Sunset Invasion (Greater Dienstad, PT, Invite Only)

by **Mokastana** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 4:41 pm

Fort Isabel
Outside the city of Alto del Mar
Island of Alto del Mar
Republic of Baja
1885

Colonel Victor Alvarez stood next to one of the 8 Gatling guns of Fort Isabel, the stone wall that guarded the main port of Alto del Mar. To both his left and right, two walls each mounted eight 6-inch guns pointing out to sea, backed by six 5-inch guns. The latter were on carriages in case they were flanked or attacked by land. Behind him, the pride of the Fort, twin 13.5 guns in a large turret, flanked by two 37 mm revolving cannons. Up here on the main bastion, he could look out into the sea, or turn to the right and see the city of Alto del Mar. The smoke of factories and cooking fires obscured most of the city, leaving only the docks and vast warehouses clearly visible from here. This battery kept pirate ships away, and any landing party trying to storm the walls would meet a barrage of fire from the Gatling, as well as fire from the Sharpshooters.

Victor's Sharpshooters carried Sharps rifles. They were good, single shot, hunting rifles. In a time where most field commanders were pushing the transition to magazine fed weapons, the Sharpshooters stuck with their classic single designs. Although, he did want to get his hands on one of those new smokeless rifles from the south.

The sound of footsteps climbing up the steps caught Victor's attention. A younger man approached Victor, not dressed in any military uniform, but a worn out duster and riding chaps. A revolver at his side and lever action over his shoulder. On his chest, a tin shield stamped with a Star and three horizontal bars. Victor turned and smiled, welcoming the Ranger back.

"Welcome back Captain McCaffery. Did you find their hideout? Hopefully my boys were useful."

"Very helpful," McCaffrey responded matter of factly, "We found the hideout right where they said it would be, we took care of them. Your boys provided covering fire and we served the warrants."

"Did any of those bandits survive their warrants to see their day in court?" Victor smirked, he knew how Rangers dealt justice.

"A few. One of them turned out to be pretty valuable, got a private bounty on his head back in Mochis. Must of pissed off the wrong people. I'll be taking' a boat back to the mainland tomorrow to bring him in."

"I thought the Rangers didn't care for private bounties." Victor teased his straight laced compadre, he knew that they weren't, officially, suppose to do bounty work.

"We enforce the law, nothing says we can't get a little extra to do it." Which was true, no law said a Ranger couldn't collect a bounty.

"In that case, have a good trip McCaffrey. Let me know if you see any of them smokeless rifles while in the capital."

"I doubt it, the only way I know to get one is to join a Natul warband, worship their gods, and kill your way to one. That, or steal one from the Elite Soldiers in Suria. Personally I'd take my chances in El Sur. Besides, how good can they actually be? New gun cotton that's not only smokeless, but also fires flatter? Seems too good to be true."

"That may be true, but when I was your age there were no railways or telegraph lines connecting us all, no ships made of steel, and Mokastana was one country. Things change, and they change quickly. Alto del Mar grew from a fishing town to one of the three biggest trading hubs in western Mokastana. You have to keep up, or you might get left behind."

"Says the Sharpshooter," a flash of a smirk crossed the Rangers lips, "the world is moving towards rapid fire, I'd hate to see good men like you left behind."

"If it's true, these smokeless guns will bring us back. Armies always need their Sharps."

"Maybe, just maybe." The Ranger mullet the thought over for a second, "I got to get into town. You have a good night Colonel. Your men are are back in their barracks or cleaning the wagons."

"Be safe, McCaffrey."

"You too, Colonel Alvarez."

Fort McKenna,
Island of Alto Isla
United State of Tatom
1885

Fort McKenna was one of three coastal forts on the small island, and easily the largest, even if it was the least protected. Doubling as an infantry barracks for half of the 7th Infantry Regiment, their cannons and rapid fire guns pointed out to sea when not deployed elsewhere. Even without massive stone bastions or 13 inch guns, Fort McKenna was a force to be reckoned with, her few stone works protected about a third of the guns, while earthen extensions hid the rest. In total 32 5-inch cannons and 8 Rapid fire guns were protecting her. The rapid fire guns were Gatling guns for now, but they were scheduled to receive lighter Maxims in the coming months. Her sister Forts on the island, Anna and Carlita, both had 32 guns apiece, but those were dedicated coastal batteries, guarding the bigger fishing villages and military ports. They had longer range 6-inch guns, and even a few disappearing carriages in their towers, but they still didn't rival the coastal defenses of the mainland.

While Alto del Mar was the most southern island of the three, Alto Isla, as its name implied, was the most northern. It had the smallest population of the three at around 800,000. However Alto Isla and Hierro Isla belonged to the United State of Tatom, while Alto del Mar was property of The Republic of Baja. 13,800 soldiers were stationed on Alto Isla, 2,000 more than Baja's island of Alto del Mar. The latter which had double the population, and the largest city in the island chain. The Tatomese government had long wanted to take Alto del Mar from the Republic of Baja. They had the ships, and the troops, outnumbering the Bajaian army 5 to 1, and their navy 4 to 1, but Baja's allies meant that any war with the southern states would become long and brutal. Plus the United State of Tatom had continuous rebellions in the east to deal with. As the Coztic Rebels continued to appear from the desert, pillage and scalp, only to disappear once more. There was also a strong possibility the Natul Confederacy would send their troops to aid Baja, just to fight a new enemy, and if any southern nation had the armies to spare, it was them. Any war with the south was a risk, and no president wanted to risk reelection on a war of conquest that could not be quickly won.

MAP OF MOKASTANA:

MOKAN HISTORY:

MOKAN NATIONS:

by **Morrdh** » Wed Sep 18, 2019 7:16 pm

Morrdun Castle
Morrdun
Commonwealth of Morrdh

Taoiseach Gearold O'Brien waited patiently as the castle warder knocked on the oaken double doors, a response from the room on the other side and the warder opened the doors and ushered O'Brien into the room. The Morridane head of government found himself in a large drawing room where a middle aged woman, with faded red hair, was seated in one of the armchairs. O'Brien halted and politely bowed before saying. "Yer Majesty."

"Welcome Gearold." Replied the woman, Lothwyn the First and reigning Queen of Morrdh. "Please be seated and stop being so formal. I take it yer here 'bouts the jubilee celebrations?"

"Aye mam." Nodded O'Brien as he seated himself down in one of the other chairs. "That and the Mokan Question."

"I'm guessing theres a connection 'tween the two o' them?"

"Ye be right mam." O'Brien answered. "Tis been over a decade since Gran Mokastana collapsed and we're still trying to figure out how ta view our southern neighbours."

"I see, but wot do ye propose?"

"Extend invites ta the jubilee ta the heads o' state o' the various Mokan states, Tatom has already been invited but it would be seen as an olive branch ta the others." Replied O'Brien. "In particular El Sur now has a monarchy and has emerged as one o' the stronger states."

"Wot are ye proposing? Marriage?!" Exclaimed the queen. "Husband aside, I'm getting a little long in the tooth."

"By the gods no mam." Chuckled O'Brien. "The King of El Sur has a grandson, the eldest child o' his son and 'bouts the same age as young Caitlin."

"Hmm, extend the invitation to El Sur then...and the other states o' course." Muttered the queen. "I'll allow fer Caitlin ta meet the El Surian delegation, but it'll be up ta her whether anything develops."

"Yes, o' course mam. I'll see ta it that the invitations are sent out."

Over the next day or so, telegrams were sent out to the governments of the various Mokan states with a more personal one sent to the King of El Sur.

