Metal on Metal [WW1 Steam/Diesel Punk] IC(OPEN)

[Wysten]

WAR!!!
The war appears across almost every Rumanian newspaper as the government announces it’s war with the Russian Empire. King Ferdinand I states that the Rumanian minorities in Russia are being oppressed due to Rumania’s introduction into the Central Powers. “The day that Russian oppression of our countrymen ends today. Our brothers and sisters shall no longer have to carry the yoke of tyranny under a leader who does not even speak their language.” The King said in a speech announcing the war with the Russian Empire. Meanwhile Army Group South begins to advance towards Odessa. The Army is said to reach and take the costal city in a matter of days.

Army Group South

The army would probably not reach Odessa within the week. Their first challenge would be taking the town and bridges of Zatoka and Karlino-Buhaz. Supporting them would be the two River Monitors NMS I. C. Bratianu and NMS Al. Lahovari. The 7th Corp would be the first ones to make the assault setting up it’s 125 57mm guns in a 10 minute bombardment with the river boats and their 127mm guns. Once set they begin their bombardment followed up by charge of the Corp. Their goal will be to hold the bridge on this side of the Estuary while the 8th would go around and secure Karlino-Buhaz and it’s bridges. The Rumanians would also be using the turtle walker for the first time in combat. These walking bunkers would lead the assault on the outskirts before pushing into the town.

Army Group Center

This army would start an offensive through the center towards the city of Uman. 4th Corp would act as the spearhead of the operation driving straight towards the city while 5th and 6th would act as flank protection, while 5th would go and take Vinntysia and the 6th would take Pervomais’k. The 4th would arrive on the outskirts of the city and employed the same tactics as Army Group South is using. The Corps guns fire for ten minutes before the first assault led by turtle walker units and stormtroopers. Meanwhile the same would happen at Vinntysia and Pervomais’k.

Army Group North

Army Group North were planned to assault Chernivtsi before spreading out and pushing towards Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi. Turtle walkers would not be used in this operation as the general terrain does not allow the walkers without them getting stuck.

[The neo glactic empire]

The forces at crimea gather up and split into two detachments the first led by enver pasha made of 50,00 men and 2 air cruisers the second made of 40,00 men led by omar pasha and supported by 3 cruisers have launched a suprise attack from crimea the ottoman troops rapidly advanced into ukraine the first group advanced into kherson the second advanced into melitopol and captured the city almost no looses were suffered no russian troops encountered but the defences were weak however the russians cant form a counter attack or the caucasus armies well smash them

In the caucasus general hakeem planned for an offensive ottoman artilery roared and russian defences were being under heavy bombardment an offensive was planned its goals well be to cross the mountains and enter ukraine

In yemen(southern arabia) the detachment that was sent from egypt after firce fighting with british troops reached aden the 100,000 army laid seige to the city while im egypt artillery positions have been set in the ottoman held side of the red sea bombardment of british red sea ports in egypt started crippling the supply line of british troops in egypt
While in sinai heavy bombardment continued.

[The Bananic]

Lemberg, Austria-Hungary
The army has finally pushed all the way to Lemberg. They suffered losses due to the Russian Artillery bombarding the soldiers as they neared Lemberg. About 1 mile from Lemberg, the army stops they begin to dig trenches and build a base of operations for the mission. The mission, take back Lemberg.

[b]The Navy
After seeing the defeat of the Italians at Rhodes, High Command decided to pull back the navy from Cyprus and Egypt. The navy is sent to the Adriatic Sea to blockade any of the support to Serbia and to protect the Austro-Hungarian and East Italian Harbors.

[Zexania]

The russian army in lemberg retreats
A re orginaization of the front begines 8 million men4 in germany 3 in austria 1 in romania.


THE EASTERN FRONT
After the defeat in eastern prussia the russian army there fortfies its positions with AA guns machin guns barb wires and trenches with artillery positions
The russian army retreating from lemberg re orginaizes and retreats to brody while the 9th army starts the seige of krakow while the 7th army marches into southern galicia
In germany the 1st army counter attacks the germans and drives them away from lodz tens of thousands of artillery shells bombard the german troops while 750,000 men clash with the german lines and drive them away from lodz and 3 way counter offensive starts in attempts to drive them germans away from warsaw the german lines were attacked from 3 sides the iron walls fired on their infantry while their own walkrs were turned to scrap by russian big guns artillery bombardment continued and the offensive was fierce
In romania 1 million men split to 3 forces
The first of 300,000 the second of 300,000 and the third of 400,000 were all sent to the romanian army positions they are supported by heavy artillery and mobile artillery




THE CAUCASUS
In the caucasus 200,000 men were split from the caucasus and sent to repel the ottoman forces in the ukraine
The russian big white bear guns returned fire on ottoman positions

[Valtrona]

Dublin, Ireland (Great Britain)

The Papal Airship arrived in Dublin. As the Pope stepped off his platform, he is greeted by Michael Logue, Archbishop of Armagh. They ride along the city streets, talking about recent world news. They arrive at the local Church headquarters, and begin to discuss matters attending the Church and the Great War.

TRANSCRIPT OF THE PAPAL MEETING

Pope Benedict XV: “I would like to first address the matter of the Italians, as we do condone them for their aggressive behavior against the French. However, this war is far beyond a war of religion.”

Archbishop Michael Logue: “I agree, but the British government entered only in defense.”

