1870 : Alternative Divergence [AH][OOC][REBOOT]

[Novacom]

I agree with Novacom on this one.

Why do I smell Purple Butter?

Bribery good sir or have the stars aligned once again on us agreeing to something!?

[Tracian Empire]

I agree with Novacom on this one.

Why do I smell Purple Butter?

Bribery good sir or have the stars aligned once again on us agreeing to something!?

I still want Rome to be purple on the map, and I'm not going to drop that thing.

But yes, having a quarter of Africa is way too much.

[South Mauristan]

Okay so we are agreed with this as my new claim?

http://imgur.com/D3lygs1

[The V O I D]

Added a flag, a bit more to the history and military stuff. Think this looks good, but it might need more detail elsewhere.

Full Nation Name : The Italian Empire ; Imperium Italiae ; The Empire of Italia
Flag: Imperial Flag.
Majority/Official Culture : Mix of Roman and Italian.
Territorial Core : I'm on the map already; the Italian peninsula, plus Croatia and that general weird navy-blue thing.
Territorial Claim : Claims colonies in Africa, and has ambitions to reclaim the 'Western Roman Empire'.
Capital City : Rome. It's where Rome is, of course.
Population : Approx. 30 million (give or take a few).

Government Type : Semi-Constitutional Monarchy.
Government Ideology/Policies : Imperialist, expansionist, militarist, etc.; Italia believes in having a strong military doctrine to have a strong empire.
Government Focus : Italia's focus mainly lies in its culture, military and economy; it has a proud culture based on the Roman Empire and considers itself the successor to the Western Roman Empire.
Head of State : His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Antonius Quintus III
Head of Government : See above.
Government Description : The Italian Empire has a semi-constitutional monarchy; the Imperial Senate (unicameral) is proportionally elected on its political parties and such based on how the voters throughout the Empire vote. The Italian Empire is a unitary state. The Emperor has supreme executive powers; both in regards to military, domestic and abroad (he can create treaties without necessary approval from the Senate, unless the Senate performs a 3/4ths vote of vetoing the treaty). The Empire is also influenced by the Catholic Church, though this influence is dwindling as Paganism is on the rise.

Majority/State Religion : Catholic Christianity (officially).
Religious Description : The Catholic Church holds some level of influence in both the Senate and with the Emperor, but this influence is dwindling as Paganism is on the rise. It is otherwise basically Catholic Christianity.

Economic Ideologies : Capitalism, borderline laissez-faire when it comes to doing trade with Byzantium.
Major Production : Industrial goods.
Economic Description : The Italian economy is very capitalist and has very little government intervention; corporations make donations to the Imperial family as well as to the Senate to remain in their favor, and influence politics to some degree.

Army Strength : Well equipped, efficient, well trained, somewhat large. The Imperial Legions have some of the greatest weapons available and go through a rigorous training process; they are efficient in that they can fight using a large number of strategies, depending on what their mission is. The Legions are also in the strong hundred thousands, and have some of the best riflemen in Europe.
Army Weakness : While large for a nation its size, the Italian Empire's army is smaller than others. For example, while it may command a few hundred thousand, nearly a million, soldiers; Byzantium and other larger empires may command more, or other empires have a higher population than it does.
Naval Strength : Large/strong ships, large navy, quality weapons/equipment. The Imperial Fleets are relatively infamous for its ships being built large, oftentimes requiring at least a hundred-man crews. The Imperial Fleets have a few hundred ships under its command, all of which are well armed with top-of-the-line cannons and are relatively well armored. All of this combined makes the Imperial Fleets a terrifying force on the seas.
Naval Weakness : The Imperial Fleets, though strong, need frequent refueling and they struggle to wander too far out of the Mediterranean. This is mostly because of their rather large size and their need to refuel, rearm, etc. The Imperial Fleets cannot handle a naval war of attrition for too long, outside of the Mediterranean. This means that the Italian Empire is more likely to war with a nation in the Mediterranean Sea with its navy than outside it.
Further Military Description : N/A.

National Goals : Recreate the Western Roman Empire, strengthen relations with Byzantium, consolidate power, increase military power.
National Issues : Catholicism vs Paganism, Church vs Government, Socialism/Republicanism vs Monarchism, among others.
National Figures of Interest : The Emperor, of course; Pope Pius IX.
National Ambition/Aspirations : The Italian Empire is driving towards being able to reclaim all "lost territories" from when it was once the Western Roman Empire.

