Tales of Two Horizons IC- OPEN

[Tales of Two Horizons OP]

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1869 — ALTERNATE HISTORY RP

OOC — IC —Map — Theme
Number Map · Roster · Discord

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ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD
Hello and welcome : ). If you require OPs' attention, attach the number '42' to your post.

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OP Board
OPs: The Industrial States of Columbia | Alleniana |
Co-OPs: The Palmetto | Lan Khao Xang Hom Krung Tai | Tracian Empire | The Military Lands of the Scottish People

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The year is 1869, and much is changed from what we know. In the West, smoke and steam dim the sun, as the fires of industrial revolution churn out ever greater quantities of goods and gears to satiate modern society. Though these machines of progress promise development and prosperity the likes of which the world has never seen, the reality of smog choked skies and soot stained faces has stirred the siren song of liberation within the hearts of the masses. Reactionary elements attempt to hold against this tide, but how long they will succeed only providence knows. The East, in our world the land of stubborn tradition and exotic mystery, is instead a reflection of the West, and though both maintain separate and unique identities, a universal calling drives the Great Powers of both horizons forward. The prospect of Empire.

As the engines of ambition continue to rumble in the rest of the world, intrepid explorers from both horizons now meet in the dark continent, and states both young and old look to exploit the riches of Africa. With the wheels of change ever turning, it now falls on you, great leader, to take charge. Will you guide your nation deftly through a web of intrigue and diplomacy? Will you build an industry that will be the workshop of the world? Or will you cover all in the shade of the banners of conquest? The choice is yours...

Tales of Two Horizons is an alternate history rp based on the premise of a divided China with states equivalent in advancement and industry to those of the West. A healthy dose of alternate history is given to the European nations as well. In Southern Europe, coalition forces led by Wladyslaw III inflicted a stunning defeat against the Ottomans at Varna. Following this, the Ottomans made peace, never to expand past Bulgaria. Hungary and Poland, though separated by the death of Wladyslaw after the battle, benefited greatly from this, with Hungary seizing the opportunity to expand into the Balkans while the Commonwealth eventually subjugated Muscovy and Siberia. The Ottomans continued a downward spiral in the mid 1800s, and were partitioned following intervention by the Great Powers in 1848-1850. Freed from the shackles of the Balkans, Austria has maintained its position as the leader of German politicking, and recently has conducted a series of “Ausgliech” negotiations to centralize much of the German Confederation under its rule. In Western Europe, England's counter-armada successfully landed in Spain, and following French intervention, Spain was forced to cede much of South America to the victors. The later United Kingdom faced revolutions in its North American colonies, but through skillful negotiations was able to maintain the loyalty of the New England region, which following the Treaty of Paris became the Kingdom of New England, a constituent of the United Kingdom.

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RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. General.
   
   1. There are a few rules and guidelines for the RP, listed here. These following six are basic and should be easily understood and followed, and after that will follow more specific info that is more liable to change.
   2. Obey NationStates forum rules
   3. Obey the OP and those appointed as per their role
   4. Make sure you are not metagaming, godmodding, numberspamming, or generally RPing in bad form
   5. Have a couple of paragraphs a post and good grammar & spelling
   6. Exercise common sense generously
   7. Be active every couple of days at least

Breaching these rules may result in a user being expelled from this RP at the OP Board's discretion.

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[Tales of Two Horizons OP]

Reserved for Newspapers

[Lan Khao Xang Hom Krung Tai]

State of Fusang | Vusaon Kueh | 扶桑國

By the accounts of its citizenry, the creation of the state of Vusaon has been the greatest change in dynamic between the meeting of the illustrious civilization and those of Europe. With the potential of Vusaon, many call forth for it to take up it's destiny of the position to take up the role of the elder brother in spreading the illustrious civilization and the will of Vusaon.

Cincin, Vusaon

"Investment into those tiny brotherly states of ours in the south, the... what's their name? Tawantinsuyu? Sounds like a good plan for the spread of our illustrious civilization, no?" the Grand Chancellor's younger brother Zie We proposed, following his elder around the halls of the chancellery building. "It should be as our duty as the elder brother to all of the illustrious peoples in our part of the world to make sure they develop gracefully under us, lest they be conquered by barbaric peoples that surround them."

