Into The Valley of Death (PT/GD ONLY)(IC)

by **Phibeta** » Mon Jan 16, 2023 2:00 pm

II. Right Against Wrong

It was a restless night for many Phibetans everywhere. There was a silent whisper that turns into a mighty roar. A cacophony of politicians, the jingoists and Warhawks, shouting with fear in their voices,

“The Abettonese! The Abettonese! The Abettonese!”

Now the only argument for war. Now the only reason why for conflict. Dreamy images of the glorious monarchs in their military uniforms, splendour and triumphant over all other nations, as they are the empire in God’s image. Soldiers and sailors behind them at the ready, to defend their island home and their vast empire. Phitannia stands ready to declare what is right. The Warhawks continue to flock under the matra,

“The Abettonese! The Abettonese! The Abettonese!”

Another image in the dreams, Phitannia, a symbolic woman, clad in armor, sword in one hand, the flag of Phibeta in the other. The Golden Eagle, a symbol of Phibeta’s glory sits on her shoulder. Phitannnia unsheaths her sword as both her and the eagle look forwards at the enemy, as it is once again time for Phibeta to defend her honour, of right against wrong. Drummers sound the call to arms, with Phibeta’s Golden Eagles, the sons of the empire, standing at attention, the commanding officer Golden Eagle using his tail as a scabbard pointing towards the skies.

Another scene. The Waringham Siblings behind a white background look solemn. All they can say is

“Poor little Katase!” a solemn reason for war. To protect a friend. To protect the interest of free people.

“Poor little Katase!” shouts the people of Phibeta, a genuine cry for a free people, or a puppet of the kings’ and queen’s words. A public ready to follow the commands of their monarchs.

Another scene. On the continent of Meridional, the hawkish stallion of Abetton tramples all over on the different animals, symbols of their respective nations. They now begin eyeing the Katase Falcon. As much as they try to fly away, the hooves of the stallion clamor the wings of the falcon. But something has changed now, the falcon turns into a woman, an innocent maiden left trampled and almost lifeless from the hooves of the stallion as if it were a metaphor for the continued abuse that the nations had to take from the cruel Abettonese. But out of the blue, a shimmer of light from the west. It was the Golden Eagle of Phibeta, clad in boxer’s uniform, standing strong against the stallion, her wings turned into fists, ready to defend their honour. The stallion looks above her, crouching to protect her claim of the maiden.

As the music of triumph swells, as the Golden Eagle punches the stallion protecting her honour and the safety of their friend across the seas. The colonial dogs, those free symbols of the empire, come in with their spears as the heavenly choir sings a noble hymn!

Lord! Death to the tyrants
Redemption of the depraved!

Surrounding the stallion, the dogs rush to attack the stallion as the eagle watches with the fair Katase maiden beside her in safety. The dogs claim victory over the now-decapitated stallion.

Another scene, this one of Phibeta’s citizens and nobles.

“PROTECT THE FREE!!!” says the noble judge of the magistrates of Libonshire

“DEFEND THE WEAK” exclaims the Cardinal priest of Ravenhead.

“EMPIRE THREATENED!” berates the Member of Parliament in Weston.

“HUMANITY IMPERILLED!!” the gentleman of Creeton yells. A chain reaction plummets down to the people everywhere. It’s war! WAR! WAR! WAR! It is on every man, woman, and child’s lips, WAR! The inner bulldogs of Phibeta show as the people demand war. Their honour threatened, their empire threatened, and the balance of power and peace threatened.

At last, the vote has come in from the House of Lords… The lips cry the same echo…

Of WAR!

The Ice States wrote:L'Orfeo Prologo.

Icelandia had been previously entirely uninvolved in the growing conflict. But now it was clear which way Icelandia would intervene. Icelandia's full name was the Empire of Icelandia; and therefore it would be no surprise that it would be a supporter of imperialism abroad.

Promptly, after reports came in of a growing conflict between Abetton and Phibeta, the stance of Icelandia was clear. Abetton did not require any casus belli to invade Katase, and its tactics were perfectly just and needed to enforce control over the nation. Now, usually, Icelandia would merely have attempted to seize more territory from Abetton; but that was not mutually exclusive with publicly supporting a fellow imperialist nation. If Abetton was to fall to Phibeta, what would happen to Icelandia? The Phibetans needed to know that any anti-imperialism crusades of theirs would be stopped right in their tracks by Icelandia.

To that end, sixteen large fleets would be deployed by Icelandia to Phibeta. These would surround the coasts of Phibeta, in order to prevent all vehicles from exiting the nation. This would help to prevent Phibeta from deploying further manpower to Abetton; allow for Abetton, Icelandia, and allies thereof to coerce Phibeta to discontinue hostilities; and allow for a future invasion of Phibeta should it be required by events.

Another fourty fleets were deployed by Icelandia, but they were not to go to Phibeta. Instead, they were to travel to Abetton, to directly assist its war efforts. Yet, these fleets were not to travel directly to Abetton. Instead, they were to park at the Lamonian sea, until the Abettonian government was fully informed of the Icelandi deployment.

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Armed sailboats therefore began to leave coasts across Icelandia; largely Stonegrad, but also Southport City. Both set of fleets would sail West of the Golden Throne, above Deamonopolis, and eventually down to Phibeta. This was a long, difficult ride; and it would take another day for the fleets to actually arrive at Phibeta.

By the time the fleets reached the island of Mallardius, the fleets took three different paths to Phibeta. The first group went north of Icecliff to eventually cover the South of Phibeta. The other two would travel through the Marquesan-Arvolken strait; yet, one group would remain at the South-West of Imperia Francie, while the other group would continue to cover one island West of Phibeta. Together, these three groups of fleets were supposed to take down all marine traffic to or from Phibeta.

Meanwhile, 24 hours after the Icelandi fleets began travelling to Phibeta, a formal government statement was issued by the Icelandi Emperor vis-a-vis the situation in Abetton. It was only sent now as it was expected that at this time, the Icelandi fleets would already have begun to arrive at Phibetan coasts; and the Emperor releasing a statement any earlier than it was clear that blockading fleets were inbound would ruin the element of surprise, as Icelandia had been previously entirely uninvolved in the growing conflict between Phibeta and Abetton.

Icelandia Statement on Phibeta.

Just a few days ago, in April 1861, the nation of Phibeta had announced a declaration of war upon Abetton. The justification given was that Abetton's invasion upon Katase was in the name of territorial expansion and racial supremacy, and that these justifications are sufficiently unjust that they somehow merit invasion.

Indeed, these arguments are flimsy at best. Regardless of whether Abetton's invasion on Katase was indeed for territorial expansion and racial supermacy, these are perfectly justified reasons for waging an invasion. Empires have a rational interest in expanding their influence, their territory, and the body of resources under their jurisdiction.

Normally, we would ignore this matter, as it is not in the self-interest of Empires to collaborate against invasions of each other. Yet, the Phibetan invasion is not a justified invasion for imperialist purposes. It is intended to crusade against imperialism. No nation should, in fact, be able to wage such anti-imperialist crusades without a reaction from Icelandia. If Abetton is to be targetted by Phibeta, who else will be? The divinely-sanctioned Empire of Icelandia?