History :

• 27 B.C. - Roman Empire established.
• 306-337 AD - The Reign of Constantine the Great; Rome becomes Christian. The Roman Empire also splits into West and East.
• 1453 AD - Fall of the Western Roman Empire; death of the "Last Emperor of the Old Empire."
• 1454-1500 AD - The Era of Strife; multiple Kingdoms vying for power, with the Church trying to hold everything together but not seizing power due to some anti-Christian feelings in some minor Kingdoms. Southern Italy is put under occupation of the Byzantines.
• 1501 AD - The Kingdom of Italia emerges victorious on the Italian Peninsula; it becomes the Italian Empire. The Italian Empire looks to retake lost territories.
• 1575 AD - The Neo-Caesarian Dynasty ends; the Second Augustine Dynasty begins.
• 1624 AD - The Italian Empire acquires its current borders, after a long negotiation with Byzantium, as well as assimilating the last few Italian Kingdoms just outside of the Italian Peninsula.
• 1680 AD - The Italian Empire opens relations with the 'Roman Empire'/Byzantium once again, and begins establishing trade and forming relations.
• 1740 AD - Death of Emperor Julius Quintus; Antonius Quintus I begins his reign. Antonius Quintus I begins to increase infrastructure in the nation; building better bridges, railways and generally strengthening the unity of the Italian Empire.
• 1790 AD - Death of Antonius Quintus I; Antonius Quintus II becomes Emperor. Antonius Quintus II continues his father's work of uniting Italia further by not only increasing infrastructure, but he begins working on educational standards and bettering the economy. His policies work out, mostly due to taking advice from economists.
• 1840 AD - Death of Antonius Quintus II; Antonius Quintus III becomes Emperor. Antonius Quintus III is the youngest Emperor of Italia, at age 19 when he becomes Emperor. His father had died of a stroke at age 61. His mother, Maria Caesar, died shortly after of a heart attack. Emperor Antonius Quintus III's young age is believed to be responsible for his 'modernistic' style of thinking, as well as the cause for his thinking similarly to the modern generation of Italians. Emperor Quintus III also states that he is not actually a Catholic, but a Pagan. This causes some controversy in the Imperial government, but Antonius Quintus III remains Emperor. The Catholic Church looks nervously to the future, under a Pagan Emperor.
• Present - The Italian Empire is strengthening its military as well as trying to become better friends with the Byzantines. The Church is starting to lose power as Pagan temples begin cropping up. Emperor Quintus III turns 49, and his first child, Antonia Valentina (of House Valentino, her mother's house), is named by him as his heir at age 16. Many are intrigued by this, as this is the first time that a first child who was also a first daughter was named to be future Empress of Italia; she would also be the second overall Empress of Italia who ruled directly using the Emperor's powers. This would also mean a transition of power from House Augustine (and an end of the Second Augustine Dynasty with her as its Last Empress) to House Valentino, which would subsequently begin the New Valentinian Dynasty. House Valentino had ancestors who once ruled both as Emperors of the Western Roman Empire, and ones who ruled Byzantium. It was an interesting declaration by Emperor Quintus III, and many are intrigued as to how the Imperial Princess will rule when she takes power in the future.

Comparison Points – Political : 4.
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 0 (due to fluxing religious situation; culture is still important otherwise).
Comparison Points – Economy : 3.
Comparison Points – Military : 3.
Total Comparison Points used: 10/10

[Tracian Empire]

Looks good. But I still think that you have to find better strengths and weaknesses. As an idea, the Roman Empire doesn't exactly recruit too many soldiers either, hence smaller numbers of Italian soldiers might not be exactly a weakness.

[The V O I D]

Looks good. But I still think that you have to find better strengths and weaknesses. As an idea, the Roman Empire doesn't exactly recruit too many soldiers either, hence smaller numbers of Italian soldiers might not be exactly a weakness.

Fair enough. But am I good, for now? Like, to RP n stuff?

I'll flesh out the app further and further as time goes on; it's just easier to figure things out in-the-moment, you know?

Also, how do you like that tidbit in the history about the possibility for a voluntary transition of dynasties thanks to Emperor Quintus III's declaration that the now-Imperial Princess Antonia Valentina will be the next ruler of Italia?

