1855 : Alternative Divergence [AH][IC][REBOOT]

[Oscalantine]

1855 : Alternative Divergence IC THREAD IC//OLDER OOC//OLD OOC//OOC//MAP-02.05.2016. OP - Oscalantine Main Co-OP - Second Helghan Empire Co-OP - Lenyo “Men make History, but not at the time he wishes.” – Karl Marx__________________________________ But for the sake of argument, what if we could? Be it a point of divergence or a whole new nation, what if we could make history EXACTLY at the point that we wish? Hello and welcome to Another Alternative Divergence, an AH/AW RP where the world is your oyster to do whatever you wish. For the sake of continuity, the time now is 1855 C.E., and nations are expanding in a world not quite yet sobered by war for annihilation. What would be your vision of a world shaped by the nation that you call your own? Few ground rules for dispute settlement: If it is not on the app or prior post, it isn’t real Don’t make wild assumptions if there wasn’t a prior “claims” to your fame. Uniqueness = strength Not saying that you should throw ducks at people and call it unique, but clever tactics would be awarded… and Iranian style of “million men army” and American style of “I throw my money at problems and things go away” will be punished. We are here to RP, not play a game of Risk, right? Timeskips are announced by OP The OP will decide the CURRENT year of the IC post. This will be updated in yearly intervals. Assume IRL unless otherwise We have A LOT of historical paradoxes… don’t mind the elephant in the room. Unless it is app played by RPer, all NPC nations have IRL values unless changed by the players. Similarly, all histories are also IRL unless changed… which by this time around probably has been fudged in every twist and turns. Colonial Rule Few things to keep in mind for colonial region: Colonial Rule applies to everyone not in the "Western" or "Oriental" culture. Basically, you declare yourself western or oriental, everyone says alright... you are that culture group. Colonial Rule applies to colonies made by Western or Oriental culture group that is NOT connected to the mainland. So... basically your colonies These lands where Colonial Rule applies can be taken without consent from both parties. You are allowed to invade, keep the occupation without resistance until the OP realizes it, then it is yours. Similarly, ex-owner can come into its defense and take those lands back. Annexing Rule Assume IRL history at earliest possible point (i.e. Since Ottomans did not exist, Egypt would have to follow post-Napoleon Mamulks or something of that nature). Questions on this can be asked to OP for more direction. When attacking NPC nation without anyone's intervention, quote the post to any OPs after 1 page of occupation. you can claim up to three (3) provinces at once in this way Should you be challenged before 1 page has passed, standard procedure for war and negotiations begins. After 1 page of waiting, contact the OP (or OP just sees you sitting with your soldiers) and it is yours for the rest of the RP until otherwise. RP Battles Few things to keep in mind for fighting with another RPers. In all seriousness, battles should be planned rather than spontaneous. However, there is no reason to not have spontaneous battles. Tactics > Troop size. This applies regardless of size difference. Admitting defeat will stack in your favor. There is a list, and I am check them twice. Firstly... unless it is a predetermined war over OOC as to who will win or lose... the OP or Co-OP will be deciding who wins and who loses That being said... here are factors that will determine who wins and who loses. This is in the order of significance... with 1 being the primary factor to 5 being less important factor. Diplomacy: Alliance = Less Attrition. Your supply lines are better established, your troops have morale boost since there is a friend in the battlefields, and your navy isn't as taxed covering ALL your colonies. IRL principle goes here. More participants would mean better war. Military Strength/Weaknesses: I believe I have told EVERYONE that this is important, right? Well... I have been making a separate, off-line resource of everyone's military strengths and weaknesses when you make apps. The system will work like this: how you use your strength to your advantage and how you cover your weaknesses would put points to realism, and therefore earning my bias on the ruling. Now... for those who were jerks and didn't give me all too much information to work with, or have given me only numbers... you have an uphill battle against those who have MOUNTAIN of information ^^;;; Previous Precedence: This is for fairness. If you lost a war/battle before, those points will be stacked towards your advantage. Therefore, a clever tactician can lose smaller battles to win points for a decisive battle that is to come. Similarly, a clever tactician can gobble up as much victory as possible, then make peace before "going bust." this aspect is also part of IRL wars after all, so I thought it should be involved... plus it makes everything kind of more fair ^^ Quality of Post: As I have been singing on about for quite a bit... quality = epic-win. Of course... quantity does not mean quality, so be careful not to overwrite when a few well-placed sentences would do. The quality I am referring to is how clever your tactics are... how you use your terrain, alliances, your own military, etc. to your advantage. Those who essentially "A-move," to quote a RTS terms, will be penalized. Great Person: Basically your special generals and admirals. The event is already under way to give you that special someone, and it will only increase as many events comes. If these people are active in your IC posts (and not whipped out JUST for the war), then you will get advantage for having them participate in the battle. They are your aces, and they should have a lot of background surrounding them... which can be earned through your IC posts (ESPECIALLY DURING EVENTS). They will win battles, so please raise them with care ^^ Accepted Applications - Updated 2016-01-24 Cuprum - Republiek Argentinië Cabana - Suid-Afrikaanse Republiek Second Helghan Empire - Greater Hansa Federation Elerian - Greater Commonwealth of Saxahvall Tracian Empire - Imperium Romanum Cymrea - United Kingdom of Cambria Lenyo - Second French Republic Old Tyrannia - Dai Nippon Teikoku Benuty - The American Commonwealth Eurasian Hegemony - Union of the Holy Papal States and The Kingdom of Christendom Oscalantine - Imperial States of Korea Of the Quendi - The Brazilian Empire Imperialisium - The Austrasian Empire Rygondria - The Kingdom Of the Netherlands Zionatra - United Kingdom of Israel Novacom - Aztek Ascendancy Western Imperial Union - Cheng Dynasty of the Chinese Empire Conwy-shire - The Kingdom of Courland Obilisia - Neo Russian Empire The Ik Ka Ek Akai - The Kingdom of Nepal Vulkanas - The Kingdom of Sweden Orthodox States - The Theodemocracy of Deseret The Greater Dutch Republic - Grand Duchy of Gotland The Greater Dutch Republic - Second Kingdom of Brittany --- map updated above this point --- Current Events - Updated 2015-12-31 [EVENT #1] - Last Age of Piracy [Completed]

[Oscalantine]

Current Treaties and Alliances - Updated 2015-12-31

• The United Kingdom of Cambria, Greater Federation of Hansa and Second French Republic have established a joint-institutional military and economic alliance.
• The purpose of the alliance is “to form a shield or defensive network between member nations.”