Pope Benedict XV: “Yet is was the British that declared war on Italy. Wasn’t it?”

Archbishop Michael Logue: “Well yes, but only so they can defend their ally.”

Pope Benedict XV: “Fair enough. However we need to figure out someway to stop the war from escalating even further. Otherwise millions may die.”

Archbishop Michael Logue: “Agreed, but how are we to achieve this?”

Pope Benedict XV: “What I want you to do, is to condemn the war as well. Try and convince our brethren in Ireland to condemn the war, and refuse the call to arms.”

Archbishop Michael Logue: “That’s quite a huge undertake you are demanding. I’m not sure if I am up to the task or not.”

Pope Benedict XV: “I know you can, you have my word and blessing. I plan on doing the same thing once I return to the Vatican back in Italy. It’ll be a huge undertaking, but necessary to achieve a ceasefire.”

Archbishop Michael Logue: “Very well, shall we continue with other issues?”
Pope Benedict XV: “We shall.”

They continued their meeting, however an ominous presence descended upon the room the further they talked.

[Scurvy Sea]

"Australia Joins the Fight!" "Australian Troops in Africa!" "Fisher Keeps Promise!"

The Prime Minister couldn't help but smirk as he read the headlines. The papers were eating up the Australian success in Italian Somalia. One could only imagine the celebration they would throw once Somalia was overtaken. Recruitment for the Australian army increased tenfold over the course of the next several days. However the praises sung by the people would not last for long.

In northern Somalia the Australian force swept down from the city of Bosaso, leaving behind a single company of 300 striders to garrison in the city. The 8 commercial ships that ferried the men across the Indian ocean docked in the ports of the city where they would stay until the end of the campaign.

The rest of the force split up, A regimental force of 4000 striders went southward. 500 men broke off from the rest, beginning to dig trenches in the region of Karin, blocking the southern road access to Bosaso. The main force of 3500 once again split up at a fork in the road, half of them heading towards Jurile, the other half towards Kob Dehad and Ufeyn. Both halves of the force, if successful, would follow the roads and rendevous near the city of Qardho, and then attempt to entirely destroy the city on their way southward.

The goal was to get entirely to Mogadishu. Despite their small numbers the Australian soldiers were eager to battle and confident in their abilities.

[Scurvy Sea]

Dublin, Ireland (Great Britain)
A figure in a heavy woolen coat stood near the back of the crowd listening intently as Pope Benedict and the Archbishop spoke. He was an older man, roughly his late 40's. He seemed to be one of the only ones in the crowd not paying a speck of attention to the conversation. He only seemed to stare at the ceiling in silent calculation.

The words of the holy were a constant echo through the small but spacious room. A few wandering eyes on the crowd widened as they settled on the shadowy man suddenly making his way to the exit of the room. Hesitant murmuring began to spark up in the back of the room, making it's way to the front quickly as dozens of heads turned to face the man.

He reached a hand into the heavy woolen coat, taking out a single hand grenade. A woman nearby almost managed to grab his arm but narrowly missed as he sprung backwards, the grenade sailing through the air over the heads of the onlooking visitors. With a thud that resonated across the walls of the room, the grenade landed between the feet of the Archbishop and the Pope.

Shrapnel spewed into the bodies of the two of them, several unfortunate men and women getting caught in the blast. The screams fled the room with the assassin, two swiss guardsmen at the opposite end of the hallway heard the detonation and saw the guilty party flee. One of them lifted his rifle just as they saw a revolver pull from the assassin's coat. The guard fired first, the assassin abruptly dropping to the ground in a slick of blood.

Two assassinations, not even a year apart.

This war is already one of the bloodiest ever seen in history.

The murder of the Pope, would do nothing but see it bloodier.

God help us all.

[Valtrona]

[EMERGENCY REPORT]

The Holy See is in chaos. Pope Benedict XV...murdered in Dublin. It’s been hundreds of years since a Pope was assassinated, and it shocked the Catholic world. And he died an unexpected death, by shrapnel. Archbishop Michael Logue linger himself in an attempted to save the Pope, but all was in vain. The Newspaper reached the King of Italy, who was greave stricken by the event. He issued a 3-day mourning for the deceased Pope. He spoke publicly on the matter the day after the assassination.

“Our Pope was assassinated in our enemies territory, as he tried to advocate for peace. The Archbishop also gave his life to try, in vain, to save the Pope from death. The assassin was taken out, and his body ransacked for any further information. From what the authorities have revealed, the assassin was a native Englishmen and a member of the Anglican Church. I hope all men and women of Italy would mourn the death of not just the Pope, but also a fellow Italian brethren. Regardless of whether the British government is behind this, we condemn the United Kingdom for their lack of protecting our Pope. Just because we are enemies, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t protect a neutral party. Let this remind you of the brave actions of Pope Benedict XV in trying to end our war, regardless of how ineffective it was in the end. We send our regards to the Holy See and all Catholics across the globe.”

Immediately after the death of Pope Benedict XV, a Papal Conclave was issued to elect a new Pope. Cardinals from around the world would arrive at the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope. However, it’ll take sometime before a new Pope is to be elected. However, the King of Italy is taking extreme precautions to prevent anything bad happening during the Conclave.

[Barapam]

Geneva, Switzerland

The Swedes had actually sent a representative to the peace conference. With no official declaration of war against Russia yet, it was mostly made for show, and to keep up appearances. The representative, colonel Gustavsson, had very little to do but listen to the Swiss speaker, and he did find it rather boring. Why was he here anyway? He found it to be an act of hypocrisy, the official Sweden pretending to be all goody two-shoes, when the truth was that the Swedes were no better than everyone else.