[Zostra]

Trying to decided between three directions for southern China.

1.) "Republic of Aristocrats" Technically a democratic republic, but dominated by the moneyed and propertied classes to the point of plutocracy. Economically prosperous and industrializing, but massive wealth inequality and social problems remain.
2.) "Progressive Authoritarianism" A nation in which dissent and political opposition is clamped down on. Power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruling party which is relatively liberal outside the area of political rights and intent on dragging the country into modernity. Of course the old ruling class and conservatives are deeply opposed to this modernization. Somewhat similar to Ataturk's Turkey.
3.) Constitutional Monarchy. In the British style, the monarch exerts much informal power both politically and socially. However, governing power is devolved to elected parliamentary government. Conservatives, gentry, businessmen, liberals, populists, and socialists all battle for political supremacy as the king tries to keep the country together.

[Tracian Empire]

For Rome as an example, Oscal suggested me two options for my military. The first one maintains my legionaries as one of the world's elite infantries, and puts my army's weakness not necessarily into technology, but more into a conservative way of thinking that values the old infantry and underestimates cavalry and artillery. The navy would also be similarly treated, while not exactly bad, it has relied on simply defending the Imperium's coasts and on the Greek fire for a long time, which has resulted in a really outdated doctrine, and well, in the lack of newer ships.

The second option that was suggested to me was to take it from old Rome. Basically, I would have a really, really good army, but a really bad navy to compensate for it. This second option would allow me to start looking for events to find a Great Admiral in order to work on it, while fixing the first option would be much more difficult.

As for Italy, I'm not sure. You could certainly copy my strengths and weaknesses since we're both Roman, but it's nice to try to be original. Now, since you're Italy, you could have a really good navy, but have to rely mostly on mercenaries for your army, Condottieri as an example. Or perhaps you have a good army, but a weak navy, and you employ a lot of privateers. Or you have both a strong navy and a strong military, but your forces would be divided between the provinces, you can try to be something like a federation.

Just ideas.

[Tracian Empire]

Looks good. But I still think that you have to find better strengths and weaknesses. As an idea, the Roman Empire doesn't exactly recruit too many soldiers either, hence smaller numbers of Italian soldiers might not be exactly a weakness.

Fair enough. But am I good, for now? Like, to RP n stuff?

I'll flesh out the app further and further as time goes on; it's just easier to figure things out in-the-moment, you know?

Also, how do you like that tidbit in the history about the possibility for a voluntary transition of dynasties thanks to Emperor Quintus III's declaration that the now-Imperial Princess Antonia Valentina will be the next ruler of Italia?

Well, there is no hurry, and we will have to complete your history once I make mine, but it looks good overall. As for southern Italy, perhaps the best way for you to take it is while Rome was busy in the East, which would break our relations for a few centuries until they're remade, perhaps as your history indirectly mentions, with some marriages. The Emperors of Constantinople have been from the House of Palaeologos ever since 1200.

It would also be personally nice to me if you would replace Byzantium and Byzantines with Romania and Romans or Eastern Romans, because as I said, the term wouldn't have developed in this timeline.

[Tracian Empire]

Trying to decided between three directions for southern China.

1.) "Republic of Aristocrats" Technically a democratic republic, but dominated by the moneyed and propertied classes to the point of plutocracy. Economically prosperous and industrializing, but massive wealth inequality and social problems remain.
2.) "Progressive Authoritarianism" A nation in which dissent and political opposition is clamped down on. Power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruling party which is relatively liberal outside the area of political rights and intent on dragging the country into modernity. Of course the old ruling class and conservatives are deeply opposed to this modernization. Somewhat similar to Ataturk's Turkey.
3.) Constitutional Monarchy. In the British style, the monarch exerts much informal power both politically and socially. However, governing power is devolved to elected parliamentary government. Conservatives, gentry, businessmen, liberals, populists, and socialists all battle for political supremacy as the king tries to keep the country together.

I personally like 1 and 2.

[Novacom]

For Rome as an example, Oscal suggested me two options for my military. The first one maintains my legionaries as one of the world's elite infantries, and puts my army's weakness not necessarily into technology, but more into a conservative way of thinking that values the old infantry and underestimates cavalry and artillery. The navy would also be similarly treated, while not exactly bad, it has relied on simply defending the Imperium's coasts and on the Greek fire for a long time, which has resulted in a really outdated doctrine, and well, in the lack of newer ships.