"Well, while I do agree, is it the best way to expand the reaches of Vusaon?" the Grand Chancellor replied, quickening his pace. "While I could lend the use of governmental funds for such a project, what good would it come of it to those rival states who may end up destroying it themselves in some petty war?"

"Elder brother, if you would grant me the ability to do so, I will show you how I can extend the reaches of our nation to even the farthest of our brethren." Zie We continued, trying not to lose his brother. "With the backing of our family name, I shall bring the greatness of Vusaon to the south."

"If you believe so, then you have my personal endorsement. If you'd like, I can someone ready you a ship and supplies for your journey."

The Eastern Regions, Vusaon

Signal horns sounded as Vusaon cavalry charged against retreating rogue native warriors, firing an array of arrows and bullets into their enemy. Their quick advance was met with a crash into the backs of their enemies as they met them with their swords and polearms.

While conflict hasn't been the norm in the Eastern Regions of Vusaon, there had been enough to warrant an armed response against the perceived rogue elements. Since start of the movement of Vusaon citizens eastwards, pockets of tribes took to this with hostility, incurring the wrath of the home-country. Not just that, but with the increase of citizens eastwards, so did the attention Vusaon payed to the area, more so to the river that marked their border with the Anglo-Saxons.

[Alaroma]

The Ethiopian Empire| The Tigray Region

Chapter 1: The Emperor's Tour de Force

The Ethiopian Imperial Army to the foreign eye might not seek like much, like chaos among the thousands of men, unwieldy to be controlled. Yet, here it was, camping in Tigray. Now truth be told the Imperial Army had a method to it's supposed chaos, and it was indeed a disciplined Military force. The accumulation of 20,000 men under marching orders was quite the sight truth be told. When word of rebellion had spread south, an apparent challenge to the Emperor's policy of breaking up Provinces, it was an unpleasant delay in the Emperor's policy. The Imperial Army was Fierce, Indignant, and loyal to one man: Tewodros the Second. And with him, his loyal thousands.

The day had been a long one, and a tired Tewodros huffed into one of food tents, before taking a firm seat in one of the chairs, and sighing. He had just returned from a small battle with the rebels, which had been ended handedly by Cavalry present at the Battle. He had been followed inside by a few guards, and now received the stares of the inside staff of the tent. "Serve me a bowl of stew." He ordered one of the cooks, before adding "Then leave the tent. I'm making this the temporary quarters of the Emperor."

The head Cook of the tent looked like he wanted to question, the Emperor, before Finally asking "Your Majesty, would you not rather have us take your food to your tent?" She asked him. He shook his head, saying "No." He continued, saying "I'm quite happy here." The last sentence was forceful, and the cook didn't want to test the Emperor's rumored temper. "Yes, my lord. As you wish." She then immediately went about preparing his meal. Eventually she got him his meal, and the tent emptied. At record speeds he devoured the dish, and seemed contempt to take a nap. "Guard the tent entrance." He told his Guard, who obediently went outside to do such.

The Emperor closed his eyes, and was prepared to take a nap in his seat. He was about to doze off, however one of his guards disrupted his sleep. "Sir, one of your Ministers is here to see you. On state business." He groaned to himself. 'They found me awfully fast.' he thought he to himself. "Tell them to go back to the other royal tent, I will get them at a later time." He old the Guard, who nodded. The Emperor is then added "And tell the same to anyone else coming to see me." Nodding, he went off back outside. Thankfully, it seemed to work.

He was able to sleep for 30 minutes, before he was awaken by guard once more. "You better have a good reason to awaken me, Guardsman." He growled, and to the Guard's credit, he had the good sense to appear regretful. "Your wife …….The Empress is outside, and seeking your attention." The Guard told Tewodros, who's eyes narrowed at the the man. "Why didn't you just send her off?" The Emperor asked. "She threatened to make a fuss, and begin shouting out your name." The Guard informed the Emperor.

Tewodros groaned, muttering "Of course she did." Before he got up. "Alright, alright, I'll go out to see here." He walked out of the tent, a scowl on his face as he went off to see his wife. He'd feel a cool breeze wash over his face as he walked out, along with the warmth of the sun. However the sun could not compare to the heated glare of Tiruwork. His wife being the dark skinned beauty in her mid 20's in front of him, and plenty full of herself. As it turns out, she appeared to have her own look of annoyance. "Tiruwork, what do you want?" He asked the woman, who raised an eyebrow. "What do you think? All your Ministers are bothering me to get you. What are you even doing here?" She asked Tewodros.