His thoughts were interrupted when a telegram was handed to him. "Russia has declared war. Drop everything currently in your hands and proceed with plan L." was all it read, but the colonel knew just what to do. He excused himself, put on his hat, and left the table. His driver waited outside, and took him back to the Swedish embassy. Plan L. Named after Mr. L.

Lenin.

Stockholm, Sweden (and the Finnish front)

The Russian declaration of war is met with a Swedish declaration of war against Russia. Although the Baltic fleet is in peril, another naval unit is sent to capture the strategic isle of Åland, while the army continues to advance in Finnish Lappland, drawing closer to Rovaniemi. Finnish volunteers are accepted into the Swedish ranks, both as partisans, and recruits to be sent to training to become proper Jägers.

The Russian bombardment of the Swedish east coast has ironically only strengthened the fighting spirit, among soldiers and civilians alike, despite material losses, and losses of lives. The people, encouraged by propaganda, now sees the war as a just defensive war.

The Baltic Theatre

The initial tactic of carefulness had proven catastrofic. The Swedish navy had been to soft against the Russians, and paid dearly for it. Well, now it was no more Mr. Nice Guy. The Swedish tiger had awoken, with the full fury of the vikings and the Caroleans. Forward, comrades. For the glory of Mother Svea. With the Danes having cowardly broken the non-aggression pact by clearly interfering in what was meant to be a Russo-Swedish affair, and then also terror bombing Berlin, king Gustaf, who was under pressure by hardliners within the military and his wife alike, signed the declaration of war against Denmark. The United Kingdom got off with a stern warning, for the time being, that all British ships operating in the Baltic Sea with the intention of aiding the Russians and/or the Danes, will be seen as legitimate targets, and therefore sunk.


The "Red Baroness", prior to flying off from Gotland to bomb the Kejser af Danmark.

Telegrams

The king gave his condolences to the Italians, following the assassination of the pope. To the Ottomans, he wished them luck, and spoke of the good old days, when king Charles XII and sultan Ahmed III together fought Russia. "This time", he added, "we will defeat the bear for good."

To the German and Austrian emperors he renewed his support for the Central Powers and the war effort. Well, he made sure to do that to all the leaders of the Central Powers, including Romania's king Ferdinand.

Lastly, to the Danish king, he gave nothing but a sound scolding. The dream of a unified and peaceful Scandinavia was definitely dead after Christian's betrayal. "Danskjävlar..." the king muttered as he wrote it. "Danskjävlar!"

[Valtrona]

< STATUS UPDATE ON THE WAR >

Franco-Italian Front
The Front has stagnated, as both sides continued to build trench lines. Yet, the Italians managed to make minor gains against the French. They reached the city of Salon, but their attack was repelled. Fierce counterattacks prevented any major breakthroughs however. The Italian Airship Fleet returned from its mission, significantly damaging French military and industrial capabilities for the time being.

Mediterranean Front
The new warships of the Regia completed their construction. The Cristoforo Colombo, Marcantonio Colonna Francesco Morosini, and Amerigo Vespucci were Caracciolo-class dreadnoughts, sister ships to the Francesco Caracciolo. They’ve been sent out to test their battle-readiness. Meanwhile, the Francesco Caracciolo and its enlarged escort fleet reaches its destination in the Western Mediterranean. They were going to get vengeance for Rhodes, and for the assassination of Pope Benedict XV, whether the cost is high or not.


Africa Front
The Algerian front has come to a complete standstill, yet the Italians achieved all of the goals they set out to achieve. In El Alamein, fighting in the city has devolved into a stalemate. The Italian forces are making minor gains in the city streets. In East Africa, Italian forces continue their advancement into British Sudan though Italians Eritrea. They take various towns, and reaching the Hadendoa. The Italians launched an incursion in into British Kenya. They crossed the Jubba River, and took various border towns and cities across the River.

The Italians launched a counterattack against the Australians in northern Somalia, supported by Filonardi-class Air-dreadnoughts. The Striders put up a valiant resistance, as they wiped out the Italian infantry with ease. It was only due to the continual bombardment from the air that even managed to severely damaged them. The Horn of Africa was liberated, as none were spared in the onslaught. Striders were seen littering the grounds, as thousands of Italians lay dead in the process. Only the town of Bosaso was left standing after the devastating counterattack. The city was bombarded aerially by airships, and the Italian elite units charged the city. Within a few hours, Bosaso was overrun. The Australian Invasion was repelled, however with many unnecessary losses due to the Striders.

Meanwhile, the Boers conquered the city of Pretoria from the British. The Boers crippled British supply lanes to Rhodesia. However, the government of South Africa has now began attacking the Boers, in an attempt to drive them out.

[The neo glactic empire]

The flames of war kept burning ottoman troops morale boomed after the swedish support was assured they now were sure of victory.




the caucasus
Ottoman scouts found out about the russian advance but the crimean troops fortfied their positions in the caucasus an offensive started it was time the ottoman troops pushed back the russian armies and re took sochi the main front arvances and the russian armies were pushed back starvopol and astrakhan is under seige artillery shells are fired air bombardment of cities started.

africa
The stale mate in africa continues the british and ottoman forces continue exchanging heavy artillery fire the sinai burns while an offensive is being prepared in aden tue seige continue an attempt was made to assault the city but was replled however the city garrison sufferee heavy casualties the seige continue

[The Bananic]

Lemberg, Austria-Hungary
The Morale to fight was at a high. They had taken back Lemberg with little casualties. The loss of the Pope had caused the enlistment rate to skyrocket with around 2million in all to be expected to enlist with the way it was currently going. The High Command decided to attack the Russians to finally push them back with massive front wide attacks.