The second option that was suggested to me was to take it from old Rome. Basically, I would have a really, really good army, but a really bad navy to compensate for it. This second option would allow me to start looking for events to find a Great Admiral in order to work on it, while fixing the first option would be much more difficult.

As for Italy, I'm not sure. You could certainly copy my strengths and weaknesses since we're both Roman, but it's nice to try to be original. Now, since you're Italy, you could have a really good navy, but have to rely mostly on mercenaries for your army, Condottieri as an example. Or perhaps you have a good army, but a weak navy, and you employ a lot of privateers. Or you have both a strong navy and a strong military, but your forces would be divided between the provinces, you can try to be something like a federation.

Just ideas.

Speaking of Events as a note for EVERYONE detail in apps is good as Events Master if I'm looking for information from your apps to use in events and can't find them I'll make assumptions and my assumptions may go very badly for you, however the rewards from events can be quite good or quite bad if you foul them up

[The V O I D]

For Rome as an example, Oscal suggested me two options for my military. The first one maintains my legionaries as one of the world's elite infantries, and puts my army's weakness not necessarily into technology, but more into a conservative way of thinking that values the old infantry and underestimates cavalry and artillery. The navy would also be similarly treated, while not exactly bad, it has relied on simply defending the Imperium's coasts and on the Greek fire for a long time, which has resulted in a really outdated doctrine, and well, in the lack of newer ships.

The second option that was suggested to me was to take it from old Rome. Basically, I would have a really, really good army, but a really bad navy to compensate for it. This second option would allow me to start looking for events to find a Great Admiral in order to work on it, while fixing the first option would be much more difficult.

As for Italy, I'm not sure. You could certainly copy my strengths and weaknesses since we're both Roman, but it's nice to try to be original. Now, since you're Italy, you could have a really good navy, but have to rely mostly on mercenaries for your army, Condottieri as an example. Or perhaps you have a good army, but a weak navy, and you employ a lot of privateers. Or you have both a strong navy and a strong military, but your forces would be divided between the provinces, you can try to be something like a federation.

Just ideas.

I mean, I feel as though my navy's weaknesses that - despite being big and strong and being a big stick, they're limited to the Mediterranean and need rearming and refueling so they need to stay in the Mediterranean - is a good weakness.

As for army, I mean... I guess they could be rather reliant on modern technology and modernistic strategy, so the old ways confuse them and even newer strategies than the ones they use throw them for a loop.

And I understand that I'll have to fix my history a bit more as you complete yours and redo yours. As for the replacement thing, I'll work on that soon.

Any other issues aside from these?

[Cymrea]

Okay so we are agreed with this as my new claim?

http://imgur.com/D3lygs1

Depends if I get my African holdings back or not.

Although, if it helps, I'm willing to let them go.

[Tracian Empire]

For Rome as an example, Oscal suggested me two options for my military. The first one maintains my legionaries as one of the world's elite infantries, and puts my army's weakness not necessarily into technology, but more into a conservative way of thinking that values the old infantry and underestimates cavalry and artillery. The navy would also be similarly treated, while not exactly bad, it has relied on simply defending the Imperium's coasts and on the Greek fire for a long time, which has resulted in a really outdated doctrine, and well, in the lack of newer ships.

The second option that was suggested to me was to take it from old Rome. Basically, I would have a really, really good army, but a really bad navy to compensate for it. This second option would allow me to start looking for events to find a Great Admiral in order to work on it, while fixing the first option would be much more difficult.

As for Italy, I'm not sure. You could certainly copy my strengths and weaknesses since we're both Roman, but it's nice to try to be original. Now, since you're Italy, you could have a really good navy, but have to rely mostly on mercenaries for your army, Condottieri as an example. Or perhaps you have a good army, but a weak navy, and you employ a lot of privateers. Or you have both a strong navy and a strong military, but your forces would be divided between the provinces, you can try to be something like a federation.

Just ideas.

I mean, I feel as though my navy's weaknesses that - despite being big and strong and being a big stick, they're limited to the Mediterranean and need rearming and refueling so they need to stay in the Mediterranean - is a good weakness.

