Men of a Letter[AP Region/Mature]

[Togeria]

OOC: I put mature because we tend to delve into harsh topics but please keep with NS rules. It's fun to tip toe the line but never cross it.

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Men are a strange breed, a strange creature within this world. Only man can come together to creatures the wonders of the world. To move mountain and river, harness the forces of nature for their will, tempt and beat death, take from nature and it enslave it to their needs. And yet no force is posses a greater threat to man then himself as though some biological killswitch infects his system at the very sight of equal competition and driving him to use every tool and utility of his creation to inflict harm upon himself and those around. Man is truly a wolf to no one but himself.

[Communist Volkstrad]

Volkstrad is a much troubled kingdom along the Baltic Sea. It is not a nation of great size, and is eternally haunted and harried by its neighbours to the North and East. It is a demoralized, depressed nation, as it was, not so long ago, quite a powerful player on the world stage, with an army second to none and the pride to match. However, tensions between various factions rose after the legitimacy of the crown had been called into question by the King's activities, and this soon erupted into a multi-sided war between Loyalists, Republicans, the forces of House Wojda, and invaders from other regions looking to take back their lost land in Volkstrad's time of weakness.

The end result was the victory of the Royalists, but it was a hollow one. King Dariusz III was murdered at the very beginning of the war by Lord Izaak Wojda's men. Most of Volkstrad's recent conquests were also lost when their previous owners went in to take them back plus a little more. The Republicans were the smallest faction, and while the leaders of the group were all executed or killed in battle, they live on as martyrs in the hearts of their followers, and many of their number have traveled abroad to spread their ideas to other nations and other empires. Over a third of the noble houses of Volkstrad rose up in support of Lord Wojda, enough to where, after the war, Volkstrad could not afford to replace all of them.

The end result is a battered, demoralized, and deeply divided nation. Since Dariusz's brother, Wiktor, took the throne, there have been some campaigns to try and expand into the Tribal lands to the East, but the army doesn't have its heart in it. The Tribesmen continue to fight a successful guerrilla campaign against them, as well, making the region extremely costly to fight in.

Further, the Volkstradi Government continues to make concessions of land to the various Holy Orders of the Church, granting them cities and estates. The theory being that at least they can protect themselves, if the Royal Army can't. The Church is slowly becoming another apparatus of the government, beginning witch hunts and sending its inquisitors across Volkstrad.

In the North, the Vallgradis are slowly expanding their influence, threatening to snatch up the Baltic Coast and cut off some of the Volkstradi colonies in newly conquered tribal territories. The King's men have been sent to the area to try and counter it, but many of them are untrustworthy, or were allied to House Wojda, in which case they are of little use given that Vallgrad was notorious for providing monetary and military support to them.

In this time of weakness, abominations that are typically confined to the rural wilderness and to the Tribelands have begun to creep into Volkstrad in greater numbers, and have begun to take more prominent actions against the citizenry. Entire villages along the border have been wiped out since the War began, and not by any kind of humans.

The roads have become dangerous, too. Highwaymen of all kinds now lurk all about, setting their traps and ambushes for victims to ride up. Only a fool travels without a heavily armed guard. Of course, they know that, and many of the bodyguards in fact are working as partners with the villains.

To be a Volkstradi in this time is to live in a deeply divided nation, with a weak and corrupt government. It is to feel the iron fist of the Church slowly closing in around you as their power grows, and to live every moment in fear of the things that live in the dark. It is to take every step with the fear that any manner of creature or criminal may lurk out at you. It is a time of uncertainty, knowing that your country stands on the edge of an abyss from which there is no recovery. It is to live in a world of unending violence, where dark things lurk, awaiting their time to drag you down.

[Andelgrad]

Andelgrad is a city state surrounding largely by Volkstrad, although it also borders the Tribelands. It is the most Holy city to the faith of Volkstrad, and it is operated and run by the Militant Holy Order of the Lady Astarael, often referred to as the Astellan Order. The Astellans are considered the guardians of the Faith of Volkstrad, usually referred to as the Andelic Faith.

This religion is considered by many outsiders as being a Catholic Heresy, but this is not entirely correct. It does have many similar practices to Catholicism, and has even adopted some Catholic titles, the beliefs themselves are very different. The Andelic faith venerates Angels not necessarily as mankind's creators, but as its saviours. The faith has no "gods" per se, but it does have its angels and many saints as well. Foremost among them is Astarael, the namesake of the order, who is foremost amongst the Archangels, and is the only angel of the Metatron caste, as there can only be one of these at a time. She is the supreme angel, who manages and commands the rest of her kind.

The faith is characterized by struggle. Life is a struggle against malevolent forces that seek its undoing or its corruption. It's a struggle against primeval forces that seek to drag man screaming back into the wild, and it is a struggle against sin. Practitioners believe that it was the Angels who gave man the tools and knowledge he needed to crawl out of the cave and become civilized. It was they who helped humanity to rise above the beasts and dark things of the wilderness, and it is they who lead and direct man to a virtuous life.

However, it is believed that somewhere along the way, something happened. At some period, it is believed that the Angels went to battle alongside their greatest human servants, the martyrs and saints of past eras, to combat the ultimate evil and his servants, named only as the Unspeakable One or the Demiurge. A Dark God of Immense Power, credited with all of man's faults and with the creation of sin and its temptations, and with the creation of all the unholy beings that wander Volkstrad and the Tribelands, as well as the world at large. It is believed that they allowed themselves all to be imprisoned inside a divine prison, trapping them and their foes both to battle for eternity.

However, the servants of evil still act in the Demiurge's name. The faith holds also that the Demiurge is not the only Dark God that has walked the Earth, and that older, more primal beings once reigned supreme. Forgotten things, ancient things, primeval things that have not ruled since the time of the Long Night, the era preceding the Angels. So too do things wander in undeath across the land, abhorrent creatures that are considered unholy in every sense of the word. These diabolical forces are still thought to act even to this day.