1. Defensive Alliance – Mutual defensive pact to defend each other’s interests
   • If one of the member nation is the aggressor of the conflict, other members are not obliged to be involved
2. All members will reduce tariffs against member nations to 20%.
3. Open borders and ports to member nations
   • Borders and ports are to be opened to both military and civilian transits
4. Technology and Legacy Swap – Free exchange of technology and ideas to allow each member to benefit from another’s advantages
5. Technology and Legacy Swap – Military academies of each members’ nations will be open to cadets from every member nation, allowing for military tactics to be freely shared between all parties.
6. Mutual economic cooperation
   • Favorable interest rates (not specified) towards member nations by member nations’ banks
   • Allowance for member nations’ companies to operate anywhere within the member nations
   • Collective economic actions such as embargo and blockades towards non-member nations.

• The Greater Federation of Hansa, The Austrasian Empire, and Union of the Holy Papal States and The Kingdom of Christendom have established a joint-institutional military and economic alliance.
• The purpose of the alliance is “to form a shield or defensive network between member nations.”

1. Defensive Alliance – Mutual defensive pact to defend each other’s interests
   • If one of the member nation is the aggressor of the conflict, other members are not obliged to be involved
2. All members will reduce tariffs against member nations to 20%.
3. Open borders and ports to member nations
   • Borders and ports are to be opened to both military and civilian transits
4. Technology and Legacy Swap – Free exchange of technology and ideas to allow each member to benefit from another’s advantages
5. Technology and Legacy Swap – Military academies of each members’ nations will be open to cadets from every member nation, allowing for military tactics to be freely shared between all parties.
6. Mutual economic cooperation
   • Favorable interest rates (not specified) towards member nations by member nations’ banks
   • Allowance for member nations’ companies to operate anywhere within the member nations
   • Collective economic actions such as embargo and blockades towards non-member nations.

• Spearheaded by United Kingdom of Cambria and Imperium Romanum, the Suez Treaty is an economic treaty to construct Suez Canal to promote international trade
• Investors from Second French Republic, Greater Hansa Federation, Aztek Ascendency, Repuliek Argentinie, and Mitsui and Sumimoto Conglomerates (Dai Nippon Teikoku) have pledged support and invested into the construction of the Canal for rights to use the canal at a discounted price.

1. Joint Project – The costs and fundraising responsibility of the construction will be shared equally by both parties.
   • Both parties will equally contribute cost (capital) and work (labor) to the project as equally as possible.
   • Investors will obtain “Certificate of Investment”, which will guarantee return on their investment as well as rights to use the completed Suez Canal at a discounted price.
2. The ownership of the completed canal will be shared equally between both parties.

• The United Kingdom of Cambria and Imperial State of Korea has signed the following agreements into effect for the mutual defense and prosperity of their colonial region:

1. Defensive Alliance – Mutual regional colonial defensive pact
   • At any time when our nation’s colonies are threatened with conflict with a foreign power of significance, the other party will send aid and support to the said colony. This will pertain to Australia and Spice Island region only, and this will disregard whether any of the parties have declared an offensive war or is responding to a defensive war.
2. Mutual Guarantee of Colonial Sovereignty – Both nations will acknowledge that the Australia and its pertained territories belong to the Cambrian possession, while the Spice Islands and its pertained territories belong to Korean possession. Should a case rise where we much colonize the territories within this range of acknowledgement, a prior letter must be sent and accepted by both parties.
   • Should the two nations find themselves in an opposite sides in a war, neither nations will engage each other in our colonies (which include all of Cambrian and Korean colonies) in an intent of hostile takeover. The only instance where a colonial sovereign can be taken from each other is through a ratified and signed treaty from both parties, be a peace negotiation or a meeting as equals.
   • Both nations will open our ports to merchant ships from each other’s nations at all times. This treaty will last even during the case of war, even if both nations find themselves at opposite sides in a war. Ships controlled by each other’s navy is an exception to this rule, and will only be allowed access depending on each country’s tactical necessity. During the time when both nation’s merchant ships and their respective merchants are at another harbor, both the ships and the merchants will be guaranteed security and safety until they leave the sight of the lighthouse of the said harbor.
3. Lowered Tariff Trade Agreement – Both nations will reduce the tariffs to each other’s trade goods by 30%, promoting mutual trade between the two nations. This will include all the goods from both colonies and mainland.
4. Both nations will open Embassies to better establish communication between each other.
   • Korean Embassy will be established in Londinium
   • Cambrian Embassy will be established within Imperial Palace of Hanyang

• Second Republic of France and Imperial States of Korea has entered into alliance to stabilize the relations between the two nations with following agreements:

1. Defensive Alliance – Both parties will come to the aid of another in the case of defensive war.
   • Should either side by the aggressor of the conflict, the other party is not obliged to react
2. Each party will enter into economic ties of convenience during war as well as peace.
   • Regardless of political situations, civilian vessels between both nations will have access to ports and shall be regarded with diplomatic immunity.
   • As long as the personnel obeys the order of the port authorities, military vessels and personnel can also have access to each other’s ports regardless of political situations with diplomatic immunity.
3. Technology and Legacy Swap – French and Korean engineers will visit each other’s countries to learn the construction and engineering of each other’s civilian as well as military ship design.
4. Legacy Swap – Korean religious ministers of Cheondoism will be allowed access to Catholic Churches of Second French Republic, where the ministers will learn of religious rites and ceremonies of Catholic Church.