To Whom It Concerns

I cordially invite you to send a delegation to attend the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty Banrigh Lothwyn in order to celebrate 25 years of her rule.

Please respond soon as it is convenient so that my office can make the necessary arrangements.

Gearold O'Brien
Taoiseach
Her Morridane Majesty's Government
Commonwealth of Morrdh

To: King Felipe Castille of El Sur

Your Majesty, it is my honour to write to you on behalf of Banrigh Lothwyn Cathmore of Morrdh.

I have the pleasure to extend an invitation to you and your family to attend the Silver Jubilee to celebrate the 25th year of Her Morridane Majesty's reign. This is also an offer to discuss diplomatic relations between our great countries and how they stand going forward into the next century.

Gearold O'Brien
Taoiseach
Her Morridane Majesty's Government
Commonwealth of Morrdh

by **Mokastana** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 10:26 am

Castle Stone
Home of King Felipe and the Royal Family
Outside Bogota, Capital of El Sur

King Felipe smiled as the aid read him the telegraph outloud. 19 years ago he crowned himself King, and now a personal invitation to visit the Morridane Silver Jubilee. His Kingdom may have failed to unify Mokastana, but it would last, even if he knew his time was limited. At 52, King Felipe felt and looked much older. The collapse of Gran Mokastana took a lot from his youth. A terrible war that ended in a failure of a treaty, one that could have cost him his crown, if lesser houses had been smarter. Once the wolves had been pacified and his Crown secure, only then did his health finally start to give way. Illness made him frail, taking his ability to walk, while age claimed his once perfect sight. Once a marksman, he was now reduced to having others read for him. He was still a respected King, but his reign was coming to a close, and everyone knew it.

At least his Son, Orlando Castille, had taken to the role of Crown Prince with a fervor fitting of Castille. At 28, the boy was a man ready to rule. He had the loyalty of his wife's family, House Lomengo, and the respect of the Military due to his service. Plus General DeMontana was still in charge of the Army, and still backed House Castile until the end. A transition of power Felipe had carefully crafted, and now his son would represent the Crown internationally.

The young Crown Prince entered the throne room, his wife, Margarita, at his left side, and a holstered revolver at his right. Together they bowed to their King, and Prince Orlando began: "Per your request father, my wife and I are at your service."

"Steward, read the telegraph."

"Yes, my King."

The servant read the message allowed, then as was his duty, went quiet and waited for further instructions. King Felipe gave none, instead speaking directly to his son: "What do you think of that message, Orlando?"

"It sounds like a respectable honor, Father, they wish to speak of future diplomatic relations. It could be trade, a union, or perhaps even that we and the Morridanes have similar interests regarding the Mokan Republics?"

"As King, would you accept this invitation?"

"Yes I would, the Crown must maintain favorable relations with powerful nations."

"Good, then I wish to send you, Margarita and the children in my place. My health is not what it once was, and as the future King, the future of Gran Mokastana is yours to shape. Your words will be mine, and your agreements, will be those of the Crown. You will, effectively, be King of El Sur on this mission. Are you ready, my son?"

" Yes," Orlando answered with no hesitation, "I will make you proud, father."

"Good, then I will send a message back informing their Queen that as the Crown Prince, you will go in my place. I suggest you find suitable attire for your trip."

"Of course, Father. Thank you for this honor."

Morrdun
Capital of the Commonwealth of Morrdh

In the port of Morrdun, was perhaps the largest gathering of intentional Mokan warships ever assembled since the collapse. Escorts for their emissaries and heads of state, flags from numerous Mokan nations flew in the wind. Local authorities were advised on which crews to keep away from each other, but there was no promise of peace. The collapse of Gran Mokastana was over ten years ago, but wounds take time to heal. For many of these sailors, their childhood memories were off occupation by Royal troops, of villages shelled and trench lines destroying family farms, the massive battles and mass graves that stretched from Bogota to Miamus. The various Military Police would do their best to keep order, but a dockyard pub would be a dangerous place to be tonight. Elsewhere the guests began to arrive at the Castle for the celebration….

Prince Orlando of El Sur

Inside the actual castle, the first to arrive was the entourage from The Kingdom of El Sur de Gran Mokastana, or Suria for short. Crown Prince Orlando Castille-Zorro walked in, dressed in an elegant military uniform of Green and purple, the colors of House Castille, with hand embroidered trim reserved for the Royal Family. His head was adorned with a golden headband, showing he was Crowned Prince and Heir to the Throne. To his side, his wife, Princess Margarita Castille de Lomengo-Cordova, was wearing a beautiful, but modest, purple dress with white trim. On her chest, a blue rose, a nod to her own family, House Lomengo. Behind them, escorted by their nannies, was the young Prince Frederick, age 9, and his sisters, Princess Sierra, age 6, and Princess Patricia, age 2. They were dressed as young Royalty should be, green for the boy and purple for the girls. Upon meeting Banrigh Lothwyn Cathmore of Morrdh, the Crown Prince would give a modest bow of respect:

"Thank you for this invitation, your Majesty. I apologize that my father could not make it, his health has been poor these past few months. He sends me to represent the Southern Mokan Crown in his place. Please allow me to introduce my family. My wife, Princess Margarita Castille de Lomengo-Cordova, and my children, Prince Frederick and Princesses Sierra and Patricia de Castille-Lomengo."

Presiding Senator Karlos Perez of Florida

Next to arrive was Presiding Senator Karlos Perez of Florida and the Islands. Dressed in a proper suit, the Head of State was a Republican among Royalty, but he didn't care. Florida and the Island's were still influential, in local politics at least. Most of the main island had been rebuilt over the last ten years, and Floridian industry continued to grow, processing sugar, coffee and rum into the products they famously exported. Gran Mokastana may be gone, but Mokastana City would still be represented.

Count Izel Quetzal, of the Assembly of Centrijo, and Governor Jacob Serrano of Mejiconorto

Next was Count Izel Quetzal, of the Assembly of Centrijo. Quetzal could technically be called a King, but calling himself King would only make him the target of rebellion by Republicans. Therefore, he kept his western title of Count, and created the democratic Assembly of Mejico City to run the country for him. He kept his titles mostly to ensure the Natul city states on his southern border stayed loyal. By their traditions, he was Tlatoani of Mejico City, and their Lord. They made an excellent buffer against raids from the Aztlán Confederacy, who they would, in turn, raid back. The Natuls worshipped warfare, and it was good for them to practice it on each other.

When he was given the invitation to the Silver Jubilee, he was willing to ignore it, but his northern neighbor, Governor Jacob Serrano of Mejiconorto, wished to attend, so the Count offered an escort. The two men entered and nodded to the Presiding Senator of Florida, and ignored the Crowned Prince. Queztal had been a commander in the war, and spent years freeing his country of Royalist occupation. Instead the two paid their respects to their host.

Count Quetzal was an older man in a simple tan military uniform, adorned with animal claws, feathers, medals, and a jaguar pelt across his shoulder. The head of which was made into a helmet and carried by a servant. Governor Jacob Serrano wore a simple suit. His nation was small and agrarian, so money went to maintaining the infrastructure, not into dressing up politicians. His people bordered the Commonwealth, which meant that he had to maintain good relations with them, less a border dispute get out of control.

