1870-1920 Era War: A Twist (IC)

[Crimetopolis]

Fuhrer Hans Landa
Imperial WarGlorian Reich
ENCRYPTION: MAXIMUM UTMOST.


Fuhrer Landa:

Greetings. I am Cobra Commander, head of the ruthless terrorist organization Cobra. While are currently based from Tekno Republika we are not associated with Big Traders, Inc! or the Tekno Republikan government , either. I propose an alliance between in which we split Manticore's resources 50/50.

What say you?

[Arengin Union]

Sylbanian coast, Khartoum.

The battle at the Sylbanian seas had taken a toll for both sides, the Arenginian had lost many frigates, cruisers, and at least 6 battleships, the seas were filled with a wreckage that simulated hell on earth. The waters filled with blood and oil of both sides, marines and sailors of both sides firing at each other with their firearms as the ships fired their guns without rest. Submarines battled underneath, from both armies they suffered casualties, the Boers had not taken a light blow, they had at best lost 7 dreadnoughts and as many frigates, cruisers, and many other light ships.

Two more days the battle lasted until finally both sides had had enough. The Warglorians had barely been scratched and had managed to aid the GDU troops in the mainland finally take the rest of Sylbanian, despite how powerful the citadels were the constant bombardment had proved too much and the Warglorian and Aclusian troops had finally captured them. The Arenginian navy had lost many good men and ships while the Boers too had lost many of their own, it was finally then when the Boer fleet finally moved back to the Boer shorelines after the citadels had replaced their green and red flags to the colors of the Warglorians and Aclusians. As the Boer fleet finally retreated the Arenginian fleet, what was left of it moved forward beyond the wreck as sailors covered in ruggedness contemplated their small victory. They had driven the Boer fleet back, there was no celebration, there was simply the retrieval of as many Arenginian dead sailors as possible.

Halium Bay

"GAS, GAS, GAS!!!" A soldier screamed as port Lakashta was being shelled by Manticoran vessels. The coastal cities of Halium were not that defended, the Halium garrison was well aware of the possibility of a Manticoran attack, but they never expected them to come from the coast, but they had, and were firing gas on the few military quarters around the streets, the shelling for the last couple of days had been intense as buildings were decimated and dead soldiers and civilians laid on the streets. Bombers and naval shelling had taken a toll on the cities and they no longer looked like what they once were.

Most of the naval guns had been taken out and as many Arenginian rallied to mount a defense, one that despite how hopeless it seemed they would face the enemy with bravery, unless the enemy decided not to have any honor, and indeed they had none. The coast had been evacuated and it was then when the Manticorans, being the cowardly savages they were had begun to fire toxic gas on the Arenginian defenders. Many of the soldiers feel ill as the gas consumed them too late for them to put on their gas masks. The gas was destructive and burned everything and everyone unlucky enough not to use any protection. Many soldiers laid dead, their face burned. The gas finally stopped thanks to a current of wind that made it stay at the harbor area of the city.

The Arenginian defenders that remained regrouped to a makeshift trench line, they wore their gas mask and prepared their rifles, if the Manticores wanted a fight, they would get one.



Oststadt and Snomut

The attacking forces were rather hard and tough to beat, they attacked several artillery camps along the siege lines, but they never made it any further into the line as they retreated back to their lines. Aclusian and Warglorian armored corps began to go into the forest and supported bu infantry began to engage these forces, despite being outnumbered the GDU forces were better trained and equipped and inflicted 3 times more damage on the enemy.

The cavalry was one that had an initial blow on the GDU forces, but soon the armored car brigades themselves began to also hunt them down, the cavalrymen's armored horses protected them but even then they were shredded down by machine gun fire, still the GDU lost many units to these foes, who used improvised explosives to disable the armored units. But soon enough they were pushed back by the GDU and artillery attacks on the castles continued as skirmishes and small scale battles took place.

As for the enemy planes, it was a massive surprise to see the Rusklands with air power, no AA's were deployed at the moment, but soon after the first attacks the AA cars were assembled and finally the Ruskland air forces began to take casualties and could no longer do bold attacks as before. Soon the Warglorian and Arenginian air corps began to assemble and be briefed on the new enemy air power.

Battle of the Bog

The Rusklands were determined to push the Arenginian back that was apparent, the sudden air power of the Rusklands didn't help as planes began to kill soldiers from the skies and the Rusklands began to push back, using their own comrades bodies as shields, the Arenginian soldiers were also bold enough to use this same method, piling up bodies of Rusklands to make barricades and cover and fighting with tooth and nail and with each meter the Rusklands took, a hundred of them laid dead on the ground. The Arenginian used LMG's and their automatic rifles with deadly proficiency as rain began to fall and cover both armies. It was obvious the Rusklands had air superiority, but alas, something would come to the Arenginian favor to boost their morale.


"AT-11'S!" Screamed a soldier as the massive Arenginian tanks began to appear on the road and broke through the trees with the help of Arenginian engineers chopping the trees down as the tanks crushed them. This allowed the tanks to finally make their way quick through he bogs and the Arenginian used the logs as makeshift bridges for the tanks to cross. The tanks fired their guns and eradicated enemy towers as the Arenginians and Ruskland soldiers began to fight close and personal. Ruskland soldiers choking the life out of Arenginians, Arenginians used their shovels to smash the faces of their enemy with eerie anger, bayonets being stabbed through necks and chests. It was a bloody scene as the muddied Arenginian soldiers would NOT cease more ground. The T-11's helped as their machine guns turrets fired on the Ruskland planes, not destroying all of them but making several of them take fumes and crash on the battlefield.

Raid on Arenginian Camp

The snow would not stop the Arenginians from finding these attackers, all around the occupation zone the alarm was sounded as dogs were used to search for the attackers. Close to the Tubuska wall, the lights were operated as always. Finally the sound of search dogs was heard coming from the fences protecting the wall, high alert was put after word of escaped enemies at the scene and finally one soldier operating a searchlight caught the sight of a large group of men cutting through the fences wire.

"STOP! STOP RIGHT THERE." The men didn't listened and began to run towards the wall until finally machine gun fire rained on all of them, most of them plumped to the ground as the rest began to run back into the occupation zone only to be wounded by the machine guns firing on the forest, then the search dogs were let go and caught whoever remained. The escapees were done with, trying to attack the Tubuska wall with mere explosives was suicide.

Battle of Holihs Hills

The Arenginian lost men and the captured field guns to artillery and enemy tanks. But soon enough the SV's on the west hill began to advance downwards and fire on the Ruskland tanks, rocket guns were fired again by more soldiers who took the ones on the ground left by the dead and soon enough most tanks were disabled from their threads. Artillery kept raining upon the Arenginians but that didn't stop them as the infantry advanced and and began to push back the Rusklan soldiers, they used grenades to throw them into the tanks barrel and BOOM, the tank exploded. The cavalry also returned, having taken a big flanking maneuver they intercepted the Ruskland infantry from behind and began to cut them from behind, firing their carbines and slicing hem with their sabers.

On the East line the tanks and infantry were faced with Ruskland tanks and more soldiers but this didn't stop them as like their west counterparts the Arenginian forces began to push back and their tanks also fired their guns and pushed forward, both armies pushed forward until they were practically face to face. And then close tank battles began with the SV tanks being able to take out many of Ruskland tanks and the Ruskland tanks also destroying a good number of Arenginian tanks, but this would not stop the Arenginians as a new attack arrived to the battle, more tanks and soldiers as well as the artillery positions shelling on the enemy east hill. The Arenginians on the west hill were finally pushing the Rusklands back down the other side of the hill and began to round the east hill as the reinforcements pierced through the valley and west hill.

"WE PUSH FORWARD, we shall teach these savages how true Slavs fight" An officer screamed. "URAAA!!!" The Arenginian soldiers and tank gunners screamed as they moved forward. "FOR ARENGIN, FOR THE KING!" More soldiers screamed as they began to charge from all directions on the east hill. Finally Skarteneans soldiers from the east and the north arrived and began to attack Ruskland artillery positions who were pretty much taken by surprise.

Battle of Squallholm

The wind of the ocean cleared out the gas before it managed to touch the fleet but the troops at the beaches had been severely affected, the wave had failed as Skartenean and Arenginians laid dead on the beach, the next wave was pulled back and the commander opted to bombard Squallholm with all they got. The dreadnoughts and cruisers aimed their guns and in coordination fired, taking out several gun positions but not much else.

Battle of Marshbrook Town

The advance on the west of Idnuclz had not been halted, GDU forces of all armies advanced as they left the town of Marshbrook to be attacked by a separate task force of Aclusians, Warglroians, and Arenginians. After the Rusklands used some sort of flammable gas to take out several artillery positions the order was given and soon the task force advanced on the town and while mortars fired on the town the GDU infantry began to move into the town, they were cautious on every turn and they fired on anyone on the streets that seemed armed or suspicious. Then firefights all around the town broke out. The GDU kept to their positions and building by building advanced.