And that is where the Astellan Order comes in. Darkness grows as the light dims, and it is their duty to defend mankind and send the fiendish creatures that haunt man back to the Hell from which they came. They are crusaders, they are missionaries, they are inquisitors, they are exorcists, and they are monks, all at once. While the Andelic Faith has other Holy Orders, such as the Order of Hestiel, but the Astellan Order is the most powerful, and the most militant of them all.

The Astellan Order is, in truth, more of a set of connected orders under one command than a single cohesive entity. It has numerous
"wings" which operate as subdivisions of the Order, with different focuses, chains of command, and modi operandi. Ultimately, though, they answer to Lord Azrael, Lord Commander of the Militant Holy Order of Lady Astarael. Lord Azrael is the ultimate authority on all matters of the Order, and is, in truth, second only in Church Authority to the Hierarch and the Living Saints. While it is not an official practice, it is tradition for the Lord Commander to take the name of "Azrael" after ascending to office. A few Angels were not imprisoned during the Great Battle, and it is said that they visit Lord Azrael and the Hierarch in their dreams to confer with them and give them their orders. Living Saints, which are an extreme rarity given the high value of Martyrdom in the Andelic Faith, are said to have more direct contact with the Angels, and even tend to take on some of their physical traits.

There are many small chapters and wings within the Astellan Order, to where it is difficult to keep track of them all, and they have various outposts across Volkstrad and even the Tribelands. At present, though, they are launching a crusade against the Tribesmen, on the face of it attempting to bring the word to the pagans, but the operation has other motives than that.

Something has them worried. Something that few of the Order know of, and even fewer would even speak of.

[Sveriges Riket]

The Sveriges Riket is a reclusive and isolated empire, withdrawn from the world since its defeats on the Russian front many decades ago. The glory days of the empire have long since passed, and steadily the borders of the realm grow thinner and thinner. Enthusiasm in expansion has long since dwindled and died out. The Riket today enjoys some limited regional power, but no more. This gloomy shadow of an empire has even lost faith in the Crown, which once shined with jewels of territory.

This is reflected in the scant crowds who gather at the coronation of King Adolph Frederick, on a rainy day. Everyone knew that he would be the new king following the death of his predecessor, but the former never quite enjoyed much popularity at all. Faith in and popularity of the sovereigns has been steadily decreasing since the disastrous military defeats against the Russian Empire, which had lost the Riket a vast majority of its possessions in the Baltic. But Adolph sought to change this mentality. He was determined not to be tied down by the constitution of the monarchy, and aimed to restore the prestige of the Riket. The parliament, however, was determined to hold him back. It consisted of career politicians who had been long since elected to their positions. Their power has suffered very little since the defeats, and they have allowed the power of the sovereigns and of the people at large to decrease, giving them the upper hand in legislature and administration. If Adolph wants to reassert his power, his path to glory is obstructed by a throng of old men with too much power in their hands.

This throng of old men has neglected the military of the Riket, leaving the hulls of the navies to rot in the bay, and the lining of the artillery to rust away. What was once a proud force of young men has withered away into a lethargic ghost-military.
(pending)

[Vallgrad]

The city of Vallgrad is located along the Baltic Sea, surrounded on all other sides by Volkstrad. It is a powerful merchant city, with a small but well disciplined, loyal, and well equipped military. It's influence is far reaching, and the Vallgradi Merchant Fleet is a common sight in ports across the Baltic, and even occasionally in other parts of Europe. It has a tendency for bad weather, but in most ways it seems normal. There's some crime, but it's well hidden to avoid the wrath of the city administration. The people appear to be, by and large, happy and content with life.

There's only one small thing that really separates it from anywhere else. It's not much, really, but it seems to rub some people the wrong way. You see, the Noble House that runs the city has a problem with a serious hereditary ailment that is known to cause severe sensitivity to bright lights, paling of the skin, and a minor case of undeath. Also a taste for thick red wine.

House Lunov has a real problem with vampirism. It's something that causes everyone in the immediate vicinity of Vallgrad a great deal of unease and fear which they have expressed violently on numerous and frequent occasions, never with any success. As such, the Vallgradi leaders take pleasure in agitating their neighbours whenever they can. Most recently, they have taken the remaining members of House Wojda as guests in the asylum of their city, which has been a cause of immense frustration with those seeking to eliminate the rest of the house and thus remove their claim to the throne. Additionally, it has earned them some, albeit wary, allies inland.

The city is perpetually in a cold[and occasionally hot] war with the Astellan Order, fighting it in the shadows and alleys of Vallgrad and surrounding areas. The Andelic Faith views undead things as abominations and a spit in the face of the Holy Angels, and so the two are sworn foes over that alone. However, to add insult to the mix, the city of Vallgrad is viewed as following a Heretical interpretation of the Andelic Faith, as vampirism is instead considered a gift from the Archangels to give mankind people who would bring the edge of limitless time and learning to combat the forces of darkness.

Additionally, the Vindecist Heresy, as it is known, has several doctrinal differences from standard Andelic. If Andelism is Catholicism, then Vindecism is Orthodoxy. The Church and the State have a somewhat closer connection than in Andelism Proper, due to the perception of vampirism, which views them essentially as champions of the light who must walk the balance between that and the dark. Vindecism has its own Holy Order, called the Order of St. Korrina, which while smaller than any of the Andelic Orders, has much stronger hierarchy and ironically a less Byzantine labyrinth of structure. Grigori Lunov is presently the Lord Commander of the Order, and many members of House Lunov are prominent members of the Order and the Church. The head of the Vindecist Heresy is the Auspex[Who is, and always has been by decree of House Lunov, Human.], the present Auspex being Israfel I. The Auspex is elected from amongst the next highest level of the Church upon the demise of the previous Auspex. The Lord Commander is permitted to vote in this as well, and the Lord Commander has always been a member of House Lunov. As such, there remains some state influence on the matter.

Vindecism has very little sway or adherents beyond Vallgrad and its immediate vicinity, and while considered abhorrent by the Andelic Church, is not considered an immediate threat. Vallgrad tends to use other things to influence its neighbours and attempt to bring them under their control. Money, power, a bit of blackmail, a bit of bribery, the usual stuff. Propaganda is also being constantly fed into the regions around Vallgrad in an effort to turn them towards the city. This effort is being met fiercely by the Astellan Order, and a shadow war is being waged between the two in the area.