• Cheng Dynasty of Chinese Empire and Imperial State of Korea has acknowledged and agreed to preservation of each other’s dominion within the following agreements:

1. Full Military Alliance – Both nations will support the protection and expansion of each other’s ambitions and interests.
   • In the case of war, both nations will support each other in respective conflicts however possible
2. Both parties will recognize each other’s sovereignty within their respective dominion and colonies.
3. Both parties will open borders and ports to each other to promote economic ties
   • Each nation’s merchants will be encouraged to utilize other’s ports and trade centers as part of preferred trading partner agreement
4. Joint Project – A railway network will be constructed between mainland Korea through Kingdom of Balhae (Korea’s puppet state) into Chinese mainland. The project will be funded mostly by Imperial State of Korea, with labor forces from Cheng Dynasty of Chinese Empire supporting the capital
5. Embassies will be constructed to establish better communication between parties.
   • Chinese Embassy will be constructed within Imperial Palace in Hanyang
   • Korean Embassy will be constructed within Nanjing

• Aztek Ascendency and Second French Republic has entered into alliance of mutual benefit with following agreements:

1. Defensive Alliance – Both parties will come to the aid of another in the case of defensive war.
   • Should either side by the aggressor of the conflict, the other party is not obliged to react
2. Both nations will allow access to ports to each other’s civilian vessels
3. Technology and Legacy Swap – Each nation’s intellectuals will be sent on an exchange program to learn from each other’s technology and cultures

• For the purpose of recognizing and protecting each other’s legitimacy as imperial powers in the East, Dai Nippon Teikoku and Imperial States of Korea has entered into alliance with the following agreements:

1. Both parties will recognize each other’s colonial borders.
   • Imperial States of Korea will further acknowledge Siberian region as colonial inheritance of Dai Nippon Teikoku
2. Full Military Alliance – Both parties will enter into mutual alliance of convenience, where at the request of another, the other will join the call to arms so as long as doing so will not conflict with called’s national interest.
3. Perpetual Peace Treaty – Both parties will declare mutual peace treaty towards one another. Both parties will not engage in any hostile activities against each other.
   • Both parties are prohibited from blockading or otherwise harming each other’s economic ambitions unless a prior announcement and acknowledgement is reached.
4. Both parties will reduce tariffs on each other’s imported goods to 20%.
   • Each nation’s merchants will be encouraged to utilize other’s ports and trade centers as part of preferred trading partner agreement
5. Embassies will be constructed to establish better communication between parties.
   • Japanese Embassy will be constructed within Imperial Palace in Hanyang
   • Korean Embassy will be constructed within Kyoto

• For mutual improvement and protection against the harsh realities of the world, the Imperium Romanum and Imperial States of Korea have agreed to following terms of alliance:

1. Full Military Alliance – Both parties will enter into mutual alliance of convenience, where at the request of another, the other will join the call to arms so as long as doing so will not conflict with called’s national interest.
2. Joint Project - Imperial States of Korea will cede Bubiyan Island and its surroundings to Imperium Romanum for a joint development project.
   • Imperium Romanum is responsible for keeping law and order in the region, as well as coming to its defense in the case of conflict.
   • Imperial States of Korea is responsible for developing the region to serve as joint base of operations for both military and civilian purposes by both nations, which includes maintenance of Roman fleet docked in the port.
   • While the denizens of the region are subject to Roman administration and thus Roman legal system, the merchants of Chuk-Jae-Do will enjoy diplomatic immunity in the region and will be subject only to the Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do.
3. Both parties will reduce tariffs on each other’s imported goods to 20%.
   • Each nation’s merchants will be encouraged to utilize other’s ports and trade centers as part of preferred trading partner agreement
4. Joint Project - Imperium Romanum and Imperial States of Korea would construct and maintain a railway stretching from joint-port in Persian Gulf towards Constantinople.
   • Each nation will take responsibility for half of the cost of the project.
   • Further lines can be constructed as seen fit, but the cost of the additional projects would be subject to further negotiations.
5. Technology Swap - Imperial States of Korea will send engineers, merchants, and project planners to rural areas of Middle East region with focus on industrializing and modernizing Imperium Romanum.
6. Legacy Swap - Imperium Romanum will send generals and tacticians to Imperial States of Korea to reorganize and discipline Korean military to Roman standards.

• For mutual benefit and defense, The Kingdom of Courland and The Kingdom of Nepal has entered into alliance with the following agreements:

1. Technology Swap – The Kingdom of Courland will provide technological aid to the Kingdom of Nepal.
2. Protectorate Status - The Kingdom of Nepal will allow establishment of Curonian firms access to Nepali markets, establish protected trade routes, and provide exclusive trade rights to Curonian companies in exchange for protection.
   • Curonian guns manufactury will be established within the Nepali territory, but in exchange 75% of all manufactured arms from this industry will go directly to Nepali armed forces.
   • The Kingdom of Nepali will provide its elite armed forces (Gurkhas) for the use of the Kingdom of Courland. Exact number of deployment will vary between negotiations.
   • The Kingdom of Courland will pledge its goodwill to the Kingdom of Nepal to provide help when needed.
3. Westernization Pledge - The Kingdom of Courland pledges to offer aid and support for Nepali Westernization.

• For mutual benefit and defense, Dai Nippon Teikoku and The Brazilian Empire has entered into alliance with the following agreements:

1. Military Pact of Convenience – The signatories agree that in the event that either party finds itself at war with more than one other Power, the other party shall be required to come to their aid, unless specifically requested not to intervene by the first party.
2. Both parties agree to following region of their respective sovereignty
   • The Brazilian Empire agrees to acknowledge Japan's territorial claims to eastern Siberia, with North America west of the 141st meridian being regarded for the purposes of this treaty as constituting part of Siberia and therefore part of Japanese Empire. Additionally, the Brazilian Empire recognises Japanese sovereignty over the Kappashotō and Seiryūshotō regions.
   • The Great Japanese Empire agrees to recognise Brazil's territorial claims to the Spice Islands and all the Lands of the former Portuguese Empire.
   • The signatories agree to consult one another over any colonisation efforts in the Pacific Ocean so as to avoid clashes of interest.
   • The Great Japanese Empire agrees to consult the Brazilian Empire before taking any action that may affect Brazil's interests in the Americas, and both signatories agree to consult one another over any action that may affect the interests of the other party in the Southeast Asia and Pacific regions.
3. The Great Japanese Empire agrees to the establishment of a permanent Brazilian diplomatic mission to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan in Kyoto, and the Brazilian Empire agrees to the establishment of a permanent Japanese diplomatic mission to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Brazil in Brasília. (establishment of embassies)

Recognized Great Persons - Updated 2015-12-31

Great Admirals are leaders of nation's navies. The higher the level of Great Admiral, the greater influence he or she will have in the field of battle just by his or her very presence.