Inland of Ruskland

The bombers used their own guns to fire at the Ruskland planes, indeed many of the bombers had been downed but they catch up to the Rusklands tactics and began to move back to base and away from their payloads. Then the Arenginians escorts also began to shred on the Ruskland Type A's, they were formidable foes but the Arenginians had superior firepower and engineering as they downed many Ruskland aeroplanes and dogfights ensued. Finally the bomber teams made it back, having lost a few dozen bombers but in the end they had achieved they bombing campaigns and sufficient damage on the enemy infrastructure.

St. Osloverg, the Arengin Union

"So..." Vail advanced. "Shall we take a walk? You said it was wonderful this time, despite the war and such. I need a breath of fresh air." He glanced down, where he put his hand in his pocket. In his pocket, he felt it. A pocket watch. He slightly took it out of his pocket, and there it was. Charred edges, and an old photograph of Vail and his family. He sighed, then he remembered. "Oh, you were asking about Mios earlier, right? My mind failed me at that moment, but... he, he died. He was killed when he fled. One of his personal guards was a communist spy and assassinated him. How could I... heh..." Vail displayed an awkward face, then finally continued. "So, let's go out, or not?"

"Yes, lets." Nikolai said as he stood up and accompanied by his wife and some guards he walked with Vail along the palace gardens and courtyard. The palace was as beautiful as ever, Nikolai guided the Rannorian to places of memory, where he first meet the Boer leader Markus Kruger and where his father and other leaders of the world had all meet together. It was indeed a scene filled with laughs and cheers, both men drunking campaigned and enjoying the memories.

Both men stopped at the studio of the late Alexander Oswyn. Nikolai took hold of a photograph and showed it to Vail. "This is back when I was a 12 I think. Good times those were. Hunting with my dad, it was something I always enjoyed, it gave us... time." Nikolai said as Vail looked at the picture.

[Aclus]

The Aclusian Expeditionary Force
Arengin Union
June 25th, 1912
Onto battle

"Keep it moving lads we ain't got all day!" The Aclusian Expeditionary force was advancing towards the front where the Arengin forces were in need of reinforcements, With the planes moving ahead landing in the nearby airfields, unloading cargo. The columns of Tanks and troop carriers as well as supply trucks were advancing quickly. As the men passed threw towns and villages, the locals gave bread and sweet Arengin pastries to the soldiers, as some men were also lucky to get flowers from the village woman.

As the men marched into the Arengin camp, the Generals car headed to the officers compound which was a manor of some sort, somewhere away from the front. As the car parked, General Hardaway got down and walked towards the guards and saluted, which they saluted back.

"I am General Hardaway of the Aclusian Expeditionary Force, I request to enter"

[The Manticoran Empire]

The success of chemical agents in Halium impressed even the most skeptical in the High Command and it was requested that better, deadlier agents be developed. One new development was Phosgene, a gas which caused the skin to burn and blister and, if inhaled, would do the same the lungs. Chlorine gas was mixed with a tear gas, which was not effected by gas masks. The assumption was that soldiers would be exposed to the tear gas, forcing them to remove their masks in order to breathe better, only to be assailed by chlorine gas. Thoughts of mixing the tear gas with phosgene or sulfur mustard gas were also being considered. A new derivative of Mustard gas, nitrogen mustard, was also being developed. An improved blister agent, Lewisite, was also being developed, with its effects occurring much more quickly than Sulfur Mustard, which took 2 hours or more.

[Arengin Union]

The Aclusian Expeditionary Force
Arengin Union
June 25th, 1912
Onto battle

(Image)

"Keep it moving lads we ain't got all day!" The Aclusian Expeditionary force was advancing towards the front where the Arengin forces were in need of reinforcements, With the planes moving ahead landing in the nearby airfields, unloading cargo. The columns of Tanks and troop carriers as well as supply trucks were advancing quickly. As the men passed threw towns and villages, the locals gave bread and sweet Arengin pastries to the soldiers, as some men were also lucky to get flowers from the village woman.

As the men marched into the Arengin camp, the Generals car headed to the officers compound which was a manor of some sort, somewhere away from the front. As the car parked, General Hardaway got down and walked towards the guards and saluted, which they saluted back.

"I am General Hardaway of the Aclusian Expeditionary Force, I request to enter"
(Image)

The soldiers quickly guided the general to where the rest of high command was, generals of all armies, Warglorian, Skartenean and Arenginians were all present and at the table of battle. Three of the Arenginians commanders were the most notorious, one of them in the long coat and with a graying beard went over to greet general Hardaway, he saluted the man and the Aclusian saluted back.

"Greetings general. This is the GDU high command, only at the moment, we will be moved to the Ekaterin palace in a couple of weeks, I'm field Marshall Dobromir Petrovich. I'd like you to meet two of my best generals. General Brigadier Nicholas Bruliov and general Zhivenkov Korney Gennadiyevich, the man that conquered Morvern." The two men saluted.

"A true pleasure to beg your acquaintance." Bruliov said. Gennadiyevich simply nodded, despite how commemorated he was, he never seek any recognition.

[Skarten]

Battle At Hezvats
The Skartenian Forces had broken through the ruskland Lines. They were further advancing into Bjabol, with relatively light casualties. An good quantity of territory was captured, and soon they would be crossing the border with the province of Wast-Indun. The Skartenian new Tanks and Weaponry were really showing that their effectiveness.
Skartenian Mainland
Coalsun had fell to the Skartenians. While there were still some points of conflict near the Arengian border, most of it was secured by the soldiers. The Army had now Over 3 Million Well-Trained Soldiers, in many divisions and branches. An good part of them were protecting the border, while the other was being prepared to be sent to ruskland, to support the Forces in there.
The Skartenian Forces had also developped New technology. One of them was the T-34-85 Tank. It had an unprecedented amount of power, and it was estimated to be the world's most effective tank at the moment (Of Skartenian Knowledge.)

They also had created a new Machine gun, more effective than the last one the army was using, the Lewis MG. They called it the MG-42

[Ruskland-Preuben]

Oststadt and Snomut

The fact still remained, they were outnumbered and the nobles could continue that outnumber due to their massive pool of resources. The cavalry was quickly retreated and prepared for the next attack on areas with little armored vehicles. Artillery fired back at the enemy, with some using chlorine gas shells to further the effectiveness of causing casualties on the enemy.

A quick artillery strike would be able to finish off their AA, and that the artillery corps did, loading their guns and firing, sending hailstorms of death at the enemy. Once the AA was taken down a notch, and in turn, the amount of AA ordinance flying around, the air force began sweeping down again, taking out as many men and armored cars they could in one swoop. Some were armed with incendiary, and began a blazing inferno in the countryside.

Battle of the Bog

It was indeed a bloody scene, with Arenginians and Rusklands fighting each other tooth and nail to gain just an inch of ground, the gunshots rang across the bloodied land, and the sound of planes heralded the arrival of death from the heavens. Artillery fired brimstone and fire upon the Arenginians crossing the baked land, but the rain would make again the soil muddy, and difficult for any vehicle to cross. When any enemies were came across, the Rusklands hacked and slashed them to no end, to ensure their death and the victory of the Ruskland-Preuben Imperium.

"They've got AA!" Shouted out an officer, who would call for artillery support, and artillery support they would get, but first, the order came out to prepare gas masks, and that the soldiers did, sheathing their heads with the masks, and then it came, a hailstorm of gray, and then a green fog descended upon the land, chlorine gas from the looks of it. The cold air gave the gas a boon of some sorts, as it would stick to the ground and move slowly around. As eerie as the gas was, the troops continued their shooting.

Battle of Holihs Hills

Finally, was the signal to retreat fired. Troops began moving back, firing at the Arenginian horde ever advancing. A tear gas and chlorine gas was deployed to cover their retreat, and in the end, they were able to do so. They would mount a final last stand to cause as much damage and casualties, this last stand was expected to at least halve the amount of troops thrown at it. The area where they would be was Wagener Beach, a place of large rocks, cliffs, and muddy ground, as well as a crap ton of defensive cover. Already were other retreating elements coming back and they prepared, and prepared, for the storm to come.

Battle of Squallholm

Those positions were easily repaired and fortified, so much for amphibious invasions. The cowards were finally on the run, and the artillery would be able to hit em running. Loading their artillery with shells of chlorine gas, these would be fired at the ships of the enemy. A eerie light green fog would then cover their position. They would not just be covered in a ton of poison, but their vision would also be covered by the light green fog. The stream of gas shells was continuous, as to continuously cover them in gas, insidious chlorine gas...