Gran Tlatoani Momoztli of the Aztlán Confederacy

Behind them, coming in loudly was Gran Tlatoani Momoztli of the Aztlán Confederacy. To this Natul Warrior, politics was just warfare without blood, and from what he heard of the Morridane Queen, she seemed worthy. He was dressed in leather sandals, with bare legs under an embroidered white tunic, held in place by a golden belt. A golden gorget around his neck was dotted with jade and precious stones. Attached to it were feathers and claws, symbols of his victories. Much like Count Quetzal, a Jaguar pelt rested on his shoulder, while a servant carried the helmet made of its head. His entourage brought gifts for the Queen, including a live Jaguar to sacrifice. A warrior would fight it with traditional weapons, and if the Jaguar was killed, then the Gods would bless this meeting and the animal would be roasted in celebration.

President O'Cuinn of Tatom, and Governor McCraith of Las Venturas

President O'Cuinn of Tatom was far more pale than many of the other guests, but he wasn't here for them. Many Tatomese felt like the Commonwealth of Morrdh was their older sibling. Thanks to Morridane influence, the Tatomese Revolution had succeeded so long ago. The 50th year celebration of Independence was two years away, and President O'Cuinn wanted get relations started early. Unlike the others, he took a train across Morrdh to get here, getting a chance to see the country whose Queen he would soon visit.

He was middle aged, recently elected in 1884. He had another 3 years of his Presidency to survive. His grey suit was certainly a little out of fashion, with a grey vest and string tie, but fashion got to Tatom slower than most places.

Much to his displeasure, he shared the final leg of his journey with Governor McCraith of Las Venturas, a city state with 16 years independence of Tatom. Governor McCraith was much older, and dressed more like a cowboy than statesman. Denim pants, striped button shirt, and cowboy hat completed the look. Even with the laborer look, his outfit was spotless, the fabrics clearly nicer than any typical workman could afford. The deserts of eastern Tatom were still untamed, but while the Tatomese tried their best to wrangle it in, the people of Venturas embraced it. He was here to celebrate the Queen, surely, but mostly to show the Tatomese that their rebellious city state was a real nation, recognized by their powerful neighbor.

by **Morrdh** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 8:53 pm

Morrdun
Commonwealth of Morrdh

The Morridane capital thronged with people who'd come for the celebrations from all over the Commonwealth and beyond, though the other towns and cities of Morrdh would host their own celebrations in addition to the main festivities in Morrdun. Throughout the city center the Emerald Saltire, the flag of the Commonwealth, was draped from buildings and flew from every available flagpole. Here and there on street corners and patrolling the crowds were the officers of the Morridane Gardai in their custodian helmets and navy blue full dress uniform.

For the public, the main spectacle would be a military procession by the Morridane Army. Led by a band of drums and bagpipes it would feature men from the branches of the Army such as the riflemen of the Infantry, horse drawn guns of the artillery and the landships of the Engineers. In the evening there would be a military tattoo held on the esplanade of Morrdun Castle with performances from Commonwealth and foreign militaries. The following day would be a procession with the Queen riding in an open carriage from Kaldwin House to the Castle to wave at the crowds from a balcony.

The Queen would have a busy time, first receiving her guests at Morrdun Castle before having a grandstand seat at the military procession and later the tattoo in the evening before retiring to Kaldwin House. It would then be the aforementioned carriage ride back to the Castle to wave at the crowd and preside over some ceremonies before hosting a ball and banquet for her guests at Kaldwin House. A day's rest before boarding the Royal Train for a tour round the Commonwealth to finish off the celebrations.

Morrdun Castle

The Castle, originally established as a fortress a century earlier, was filled with bunting, banners and the Emerald Saltire. Standing sentry throughout the Castle were the Warders in their emerald tunics with sheathed swords at their side and shouldered rifles, they were the protectors of both castle and monarch. The Warders were far from the only ones present who were armed, most of the Morridane guests carried swords befitting their status as clan chieftains. There were also Genchi tribal chiefs present who carried weapons of their own, again as a status symbol.

At the center of it all and stood in front of a throne made of Mordentish Oak was Banrigh Lothwyn, Queen of Morrdh and Chieftain of Clan Cathmore. Despite pushing 50 she stood proud and stout, her red head only just starting to fade and her face bearing some exotic traces of her half-Genchi heritage. She too wore a sword at her side which, along with her Clan sash, spiralling tribal tattoos and attire, gave her the appearance of a Celtic warrioress. She greeted each of her guests in turn after they'd been announced, exchanging a few words before greeting the next guest. When the El Surian delegation reached her, she greeted them warmly. "I bid ye welcome Prince Castille-Zorro, it is an honour ta have the royalty of El Suria here."

"Ah, allow me ta introduce but a couple o' me own brood." Continued Lothwyn, first gesturing to a man of similar age to Orlando on her right. "Me eldest child and heir, Devin."

"This," Lothwyn added as she gestured to a young girl on her left who looked almost like a miniature version of the Morridane Queen. "Is me youngest, Caitlin. I'm told she's roughly the same age as yer eldest."

Both Devin and Caitlin curtsied as their mother continued. "I do have another seven children, though they're scattered 'bouts and no doubt ye'll meet them in turn."

"If ye'll excuse me, I still have a great many more guests ta meet. Perhaps we shall talk more later?"

by **Mokastana** » Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:45 am

The military parade and tattoo was one of the main attractions for the visiting Mokan delegations. For Presiding Senator Karlos Perez of Florida and the Islands, it was important to know what kind of technologies his neighbor possessed. As part of that research, one of his security guards was actually an engineer, who took particular notice of the land ships. Florida's marshlands and islands would make it difficult to use such a slow and heavy weapon, but these armored behemoths needed to be treated with respect.

Count Izel Quetzal of Centrijo, and Governor Jacob Serrano of Mejiconorto both enjoyed the military demonstration. Unlike Florida, Mejiconorto was nearly entirely open plains, meaning Governor Serrano knew the Morridanes would have the upper hand in any conflict. Which is why he was here, to ensure the peace with the north. At least he was backed by Count Quetzal, whose own rapid travel military was something of a marvel in of itself. The Mejican states were all mostly plains and desert, being able to send troops quickly was an important factor in any war. As part of the military demonstration, a Centrijo Rapid Infantry Company was paraded. A six mule wagon carrying 16 soldiers, and the food and supplies needed to keep them going. Behind them was a 3.2 inch gun pulled by six horses, with two riding the lead horses and four crewmen seated on the limber. The final carriage was a 1.5 inch revolving gun pulled by four horsemen, with each horse carrying an artilleryman. All soldiers wore immaculately clean, tan uniforms with red highlights wear appropriate. The colors of the Centrijo Army.

Gran Tlatoani Momoztli of Aztlán would introduce the ceremonial jaguar fight, a human victory would bless this meeting, while a victory would mean the Aztlan Gods did not approve of any deals. A chosen warrior carried a spear, a shield and limited cotton armor to fight a hungry Jaguar in a ring. The two would circle until one took the first strike. The matches were often short, but fierce, a few claw swipes tore at the warriors shield and cotton armor, but the spear had pierced the animal's hide. Using it to keep distance between them, the warrior finally managed to get the right angle to spear the animal's heart. Ending the fight and bringing the blessings of the Gods to today's festivities. The animal would be skinned and the meat prepared for the feast. The warrior, who had previously captured three enemy combatants in Flower Wars between the Aztlan city states, would gain the Jaguar hide to become a proper Jaguar knight.

Prince Orlando of El Sur

"I bid ye welcome Prince Castille-Zorro, it is an honour ta have the royalty of El Suria here."

The Crown Prince bowed slightly to the queen, "The honor is ours"

"Ah, allow me ta introduce but a couple o' me own brood.Me eldest child and heir, Devin…. This, is me youngest, Caitlin. I'm told she's roughly the same age as yer eldest.I do have another seven children, though they're scattered 'bouts and no doubt ye'll meet them in turn."