We reject this. As such, we formally declare war upon Phibeta and its actions. Accordingly, we have deployed warships to prevent the entry of all marine traffic to or from Phibeta. Should Phibeta discontinue its invasion of Abetton and return all territories seized by Phibeta in the same invasion, Icelandi forces will be ordered to remove themselves from Phibetan coasts. However, this does not appear likely as is, and as such our blockade would appear to be indefinite.

In addition to the fleets' deployment to a blockade of Phibeta and public statement on the same, a secured mail was sent to the leadership of Abetton by the Emperor of Icelandia himself.

To whom it may concern.

I mail you as the Emperor of Icelandia, in Central Greater Dienstad. As you likely already know, Icelandia has sent fleets to blockade Phibeta in response to its war of aggression upon Abetton, which will only withdraw should Phibeta discontinue its invasion of Abetton and return all Abettonian territories seized by Phibeta during the invasion.

We also wish to directly provide aid to Abetton in this war by two means. Firstly, eighty Icelandi fleets -- consisting of 1000 individual warships -- we intend to deploy to Abetton. These fleets are currently stationed in the Lamonian Sea to wait for your approval prior to formally establishing themselves around Abetton. They also carry 600 land personnel whom we intend to deploy on Abettonian soil.

Secondly, these fleets are carrying special weaponry we would like to transfer to Abetton to be used against your Phibetan aggressors. These weapons consist of 70 cannons, 460 fully loaded rifles (230 long-distance and 230 short-distance), and 1200 spare bullets (200 for cannons and 1000 for regular rifles).

I look forward to receiving a response from your government soon.

Kensington Palace. April 1861

The Waringham Siblings, the monarchs of the kingdom, were dressed in military regalia ready to inspect troops heading over to Medriole. The Lord Chamberlain enters the room, where the siblings were discussing things among themselves.

“Lord Chamberlain” King Yohannes starts. “What is it?”

“Your Majesties, please pardon my intrusion, but we just received the declarations of war from all involved”.

“Ah, so it is official then. It is war”.

“Plus, another declaration of war from another belligerent”.

“Another one!” King Yohannes exclaimed, shocked. As were his siblings.

“The Empire of Icelandia, they have just declared war because of our intervention in the Medriole continent. They are enforcing a blockade to keep us out of the continent”.

“Seriously?”

“Yes, and I must inform you the Lord Admiral has spotted a few ships approaching our shores to the south. It must be those Icelandic warships they mentioned”. The Lord Chamberlain shows him the message received from the Lord Admiral from costal forts down south about approaching naval vessels. This caught the alarm of the monarchs, as if they are blockaded from their ports, they can not send their ships out to Katase. Worse still, the merchant fleet is threatened.

“Tell all first to fire at will. We must clear our passage to help Katase. We will not bow to any power that wishes to disrupt our fights”.

“Of course, Your Majesty”. The Lord Chamberlain leaves the room to attend to the Lord Admiralty. Queen Diane scoffs.

“Any nation that is idiotic enough to pick a fight with us will learn the reason why Phitannia rules the seas” she exclaims.

“Now, let us not get ahead of ourselves dear sis” Yohannes reminds his sibling.”We do not know our strength against this Icelandia Empire. But we try to maintain ourselves in the position of naval supremacy with large capital ships and modern naval technology. We might be able to break their blockade lines there”. With that, the monarchs leave the room to inspect the troops.

Southend Coastal Fort, Southend, Phibeta.

The costal fort of Southend was the most secure fort of all of Phibeta, as it was the gateway to the Gulf of Phitannia. Any ships wanting to blockade Phibeta would have to start down there, or through the Eastern waters, but today, soldiers and bombardiers woke up to the sight of sailing warships, with a black, white, and red standard that is not Phibeta’s own. Their guns pointed at the fort. The Commander of the fort and barracks, Captain Jeremy Bacon also stood in awe and confusion.

“What the Hell is going on out there!” he shouts to the bombardiers. “Has the navy ordered training exercises this early in the morning?”

“No sir,” says one of them. “If you look at their standard, it is not our ships”. The captain took out his book on of the comprehensive list of flags and standards of all nations, He flips it and sees the flag of those ships out there.

“Those are ships of Icelandia”.

“Icelandia?” one of them asks, “But they are all the way in the middle of the region, what are they doing here?”

“I have no idea, but it best we get the guns ready to fire”. The bombardiers agreed and loaded the first artillery shells into 7-inch guns of the Royal Artillery. These shells were 115 pounds with the calibre of 7-inches which can hit targets at 5,500 yards. The gunners wait for the word to fire, as a messenger comes out from the barracks.

“Sir, we got a message from the Lord Admiral!” He hands the orders to the captain. Reading the note.

To Cpt. Jeremy Bacon,

Icelandic ships appeared on the Southern coast, proceed to fire guns. Naval gunships from Ribbonshire will be provided as additional fire.

Dispatched April 1861, Lord Admiral Sir Reginald Gutterman

With the clear order to attack. Now was the time to test the weapons of naval warfare. With a hand gesture, the captain gave the order for the fort to start firing on the warships outside. This would be the first engagement of this ever growning war. Not on Abetton shores, not on the Cartune Isles, but at home against foreign blockaders.

Port Gallagher, The Colonies of The Cartune Isles

Ships were being loaded with supplies and Royal Marines, as a colonial expeditionary force was being put together to invade the western coast of Abetton, to catch them off by surprise. The goal was to draw the Abetton line thin on two fronts so that the majority of resources can go into fighting the war close to Abetton’s capital of Sauville. Warships are being made ready to escort the convoy and attack any ships that dare to fight back. Lord Chadwick Lightoller was the commander of all forces of colonial regiments and is overseeing the final preparations to set off into the waters to send their troops into the fields of glory.

“Sir,” one of the soldiers says. “Final preparations are in order. All the naval guns are loaded, and the equipment is secured. We will be able to reach their western coasts in three days time”.

“Then we not a moment to lose,” he says with determination. “Those damned Abettonese shall tremble to our power. We are a force to be reckoned with. They will pay for the fallen sailors of the Creeton”. He turns to the sailors, officers, and soldiers of the steam frigate, HMS Fisher.

“Friends, now is the time to take up arms and defeat the menace of Meridional! Remember the Creeton, to Hell with Abetton!” The cheers of the soldiers and sailors ring as the anchors rise and the fleet and convoy leave to fight the western coast of Abetton. The colonial garrison is now left with some strong soldiers and militiamen, as well as the costal forts to defend the jewel of the Phibetan Empire.

Nadeshiko, Katase. April 1861

Francis sighed heavily. He was a missionary, they know that. But his intention was to keep the peace between the two neighboring nations.

“All I wanted was to keep nations from going to war with each other. It was my calling to protect others from harm and to bring peace. I guess you can call it wishful thinking. But I won't convert you. I just wanted to keep the peace, or at least bide time. Listen to me babbling right know. You must think that I am a complete idiot”. He listens to what they have to say while the cannons roar outside.

“Perhaps I can help, I heard close to the home of the Phibetan Diplomat, he setted up a refugee area on the outskirts of the capital for residents who have been displaced. I’m sure he can assist you all if you choose to leave”.

by **Abetton** » Sat Jan 21, 2023 1:20 pm

Nadeshiko, Katase

The women had no sooner explained their plan, if one could really call it that before the Missionary had another offer for them, a diplomat who maybe could shelter them? Worth a try, at this point no reason not to trust him. "Good sir, if that is a workable plan, we'd like to try it, if nothing more just to get the children to safety. Thank you kindly, we'll follow your lead when the canon fire dies down. But we'll have to keep a sharp eye for enemy troops. If they're bombing, then no doubt they're going to land soon enough."