Siege of Krakow
The High Command of Austria-Hungary decides to combat the siege by having 200,000 of the Troops to travel up to the border of Germany and push the Russians there in a concentrated attack. After the success of the concentrated attack, the army surrounds the city of Krakow and the Russian army sieging the city. With an additional 400,000 outside of the city and the 250,000 inside they begin attacking the Russian army on all sides.

Southern Galatia
The Army at Lemberg splits in two with 400,000 staying in Lemberg fortifying the city for any additional Russian attacks. The other 600,000 moves to cut off the attack in Southern Galatia by using the same method as the one in Krakow. They cut off the attacking army in the South of Galatia. They are now supported by an additional 200,000 in additional recruits to attack.

Nis, Serbia
They had finally reached it, Nis. After weeks of fighting, they had reached one of the Key points that will signal the fall of Serbia. The 750,000 men in all will attack the city leaving 250,000 along all of the border to protect the line.
A couple of days later the city falls Around 30,000 of the troops had fallen in the attack. A small number compared to the original 750,000. The army now reorganizes as it prepares for the final push into Serbia.

[Valtrona]

< PAPAL CONCLAVE (1915) >

The Papal Conclave of 1915 was assembled to elect the successor to Pope Benedict XV, who had been assassinated in Dublin. This conclave was different however, as Cardinals from France and Britain were forbidden from entering into Italy on the King’s orders. In addition, Cardinals from other pro-Entente nations refused to attend the conclave as well. Although, the other Cardinals were guaranteed safe passage by the Italian government and the rest of the Central Powers. And many managed to arrive at Rome free from harm.

The conclave itself assembled in the Sistine Chapel. Security was high, and the meeting was kept very much under lock and key without anyone really knowing what occurred behind those doors. From the beginning of the conclave, it was clear that there was only one real choice. Gennaro Granito Pignatelli di Belmonte, Nuncio emeritus to Austria-Hungary and fellow Cardinal, was favored by the King of Italy himself. He was a pro-Central Powers, pro-reform Bishop, who wanted good relations with Italy and to solve the Roman Question. By the 2nd day, the Cardinals unanimous decided to elect Gennaro Granito Pignatelli di Belmonte as the next Pope. He would take the name Julius IV in honor of previous Popes with that name and Julius Caesar himself.



For the first time since Leo XIII, Pope Julius IV appeared at the balcony of St. Peter's basilica to be granted the urbi et orbi blessing. Julius IV was crowned, and was given a formal ceremony for the formal possession of the Cathedral of St. John Lateran. This was allowed by the King of Italy, who wished to honor the Papacy by allowing the preceding to take place in its traditional areas. Pope Julius IV has many issues to face during his Pontificate, including the ever-increasing conflict of the Great War.

Pope Julius IV gave his speech in the safety of the Sistine Chapel:

“Today, I have become the Pope under the least desirable circumstances. Our previous Pope, Benedict XV, was murdered in the lands of heretics and enemies. He tried to make peace, yet we refused to listen to him. With that, he was killed by an English nationalist, who wanted to continue the war til the very end. However, Benedict XV did not die for nothing, as his death is a sign from God Almighty that winning this war is a necessity. Italy, and Austria-Hungary have teamed up with heretics and heathens in order to defeat the French and their heretical allies. It is clear what god has intended: that in order to defeat evil, allying with those who believe different is a necessity. From here, I retract the neutrality of the Holy See, and condemn the actions of the Entente and those who support them. I give the blessing of the Holy See to the Central Powers, and hope that with the backing of God, that they will send their enemies to their desired deaths. I also give a message to all Catholics residing in the nations of the Entente, and especially to the French: do not support those who would willing let our Pope die a horrid death at the hands of a heretic. In addition, let it be know that I will do all that is in my power to reform the Church to the standards of God. To rid the Church and his members of corruption and sin. With that, may God be with you all.”

[Barapam]

Invasion of Åland

The coastal defence ships HMS Thor, HMS Sverige (Sweden), and HMS Oscar II, plus the gunboat HMS Svensksund along with a couple others, had been chosen to launch the landings on Eckerö, where 2,000 men would then continue towards Hammarland. Once Åland was taken, it would serve as a bridgehead for strikes against the Finnish mainland. Some island hopping would be required, and it would be bloody, but it would be worth it, in order to relieve the Northern Front and shorten the war, which was desirable for the Swedish High Command, not just from a military point of view, but also for the sake of civilian Finns. After all, the whole point of the war was to swiftly end their suffering...