As for army, I mean... I guess they could be rather reliant on modern technology and modernistic strategy, so the old ways confuse them and even newer strategies than the ones they use throw them for a loop.

And I understand that I'll have to fix my history a bit more as you complete yours and redo yours. As for the replacement thing, I'll work on that soon.

Any other issues aside from these?

My navy is also limited to the Mediterranean. It's not that big of a weakness when your nation's goals are, inside of Mediterranean. And the size isn't exactly an issue, unless you actually make it like that, but you also mention that they are somewhat large.

So, I still believe that one of my issues would work. You can work on the size and quality. Perhaps you have a really small army. Or a large and unprepared one. Or your focus is on the navy, and you use mercenaries. Or you go the Italian route and you have modestly good forces but a lot of incompetence.

[Tracian Empire]

In fact, that could be really good idea. Elitism in the military. So that only nobles and rich persons can become officers and high ranking officers, which would introduce a certain level of incompetence into the military, and would also ensure that there could be some fraction between the military and the Emperor.

[Novacom]

Okay so we are agreed with this as my new claim?

http://imgur.com/D3lygs1

Depends if I get my African holdings back or not.

Although, if it helps, I'm willing to let them go.

Unfortunately the ruling is Old Player Homelands>New Player Homelands>Old Player Colonies>New Player Colonies but glad your ok with it

[The V O I D]

I'll figure out the exact weaknesses later. I just feel like the navy one is good enough, all things considered.

[Democratic East-Asia]

Trying to decided between three directions for southern China.

1.) "Republic of Aristocrats" Technically a democratic republic, but dominated by the moneyed and propertied classes to the point of plutocracy. Economically prosperous and industrializing, but massive wealth inequality and social problems remain.
2.) "Progressive Authoritarianism" A nation in which dissent and political opposition is clamped down on. Power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruling party which is relatively liberal outside the area of political rights and intent on dragging the country into modernity. Of course the old ruling class and conservatives are deeply opposed to this modernization. Somewhat similar to Ataturk's Turkey.
3.) Constitutional Monarchy. In the British style, the monarch exerts much informal power both politically and socially. However, governing power is devolved to elected parliamentary government. Conservatives, gentry, businessmen, liberals, populists, and socialists all battle for political supremacy as the king tries to keep the country together.

I personally like 1 and 2.

2) is very similar to what I had in mind.

[The V O I D]

Expanded on weaknesses a wee bit more and purged Byzantine/Byzantium from the app, replacing it with 'East-Romans' or 'Eastern Roman', etc.

Full Nation Name : The Italian Empire ; Imperium Italiae ; The Empire of Italia
Flag: Imperial Flag.
Majority/Official Culture : Mix of Roman and Italian.
Territorial Core : I'm on the map already; the Italian peninsula, plus Croatia and that general weird navy-blue thing.
Territorial Claim : Claims colonies in Africa, and has ambitions to reclaim the 'Western Roman Empire'.
Capital City : Rome. It's where Rome is, of course.
Population : Approx. 30 million (give or take a few).

Government Type : Semi-Constitutional Monarchy.
Government Ideology/Policies : Imperialist, expansionist, militarist, etc.; Italia believes in having a strong military doctrine to have a strong empire.
Government Focus : Italia's focus mainly lies in its culture, military and economy; it has a proud culture based on the Roman Empire and considers itself the successor to the Western Roman Empire.
Head of State : His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Antonius Quintus III
Head of Government : See above.
Government Description : The Italian Empire has a semi-constitutional monarchy; the Imperial Senate (unicameral) is proportionally elected on its political parties and such based on how the voters throughout the Empire vote. The Italian Empire is a unitary state. The Emperor has supreme executive powers; both in regards to military, domestic and abroad (he can create treaties without necessary approval from the Senate, unless the Senate performs a 3/4ths vote of vetoing the treaty). The Empire is also influenced by the Catholic Church, though this influence is dwindling as Paganism is on the rise.

Majority/State Religion : Catholic Christianity (officially).
Religious Description : The Catholic Church holds some level of influence in both the Senate and with the Emperor, but this influence is dwindling as Paganism is on the rise. It is otherwise basically Catholic Christianity.