[Romuva]

The Grand Romuvan Republic lies on the southern shores of Italy and boasts a powerful and experienced navy, fresh from war with the Tunisian menace. Claiming descent from the old Roman Republic, Romuvan politics are chalked full of nationalism and imperialistic dreams of recreating a grand Mediterranean Empire, starting with colonizing the barbarous Illyrian and Greek lands and possibly even uniting the Italian peoples.
The only obstacle in their way, however, are themselves.
The Royal Senate, led by corrupt nobles and aristocrats influenced by local mafias, is greatly divided between the Fazione Repubblicana, the Liberaldemocratici, the Partito Nazionale Romano (PNR), and the recently formed yet incredibly influential Partito Monarchico led by House Trastámara
Constantly at each other's throats, most reforms are stopped dead in their tracks, greatly restricting any sort of progress.
The major religion of the small nation is a early form of Pentecostalism, but Roman Catholicism and Ibadi Islam are also quite prevalent as well.

[Togeria]

The Togerian Empire lies as a union between two great cities the continental capital Muzi and the island capital and seat of the empire Lazlo. Once a force known throughout Europe which was home to the greatest generals and forces not seen since Rome, the nation eagerly expanded past its realm to the new world, imprinting itself within it colony of Virrgo and planting trade routes along the African coast and most importantly India. Faith would not be in their favor however. With every claim to land they weakened their position within the European continent and with every war the cement their position resources were taken away towards maintaining their colonies. This constant cycle would break the empire as in 1759 their colony within North America launched the first great revolt against Togerian rule. More than a decade later and with assistance of the Spanish and Portuguese empires the colonist would win, signaling a ripple throughout the empire that to lesser nation would've signified a death blow.

But not the Togerians. The Togerians alone braved a war on three fronts, the Togerians alone faced a war on mighty Atlantic sea, and the Togerians alone survived a war that pitted both their strongholds in America and India against forces much greater than the land of the eternal twilight. But, each battle, each skirmish, each movement of troops or call to action drained more and more resources from the Imperial home.

Now still decades later after the war the empire is still struggling to recover the empire is split between the rational of several groups. The elite want their control back over the majority, the men faith call for divine action against the heretics and corrupt, and the poor the men and women who alone paid the greatest cost for the war by toiling in the fields collecting grain, giving their sons to the bitter embrace of death for the empire now call for their retribution. The monarchy for the most part led under Henry John Jean-Picard 1st King of Togeria has done its best to maintain order. It has tried to appease to church asking for their prayers and aid in this time of trouble, it has appealed to its people both rich and poor to varying degrees of success. In this time growing concern transgressions in the past that may have had been forgiven must now be dealt with harshly either by the power of law or cold steel.

Every protest is now silenced harshly by King's elite guard, men trained nearly from birth to serve loyalty to the Henry. The military too shares this allegiance and often raids are conducted by senior officers within cities and villages suspected of treason. In this tense time of internal struggle the actions of the monarchy increasingly radicalize the very people His Majesty seeks to console. A line has been drawn that grows every passing day with those who support the monarchy on one end and those who call for the King's abdication on the other.

[Danceria]

Danceria.

A name that rang true with patriotism. A name associated with verdant rolling fields, thick idyllic forests, swooping deserts filled with black gold and archaeological treasures. Cities with glass and steel skyscrapers, ever reaching towards the skies, and matched only by the well preserved ancient landmarks. Danceria, a nation blessed by the Valar.

Danceria, a nation situated between two of the most autocratic and militant superpowers the world had ever known, yet survived against all odds, and prospered. With freedom and liberty, the moderate constitutional monarchy was an example of noblesse oblige. Their people voted, fought, and ready to fight to defend their homeland, and many people groups were ready to fight for the Brenno and the United Kingdoms. A nation that endured the test of two and a half millennia.

The nation earned this paradise through bloodshed, through the brutal purges of the mid-20th centuries, where the anarchy of the War of the Partisians, where the Fascists prevailed over the Communists, and preserved the country, and against all expectations, became a regular political party. Purging was considered a pastime, and despite the best efforts of the World Assembly, Danceria was notoriously "backwards". Christians only recently could walk the streets with safety, after brutal regimes punished the native Valarists for as long as Dancerians could remember. They were the lucky ones. Homosexuals were extradited, transgenders and those who operated upon them were considered on par with serial murderers. Certain ethnicities were being subtly targeted. The ever vigilant Department of Immigration prevented anyone less than the possible best from entering Danceria. Bigtopians complained about the voter IDs requiring a certain IQ requirements, rejection of ceremonially prepared food.

Danceria will not be invaded...never again.

[Communist Volkstrad]

Volkstrad was in a sorry state.

King Wiktor knew it. The people knew it. The Vallgradis and the Tribals knew it. Wiktor was sure that if he went off to a remote tribe in the middle of the Amazon and asked "Hey, what do you think's up with Volkstrad?" the reply he'd receive would be "I'd rather take my chances with the jungle than set foot in that sorry hell hole."

The worst part was, there wasn't much he could do about it. The great leaders of the Volkstradi State and its Military Heroes had all either died in the War or fought for the wrong side, leaving him with nothing but a spineless and untrustworthy husk. He couldn't trust those at his court, as they only told him what he wanted to hear and not what was actually going on. The Generals were buffoons who were in the pockets of the corrupt officials that were running rampant in his kingdom, and the only capable replacements for them served under Lord Wojda. Making matters worse, the damned tribals were acting up, and were not only launching more and more attacks on the Volkstradi settlements and outposts on the Frontier, but had now begun to raid the interior of the country too. Entire settlements were going missing out in the East, and something peculiar was going on.

The damned monsters in the North were getting funny ideas too, and the only ones doing well in the entire country was the Church and the Astellan Order. Good for them, but they had no real obligations to the state, and so it brought him back to square one.

There wasn't much choice then. As much as he'd love to tear down everything and start from scratch, that seemed to be a good way for Wiktor to to go the way of his brother Dariusz, which was not appealing to say the least.