HMS Thor


HMS Sverige


HMS Oscar II


HMS Svensksund

Lapland Front

Swedish steam-tanks had already taken the municipalities of Enontekis, Muonionniska, and a good portion of Kittilä. However, they had to halt near the ski resort of Levi, to let the infantry catch up, and maintain the vehicles and the horses. In this sparsely populated area, the terrain was the enemy more than Russian soldiers. But that would soon change, as the frontline would reach bigger cities. As the fighting would become harder, the Finns in the Swedish army had a certain request: Major general Gustaf Mannerheim. "With him and God on our side, the Russians have nothing. Victory will be certain", they said. The problem was that the major general currently served in the Russian army and were stationed in Poland. But maybe the Swedes could give him an offer. The general staff would certainly look into it. It would however require the cooperation of the other Central Powers to safely transport him to Finland, but that would likely not be an issue, since it was in their interest as well. Another thing also in their interest would be joint expeditions in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish admirals had realized that they couldn't take on the Russian navy alone, at least not as long as Öresund was blocked...

Baltic Theatre and Denmark

Gustaf V didn't like it, but he had been vetoed by the military leadership. Yes, the king was technically the supreme commander, but he wasn't a soldier, nor a dictator, and so the generals had promptly ignored his will. Ever since the war started, the brass of the armed forces had become more openly jingoistic, and it wasn't just the king, but also the civilian government, that got to experience that. To the public they were all on the same page, but behind the scenes, a power struggle was brewing. One of the sources of conflict was the Danish question, in which the military so far had the upper hand.

"The Red Baroness" dropped her bombs on the "Emperor of Denmark", and near St Petersburg the air-carrier "Mars Magnificent, the Dane-hater", recently renamed after the 16th century war ship of king Eric XIV, had flown to, despite her name, launch airstrikes on the Russian fleet, with help from the Swedish navy on water, commanded by prince Wilhelm. The fierce battle started, just at the same time as a squadron of both planes and airships departed from Scania to bomb Copenhagen and engage in dogfights. Berlin would be avenged.

[Wysten]

Homefront
The Rumanian industry starts to manufacture a standard walker besides the turtle. The walker called the Copac Vz I, it is a small walker with a 37mm gun and a coaxil 7.92 MG 08. The current number built is 20 and are currently being deployed to Army Group South. Meanwhile the Rumanian nation conscripts 500,000 men to make two new reserve armies to assist against the Russians. They are to be battle ready by the end of the month.

Army Group North and Center
Army Group North and Center begins to fortify their positions with barb wire, MG emplacements, walker traps, AA, and direct fire artillery. Rumanian artillery also begins to fire at the Russian Artillery trying to pound them out before the Russian offensive begins.

Army Group South
This army does the same except 12th Corp begins to attack Odessa, supported by Rumania’s sole cruiser and all of it’s River Monitors they quickly take the city with the flag flying the Romanian flag within the week.

[Valtrona]

< STATUS UPDATE ON THE WAR >

Homefront
Army recruitment skyrocketed after the death of Pope Benedict XV, with many joining to get vengeance. It’s estimated that the Italian Army will be mobilized up to 3.4 million soldiers within a couple months. The Italian Industry begins construction of new warships to combat the Royal Navy. In addition, Airship and plane production skyrocketed. The need for a stronger Air Force was evident in the Berlin Bombing and to act as air support for naval forces as shown in the Battle of Rhodes.

Mediterranean Front
A surprisingly large number of Italian ships had arrived at the Alboran Sea, where they were given their orders. They knew that it would be a hard fought battle, yet necessary for the war effort. The main Italian Airship Fleet was assigned to support the Fleet. New warships and technologies have been developed for this specific moment, and all preparations were complete. It’s now or never. The fleet closes in on the British port of Gibraltar, and begins firing on the port defenses.



French North Africa Front
Meanwhile, a breakthrough occurred in Algeria, as the Italian forces advanced and seized the towns of Sétif and Bougie. A 2 simultaneous naval invasions took place in French Algeria. The eastern landing overwhelmed the garrisons in Algiers, seizing the city in a matter of hours. Surrounding towns soon would fall as paratroopers landed and connected with the naval landing. The western landing managed to take the town of Mostaganem, and advanced towards various rivers further inland. As coastal Algeria falls to Italian forces, the Italian elite Africa divisions launch a daring invasion of the Sahara desert in Algeria, code named “Operation Oasis”. Facing little to no resistance, the Italians drove straight across the brutal terrain of the Sahara desert, conquering much of Southern Algeria. Much to the surprise of the Italian High Command, their forces even took the city of Tindouf, and reached the border of Spanish Western Sahara.

Nile Basin Front
In El Alamein, Italian forces halt their advance. They instead begin constructing defenses within the city. Italian forces in Somalia advanced and managed to conquer the entirety of Jubaland. They managed to take the vital port city of Kismaayo from the British. In Eritrea, the city of Tokar fell to the Italian invaders. All advancement has halted temporarily, as the North Africa Campaign took top priority in the Italian High Command.

[Regnum Trinitatem]

Mongolian patriotism was the highest it had been in years under the rule of the Great monk Khan, Bogd Khan
The 1911 revolution had brought unity to the Mongolian princes for only a brief momentime. And the Khan took the opportunity to establish complete rule overy the steppes. Almost immediately after the revolution special advisors were placed in the presence of Mongolian nobles, to ensure their constant support for the Khanate. Those who resisted the implementation of these advisors answered directly to the idealistic Khan and his allies.

Upstarts who sought to undermine the Khan were often humiliated out of their positions or otherwise ending in a fatal accident. The Mongolian nobles respect and fear the Khan, the people adore him. He promises religious support and guidance, reviving the economy tarnished by the Chinese overlords, aswell as a rebirth to the Mongolian Empire of old. Already the nation had seen positive growth since the revolution with industries coming to the country, mostly jobs in weapons factories or mines. Farms in the rural land have been given one-time handouts to encourage their success.

