Paleza Royale - Vinchero's Personal Study
Roth, the Eternal City
13th December
2:12 pmThe King took his glasses off for a moment, rubbing his strained eyes pensively. He really didn't need them, but wore them out of habit - their presence on the bridge of his nose was something of a comfort in these dark times. Spread out before him on the massive mahogany desk were piles of papers, looking like the fresh snow that blanketed the Piazza outside the office windows . In one drift of documents was recorded the number of regiments and their combat effectives - 50,298 listed in fifty Regiments. The recruiting drive (if one could call a near effortless, one time request a 'drive') had been wildly successful. In the first week alone nearly 70,000 men had flooded the Recruiting Offices nation wide, offering their bodies to be soldiers for the cause. Many had to be turned away, for though the people were willing, the weapons manufacturers were less patriotic. They were more than happy to sell their wares, but only at exorbitant prices, unless time was taken to work out a proper deal... and time was something Vinchero did not have at the moment.
The King had managed to scrape together enough arms, ammunition, transport vessels, and equipment to move and run the Infantry at it's current size, but he could not get anymore. His endevors for large equippment had been more successful, and he had purchased thousands of Artillery pieces from old Inorothian Army Stockpiles, 982
"AutoGuns", 400 or so larger
"Repeater Artillery", and around three-hundred Mortars of 30mm and 60mm variety. Giuseppe, Royal Engineer,and his assistants had managed to build about ten
gun tractors by hand over the past few weeks, and this would be their first combat field test. Vinchero had also managed to buy several (seven, in fact)
Titan Class Ironclads from the Rothian Navy, as well as two scout-type Airships donated by patriotic merchants. Old as these craft were, they were greatly appreciated, and could be battle deciders in the conflicts to come, and though more was left to be desired, was enough. An army too big to move overseas in one jaunt would be cumbersome anyways.
Another drift of papers listed finances, but Vinchero did not pay much attention to these. Thousands of letters expressing verbal support were scattered everywhere, and Vinchero had just taken a break from answering them. If the storm of letters did not let up soon, he would have to get an assistant for the sole purpose of answering them. So many inventors trying to get their invention bought, so many politicians congratulating the enterprise, so many private donations, and even a few protests (these mostly coming from Inoroth's small but growing 'Purist Party'). Finally, a stack of important international newspapers was piled up to one side - a snap-shot view of what was happening in other countries today. As Vinchero enjoyed his reprieve, one paper - specifically a headline in the Vitzenburg Times - caught his eye:
"Riots Break Out Over Coalition Force"Quickly scanning the article, Vinchero was shocked to learn how few troops Kaiseress Morgen was actually intending to send. She was the one who originally called for the Coalition, yet his own commitment was over ten times greater! It seemed that this discrepancy, coupled as it was with apparent instability caused by this 'Vitzenburg First Movement', made Vinchero the unofficial leader of the coalition - a position he did not envy before and most certainly did not desire now. Pondering thepossible implications of his new responsibilities, he continued reading. As he neared the end, one line in particular stood out:
"Our Kaiserness also unveiled the 1st Super Heavy Infantry, a new type of fighting force designed to be an answer to the metal monsters being created by the surrounding nations."These so called '1st Super Heavy Infantry' were certainly a curiosity to Vinchero. He wondered what one could possibly do to an Infantryman to put him on the same level as these new gun tractors it seemed everyone was pursuing. Whatever they were, Vinchero was certain he would have a chance to inspect them thouroughly on the voyage to Voerdenland. Right now, there were letters to write.
Paleza Royale - Vinchero's Personal Study
Roth, the Eternal City
15th December
4:39 pmThe Army's training was coming along beautifilly, and it seemed a departure could be attempted weeks ahead of schedule. So the concept of having a Militia Semi-Trained civilian force was worth all the money after all. A delighted Vinchero was sorting through communiques from his various regimental commanders offering progress reports. He was also trying to decide the fate of each regiment - whether it would be in the large "Center Division' or in one of the two "Flank Divisions - when a knock resounded from the oak door.
"Come in."
It was his recently-hired personal assistant, holding a letter that seemed no different from any other.
"Sir, you should read this."
"Strange... It must be something of real importance (
*sound of paper opening*)"
President James Wayford,
[copies sent to all concerned nations]
I recently had the displeasure of reading a report by one of the investigators I sent to your nation confirming the Mishmahigan allegations of human rights violations and religious persecution. I must sincerely express my deepest condolences for the suffering and loss of life in Pefalls and all across Voerdeland.