"I was tired, so I temporarily took control of this tent so I could see eat and take a nap." He said simply. "In a cooking tent?" She asked. "Yes. I own the tent after all." Tewodros replied, causing Tiruwork to groan. "You have a tent for sleeping. It's quite nice in fact!" She told him, which caused him to raise an eyebrow. "Oh please, you're not here to rebuke me over where I sleep, are you?" He asked her.

She sighed, shaking her head. "As it turns out, I am not. I'm here to bring you back to attend to your Ministers." Tiruwork told him, to which he shrugged. "They can wait." He said. She raised a finger, waving it disapprovingly. "Actually, they can't. We're moving camp tomorrow and you know this, and they need an Emperor now." He sighed, frankly not believing his ministers sent his wife of all people to retrieve him.

"Look, aren't you the one who told me this is a campaign, not a mercenary trip? Well that means politics, and the Imperial Court is in this war camp. So please, if you will, come attend your duties. The faster you handle them, the faster you can have your rest." She then turned to a more consoling tone. "I know you've had a tiring day love, and I know you're working hard. The Empire is always needing attention unfortunately." She told him.

Tewodros sighed, slowly nodding. "Fine woman, I'll attend to them. God Almighty, I hope this campaign can be wrapped up soon." He said. Tiruwork nodded appreciatively at that. At that, they returned to the "Command Tent" that the Emperor would usually inhabit on campaign. Walking through the war camp was a task in itself. As to Ethiopian tradition, even though on paper the army was 20,000 men under arms, in reality the people in camo was larger than that. There was many wives, servants, and relatives who were doing their various duties in the camp. Thankfully not a slave was present in the camp due to the Emperor's "outlawing" of the practice. Unfortunately it was not so effective in the entirety of the Nation, particularly the Muslim regions, but the Emperor's abolitionist tendencies was a matter for another day. The needs of the camp and it's soldiers were carried out by these camp followers.

It went from cooking meals, fetching supplies and wood, and generally keeping things as pleasant as they could be for the soldiers. Truth be told as much as he loved it, and he did considering Tewodros was a soldier first, he couldn't help but hope this would be his last campaign against domestic opponents. Though, to be fair, he always hoped that. That aside, the camp followers also helped in things such as digging trenches, clearing roads, assisting in the selection of suitable camp sites, and being alert to awaken soldiers at dawn.

Why was Tiruwork here? Well besides being the Emperor's wife, she also practically acted as his Scribe currently. That, and, well, a confidant as well, take that as you will. When they returned to the command tent, greeted by the Ethiopian Stripes flapping in the air, and guards. Recognizing the Emperor, they gave him their salutes, and let him and his wife enter. Inside awaits a few key officials, two foreigners of note, along with the Emperor's son. The Ministers were talking among themselves, however found themselves immediately on their feet in respect for the Emperor. The Prince, who seemed to be determined the ways of his father, saluted his father, as if he was a little soldier.

"Alright, you wolves, alright-" he told to his ministers, "you have succeeded in gathering my attention. Tell me what you want from me." He said, eyeing them all. Knowing not to waste time, the minister of finance, or at least the equivalent to that in Ethiopian terms, stepped forward next to the two Foreigners. Tiruwork meanwhile went off and retrieved some paper, and a writing instrument. As such, she'd be taking to her scribe functions.

These three men were Ashu Moi of Gonder stepped forward, alongside Jonas Wagner of Germany, and Chen Teng-hui of Min. Jonas and Min were men of special talents, and connections in their respective Homelands. Entrepreneurs if you will, and they saw possible riches for themselves respectively to be made in Ethiopia. That fact the Tewodros had taken a liking to them, and viewed them as close to confidants as foreigners were likely to get only helped.

"Your Majesty, I believe it's time to sign off on the plans we've made." Ashu, said. Jonas smiled, saying "Your Majesty, I have a gift for you." He said, bringing out what seemed to be a long object covered by cloth. The Emperor rose an eyebrow, before being handed the object. Removing the cloth, it revealed a rifle that seemed to be your Standard rifle, albeit a good deal more impressive than he had seen his troops carry, but he didn't see anything out of the ordinary. He looked at Jonas, expecting an explanation. "A gift from the Imperial Asiatic Company of Triest, your Majesty. It's a 1867 Wänzl Rifle." He said, seeming very proud of himself.