Using funds given through a Russian loan before the war the self-named "Steel Horde" has purchased arms from Italy. The Mongolian steppes are now defended by one of the fiercest air forces in the world, with their pilot's training basing around fighting as cohesive units in teams of 4.
This armament became problematic when a Russian treaty attempted to sign Mongolia off as an autonomous puppet state for China. The Khan, unwilling to bend has set up fierce defenses on their most vulnerable borders with the two nations because of this. Since 1913 Mongolia has been almost completely isolated with the outside world because of the treaty, except for trading opportunities, mainly with Italy.

Now, nearly into 1915 the Mongolians have broken their silence with a bellowing roar. Because of China's current political standing of leaning towards the Central Powers, Mongolia has offered it's service to the Entente in the Great War. As both an opportunity to certify their independence and an opportunity to revitalize a Mongol Empire.

The Mongolian Aerial Navy departed from the borders carrying over a thousand planes. Heading westward towards the city of Krakow in attempt to aid their Russian brothers.

[The neo glactic empire]

arabia
In arabia aden falls the armies scatter and capture most of yemen several kirmishes happenee but not much looses nor action as the population cheers that they got liberated

the caucasus
In the caucasus and crimea fortfiacations were even stronger we well make the russian pay in blood for every inch
While the crimean front planned for a joint attack with the romanians

[Scurvy Sea]

Australia's loss had been swift and devastating. The Prime Minister traced a pen around an area of his desk absentmindedly as he sat in thought. Their invasion had been absolutely crushed by Italians. Though on a positive note Fisher's assassin had taken out their damned Pope. It devastated the world, Australians mourned for him. Little did they or the papers that spoke on it realize that it had been an Australian man that threw the bomb in that ceremony. Only the Prime Minister, the assassin, and three trusted officials would ever know the truth. The people of Australia were still bloodthirsty, only more so after their loss in Africa, something would have to be done to quench their thirst for war.

The Prime Minister leaned back in his seat, suddenly giving an abrupt sigh before shouting out. "Ben! Anything to report!?" Footsteps echoed from the stairwell quickly, the door to his office suddenly swinging open. "Not yet sir, shall I tell the naval forces to hurry along?" "Ah, yes, Ben. Tell them to hurry along. They are after all, the defenders of our people. The sooner they get to the defending the safer they'll all be I say!

Captain Smither of the HMAS Melbourne was leading a tail of 7 other Battleships, not including his own back towards Italian Somalia. The ship had only just returned to port when they were sent out again. This time they had picked up two new vessels to take with them to the coast. Every man on board the vessel had fire in their blood for the Italians. There would be no mercy in this attack, to be sure. The naval force was going right to the heart of Somalia, the city of Mogadishu.

His hands firmly clasped the wheel, leading them onwards to the coast when a sailor stopped at his side. "Message sir, from Admiral Gaunt. He says the Prime Minister himself, again, wishes to know when we'll arrive." Smither gave a deep sigh, glancing out towards the open water. "Just tell him we'll be there within the next couple of hours. Trust me, I'm just as eager to get there as he is, these damned loons are going to get what's coming, believe me."

[Valtrona]

< STATUS UPDATE ON THE WAR >

Homefront
Production continues, as newer warships have been developed and constructed to replace those lost. Cruisers and destroyers are being continuously constructed, with newly trained crews fit for service. New fighter planes, such as the Fiat-MK3 and the Breda-MK1, have been developed and constructed. They’ve been sent out to secure the skies of Italy from bombing raids, and to continue raiding Entente supply lines. New recruits replenish and reinforce the frontlines, allowing Italy to avoid mobilizing a major portion of its available manpower.


The Fiat-MK3, codenamed “Rhamos”


The Breda-MK1, codenamed “Rhamos”

Naval Front
Italian bombardment of Gibraltar continued, as the port’s defenses retaliated with its own bombardment. However, with the naval invasions in French Algeria a success, and the inevitable fall of French North Africa, the Regia Marina called off the attack. They managed to successfully retreat into the Alboran Sea, while still bombarding Gibraltar. The port’s defenses had sustained noticeable damage, with many of their defensive guns being severely damaged or destroyed during the bombardment. The Royal Navy did not show up to defend Gibraltar, which worried the admiralty of the Regia Marina.

The Governor of Somalia, Giacomo De Martino, received word from their scouting force. A fleet of 8 Australian Battleships were heading straight for Mogadishu. The Governor send out the entire Italian East Africa Fleet to combat the Australians. The fleet was comprised of 3 Battleships, 7 cruisers, 10 destroyers, and 12 torpedo boats. The fleet was escorted by a large Airship Fleet, fresh from killing Australians in mainland Somalia. They sailed until they reached the Australian Fleet in the Seychelles, heading for Mogadishu. The first salvos were launched by the Italians. The two fleets began exchanging fire, as the lead Australian ship took the first salvo brutally. The first casualty was from the Australian lead ship, the HMS Melbourne, which sank quickly. This was most likely due to a combined bombardment and torpedo volley from the Italians. Meanwhile, the Italian Airship Fleet bombed the Australians from the air, which sank 2 Battleships and severely damaged 3 others. The battle lasted for 6 hours, and was a surprisingly good result for the Regia Marina In the aftermath, 5 Australian Battleships were sunk, while 2 others were severely damaged, being captured by the Italians. Only 1 Battleship, the HMS Indefatigable, managed to get out of the battle with minimal damage. The Regia Marina only lost 1 Battleship, and 3 destroyers in the ensuing battle. The Battle of Praslin was considered a decisive naval victory for the Italians, and a disastrous defeat for the Australians. They had avenged their defeat at the Battle of Rhodes, and showed that Italy had a significant naval presence outside of the Mediterranean.