He had to get help from the outside, and so he did what he had to do. A messenger, well, several messengers in fact, were dispatched to the Island Nation of Togeria. Of the four he sent, one made it there without being shot, getting lost at sea, or abruptly disappearing before leaving the country. The message was pretty simple and addressed to the Monarchs of that state: "Czar Wiktor I of House Mstislav, King of Volkstrad, requests and audience with His Imperial Majesty."

[Communist Volkstrad]

Danceria.

A name that rang true with patriotism. A name associated with verdant rolling fields, thick idyllic forests, swooping deserts filled with black gold and archaeological treasures. Cities with glass and steel skyscrapers, ever reaching towards the skies, and matched only by the well preserved ancient landmarks. Danceria, a nation blessed by the Valar.

Danceria, a nation situated between two of the most autocratic and militant superpowers the world had ever known, yet survived against all odds, and prospered. With freedom and liberty, the moderate constitutional monarchy was an example of noblesse oblige. Their people voted, fought, and ready to fight to defend their homeland, and many people groups were ready to fight for the Brenno and the United Kingdoms. A nation that endured the test of two and a half millennia.

The nation earned this paradise through bloodshed, through the brutal purges of the mid-20th centuries, where the anarchy of the War of the Partisians, where the Fascists prevailed over the Communists, and preserved the country, and against all expectations, became a regular political party. Purging was considered a pastime, and despite the best efforts of the World Assembly, Danceria was notoriously "backwards". Christians only recently could walk the streets with safety, after brutal regimes punished the native Valarists for as long as Dancerians could remember. They were the lucky ones. Homosexuals were extradited, transgenders and those who operated upon them were considered on par with serial murderers. Certain ethnicities were being subtly targeted. The ever vigilant Department of Immigration prevented anyone less than the possible best from entering Danceria. Bigtopians complained about the voter IDs requiring a certain IQ requirements, rejection of ceremonially prepared food.

Danceria will not be invaded...never again.

OOC:
Sorry to break it to you, but this is a regional RP , and the year is 1785.

[Danceria]

Danceria.

A name that rang true with patriotism. A name associated with verdant rolling fields, thick idyllic forests, swooping deserts filled with black gold and archaeological treasures. Cities with glass and steel skyscrapers, ever reaching towards the skies, and matched only by the well preserved ancient landmarks. Danceria, a nation blessed by the Valar.

Danceria, a nation situated between two of the most autocratic and militant superpowers the world had ever known, yet survived against all odds, and prospered. With freedom and liberty, the moderate constitutional monarchy was an example of noblesse oblige. Their people voted, fought, and ready to fight to defend their homeland, and many people groups were ready to fight for the Brenno and the United Kingdoms. A nation that endured the test of two and a half millennia.

The nation earned this paradise through bloodshed, through the brutal purges of the mid-20th centuries, where the anarchy of the War of the Partisians, where the Fascists prevailed over the Communists, and preserved the country, and against all expectations, became a regular political party. Purging was considered a pastime, and despite the best efforts of the World Assembly, Danceria was notoriously "backwards". Christians only recently could walk the streets with safety, after brutal regimes punished the native Valarists for as long as Dancerians could remember. They were the lucky ones. Homosexuals were extradited, transgenders and those who operated upon them were considered on par with serial murderers. Certain ethnicities were being subtly targeted. The ever vigilant Department of Immigration prevented anyone less than the possible best from entering Danceria. Bigtopians complained about the voter IDs requiring a certain IQ requirements, rejection of ceremonially prepared food.

Danceria will not be invaded...never again.

OOC:
Sorry to break it to you, but this is a regional RP , and the year is 1785.

Bollocks. This is why you don't post at 20:35 PM

[Communist Volkstrad]

OOC:
Sorry to break it to you, but this is a regional RP , and the year is 1785.

Bollocks. This is why you don't post at 20:35 PM

Yeah, sorry mate.

[Moskovskaya Konfederatsiya]

From the Baltic Sea to the Mighty Pacific, the largest nation on the planet stretches across Eurasia, even more lands awaiting to be grasped by it's hand. The Moskovskaya Konfederatsiya, or the Moscow Confederacy, stands as one. The Confederacy was based off of the idea of Pan-Slavism, allowing the states of Ruthenia, White Russia, and although not Slavic, the Baltic Province to become sister Provinces alongside Russia, the largest of them all, and the most powerful. Although seemingly in a great position on the outside, a large and glorious military, a decent economic output, and pretty good civil rights, the nation is plagued by the many issues that come with ruling such a large nation. Although in practice each of the Provinces are in an equal position, the Confederacy is dominated by Russia. With this, the Tsar of Russia is the Ruler of the Confederacy. The Infrastructure of the nation is in great need of repair, as well as having a high illiteracy rate. With the issues internally of the Confederacy also follows the external issues, mainly focused on the neighbors. The forests of the West are of great concern, as they have proven to be extremely dangerous and harbor Tribesmen which have equally as powerful technology as the Confederacy does, as well as the expansionist attitude of the Western Tribesmen causes multiple clashes along the border, resulting in the garrison of many soldiers to defend against the tribesmen.

In Moscow, where the center of power of the Confederacy is located, the Council, which consists of a mix of representatives of the lower and higher classes, as well as government, military, and economic officers, is under way of approving multiple reforms to increase manufacturing productivity, standardization of weaponry of the army, and repairing the roads to meet to the Western Europeans' standards. Conflict is arising between the High and Low classes, as the wealthy wish to keep their works' profitability through keeping the traditional methods of having peasants work fields for a low wage, and the poor wish to attain better living standards and higher wages through manufacturing jobs being opened as well as government work on the roads. Economic officers are on the side of the Peasantry, while the Government and Military officials are split between sides. The Council is in a deadlock, and it seems to be staying that way for a while, unless another power, another side rises up against the traditional Confederate system.