In light of this evidence, I am happy to join the nations of Vjiay and Mishmahig officially in recognizing the Republic of Nova Voerda and extending to you a hand in friendship. May the justice and freedom represented by your new nation live on.
Unfortunately, the Kingdom of Fanaglia unfortunately still cannot pledge military support of the New Republic at this time due to several political factors at home. Among others, one such issue is regarding the Vjiayan leg of the Continental Rail; while their unpopular tariffs have been lifted, the cargo permitted on Vjiayan rails is still restricted to non-military only. We shall continue supporting Nova Voerda non-militarily with items such as food, clothing, fresh water, building supplies, and small dirigibles and airship supplies to offset the difficulties inherent in the lack of adequate infrastructure following a major war.
The Kingdom of Fanaglia has also taken this opportunity to officially condemn the Voerdish Free State Provisional Government (VPG).
May the wind be always at your back,
Autumn, Queen of the Kingdom of Fanaglia
Vinchero fell back into his chair for a moment. So, Fanaglia had chosen sides. If he was not careful about how he proceeded, Inorothian-Fanaglian relation could feel a strain that neither could really afford. As if his subconscious was talking, or as though force of habit would not let up even though his conscious was wholly devoted to other matter, Vinchero muttered:
"Yes, thank you very much Danaglio... thank you very much indeed"Paleza Royale - Central Piazza
Roth, the Eternal City
17th December
11:30 pm (Sharp)An official review of the newly formed "Central Division" was just commencing. Wave after wave of men paraded by, Regimental flags flying high. Not a dull button or wrinkled crease was to be found on any uniform, not a man out of step or a step out of place. After the nearly 25,000 men marched by, along with their artillery train and baggage carts, several real maneuvers were conducted almost flawlessly. Vinchero had not felt this good in a long time, and this demonstration proved the men were almost ready. Now they only needed a few more practice marches and more target practice before they would march out, their King at the head, and bring peace to Voerdenland, the wayward child. But it seemed as though the conquest might end before it started, as an intelligence officer marched up to the viewing gallery, saluted, and promptly handed a written telegram message received only minutes before:
To the acting leader of the Voerdish Free State Provisional Government:
The Voerdish People have spoken and they desire an end to the violence that has torn their nation and their lives apart. The Congress of the New Republic has consented to your request for talks. The meeting shall take place on 21 December at St. Katharina church in the center of the village of Angelhurst outside of Mewich.
James Wayford,
Interim President of the Republic of Nova Voerda
"Thank you, officer!"
Was all the response Vinchero could muster, though he ensured it sounded grand and commanding. The officer offered a salute, which Vinchero returned, and quickly exited the same way he came. The King, meanwhile, was musing. He truly did want Voerdenland to have peace, and a large part of him was glad that they might arrive to it one their own and peacefully. Yet, this army was his baby, his pet project. To have it's purpose for existence snuffed out with a few pen strokes seemed so petty a trick for fate to play. Ultimately, he decided to go along as planned, and see what came of the peace conference.
Paleza Royale - Vinchero's Personal Study
Roth, the Eternal City
17th December
6:59 pm"Sir, Servoth has colonized parts of Voerdenland"
The shout startled Vinchero awake. He didn't remember dozing off, yet he could tell immediately by the lighting that he had been out for several hours. The 'Grand Review' as people were calling it, must have worn him out more than he thought. Looking up and out his door, he noticed several lesser bureaucrats rushing to and fro in a frantic state. Danaglio extended a letter towards Vinchero. The King took it and read:
To the Nations of the World and those involved in the area formerly known as Voerdeland-
A new claim to the anarchy of the land of former Voerdeland has been made. Held together as part of the Servothian Federal Empire, it is a new shinning example to the world; not restrained by the lies of democracy, or the horrid inefficieny and expense of communism, or even the hypocracy of theocracy. But instead by solid, unchained capitalism; and the finely tuned Servothian "Federal Imperialism". It should also by note that any attempts by other nations or forces of the world to "liberate", siege, or capture the former city of Luxburg (and/or the surrounding 10 kilometers) now Lux shall be met with an equal and opposite military force. We only strive for peace and prosperity for the people of our glorious State.
the Kaiser of the Greater Federal Empire of Servoth-
Kaiser Heinz Krouss IX
Damn! This could not have happened at a worse time. Servoth and Inoroth were neighbors, and Vinchero could not afford a war at home. Yet, this move by Servoth's Kaiser might be enough to ensure the Voerdish factions stay driven apart... yet another tricky diplomatic situation right when peace was so close!