Africa Front
In French Algeria, various French forces were encircled due to the advancing Italian forces. The 2 naval invasions linked together with the main front. Within a few days, all of Northern Algeria had fallen, with the official surrender of the French Garrison in Oran. Meanwhile, the Italian Marauder’s linked up with the main force in the north, conquering the entirety of Southern Algeria with little resistance in a couple days. By the end of the week, French Algeria had been completely overrun by the Italian forces. Encircled French divisions were given the chance to surrender or be killed, with many agreeing to surrender in fear of repercussions. Marauders advanced north from Tindouf, and crossed into Morocco to chase the retreating French forces. They advanced to the city of Marrakech, where the French attempted to put up a fight against the worn out Italians. Chaos ensured in the Entente forces, as Algeria was overrun, and soon Morocco would fall as well.

The Battle of El Alamein has ended, as fighting died down and both sides built defenses to hold their positions, with no clear victor. Advances in East Africa have ended, with Italian forces digging in and constructing new trench lines. With their naval victory against the Australians, the Italian East Africa Fleet begins its trip to the islands of Socotra. It’s the key to British naval power in the Gulf of Aden, and the Italians want to take it.

[Regnum Trinitatem]

The Steel Horde's aerial navy was racing towards their destination in Krakow for days before suddenly, a telegram was received. New orders directly from the Great Khan himself.

Every ship in the aerial navy directed it's course, suddenly heading south directly down through the Russian Empire across friendly skies until crossing over the Black Sea. The soldiers had finally been told their destination, and although they seemed less excited to fight even farther from home, the Mongolian spirit survived as they went off towards their first engagement in the Great War. Folk songs and hymns could almost vaguely be heard being caught on the wind from the skies above.

The aerial navy finally had it's course over land again. Airships flew high in the sky above the coasts of Bulgaria with no intention to land just yet. The ships crossed over the mainland shortly before finally touching down in a disclosed airfield in Albania for a proper refueling. Afterwards the horde lifted off into the sky again, making their way undetected through the skies of Italy until breaking away near Venice and heading towards the Alps.

Soon, they would reach their target.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Mongolian airships crossed over the snow capped peaks of the alps. This deep into enemy territory enemy defenses were not expected to be prepared for what was to come. Slowly the roar of the airship engines began to muffle as they slowed their pace onwards into the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The ships kept high into the clouds, pilots prepared their planes, mechanics doing last-minute check-ups on the fighters to ensure their fighting capability. Pilots and gunners buckled themselves in, checking their oxygen reserves before the strike. The once merry fleet had become taken with a deathly serious overtone. Rotors spun and engines shot to life but the silence still weighed on the sky. One by one the planes were lifted out onto the airstrips, waiting for their signal. A siren suddenly cut through the silence like a knife, wailing out to the ships in the fleet. A combined chant shot up from the pilots as their planes lurched forwards, the fighter squadrons taking off one by one until 750 planes were suddenly in the sky, like a thundering storm cloud. The planes only had to fly for a couple miles on their own before reaching the target.

Like a wave in the ocean, the Steel Horde collapsed onto it's target. Graz, the southern capital city.


Fighter squadrons followed their leaders through the sky, as they nose dived towards the cityscape below. Black banners tied to the tails of the planes flew overhead the city like writhing serpents dancing across the sky.

They were going to bombard it swiftly primarily onto infrastructure and spots where the pilots estimated anti-aircraft weaponry to be, then pepper the rooftops with bullets. If they faced retaliation, A second wave of bombardment would soon come from 100 fresh planes from the fleet onto targets in the city, if any, where they detected anti-aircraft weaponry. The sooner the defenses were down the sooner the city could be destroyed from above.

[Deutschess Kaiserreich]

On the outskirts of Warsaw

"Alone... we have stood against the Russian menace. Alone, we have driven the Russian invaders from Konigsburg. Alone, we prepare to march east. We have driven their armies from rightful German soil and now we will advance into the motherland. We will liberate the people of Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine and many more! You are about to embark on a great crusade, my men! One we have striven for this many years.

The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.

In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the Russian war machine, the elimination of Tsarist tyranny over oppressed peoples of Eastern Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is endless with hordes of conscripted men that they force onto the battlefield. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1915. Much has happened since the Tsarist triumphs of 1914. The Central powers have inflicted upon the Russians great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned. The freemen of the world are marching together to victory.

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory.

Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. I have my utmost faith in you."

Rommel never liked long speeches. They were unnecessary. All you needed was to tell the men that you believed in them and what they were to do. But the task in front of them was too many insurmountable. How else would you rally your men to your side when they knew that they were fighting one of the greatest powers on earth? A power that controlled more land than Europe combined. Had inexhaustible resources and armies. Trench lines that stretched for miles on the Austrian border. They had almost brought an old empire to its knees and would have but the Kaiserreich had intervened.

Into the motherland, they would march. With Field Marshall Rommel and his 7th Panzer Division.