Economic Ideologies : Capitalism, borderline laissez-faire when it comes to doing trade with the Eastern Roman Empire.
Major Production : Industrial goods.
Economic Description : The Italian economy is very capitalist and has very little government intervention; corporations make donations to the Imperial family as well as to the Senate to remain in their favor, and influence politics to some degree.

Army Strength : Well equipped, efficient, well trained, somewhat large. The Imperial Legions have some of the greatest weapons available and go through a rigorous training process; they are efficient in that they can fight using a large number of strategies, depending on what their mission is. The Legions are also in the strong hundred thousands, and have some of the best riflemen in Europe.
Army Weakness : While large for a nation its size, the Italian Empire's army is smaller than others. For example, while it may command a few hundred thousand, nearly a million, soldiers; East Roman and other larger empires may command more, or other empires have a higher population than it does. The Legions are also very reliant upon modern strategies and ways of thinking in regards to how they use their artillery and such; therefor, using different methods (whether newer or older) can sometimes confuse them. They also require a large amount of production to keep them equipped and such. The Legions also use 'modernized' uniforms; meaning they very rarely, if ever, wear any 'old style' armor. This means that, while they can - at times - out number or out class some groups, if an armored, shielded legion storms them with spears, the Legions are going to have a very bad day.
Naval Strength : Large/strong ships, large navy, quality weapons/equipment. The Imperial Fleets are relatively infamous for its ships being built large, oftentimes requiring at least a hundred-man crews. The Imperial Fleets have a few hundred ships under its command, all of which are well armed with top-of-the-line cannons and are relatively well armored. All of this combined makes the Imperial Fleets a terrifying force on the seas.
Naval Weakness : The Imperial Fleets, though strong, need frequent refueling and they struggle to wander too far out of the Mediterranean. This is mostly because of their rather large size and their need to refuel, rearm, etc. The Imperial Fleets cannot handle a naval war of attrition for too long, outside of the Mediterranean. This means that the Italian Empire is more likely to war with a nation in the Mediterranean Sea with its navy than outside it. Although Imperial ambitions do allow this limit to occur with regards to say, Gaul or Hispania, the Britannian Issue is one major thing that may be affected by the Fleets being almost incapable of existing outside of the Mediterranean.
Further Military Description : N/A.

National Goals : Recreate the Western Roman Empire, strengthen relations with the Eastern Romans, consolidate power, increase military power.
National Issues : Catholicism vs Paganism, Church vs Government, Socialism/Republicanism vs Monarchism, among others.
National Figures of Interest : The Emperor, of course; Pope Pius IX.
National Ambition/Aspirations : The Italian Empire is driving towards being able to reclaim all "lost territories" from when it was once the Western Roman Empire.

History :

• 27 B.C. - Roman Empire established.
• 306-337 AD - The Reign of Constantine the Great; Rome becomes Christian. The Roman Empire also splits into West and East.
• 1453 AD - Fall of the Western Roman Empire; death of the "Last Emperor of the Old Empire."
• 1454-1500 AD - The Era of Strife; multiple Kingdoms vying for power, with the Church trying to hold everything together but not seizing power due to some anti-Christian feelings in some minor Kingdoms. Southern Italy is put under occupation of the East-Romans.
• 1501 AD - The Kingdom of Italia emerges victorious on the Italian Peninsula; it becomes the Italian Empire. The Italian Empire looks to retake lost territories.
• 1575 AD - The Neo-Caesarian Dynasty ends; the Second Augustine Dynasty begins.
• 1624 AD - The Italian Empire acquires its current borders, after a long negotiation with Eastern Rome, as well as assimilating the last few Italian Kingdoms just outside of the Italian Peninsula.
• 1680 AD - The Italian Empire opens relations with the 'Roman Empire' once again, and begins establishing trade and forming relations.
• 1740 AD - Death of Emperor Julius Quintus; Antonius Quintus I begins his reign. Antonius Quintus I begins to increase infrastructure in the nation; building better bridges, railways and generally strengthening the unity of the Italian Empire.
• 1790 AD - Death of Antonius Quintus I; Antonius Quintus II becomes Emperor. Antonius Quintus II continues his father's work of uniting Italia further by not only increasing infrastructure, but he begins working on educational standards and bettering the economy. His policies work out, mostly due to taking advice from economists.
• 1840 AD - Death of Antonius Quintus II; Antonius Quintus III becomes Emperor. Antonius Quintus III is the youngest Emperor of Italia, at age 19 when he becomes Emperor. His father had died of a stroke at age 61. His mother, Maria Caesar, died shortly after of a heart attack. Emperor Antonius Quintus III's young age is believed to be responsible for his 'modernistic' style of thinking, as well as the cause for his thinking similarly to the modern generation of Italians. Emperor Quintus III also states that he is not actually a Catholic, but a Pagan. This causes some controversy in the Imperial government, but Antonius Quintus III remains Emperor. The Catholic Church looks nervously to the future, under a Pagan Emperor.
• Present - The Italian Empire is strengthening its military as well as trying to become better friends with the East-Romans. The Church is starting to lose power as Pagan temples begin cropping up. Emperor Quintus III turns 49, and his first child, Antonia Valentina (of House Valentino, her mother's house), is named by him as his heir at age 16. Many are intrigued by this, as this is the first time that a first child who was also a first daughter was named to be future Empress of Italia; she would also be the second overall Empress of Italia who ruled directly using the Emperor's powers. This would also mean a transition of power from House Augustine (and an end of the Second Augustine Dynasty with her as its Last Empress) to House Valentino, which would subsequently begin the New Valentinian Dynasty. House Valentino had ancestors who once ruled both as Emperors of the Western Roman Empire, and ones who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire. It was an interesting declaration by Emperor Quintus III, and many are intrigued as to how the Imperial Princess will rule when she takes power in the future.