Orlando caught a hint of implication there. Had his father made a suggestion to the Queen, or vice versa? Or was this a simple statement of fact. Morridane culture might have different implications, but subtlety was the right course either way.

"Prince Frederick has nine years, your Majesty. A fine young man who will no doubt serve the Kingdom with the strength of a Castille, and perhaps a little bit of cunning from his mother's side." Orlando smiled to his wife, who said nothing but returned a knowing smile.

"If ye'll excuse me, I still have a great many more guests ta meet. Perhaps we shall talk more later?"

"But of course, your majesty, I will look forward to discussing future relations between the Southern Crown and the Morridane."

Crown Prince Orlando Castile-Zorro bowed once more and allowed the Queen to take her leave. Looking around he could see the eyes and ears that pretended not to notice them. The Mokan Republics feared a unified Royalist front, one that could easily bring them to heel as proper subjects. If Queen Cathmore wished to join houses, Orlando would embrace it.

by **Patrick OConner** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 5:48 pm

It all began with a simple mistake. A mostly empty but very dusty coal bunker and a spark from a careless man's pipe, in the middle of the night. Then an explosion and soon a Federated Navy Ship was at the bottom of the bay. The FSS Dale, a cruiser, slipped beneath the water taking most of her crew with her in a violent fiery death. It was a tragedy but one that some would seize upon.

Island of Alto Isla

The Federated Enclave was port unto itself. The harbor was filled with merchant ships from everywhere loaded with trade goods and raw materials. Raw materials were swapped for finished goods from the Federated States of Merica and the raw materials sent back. The Enclave had been growing rapidly since it was established, both sides hungry for the others goods.

But now times had radically changed, before a few warships had guarded the harbor now, full task force of 4 John Wallace class dreadnoughts and 7 Drakon class armoured cruisers and 10 Swift class destroyers sat outside the harbor arranged in an arc. In the harbor ships were unloading what appeared to be cargo and men. They were soldiers and weapons and supplies and the million and one an army needs.

The papers back home had whipped the people of the country into a frenzy over the death of FSS Dale and blamed it on the natives. The Federated States was planning to use this as an excuse to attack and invade and conquer the lands. They had always eyed the rich seams of coal and iron with jealous greed.

And the day was coming soon for the attack.

Invasion

The forces set from the Enclave. A sole division left the Enclave that was all that was slated to take over the island, 10,000 strong men. This one was moving lightly without heavy steam powered and gas powered vehicles relying mostly on horses and wagons. The island lack the infrastructure to support the heavy vehicles.

The men marched onward in their green on brown uniforms. There bolt action rifles slung over their shoulders. Behind them came the horse towed artillery and wagon. Some of the squads carried machine guns or mortars.

More forces were being unloaded with supplies in the harbor but they were not slated for this mission. The Enclave was set to be turned from a trading post to a military base.

At sea the ⅔ of the naval forces sortied from the harbor, with 3 dreadnoughts at the center the ships sailed out under an ominous black cloud that arose from there own smoke stack. The ships moved out at a steady 12 knots heading for the Tatomese naval base.

The Naval base, Fort Anna, was less than impressive. In the center, the original stone Ghantish fort sill stood, although at this point it was merely a barracks and housed only a few 5 inch guns. Around the old Fort, much more modern additions had been made. Stone Bastions with 6 inch guns guarded the small Naval port, while coastal walls were organized by batteries for covering fire. Stationed in port. there were only a few vessels, two unprotected cruisers and six gunboats. A few of the latter out on patrol at the moment. They were used more to keep away pirates than fighting actual wars. The real Battleships and protected cruisers of the Tatomese Navy were stationed on the mainland miles from here. Otherwise the small fishing village around the port had turned into a small bustling town, mostly from servicing the thousands of military personnel stationed here.

To the locals, the accident of the FSS Dale had been an unfortunate accident, but they were still on edge when Dreadnoughts entered their territorial waters. So when a gunboat on patrol spotted the massive fleet on the move, it kept its distance, but watched them carefully.

The ships sailed onward under the ominous black cloud that they themselves made. The force shifted shape from its circular formation with the dreadnought in the middle surrounded by the cruisers and destroyers into a line double line formation with the dreadnoughts and cruisers forming the first one and the destroyers the second line behind them away from the shore.

The John Wallace class dreadnought was a fearsome ship armed with twelve 13 inch guns for a main battery arrayed in a hexagonal pattern with twin turrets the main battery was back up by a mix of thirty 5 inch and 3 inch guns. The Drakon class was not as fearsome armed with only four 10 inch guns and variety of 5 and 3 inches guns.

As the ship closed on the harbor the guns of the dreadnoughts and the cruiser slowly turned and aimed at the fort. The gun elevated to adjust there aim.

And right now all of them were brought to bear on the fortifications of Fort Anna. The ships sail closer and closer, the men on board refining there calculations and aim. Until they were only 10 miles from the fort. Then thunder and steel lighting split the sky and great sheets of smoke and flame erupted from the vessels cannons. The first salvo was a mixed bag with some hitting the fort directly and others missing around it, but the gunners adjusted their aim. Another barrage exploded forth and crashed into the fort. Stone and metal and flesh were shredded and hurled into the air. Another fusilade ripped out and slammed into the fort again.

Fort Anna had been watching the fleet, but it was miles outside of range when the thunder of guns filled the air. Shells of various calibers rained down on the defenses, exploding stone and earthen works alike. Artillery crews held after the first salvo, but the second broke the will of many crews who realized their fortress walls were the targets.

As the enemy shells rained down on artillery bastions and coastal defenses, the two cruisers began to push their way out to sea. They knew it was a suicide mission, their 10 inch guns had a range of just under 6 miles, meaning they would be sailing four miles under enemy fire before they could even be in range, much less calculate accurate fire solutions. Assuming they even made it out of port without being gunned down. Gunboats had even shorter range, but the three that were in port also took to the sea shortly after them.

The destroyers and cruisers peeled off of the formation now and the dreadnoughts circled around for another pass on the fort. The cruisers and destroyers shook themselves out into a new formation, a broad shallow arrow formed by the cruisers with destroyers right behind them. This new formation entered the bay, and the destroyers races ahead at the enemy vessels. On board there torpedo men ready to salvo the ‘fish’ as the crew called them at the enemy.

The Swift class was a four stack destroyer with 4 tube torpedo launchers amidships and two bow 6 inch guns and two aft 6 inch guns and a variety of light faster firing guns.

The cruisers laid down covering fire with their forward guns for the destroyers. Now the Swifts bored down on the enemy vessels at over 20 knots then at a range of 4 miles they heeled over to port and savloved there torpedos, 40 torpedos headed straight for the enemy vessels. The destroyers strafed the enemy with there deck guns as they passed.

Then the cruiser started to fire on the remaining enemy vessels with their powerful 10 inch guns seeking out any un damaged vessels and pounding them, while the destroyers focus on any damaged vessels.

The Tatomese cruisers saw the advancing destroyers and turned their 10 inch guns on them first. For the first and only time, they had the range advantage, getting of a few shots each before the range was closed, but both cruisers only had one front facing 10 inch gun each, so it would fall to the 3 gunboats to turn sideways and open up with their own 5 inch guns, but with only one on each side, they tried to zig zag, giving both guns opportunity to fire. However, in the end, they were all going to be destroyed.

