When Tropics meet the North (Closed)

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Okay then, follow us." says the Keisaer as he gets out of the water, followed by his wife, and some of their friends, about a third, the rest electing to stay on the Baniar a bit longer.

Once everyone has dried and has changed back in their clothes, the Imperial Couple leads the five women through various corridors of the Silver Palace, crossing ways with aides and guards, all nodding at their monarchs, who nod back in acknowledgment.
After a few minutes, they arrive in front of a set of double doors, with the words "War Gallery." written in Astarian, toped by three stars. On the side, two Keiserlig Custos guards are standing in their armor, their Langastas shouldered. Upon seeing the group approach, one of them opens the right door, before going back to his colleague and resuming their conversation.

"This gallery is divided in two main parts." explains Anna to the guests. "The first part we're about to show you displays trophies taken from battles and wars which the Imperium fought both internally and externally. For example, here is the standard of a rebellious Noble Family, who fought in the 1265-1269 Civil War." continues the Keisaerina as she points to one of the first objects displayed on the wall to their left, a standard representing a black salamander on a yellow background, with two red horizontal stripes up and down.

"If you're wondering why we're not naming the family whose standard it was, it's because it has been erased from history." says Adrean with a semi-sinister tone. "When the Imperial authorities won the war, they executed many of the family members, and changed the name of the survivors, forbidding them to use the old name ever again. This is why you'll never see their names today. To think, that in Ancient Egypt, a punishment like this was considered worse than death..." he adds with a small chuckle.

"Questions?" he asks Marcella and her group, ready to continue if they have none...

[AHSCA]

A gallery of portraits and more history for the Imperium here. When prompted for questions, Asuka asked, "You mentioned a civil war in 1265, is that the only civil war you fought? What made the noble couple want to rebel against the state that sparked the conflict?"

"And why erase from history? Isn't it better to remember to prevent it from reoccurring?" Marcella asked "As the saying goes, those who don't remember history are condemned to repeat it, no?"

[Astares Amauricanum]

"No, Miss Kotobuki, this civil war was far from the last that would be fought in the Imperium. There was also the 1422-1444 Civil War, by far the longest but not the deadliest, the 1803-1807 Civil War, and lastly the one we fought in, the 2005-2008 Civil War." answers the Keisaer.

"For this precise Civil War, you have to remember that in those medieval times, communications were not as efficient and fast as they are today. Therefore, when it came to policies and how to enforce them around the Imperium, it was up to each Noble Family to do so on their territory, who they ruled virtually as their own.
Most of the time, it worked quite smoothly, but there were others where it was not the case. Some times the disputes were settled peacefully, other times there was unrest, who had to be dealt with by force.

But in 1265, the Noble Family whose name has been erased from history was ruling a territory that was rich in ressources, one of the richest in the Imperium. And with the wealth that came with it, they thought that they could be bold enough to separate from the other Families, and the Imperial Family authority, to rule as their own.
So, after some secret negotiations with other parties, such as some of the indigenous tribes, mercenary groups, etc; they sparkled a revolt, which gained in intensity, due to the fact that it gathered other people who were discontent with the current Astarian politics."

"And do not worry Marcella." continues the Keisaerina. "We did not erase the war from our history, just the Noble Family name. The rest of the facts, the reasons behind it all, all were preserved. Discussions were undertaken at the time to try and solve the problems that had caused this war to occur. We are all perfectly aware, back then and now, that if we do not remember the errors that took us down a certain path, we are doomed to repeat it."

[AHSCA]

"Ah interesting." Asuka made her notes "and I presume of the Common Era Calendar?" Asuka made more notes with anything else explained to her. Marcella nodded at the response to her own question "Yes, I understand what you're saying." Marcella agreed "Glad that could be cleared up further, this is an interesting look into your vast history. Sounds like you've been around as a country for a very long time. Deep history roots that go back a very long time."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Indeed, the Common Era Calendar." answers Adrean with a nod.

"That we do." continues Anna in answer to Marcella. "A vast history indeed, not always peaceful, but who manages to still stand on its feet after a millenia, and even stronger than before." adds the Keisaerina, as she motions for the group to continue walking.