Russian "Tsar" William II, really the Leader of the Province of Russia, has been quick to catch onto the deadlock. The people are growing restless with the current lock in the government, as they view the system to be failing, as there is plenty of evidence of such, as the promised boost in potential manufacturing jobs of the past years has yet to be delivered, the expansion of roads farther east for the farmers to potentially acquire new lands has yet to be accomplished, and although serfdom was to be abolished through forcing the increase of pay to the peasantry, only few locations have followed through with such reforms. The people demand action, and the Tsar might just be the one to bring what is wanted, demanded by the people.

[Togeria]

As the letter reached King Henry a cold shiver ran down his spine. Volkstrad once an old foe and once in a time of yesteryear proved the only real threat to Togerian expansion was now reduced to a growing husk. It didn't take a genius only someone aware to see the signs. The once proud kingdom now at the growing whims of forces inside, and from the information he received on the inside even a few select cities and provinces know the empires weakened state. He looked over the letter before drafting a reply.

In the past such a request would've been denied, the Togerian Standard of elitism throughout all affairs rather in diplomacy and war would've seen the king not risk his honor in replying to such a weakening state especially, but times were different. The pit in his heart that ailed him for the past year had only grown. He looked towards the flag of the his country and once a symbol of imperial prestige and glory only gave him uneasiness.

This meeting between both House Jean-Picard and Wiktor would take place within continental Togeria, it had to. The dangerous faced in the harsh Volkstradi wilderness were well documented and he would be damned to be caught off guard there by a force he wasn't familiar with. At least in his own realm his own home he knew what to expect, he could prepare.

And so he drafted the letter the Volkstradi king, he sent agents of his Imperial Elite to return the letter, six to be exact though they were well trained he only trusted only a select few to deliver its contents. In the meanwhile he would have a formal delegation to the city of Muzi.

[Communist Volkstrad]

Upon receiving the message, and being rather amazed that an entire messenger party had made it in tact to his doorstep, Wiktor immediately had his things packed and around Two Companies of his Royal Guard mustered to see him to Muzi. Anywhere else, that much protection might seem overkill, but one would be hard pressed to find anywhere in Volkstrad where there wasn't a sizable number of ex revolutionaries looking to take out their anger on the King, and even harder to find any part of the country remotely considered safe.

After preparations were completed, they set off by Land to Togeria. Sea would be faster, of course, but for whatever reason, the seas were becoming restless around Volkstrad and serpents and other creatures were surfacing more and more. Best not to take one's chances, Wiktor decided.

[Togeria]

As king Wiktor would arrive over the course of days his first site upon entering the city would be the sight of the Grand Komplex. A building constructed over the course of a hundred years with two large castle towers extending into the sky. Made of blackened stone. As the king came closer the dual towers seemed ever and ever to be reaching out to the sky like the mythical Tower of Babel, a flag of the country waving from the tallest west pointing tower. The city itself was gothic and rustic in nature. The wealthiest homes laid towards the middle and center of the city and were almost entirely made from the stone with colored roofs often red, blue, or purple. Within the stone were carved designs bearing the owners mark and family lineage and almost like hieroglyphics drawn pictures within the stone would tell a story of the family itself with the drawings staring from the west side and moving eastward. This was of course saved only for the wealthiest homes near the Grand Komplex.

Wiktor would be escorted inside by 10 of the royal guard each armed with a musket and wearing a navy blue coat with red linings. The inside of the Komplex would be very large the roof of the entrance straining the eyes of those who looked up as they would try to see the many paintings on them, Hung paintings surrounded the hallways connecting each part of the large buildings each holding a moment within Togeria's long history. Some showed success and others failure, but no matter their subject their meaning was clear to paint the story of the Togerian people to those inside. Eventually after ten minutes of walking, King Wiktor, would let inside the meeting quarters of the Komplex and there Henry stood dressed in blood red and his arms behind his back. Stepping forward he faced his equal,"A greetings to you Wiktor, I am glad you have made it."

[Vallgrad]

Lord Lunov was not pleased.

"The Astellans are gaining ground in the Northeast, and yet another one of our men has washed up dead in Miszkazhem? That's the second one this month!"

"M'lord, we're doing what we can, but our resources are being spread thin with all the other projects, and with the research.... we're still gaining influence in the other counties, and even if we lose Miszkazhem we'll still have an overall gain...."

"It's not so much the worry that we're losing ground, it's how. How are they rooting out our networks so easily? We need answers.... but enough on that for now, you mentioned that you bear other news than this."

"Yes, m'lord. One of our agents picked up a royal messenger bound for the West at Margrad."

The captured message is then handed to Lord Lunov, who opens it and begins to read it. Immediately he was shocked, and feared for the worst.

"What? I was hoping for good news, but this only makes things worse. We're going to have to step up on our operations. I don't know what this means, but nothing good, that I know. Best case scenario, it's nothing serious, but one like Wiktor doesn't travel unless it's absolutely necessary. Send word to each cell, let them know that we're accelerating the plan."

Nothing good could come of this, nothing at all. Togerians were not ones to be taken lightly, and while the situation in Volkstrad was presently under control and going as planned, it might not stay that way.

"But sir, won't we risk reve-"

"I know. But now the clock is ticking, and time isn't on our side. Let them know that they must be ready whenever the next message arrived. If all turns out well, then we lose nothing. If things are as I fear, then we've got nothing to lose."

[Communist Volkstrad]

As king Wiktor would arrive over the course of days his first site upon entering the city would be the sight of the Grand Komplex. A building constructed over the course of a hundred years with two large castle towers extending into the sky. Made of blackened stone. As the king came closer the dual towers seemed ever and ever to be reaching out to the sky like the mythical Tower of Babel, a flag of the country waving from the tallest west pointing tower. The city itself was gothic and rustic in nature. The wealthiest homes laid towards the middle and center of the city and were almost entirely made from the stone with colored roofs often red, blue, or purple. Within the stone were carved designs bearing the owners mark and family lineage and almost like hieroglyphics drawn pictures within the stone would tell a story of the family itself with the drawings staring from the west side and moving eastward. This was of course saved only for the wealthiest homes near the Grand Komplex.