• Bloody Mary [Level - I] - Aztek Ascendancy
• Laura Angenent [Level - I] - Imperial States of Korea
• Liu Bang [Level - I] - Dai Nippon Teikoku
• Luitger “Wiseman” Jollenbeck [Level - I] - Greater Hansa Federation

[Oscalantine]

Current Events in Progress - Updated 2015-12-31

N//A

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

नेपाल अधिराज्य

लक्ष्मीर्वसति जिह्वाग्रे। जिह्वाग्रे मित्रबान्धवा:। जिह्वाग्रे बन्धनं प्राप्तं जिह्वाग्रे मरणं ध्रुवम्।
Prosperity resides on the tip of the tongue, friends are found there on it. The tip of your tongue has the capacity to arrest you and verily death resides on it for sure.

The hills and valleys of Nepal were a striking sight for any. The men of Europe wrote often about their beauties, both natural and crafted. The Himalayan rubies were famous around the world for their brilliant color. The majestic mountains soared into the air, while the vibrant valleys resided between them, rivers with water more pure than life itself flowing delicately and gently, all creatures within living in harmony. The fish swam the rivers. The tiger ate the fish. Man hunted the tiger. His queen wore its skin and slept on its fur. So it was, Dharma, the way that all things had always been and always would be, a perfect harmony carrying forth on the breezes of time. Everything had its life, everyone had their role, and it was the duty of each and every living thing to do this, in life and death, that peace may be maintained.

Many villages dotted the landscape of this wondrous range. Small farming communities, travelling merchants and herders, and even much larger cities sprawled across the landscape. Kathmandu, the capital of the great and holy kingdom, blessed by Vishnu personally, was the center for Nepali culture. It had a minority of people known simply as the Newar, who were an interesting blend between the Tibetic peoples and the Aryan ones. The dominant ethnicity by far were the Khas, also known as the Gurkhas for their ancient kingdom's capital. On the Khas throne was the queen, Avani, of the Gupta dynasty. The Guptas began long ago in Magadha, traditionally ruling over Bihar. Their origin is unknown, but this was their first and second kingdom. The third, now, is that of Nepal. Having long ago united the lands, the Guptas earned their place upon the golden and silk throne.

Avani was a woman of means. She did what she had to in order to ensure the survival of her nation, though this was never as clandestine as it would at first appear. She was, over all, virtuous in this aspect. She was humble, realizing the weaknesses of her country. She was patient in taking measures to solve this issue. She was kind to all, regardless of ethnicity or religion. This last part, especially, was a necessity. A tradition long upheld by the Guptas, and native Indian rulers as a whole, tolerance mattered more in Nepal than anywhere else. There were large portions of Buddhists and Animists, and as much as one third of the country was composed of various Tibetic peoples. The Hindu Khas were only about two thirds of the population, and so intolerance was simply something she could not afford to have.

Avani had been keeping up a tradition started by her grandfather. Nepal was a leading producer of many tropical crops, largely nuts, but the most prominent and profitable by far was the rubber tree. Its sap provided a waterproof and elastic substance that had many practical uses when manufactured. Adhesives, wheels, and even select articles of clothing could be crafted from the strange substance. Scholars of the nation reported that it was even used to make balls for sport in days long past within the jungles of Mexico, a distant place with admirable cultures. Avani had, in fact, been a participant in more than a few commercial processes. After all, who better to endorse a product internationally than a leader?

There were a few items of this make lying around. A cast of her hand had been made, and it had proved useful in the past for fitting gloves properly. They were not part of Indian fashion, but for a few generations, Nepal had been more concerned with fitting a "Western" appearance to diplomats while maintaining their own cultural dress as well. On this matter, she had also been gifted a matching pair of gloves based around the caste. They had all the benefits a lady could desire of the finer leathers available, those being smoothness, softness, and relative elasticity. They could even be made wet without consequence. They were much more elastic than leather, as well, and thus generally proved a much better fit for her. Even still, they did not see much usage, were less durable than leathers, and were mostly there simply because they were gifted. They aided advertising when a funny flash-box was brought from Europe to rapidly create most accurate depictions of her dipping her hands in a pond and pulling them out, removing the gloves to demonstrate absolute dryness. These pictures were reprinted on a large scale and sent to industrialists across the world to show the benefits of the material that Nepal was selling for so cheap relative to its actual value.

She did admit that the gloves provided were comfortable enough, providing good warmth and seeming a good fit for multiple people. It was, at some point, suggested she replace all her leathers with the material, as the collection of sap from a tree required no harm to animals, pleasing the more radical religious authorities in her kingdom, and especially pleasing the scattered Jains. She thought the idea silly, and neglected to carry forth. Still, though, the miracle material was being incorporated more and more into usage within Nepal. Boots for the soldiers, for example, would keep their feet dry and require much less maintenance, no matter how much snow there was. A minor convenience more than anything else, but every idea that the Nepali innovators came up with was just another selling point in the propaganda.

This miracle material brought Nepal much wealth since its smuggling to the country decades ago. The world had, before this point, not been too aware of the miracle qualities of the substance, and Brazil had, more or less, a monopoly on it for what limited usage it had. By opening the market for it, Nepal secured itself as a trade power. No longer a small kingdom waiting for the guiding hand of the Europeans, but a developed region with a sense for economics. This, more than anything, secured its place in the world to all those around it.

Yet, for all its wealth, Nepal was still behind in technology. Not too far behind, but far enough to cause worries. Guns were standard, but they were outdated. Nepal had only these to work with, higher officers being given their limited more modern guns from the previous decade. Avani knew this issue, and knew that all she needed was a secure line to acquire such modern weaponry. Nepal's position should be impossible to invade should such technology reach them, their Himalayan kingdom secure. One of Avani's generals, a Newar by the name of Bhintuna, was in charge of economic defense. His group was tasked with guarding the plantations, and was given the best weaponry that could be granted by the state, even better than Avani's own guard. Those smuggled plants were, after all, key to success for the small kingdom.