"Get me my diplomatic advisors, at once!"
Paleza Royale - "Castagno" Meeting Room
Roth, the Eternal City
17th December
8:42 pmAfter over two and a half hours of of deliberation, Vinchero finally had made his decision. He would demand Servoth leave the Voerdish territories, in terms strong enough to be persuasive, but not forceful enough to endanger diplomatic relations. Praying over each pen-stroke, he wrote:
Kaiser Heinz Krouss IX, Ruler of the Great Servoth Empire
Greetings from one illustrious leader to another. Our glorious nations have grown to understand each other as the years have passed, and whenever a potential problem has arisen, we have taken steps to be open and work through it. It is in that spirit that I must here plainly disclose my great distain and growing concern regarding your nation's actions in the chaotic crisis in Voerdenland.
We are both Christian Nations, and thus I implore you to ponder upon one of Jesus Christ's own teaching parables, namely, that of the good Samaritan. Now is not the time, dear brother, to to rob our weaker neighbor of things valuable and leave him for dead, as one who did not know better might accuse your nation of, nor to pass him by and leave him nothing but words, as many other nations do, but to run to his aid, bandage his wounds, and as best we can restore him to his former state.
I therefore request that you at least consider joining our coalition, which intends to be Voerdenland's good Samaritan. Your desire to help the lot of the people of Lux is indeed most commendable - it is done in the right heart but with the wrong method. I know Servoth is a good and kind country, and I can only hope I have been able to show your highness a better way to help the Voerdish people.
Sincerely yours,
Victor Emanuel Vinchero I, King of all Inoroth
Paleza Royale - "Castagno" Meeting Room
Roth, the Eternal City
17th December
7:14 amTwo letters sat in Vinchero's lap, both unexpected bombshells from Mishmahig Archpriest Meza:
My people,
As you no doubt know from your classes and education, the history of the Dominion of Mishmahig and the Mishmahigian people have not been pleasant ones. Driven out of the Rothian Empire by endless persecution, we were harried everywhere we went. Our people scattered, our families divided, our future uncertain, we lost more and more as time went by. At last, we resigned ourselves to our fate, and settled across the world, establishing communities within those countries that would accept us, and we forgot our dreams.
This state of affairs would have been sufficient for all of us, to be allowed to practice our beliefs in peace and quiet, the better to grow closer to God and our families. Alas, it is not to be so. Descendants of the Rothian Empire, the former Voerish Free State, have thrown off the mask of civility and shown who they are truly within. Moving quickly, they massacred hundreds of innocent Mishmahigian Christians---our friends and families---killing men, women and children alike, burning them alive in their own place of worship.
This is a brutal act, an ungodly and unholy act, but it is the act of one nation. However, ask yourself---is it really? Remember the beginning, the Flight from Rothia, and how our ancestors were persecuted wherever they went. Look at your neighbors, your coworkers, your friends, and look within yourself. Do you honestly believe that they will leave you in peace? Do you honestly believe that, when it comes time, they will not simply abandon you like the Voerish have? There will come a time, as Henri prophesised, when we will be driven from our homes once more, to repeat to Flight from Rothia. Ask yourselves, my friends, is it not that time? It has begun, and it will not end.
The Dominion of Mishmahig stands ready, a bastion against the wave of persecution that will sweep the world. Our arms, homes, and hearts are open, but they cannot remain that way for long. We encourage you, we ask you, we beg you, for the sake of your people and your families and your faith, to come to us. It is time for us, all of us, to return home.
Mishmahigian soldiers and people stand ready. The evacuation of our persecuted friends and family in Voerdeland is about to begin, and our allies have pledged their aid and support in our just and righteous cause. Let us carry out the word of God, my friends, and band together against the Dark Times that are sure to come.
It is time for us to return home.