Wiktor would be escorted inside by 10 of the royal guard each armed with a musket and wearing a navy blue coat with red linings. The inside of the Komplex would be very large the roof of the entrance straining the eyes of those who looked up as they would try to see the many paintings on them, Hung paintings surrounded the hallways connecting each part of the large buildings each holding a moment within Togeria's long history. Some showed success and others failure, but no matter their subject their meaning was clear to paint the story of the Togerian people to those inside. Eventually after ten minutes of walking, King Wiktor, would let inside the meeting quarters of the Komplex and there Henry stood dressed in blood red and his arms behind his back. Stepping forward he faced his equal,"A greetings to you Wiktor, I am glad you have made it."

Wiktor stepped forwards. He would be a man in his mid twenties, of average height for the nobility and of pale colouration. His face was haggard and displayed for all the immense stress of his job, and his beard was full and of middling length. He wore a crown, of a pale, silvery colour. It was intricately carved with archaic words, and upon it were images of mythical figures from the ancient past. It was adorned with gems of blues and violets, and of pale jewels of silver colours, but the shape itself was simple and well crafted.

He was dressed in fine clothes of a light blue colour, again trimmed with silver, and he wore a much more gaudy cloak coloured a deep violet colour, trimmed with gold. At his waist he wore a sword. While the crown is the symbol of office in many other countries, and indeed in Volkstrad it can be said that it is as well, the real symbol was the sword Zeimaltas. It was said to have been wielded by Volkstrad's founder, and was already recorded as being ancient even then. It was made of no known metal, and never rusted nor became dull. It was styled in a practical manner, but was unlike anything else in appearance. It was tinted entirely with ice blues and white colours, and was cold to the touch. The blade itself was razor sharp, and was so cold it burned to the touch, even when wearing gloves. It was not a natural weapon, and no one liked to ask questions about its nature or origins. What was known, though, is that its wielders always stated that they thought there was something almost "alive" about it, something odd.

"As am I. This is quite the city, you have here, and I'm glad that my request for an audience was accepted. As you can probably guess, I didn't come just for a visit."

[Togeria]

As king Wiktor would arrive over the course of days his first site upon entering the city would be the sight of the Grand Komplex. A building constructed over the course of a hundred years with two large castle towers extending into the sky. Made of blackened stone. As the king came closer the dual towers seemed ever and ever to be reaching out to the sky like the mythical Tower of Babel, a flag of the country waving from the tallest west pointing tower. The city itself was gothic and rustic in nature. The wealthiest homes laid towards the middle and center of the city and were almost entirely made from the stone with colored roofs often red, blue, or purple. Within the stone were carved designs bearing the owners mark and family lineage and almost like hieroglyphics drawn pictures within the stone would tell a story of the family itself with the drawings staring from the west side and moving eastward. This was of course saved only for the wealthiest homes near the Grand Komplex.

Wiktor would be escorted inside by 10 of the royal guard each armed with a musket and wearing a navy blue coat with red linings. The inside of the Komplex would be very large the roof of the entrance straining the eyes of those who looked up as they would try to see the many paintings on them, Hung paintings surrounded the hallways connecting each part of the large buildings each holding a moment within Togeria's long history. Some showed success and others failure, but no matter their subject their meaning was clear to paint the story of the Togerian people to those inside. Eventually after ten minutes of walking, King Wiktor, would let inside the meeting quarters of the Komplex and there Henry stood dressed in blood red and his arms behind his back. Stepping forward he faced his equal,"A greetings to you Wiktor, I am glad you have made it."

Wiktor stepped forwards. He would be a man in his mid twenties, of average height for the nobility and of pale colouration. His face was haggard and displayed for all the immense stress of his job, and his beard was full and of middling length. He wore a crown, of a pale, silvery colour. It was intricately carved with archaic words, and upon it were images of mythical figures from the ancient past. It was adorned with gems of blues and violets, and of pale jewels of silver colours, but the shape itself was simple and well crafted.

He was dressed in fine clothes of a light blue colour, again trimmed with silver, and he wore a much more gaudy cloak coloured a deep violet colour, trimmed with gold. At his waist he wore a sword. While the crown is the symbol of office in many other countries, and indeed in Volkstrad it can be said that it is as well, the real symbol was the sword Zeimaltas. It was said to have been wielded by Volkstrad's founder, and was already recorded as being ancient even then. It was made of no known metal, and never rusted nor became dull. It was styled in a practical manner, but was unlike anything else in appearance. It was tinted entirely with ice blues and white colours, and was cold to the touch. The blade itself was razor sharp, and was so cold it burned to the touch, even when wearing gloves. It was not a natural weapon, and no one liked to ask questions about its nature or origins. What was known, though, is that its wielders always stated that they thought there was something almost "alive" about it, something odd.

"As am I. This is quite the city, you have here, and I'm glad that my request for an audience was accepted. As you can probably guess, I didn't come just for a visit."

"Yes, I saw the contents of your letter and found it peculiar. Please take a seat near me and we can begin." He said before motioning his hand towards the table. As Wiktor looked at the king he would see him in full military attire. An army man he wore the red cloth of his soldiers with golden facings to show his royal lineage, a white dress shirt and matching trousers further decorated the outfit as tall almost knee high black boots. The man was still in his youth being only a year younger than Wiktor, his face was clean shaving and hair still a vibrant black in contrast to his equal. However his eyes the windows to his very soul showed his true emotion. To an untrained eye they'd seem nothing less than normal but to a trained soul one could see he was focused on other matters. The constant deadlock in his nation was breaking him piece by piece and slowly stripping his vigor. He wouldn't let this weakness be shown however and still he maintained a strong and overbearing posture, keeping his speech reserved and calm, and his manner that of a gentlemen.

On the brown wooden table within the center held a giant map of Europe. On it were all the states that made up the continent. The Riket, Moscow, Romuvans, Volkstradi, and Togerian states laid within. But most importantly within the center laid the various Germanic kingdoms, nations themselves bounded under a weak authority. In fighting has left them weak a symptom shared similarly with their neighbor to the east, but in their contention they laid an importnant barrier between the empires of Volkstrad, Italy, and Togeria. Enforcing a delicate balance that has kept the expansion of each empire under check.