"I expect there is something very special about this rifle. Get on with it Jonas, I hate when you keep me waiting in suspense like this." Tewodros said, to which the man nodded. "Well, if you'll see here-" Jonas began, going over and opening the Wänzl's trapdoor, "this is a breech loading rifle. Essentially, the German army is taking Lorenz rifles, and convert them into these beauties. What makes this relevant, is Germany has a bunch of these rifles, but is converting to an entirely different rifle. So these will be freed up. You wanna know what makes these really special?" Jonas asked the Emperor. Tewodros sighed, saying "Yes! What's so special, tell me."

"Well, your Majesty, these guns can shoot 10 to eleven rounds per minute. Standing up, sitting down, hiding behind cover, it doesn't matter." Now this proclamation did indeed raise Tewodros eyebrows. "And you can get these? How many can you get?" He asked. Jonas smiled a toothy grin. "How many do you need?" He asked. Tewodros turned to the Ashu. "Well, I believe if we were to procure 100,000 over the course of 4 years, it would be sufficient. Those rifles, and sufficient ammunition. That would be a good number for numbers the Imperial Army might hope to see in enlistment, plus it would leave room for our other initiatives." He said, causing Tewodros to nod in agreement. "So, you'll ask this company for 100,000, yes?" Tewodros asked Jonas. "Of course, your Majesty." He replied.

Thinking about it, who would train these soldiers with these new rifles? "What about training?" The Emperor asked, which caused a thoughtful look, then a smile. "Well, the goal of all of this is the modernization of the Imperial Military, isn't it?" Jonas asked. "Thank you for stating the obvious, Jonas. What of it?" Ashu asked. "Well, Germany has lots of Veterans. Veteran officers, soldiers, logistics officers. We should hire some as advisors." Jonas suggested.

Tewodros thought it over, before Jonas added "Your Majesty, let us be honest here, the Governments of Europe and Asia are……..tricky beasts to deal with. Working with elements within those realms are the best way to achieve our aims. The Governments themselves are bullish." Tewodros sighed, before nodding. "You, of course, are correct." He sighed, slightly frustrated. "Is there any other people you're considering trying to convince to come to Ethiopia?" Tewodros asked him.

"Well, actually, I've gotten a few ideas. Especially for your heir." Jonas said. That garnered a look of skepticism from Tiruwork, and caused the Emperor to look over to his son momentarily, before looking back at the German. "What would that be, Jonas?" He asked. "Well, it's over his education. I believe I could get some tutors for him. Assuming he does well, which I know he will, I can probably get him a place at a prestigious British university based on merit. I'm not sure how European Monarchs would be able to ignore a Ethiopian Emperor educated at Oxford." Jonas replied.

"You can get him in at Oxford?" Tiruwork asked skeptically. "With the right tutors, and maybe a letter to Queen Victoria, I believe it's possible." Jonas said, happily. Tewodros rose an eyebrow. "See to it. That aside, any other plans?" He asked. "I'll probably pick up a few people to help analyze the agricultural situation in Ethiopia from Britain. You've all been going on about increasing agricultural productivity, and I think I can help there." Jonas said, which caused Tewodros to cross his arms. "What can I say your majesty, the Agricultural Revolution is an amazing thing." He'd add.

Tewodros then glanced at Chen. "Well, Chen, what say you?" He asked the Asian Merchant, who had his own smile on his face. "I've done as you asked, and gone through the candidates for future Imperial officials, and have selected 30 young men suitable for the task. They'll be studying law, medicine, agriculture, and engineering, as well as architecture. They'll also be skilled in multiple languages when they make their way back as well. That aside, they'll be learning about the Confederation in important ways. Sure, you have me, but the more officials you have with an understanding of Min, the better." Chen said to the Emperor, which was good to hear.

"I'm also going to be making attempts to set up bringing two new crops to Ethiopia, those being cotton and tea. There's lots of land for new plantations, so I'll get some friends back home to consider investment here. Ideally if Ethiopia learns the most effective method for plantations, and begin doing it itself, we could see another route for profit." Chen said.