Avani looked around her room, assorted goods scattered. A few decorated saris, a shelf of perfumes, one or two Western dresses and all the messy goods that accompany Western fashion, the gifts provided by her plantations, and of course a silken bed. She walked to the window and looked out over the pristine wilderness of Nepal, easily visible from her high viewpoint. This land was destined for greatness. She could feel it, just by looking at the nature outside of Kathmandu. There was such diversity in the land, and the position was highly advantageous. She did not expect to see the old Gupta empire reunited under her rule, and perhaps never again, but this land was her home. She was as Khas as any other, and one simply has to root for their homeland. Thus, Nepal's future rest in her soft, but firm grip, and the future yet untold may hold riches, hopefully, of both material and immaterial sort for centuries to come.

A new diplomatic mission, perhaps, could lead the way.

[Cymrea]

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, hereby make the following announcements to the world at large:

The Hudson's Bay Company of Canada has entered into treaty negotiations on behalf of the Crown and Government with the aboriginal peoples of the Haida, Salish, and Tsimshian tribes - predominant in the region - for dominion and development of the Pacific coastal areas of Cambrian Columbia, including the Queen Charlotte Islands and Alaska panhandle to the 60th Parallel; and with the Tlingit, Dene, and Athapaskan tribes of Yukon for possession and development of the southwestern region to the 141st Meridian - displayed below.



The Crown and Government of Cambria recognise and respect the efforts of the Empire of Japan to establish colonies and develop the Aleutian and Alaskan region. Cambria declares that the above mentioned regions satisfy all ambitions in the region, and that Cambria stands ready to assist Japan in its endeavours there.

The Cambrian East India Company has entered into negotiations on behalf of the Crown and Government with the Greater Commonwealth of Saxahvall to invest in the development of local resources and their export, as well as import contracts for goods from the nations of the Atlas League.

The Suez Canal Company has announced that the Canal project is just over halfway complete, thanks in part to the generous support of international investors. In just four or five more years, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea shall be connected, rendering circumnavigation of Africa a thing of the past. Further, the Company has committed some number of personnel and supplies to an international endeavour to once and for all discover the source of the mighty and mysterious Nile River.

The Cambrian North Africa Company has begun explorations into the interior of West Africa, as well as undeveloped coastal areas to both west and east. The need to protect local gem mining companies and the loyal citizens of Ivory Coast has led to the construction of naval stations and army garrisons.

And finally, the Cambrian Australasian Company has reorganised to become the Bank of New South Wales. Headquartered in Sydney, the Bank is the primary financier for Australian development.

[Cymrea]

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aztek Ascendancy

On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, it is my great honour to propose a diplomatic summit to discuss closer relations and the future of a stable and prosperous America. It is hoped that the convention may take place in Tenochtitlan and result in an historically cooperative era between Cambria and the Ascendancy.

For our delegation, we appoint the Right Honourable Sir Persicus William Doyle as the Legatus Extraterritorialis to the Aztek Ascendancy.


Ever in service,

Right Honourable Meredith Aurelia Rhys-Jones, Praetor Extraterritorialis
Royal Cambrian Senate
for HM Queen Victoria

[Cymrea]

Vancouver, Cambrian Columbia

Sir Persicus Doyle stood with his hands clasped behind his back, casting bespectacled hazel eyes down to the evergreen shores of the Fraser River. Steaming south from the harbour were transport ships carrying construction supplies and equipment bound for Victoria, the new provincial capital. The patrol frigates from Esquimalt were working overtime to ensure the safety of the Cambrian ships, warding off any potential threats from the tribal chiefs in Puget Sound. Soon, he too would be southbound, headed for the Aztek capital on a diplomatic mission to not only establish formal relations with the Azteks, but also to begin outlining a strategy for securing the Pacific northwest of the former Confederation of California. The collapse of that government had erased any centralised control of its constituent tribes - if ever there was any.

There was a broad swathe of northern America just south of where Doyle stood, and it was of paramount importance that order, if not civilisation, be brought to it. Louisianne would want to expand their holdings - which was fine by him - though he imagined the Azteks would have a different opinion, one they would express vociferously. So long as the border along the 49th Parallel was respected and maintained, Cambria had no ambitions in the open region. This allowed Doyle a great deal of freedom to offer Cambrian assistance in the ambitions of others. Which in turn would encourage resource and trade agreements and rules of law; two things Cambria cherished greatly: peaceful stability and prosperity.

A diminutive woman with mahogany skin entered the office, carrying a silver tray with a steaming pot of tea. The rich scent announced its Indian origin; Darjeeling was one of Doyle's favourites. On the tray next to the pot were a porcelain cup and a small plate bearing a toasted Welsh muffin and marmalade. Doyle took his tea without milk, sugar, or lemon.

"Thank you, Mrs. Mehta," he said to the woman, and she left with only a nod.

[Lenyo]

Pau Miquel Agramunt had experienced swift career advancement in the last three years. As a boy he knew that he would be doomed to the textile mill, just like his family was, but the Catalan War had changed everything. Catalonia was now free from the Andalusian Caliphate, and the region was united with its cultural brothers, the French. No longer a mere militiaman, Lieutenant Agramunt commanded an Algerian platoon along the border of Morocco. French Intelligence had confirmed that the Alaouite Dynasty in Morocco was supporting rebel movements in Algeria, hoping to unseat French rule. Guerrilla war had made routine patrols around Tlemcen unreasonably difficult. Displaced clansmen raided French homesteads at night, and the Pieds-Noirs cried out for vengeance against the rebels. And since the raiders targeted farms that could be easily looted instead of well-armed French regiments, the Pieds-Noirs saw the rebels as dishonorable monsters.