A small girl no older than 8 got up from the pile of bags of stored wheat and grain she had been sitting on, wandering over to the missionary she unwrapped a nice little pork bun "Take!" She was offering it to him, "You help so take!" She grinned showing the spaces of her few missing baby teeth. "It seems Kiriko has taken a liking to you, sir. She always likes to give a treat."

The Naval War

As strategized the first course of action was to begin a long wide net of deployment of Abetton's Naval Forces. It would be a bit risky given it would leave a few holes in Sauville's coastal defenses and the assault on Nadeshiko, but the idea was to slow the enemy long before they could make it. Would it go as planned, Admiral Tranar Gilrel of the HMS Thunderbolt was certainly hoping so, this was the idea more from the top brass around the Queen than his, frankly he'd welcome the fight all the way to Sauville where he'd blockade them like a giant wall and break them all at once. Confident, cocky to be sure but he was given his orders and his orders were to steer this armada out to the seas to begin the assault whenever the unlucky fools of Phibeta's navy would be. Ideally too, Wellovia and Icelandia's own navy support would also be of extra support, whether that'd be here or closer to home. Sailors aboard were kind of bored looking for the excitement of battle already. KINGDOM, GLORY, STRENGTH all that they bought into, war was a noble sacrifice. Their wives, girlfriends, children and the like would surely welcome them back as heroes or bury them with the utmost honor.

But the ship wasn't just men, a few women also were serving. Yes, even Abetton was surprisingly forward in this era with allowing women into the armed forces, though it was always at the discretion of the top commanders to determine their roles. Admiral Gilrel wasn't exactly keen on the idea of the fairer sex being in combat so he often relegated them to the menial tasks of cooking, cleaning, maintenance and the like. Then again besides the war a few years earlier which gained Abetton its first colonies, there hadn't been much combat to speak of. On the choppy morning the lookouts firmly at post to watch for ship the Admiral at the wheel house pouring over maps with his various lieutenants.

The Ironsided steamer the Thunderbolt chugging along in the open waters. Of the female crew, a young female cadet, Liscia Applebalm was busy lightning the lamps around the ship "Sheesh I wanted to serve the Queen, not light the stupid lamps" She grumbled "I could have gotten a job aboard a merchant ship for this."

"WHAT WAS THAT SAILOR?" A Loud thunderous voice of a superior officer shouted from behind which made her jump into a salute "SORRY SIR! I Am greatful to be apart of Her Majesty's Mighty Navy and -- Ugh Benji, for real?"

He chuckled, "Sorry sorry I had to do it." His name, Benjamin Paul Thomas Mercer IV, or simply Benji. Indeed he was technically a superior officer to Liscia, but just barely by a rank and besides that, the two were actually already a couple. "Don't scare me like that!" Liscia wacked him a few times with a metal pole she used to reach the high up lantern lights. Though a decently advance steamer for the time, she still didn't have gas lamps yet, only the HMS Hero which was the notably the ship sabotaged to instigate the war with Katase had such an honor.

"You were mumbling loudly, Lissy, better be careful or a real Officer will here you!" He leaned into kiss her but she pushed him away, still rather upset by his little joke.

"Well it is true, I could be doing this aboard any ship but I didn't join the Navy to be a lamplighter I want to be apart of the crew"

"You are apart of the crew. And besides nothing has happened, we've seen more action with the weather than we have with the Phibetan bastards. And what would I do if your cute face got all scorched? I mean I'd love you anyway--"

"Hey I'm a tough and rough cattle rustler from Lillah, thank you very much, don't take me as a delicate little flower of Sauville. And when this war is over and you and I are discharged, I'll show you what a tough wrangler is made of!"

"Fair enough!" The two did exchange a kiss but it was interrupted by the sounds of shouting and a bell "All hands, all hands, to your stations!"

"Don't tell me they're call all hands for another lame old storm again!" Liscia sighed pulling away

"No, I think this might actually be the real thing. Well gotta fly and gotta fight!"

"Benji, be careful out there. Take them down!"

Indeed just on the horizon ships were soon coming to blow.

by **Mokastana** » Fri Jan 27, 2023 10:06 am

IRS Golden Bay, Flagship of the Northern Fleet
Golden Bay Class Ship of the Line
On route to the Cartune Isles

The IRS (Imperial Republic Ship) Golden Bay was perhaps the oldest ship in service for the Wellovian Navy. After independence in 1823, the new Wellovian government commissioned new Ships of the Line to serve as Wellovia's oceanic guardians. Finally put to sea in early 1827, she was neither the fastest, nor largest, at the time, but she was ready to guard the coast with over a hundred guns on her sides. Now, over 30 years later, she only remains in service to boost the number of active ships in the Imperial Republic's Navy. Had war not broken out, it was likely that she would have been retired in less than five years, a fate shared with many of the ships under her command. The irony that the fleet's commander, Admiral Lord Duncan York, was also within a few years of retirement was not lost on him.

Admiral York was an elderly man, who had been an officer longer than there had been a navy. He had taken command of the Northern Fleet as it had needed a commander but, much like him, was only waiting to be decommissioned. The Northern Fleet's mission had always been to patrol the sparsely populated northern coasts of Wellovia, while 3rd and 4th Fleet were made for offensive operations. They got the newest ships in the fleet, screw powered, side wheeled, and armored. As for defense of the southern coastline, the aptly named Home Fleet got the biggest guns and floating fortresses to defend the populated southern port cities with. As all three other fleets received new ships, the older vessels were reassigned to the Northern Fleet, as a final resting place.

At least that was the plan before the war. Today, the Northern Fleet sailed a collection of decades old vessels to threaten the colony of a far away empire who specialized in naval warfare. At least the new Grand Admiral Withaus had listened to Admiral York's request for new guns, something to modernize the aging vessels. Golden Bays and Frigates across the Wellovian Navy had been given Parrott gun upgrades, but Admiral York had 14 smaller vessels than needed guns. All the navy could spare was 18 ten pounders, on the understanding they would be taken back upon decommission, but it was better than nothing. Redistributing 10 pounders from the capital ships, he could at least get every ship under his command two 10 pound Parrotts to give them a fighting chance.

Still, Admiral York had a mission to do, and 19 vessels to do it with. Luckily he was not looking for glory or to prove a point. He had done enough sailing in his life to know better. He stood over a map of the Cartune Isles with his senior Commodores and Captains, invited to the Golden Bay to discuss plans and dinner.

"We are going to split the Northern Fleet into five groups. Four groups, I'll call raider groups, will be made up of Sloops and Brigs to hunt down galleys and transport ships. Three to four ships each. I want two of these groups to patrol around Port Acme Acres and two around Port Musutafu. Sink anything that looks heavy. If it's safe to attack the harbors, destroy vessels in port, damage docks and warehouses. Remember, our mission is to threaten the Cartune Isles and force the Phibetan Navy to waste time trying to chase us down, not to occupy the islands. We are here to buy time for the rest of the Navy to rally with our Allies. They will fight the decisive battle.