Battle of Marshbrook Town

For every inch they took, somewhere in their ranks a man died, and that's not counting the deaths from the continuous firefights occurring inside the town. Eventually the troops were pushed out, but not without rigging the entire sewage system of the town with explosives, the explosive gas, and incendiary, and also causing many casualties on the continuously advancing enemy. They finally left, and the trap was set, it was go time. The explosives were detonated, and the resulting fireball flew many a mile into the skies.

[Aclus]

Officers Compound
Field Marshall Timothy Hardaway
Aclusian Expeditionary Force
June 26, 1912


Hardaway shaked the hands of the Arengin General as he took a stand near the long wooden table that held the files and plans and maps for all the GDU forces stationed in Arengin. He then looked at the allied generals and pondered.

"Pleasure to meet you all, I have brought many supplies from Aclus to replenish your troops, thousand of food rations, Rifles and machine guns. I have also brought a huge amassed army of well trained and equipped men as well as Aerial forces and armor, I will need the plans of attack as we must beat the Boers quick before the NCSU and Manticore spring their offensives" Hardaway told the allied Generals as he waived at a soldier to get him a cup of iced sweet tea.

He took a seat and crossed his hands and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his beret.

[Norcourt]

The Last Reform
June 26th, 1911

For the past twenty or more years, Norcourt has been prone to Social and Political revolution. The last 12 years has been spent rather unwisely, and the former Empirical Government has been reformed into a much more accepting Senate. Refusing to join the war against the GDU, has been a a decision that has been called out from the many citizens, of the Republic. Shunned by the other nations of the Alliance, and the people of Norcourt, finally Chancellor Raymond Powell has decided to intervene against the GDU.

In the midst of all this reform, Major Richard Harker 50 years old, and veteran of too many conflicts, had retired to his government provided estate in the far fields of Harbrook. Through everything he has been, the loss of his best friends, the wars, the spying, and the moral effect of war itself. He intends to live a quiet life, far from all the chaos of the world, with his wife Isabelle, and his family by his side.

Norcourt's army remains small after the reformation. With only 430,000 Professional Soldiers available to service, and 110,000 Men in the colonies, the nation's past military dominance has been attempted to be regained, and this is the opportunity to do so. Training is a daily routine, with the soldiers proving exceptional on the camp grounds, far better than the conscripts of the past.

[Crimetopolis]

New Berlin, WarGlorian.

James McCullen Destro dismounted from the limousine, Truck loads of Iron Grenadiers stopped and dismounted. They marched behind Destro and faced the Reichstag. He handed the guards on duty an official document. "May I meet with your commanding officer. I have business with your fuhrer."

[The Manticoran Empire]

The Halium Campaign had achieved remarkable success, forcing the surrender of tens of thousands of GDU soldiers. The massive use of chemical agents had kept Manticoran casualties relatively light, though some 56,000 had been killed or wounded over the last few months. Now the Empire set to building up for the next offensive. The M1 and M2 Infantry tanks were retired after only 6 years of service. They were too lightly armed and armored to be of any use and armored cars could accomplish their job, as could half-tracks and the new fully tracked armored personnel carriers. The Empire also replaced the last of its Mk5 tanks with the new M5. The M5, however, was intended to serve in both the medium and heavy tank roles, with the M3s being largely phased out and the light tank slots being filled by the M4s. Grenades, tank shells, and bombs were being built to deploy chlorine gas more readily. When the next Manticoran offensive came, it would be more devastating than any conflict before it.

[Arengin Union]

GDU High Command
New Immortalia
Arenginian Imperial Army
June 26, 1912

Petrovick gathered the attention of everyone in the room. Everyone gathered around the map. The field marshal then set a file on the table, much to everyone surprise.

"Gentlemen, here's the deal. We got Ruskland surrounded, the Boers have yet to mount any major attack and the Manticorans are up to something, I can feel it. The King has given me the permission to start Operation Strike-down, its a massive offensive that will take everything from us, we will have to be tenacious, and use everything we can to make it work. Once the operation is successful, we will be able to corner Manticore into submission and end the war once and for all." Petrovick then revealed the folder to all commanders, then he uncovered a veil on the Boer Front.

"We've amazed over 3 million Arenginian troops, 1 million Warglorians, 200,000 Skarteneans, and I'm hoping for 500,000 Aclusians to attack the Boer front, we've also assembeld over 30 armored divisions and have readied artillery positions with all the guns we had available, the air corps is also prepared to cover the skies. General Gennadeyevich shall give details on the rest." The field marshal then went to sit on his armchair besides Hardaway and other Arenginian and Aclusian officers. The 40 year old commander walked with a cane to the command table. He then used a long stick to point at positions.

"Since the taking of Sylbania, over 2 million GDU troops have been readied to be transported across the Khartoum sea into six separate beachheads we hope that more Aclusians shall join this attack. We shall need to attack from the west and the east, Tekno Republican troops will storm the western beaches of the Boer coast, Arenginian and Warglorian troops will make a diversion on the south from Barrum and this will allow the invasion to be mounted to full effect, with the latest blow on the Boer navy we will be able to open a landing area for our men and vehicles to land." The general finished, everyone in the room was very much in awed at the plan.

"The offensive shall take place on the 1sth of March 1913 Any questions, comments, objections gentlemen?" Gennadetevich said.

[Skarten]

GDU High Command
New Immortalia
Arenginian Imperial Army
June 26, 1912

Petrovick gathered the attention of everyone in the room. Everyone gathered around the map. The field marshal then set a file on the table, much to everyone surprise.

"Gentlemen, here's the deal. We got Ruskland surrounded, the Boers have yet to mount any major attack and the Manticorans are up to something, I can feel it. The King has given me the permission to start Operation Strike-down, its a massive offensive that will take everything from us, we will have to be tenacious, and use everything we can to make it work. Once the operation is successful, we will be able to corner Manticore into submission and end the war once and for all." Petrovick then revealed the folder to all commanders, then he uncovered a veil on the Boer Front.

"We've amazed over 3 million Arenginian troops, 1 million Warglorians, 200,000 Skarteneans, and I'm hoping for 500,000 Aclusians to attack the Boer front, we've also assembeld over 30 armored divisions and have readied artillery positions with all the guns we had available, the air corps is also prepared to cover the skies. General Gennadeyevich shall give details on the rest." The field marshal then went to sit on his armchair besides Hardaway and other Arenginian and Aclusian officers. The 40 year old commander walked with a cane to the command table. He then used a long stick to point at positions.

"Since the taking of Sylbania, over 2 million GDU troops have been readied to be transported across the Khartoum sea into six separate beachheads we hope that more Aclusians shall join this attack. We shall need to attack from the west and the east, Tekno Republican troops will storm the western beaches of the Boer coast, Arenginian and Warglorian troops will make a diversion on the south from Barrum and this will allow the invasion to be mounted to full effect, with the latest blow on the Boer navy we will be able to open a landing area for our men and vehicles to land." The general finished, everyone in the room was very much in awed at the plan.

"The offensive shall take place on the 10th of July. Any questions, comments, objections gentlemen?" Gennadetevich said.

"You got a li'l fact wrong friend".An tall man, sit in the room with his Skartenian Uniform. That man was General-roda-voysk Akulov. He had been in various conflicts, the most recent, together with the GDU
"Another 300.000 Skartenian Soldiers will come. And we still have Tanks and The Skartenian Imperial Air Fleet. They are being transported to Arengin at this moment. With our Railroad network, i believe they will be here in time for the offense. Also, i have to inform you that the Offense in ruskland is going well, the Skartenian Army has won a large amount of territory since the landing in Hezvatz."

[Norcourt]

"WE SHALL TAKE ZEELAND!"
June 29th, 1911


Twas a clear sunny day, in the summer of 1911. Nearly 72,000 Norcourtian Professional Footsoldiers, were being deployed quickly, across the border of Blackspur, and the frontier lands of Galta, and Tuifen. The initial goal was to form a relatively strong foothold across the border, so a stable supply of troops could be maintained from Norcourt's heart. They were preparing for what was to come, and they knew that it was to be hard.

Captain Stuart Harvey Sutford, was the NCO of Company D, a company serving in the 1st Armored Division. Their job was to protect the Armored Corps, as infantrymen, and to escort the Tanks through Urban, usually Infantry-Guarded, towns, etc. Nonetheless, Stuart was a humbly raised man, he was born in 1893, and lived in the small town of St.Lorraine in Eastern Norcourt. For the first 14 years of his life, he had worked with his father, who had already gained a fine reputation, for being the town church's pastor (Although Stuart particularly did not believe in any god, nor did he practice any religion). Nonetheless, from Military school, and training, he had ended up here, The border of Blackspur. He was told that they were to launch an offensive on the Warglorian front, an invasion of the Western Zeeland Continent.