Comparison Points – Political : 4.
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 0 (due to fluxing religious situation; culture is still important otherwise).
Comparison Points – Economy : 3.
Comparison Points – Military : 3.
Total Comparison Points used: 10/10

[Tracian Empire]

I'll figure out the exact weaknesses later. I just feel like the navy one is good enough, all things considered.

And I don't think that considering that the Navy's purpose lies in the Mediterranean, that can be considered an actual weakness. And even so, the army would also be lacking a weakness. The general consensus until now has been to keep all armed forces balanced. Hence why I think that any of my proposals would fit in perfectly.

[The V O I D]

I'll figure out the exact weaknesses later. I just feel like the navy one is good enough, all things considered.

And I don't think that considering that the Navy's purpose lies in the Mediterranean, that can be considered an actual weakness. And even so, the army would also be lacking a weakness. The general consensus until now has been to keep all armed forces balanced. Hence why I think that any of my proposals would fit in perfectly.

I feel like being unprepared when faced with different methods of fighting than they are used to/trained for for the army and being restricted to the Mediterranean when their ambitions would require them to move the fleets outside it are perfectly good weaknesses.

This, combined with religious fluxing internally as a cultural weakness because - as I said - there is possibility for, in the future, a communist revolution/fascist coup/papal "ascendancy."

This is also all implied by the big military and such, alongside the decaying Church influence, on top of the government being rather capitalistic and workers rights not being a concern (as you see in my app, economists [likely ones from corporations and such]) helped strengthen the Italian economy.

There are many possibilities and weaknesses built into my very nation, so a compromise for that is that my military is very strong, but has a few weaknesses that appear nominal, but when you consider Italian ambitions and such, alongside the possibility that other nations use different tactics in all likelihood, are actually much larger than one would think.

[Tracian Empire]

And I don't think that considering that the Navy's purpose lies in the Mediterranean, that can be considered an actual weakness. And even so, the army would also be lacking a weakness. The general consensus until now has been to keep all armed forces balanced. Hence why I think that any of my proposals would fit in perfectly.

I feel like being unprepared when faced with different methods of fighting than they are used to/trained for for the army and being restricted to the Mediterranean when their ambitions would require them to move the fleets outside it are perfectly good weaknesses.

This, combined with religious fluxing internally as a cultural weakness because - as I said - there is possibility for, in the future, a communist revolution/fascist coup/papal "ascendancy."

This is also all implied by the big military and such, alongside the decaying Church influence, on top of the government being rather capitalistic and workers rights not being a concern (as you see in my app, economists [likely ones from corporations and such]) helped strengthen the Italian economy.

There are many possibilities and weaknesses built into my very nation, so a compromise for that is that my military is very strong, but has a few weaknesses that appear nominal, but when you consider Italian ambitions and such, alongside the possibility that other nations use different tactics in all likelihood, are actually much larger than one would think.