Whenever possible, Algerian rebels retreated into Morocco, where they would receive safe haven. The Alaouite Dynasty supplied the raiders with food and guns, and injured rebels could recuperate in the neutral sultanate. Morocco's neutrality would no longer be permitted to threaten French lives and property. Ten of thousands of French soldiers had amassed on the Moroccan border, and Naval Group Mediterranean had blockaded Morocco's coastline. The time was ripe for invasion. Morocco amassed a cavalry army near the border, seeing that war was nigh. However, the Moroccan military did not realize how disadvantageous a majority-cavalry army was in the modern era, especially countered by concentrated infantry fire. France had a professional army, while Morocco still depended upon irregulars.

Battle of Isly

France did not even bother to declare war, viewing its conflict with Morocco as an extension of its counterinsurgency in Algeria. Mohammed IV, the sultan's own son, commanded the Moroccan forces, but the incompetent 14-year-old prince was no match for the famous Marshal Thomas Robert Bugeaud, the commander who had popularized the techniques of flying columns and razzias against Algerian rebels. Despite being outnumbered at Isly, France routed the Morrocan cavalry at the River Isly, and the Republic's far superior artillery proved devastating against a technologically inferior foe. Thomas Robert Bugeaud had organized Algeria's roads to benefit military campaigns, so 30,000 French reinforcements poured into Morocco, quickly pushing the sultanate out of its Mediterranean provinces.

Lieutenant Pau Miquel Agramunt participated in the Battle of Isly, having the great honor of capturing Prince Mohammed IV. This outcome pleased Marshal Thomas Robert Bugeaud. Holding the sultan's son as prisoner would surely accelerate peace negotiations. The day after the Battle of Isly, the French Navy relentlessly bombarded the Moroccan city of Mogador. Mogador Island was defended by a mere 5 batteries, and the fort only had outdated military surplus purchased from the United Kingdom years ago. No French ships were destroyed in the naval operation.

Bombardment of Mogrador

Following the bombardment, the French entered the city and decisively sabotaged Morocco's naval and army infrastructure. Moroccan forts were set ablaze, and French soldiers exploded partially constructed ships in the Moroccan harbors. Morocco's naval strength had been obliterated, and the coasts fell to France. The sultanate was forced to retreat inward towards the Atlas Mountains. Though the war had begun spectacularly, further operations would be necessary to deal a devastating blow to the Sultanate of Morocco.

[Cymrea]

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: John Tyler, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, American Commonwealth

On behalf of the Governor General of Canada, I propose to you and your government a joint project that shall establish a transcontinental railroad stretching from Vancouver, Cambrian Columbia, across the prairie provinces, around the Great Lakes, along and across the St. Lawrence seaway, to Halifax on your Atlantic coast. This would hopefully connect also to your existing rail lines extending south.

A Transcontinental Railway can only benefit our nations greatly and further enhance our trade and mobility. I look forward to your government's reply.


Ever in service,

Right Honourable Sir John Secundus Fiannus Crampton, Legatus Extraterritorialis to the American Commonwealth
Royal Cambrian Diplomatic Corps
for HM Queen Victoria

[Novacom]

It is with some trepidation that I begin this enterprise, Truthfully although it has been in the grand scheme of things it seems like an eternity has passed, and so I shall start at the beginning, or at least from when I last put pen to paper over such things. It all started when the Dread Pirate Iron Chin invaded the Ascendancy, taking the southern districts and the District Capitol Chichen Itza, quite what he was hoping to achieve I don’t think anybody know, it all happened so quickly, almost at the same time as we heard what had happened we heard that the Dread Bloodbeard was dead. The Guild Congress was as ever sluggish to reply, bogged down in procedure and protocol, however to be fair to them our system needed them, we operated so much in the unknown none of us wanting to admit that that situation would be permanent.

Now some of you may be wondering what I mean by this small diversion, I shall be brief in my explanation, our Huey Tlatoani, or Great Speaker, Nochehuatl Texcoyo had vanished without a trace he had no heirs and there was little appetite to replace him due to at the time we were in the process of reforming the system. The man was beloved by all, he was a man of the people and when he vanished the nation had lost something great, it also left the body politic in a state of limbo, the great thrust of the reforms had been of our political structure, the first phase had already been completed. The creation of The Maxitia, in our native tongue it means to get closer, in this context it means tight knit closeness, some would also call them Commune’s, and they wouldn’t be wrong, local communities or Syndicates where co-operation is the ideal. These groups were local communities who would work together economically and in other aspects and in doing so they would grow stronger together, it was an ideal given airing by out of our noted luminaries of political thought, Pilne Ilan'zō.

Like Karl Marx of France he forwarded the idea of power flowing from the people to the people, while Marxism espoused what others were touting as Communism, those of Ilan’zōnist thought were dubbed as espousing Syndicalism. To be fair both ideals have their benefits and both flow from the societies in which they were formulated, and in truth both are more fitting for their locales, Now I know it may seem we have wandered from the point of the original detour, however our Huey Tlatoani was a great admirer of Pilne Ilan'zō. Therefore he had a great deal of zeal in seeing those ideals realised, and in truth it wasn’t overly hard Aztek Society has ever been meritocratic with a small nobility with limited powers, however this small elite ended up forming the core of the guilds, and held as a result great sway over the Guild Congress. As a result we had a system where in fact very few representatives of the actual people became delegates, and in a shocking show of cynicism the small few were made ministers and the like with me myself being made Chairman of the Guild Congress.

I have digressed enough, now back to Iron Chin, the Guild Congress dragged their feet in response, however they did agree to declare a state of emergency, in doing so however they enabled me to empower the military to act accordingly, something of a poisoned chalice as we were to discover later. Back to the point I swiftly met with Jade Eagle, the military commander of our southern front, and thus the bulk of the fighting fell to him, the man is a paragon of Aztek Ideals, his past is known to precious few, he had shorn his family ties upon entering the military again this time by choice, for you see all serve in the military as part of their youth, however some elect to return. He was one such man and he had always proven himself to be adept at the ways of war, he even took up a new identity and a new face, and he had earned the rank of General, however we simply referred to him by the new name he had forged for himself, Jade Eagle. He had summoned his commanders to him and lain his plans well, and less than a fortnight later the Southern Districts were once more under our control, at the price of a scant handful of casualties, I later found out that this was the result the Panther Prides. A Militant order like the more famous Jaguar Warriors they specialised in stealth and subterfuge and had been at the tip of our spears in the liberation and in doing so had netted us an at the time unknown boon, the great lady, Bloody Mary.