As for the Frigates and Golden Bays, we are going to attack this military port." Admiral Yorks points to a spot just north of Port Musutafu. "And attempt to capture more modern guns for everyone. Depending on the number of guns we capture, the raider groups around Musutafu will be given the spoils before we torch the port and move on. Next we will target this military port by Port Acme Acres and do the same for the rest of the raiders. Remember, avoid direct conflict with the Phibetans. If you see capital ships, find our Capital ships and inform us. This is a real war, and we are outgunned, going on the offensive, trying to get them to chase us. If all goes well, in three months we'll all be sailing back to Wellovia with the Phibetans turning over every island still looking for us. Any questions?"

Northern Fleet ORBAT

by **Phibeta** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:11 am

Northridge Harbour, Phibeta. May 1861

The fifes and drums play marching songs, as the men and women of the army board the warships headed toward Katase. From there, they will launch the campaign against Abetton between the borders of Katase and Abetton with the ultimate goal being the capture of Sauville and the surrender of Abetton forces. The crowds of husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, and children wave goodbye as the empire’s sons and daughters leave for the gloried fields of battle. The horses of the cavalry regiments were hauled onto the ship’s stables where they will be for the journey. The cannons are loaded to attack any passing warships of Abettons or Icelandia so that they get to their destination undamaged.

“Captain Thompson!” shouts Warrant Officer Hailey Icarus, “I have a message for you from your mother!” She hands over the letter from her mother, probably a formal letter of disinheritance since she has differing opinions on war and tactics that do not follow the family’s values.

“Thank you, Hailey”. She receives the letter and Second Lieutenant Ivy-Rose Hall joins her.

“Captain Thompson! Isn’t it exciting! We are finally going to war!” Ivy-Rose gleamed at the thought of finally seeing action as she is fairly a new officer in the army. Milena gave off a small smile, as she knew the horrors of war herself.

“It’s not as glorious as you think lieutenant. But it is our duty to serve God, The Heroes, our Monarchs, and our kingdom”.

“A proud privilege!” Ivy-Rose replies as she salutes to her captain. “I wouldn’t have it any other way without you Captain!”

“Yes, well, best you get back to your quarters, we will need our rest for the coming voyage”.

“Aye, ma’am!” She leaves her captain alone as Milena walks to the portside of the ship, she takes a look at her letter, which has not been opened left and rips it apart, not wanting to hear her mother’s belittling, and throws it overboard. The ships were now ready to clear out through the channel up north, as the south bay was blocked off by Icelandian Ships at the moment. The banners unfurled, the shouts of the people cheering for the men and women, the soldiers of the Kings and Queen. A sermon can be spotted as they give the thanks of a grateful, grateful world. ‘Raise the flag high’ was the mantra, ‘God defend the right’ another. The ships begin to leave the port, as the soldiers and sailors are ripe and ready to the front. The choir of the people sing out in jubilation,

“Rule, Phitanna!
Phitannia Rule The Seas!
Phibetans, Forever, ever, ever,
Shall, be, free!!”

The fleet leaves with the army, as many will never see their beloveds again. They will take their fight to the damned Abettonese who started this war, the choir once again sings.

“We’ll go up to the ‘Betton Queen,
We’ll fight her soldiers as we sing,
Honour,
Glory,
Freedom, ring!”

Out at Sea, HMS Fisher

A life on the ocean wave!
A home on the rolling deep!
Where the scatter'd waters rave, and the winds their revels keep;

A song of the sailor and the royal marine. A melody familiar to those out at sea. Lord Chadswick Lightoller looks out at sea with Admiral Edgar Vaughn Charles, the commander of the fleet as the sailors were carrying out their daily orders.

“The ocean seems to be in our favour” Lord Chadswick says.

“Indeed” replies Admiral Edgar. “At this rate, we will occupy their beaches within the coming days”. They turn their attention inside the admiral’s quarters, where a large map of Abetton was, with their fleet on the westernmost part of the ocean. “A western headquarters to keep those Abettonese distracted from the main event, the battlefront on the borders between Abetton and Katse. We will soon have Sauville under siege”. As they were looking over the map, Captain Joesphine Turner of the HMS Fisher came in.

“Sirs, one of my sailors has spotted a ship over the horizon!” she says. The two immediately get out of their cabins and grab their telescopes and to both their surprise and amazement, they see warships with the Abetton standard, and it looked like they were approaching them.

“Well, well. It looks like we have more on our plates than what we hoped for” says Lord Chadswick.

“I guess they weren’t going to take their chances, but on the bright side, their navy is stretched out at this point”. Admiral talked to Captain Turner. “Turner, send a message to all of our ships, tell them to prepare broadsides, we shall attack them with all of our guns. Have the royal marines prepare their rifles to shoot down their crews once we get close, and tell all engine rooms to be set to full steam”.

“Yes sir” she replies as she goes and tells the officers, sailors, and marines of her ship, and the flag and lamp bearers do the same. The afternoon was about to get hectic as the cannons were being loaded, the marines grabbing their rifles, and the speed of the ship ever increasing slowly. They were going to penetrate through the Abetton ships whether they like it or not.

Nadeshiko, Katase. April 1861

The teachers and students sighed relief as they were told of the diplomat’s refugee area. Of course some caveats were going to have to be made. One thing the bombardment of the city is causing issues and it is not known if the enemy have landed in Nadeshiko. The Katase army, fighting with guns and weapons provided by Phibeta are doing its best to keep the base going, but it would only be a matter of time, and who knows when Phibeta’s expeditionary army would arrive. The cannon roar has begun to die down a bit.

“That sounds like a plan. If anything, we might be able to cut through the forest. Now I don’t have a weapon so it might be wise to bring one just in case. They can’t attack any civilians, especially religious missionaries as would be contrary to the rules of warfare. I’ll do my best to keep them safe as well”. The little girl then came up to Francis and offered a pork bun.

“Why, thank you kindly miss. Just doing my best to live in God’s name”. They continue to listen to the cannons. They wouldn’t know when they can head out, but they will soon be getting out and into safety.

by **Cartoonia** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:37 am

Port Musutafu, The Phibetan Colonies of The Cartune Isles, April 1861

Port Musutafu, a colonial outpost and trading port. A small town that has been settled by Phibetan and Katase immigrants with building styles that infuse both nationalities. The Port Guardian, the head of all port activities, Sir Louis Iida, watches over his port. Ever since Phibeta declared war on Abetton, Wellovia, and Icelandia, port activity has died down a bit, mostly because traffic is being interrupted. A militia has been put on alert in the town and guns have been stored in the armory just in case, but overall, it seemed to be quiet.

“Sir, here are the reports from the neighboring towns” says Jeremy Toshinori, captain of the Musutafu 3rd Militia, handing over the field reports. Louis reads over the letters, and is surprised with what was written in them.

“What is this? The 4th Townsville Militia and the 6th Beika City Militia will be sent over to Musutafu for reinforcements, signed commanding officer Captain Belisarius Katsuki?”

“It is just a precaution sir,” he replies. “With war against Abetton and Wellovia, we need to start ramping up our defenses”.

“I understand that, but we have no room to accommodate these reinforcements”.