"Well, yes, expanding in those fields, as well as maintaining the ivory trade, would prove to be the right direction to go. I'd also suggest figuring out if we can get private prospectors to help us look for valuable minerals. That aside, would be infrastructure. However we should take this a step at a time, and spread this out. Besides, we need to finish this campaign. When it's finished, we need to begin improving Infrastructure leading up to, and inside Djibouti, and it's port." Ashu said.

"I think we should also build more churches." Tiruwork shamelessly added. This caused Jonas and Chen to started dumbfounded at the woman. At least no one could doubt her piousness. "I'm not sure that's the best use of funds." Chen said. "Says the non Christan." Tiruwork retorted. "I don't know, gaining the Church's support, official and emotional, is something we should be concerned with as well." Ashu said.

"Well, internal support is necessary as always. Besides churches provide things like sanctuary, education, and welfare to locals. That on top of having the Church like the Emperor more." Jonas said, though Chen wasn't exactly convinced. "Well, it's all up to His Majesty, I'd say." Chen said finally. Stroking his beard in thought, Tewodros said "Let's build a nice one in Axum after we drag that rat Kahśa through the streets."

"Sounds like an appropriate way to end our 'tour' throughout Ethiopia." Chen said. "Though still, that aside, I think we should really consider the implications of the introduction of Rice." Chen continued. Tiruwork tilted her head side to side slightly, a face of uncertainty on her face. "I'm not sure how I fee about rice. It's an odd crop if you ask me." She said.

Chen looked to Tewodros, asking "And how do you feel about it?" He asked. "Well…there is nice rice paddies around Gondar from when we introduced the crop. It seems to grow well there. The locals also seem to be fond of it." Tewodros said, before looking at Chen. "Well, besides cotton and tea, I'd say getting some people educated in agricultural, in exchange for some land, teach methods of better rice production locally." He said. "It would do wonders for food stability."

"We should have church officials learn it, so they can go off and teach it throughout Ethiopia. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to oblige." Ashu said. "Saves us some trouble in the process, I'd imagine." Tewodros said, sighing. "I think that's what we can really count on for now. I wouldn't say that its enormous, but I think it's safe to say we should let these lads do their tasks respectively. While they are abroad, we should put down this rebellion, appoint local Governors, and stabilize the Empire."

"And do the courtesy of sparing the locals involved." Jonas added. Tewodros, grumbled "What, are you conspiring with my wife on the matter? I've already guaranteed non combats will be treated fairly! As for the soldiers, and their families, I'll think about it. Rebelling Lords however are dead." The Emperor said forcefully, causing Tiruwork to eye him, and Jonas to raise his hands in defeat. "Of course your Majesty." He would say. "Why don't we test that new rifle of yours, and discuss plans." Ras Emmanuel Negasi offered, to which Emmanuel agreed.

Tiruwork was about to get up, before Tewodros rose her hand to stop her. "I don't need a scribe now." He told her. She sighed, before slowly sitting back down. "Okay, well can I come?" Alemayehu, the Emperor's son, asked. Sighing, he gestured for the 8 year old boy to follow. Soon they made their way out of the tent, and had to begin setting up an area to set up for testing the rifle.

At this point, there were 7 people involved. The Emperor, Jonas, Chen, Alemayehu, Ras Emmanuel, Ashu, and Ras Abel. As the impromptu " shooting range", setting up targets. While Jonas was instructing Tewodros in how to load the rifle properly, Emmanuel paced back and forth impatiently. "Your impatience is disrespectful, Ras." Tewodros eventually told the younger man, causing Emmanuel to pause. "I, uh, apologies your Majesty."

Tewodros sighed, having finally loaded his rifle properly, before having the target of his "affection" pointed out. It was a block of wood, which would do well enough. Following Jonas brief instructions, Tewodros began testing the rifle, and he was increasingly delighted at the rifle's performance. Of course this being his first rifle to shoot, his frame of reference was understandably lacking. "Great, am I right?" Jonas asked, jubilant Tewodros nodding and laughing. "This is great! We need to make our own rifles like these one day!" Tewodros declared, causing Chen and Jonas to look at each other skeptically.

