talks, laughter, and an agreement was shared between the Mormons and Cambrians in the Salt Lake Temple. The Mormons would take the rest of Idaho and South East Washington, and the Cambrians would receive the North and Western part of Washington. The Mormons wanted the rest of Idaho for the rich gold mines in the North, while the Cambrians wanted the Washington territory's for the port of Seattle and the Puget sound. Hands were shaken, and the Cambrian delegate went back to Cambrian Canada to tell the governor the good news. Meanwhile Joseph Smith needed to go ask Congress for permission to send soldiers to secure the promised Idaho and Washington territory's.

When Joseph Smith entered the Congressional room, an argument between the Radicals and the Moderates were heating up. It appears the argument was over Expansion of Deseret. The radicals wanted to expand Deseret to ensure the safety of the nation. Finally Joseph ended the argument and went up to speak with Congress, asking for the right for Deseret to occupy and annex the rest of Idaho and South east Washington.

In a heated debate between the New Radicals and Old Moderates, the vote just barely made it through with a 55-45% vote. The Nauvoo Legion will be tasked with annexing the Idaho and South East Washington territory's first.

The Nauvoo Legion

The legion was on the move, flying both the Deseret flag and the Army flag. While it might take weeks or even a month for the Mormons to reach Idaho, the Cambrians promised support, meaning that the territory should be occupied in maybe a few days or a week. Sending out soldiers and cavalry, along with Mormon missionary's, the Nauvoo Legion will go around the countryside, either by convincing the tribes to be annexed and converted to Mormonism, or to be forced to submission. Once the tribes were annexed and properly converted, Mormon miners were allowed to enter the territory and mine for gold. Once the territory's are annexed, the Nauvoo Legion will go over to Washington to help out the Cambrians in their annexation of northern and western Washington.

1855 : Alternative Divergence [AH][IC][REBOOT]

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