The enemy cruisers opened up on the Tatomese ones attacking the destroyers. A few misses before one cruiser took a shell to the deck, its unarmored body ripping open as the armor piercing shell tore through wood and metal frame. It began to sink as it flew up a flag of surrender and crew began to evacuate. The gunboats continued their dance, but a wall of 40 torpedoes didn't need accuracy to hit. The three were sunk within minutes, either hit by torpedoes or naval gun fire. Their crews abandoning ship while the last cruiser amidst shelling and explosions, charged valiantly, its ten inch gun destroyed by enemy fire. With its last move, it turned broadside, opening up on an enemy destroyer with its twin 5 inch guns on the port side, trying to bring its aft 10 inch gun into the battle. A lucky shell struck it in a magazine catch, the explosion tearing the ship in half. It sank before anyone could abandon ship. All the while, Fort Anna continued to be shelled.

The destroyers continued the flee back behind the wall of cruisers, a few of them damaged now by return fire from the enemy vessels. The destroyers made it back and the cruisers cut their already slow speed and brought their broadsides to bear on the enemy vessels. Any left a float were buried under an avalanche of steel.

At sea, the dreadnoughts finally stopped there bombardment of the fort, now a smoking ruin. The dreadnoughts, moved to the mouth of the harbor now at a slow steady speed.They slowed to a stop and formed a line across the mouth of the harbor.

On the coast, it was clear the Fort would fall. The Skirmish Regiment stationed here began to flee inland, abandoning the artillery and leaving many wounded behind. A token force remained, waving the white flag of surrender. The Skirmishers that could fight, would reform further inland, unaware that the Mericans were already capturing villages and towns from their enclave.

Battle of Caffery Farm
Island of Alto Isla

Once Fort Anna had fallen, those that could resist in the Village, did. It was clear the Mericans would take the town, but skirmishers and miltia did their best to slow the advancing soldiers. As the invaders took villages and towns, their progress was slowed more by the terrain than actual engagements. That would change in the fields around Caffery Farm, a small farming community ran by the Caffery family.

It was here that the 7th Infantry Regiment, formerly stationed in Fort McKenna, was setting up lines to hold the invading infantry. 1120 line infantry, backed by 860 skirmishers, 150 sharpshooters, 16 gatling guns and 64 5-inch guns made up the Regiment, with most soldiers armed with a black powder .43 caliber single shot bolt action rifle. The skirmishers carried a mix of single shot rifles, and newer models with 6 round tubular magazines to dissuade cavalry and infantry charges. Those who could, hid among the trees, while others dug basic trenches to shoot from. Artillery was massed on the hills, overlooking the roads while the gattlings were hidden in tree lines or left guarding open fields.

They would be the core of the defense, but not all. The 2nd Alto Guards, the militia forces of the Island, had assembled 2300 additional rifles, with a central battalion of 430 Skirmishers. Standard issue to the Guards were single shot bolt action rifles, but they could bring any gun from home, if they so choose, and quite a few did. These militia troops would be the Reserve, filling in cracks in the front line whenever they come up, or responding to surprise attacks. A few would also be guarding the left flank, making up in numbers what they lacked in supporting equipment.

Lastly, the forces of the 6th Skirmisher Regiment that managed to rally to the Farm after the fall of Fort Anna. 640 troops and 150 Sharpshooters wasn't much, but they would be guarding the right flank.

Federated States Army
4th division

The Army was not careless and did not tolerate combat commanders as such. Such people did not last long in combat.

As such the column had scouts and skirmishers out in front and around the column. Out far in front, between 4 and 6 miles were cavalry roaming around in front of the column then skirmishers on foot read to probe any enemy force more thoroughly. They were a mere mile from the rest of the column.

Out on the flanks of the columns were it was the same forming a large arc in from the column of infantry cavalry and artillery.

The cavalry scouts encountered the Mokan forces first, in some cases with brief but furious exchanges for fire and in others simply running away. Their job was not to fight but too observe and report. As such, they fell back and reported to the column the colonel in command brought the column to a halt roughly 4 miles from the enemy. Now the skirmishers filtered forward through the terrain until they made contact with the enemy. Each skirmisher was armed with M1858 McCoy rifle, a 30 caliber bolt action rifle fed from an 8 round internal magazine which was loaded with a stripper clip and a M1849 Wales revolver, a large bore 44 caliber 6 shot revolver that took cartridges. The 1 in 4 rifles were out fitted with a primitive scope capable of 4x magnification with side mounted sights, all over rifles had ladder sights.

The cavalry scout joined them looking for the flanks of the enemy formation. They were similarly armed only with 2 Wales revolvers, and carbine version of the McCoy. Now things became serious as the skirmishers laid deadly accurate rifle fire on the enemy. They fired from cover and moved, never firing from the same place twice as they scouted the enemy force.

The same went for the calvary, only they were far more visible as they probed for the enemy flanks. Report slowly filtered back to the column and the ad hoc command post set up for the colonel. On a map the enemy formation slowly took shape.

The Tatomese, as well as their Mokan neighbors, were skirmisher heavy armies. To them, this was the beginning of combat. In the trees and cornfields, Tatomese Skirmishers spread out and took cover, taking shots when a target presented itself. Their model 1871 .43 caliber rifles were single shot, but about a third of them carried the 1881 model, with 6 round tubular magazines. They didn't have the volume of fire, nor the range of their opponents, but they had grown up in these fields and knew the land. Some got close enough to get kills, but the Mericans were competent fighters, and a thick cloud of smoke from their black powder guns was often answered with a barrage of fire. Heavy casualties were sustained, but they were keeping the enemy from advancing.

When the cavalry appeared, the Tatomese Skirmishers with repeaters went to work. Switching to repeating fire, any cavalry charge was met with a hail of bullets from the tubular magazines and a thick cloud of black smoke obscuring their targets. Years of fighting native rebels in the deserts had modified tactics to be ready for horse attacks. Let them get in close and then unload on them.

Around the Merican command post, the column changed shape, with wagons and supplies set up near the command post and the artillery set up in front of the command post, not an optimal set up but this was a rush job. The artillery was a 3 inch medium feild piece capable of throwing shell 7 miles at a rate of 4 rounds per minute for sustained fire.

The infantry formed up into their platoons and companies and waited to move forward into battle. The infantrymen were fitted out like the skirmishers but there rifles did not have any expensive optics attached, instead they had simple ladder sights but they made up for that with each platoon having its own machine gun, 1875 Redding .30 caliber air cooled machine gun, it took several men to move it into combant and set it up but that was what the infantry with rifles were for. Also each company had a 2.5 inch Light Field Mortar team attached to them as well for more fire power.

One regiment readied itself to march into battle with another set to back it up while a third held back as a reserve.

At the command post the enemy formation had finally taken shape on the map, more or less, which was a large line in front of a small village he signaled to a sergeant that had been in charge of a team setting up a large apparatus that had special rocket system built into it for signalling troops. A private loaded a rocket the triggered the device and it shot up into the sky and blew up releasing a massive yellow ball of sparkles.

The skirmishers and cavalry scouts noticed this and fell back from the enemy lines putting roughly 1000 yards between them and the enemy and they began to reform into units now.

The Tatomese Skirmishers saw the explosion in the air, and while they didn't know what the intent was, it was obviously a signal of some kind. The first wave of attacks broke off, and what troops could followed the enemy continuing to harass them on their retreat. A few recovered Merican rifles off of dead soldiers, because it was clear the enemy had superior weapons and they would need every advantage they could get.

At the same time the artillery began to fire sporadically at the enemy, there shells not being accurate at this time as they landed around the enemy. Some of the skirmishers had binoculars and had been trained as spotters and they noted the artillery fire and set messagers, which were cavalry scouts, back with corrections gradually the sporadic and inaccurate fire settled down on the enemy position and grew more and more accurate. Until they finally found the enemy positions.