On each side of the gallery, the visitors would be able to see various objects displayed in glass cases, such as old swords, Agony Crossbows, various bits and pieces of equipment, some good looking despite their age and some other nots. As they progress, the equipments presented would become more modern, with the first attempts of the Astarians to create powder-based weapons after reverse-engineering Europeans arquebuses, flintlock pistols, etc.
Various uniforms would be presented as well, from light armor worn by the basic infantrymen of medieval times, to prototype uniforms designs based on Europeans designs after the Colonial Wars.

On the walls, various standards of countries and military units are nailed or suspended, such as French, British and Spanish flags, as well as flags and standards of military units, both Astarians and foreign. Under each, a small label indicates the unit's name and designation.

"So, what do you think so far?" asks the Keisaer to the guests, as the group stops before reaching the part of the gallery reserved for the more modern objects.

[AHSCA]

Marcella nodded with a smile, "Truly, this is a fine gallery. A hall of portraits with many stories to tell. I can imagine the stories they could tell. The flags are amazing too. Now tell me about the foreign units, what is the story behind them and how they relate to your nation?"

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Nah, don't worry, the portaits will come later." corrects Anna with a smile.

"But of course. Although please forgive us if we don't go over the history of each unit we kept the standard about, that would take hours and we would still be there tomorrow morning." replies her husband to Marcella's question. "Still, I will tell you about some specific units who are remembered for key reasons." he adds, before pointing to a certain standard, looking Spanish in appearance.
"For example, this one, of the 13th Castillan Tercio, a Spanish unit. This military formation which the Keiserlig Custos faced in combat in 1550 saw us discovering the real use of gunpowder-based weapons , especially the arquebuses. It was at the beginning of the Colonial Wars, which for reminder, saw the Britons, French and Spaniards invade our lands and us fighting them for a century.

Anyway, regarding the 13th Tercio, even though we scored a victory against them, the entire 5th Regiment was wiped out, as at this time, we did not know about gunpowder, and still relied on bolts and arrows to stike at a distance. Still, in the process, we managed to recover a few arquebuses, and we tried to study them in order to reverse-engineer them later."
The Keisaer then points to a discreet set of red dots at the bottom left corner of the standard.
"Do you see those dots? They are actually blood marks from a man who was involved in the research. While manipulating some gunpowder samples we recovered as well, a spark was struck, and it exploded rght in his face. The standard was nearby, so a few dropplets of his blood landed there. Our ancestors therefore decided to keep the standard as a memory, the memory that we were dealing with a new weapon system, way more dangerous than anything they had ever seen, and while we could do something about it, we had to be careful when using it."

Adrean then moves towards another standard, bearing this time golden lily flowers, as well as a blue and white background, and French words.

"The La Gardie Regiment. A French Infantry Regiment raised by the Marquis de la Gardie (OOC: name invented), and very infamous for us Astarians, as they were a relentless foe for us. The first time the Astarian Army faced them in 1590, even though we outnumbered them and had more than a few arquebuses with us, they still managed to obliterate the two Brigades we sent. Part of the victory can be explained because at the time, we were still researching gunpowder weapons, so our use and tactics of them were far fom perfect.

Facing this regiment in battle made us understand that if we wanted to survive the European invasions, we couldn't hope for victories in usual battles. So, we chose to resort instead to what we called back the "Little War", which was the name at the time for guerilla tactics.
But even then, while other units and countries faced not well at all this change in tactics, including the La Gardie Regiment, they were one of the very few groups that despite their losses, never lost their courage and continued their onslaught, during battle, and against civilian populations as well." says Adrean, finishing his sentence with a somber look when he talks about the civilians.
"So, in the end, when we finally managed to score a classical victory against them in 1630, we chose to kept their standard. Both as a way to remember them as fecocious foes, and also for remembering the way they forced us to evolve in our tactics."

Finally, he points towards a flag looking British.
"The 14th Royal Line Regiment. One of the best regiments the Brits had at the time, who they sent in a last bet battle, the battle of Rediet, named after a small village where it took place, and who was wiped out in the process. It happened at the end of the Wars, in 1635. Reinforced with French and Spanish elements as well, they tried to attack what they though was a hole in our lines, which if exploited, would lead them straight to our general headquarters where my ancestor, Keisaer Adrean Blachkor the Second, was. Although keep in mind my ancestor was still a teenager at the time, and still the heir to the throne, as his father hadn't died yet. Still, he was already observing and commanding on the frontlines.