Archpriest Meza
Co-signed by every member of the House of Penitants
And this one, which had arrived right on the first's heels:
King Vinchero, King of All Inoroth,
I thank you most humbly and gratefully for your kind words in these dark times. Truly, such unfortunate and grievous actions should never have occurred, and the people are suffering for it. It is most pleasing and gratifying to know that the Inorothian government and people stand with us in our time of need, always able and willing to lend a helping hand. Truly, such service and generosity is a hallmark of your country.
It is with that in mind that I write you this day, King Vinchero. In your communique, you pledged the help and aid of Inoroth in any way, shape or form, regardless of expense, hardship, or cost. The time has come for Inoroth to honor that promise and pledge.
As I am sure you are now aware, the Dominion of Mishmahig is currently beginning an evacuation of all Mishmahigian Christians within the former Voerish Free State. Given the extensive suffering and persecution they have undergone, it is likely that a sizable percentage, if not a majority, will choose to return to the Dominion of Mishmahig. The brave and hardworking people of our nations will do everything they can, but considering the relevant populations of the country in question, such an evacuation would take time. We therefore humbly ask the great nation of Inoroth to open the Amplectorian Railroad to the Mishmahigian refugees, and escort them along the path until they arrive. With your help, thousands of people, if not dozens of thousands, can be saved.
I ask you, in the name of God and Man, and all that is good and right in this world, to help in this mighty task. We cannot make you do this, nor can we do it ourselves. Instead, we must cast ourselves on your mercy, and hope that you are truly the good and just man we have always viewed you as.
Yours in God,
Archpriest Meza
The evacuation of all Mishmahig Christians, nearly 2 million in Inoroth alone, was a near inconceivable undertaking. Yet, that was not why Vinchero what bothered Vinchero, who was barely holding back tears. What saddened him was the fact that the Mishmahig Archpriest felt the only way to protect his people was to evacuate them - not just from 'danger areas', but from
every nation - regardless of any other factor... or was it that deep inside Vinchero knew the man was quite probably right. With a heavy heart, he responded personally to the letters, intending to send copies to all Amplectorian Nations:
To the Archpriest Meza (and the members of the House of Penitents),
Greetings. I do not conceal that I am saddened, both by the fact that you feel your only method of protecting your people is by removing them, and also because of the fact that you are most probably correct. Although Inoroth is and has been a nation where freedom to worship God in any way is guaranteed, events in even the 'most civilized' nations give credence to your concerns. Inoroth has not, is not, and never intends to restrict people's freedom of worship, but I fear that this may ring as empty words in your ears.
So, I shall prove to you my sincerity... I vowed before and I vow again now to do whatever possible to aid your people, even if they must return home. We will begin with our own exodus, and any wishing to Leave Inoroth may go, any wishing to stay may stay. We shall force them to do neither. Any Mishmahig Christians passing along the Amplector Internation Rail Line shall have the right to freely pass through Inoroth, and may request Inorothian Documentation if they wish. If there are any other specific requests regarding this exodus, I trust you will not hesitate to make it known to us.
In closing, may God richly bless you and your people from the abundance of his grace. Your people should be proud to have a leader such as you, and I know you have their best interests at heart.
Most Sincerely Your Christian Brother,
Victor Emanuel Vinchero, King of all Inoroth
Pier 16, South Eastern Docks
Roth, the Eternal City
20th December
5:46 amIcy winds blasted the lone figure at the end of the dock. Behind him - the metropolis of the Eternal City. To his left and right - massive transport vessels at their berths, just waiting to be filled. Before him - the open sea, the rose colored pricks of light that signaled a new day just beginning to poke through. He simply stood there, ignoring the freezing temperatures. This man was Inoroth's King, inspecting the transports that would move his men and their equipment to Voerdenland. In less than 36 hours, they would be full and on their way.
50 miles from Inorothian Coast
Favonian Gulf
22nd December
5:46 am Vinchero's task-force was finally underway, and he was thrilled to the core. Aboard the I.S.V.
Dominion, the fleet flagship, Vinchero could see all of the other six Titan Class ships - the
Resolute, the
Dauntless, the
Adamant, the
Relentless, the
Valiant, and the
Intrepid - as well as the many transport vessels ladened with troops. They would make it to the international waters just outside the city of Vessels by midday the 23rd, if all went according to plan. Onboard his ships, Vinchero did not even know of the violence in Vitzenburg, where in the city of Burgand nearly 2,000 Mish Christians had been injured or killed. He was blissfully ignorant of such goings on.