The Warglorians were a huge contributor to the GDU's side of the World War, and to take them, and their minor ally of Crimetopolis, was to take out a major factor in the war. In all honesty, the Alliance was struggling, and this was to be their breakthrough.

Stuart sat down in his trench, one formerly built 20 years ago in the 1890s. The trenches were quite elegant, formed mostly of concrete, and fine wood, they were far better than most Norcourtian soldiers had to deal with, in wars like the Sylbania. Though the soldiers were professionally trained, many had brought a trend from Norcourt. Back In Norcourt, Amphetamines and Cocaine had been popularized by Foreign Traders, and it was unregulated. Many families had sent Packages of Amphetamines to their loved ones in the frontlines, for them to use as a healing medicine like morphine, but many used them in other sorts of ways...

Nonetheless, the 72,000 Norcourtian Soldiers were eager to fight, but they needed something to boost their advance. Tanks had been brought in, Hundreds of Strong S-10s, and S12 Valentines, had been brought in, along with nearly 320 Fighter planes, and 85 Bombers. The initial plan was to take a major Eastern Warglorian City. But the Armies had to clash with the border guard at first. Artillery Guns, positioned across the mighty continent crossing, Zeeland River, were told to fire on any Warglorian Position in site, including the Border Outposts. The Norcourtians had officially, just entered the war.

Artillery Guns firing upon the Mountain Positions of Trospico

[The Imperial Warglorian Empire]

Norcourt-Warglorian Border
The Warglorian Reich had dreaded an invasion by Norcourt against the Colonies. Which was why they were prepared. Did the Norcourtians really think that Wargloria would leave it's most important colonies undefended? Which was why there were over 350,000 of Wargloria's Elite SA Troops that have been on the defences for months. If you didn't know, many of the elite SA were in fact from and still are in Zeeland, for the simple reason that when Adler had taken over there, most of his elite troops went with him, and the elitist standards remained.

As the Norcourtians came, the Warglorians held there ground. With over 350,000 Elite SA occupying trenches, bunkers, supported by several hundred aircraft and about 3,000 tanks as well as artillery, they fired upon the hopelessly outnumbered Norcourtian Attackers.

(OOC: You think this is bull Norcourt? s*ck it!)

Sylbania
General Feodor Von Bock looked over the battlefield, and what he saw made him slightly ill. He could see hundreds of men as far as he could see, injured, bandaged, limping around, with smoke and the smell of rotting corpses filling the air. They had finally taken the small peninsula, but at what cost? Von Bock looked down at the reports.

Death Count and destroyed armour
-42,621 Warglorians
-96,120 Blackshirts
-169,493 Arenginians
-2,536 Aclusians
-120 Tanks

Feodor sighed, they took heavy losses, but the Arenginians got the worst, he would make sure to send condolences. However, the new panzers proved a success, as only a small amount of the armoured casualties were Panzer Vs, and only about 6 Panzer VIs were destroyed. But now, they had to prepare for further operations.

To: The Arenginian High Command of Sylbania
From: Warglorian High Command of Sylbania
We send our condolences to the many losses your army took, and thank you for your support. We're are willing to pay for the losses and give as much help was we can to get your dead back to their homeland. We are honored to be your comrades and allies. May the friendship between Fatherland of Wargloria and Motherland of the Arengin Union survive for all time. May Gott be with you.

[The Imperial Warglorian Empire]

GDU High Command
New Immortalia
Arenginian Imperial Army
June 26, 1912

Petrovick gathered the attention of everyone in the room. Everyone gathered around the map. The field marshal then set a file on the table, much to everyone surprise.

"Gentlemen, here's the deal. We got Ruskland surrounded, the Boers have yet to mount any major attack and the Manticorans are up to something, I can feel it. The King has given me the permission to start Operation Strike-down, its a massive offensive that will take everything from us, we will have to be tenacious, and use everything we can to make it work. Once the operation is successful, we will be able to corner Manticore into submission and end the war once and for all." Petrovick then revealed the folder to all commanders, then he uncovered a veil on the Boer Front.

"We've amazed over 3 million Arenginian troops, 1 million Warglorians, 200,000 Skarteneans, and I'm hoping for 500,000 Aclusians to attack the Boer front, we've also assembeld over 30 armored divisions and have readied artillery positions with all the guns we had available, the air corps is also prepared to cover the skies. General Gennadeyevich shall give details on the rest." The field marshal then went to sit on his armchair besides Hardaway and other Arenginian and Aclusian officers. The 40 year old commander walked with a cane to the command table. He then used a long stick to point at positions.

"Since the taking of Sylbania, over 2 million GDU troops have been readied to be transported across the Khartoum sea into six separate beachheads we hope that more Aclusians shall join this attack. We shall need to attack from the west and the east, Tekno Republican troops will storm the western beaches of the Boer coast, Arenginian and Warglorian troops will make a diversion on the south from Barrum and this will allow the invasion to be mounted to full effect, with the latest blow on the Boer navy we will be able to open a landing area for our men and vehicles to land." The general finished, everyone in the room was very much in awed at the plan.

"The offensive shall take place on the 1sth of March 1913 Any questions, comments, objections gentlemen?" Gennadetevich said.

A man wearing a Warglorian Feld-Marschal uniform stood up. This was Field Marshal Eric Manstein, one of only a few to hold the title. Feld-Marschal was the 3rd highest rank in the Wehrmacht, overtaken by Supreme Kommandant and Führer. "Herr Gennadetevich, concerning the landings, are you sure the landings would be successful? We've all seen the recent capabilities of the Boer Navy, and there is also the fact that the main contingent of that navy escaped the battle South of Sylbania, what stops them from attacking the landing force." He said. "On a side note, I have authorised 125,000 more Warglorian troops to be deployed to Sylbania, and Menito Bussolini has agreed for us to use his troops in the operation."

[Crimetopolis]

Across, Tekno-Republika sped up its mobilization. The Boer minority literally absorbed into the TR armed forces. Of a nation now 101 million people, 8 million manned its armed forces. Additionally, the government began mass issuing MP-34s SMGS, BERGMANN .45 acp pistols, K-82 7mm Carbines and Rottweiler 6.5mm storm carbines to civilians ans training to repel invasion. Factories swmoked posaitions were manned. Their military now hd 25,000 Panther G tanks, too.

Encryption: Maximum utmost.
Eric Manstein
Supreme Military Commander
WarGlorian.

We are sending 500 Panther G Tanks, ammunition fuel, and supplies. Additionally, we hare sending 100,000 infantry armed with our latest small arms. We also are the sending the second air force. 1,000 Fokker Triplane fighters, 300 twin engine biplane bombers, 150 torpedo bombers, and fifty scout planes.

Additionally, U-boat groups five through nine are enroute , as are fifty torpedo ships. WE are also mobilizing Disaster Response Corps 15-20 to set up field hospitals near the front line. Social welfare teams are also being sent to help your refugees. THree mobile animals are being sent.

We also have a devastating new nerve gas called VX and protective gear and antidotes for it, too. We stand to use it in defense of both our nations. Big Traders, Inc! has already spawned several native uprisings in Norcourt's colonies, too. Many settlers have been killed,

COBRA and and MARS are offering to send help, too.
Robert van Rhoodie
Fuhrer-President
Government house
Tekno Republika.

[Rannoria]

Sylbanian coast, Khartoum.

The battle at the Sylbanian seas had taken a toll for both sides, the Arenginian had lost many frigates, cruisers, and at least 6 battleships, the seas were filled with a wreckage that simulated hell on earth. The waters filled with blood and oil of both sides, marines and sailors of both sides firing at each other with their firearms as the ships fired their guns without rest. Submarines battled underneath, from both armies they suffered casualties, the Boers had not taken a light blow, they had at best lost 7 dreadnoughts and as many frigates, cruisers, and many other light ships.

Two more days the battle lasted until finally both sides had had enough. The Warglorians had barely been scratched and had managed to aid the GDU troops in the mainland finally take the rest of Sylbanian, despite how powerful the citadels were the constant bombardment had proved too much and the Warglorian and Aclusian troops had finally captured them. The Arenginian navy had lost many good men and ships while the Boers too had lost many of their own, it was finally then when the Boer fleet finally moved back to the Boer shorelines after the citadels had replaced their green and red flags to the colors of the Warglorians and Aclusians. As the Boer fleet finally retreated the Arenginian fleet, what was left of it moved forward beyond the wreck as sailors covered in ruggedness contemplated their small victory. They had driven the Boer fleet back, there was no celebration, there was simply the retrieval of as many Arenginian dead sailors as possible.