But instead, we had lured them to a place where we were at a tactical advantage. And this time, our knowledge and use of arquebuses and muskets were complete, and we were fighting them on equal grounds. And this time, it was us who wiped them out." says the Keisaer with a proud, but a little bit sadistic smile. "After this crushing defeat, the European powers finally came down to the table to sign for peace."

"One of the things you have to know, is that the Colonial Wars were very brutal on both sides." adds Anna, having not spoken until now. "When the Europeans conquered our land, they imposed their ways of life, their religion, very harshly on the local populations. Executions and massacres were unfortunately far too common. Even though we have European ancestry, that did not stop them from considering us as nearly savages.
In return, we were as harsh, if not harsher in our fight against them. You remember the SkinWalker story we told you before in the Baniar? Well, at the time, some Natives from our Tribes volunteered to become Skinwalkers, in order to wreak havoc on the Europeans. Even though we had troubles disposing of said SkinWalkers aftet the Wars, it proved quite valuable to instill fear and lower morale for the Europeans."

"So, questions so far? Were we clear enough?" asks Adrean to their guests.

[AHSCA]

The tales told were quite detailed and elaborate indeed, nothing Marcella could do or say but reverently listen to the long history. THe Imperium has had a long military history, probably dwarfes even the old Aurora Empire and Duchy of days past, the days of Marcella's ancestor, Tamura as Empress. It was all so very impressive indeed as she soaked in the visuals of the displays and words told by their hosts. Marcella quietly shook her head as she continued to focus on the visuals before them. Asuka continued to make notes as they were ready to press on soon.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Seeing that their guests have understood them well and do not have questions, the Imperial Couple is too eager to continue their explanation.

"One of the other things the Europeans influenced us in, was not only related to land warfare, but naval warfare as well." explains Adrean, before moving a bit further down the gallery.
"Until they arrived, our naval forces consisted only of large longships, powered by row and sail, with maybe one or two ballistae at the front; as well as smaller similar ships. They were mostly used to monitor the coastline, and rescue fishermen who might get caught in a storm. Needless to say, when the Europeans arrived, their ships made short work of our vessels, and so no major engagement of the Colonial Wars was fought on the sea."

As he speaks, the Keisaer shows to Marcella and her group a few paintings and engraving representing said ships.

"But when the Wars ended, we ended up with some captured vessels in our hands, although all of them were in pretty bad shape." continues Anna. "After studying their designs, and the construction of a few prototypes, the Astarian Imperial Navy was officially introduced in 1640, with a first order of fifteen schooner-type of ships, twelve bricks, and five corvettes."

The Keisaerina then stops in front of a particular painting, labeled simply "Astra Oppdack"

"One of these corvettes though, was specially modified in order to undergo a long trip, where she would circumnavigate the world, to discover new horizons, people and cultures. Because the one thing we learned due to the Colonial Wars, was that there were other civilizations beyond the horizons. Civilizations that one day, we might enter in contact with, and if we wanted our first contact to go better than the ones with the Europeans, we had to go out there and introduce ourselves.
So, the Astra Oppdack, or Discoverer Star in Astarian, was launched, a special crew of 100 men was formed for this mission, and she went for her grand voyage in 1650, and she came back in 1654. During the trip, she even went as far as the Free Lands of the Selkie."

"The rest of the fleet, meanwhile, would serve as a coastal defense force." continues Adrean. "Although this was only the beginning. My ancestor, Keisaer Adrean Blachkor the Second, wanted the Astarian Navy to be a blue water navy, not just a green water one. So, while the ships were constructed, our engineers and scientists started to work on designs more complexes. And they ended up with two main designs: a frigate type with 30 guns, and a ship of the line design mounting 74 guns, who would be later simply dubbed the "Seventy-Four". A vessel well armed, but still enough manoeuvrable and fast. Although it would become the backbone of European navies later in the 18th century, it was already in service with us for many years at this point.
By the start of the 18th century, the Astarian Navy would have about 60 Seventy-Fours, as well as 35 frigates."