Smiling at the rifle, Tewodros eyes glided over to Emmanuel. "So, what's got you so excited, Emmanuel?" Tewodros asked the Ras, who sighed. "I'd like to give you my intelligence reports, your Majesty." He said. Tewodros perked up at that. "Ah, you have information for me?"

"Yes, information from spies." Emmanuel said, "From what our scouts have informed us, they have around 10,000 people. It's reasonable to assume that half of those people are actual warriors, the other half being camp followers. So around 5,000 warriors. From what we've heard, there's also ample musket fire arms. An estimated fifth of their forces having them."

Tewodros grunted. "Our cavalry should be enough to make short work of such rabble." He said, causing Emmanuel to sigh. "I agree. Though location is important in that regard. We're less than 2 weeks from Axum." Emmanuel added, causing him to grunt. "So he'll probably confront us before then……." Ras Abel said, causing Emmanuel to nod. "Lest we loot his estates."

"So we should probably begin the process of pushing his armies into ideal terrain for a battle. I'd like to get a look at local maps, but I'd say we should begin a strategy of harassment of his armies with our Skirmishers. The more ideal the landscape, the more we can push the advantage we have. Take what you can from Nobles lands who are supporting the traitor. The more they suffer, the more pressure they'll put on him to act. If he gets hastiy, all the better." Tewodros said as he loaded another round in the rifle.

"Fucking, hell……." Jonas grunted to himself in German. "Feudal politics is a pain." He said to himself, before saying this time in Amharic "What are the common people's views on this whole…….. debacle?" Jonas asked. Tewodrosl paused for a moment pondering that question, before firing another round. "Why does that matter?" Tewodros finally asked.

"Well, I suppose it matters in who they support." Chen said, to which Tewodros shrugged. 'The only opinions that matter are those of the Nobles. The nobles who were loyal to me fled south. Those who didn't remained. To those who remained, are obviously not loyal. I will decimate them. Their lands will be redistributed, the surviving nobles will find themselves put into another class." He said to Chen.

And, that was usually how these sort of events went. When Tewodros went on his campaigns to expand the Ethiopian State, conquered people found their local Nobility more or less devastated, their treasures sacked, their lands redistributed to local peasants and settling Amhara.

"Well, I think the punishment should be firm, and ideally final. People don't like having to get out down over and over again. Frankly, why bother?" Jonas asked. Emmanuel looked at him skeptically. "What are you implying?" He asked, to which Jonas shrugged. "Incorporated to be your direct rule. Make Tigray………. Imperial Districts?"

"And what would this Imperial District do, if you don't mind me asking?" Tewodros asked. Jonas thought about it for a bit, before saying "Define the borders, assign a Governor who will serve out a term of 4 years or something. When his term is up, you can assign him again. Ideally only use the same person for 2 terms so people don't get complacent. Of course the District should pay more taxes directly to you, and you retain the sole right to call troops up in the region."

"That's definitely……..an idea." Tewodros said, thinking it over. "Though I'm concerned over the administration of said districts. About loyalty….." he said, Tewodros said, as he examined his rifle, and it's fine wooden stock. "Well, I think it would be a fine idea if we imported Foriegn administrators to help run these districts." Jonas said, and of course Tewodros look soured with even more skepticism. "You want to give foreigners official positions?" He asked, crossing his arms. "I assure you Your Majesty, this is a temporary arrangement……...just think of it, these men will be loyal to money. You pay them or give them some land, they'll run a province with all the Efficiency they can. While they do this, we have time to Educate Ethiopians abroad who can pick up the torch, and continue running these districts." Tewodros couldn't shake his skepticism of the idea, before saying "Recruit enough men to run, or help run, Tigray. We'll see how they fair, while other men get their educations sorted out. The same for Djibouti."

Jonas smiled, and nodded at that. "Of course my your Majesty, you won't be disappointed." He said, giving a small bow to the man. "I'd hope not, I give a great deal of trust to you……..go about what you said you would, I will in the meantime go about what I said I would." Jonas again nodded.

The next day, Imperial Troops would continue their March to Axum, and make all due haste to end the Rebellion. And so that messy, chaotic, show of organized men went off to their destinies. Ethiopia in truth was at a crossroads, and it needed to be wise in its use of time. The Suez Canal would be finished soon, and while Tewodros didn't quite get it, Jonas and Chen feared for the Kingdom's well being………and for good reason.