Henry would wait for Wiktor to sit before taking his own seat. "You may talk, you have my silence so say what you must and don't be hesitent in speaking your mind."

[Communist Volkstrad]

"Yes, I saw the contents of your letter and found it peculiar. Please take a seat near me and we can begin." He said before motioning his hand towards the table. As Wiktor looked at the king he would see him in full military attire. An army man he wore the red cloth of his soldiers with golden facings to show his royal lineage, a white dress shirt and matching trousers further decorated the outfit as tall almost knee high black boots. The man was still in his youth being only a year younger than Wiktor, his face was clean shaving and hair still a vibrant black in contrast to his equal. However his eyes the windows to his very soul showed his true emotion. To an untrained eye they'd seem nothing less than normal but to a trained soul one could see he was focused on other matters. The constant deadlock in his nation was breaking him piece by piece and slowly stripping his vigor. He wouldn't let this weakness be shown however and still he maintained a strong and overbearing posture, keeping his speech reserved and calm, and his manner that of a gentlemen.

On the brown wooden table within the center held a giant map of Europe. On it were all the states that made up the continent. The Riket, Moscow, Romuvans, Volkstradi, and Togerian states laid within. But most importantly within the center laid the various Germanic kingdoms, nations themselves bounded under a weak authority. In fighting has left them weak a symptom shared similarly with their neighbor to the east, but in their contention they laid an importnant barrier between the empires of Volkstrad, Italy, and Togeria. Enforcing a delicate balance that has kept the expansion of each empire under check.

Henry would wait for Wiktor to sit before taking his own seat. "You may talk, you have my silence so say what you must and don't be hesitent in speaking your mind."

"What I am about to tell you is plainly obvious to all, and simultaneously brings me endless shame to admit. My country, which has stood for over a thousand years now, is nearing collapse. All the great military leaders, all the heroes, and the strongly principled met their end in the war, or sided with the traitors. Our victory was Pyrrhic and hollow; I've been left with a dying husk of a country, where the only ones who serve the King are sycophants and liars, corrupt windbags who do nothing but line their own pockets.

If I begin to purge them, then there will be another rebellion which we will not survive. The Royal Army is weak and demoralized; Many of them would betray me in a heartbeat. The people will not listen, either. They have become disillusioned with the crown, after how its servants have conducted themselves, or they were bitter for their loss in the war. In these corrupt hands, the nation has turned upside down. The wilds were never safe, but they have become havens of banditry and asylum for abominations from the East. I've tried to retaliate, but the bandits just pay off the authorities and the Tribesmen are tough, and clever, and motivated.

There's other things going on, as well. Something is happening in the North, and also in the Far East. I've not learned of what, but I've been receiving odd reports about disappearances and other anomalies in both areas.

I have come to request your aid. It is beyond the power of anyone, even the King, to change the situation within the nation from the inside. I ask for an alliance, to be made in any fashion of your choosing. Marriage, trade of hostages, simply on paper, it doesn't matter what or how. I ask for soldiers and for leaders to guide them, and to help rebuild my own. In return, Volkstrad will be, now and forever, in your debt. And when your time of need comes, we will be there for you."

[Moskovskaya Konfederatsiya]

William II looked out upon the city of Moscow, viewing the daily life of the Muscovite citizen. He found it almost abhorrent on how the low classes were treated and how they lived. The Confederacy has failed the citizens, it has broken the promise it was created for.

"Soon." He thought. "Soon this will all change, for the better"

William has managed to gain the support of a large chunk of the army, the peasantry, multiple Economic and Military officers, and most importantly the representatives of White Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic State, and a good number of Russian representatives. The problem is the government, and William will be the one to resolve this issue. The only thing stopping him now is the timing.

[Sveriges Riket]

Adolph-Frederick paced in his bedroom, which looked out onto the trimmed and modest courts of Stockholm. He was at war with himself: a pace in one direction the advance of one thought, and a stride in the opposite direction the advance of an opposing idea. He had barely ascended to the throne, and now the blasted Parliament was looking into every legal corridor they had built to stifle his power. Surely, there ought to be a way for him to ascend to power. He decided to take a walk down to the ports, to see the scattered isles and rocks that lay beyond.

Suddenly, an idea dawned onto him. He watched as an old third-rate bobbed peacefully up and down in the bay water, manned by an elder sailor who was ripe for death. Adolph raced back to the Parliament blocks, yelling at the top of his lungs: "Parchment! Parchment, please! Does no one in this damned city have a scrap of the stuff?" He was about to craft the slow demise of the Parliament, and his rise as the new great ruler of the newly great Sweden.

[Togeria]

"Yes, I saw the contents of your letter and found it peculiar. Please take a seat near me and we can begin." He said before motioning his hand towards the table. As Wiktor looked at the king he would see him in full military attire. An army man he wore the red cloth of his soldiers with golden facings to show his royal lineage, a white dress shirt and matching trousers further decorated the outfit as tall almost knee high black boots. The man was still in his youth being only a year younger than Wiktor, his face was clean shaving and hair still a vibrant black in contrast to his equal. However his eyes the windows to his very soul showed his true emotion. To an untrained eye they'd seem nothing less than normal but to a trained soul one could see he was focused on other matters. The constant deadlock in his nation was breaking him piece by piece and slowly stripping his vigor. He wouldn't let this weakness be shown however and still he maintained a strong and overbearing posture, keeping his speech reserved and calm, and his manner that of a gentlemen.

On the brown wooden table within the center held a giant map of Europe. On it were all the states that made up the continent. The Riket, Moscow, Romuvans, Volkstradi, and Togerian states laid within. But most importantly within the center laid the various Germanic kingdoms, nations themselves bounded under a weak authority. In fighting has left them weak a symptom shared similarly with their neighbor to the east, but in their contention they laid an importnant barrier between the empires of Volkstrad, Italy, and Togeria. Enforcing a delicate balance that has kept the expansion of each empire under check.

Henry would wait for Wiktor to sit before taking his own seat. "You may talk, you have my silence so say what you must and don't be hesitent in speaking your mind."