Halium Bay

"GAS, GAS, GAS!!!" A soldier screamed as port Lakashta was being shelled by Manticoran vessels. The coastal cities of Halium were not that defended, the Halium garrison was well aware of the possibility of a Manticoran attack, but they never expected them to come from the coast, but they had, and were firing gas on the few military quarters around the streets, the shelling for the last couple of days had been intense as buildings were decimated and dead soldiers and civilians laid on the streets. Bombers and naval shelling had taken a toll on the cities and they no longer looked like what they once were.

Most of the naval guns had been taken out and as many Arenginian rallied to mount a defense, one that despite how hopeless it seemed they would face the enemy with bravery, unless the enemy decided not to have any honor, and indeed they had none. The coast had been evacuated and it was then when the Manticorans, being the cowardly savages they were had begun to fire toxic gas on the Arenginian defenders. Many of the soldiers feel ill as the gas consumed them too late for them to put on their gas masks. The gas was destructive and burned everything and everyone unlucky enough not to use any protection. Many soldiers laid dead, their face burned. The gas finally stopped thanks to a current of wind that made it stay at the harbor area of the city.

The Arenginian defenders that remained regrouped to a makeshift trench line, they wore their gas mask and prepared their rifles, if the Manticores wanted a fight, they would get one.

(Image)

Oststadt and Snomut

The attacking forces were rather hard and tough to beat, they attacked several artillery camps along the siege lines, but they never made it any further into the line as they retreated back to their lines. Aclusian and Warglorian armored corps began to go into the forest and supported bu infantry began to engage these forces, despite being outnumbered the GDU forces were better trained and equipped and inflicted 3 times more damage on the enemy.

The cavalry was one that had an initial blow on the GDU forces, but soon the armored car brigades themselves began to also hunt them down, the cavalrymen's armored horses protected them but even then they were shredded down by machine gun fire, still the GDU lost many units to these foes, who used improvised explosives to disable the armored units. But soon enough they were pushed back by the GDU and artillery attacks on the castles continued as skirmishes and small scale battles took place.

As for the enemy planes, it was a massive surprise to see the Rusklands with air power, no AA's were deployed at the moment, but soon after the first attacks the AA cars were assembled and finally the Ruskland air forces began to take casualties and could no longer do bold attacks as before. Soon the Warglorian and Arenginian air corps began to assemble and be briefed on the new enemy air power.

Battle of the Bog

The Rusklands were determined to push the Arenginian back that was apparent, the sudden air power of the Rusklands didn't help as planes began to kill soldiers from the skies and the Rusklands began to push back, using their own comrades bodies as shields, the Arenginian soldiers were also bold enough to use this same method, piling up bodies of Rusklands to make barricades and cover and fighting with tooth and nail and with each meter the Rusklands took, a hundred of them laid dead on the ground. The Arenginian used LMG's and their automatic rifles with deadly proficiency as rain began to fall and cover both armies. It was obvious the Rusklands had air superiority, but alas, something would come to the Arenginian favor to boost their morale.


"AT-11'S!" Screamed a soldier as the massive Arenginian tanks began to appear on the road and broke through the trees with the help of Arenginian engineers chopping the trees down as the tanks crushed them. This allowed the tanks to finally make their way quick through he bogs and the Arenginian used the logs as makeshift bridges for the tanks to cross. The tanks fired their guns and eradicated enemy towers as the Arenginians and Ruskland soldiers began to fight close and personal. Ruskland soldiers choking the life out of Arenginians, Arenginians used their shovels to smash the faces of their enemy with eerie anger, bayonets being stabbed through necks and chests. It was a bloody scene as the muddied Arenginian soldiers would NOT cease more ground. The T-11's helped as their machine guns turrets fired on the Ruskland planes, not destroying all of them but making several of them take fumes and crash on the battlefield.

Raid on Arenginian Camp

The snow would not stop the Arenginians from finding these attackers, all around the occupation zone the alarm was sounded as dogs were used to search for the attackers. Close to the Tubuska wall, the lights were operated as always. Finally the sound of search dogs was heard coming from the fences protecting the wall, high alert was put after word of escaped enemies at the scene and finally one soldier operating a searchlight caught the sight of a large group of men cutting through the fences wire.

"STOP! STOP RIGHT THERE." The men didn't listened and began to run towards the wall until finally machine gun fire rained on all of them, most of them plumped to the ground as the rest began to run back into the occupation zone only to be wounded by the machine guns firing on the forest, then the search dogs were let go and caught whoever remained. The escapees were done with, trying to attack the Tubuska wall with mere explosives was suicide.

Battle of Holihs Hills

The Arenginian lost men and the captured field guns to artillery and enemy tanks. But soon enough the SV's on the west hill began to advance downwards and fire on the Ruskland tanks, rocket guns were fired again by more soldiers who took the ones on the ground left by the dead and soon enough most tanks were disabled from their threads. Artillery kept raining upon the Arenginians but that didn't stop them as the infantry advanced and and began to push back the Rusklan soldiers, they used grenades to throw them into the tanks barrel and BOOM, the tank exploded. The cavalry also returned, having taken a big flanking maneuver they intercepted the Ruskland infantry from behind and began to cut them from behind, firing their carbines and slicing hem with their sabers.

On the East line the tanks and infantry were faced with Ruskland tanks and more soldiers but this didn't stop them as like their west counterparts the Arenginian forces began to push back and their tanks also fired their guns and pushed forward, both armies pushed forward until they were practically face to face. And then close tank battles began with the SV tanks being able to take out many of Ruskland tanks and the Ruskland tanks also destroying a good number of Arenginian tanks, but this would not stop the Arenginians as a new attack arrived to the battle, more tanks and soldiers as well as the artillery positions shelling on the enemy east hill. The Arenginians on the west hill were finally pushing the Rusklands back down the other side of the hill and began to round the east hill as the reinforcements pierced through the valley and west hill.

"WE PUSH FORWARD, we shall teach these savages how true Slavs fight" An officer screamed. "URAAA!!!" The Arenginian soldiers and tank gunners screamed as they moved forward. "FOR ARENGIN, FOR THE KING!" More soldiers screamed as they began to charge from all directions on the east hill. Finally Skarteneans soldiers from the east and the north arrived and began to attack Ruskland artillery positions who were pretty much taken by surprise.

Battle of Squallholm

The wind of the ocean cleared out the gas before it managed to touch the fleet but the troops at the beaches had been severely affected, the wave had failed as Skartenean and Arenginians laid dead on the beach, the next wave was pulled back and the commander opted to bombard Squallholm with all they got. The dreadnoughts and cruisers aimed their guns and in coordination fired, taking out several gun positions but not much else.

Battle of Marshbrook Town

The advance on the west of Idnuclz had not been halted, GDU forces of all armies advanced as they left the town of Marshbrook to be attacked by a separate task force of Aclusians, Warglroians, and Arenginians. After the Rusklands used some sort of flammable gas to take out several artillery positions the order was given and soon the task force advanced on the town and while mortars fired on the town the GDU infantry began to move into the town, they were cautious on every turn and they fired on anyone on the streets that seemed armed or suspicious. Then firefights all around the town broke out. The GDU kept to their positions and building by building advanced.

(Image)


Inland of Ruskland

The bombers used their own guns to fire at the Ruskland planes, indeed many of the bombers had been downed but they catch up to the Rusklands tactics and began to move back to base and away from their payloads. Then the Arenginians escorts also began to shred on the Ruskland Type A's, they were formidable foes but the Arenginians had superior firepower and engineering as they downed many Ruskland aeroplanes and dogfights ensued. Finally the bomber teams made it back, having lost a few dozen bombers but in the end they had achieved they bombing campaigns and sufficient damage on the enemy infrastructure.

St. Osloverg, the Arengin Union

"So..." Vail advanced. "Shall we take a walk? You said it was wonderful this time, despite the war and such. I need a breath of fresh air." He glanced down, where he put his hand in his pocket. In his pocket, he felt it. A pocket watch. He slightly took it out of his pocket, and there it was. Charred edges, and an old photograph of Vail and his family. He sighed, then he remembered. "Oh, you were asking about Mios earlier, right? My mind failed me at that moment, but... he, he died. He was killed when he fled. One of his personal guards was a communist spy and assassinated him. How could I... heh..." Vail displayed an awkward face, then finally continued. "So, let's go out, or not?"

"Yes, lets." Nikolai said as he stood up and accompanied by his wife and some guards he walked with Vail along the palace gardens and courtyard. The palace was as beautiful as ever, Nikolai guided the Rannorian to places of memory, where he first meet the Boer leader Markus Kruger and where his father and other leaders of the world had all meet together. It was indeed a scene filled with laughs and cheers, both men drunking campaigned and enjoying the memories.