[Intermountain States]

January 15th, 1869
Sea Voyage to Hokkaido

Despite advancements in technology that allow for faster travel through boat by fuel, nothing can solve the age old issue of inexperienced men vomiting due to the rocking of the ship. Captain Choe Dong-wook grimaced at a soldier vomiting over board, but he couldn't really blame these men. They were after all soldiers of the Imperial Army who have little to no experience out on sea. They're just one of the thousands of men being shipped out to Northern Hokkaido in order to consolidate Joseon's hold on that region.

He remembered his younger years as a seaman in the Navy when he was throwing up hurling chunks of rice and pickled vegetables over the ocean during his first voyage. While he attained experience over the years and gotten used to the sea as many sailors and marines had, he knew that many soldiers would never get used to the boats. He had yet to attend a voyage where all of the passengers made it out without being sick.

"That's another private sick from the voyage," a deep accented voice interrupted Choe's train of thoughts and he turned around to see an army captain with a thick beard. Choe smiled at the sight of his old friend.

"Major Kim Song-ho, I could never not recognize your thick Manchu accent," Choe said. "By the time the fleet reaches Hokkaido, my ship would be followed by pirates tracking us by the trail of vomits your men left behind."

"You Navy folks talk a lot about us Armymen not being to handle the sea but I don't see your sailors doing any heavy lifting in the ground, " Kim Song-ho laughed at his friend's jab. "Your sailors are just going to be collecting seashells from the beach and call that a successful mission."

"According to scheduling, it looks like you and your men would be at Hokkaido for quite a while," the captain said to the major after a few minutes of playful jabbing. "Even far past the Lunar New Year celebration."

"Yeah, I won't be able to visit my wife anytime soon," Kim said. "Most of the soldiers were not happy when they found out that they'll be celebrating the holidays garrisoning our border with Japan instead of at their homes with their families. At the very least, the place is nice and I've heard that the Governor had tried to spruce up the place to make it more welcoming to us."

"Yeah, the Governor tried with some urban and agricultural development in order to attract colonists into making the area their new home," Dong-wook explained. "Implemented some sort of land grants but the only Joseon people there are just soldiers, industrial tycoons expanding their wealth, and some poor guys opening shops to start a new life. And let's not forget the convicts being used for expendable labor. The rest are just the locals trying to make the best of life under new management."

"Let's not forget about the locals who are still fighting," Song-ho added. "It would probably take us months, if not years for us to fully consolidate the region. Their arms may be primitive for now but knows what new gears they've got."

January 16th, 1869
Ishikari Plains, Hokkaido

It was a cold quiet night in the Ishikari Plain that makes up the official border between Joseon and Japan in the island of Hokkaido. Despite the cold, soldiers could not escape from the dreaded night shifts and soldiers patrolled at the gates in winter uniforms for warmth while the fortunate ones relaxed behind the walls around the warm welcome of fire or inside the fort in their comfy beds.

"I heard soldiers would be landing at Rumoi in a few days," Private Yi Se-yoon said to Private Go Ujin as the two walked guard the fort.

"Good, maybe they'll take over border duty and look out for some rebels or wandering Japanese soldiers," Ujin retorted. "Garrisoning a city is way better than patrolling the Ishikari Plains."

"They'll probably be patrolling other areas, first," Se-yoon said. "I don't think we're due to return until after a few weeks."

"A man can only dream," his friend responded. "I'm sick of walking in the cold praying that some angry local isn't going to emerge from the plains to fling arrows at us. I want to be at the fort, getting a good night's rest."

Yi Se-yoon was about to argue but they were interrupted by some rustling from the nearby bushes, prompting the soldiers to crouch down with their rifles raised in alarm. Se-yoon gulped as he pointed his rifle at the rustling bushes but was relieved when only a rabbit hopped out.

"We should still be mindful of those bushes," Ujin whispered. That might be bait from the rebels." Se-yoon nodded and the men glanced at the bushes. So far, nothing has happened and the men carried on their duties, however still mindful of anything about to happen.

A few hours later, the two were approached by two other soldiers. "It's our turn for the nightshift," one of the arrivals said. The duo nodded.

"Enjoy your guard duty," Ujin replied and the night guards retired for the night, ready to retreat to their own beds.