The Fourth division had 72 field artillery pieces, all of them the 3 inch Medium Field Gun, before only 1 in 6 was firing now all 72 of them opened up on the enemy firing as fast as their crews could service the guns the fire moved roughly up and down the enemy lines plastering them with shells.

Simultaneously, the 2 battalions moved up to join the skirmishers while the cavalry formed up on the right flank of them. The artillery fire lifted now moving behind the enemy at a dramatically reduced rate and the infantry moved forward from cover to cover, firing their rifles as the machines guns set up and then they open fire on the tatomesse. The Reddings tore into the enemy and the rifles added to it.

The Tatomese knew the moment shells started to rain upon them that the enemy had some kind of artillery, they couldn't see the enemy guns, meaning they were trying to get lucky with indirect fire, or so it seemed. The advancing Tatomese Skirmishers began to engage the Merican spotters, but they didn't realize what was going on, not at first. Only when the shells began raining down like the wrath of an angry God did it become clear, these units must have been reporting the results to their cannons over the hills. Shells tore into trees and fields, blasting away at the Skirmishers, enemy infantry was coming over the hills now, charging in. Those that could fall back, retreated to the trench lines, while the skirmishers who moved up fought for their lives, stuck between a wall of artillery and an advancing army.

The massive murderous wall of lead from the machine guns slammed into the Tatomese skirmishers and they were butchered by it and the Merican soldiers used this to leapfrog forward by squads and used their rifles to lay down more fire which then enable the machine gunners to move up themselves.

While all this is occurring the skirmishers took up new positions. Since the infantry was finally here to attack the enemy they were free to focus on seeking out and eliminating enemy NCOs and officers wherever they could find them.

At the same time a company cavalry scouts peeled out from behind the line of attacker and swung around wide and charge at the flank firing their carbines and pistols. However the return fire from the enemy lines is savage and the calvary quickly retreats from the enemy with heavy losses among man and animals.

The colonel had moved forward now to a small hill so he could observe the battle better. He peered through his own telescope at the failed cavalry attack. He issued new orders for them to fall back and for the other battalion to be ordered to attack the enemies left flank while the first one continues to press its assault. He also orders 3 more battalions, a full regiment, to move up and be ready to attack while he consolidates all of his cavalry into one force and holds it in reserve for the moment along with another 4 battalions of infantry.

The artillery shifted it fire even further back nowas the infantry closes in on the enemy now and from the rear another battalion is brought up but this one wheel around and attacks the left flank of the enemy with rifle and machine gun fire and using the same tactics as before. Only now with a new addition both attack battalions began to use their 2.5 inch Light Field Mortars to lob explosives at the enemy.

The skirmishers caught in the open stood no chance against the attacking infantry and their mass combined fire.

This was it, the enemy was now charging the main trench line. The right flank had held, mostly thanks to its skilled sharpshooters, armed with rolling block rifles, many with telescopic sites. No doubt they had suffered many casualties, but they held. The left flank was the weakest, and the enemy figured that out quickly, hitting it with hundreds of men and shells. Reservists made up of more militia moved to support them, but at best they could hold the line at the cost of bodies. Any Skirmishers that had survived contact with the enemy was routed, scattered in the wind running for their lives. Meaning it was up to the trench line to hold. In the center, the line infantry lay low, the trench was a quick dig, but one they did as if their lives depended on it, for now, it did.

The 64 5-inch guns didn't have the range to reach the enemy artillery, and even if they did they wouldn't be able to see what they were hitting, but they had targets ahead of them. Explosive shells were loaded and fired into the advancing infantry and cavalry. The Tatomese general had figured out by now the enemy artillery was superior to his, as were their guns and probably numbers. This was not a fight he could win, but he could make them bleed.

Enemy machine guns roared to life, as did their mortars, but mortars had to get in close, and the artillery guns were blasting away at anything close. It wasn't long before the enemy artillery found its mark, tearing into the trench line and artillery lines behind it. Walls of black smoke filled the air, obstructing spotters and gunners, leaving the Tatomese lines behind a dark cloud that advancing infantry would need to pass through to take the trench.

The skirmishers spotters quickly managed to locate the enemy artillery and runner took off with new targets for them. This threw up even more smoke into the air and artillery quickly fall silent as their spotters can no longer see anything.

From his command post the colonel watches everything then issues a final set of orders, a third and final battalion is to attack the left flank of the enemy now.

[/i]
The left flank broke first, as militia scattered to the winds. Their unsupported rifles no match for mortar or cavalry. Even with the reserves moving in, little held. The general lit his pipe, watching the artillery shells rain down upon his lines. There was little left to do, but retreat. His guns were gone, his cavalry could charge into the center or left flank, but it wouldn't make much difference. Fort Carlita still stood in the west, but it was unlikely they would last. He signaled for the bugler, issue the retreat for the line infantry. Militia would cover behind the artillery guns.

In the trenches, any Merican charges would have been met with bayonets, but now the surviving line infantry ran up the hill through their former support artillery and towards the final lines held by militias. In the distance, the left flank fell and Merican infantry poured into his side. The battle was lost. To his aid, the General spoke, "It's time, order the Cavalry to flee. The center is going to formally surrender."

With the finals orders issues, a white flag was raised, and the cavalry troops, and those on the right flank scattered into the wilderness. Pulling out a flask of whiskey, the General took a sip, the flag was waved, and his soldiers were raising their hands in defeat. In a few moments he would ride to the front with his aid waving the white flag. It wasn't the best situation, but his men would survive. One more sip, then he'd find out why the Mericans chose to attack.[/i]

The colonel nodded as he finally saw the enemy break. The colonel snaps another order and a rocket is fired into the air and it explodes into a green flash. Not all at once but the fire rapidly tapers off. The troops continue to move forward and begin to take prisoners. The general and his command staff are escorted by a short squad, there had been casualties on the Federated Army side. And he was escorted to the colonel's command post were the colonel accepted his formal surrender. When the general offered his sword the colonel rejected it stating the general had fought well. The general nodded and was escorted away.

While the regiment that had previously been engaged was now actively rounding up prisoners and stripping them of their weapons as they finished the sun descended below the horizon. The Fourth Division set up camp and posted guards.

The next morning a short company was sent back with the prisoners to the Enclave. And the Fourth Division kept marching on.

Soon it arrives at the port to find the city open and ready to surrender to the invading force rather than fight them in the city and suffer a siege which would have included combined bombardment from the naval forces and land forces, though the land based artillery would have been a poor after thought to the naval cannons waiting for them.

by **Morrdh** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 9:02 pm

Morrdun

A luncheon followed the reception after the Queen had finished greeting her various guests, once all had eaten they were conveyed by horse drawn carriage to the military procession. A raised platform had been setup outside of Morrdun's Civic Hall for the Queen, some of her children, the Lord Provost of Morrdun and a few other guests. A few grandstands had been erected along the street for the benefit of the Queen's other royal and foreign guests. Orlando and his family were invited to sit with the Morridane Queen upon the platform to watch the procession.

"How have ye found things in the North?" The Queen asked. "I imagine it is vastly different ta yer native El Suria?"

"Though I've been led ta believe that yer native kingdom is in a most disagreeable position, surrounded by neighbours that are...less than friendly." Continued Queen Lothwyn. "Understandably ye'll be looking fer allies or at least nations that are more inclined to be friendly."