Both men stopped at the studio of the late Alexander Oswyn. Nikolai took hold of a photograph and showed it to Vail. "This is back when I was a 12 I think. Good times those were. Hunting with my dad, it was something I always enjoyed, it gave us... time." Nikolai said as Vail looked at the picture.

St. Osloverg, the Arengin Union
Vail smiled. "It's been... a long time since I've met my dad in person. Last time was 1866. Ever since them I've only seen him from a distance, or from some other way." He chuckled. "You know, a man... you could say even a father, once told me that it might've been for the best that I didn't see my dad. And, you know the worst part about it?" He started laughing. "He... he was right," And the laughing continued. "He was right all along! My dad wouldn't have ran for Grand because he thought there wouldn't need to be a sense of justice!" His voice was faltering. "He wouldn't have needed me or my mom! Now he's one of the most revered people in Rannoria!" Tears started forming in his eyes, but his laugh was still going. "And now I'm here to take his position! To be his successor! To be the one to be known as Sios' son! To live under his shadow!" He was laughing, but now tears were streaming down. Even though he was still smiling, he was slightly choking, and his laugh started to sound different. Sadness. "Why did he need me? I was just in his way to glory!" His smile was faltering. "That man who told me this, he raised me!" His sadness turned to anger, and then back to sadness. "He was the dad I never had. This!" A loud voice, turned soft. "This... this pocket watch tortures me to this day."

There, Vail brought out a pocket-watch, the same charred one that his father owned, from his pocket. There was a photo of his dad, and there, his mom, and finally, his child self.

"This object has reminded me of how cruel life can be. Of how me being away from my father all his life had brought him great sorrow, but had brought others great joy. Some say it is best to have loved and for it to broken, then to never have loved. That is what my mentor told me. I spit at that. It would be much better if I had never known Sios." His voice was now full of bitterness, and even hate. But then, a tear still dropped from his eye. "Forgive me, Nikolai. Please, do. But I have no one to rely on. No one. And if I can vent something, at least I can vent some of my problems here. At least the time was appropriate." He paused. "Again, sorry."

[The Imperial Warglorian Empire]

St Osloverg, Arengin Union
Führer Hans Landa was getting a bit stressed by the current situation with the war, so he decided to take a small break, and what other way then to visit a comrade in the war! As he entered St Osloverg, he looked around. It looked almost exactly the same all those years go at the Winter Ball, and he loved it. He soon arrived at the palace, where he was allowed entry. He walked into the Palace with his Führer uniform, followed by his Reichsminister Charles Lindenberg, an SA Captain, 2 SA Lieutenants, who were equipped with MP18 submachine guns, and 4 SA Soldiers with semi automatic rifles. He soon arrived at the main door to King Nikolai's room.

Hans Landa knocked. "Hello? Herr Nikolai? Zis is Hans Landa, may come in?" Hans Landa asked from behind the door

[Arengin Union]

St. Osloverg, the Arengin Union
Vail smiled. "It's been... a long time since I've met my dad in person. Last time was 1866. Ever since them I've only seen him from a distance, or from some other way." He chuckled. "You know, a man... you could say even a father, once told me that it might've been for the best that I didn't see my dad. And, you know the worst part about it?" He started laughing. "He... he was right," And the laughing continued. "He was right all along! My dad wouldn't have ran for Grand because he thought there wouldn't need to be a sense of justice!" His voice was faltering. "He wouldn't have needed me or my mom! Now he's one of the most revered people in Rannoria!" Tears started forming in his eyes, but his laugh was still going. "And now I'm here to take his position! To be his successor! To be the one to be known as Sios' son! To live under his shadow!" He was laughing, but now tears were streaming down. Even though he was still smiling, he was slightly choking, and his laugh started to sound different. Sadness. "Why did he need me? I was just in his way to glory!" His smile was faltering. "That man who told me this, he raised me!" His sadness turned to anger, and then back to sadness. "He was the dad I never had. This!" A loud voice, turned soft. "This... this pocket watch tortures me to this day."

There, Vail brought out a pocket-watch, the same charred one that his father owned, from his pocket. There was a photo of his dad, and there, his mom, and finally, his child self.

"This object has reminded me of how cruel life can be. Of how me being away from my father all his life had brought him great sorrow, but had brought others great joy. Some say it is best to have loved and for it to broken, then to never have loved. That is what my mentor told me. I spit at that. It would be much better if I had never known Sios." His voice was now full of bitterness, and even hate. But then, a tear still dropped from his eye. "Forgive me, Nikolai. Please, do. But I have no one to rely on. No one. And if I can vent something, at least I can vent some of my problems here. At least the time was appropriate." He paused. "Again, sorry."

Nikolai noticed Vail's rather emotional state, he patted the man on the back as he apologized for the scene. Nikolai simply looked at him with eyes of understanding and compassion as he guided the man to sit down on one of the studios armchairs. He settled the man down, the king then ordered some refreshments.

"There is nothing to apologize for Vail. You have been through much and I can't imagine how hurt you must be now. Guiding a nation is tough, but what is more unbearable is to do it while suffering such distress and having none to tell. Fortunately you are here and believe me we treasure all you have to say. Parents are different depending on who they are, I can tell you that." Nikolai then sat down on an armchair next to Vail.

"My father was a man of objectivity and of old fashion ways, despite the fact that in his younger year and to the day he died he always believed in technological and social progress he never truly gave up on the old values of family and parenting." Nikolai took a sip of a glass of bourbon that a servant had brought, another servant offered Vail something to drink.

The king continued. "Some parents see things more differently depending on the situation. But Vail, a man is molded by his parents, sometimes by only one and sometimes by none. But its a privilege to fill your fathers place Veil, I think you've missed that. The same way I felt when my father died, having to fill in his glory, I may not be as loved as he was, but that's what makes a leader who he is, you must earn the respect and love of your people. Your name is simply a symbol, your actions are what show your merit as a leader." Nikolai finished talking.

GDU High Command
New Immortalia
Arenginian Imperial Army
June 26, 1912

Petrovick gathered the attention of everyone in the room. Everyone gathered around the map. The field marshal then set a file on the table, much to everyone surprise.

"Gentlemen, here's the deal. We got Ruskland surrounded, the Boers have yet to mount any major attack and the Manticorans are up to something, I can feel it. The King has given me the permission to start Operation Strike-down, its a massive offensive that will take everything from us, we will have to be tenacious, and use everything we can to make it work. Once the operation is successful, we will be able to corner Manticore into submission and end the war once and for all." Petrovick then revealed the folder to all commanders, then he uncovered a veil on the Boer Front.

"We've amazed over 3 million Arenginian troops, 1 million Warglorians, 200,000 Skarteneans, and I'm hoping for 500,000 Aclusians to attack the Boer front, we've also assembeld over 30 armored divisions and have readied artillery positions with all the guns we had available, the air corps is also prepared to cover the skies. General Gennadeyevich shall give details on the rest." The field marshal then went to sit on his armchair besides Hardaway and other Arenginian and Aclusian officers. The 40 year old commander walked with a cane to the command table. He then used a long stick to point at positions.

"Since the taking of Sylbania, over 2 million GDU troops have been readied to be transported across the Khartoum sea into six separate beachheads we hope that more Aclusians shall join this attack. We shall need to attack from the west and the east, Tekno Republican troops will storm the western beaches of the Boer coast, Arenginian and Warglorian troops will make a diversion on the south from Barrum and this will allow the invasion to be mounted to full effect, with the latest blow on the Boer navy we will be able to open a landing area for our men and vehicles to land." The general finished, everyone in the room was very much in awed at the plan.

"The offensive shall take place on the 1sth of March 1913 Any questions, comments, objections gentlemen?" Gennadetevich said.

A man wearing a Warglorian Feld-Marschal uniform stood up. This was Field Marshal Eric Manstein, one of only a few to hold the title. Feld-Marschal was the 3rd highest rank in the Wehrmacht, overtaken by Supreme Kommandant and Führer. "Herr Gennadetevich, concerning the landings, are you sure the landings would be successful? We've all seen the recent capabilities of the Boer Navy, and there is also the fact that the main contingent of that navy escaped the battle South of Sylbania, what stops them from attacking the landing force." He said. "On a side note, I have authorised 125,000 more Warglorian troops to be deployed to Sylbania, and Menito Bussolini has agreed for us to use his troops in the operation."

Gennadeyevich took the words of the Warglorian field Marshall into account as he analyzed the map, the Warglorian was right, even with the damage inflicted to the Boers at Khrtoum they're navy was still mighty, and it was risky to face them on their shore. The general then made a slight movement with his hand, moving a piece that represented an air squadron of Bombers.