“Just have them housed in the homes of the colonists. I am sure they wouldn’t mind, considering that our islands are threatened”.It wasn’t like they had a choice either way too. There was no law in the colonies that prevented soldiers from quartering in the homes of civilians, as not much space was dedicated in smaller towns and ports. Sir Iida sighed.

“Very well,” was his reply, he let Toshinori go and sit back in his office chair. His thoughts were now interrupted by one of the lookouts of the port, Ms. Klara Yaoyurozu, volunteer port watch.

“Mr. Iida, there is something you might want to see”.

“What’s so important?” He stands up and looks over the horizon with his field telescope. It was a fleet, a naval fleet, a fleet of wooden vessels, which would be fine if they had a modern fleet in port, but they only had a few sloop-of-wars themselves, currently off duty.

“It can’t be” replied Iida, a slight tinge of confusion and fear in his tone. “Wellovia is pretty far from here, how are they here already?”

“They must have prepared this a whole month in advance”.

“Alert the militia, prepare the guns, get the crews of our vessels here, and send a message to Captain Katsuki to get his troops here immediately!”

“Yes sir”. She leaves to do what she is told. While Louis looks to the horizon again, the ships getting closer.

by **Phibeta** » Fri May 26, 2023 7:11 pm

Katase Coast, Katase. August 1861, months into the war

This was it. After the long and arduous naval war on the seas, There has been some gains in the war. The Phibetan Colonial Expeditionary Force had captured the port city of Serenity on the southern coast which has become their headquarters for the western side of the war, a great way to cut off supplies for their military. Now, one would think the best option is to land forces at that port city and build up forces on that side of the coast. But in the eyes of commanding generals, that was all to distract forces to open up the space between the borders of Abetton and Katase where the main show will be. What better place to land than on the Katase shoreline and then meet up with Katase forces along the border. The landing was pretty organized. Forces gathered in the port of Gallagher in the Cartune Isles to discuss landings, but Lady Jamie McNeil, feeling hawkish, began gathering her light brigade and headed through the seas. Horses were lost in storm, in the quick skirmishes with Abetton naval ships, in the cramped conditions of the ships, but all these were merely sacrifices she was willing to make (helps with the fact that she was traveling on her own personal yacht).

But the day is here. They have landed on the peninsula. Boats and rafts were being loaded with horses, soldiers, and supplies as they make their landing on the shores. Cavalrymen and women were wading through the waters on their horses. Officers were being towed into shore, and small depots were being set up.

The ships left in May and was rather chilly. No one expected the weather to be hot once they have arrived. The soldiers take off their shakos and caps, trying to keep cool.

“I urge you to keep your head gear on” says Lord Garland to his men. “It is your only protection from the sun”. Those head gears were all bearskins and fur, so not much help from the sun. Sir Uldermann gets closer to Jonathan’s ear, as he looks over to the waters, a small fishing boat which carries the flag of Abetton watches over them.

“That over there, m’lord,” he begins “Is a cool customer”. They take note of the scouts over there as the continue to unload the rafts. Now the artillery was being loaded off. Lady Crimson was being rowed to the coast while Lady McNeil was on her horse.

“Where do you think YOU’RE going Lady McNeil!” Eliza shouts angrily.

“I have been ordered up!” She responds.

“By who?”

“I received orders from Lord Garland,” McNeil says smugly.

“You do not receive orders from Lord Garland!”

“Then in which case who did I receive orders from? The Queen’s left arse?” She laughs.

“Are you ordered up?”

“I’m going up aren’t I, if I am up, that means I’m ordered up! UP!” she shouts, waving her sabre in the air.

“When you get ‘ordered up’ orders, you tell ME about them!” shouts Lady Crimson, unamused still. Jamie brushes it off as a bluff.

“I command here ma’am!” was her proud and arrogant reply.

“I command YOU, ma’am” was Crimson’s stern reply. Both commanders looked at each other with scorn. The other officers and cavalrymen and women looked on.

“I really hoped that this petty bickering would cease now that we are in earshot of the enemy,” says Warrant Officer Hailey Icarus to Captain Milena Thompson.

“Perhaps we should show them that despite of the mistakes and stupidity of those above us,” started Lieutenant Ivy-Rose Hall, “we can still gain some glory”. As she finishes she has set herself on top of her horse. A horse of yellow fur and pink mane.

“I’m sure we can Ivy!” shouts her friend, Corporal Sarah Hemmingsway. Captain Milena looked down in gloom, as this would be the second time she would see a major conflict. Her first deployment being in Xofrautan during the rebellions.

“Don’t be so glum, captain!” says Ivy-Rose, who has not seen battle and glorified the Phibetan army as one of the noblest and gloriest of jobs. “Tis going well for us!”. Milena only nodded for a bit, before the troops of the Army of the Peninsula got lined up and ready to march to the front, in their dress uniform, full regalia, and all of the pomp and circumstance of glorious war.

“Foward! March!” shouts the officers, relaying the commands of Lord Garland as the band plays a marching tune and the army pushes on to the front. Whatever obstacles and foes await for them once they get to the front.

Port Serenity, Abetton. August 1861.

At last, Port Serenity was secured. The major supply chain of Abetton’s forces was now under Phibetan control. For most of the transportation routes in and out of the city, the army had seized wagons and ships, and controlled or confiscated food and weapons. It was all in the name of protecting the first bit of land taken by Phibeta. The city itself was a crumbling mess after the siege. Several homes have been destroyed by cannon fire and several of the city’s dead were laid down, medics of the Phibetan army tending to their wounds.

Lord Chadwick Lightoller was looking around, besides the ruins of buildings and the dead, the city was well established now for this would be the headquarters of the colonial army, the army which will attack the southern towns and villages. The ultimate goal being that they would be the first ones to Sauville.

“M’lord” shouts Dame Klara Windfield. “We have secured the last provisions meant for the Abetton military. We now control the supply lines here”.

“Ha! Excellent!” Replies Lord Lightoller. “Then we will have a good bulk of our troops go for the east of this city. If all goes well, we shall be able to capture Sauville before Sir Nathaniel’s Day. Still, we will need our guards to stay behind, as sentries so those dastardly Abettonese won’t try to recapture this port”. She looks over at the Colonial Footguards, soldiers from different colonies of the Phibetan Empire usually formed as ceremonial units, but indeed are combat roles.

“Captain Kelly Sandford!” Lord Lightoller shouts to the captain of the guards. Regiments are fielded by a commander, a general, but the Colonial Guards are usually handled by captains, as the commanders are the Monarchs themselves.

“Sir!” replies Captain Kelly.

“I leave you and the Colonial Foot Gaurds and Colonial Dragoon Guards to keep watch of the city until we have established footing in other towns in the east. Also, try to see if we can drum up some dissent of the Abetton monarchy. I’d like to see their queen try to handle both a war and a revolution at the same time. And boost up some praise for us, let’s start rebuilding this town too”.

“I’ll do my best sir!”

“Excellent”. He takes a minute to look at another cavalry regiment, a special regiment set up by King Yohannes. In peacetime, it was a cavalry to raid factories that did not comply with the labour laws and regulations set up by the parliament. In times of war, they raided enemy factories to free slaves to return them to freedom. These were the Royal Raiders of King Yohannes, led by Captain Suki Aomine.