"In over a decade it'll be the dawn o' a new century, a Morridane century. The Commonwealth is destined ta fill the long vacant void left by the collapse o' the Empire o' the Golden Throne." Explained Lothwyn. "This means the Commonwealth will be in a position o' great influence in the region, the perfect bulwark against hostile nieghbours wouldn't ye agree?"

by **Mokastana** » Tue Nov 05, 2019 9:51 am

Village of Offaly, Alto Isla
United State of Tatom

120 horse soldiers and 130 infantry camped a few miles outside of the village. A few sharpshooters were stationed a few miles out keeping watch. These were the survivors of Caffrey Farm, some who had been fighting the invaders since the first shell landed on Fort Anna. Most of the infantry were Sharpshooters, the right flank that held against a Merican Cavalry charge. While the horsemen were Tatomese Cavalry, more accustomed to desert guerrilla warfare than frontlines. A few weapons had been captured from the enemy troops, but with negligible ammo. All in all, it was a dire situation.

"It's true, both Fort McKenna and Carlita have surrendered. The Colonel must have heard of our defeats at Caffery and Anna, and decided to peacefully surrender. I'm sure the invader's navy had an influence on that decision. So with that, all armories on the island have been seized."

Major Porter gave a short update to the present officers. Basically, they were now alone on the island. In response, one of the younger Lieutenants, a Skirmisher, put on his hat and stood up:

"Well, that's it. It's not like the Navy will be able to liberate us anytime soon. Time to surrender."

"No, we will not." Major Porter quipped rather loudly in response. "How many wars have you fought in soldier? You don't surrender until you've no choice. Hell, out East, surrender isn't a word the Coztics understand."

"This is my first war sir, but if Colonel Young gave up our last Fort and armory without a shot, what chance have we got?"

"Colonel Young is a good commander, he knew he couldn't hold a coastal fort against both land and sea attacks. His surrender was inevitable. Listen to me closely, Lieutenant, I've served as soldier against the Venturas rebels, served as a mercenary in Mokastana, and numerous times out east against Coztics. I've seen my share of war.

In every front I've fought, the most fearsome opponents we fought were Coztic mercenaries. When it comes to their territory out East, yeah, we've got more soldiers, better guns, cannons, the whole lot. Yet, when you spend a month looking for a ghost Army, always one burned farmstead behind them, hoping to wake up with your throat and scalp still intact, it doesn't fucking matter how many cannons and rapid fire guns you got. The Coztics have been fighting a guerrilla war against invaders since the first Ghantish conquistadors came to their land a hundred years ago, they'll keep it up for a hundred more if they have to. They don't have the numbers, they don't have the guns, but they've got fear.

Now that we're the outgunned and outnumbered, that's how we'll continue the fight. We'll raid their supply lines, sharpshooters will kill their sentries, when they go on leave, revolvers will shoot them down in the streets. We payed in blood to learn Coztic resistance tactics and we'll teach these invaders the same way we learned.

If you want to surrender, we'll tie you up and leave you here, leave you to the people you're failing to fight for, but if you want to learn to fight, then today we give up the notion that anyone will reinforce us, and we fight for our homes until every invader on Tatomese soil has bled out. Whose with me?"

Morrdun
Queen's box at the Military Parade

The Crown Prince Orlando Castille and his family accepted the honor of sitting with the Queen with glee. The children were still off age when they could be easily excited by the loud noises and pretty colors of a military procession, for a few minutes at least. At least they were well behaved, mostly, if not Margarita knew how to keep them in line quietly. Sitting next to the Queen, Orlando kept an eye on the Mokan nations, who know doubt did the same to him.

"How have ye found things in the North?" The Queen asked. "I imagine it is vastly different ta yer native El Suria?"

Orlando turned and smiled, enjoying the attention, "It's beautiful, a little colder than what we're used to, but there is much to experience and learn from your great nation."

"Though I've been led ta believe that yer native kingdom is in a most disagreeable position, surrounded by neighbours that are...less than friendly." Continued Queen Lothwyn. "Understandably ye'll be looking fer allies or at least nations that are more inclined to be friendly.
"In over a decade it'll be the dawn o' a new century, a Morridane century. The Commonwealth is destined ta fill the long vacant void left by the collapse o' the Empire o' the Golden Throne." Explained Lothwyn. "This means the Commonwealth will be in a position o' great influence in the region, the perfect bulwark against hostile nieghbours wouldn't ye agree?"

Orlando was mildly taken aback by the Queen's boldness, but a warrior Queen was no doubt one who took charge and got straight to the point. Far enough away from the other Mokan leaders, Orlando knew now was perhaps his best chance to discuss things openly with the Queen.

"We have our disagreements with our more, native, cousins: The Mejicans, Mokan Islanders, Natuls, cetera. As you may know, my Father watched Gran Mokastana collapse into itself under the weight of Republicanism, and fought to unite it under one Crown. He failed, but the decades since then, the South has grown more powerful as the Republics stagnate. It is our goal to bring them under the Crown where they rightfully belong.

With the Ghantish empire dwindling in the East, and the Golden Throne's influence reduced in the west. A Morridane century would be a great beginning to a new world. The Crown of Southern Mokastana would be happy to support the ambitions of the Morridane Crown, provided they also supported the ambitions of their new Southern allies."

Morrdun
Tatom box at the Military Parade

President O'Cuinn of Tatom kept his distance from Governor McCraith of Las Venturas. Seeing the leader of a rebellious city state would leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth. Technically they were independent, but the military continued to say that once the Coztics were reigned in, they would be ready to march on Venturas again. It just turned out the Coztic Confederacy was a problem that wouldn't go away no matter what tactics they used. The employing of native warlords to fight native rebels seemed to be working for now, but God only knew if they would stay loyal. As the President wondered how to meet with the Queen regarding their mutual border issue, a runner burst into the box, guards at his side.

"Mr. President, urgent news from the Capital! The Federated States of Merica have declared war on us and attacked the island of Alto Isla. At least one local fort has been overrun and what forces could flee, fled by ship to the Morridane Port of Ramarck. Last we heard, they are awaiting escort to the border."

The President looked towards the military procession in front of him, the horror of what was to come dawning on him. He knew the Mericans had better technology than he did, their products and business men flooded his country and sold their wares all over Tatom and the Mokan states. Luckily, that meant some intrepid inventors had been selling their weapon ideas to the Tatomese government. After all, the Merican army only needed so many types of guns, and rejected proposals could be sold elsewhere for a profit. The Tatomese Army had more advanced stuff than they claimed, but most of it was in prototyping stages. It would be time to begin a full scale production.

"Very well, if it was a war, then we will go to war. I must contact the Queen. They helped us once, perhaps they'll help us again."

by **Morrdh** » Sat Nov 16, 2019 9:03 pm

Lothwyn listened as Orlando spoke, nodding occasionally as she took in what the Prince said. The Castilles certainly had a grand vision and a revived Gran Mokastana under Morridane influence would only be a boon for the Commonwealth. Who knows, perhaps a few decades down the road the Mokan states would be brought in completely under the Commonwealth's fold. It would certainly make the Commonwealth a Great Power in Greater Dienstad.

"It would seem that we have more in common than first thought." Smiled Lothwyn. "Me own father had to deal with the ruins of a fallen kingdom and forge something new out of the ashes, thus giving rise to the Commonwealth as we know it."

"Perhaps the future o' our respective nations are ta be entwined?" Lothwyn asked, her glaze drifting over to her daughter Caitlin and then Orlando's son Frederick. "Fate often plays its hands in mysterious ways."