"Your words speak truth field marshal, that is why we must use the elements of overwhelm and surprised in this attack. When the forces in Barrum and the Boer line begin the attack we will carry out the invasion after a few hours of the initial attack. We will use bombers to inflict damage on the Boer ships, then our fleets will create a diversion attack on the coast of the Orange Free State we must make them believe the main invasion will take place there. Our armies will land in separate beaches, we will make each hour count as the Boer fleets are preoccupied driving our navies away, the beaches of Algar, Al-Jabal, in Egypt's coast will be taken by Arenginian troopers, the beaches of Halagan in the eastern Orange Free State coast will be taken by Warglorian shock troopers, finally Aclusian troopers will take the Eastern Cape and assist with flanking the Boer defenses lines while the main armies attack from Arban." Gennadeyevich then brought some other figures representing Warglorian and Aclusian bomber units.

"These bomber units will attack in a few hours after the first battalions land, they will bomb designated targets, roads, bases, and some cities in the Orange Free State, the Boers will be too confused to properly coordinate their AA's." Gennadeyevich then moved a figure that represented Tekno Republic troops and naval forces.

"The Teknoans will attack on the western coasts of Salev and Aetlund. The Arenginians and Warglorian armies attacking from Barrum will serve as diversion for the Teknoans to land quickly." Gennadeyevich then looked at Halium and Jutland.

"The Manticorans will try to do anything to assist the Boers, as you all know the Manticorans took Halium a few weeks ago, using a devastating chemical. Well we will not let them attack first, the Arenginian forces in Jutland number about 300,000 and will attack at the same time as the invasion takes place, they are angry and want to inflict revenge on the Manticorans, this will help ease the assault son Traansval by other nations." Gennnadeyevich finished his plans.

"Gentlemen, this is a risky operation, but its possible, and if successful we will eliminate Traansval from the war, we must frce them to sign and armistice so we can finally confront Manticore."

[Skarten]

St. Osloverg, the Arengin Union
Vail smiled. "It's been... a long time since I've met my dad in person. Last time was 1866. Ever since them I've only seen him from a distance, or from some other way." He chuckled. "You know, a man... you could say even a father, once told me that it might've been for the best that I didn't see my dad. And, you know the worst part about it?" He started laughing. "He... he was right," And the laughing continued. "He was right all along! My dad wouldn't have ran for Grand because he thought there wouldn't need to be a sense of justice!" His voice was faltering. "He wouldn't have needed me or my mom! Now he's one of the most revered people in Rannoria!" Tears started forming in his eyes, but his laugh was still going. "And now I'm here to take his position! To be his successor! To be the one to be known as Sios' son! To live under his shadow!" He was laughing, but now tears were streaming down. Even though he was still smiling, he was slightly choking, and his laugh started to sound different. Sadness. "Why did he need me? I was just in his way to glory!" His smile was faltering. "That man who told me this, he raised me!" His sadness turned to anger, and then back to sadness. "He was the dad I never had. This!" A loud voice, turned soft. "This... this pocket watch tortures me to this day."

There, Vail brought out a pocket-watch, the same charred one that his father owned, from his pocket. There was a photo of his dad, and there, his mom, and finally, his child self.

"This object has reminded me of how cruel life can be. Of how me being away from my father all his life had brought him great sorrow, but had brought others great joy. Some say it is best to have loved and for it to broken, then to never have loved. That is what my mentor told me. I spit at that. It would be much better if I had never known Sios." His voice was now full of bitterness, and even hate. But then, a tear still dropped from his eye. "Forgive me, Nikolai. Please, do. But I have no one to rely on. No one. And if I can vent something, at least I can vent some of my problems here. At least the time was appropriate." He paused. "Again, sorry."

Nikolai noticed Vail's rather emotional state, he patted the man on the back as he apologized for the scene. Nikolai simply looked at him with eyes of understanding and compassion as he guided the man to sit down on one of the studios armchairs. He settled the man down, the king then ordered some refreshments.

"There is nothing to apologize for Vail. You have been through much and I can't imagine how hurt you must be now. Guiding a nation is tough, but what is more unbearable is to do it while suffering such distress and having none to tell. Fortunately you are here and believe me we treasure all you have to say. Parents are different depending on who they are, I can tell you that." Nikolai then sat down on an armchair next to Vail.

"My father was a man of objectivity and of old fashion ways, despite the fact that in his younger year and to the day he died he always believed in technological and social progress he never truly gave up on the old values of family and parenting." Nikolai took a sip of a glass of bourbon that a servant had brought, another servant offered Vail something to drink.

The king continued. "Some parents see things more differently depending on the situation. But Vail, a man is molded by his parents, sometimes by only one and sometimes by none. But its a privilege to fill your fathers place Veil, I think you've missed that. The same way I felt when my father died, having to fill in his glory, I may not be as loved as he was, but that's what makes a leader who he is, you must earn the respect and love of your people. Your name is simply a symbol, your actions are what show your merit as a leader." Nikolai finished talking.

A man wearing a Warglorian Feld-Marschal uniform stood up. This was Field Marshal Eric Manstein, one of only a few to hold the title. Feld-Marschal was the 3rd highest rank in the Wehrmacht, overtaken by Supreme Kommandant and Führer. "Herr Gennadetevich, concerning the landings, are you sure the landings would be successful? We've all seen the recent capabilities of the Boer Navy, and there is also the fact that the main contingent of that navy escaped the battle South of Sylbania, what stops them from attacking the landing force." He said. "On a side note, I have authorised 125,000 more Warglorian troops to be deployed to Sylbania, and Menito Bussolini has agreed for us to use his troops in the operation."

Gennadeyevich took the words of the Warglorian field Marshall into account as he analyzed the map, the Warglorian was right, even with the damage inflicted to the Boers at Khrtoum they're navy was still mighty, and it was risky to face them on their shore. The general then made a slight movement with his hand, moving a piece that represented an air squadron of Bombers.

"Your words speak truth field marshal, that is why we must use the elements of overwhelm and surprised in this attack. When the forces in Barrum and the Boer line begin the attack we will carry out the invasion after a few hours of the initial attack. We will use bombers to inflict damage on the Boer ships, then our fleets will create a diversion attack on the coast of the Orange Free State we must make them believe the main invasion will take place there. Our armies will land in separate beaches, we will make each hour count as the Boer fleets are preoccupied driving our navies away, the beaches of Algar, Al-Jabal, in Egypt's coast will be taken by Arenginian troopers, the beaches of Halagan in the eastern Orange Free State coast will be taken by Warglorian shock troopers, finally Aclusian troopers will take the Eastern Cape and assist with flanking the Boer defenses lines while the main armies attack from Arban." Gennadeyevich then brought some other figures representing Warglorian and Aclusian bomber units.

"These bomber units will attack in a few hours after the first battalions land, they will bomb designated targets, roads, bases, and some cities in the Orange Free State, the Boers will be too confused to properly coordinate their AA's." Gennadeyevich then moved a figure that represented Tekno Republic troops and naval forces.

"The Teknoans will attack on the western coasts of Salev and Aetlund. The Arenginians and Warglorian armies attacking from Barrum will serve as diversion for the Teknoans to land quickly." Gennadeyevich then looked at Halium and Jutland.

"The Manticorans will try to do anything to assist the Boers, as you all know the Manticorans took Halium a few weeks ago, using a devastating chemical. Well we will not let them attack first, the Arenginian forces in Jutland number about 300,000 and will attack at the same time as the invasion takes place, they are angry and want to inflict revenge on the Manticorans, this will help ease the assault son Traansval by other nations." Gennnadeyevich finished his plans.

"Gentlemen, this is a risky operation, but its possible, and if successful we will eliminate Traansval from the war, we must frce them to sign and armistice so we can finally confront Manticore."

General Akulov Replied
"And the Skartenian forces? Our New Tanks, such as the T-34-85 Will be of great advantage. I'm sure they can take down most of The Boer tanks. We've got new stuff to the army, and, to add, 50.000 Of those soldiers are Veteran Sturmtruppers.Other than that, i believe the plan will work fine.On a last note, we have to take equip all soldiers with more efficient Gas masks. Some of the old ones won't work, and we can't have the danger of letting them take this in advantage."

[The Manticoran Empire]

The Empire had been planning the invasion of Jutland almost as long as they had planned the invasion of Halium. Originally, it had been planned as a diversion but that had been altered to make it a full scale invasion in its own right. Operation Hellstorm would involve almost 2 million men from nine field armies and the militia forces of Gilda, Austrivania, and Bear Claw Bay. This three pronged offensive would open with a nighttime attack by gas shells, incendiary devices, and high explosives. Then, at dawn the following day, the assault would begin. The shells would begin falling at 1900 hours on July 3rd, 1912 and would be followed by an Infantry attack at 0500 hours with the last shells fired at the same time and armor support with air cover to protect the Infantry.