El-amien

The letter was ripped apart in Rictofens hands. He lit his cigar and used the lighter to burn the torn letter in front of him. He got off his leather chair and walked over to the window of the bridge. In front of him lay a city that was nothing more than rubble. Gotha bombers ripped apart exposed soldiers and stunned entrench ones. The Imperial airforce's Luftwaffe troops smashed into house cleansing them of their disgusting British inhabitants. They were the Kaiserreich's most elite troops. They moved with the swiftness of a fox and smashed into their foe's defenses with the might of an elephant. They had been few in number but supported by the Italian allies they demolished, crushed, and blew up each British position one at a time. Progress had been slow and costly. Lacking the men to carry on the Italians had dug in but the Luftwaffe ground troops had been launching raiding parties on centers of British resistance. They descended onto their trenches with shotguns and knives.

Luftwaffe Ground Forces

Even from his headquarters, in the sky, Rictofen could hear the many instruments that orchestra of war. The sound of guns, death, and screams permeated for many miles and through the windows of the bridge. Rictofen smiled as he looked upon the carnage. So many of the natives that the British had conscripted were dying. And that was a good thing. The world needed less of these filthy negroes. All they did was just lounge about taking space like the lazy dogs they were instead of clearly submitting to their superior overlords. Like really! They could barely manage their lands and the Europeans had come in and saved them with their civilization. And how did they respond to their saviors! By raping and killing their people. Clearly, the negroes were not worth the white mans time and burden. If they would not accept civilization then civilization would have to be rid of these godless heathens.

Rictofen put away his moment of clarity and enjoyment and turned away from the window to exit his room. A few minutes later he appeared on the bridge. It was a network of messages, orders, directions, and fire requests. The captain stood near the window as he gave out orders to his many officers. Rictofen took a moment to admire the man. This man had served with Rictofen since their naval and marine days. Rommel smiled as he remembered both of them giving the orders for their gunboats to set alight one the savage villages near the cape. He did love the smell of German Flamwaffe's in the morning.

The captain turned around to see Rictofen with the biggest grin on his face and smiled as well. "Is it time?", he asked with barely disguised glee.

"Yes, my friend. Leave three air corps and our Luftwaffe ground forces here to help the Italians."

"And the rest where?" The captain asked as Rictofen offered him a cigar. The Captain accepted and lit it with a match he had struck on the side of one of the many machines.

"Half of the remaining airforce will leave for the polish front and the other to the Danish front."

"Has the order to been given? Is it really time?"

"Time for the biggest operation to ever happened. Time for the Imperial air force to prove it's worth. Time for the men of Kaiserreich to march into their so-called motherland. Time to purge those inferior Slavic beings that they dare call "people". Time for the Kaiserreich to enter a new age. Time for Operation Bagration to be unleashed, my friend."

The two men laughed as they smoked their cigars. Their greatest age was about to come. They would be memorialized in the annals of history as heroes of the Kaiserreich...






or Insane genocidal failures that failed to win the war and plunge the Kaiserreich into mediocracy and submission to so-called greater powers...

[Retalia]

*President Woodrow Wilson presents the Woodrow class battleship*
tests begin ASAP


*a new gaint canon gets published*


*the new ENTERPRISE aircraft carrier also get presented to the people*

[The neo glactic empire]

The war continues over 2 million maybe even 3 million men have died since the beginning of the war im such a short amount of time who well win?
The answer was vague
Regardless of that the flames of war are still burning bright from europe to africa
And soon enough it well extend itself to the far east and far west soon enough the world well engulf itself in flames
Soon enough nations well fight to the last man
Soon enough more well die and then more well follow

[Valtrona]

< STATUS UPDATE ON THE WAR >

Diplomacy
It’s time, as all preparations have been made. The King of Italy formally retracted its signature from the Treaty of Turin. The Duchy of Savoy and the County of Nice were formally returned to the Kingdom of Italy, and Corsica was to be integrated into the Italian State as well. This was to stab the French right in the Diplomatic gut, as the Treaty was signed in good faith between the two parties. Italy’s retraction shows that they’re was no diplomatic way to end the war, and that military power would decide.

Naval Front
The Regia Marina managed to safely return to Italian waters after the Gibraltar Fiasco. The best thing was, they managed to avoid any naval conflict with the British. Yet, the Italian Admiralty was itching for revenge ever since they lost the Battle of Rhodes. The Australians managed to satisfy the public appeal, but the Admiralty was still dishonored after the defeat. But the British didn’t react to the Gibraltar Fiasco, which worried the Italian High Command.

Africa Front
Finally, after an intense and hard-fought campaign, French North Africa finally was taken. Italian troops won the battle of Marrakech, and advanced onto the cities of Safi and Casablanca. The Entente forces were encircled all across Morocco, but they soon were defeated. Hundreds of thousands of French and British soldiers were killed or taken as POW’s. It was a major strategic victory for the Italians, and allowed them to more easily shell Gibraltar. In addition, the ports in Algeria and Morocco allow for the Regia Marina to effectively patrol the Alboran Sea, to protect against the Royal Navy.

With German assistance, Italian forces in El Alamein managed to make solid ground against the British defenders. After their glorious victory over the Australians, the Italian East Africa Fleet reached the island of Socotra. They managed to occupy the islands of Abd al Kuri, Samha, and Darsa, as they were lightly defended. The fleet began bombarding the island’s defenses, as they knew it would be a difficult feet to achieve undermanned.