"What I am about to tell you is plainly obvious to all, and simultaneously brings me endless shame to admit. My country, which has stood for over a thousand years now, is nearing collapse. All the great military leaders, all the heroes, and the strongly principled met their end in the war, or sided with the traitors. Our victory was Pyrrhic and hollow; I've been left with a dying husk of a country, where the only ones who serve the King are sycophants and liars, corrupt windbags who do nothing but line their own pockets.

If I begin to purge them, then there will be another rebellion which we will not survive. The Royal Army is weak and demoralized; Many of them would betray me in a heartbeat. The people will not listen, either. They have become disillusioned with the crown, after how its servants have conducted themselves, or they were bitter for their loss in the war. In these corrupt hands, the nation has turned upside down. The wilds were never safe, but they have become havens of banditry and asylum for abominations from the East. I've tried to retaliate, but the bandits just pay off the authorities and the Tribesmen are tough, and clever, and motivated.

There's other things going on, as well. Something is happening in the North, and also in the Far East. I've not learned of what, but I've been receiving odd reports about disappearances and other anomalies in both areas.

I have come to request your aid. It is beyond the power of anyone, even the King, to change the situation within the nation from the inside. I ask for an alliance, to be made in any fashion of your choosing. Marriage, trade of hostages, simply on paper, it doesn't matter what or how. I ask for soldiers and for leaders to guide them, and to help rebuild my own. In return, Volkstrad will be, now and forever, in your debt. And when your time of need comes, we will be there for you."

Henry held his tongue for what seemed like ten minutes as he pondered on the situation beforehand. It was almost comical, Volstrad, and enemy that a century ago could've knocked at the very gates of this great city itself was now breaking beneath its own feat. Could be judge howeve? Was the fortunes of the Togerian state any better? Especially as colonies within the Americas and India rebelled. No, he would only casually look at the map of Europe in front of him as he crafted the next few words that would come from his mouth. Both the prospect of what Wiktor asked for was something both to be celebrated and cast away. His country would finally have access to the frontiers of the east but equally now he'd face the challenge of sending and resources outside of the realms of Togeria to the defense of a former rival. The estates would eat him alive, but it could be the break he needed. This alliance could be what Togeria needed to solidify its position in Europe and then finally reaffirm itself in America.

"I accept." He began,"For now you owe me nothing but your word and the security of a written contract. I will further ask however to meet with the one you propose for marriage, and I inturn will honor my own commitment. Within a few days time I will send my general George Hasting to your country. He will overlook the condition your military and begin to train them should you let him and a week after his arrival my men will begin to sail to your lands, Wiktor."

[Communist Volkstrad]

"What I am about to tell you is plainly obvious to all, and simultaneously brings me endless shame to admit. My country, which has stood for over a thousand years now, is nearing collapse. All the great military leaders, all the heroes, and the strongly principled met their end in the war, or sided with the traitors. Our victory was Pyrrhic and hollow; I've been left with a dying husk of a country, where the only ones who serve the King are sycophants and liars, corrupt windbags who do nothing but line their own pockets.

If I begin to purge them, then there will be another rebellion which we will not survive. The Royal Army is weak and demoralized; Many of them would betray me in a heartbeat. The people will not listen, either. They have become disillusioned with the crown, after how its servants have conducted themselves, or they were bitter for their loss in the war. In these corrupt hands, the nation has turned upside down. The wilds were never safe, but they have become havens of banditry and asylum for abominations from the East. I've tried to retaliate, but the bandits just pay off the authorities and the Tribesmen are tough, and clever, and motivated.

There's other things going on, as well. Something is happening in the North, and also in the Far East. I've not learned of what, but I've been receiving odd reports about disappearances and other anomalies in both areas.

I have come to request your aid. It is beyond the power of anyone, even the King, to change the situation within the nation from the inside. I ask for an alliance, to be made in any fashion of your choosing. Marriage, trade of hostages, simply on paper, it doesn't matter what or how. I ask for soldiers and for leaders to guide them, and to help rebuild my own. In return, Volkstrad will be, now and forever, in your debt. And when your time of need comes, we will be there for you."

Henry held his tongue for what seemed like ten minutes as he pondered on the situation beforehand. It was almost comical, Volstrad, and enemy that a century ago could've knocked at the very gates of this great city itself was now breaking beneath its own feat. Could be judge howeve? Was the fortunes of the Togerian state any better? Especially as colonies within the Americas and India rebelled. No, he would only casually look at the map of Europe in front of him as he crafted the next few words that would come from his mouth. Both the prospect of what Wiktor asked for was something both to be celebrated and cast away. His country would finally have access to the frontiers of the east but equally now he'd face the challenge of sending and resources outside of the realms of Togeria to the defense of a former rival. The estates would eat him alive, but it could be the break he needed. This alliance could be what Togeria needed to solidify its position in Europe and then finally reaffirm itself in America.

"I accept." He began,"For now you owe me nothing but your word and the security of a written contract. I will further ask however to meet with the one you propose for marriage, and I inturn will honor my own commitment. Within a few days time I will send my general George Hasting to your country. He will overlook the condition your military and begin to train them should you let him and a week after his arrival my men will begin to sail to your lands, Wiktor."

Wiktor breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you. I'll send for the one I had in mind and alert those back at Volkstrad of your impending arrival. They'll know your coming, for better or worse. I'd recommend that you be careful, as your presence will be unwelcome to most all but the few loyal servants of the Crown who will understand our situation."

[Shramsfield]

Shramsfield

It is a country that has beauty at all end where it is transcontinental and spreads its own empire indiviually. this gives people the coice to to become a citizen of this new great nation. the country is in the areas where the citizens live once are of the country could be up the top of Norway and the other could be down in Tonga in the south pacific. it is based online only and the social discussion is on a group on facebook where the citizens belong and have the freedom to say what ever they want. money is used around this group which has evolved into the first internet country.Regions include Lexfoed for the admins and Jackso for the rest of the citizens. 2

A great place to live and be a citizen even though it is verturally on line it is recon=gnised as a countryRepublic of Shramsfield[proposal=]Are you willing to join[/proposal]