"Oh, if ye'll excuse me a moment." She said, nodding at an officer who approached with a folded message for the Morridane Queen to read. Lothwyn frowned as she read the message, gave brief instructions to the officer and then turned back to Orlando. "Tell me, wot do ye know o' the Tatomese?"

"Mr President?" The officer asked when he reached the Tatomese stand. "Her Majesty' wishes ta convey her request fer a meeting at yer earliest convenience."

by **Mokastana** » Fri Nov 29, 2019 6:44 am

MORRDUN

"It would seem that we have more in common than first thought." Smiled Lothwyn. "Me own father had to deal with the ruins of a fallen kingdom and forge something new out of the ashes, thus giving rise to the Commonwealth as we know it."
"Perhaps the future o' our respective nations are ta be entwined? Fate often plays its hands in mysterious ways."

Orlando followed the Queen's gaze and understood the implications. "Fate often does, but es up to us ta give fate the chance. As the Crowns of our respective counties, es our duty to bring about a prosperous future for our people, and it es always good ta 'ave allies nearby. It seems we should work with fate to ensure that future. May I suggest that we extend our stay en the north, let Frederick learn of our northern neighbor, and in time, I'm sure Caitlin and 'er siblings would love to see Frederick's tropical 'omeland."

It was during this conversation a messenger came up to the Queen. She excused herself and read a note, the reaction on the Queen's face revealed a less than happy response. Orlando was curious and his instinct was to raise his guard, but the odds were this message was not regarding him. "Tell me, wot do ye know o' the Tatomese?"

An unexpected twist. Tatomese? That rabble to the North was a den of vice and corruption, but they also desired to be a lapdog of the Morridane Crown. There were the native Coztic tribes that shared a border with both Morrdh and Tatom, perhaps they had started something? If these two Crowns were to ally and carve up the continent, Orlando was content to let Tatom fall to Morridane ambition.

"The Tatomese? I've never been up there myself, but from what I've been told, they are a simple, but industrial, backwater, more culturally aspiring ta be Morridane than Mokan. Still fighting a native revolt near their eastern border I believe. Can't even keep their cities from revolting either." Orlando referenced Las Venturas, looking towards the cowboy Governor down with the other diplomats. "I've heard they even 'ave some good weapon factories, but they 'ave yet to transition to smokeless powder like the rest of the modern world. As for any useful military knowledge, I would default to your border guards."

Some time later, President O'Cuinn of Tatom was heading towards his meeting with the Queen. He had received the message and offered to clear his schedule for the royal meeting. He was, after all, the one asking for favor, for quite a bit of it, actually. If she accepted, this would cement Tatom's place as a client state to Morrdh. Still if the only choices was between becoming a client state to a friendly neighbor, or a colony of a foreign Empire, the choice was already made.

The truth was, they weren't ready for a war with the Mericans, and that was abundantly clear to anyone with a hint of military knowledge. As if to highlight the desperation of the situation, walking with the President was Governor McCraith of The Free City State of Las Venturas. The very man that rebelled from Tatom and became governor for life of a new nation. An old enemy, but perhaps, a future ally. The Governor was confused why the Tatomese President suddenly had a change of opinion on him, but he enjoyed making life difficult for the Tatomese, so he accepted this invitation out of curiosity:

"Mr. O'Cuinn, I can't imagine what would convince you willingly accept my friendship, but I am truly grateful for what has pushed you into my arms today." Governor McCraith smiled, but the serious look on President O'Cuinn's face wasn't annoyance, it was worry. Ignoring the verbal jab entirely, the President spoke:

"We need to create a trade deal, rifles, ammo, medical supplies, anything you can provide for a war, my country will buy."

"Oh wow, you just opening up trade like that? What did the Coztics do this time, capture the mountain passes to Phoenix? After 16 years of ignoring us, you just want to buy everything we got? We don't have many factories you know, and we got our own military to take care of, we can't be selling you ammo and guns just like that."

"Cut the crap. The Mericans have invaded Tatom, I'm on my way to speak with the Queen herself about aid. The Tatomese army is six times the size of your bloated militia, and it's only going to grow massively for this war. You're in a position to make a lot of money, but we won't tolerate you taking advantage of us. Give us everything you got, at a fair price, and I'll see to it that smokeless powder factories open up in Las Venturas."

"Bullshit, you ain't got smokeless powder. Else you'd already be using it."

"The Southern Rio Arms Company figured out the formula last year. We've been testing cannons with it and should begin rifle production soon. The rifles were supposed to be easier, but given the cost of refitting the entire army, we wanted to make sure the rifles lasted, or so was the plan. So yes, we do have smokeless powder. You don't fuck us, and you'll have smokeless powder to play with being made in Venturas by next year."

The Governor smiled externally, but internally was furious. His spies knew Southern Rio Arms was up to something, and they suspected smokeless powder, but all evidence they found pointed to the project still nowhere near complete. Instead they've had it for a year?

"Alright, I'll see what we can do. I'll work on a draft and when we return home, I'll need you to visit Venturas with me, to convince my people you ain't blowing smoke up our asses. Then you can be on your way back to Santa Franco, assuming the Mericans don't sack it first."

"Deal, now get out of here, I need to look respectable in front of the Queen."

It didn't take long for President O'Cuinn of Tatom to be in front of the Queen. Out of all the potential allies he was aiming for, this one was by far the most important. He would chose his words carefully and appeal to her prestige. Tatom proudly embraced being within the Morridane sphere of influence, and this war would certainly cement that fact for the world to see.

"Your majesty. Nearly 50 years ago the people of Tatom fought side by side with Morridane volunteers to liberate our land from foreign rulers. The friendship between our peoples was forged in blood during that war, and thanks to your Empire's contributions, our independence was gained. From that day forth, the people of Tatom vowed never again to be subjects of an overseas empire." O'Cuinn conveniently added the word 'overseas' for the Queen. "Today, I received a telegram. A little less than two weeks ago, the Federated States of Merica invaded the Tatomese island of Alto Isla. While our troops are brave,I fear that the island will fall, and the Mericans will turn their ambitions towards the mainland. My military commanders are no doubt mobilizing more armies to fight, but as our friend and ally, I must come to ask for your majesty's aid in defeating these foreign invaders. Let the world see Morridane power and influence."

by **Morrdh** » Sat Nov 30, 2019 6:24 pm

"We've enjoyed a great degree o' co-operation with them regarding mutual concerns." Stated Lothwyn. "Ye could say that we are allies in all but name."

"Word has been received that a foreign power has attacked the Tatomese and captured some of their islands." Lothwyn explained. "The Taomese President wishes ta speak ta me and request the Commonwealth's aid."

"Even if we were on less than favourable terms with the Tatomese, the Commonwealth would still answer the call ta arms ta combat this foreign invader." The Queen went on. "We cannot simply stand by and allow a foreign aggressor ta muscle in on our sphere o' influence."

"The Commonwealth will march ta war, though I not ask or pressure ye ta support us in such action."

By the time the Tatomese delegation arrived, Taoiseach Gearold O'Brien had joined the Queen and Orlando in the Royal box. The Queen greeted the Tatomese leader. "Ah, President O'Cuinn...tis a pleasure ta see ye even if dark tidings surround this meeting."

"I've heard wot fate has befallen yer nation and the Commonwealth knows who its friends are." Stated the Queen. "The Commonwealth will answer the call fer aid, ye can discuss the particulars with O'Brien here."

"By Morrigan's grace we march together ta wot fate will behold us."

Sunset Invasion (Greater Dienstad, PT, Invite Only)

Sunset Invasion (Greater Dienstad, PT, Invite Only)

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