Bloody Mary, quite the character I can tell you, the daughter of Bloodbeard and the inheritor of his legacy, of course we didn’t quite find out that particular detail for a few weeks yet, she had been blackmailed by Iron Chin to lead an occupation force, her family having been held hostage. However she was able to extricate herself when the Pride’s stormed the command post in which she was reposing, she was quick to offer a deal, her help in aid and in return we would free her family, the deal was swiftly made and fulfilled. In the aftermath of this she swore that she would return before leaving for destinations unknown, we later found out that she had gone to a meeting of the pirates and stared down Iron Chin, who had sought to rally more pirates to his banner.

While she was absent we begun preparations for the next step in our war, the isles of the Sea of Aztlan, we knew that we would need to take the war to Iron Chin and these pirates, and so we began rallying our forces, without Bloody Mary this would have been much harder a task. For we have until this point made little effort in regards to Naval Warfare however we did have a token force in both bodies of water to our sides. Fortunate that this now was, for when Bloody Mary returned Jade Eagle was ready to begin, the lady swiftly outlines with Jade Eagle a plan of attack to make the Sea ours, a plan that was swiftly enacted, and while we began to sweep the seas of pirates, we also began landings on several of the isles, one of which would come to be known as Jamaica. The Cambrians had also taken to the seas and their aid proved most useful, as did our French friends, and in less than a month the seas were ours, it was at this point that Bloody Mary declared her intent to leave the fleet.

Her reasons were her own but she did say that it would ultimately be to our advantage, and it turned out to be true, as it was at this time that the numerous heirs to Bloodbeards Legacy began to make their appearances. Captain Lemon Coat had set out to make a name for himself under the banner of the French, however he had proved monumentally inept and was dead less than a month later, his Witchdoctor backer having vanished back into the shadows, while another Teary Eye, also began to emerge. Bloody Mary returned and in private adjusted our strategy slightly with Jade Eagle, although this didn’t become immediately apparent until after affairs were in motion, and fortunate we are that it was so, I digress once again, and what would end up going down in history as an incredible feat of military strategy we made landfall on what the pirates referred to as Cuba.

Their home fleet was still a threat however we had outwitted them and landed on their shores, even now putting pen to paper I can scarcely believe the pace we set in this campaign, it was at this point that we began to see the first signs of a much later tragedy. General Tzopilotl, commander of our Northern Forces and a political appointee began to voice his displeasure at Jade Eagle’s unconventional tactics, and sought to discredit him, however although we were forced to appoint him by the Guild Congress. We were not compelled to pay him much heed at this point in time, and so we dismissed it, and scarcely had we finished dealing with that unpleasant man when news came, victory and an unexpected prize.

I can scarcely begin to do justice to the feelings going through me when he came through the door to my office, our Huey Tlatoani returned to us, and with Bloody Mary and Teary Eye in tow, the latter of which explained that he had been held under Iron Chin’s hospitality, however he had not suffered any indignity. And alas the man had not as of yet been brought to justice, however at the beginning of this stage of the campaign a great fleet of ships had fled the isle, all of them of similar design to his flagship, something of great concern to us all, the response of the Guild Congress to the return was incredible. The first thing he declared was that the era of uncertainty was over that what we had started together before we shall finish now, and to thunderous applause that rapidly petered out when realising as they did what this would mean, however news had begun to leak out and with reluctance the Guild Congress voted to disband itself.

Now I shall detour once again, this war had awoken the nation and inspired the people, our economy was not exactly small or sluggish but comparatively now three years later it was, our people with this war hurled themselves into every task, the Obsidian Way, our railway network was expanded radically. This expansion allowed for expansion in every other aspect and truly we became closer together, some mind you say this made our nation smaller, and I do see their point, but not in such a bad light, and certainly it would make our other endeavours much, much simpler. I admit I was also quick to take advantage of the change in political circumstances, the Military was cleared out of Guild Cronies, with the good general and his supporters being the first to go, and I was quick to appoint a student of Jade Eagle a man calling himself Iron Jaguar.

He had taken the moniker during his efforts on Cuba and had proven himself as adept as his teacher which was to prove fortuitous when a plan set in motion several years ago by the former came to fruition. A short detour is again in order, it seems I am unable to stay on topic, but then again my head feels like it’s spinning so much has happened, so much, anyway, to the north there was one a nation calling itself the Confederation of California, we referred to them as outsiders thieves and usurpers.

We had long and slowly been expanding to the north when a great army of armed settlers overtook what was unofficially out territory heavily settled by our people and friends, what would ensue would be fifty years of oppression, however we were patient and cautious, we sent in the Panther Pride to stymie every attempt at control these settlers would attempt to exert and migration northwards would continue. Now it might sound strange that we continue sending settlers into the arms of oppression, no instead it had been done to ensure that when we achieved our objectives we would be the natural inheritors due to facts on the ground.

Although the finger of blame was frequently pointed at us, proof was elusive and as such we were able to simply shrug off the spectre of responsibility, though truthfully it would have bothered us little, the rupture we had waited would come during our conflict with the pirates. I was swift in ordering Iron Jaguar to take his forces north to occupy what he could, a task he carries out to this day with a corps of engineers, even now we rapidly expand the Jade Highway and Obsidian Way to bind these new acquisitions in. We do this even beyond what some consider our current borders, I even hear reports that in less than a month we shall have a rail link to the Cambrian North, it is perhaps no coincidence then we have recently received a communique from them, and something I personally look forward to.

Then consolidation period after Cuba’s fall took four months, during which we took the remaining isles the Pirates controlled in the Sea of Aztlan however we made one exception, Bloody Mary made great pains to show me and some of my colleagues to an isle that it’s inhabitants called Plunder Isle. When I arrived I was somewhat surprised to meet a colleague of Bloody Mary, a man referred to as Lucian Goldknuckle, the Father of Bloodbeard and the Grandfather of Bloody Mary, and with the vanishment of his son the heir to his pirate group, he declared that the age of Piracy had came to an end and that he and his would become Aztek, just like his granddaughter.