Who would be prepared to fight against different methods of fighting than they are used to? That most clearly is not a weakness, no military would be prepared to fight against methods of fighting they weren't trained to counter. And while truly, you do have big ambitions, it is extremely unlikely for you to be able to move out of the Mediterranean anyway, you would have to face France, Iberia, and Burgundy first. So that would pretty much also leave your navy without a weakness when fighting in the Mediterranean. Also that thing with the armor, its 1870. Who uses armor anymore? And who uses lances? We're moving towards the industrial era, that's most clearly not a weakness.

So my point of view remains that these aren't enough to count as weaknesses.

[Cymrea]

For almost the entire RP, we have only had combat with NPCs. But when two players do finally tangle, the most emphasis will be on what we write. While the point is rarely to just "win", relying on stuff like, "My army is large and well-equipped, and disciplined, and will fight to the very last man!" probably won't cut it.

Cambria has a massive navy, big new boats, and plenty of national pride. But a clever and tricksy player stands a great chance of outsmarting me.

So I, for one, hope to see our abundant creativity and cleverness put to best use.

[The V O I D]

I feel like being unprepared when faced with different methods of fighting than they are used to/trained for for the army and being restricted to the Mediterranean when their ambitions would require them to move the fleets outside it are perfectly good weaknesses.

This, combined with religious fluxing internally as a cultural weakness because - as I said - there is possibility for, in the future, a communist revolution/fascist coup/papal "ascendancy."

This is also all implied by the big military and such, alongside the decaying Church influence, on top of the government being rather capitalistic and workers rights not being a concern (as you see in my app, economists [likely ones from corporations and such]) helped strengthen the Italian economy.

There are many possibilities and weaknesses built into my very nation, so a compromise for that is that my military is very strong, but has a few weaknesses that appear nominal, but when you consider Italian ambitions and such, alongside the possibility that other nations use different tactics in all likelihood, are actually much larger than one would think.

Who would be prepared to fight against different methods of fighting than they are used to? That most clearly is not a weakness, no military would be prepared to fight against methods of fighting they weren't trained to counter. And while truly, you do have big ambitions, it is extremely unlikely for you to be able to move out of the Mediterranean anyway, you would have to face France, Iberia, and Burgundy first. So that would pretty much also leave your navy without a weakness when fighting in the Mediterranean. Also that thing with the armor, its 1870. Who uses armor anymore? And who uses lances? We're moving towards the industrial era, that's most clearly not a weakness.

So my point of view remains that these aren't enough to count as weaknesses.

I'm just saying having the weaknesses you suggested on either front seems like overkill, considering my nation has built-in weaknesses. After all, with those three possible anti-government revolutions, on top of the fact I'm a rather small nation compared to some others population wise... I feel like it's a good compromise that my army/navy remain strong but have seemingly nominal weaknesses.

While they may not seem like enough to you, they are enough; when you combine them with my nation's other built-in weaknesses and the likes, it is entirely fair and balances out.

[Tracian Empire]

Who would be prepared to fight against different methods of fighting than they are used to? That most clearly is not a weakness, no military would be prepared to fight against methods of fighting they weren't trained to counter. And while truly, you do have big ambitions, it is extremely unlikely for you to be able to move out of the Mediterranean anyway, you would have to face France, Iberia, and Burgundy first. So that would pretty much also leave your navy without a weakness when fighting in the Mediterranean. Also that thing with the armor, its 1870. Who uses armor anymore? And who uses lances? We're moving towards the industrial era, that's most clearly not a weakness.

So my point of view remains that these aren't enough to count as weaknesses.

I'm just saying having the weaknesses you suggested on either front seems like overkill, considering my nation has built-in weaknesses. After all, with those three possible anti-government revolutions, on top of the fact I'm a rather small nation compared to some others population wise... I feel like it's a good compromise that my army/navy remain strong but have seemingly nominal weaknesses.

While they may not seem like enough to you, they are enough; when you combine them with my nation's other built-in weaknesses and the likes, it is entirely fair and balances out.

My personal opinion remains that those wouldn't count as actual weaknesses. But whatever, if you consider them to be enough, and the others also then I won't press this issue any further. I would still though like for those weaknesses of your country to be visible in the military, perhaps by pagan and/or communist influences into the military. And the other two weaknesses you mentioned should be reformulated since they don't make much sense like that.