“Captain Aomine. See if your group can raid some of the plantations and factories nearby. Free the slaves and make sure they are safely returned here”.

“Yes sir!” she replied.

“Once here, your regiment will be able to process them and take them wherever they want. Back home, away from here. See if they would like to join the forces?”

“I will sir!”

“Excellent!” He takes his sword out of his scabbard and shouts to his regiment of rifles, line infantry, and light cannons.

“My friends! This will be the day Abetton will rue once we deal with the buggers east of this city. Not only will we be fighting for our dear monarchs and for the protection of our allies, but to fight for freedom of the people of this land! Friends, our objective is SAUVILLE! Now FOWARD, MARCH!” The regiment takes their leave of the city, passing all the ruins and debris of the town. The band plays as the regiment continues onwards through the countryside. The colonial guards were now taking their places, starting to rebuild, guard and such, and the Royal Raiders went about the other way to cause havoc to Abettonese industry.

The war in the South has begun.

by **Abetton** » Sat May 27, 2023 3:25 pm

Sauville

Snowy morning in the Kingdom's Capital as Beatrix meeting with her ministers and generals. The news hadn't been good these last few months, first the Naval war was essentially over, the attempt to repel the Phibetans at sea didn't go as well as they hoped. Sure they managed to take a few ships with them but overall Phibeta managed to break through the lines of defenses. Now next problem, they leapfrogged over their colonies in the tropics to land right in their soft underbelly! The generals didn't anticipate an attempt to pierce straight into the heartland, Sauville was expected sure, a long march from annexed-Katase was expected sure but this, going through Port Serenity up through the Duchy of Sliayoriel. There was a real danger they'd cut their supply lines betwene Katase and Sauville down the middle. It would be a long trek but it was a trek nonetheless that was doable.

"How is this happening? You expected they'd land in the Sugar Islands and try to flank our coasts to get right to Sauville, not up through the swamps."

"A thousand pardons, Your Majesty" Her generals all begged "Clearly our strategics and logistics were not as on part."

"Our naval forces couldn't block them form breaking through now this? We're looking like we're losing the war!"

"There's still time milady."

"We could slow them down and encircle them."

"Perhaps it's best to draw them into the heartland. Let them get up north faster and then have to fight in the cold winters."

"So you suggest we fight but not stand our ground long, Geneal?"

"That's right, Your Highness. We still have the winter months on our side once. They'll be coming out of the warm south into the cold winter they won't be ready to fight once they get far north enough. Let's fortify our lines around here." He pointed to a good spot smack middle in the map, "At about the time they reach the Tambala River in Merva they'd be hitting the colder climates far more often."

"General it sounds risky."

"All war has risk, Highness and indeed the Southern Duchies and Hamlets between Sliayoriel and Merva but it's one we can do. If they do cut our supply line at the middle in Lillah, the war is as good as over. Nothing would stand between our troops between here and Katase."

"NEW Abetton." She stressed, irriated. "But I see your point general. Very well, send the dispatch to all field commanders to impliment this new tactic. But we cannot fail."

"Of course milady."

Port Serenity

A lovely day in the port city, well it would be lovely but now the Phibetan flag was flying ahead of the local Office. The town was now occupied and slaves brought from the Sugar Islands and Katase and elsewhere were being set free. Count Remy and his wife were preparing to flee with their band but with the town surrounded and troops marching northward it was impossible. Royal Kingdom Troops had their orders, they were ordered to skirmish, inflict casualties where possible then flee northward.

The first battle of Talarist, a village just on the outskirts of the city was about to commence. General Marion Clayton stood with his men at the ready "All right, men" he said "Our enemy is apporaching from the south. Our lines of fire are organized and when the signal for retreat comes, we retreat. Stand firm and stand tall for the glory of the Kingdom!"

"Yes sir!" then men shouted "Company, ready! Company Fire!"

by **Phibeta** » Sat May 27, 2023 7:05 pm

Outskirts of Port Serenity, Abetton. August 1861

The line infantry continues its march as it reaches the village of Talarist. The band has ceased its playing as officers with their telescopes have came into contact with the enemy.

“M’lord, your orders” Klara shouts to Lord Chadwick. “The enemy is over on the other side of the village”.

“As if we are going to hold back. I want the Royal Marines, the Rifles to begin firing immediately. The First Regiment will charge towards the enemy under fire if necessary. The light cannons will also provide some firepower. If they begin to retreat, follow them until they surrender. I want them all dead or as our prisoners”. He looks over a map of the region, and to one of the most central points besides Suaville “If we can follow them to Lillah, we can destroy their supply chain and ruin there chances of being equipped to fight a long war, and Sauville will be as good as ours!”. As the officers give out the commands, an officer of the opposing army shouted to fire, and the first shot begins to rain on a few soldiers.

“Guess we don’t have to wait until we got closer, 1st Regiment! Formation! FIRE!” He shouts, the buglers calling the command on their instrument. And the Rifle regiments of the Royal Marines, equipped with the Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle-musket, began to fire on the enemy too. The rest of the regiments began to line up into line formation and one by one the regiments fire off their guns. The Armstrong Breech Loading 12-pounder light artillery were loaded and cannonballs were fired upon the enemy. The first battle on Abetton soil, apart from the siege of Port Serenity has begun.

Port Serenity, Abetton. August 1861.

The Guards Regiments began their reconstruction of the town, all while a few officers watch from a distance the battle that has commenced. The different engineers that have accompanied the regiments have begun reconstruction efforts of buildings torn apart by naval artillery. All of which will be used as either storehouses or emergency shelters for the freed slaves, displaced residents, or for barracks when more regiments arrive. But the main mission of course is to instill some anti-war sentiment among the citizens that are left. It is a small start, but a good one nonetheless.

“Looks like we have our work cut out for us” Captain Kelly speaks to one of her trusted intelligence officer, Corporal Alice Starmer. She was in charge of interpreting letters that have been intercepted from Abettonese ships or wagons meant for their military, but she performs other duties too. “If we can get this town, one of the most vital towns in Abetton’s supply lines talking anti-war sentiment, we can surely end the war quickly”.

“If we can get some anti-monarchist ideals, that would be good too?”

“Sure. But right now, the war must grind to a stand still on their side. It will be easier for us to capture Sauville at that point”. Captain Kelly hands her a few rags, something that would seem appropriate right now, with the city crumbled and all.

“Alice, I want youtube talk to the locals, what’s left of them anyways and try to make sure that they feel dread for this war. You will disguse yourself as a vagrant beggar asking for food or money. You’ll tell them that there is no more food left in the villages since the war has taken all the food supplies away from stores into the war front. Go into some other details, but ultimately, you will tell them that the queen is going to fight this war to every last man, woman, and even child”.

“Yes, ma’am”. She responds as she goes into her tent. She comes out wearing the tattered clothes she was given. Not the most comfortable clothes either.