[Rannoria]

St. Osloverg, the Arengin Union
Vail smiled. "It's been... a long time since I've met my dad in person. Last time was 1866. Ever since them I've only seen him from a distance, or from some other way." He chuckled. "You know, a man... you could say even a father, once told me that it might've been for the best that I didn't see my dad. And, you know the worst part about it?" He started laughing. "He... he was right," And the laughing continued. "He was right all along! My dad wouldn't have ran for Grand because he thought there wouldn't need to be a sense of justice!" His voice was faltering. "He wouldn't have needed me or my mom! Now he's one of the most revered people in Rannoria!" Tears started forming in his eyes, but his laugh was still going. "And now I'm here to take his position! To be his successor! To be the one to be known as Sios' son! To live under his shadow!" He was laughing, but now tears were streaming down. Even though he was still smiling, he was slightly choking, and his laugh started to sound different. Sadness. "Why did he need me? I was just in his way to glory!" His smile was faltering. "That man who told me this, he raised me!" His sadness turned to anger, and then back to sadness. "He was the dad I never had. This!" A loud voice, turned soft. "This... this pocket watch tortures me to this day."

There, Vail brought out a pocket-watch, the same charred one that his father owned, from his pocket. There was a photo of his dad, and there, his mom, and finally, his child self.

"This object has reminded me of how cruel life can be. Of how me being away from my father all his life had brought him great sorrow, but had brought others great joy. Some say it is best to have loved and for it to broken, then to never have loved. That is what my mentor told me. I spit at that. It would be much better if I had never known Sios." His voice was now full of bitterness, and even hate. But then, a tear still dropped from his eye. "Forgive me, Nikolai. Please, do. But I have no one to rely on. No one. And if I can vent something, at least I can vent some of my problems here. At least the time was appropriate." He paused. "Again, sorry."

Nikolai noticed Vail's rather emotional state, he patted the man on the back as he apologized for the scene. Nikolai simply looked at him with eyes of understanding and compassion as he guided the man to sit down on one of the studios armchairs. He settled the man down, the king then ordered some refreshments.

"There is nothing to apologize for Vail. You have been through much and I can't imagine how hurt you must be now. Guiding a nation is tough, but what is more unbearable is to do it while suffering such distress and having none to tell. Fortunately you are here and believe me we treasure all you have to say. Parents are different depending on who they are, I can tell you that." Nikolai then sat down on an armchair next to Vail.

"My father was a man of objectivity and of old fashion ways, despite the fact that in his younger year and to the day he died he always believed in technological and social progress he never truly gave up on the old values of family and parenting." Nikolai took a sip of a glass of bourbon that a servant had brought, another servant offered Vail something to drink.

The king continued. "Some parents see things more differently depending on the situation. But Vail, a man is molded by his parents, sometimes by only one and sometimes by none. But its a privilege to fill your fathers place Veil, I think you've missed that. The same way I felt when my father died, having to fill in his glory, I may not be as loved as he was, but that's what makes a leader who he is, you must earn the respect and love of your people. Your name is simply a symbol, your actions are what show your merit as a leader." Nikolai finished talking.

A man wearing a Warglorian Feld-Marschal uniform stood up. This was Field Marshal Eric Manstein, one of only a few to hold the title. Feld-Marschal was the 3rd highest rank in the Wehrmacht, overtaken by Supreme Kommandant and Führer. "Herr Gennadetevich, concerning the landings, are you sure the landings would be successful? We've all seen the recent capabilities of the Boer Navy, and there is also the fact that the main contingent of that navy escaped the battle South of Sylbania, what stops them from attacking the landing force." He said. "On a side note, I have authorised 125,000 more Warglorian troops to be deployed to Sylbania, and Menito Bussolini has agreed for us to use his troops in the operation."

Gennadeyevich took the words of the Warglorian field Marshall into account as he analyzed the map, the Warglorian was right, even with the damage inflicted to the Boers at Khrtoum they're navy was still mighty, and it was risky to face them on their shore. The general then made a slight movement with his hand, moving a piece that represented an air squadron of Bombers.

"Your words speak truth field marshal, that is why we must use the elements of overwhelm and surprised in this attack. When the forces in Barrum and the Boer line begin the attack we will carry out the invasion after a few hours of the initial attack. We will use bombers to inflict damage on the Boer ships, then our fleets will create a diversion attack on the coast of the Orange Free State we must make them believe the main invasion will take place there. Our armies will land in separate beaches, we will make each hour count as the Boer fleets are preoccupied driving our navies away, the beaches of Algar, Al-Jabal, in Egypt's coast will be taken by Arenginian troopers, the beaches of Halagan in the eastern Orange Free State coast will be taken by Warglorian shock troopers, finally Aclusian troopers will take the Eastern Cape and assist with flanking the Boer defenses lines while the main armies attack from Arban." Gennadeyevich then brought some other figures representing Warglorian and Aclusian bomber units.

"These bomber units will attack in a few hours after the first battalions land, they will bomb designated targets, roads, bases, and some cities in the Orange Free State, the Boers will be too confused to properly coordinate their AA's." Gennadeyevich then moved a figure that represented Tekno Republic troops and naval forces.

"The Teknoans will attack on the western coasts of Salev and Aetlund. The Arenginians and Warglorian armies attacking from Barrum will serve as diversion for the Teknoans to land quickly." Gennadeyevich then looked at Halium and Jutland.

"The Manticorans will try to do anything to assist the Boers, as you all know the Manticorans took Halium a few weeks ago, using a devastating chemical. Well we will not let them attack first, the Arenginian forces in Jutland number about 300,000 and will attack at the same time as the invasion takes place, they are angry and want to inflict revenge on the Manticorans, this will help ease the assault son Traansval by other nations." Gennnadeyevich finished his plans.

"Gentlemen, this is a risky operation, but its possible, and if successful we will eliminate Traansval from the war, we must frce them to sign and armistice so we can finally confront Manticore."

Vail chuckled. "Thank you, Nikolai. I truly appreciate the comfort. You are right, what makes a man's mark is what he does, and that shows his merit. I'm glad I can relate to someone on something like this, and that we can just sit around and drink. Again, I really do appreciate this. Thank you so much. And I do suppose it is a privilege on being his son, or his successor." He paused, and took a long slow drink. "But how can you be thankful of being someone's son, if they couldn't even be your dad?" And the two sat and drank for a while, in silence, and staring into their own thoughts, until Vail brought back the conversation. "Well, it was nice, taking a walk and drinking, but should we get back? I believe I have to go soon, or maybe I can stay a few nights. I don't know. But shall we?"

[The Manticoran Empire]

Aerial Success!

Finally, the Rannorians have managed to construct airplanes. It has been a process that was delayed time and time and over again, but they finally have the blueprints to build an aerial fleet.

The planes are the M.1910 Rake (based off a modified Deperdussin 1910 monoplane so that it can hold weapons) along with the Standard Mark.1 (based off the German Grade monoplane).

As of currently, Rannoria has entered an isolation never known to any Rannorian of this age before, but rumors are spreading that the Yaidom may bring Rannoria out of isolation after 20 years of inner conflict and silence.

To: Rannorian Government
From: Grayman-Manticoran Foreign Ministry

The Empire wishes to invite you to discuss greater political and economic cooperation in Vicuna. Additionally, we would like to inquire as to our offer to purchase the colony of Barrum.

Meanwhile, the Army planned to put a new heavy tank into production. It weighed 45 tons and would be armed with an 85mm main gun and two 7.92mm machine guns. The biggest change, however, would be its armor. Sloped front, side, and rear armor would greatly increase the overall thickness of the armor. The front would be 80mm, the sides would be 50mm, and the rear would be 40mm. Turret armor would 100mm at the front, 45mm at the sides and rear, 16mm on the top, with a mantlet of 100mm around the gun.

The Navy was also developing new vessels. In an effort to improve their own aviation projection, they were developing their own sea-going aircraft carrier. The design called for a vessel that was 262 meters long, 31 meters wide, and had a draught of 8 meters. Designers claimed it would be able to carry 43 aircraft when completed and reach speeds of 35 knots.

The Navy's new aircraft carrier was coming along nicely. As it was being built from the ground up, it was only just now being laid down. Its sheer size required a new drydock to be built first and that had taken a few years. However, now that the keel had been laid there was a new problem. How to fit 43 planes into a warship 262 meters long and 31 meters wide. The F9C Sparrow hawk was an option, as it was a small aircraft with a relatively heavy armament. The other option was to design a completely new aircraft. One suggestion was to develop a monoplane aircraft with folding wings. Another was to simply store the planes on the deck as well as below deck, but that would leave them vulnerable to attack. Alternatively, they could store fewer aircraft on board. It would still be several years before the first ship would be launched, plenty of time to solve the problem.

[Crimetopolis]

VOIDED