"But with naval warfare, also came the need for operations from ship to ship and from ship to shore. And this leads us to the creation of the Astarian Imperial Marines.
When Adrean Blachkor the Second ordered a general meeting with the Navy, Army and Imperial Guard commanders, the creation of a special form of infantry based on ships was proposed. At the behest of Admirals and Generals from the Army, it was suggested that the first unit to be created for this new force would be made of Imperial Guards, since they were considered the best of the best.
And so, the First Marine Battalion was created, made entirely of Imperial Guards who were handpicked after a selection. The Second Marine Battalion was formed by using Imperial Guards as Officers and NCOs, but the soldiers were regular soldiers, specifically trained for this job.
The origin of the Astarian Marines, as I've just told it, explains why there is a strong brotherhood feeling between these two branches. The Marines are still nicknamed to this day: the Keiserlig Custos of the people.

"And finally, one last point when it comes to naval warfare in the past: health. As you surely know, scurvy has been a plague for sailors in the past, since they were not eating fresh fruits and vegetables. In Astarian, we called scurvy Bloden Gingivis Plagua, or Bleeding Gums Plague. And while Europeans scholars battled to find the remedy, we had been using fermented cabbage for around 30 years before the Astarian Navy was officially formed. With this simple food, our sailors were not ill, and therefore, ship crews were not decimated. And believe me, when you get to a naval battle with everyone healthy and strong on your ships, while against you, sailors are not all in the same state, it plays a great part in the victory." finishes Adrean with a proud smile.

[AHSCA]

"Impressive, most impressive." Marcella nodded "You have a formidable navy and always have had one for as long as you've existed. Though I guess who rules the waves rules the world so they say. And it sounds like you made a lot of long form exploration, by chance you ever land in our islands, before our days as the UIS? Perhaps to the days of the old Aurora Empire, Aurora Duchy or even earlier?"

"Four years, impressively fast for the 17th century with so much distance covered." Asuna had to concur, of course the two navy gals of the group would be the most excited to hear of their long maritime history."

"Very impressive is correct. Your ships had good fortunes and good winds on that grand voyage. If you were islanders, we'd say, the Goddesses smiled upon you brightly."

"Or the Dark Goddess was in a long restful slumber."

"Or perhaps she rather prefers to show her powers to her believers and followers."

"Mmmm, Gisella, what do you think about that, given you're the more studious in regards to the faith."

"What Lady Asuna says does seem to be true most of all, the Dark Goddess has a keener eye and desire to really put our ships and people through her might of wind and storm."

Asuka had her next question "When did Astarian Sailors begin to use canned foods? As I understand that's what really helped with preventing sickness such as scurvy at sea with the ability to pack and store foods longer term."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Thank you Marcella." replies Adrean to the Duchess with a warm smile.
"Unfortunately, the Astra Oppdack passed in the vicinity of Greater Dienstad during th storm season, and so avoided the area. Had it been another time of the year, and based on the maps and positions logs, they would surely have touched either Corona or Animalpolis if they had continued straight." explains the Keisaer.

"Indeed," continues his wife, "your Goddesses smiled upon our crew brightly, any way you look at it. For us Astarians, we believe this success is due to the fact that before the mission was lauched, there was a nation-wide set of prayers and masses to Hava and Gaol, our respective Star deities of Sea, River and Travel; and Weather and Wind. For nearly a month, these two were prayed more than any other Star." adds the Keisaerina with a small chuckle.

"For your question Miss Asuka, " follows Adrean, "I would say that our Navy started using canned food around 1810. Back then, we had heard by our embassy in Paris about the discovery of Nicolas Appert regarding canning food in glass bottles. Since he did not patented his discovery, it was free to use by anyone. So, some Astarians went to France to learn his method and buy his book regarding his process, then brought the knowledge back here to be used.
Around the same time, we heard about the Brits using tin cans instead of glass bottles, so we copied them.
In the end, the introduction of this new process was greatly appreaciated, first in the Navy, and then in the rest of our armed forces. Before that, the fermented cabbage was kept in wooden barrels, and even though our sailors knew it was good for their health, eating the same thing over and over again for months during a cruise really took a toll on their morals.
But with canning came different choices of foods, and so, the morals visibly lifted in a manner of months."