“Would have been grateful if I was given some shoes”

“Probably too suspicious. Besides, it’s August. You’ll be fine. All of our clothes have been packed for normal combat”. Alice leaves her commanding officer to look for any residents that are still in the town, hoping to see if they can turn the tide of public opinion of the war in their favor.

by **Abetton** » Sat Jun 10, 2023 10:17 am

Outskirts - Battle of Port Serenity, August 1861

Cannons blasting, guns firing, smoke and yelling filled the air. "FIRE!" each volley of fire as troops on both sides fell to each other's fun fire. The call of bugles playing battle marches and charges, drummers keeping the tempo of troops marching. Port Serenity outside was chaos and havoc of wartime brutality with troops attacking and falling left and right. Abetton was probably taking the brunt of it really as their goal was to lull them to following them up north out of the warm subtropics into the cold continent and use the snow to grind them to a halt. so far things were still looking up for this strategy, it was late in the season but the snow was still persisting further north. But you still had to keep inflcting casualties so it wasn't as simple as letting them walk north. The general had another plan, a few regiments would splinter off and begin a wide circle around the Southern and mid southern duchies so once the Phibetan Royals were in the snow, boom a pincer on their supply lines. The only question was who would cut first because unbeknownst to them, Phibeta was planning the same, to cut the supply lines between occupied Katase and Sauville. Speed was critical.

Another company of men lined up, ready to fire and boom another volley of rounds from their guns and cannons.

The Port

Depending where you go in the city you could find even splits of Loyalists to the Crown and those wishing to see Phibeta win this and bring an end of Beatrix's reign. some were naturally afraid of what the future might bring but for some, anything was better than the queen and her wicked wimsy. There were those who weren't all about racial harmony and freed slaves were more worried about just not having this endless war and seeing their young sons go off to die on the battlefield. Some had already lost sons and even daughters out on the seas now in the naval war.

Of course there were those who were Abetton natives and wanted complete abolition of slavery, there were those who thought maybe Katase could become a good colony, Abetton just didn't need slave labor to make it happen. Either way things in the city weren't good, it was in shambles, food was scarce as fleeing nobles and high officials torched the farms and fields. Trees were knocked down by artillery shelling so apples, and peaches were near out of the question now Now that slaves were free some just had nothing else to do now but wait and see. A couple of young men were doing what they could to survive by pillaging what they could. with order breaking down it would be up to the occupying forces now to maintain law and order.

by **Phibeta** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 8:34 pm

Battle of Port Serenity. Outskirts of Port Serenity, Abetton. August 1861

The lines of Phibetan soldiers begin to fall from the shot and shell from Abettonese soldiers, and likewise, their men began to fall from their shells. Cannonballs were begin loaded into the artillery as they continue to fire each volley to pierce the line. The lines switch, as the different regiments exchange formations and fire. This goes on for hours as the fifes and drum continue to play as the bugles sound off commands

“Sir, it looks like we are making some good progress, we might be able to clear the line as it stands now!” remarks one of the officers to Lord Chadwick as they look through their telescopes.

“We got to strike now!” he replies, “We need to cut their supplies off before the winter falls on our troops”.

“In August?”

“What it seems, we might be in for an early winter. If we can cut off their supplies now, they will freeze to death before we can march on Sauville”. He mounts himself on his horse, and rides over to his troops.

“Alright! Fix bayonets! We are going to storm the village and try to follow the enemy!” The troops fixed their bayonets on their guns amid the shot and shell, the troops seemed to be ready to go in for the kill. The months of propaganda against Abetton had made these troops yearn for blood.

“Ready!...” The Phibetan cannon roars as the anxiety of the troops plauge them. “CHARGE!” The bugle calls as the troops shout and yell their battle cry as they advance toward their foe and into the village, their sharp bayonets pointed at their enemy.

Port Serenity, Abetton. August 1861.

The occupying garrison will have their work cut out for them in terms of rebuilding housing and essential services that will be controlled by them and maintaining order in the port to allow influence of Phibetan ideals that can help shorten the war. In order to do that, Captain Kelly had ordered that rations would be shared with locals, with her ordering extra rations from the storehouses in the Cartune Isles. It will take a while for new supplies to be transported from the overseas colonies, so rations are low now, but still better than nothing, which will keep the population at bay. It seemed like Abetton had resorted to scorch-earth tactics, which left no food for many people, citizens, freed slaves, and the occupying military. There were men already being rowdy that there is nothing to eat, which the regiment watch carefully with batons, supplied by the Weston Metropolitan Constable Force, ready to lay down the law.

Alice walks through the city in her rags, her bare feet calloused from the war-torn cobblestone streets in search of people to filp their loyalty. It was a good thing that she smeared herself in dust and ash to blend in with the destruction. She turned into an alleyway and saw a family scrounging through the trash looking for any leftovers that may be left as no more rations were being handed out to anyone now. Seems like a perfect chance to strike. She puts on her own pitiful self, swallowing her pride, and approaches them.

“Excuse me,” she starts meekly as if she had walked a long way from a village. “Is there any food that can be spared? I haven’t eaten anything in days”.

Katase Coast, Katase. August 1861

A few miles from their landing ground, and it seems that the cold winter of Katase was settling in to the main force. When they left earlier, it was the hot summer. Granted, they had their cotton heavy uniforms, but they did not totally prepare for the upper region’s winter chill, and all their winter material barring tea and biscuits, was not with them, so they began to feel the harsh winter chill and the march up to the border was beginning to slow down. Many of the soldiers began to freeze and shake from the chill.

“My lord!” says Captain Millena Thompson. “Should we not go back and get our winter supplies?”

“And wait for the entire war to end before our supplies can get here? Don’t be absurd” replies Lord Garland. “We must at least get our forces close to the battlefield before night falls”.

“Is it not freezing already my lord? Our troops will die before we even get to the field!”

“That is not my concern, we can’t win a war without losing a few troops. Good day”. Millena could say no more, and left the commander alone. The winter is beginning to hit the forces hard, not too much at first, but soon things would get worse. They all hoped that the war would be a swift jog up to the border and a short hop to Sauville, but this might actually last for a year. hopefully, they would reach a Katase village soon to recoup and march off again.

by **Abetton** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 11:25 am

Battle of Port Serenity August 1861

How long had it been? Hours, minutes? The battle was dragging on and on. Young Private Shaun Parker, a simple country boy from outside of Sauville, he was drawn in by the rallying cries of "Queen, Country, Glory and Honor" but what was honorable or glorious about this? Next to him his fellow soldiers fell, somehow he was spared but why? There was no rhyme or reason for it, he could be next. He was barely 17, still a boy but considered a man already! He struggled to reload his riffle as the endless volley of fire continued overhead and more and more of his men to his left and right were being grind into pulp. Enough was enough he was done, this war, what was it even for anymore? Frankly he forgotten and at this point he didn't care. He tossed his riffle aside running aimlessly into the smoke, not the best idea with artillery going off and explosions everywhere. In the smoke chaos and confusion he had stumbled behind enemy lines. While it seemed they were ready to gut him with their bayonetts he threw his arms up yelling "Please no more, no more, please please" he was surrendering for them.

The bugle calls for retreat the men began pulling their forces back still exchanging fire. The village just ahead was a little farming village that before had been untouched by the war but now it was the site of a soon to be military occupation. For now the Phibetan forces could take comfort in the warm south but again once they got further north they'd notice the temperatures would start to drop. This was Abetton's longest winter in recent memory and now the Queen and her army were going to take that to advantage.

Port Serenity

Evening began to set in the sounds of the gunfire and cannon fire began to fall silent the city was at a relative still now. The heavy clouds of smoke lingered behind, soon to be doused by the equally dark ominous rain clouds hanging overhead, maybe they'd get really lucky and a tropical storm would wipe away the Naval forces in port, well probably not but rain was certainly coming.

Elisabeth Alice Montgomery despite her classy and ritzy sounding name she was common as they came, and compared to others around she was doing okay for herself, as okay as one could be. Disgusted by this war, by this whole thing, she had been since the start and it only grew worse when she lost her husband and her brother in the war. He died for what? she sure didn't believe in slavery, she didn't care for the tyrannical queen with her iron fist. An old school mate of hers from way back when she was just a girl was killed for "sedition" for writing a critical editorial of Queen Beatrix. Ugh the system was just rotten. She had what she needed from the city and it was time to head on home soon but what was this, a girl who looked really disheveled had just approached her for something

"Oh poor little dear aren't ya?" She knelt down offering a loaf of bread she just purchased "Careful though, I know you must be very hungry but you must take time to eat." She knew a thing of two, her father a country doctor for many years. "What's your name, sweet thing? Seem like you've been through the mill." So many children were in her position right now, her heart ached for all of them of course, she was never above just handing her own food away. Worse case scenario she'd butcher her own livestock for meat, not the most ideal because that's prime money going down the drain, but how can she not help when so many are in need? "Mmmm" she looked at the sky as the light faded further from the day and the clouds thickened up "Little one, you have a place to stay? The church orphanage maybe?" If it was standing, to be real she didn't know, she really only came to town to do business and then back to her farm, which was outside the city and thankfully outside the battlefield as the the Abetton soldiers and Phibetan soldiers would be doing their northward trek.

by **Phibeta** » Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:33 pm

Outskirts of Port Serenity, Abetton. August 1861

The charge seemed to have worked, as the Abettonese troops began retreating, like the cowards they are. At least, that is what the forces were to believe. They will soon follow them all the way to the capitol, with their cannons not fully used yet, they will be roaring once they siege Sauville. Captain Nathan Callen of the 77th Battalion raised the flag of Phibeta over Talarist as it was now theirs. There was one soldier, a young private, that has surrendered to them just a few moments before they captured the village and before a private was able to thrust a bayonet into his heart, Nathan raises his hand.

“Seize your fire!” Cries, Captain Nathan. “Don’t kill him. He might be useful in gathering intel against the enemy. Have him designated as our prisoner of war”. The soldiers took the enemy by their hands, placing him under arrest. The charge continued until they were on the outskirts of the village they just captured, they halted and fired upon the retreating enemy, taking a few more lives until they were out of the rifle range. The evening was now falling over them, to continue now was going to be futile. They could do that and waste energy, men, and supplies. Or, they can rest up, build up more supplies, and then march forward the next day. However, It looked like a storm was brewing too. In the end, it was best to set up camp and just trudge along the road leading to Lillah. If they have to trudge through the rain and storm, it would have to suffice. They had enough supplies and horses to keep going for now.

“M’lord!” Dame Klara shouts to Lord Chadwick. “Your orders!”

“I believe, that we should set up camp for tonight here! The enemy seem to be far away now, but once we get going, I want a dispatch to be sent for a few soldiers of the Colonial Dragoon Guards to be stationed here to occupy the area. Gather as much food as you can from the fields to supplement our rations. It seems that the enemy is resorting to scorched earth tactics to halt our progress. That won’t stop us though. We will crush the enemy before they can even scorch more of the earth. For now though, our reliance of the Royal Navy is secured, we will have supply chains setup”. The officers salute their general, as they return to the campground where the troops begin to recover. In one location, a derelict hut, soldiers are stationed to guard their prisoner, tied to what was left of a chair. Captain Nathan takes a good look at his prisoner.

“Cheer up m’lad. You are in the presence of the Phibetan Army. We’ll get every secret and plan out of you”.

Port Serenity, Abetton. August 1861.

“Eris” she says in reply. Looks like the first recipient of this misinformation campaign is in her sights. She took pity on her unknowingly of her actual allegiance. She had to play the part to begin seeding discontent among the populous who were for the queen and the war. She handed her a loaf a bread and Alice took the bread from her hands. Breaking it in half, and began scarfing the half loaf down. She wasn’t starving, but military rations were not too great, so this was a nice change of taste.

“I know ma’am. Thank you, ma’am”. Looks like she was on to a good start. “It’s just that my mother and I, we just came to town looking for anything to eat. We lived in a small village a few miles down the road that way” she continued pointing to where the road heading out of town in the direction of smoke, probably from the Battle of Talarist.

“We were forced to burn our crops and food supplies by the army. My mother and I were left with nothing. We were hoping to find food. It seems there is nothing left. My mother hasn't eaten in days, we have been living in an abandoned stagecoach. There’s no food at the church, there isn’t even a church anymore. No one seems to have any more food, it’s all going to the army”. She puts on her best performance, and if she learned one thing from the Londonshire theatre where she used to perform before joining the army, was to play at the heartstrings. She shivered in her rags, as if she was freezing, to play into more of her sorrow. “It’s really cold ma’am. There’s going to be nothing left anymore. My mother says it’s all the Queen’s fault for starting this war”.

The Abettonese Heartland, Abetton, Nightfall, August 1861

They were farther in Abetton territory than the other regiments. They don’t know their exact location, but since their compasses were pointing to the north, and they came from the south. They should be a few miles from Port Serenity. These were the Royal Raiders of King Yohannes. Elite mounted light infantry that were able to evade enemy lines and perform covert operations, whether it be to free slaves, or begin slave rebellions, or blowing up supply chains and factories. They are a feared company by those have encountered them. So far, they were able to free slaves from plantations close by, blow up factories that were creating munitions, uniforms, and other supplies, and what is most critical, destroy lines of communication and roads to slow down the supply chain to a halt.

They have gone into the thick of enemy lines, in the forest and has stumbled upon a factory, one that seems to in the process of manufacturing cannons for the Abetton army, as the captain looks through her spyglass. In another building was the slave quarters. Looking disheveled for wear, a worn-out barn barely fit nor sanitary for human habitation. The captain of the raiders, Captain Suki Aomine steps down from her horse, signaling to her company to do the same. Horseshoes might cause attention to the raiders when they are in close to where people reside, which is something they don’t want, especially the slave owners and factory management. So for the time being, they will have to travel on foot, alert and ready to fire their weapons. At the edge of the forest was the clearing with the factory in just a small walk from where they are.

“Another factory lads” the captain whispers to her company quietly. “And slave quarters to boot. We shall take care of that soon enough”. She brings out her pistol and puts her saber in the scabbard, ready to be drawn in a moment’s notice. “Major Felisha, do you have the bombs ready?”

“Ready for use, ma’am”

“Right. We should get the slaves freed first. Felisha, Risa, you both will set up the explosive in the factory, be careful moving about. There might be a few guards on the look out. If you are caught, you are to take your daggers, cover their mouth, and slit their throats until they bleed out”.

“Ma’am” the two of them say.

“Mary, Charlene, you both come with me and help free the slaves”.

“Ma’am” those two reply. They split up in their fulfill their tasks. Two slip into the factory quietly evading the security, bombs and pistols in hand. As for the captain and her two crew, they begin chisel through the locks of the barn. They also look into ways of using their rifles to saw their way through the wood.

Into The Valley of Death (PT/GD ONLY)(IC)

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