While the military began preparing for the final stage of it’s operations our economic boom began to build up at a frantic pace, new factories opened and several new cities were laid down, and many a new Ironclads were put to sea. Never before had our forces been so well equipped as the final showdown with Iron Chin began, the war at sea would be savage, and we in time sent much of his fleet to the bottom of the sea, however much of our original fleet also joined it, an acceptable loss given it’s obsolescence but a heavy price to pay. However it was a price well paid as we made landfall and began swiftly laying siege to Iron Chin’s empire, we faced half crazed pirates who did not die easily, their eyes were nigh completely white and when slain would cough and gag white foam.

This stage of the war would be bloody to the extreme however ultimately we triumphed, however as to the fate of Iron Chin I must leave the record incomplete, as I do not believe he met his end as Bloody Mary and Chi’al claimed, they did however return in the company of the Witchdoctor. It would later emerge that her apprentice had been responsible for the unstoppable murderous pirates we had had to overcome something our doctors were very keen to learn of and when presented with the Apprentice’s notes they were overcome with enthusiasm.

However our victory was to be tainted as in the aftermath of all of this the craven French Caribbean Governor Matthias Delaplace proclaimed the former lands of Iron Chin to be under French Control, and we would have reacted immediately however tragedy was to strike and drive our focus inwards for a time once more. We had recently held elections to solidify the new changes in our system and now instead of actively being the stymied puppets of the Guild Congress we were returned to service by the Congress of Trade Unions, a true body of representatives of the people. What would complicate matters is that the people had become in the space of a year decidedly more hawkish and this would reflect in the Congress, and the body disagreed vehemently with itself as the reality would take time to settle.

Our great leader, the Huey Tlatoani, sought to make one final speech, he had discharged his final duty the reforms were complete and he wished to now bow out of the public view and live out the rest of his days in peace, prophetic words as it would turn out. He had alighted the platform in the centre of the great central plaza in Tenochtitlan and looked out across the assembled throngs, the streets were so tightly packed that if anything were to happen a response would be very unlikely to be forthcoming. Alas this was to be unfortunate especially when before he could utter his first words he was assailed by a group of masked individuals in the front row, they were swiftly detained by the Jaguar Warrior guard, however the damage was done as our great guiding light lay breathing heavily in a growing pool of his own lifeblood.

We were able to get him to a hospital soon enough and at first he responded well to treatment, and he was full of hope for the future and the people, he even joked that he had not meant to be so literal about bowing out so literally. I couldn’t help myself laughing before taking my leave, I did not want to impinge on him any further when he has a guest, I however wish I had perhaps stayed as I would next hear he had died in his sleep that night. Seeing him lie on the slap his ashen waxen complexion, I immediately ordered for his body to be made ready for cremation as was custom, and when I returned to my chambers here I was greeted with news. The conspirators had been tracked down, General Tzopilotl and his cabal of backers had foolishly thought they could turn back time with their acts, they didn’t see out the day as they were subsequently publically executed sending out a message with drove the people into a towering rage.

This sent us into yet another economic surge even as the people mourned the death of our leader, the next three years would see us grapple with this legacy, yet we have begun to heal, we have emerged through the depths of despair and now stand on the other side far stronger and united again. We are a changed people reforged anew, and quite what will happen now I cannot say for sure, but I do know this, between then and now it has been quiet but it is merely the calm before the storm.

---


Aztek Ascendancy
Commissary of External Relations

Greetings and Kind Regards,
I would be delightful on behalf of the Chairman and the Speaker to accede to this request for a conference in our radiant city of Tenochtitlan, it being no small amount of relief to conclude a subject that has been of both great concern and interest to both our nations and peoples.

We eagerly await the arrival of Legatus Doyle and shall ensure that he is treated with Honour, Care and Consideration during his stay.

In service to the Aztek people and state,

Caa'ci Icnoyotl,
Commissariat of External Relations of the Aztek Ascendancy.

---

Chi’al slammed his hands together three times the sound echoing out across the dunes from which rose from the grains what had appeared to be a variety of rocks sparse fauna or simple sand a group of soldiers who slowly began to softly pad their way over. He eyed up each of them approvingly, this was but the latest batch of recruits into the Panther Prides, in the last few years he had travelled the world learning from natives of other climes and studying the best way to become one with the terrains of the world, he had returned and set to training new generations for war and peace.

Further north several of his compatriots had finished sweeping away the last of the Confederation and now given way to regular soldiers who were keeping the snaking advance of the Jade Highway and the Obsidian Way northwards and west, the advance may only have been maybe two or three miles a day. Given time they would reach the Canadian border to the north and the Louisianan border to the east, he sighed as he surveyed this new pack as he looked out beyond the dry dunes, he knew where he and his pride would in time be deployed, as already groundwork was being lain, however the future was as ever uncertain, and who was he to judge…

---

Full wholesome laughter of the sort that shook from the belly filled the bar, though to the informed observer it was more akin to a court, a tall and lean yet full chested lady sat at the high table at the side of an older man, both smiling and laughing with the rest. She as ever dressed in a manner that left little to the imagination and around her neck was a layer doubloons, Bloody Mary had changed little in the past three years, well perhaps in style of garb, before a nigh bulging bodice now instead was a scantily trimmed version of an Aztek dress much in fashion at present. Indeed all around the chamber the fashion from three years ago had subtly shifted small touches here and there showed just how much time had changed affairs.

Another round to my granddaughter, to the queen of all pirates!” called out Lucian as he knocked back the remaining contents of his tankard in one gulp, ignoring the slight elbowing and narrowed eyes of his granddaughter, “Ok, Ok Queen of the Mitotiqui!” he relented, the word still a little difficult for him. To be fair what it meant was very much appropriate, if there was anything that Bloody Mary and her crews were good at it was causing an uproar, and in truth they had been lucky, the Aztek’s had allowed for those who lived on Plunder Isle to be Aztek’s and to preserve some of what they were by virtue of being somewhat independent.

Of course the more things stayed the same the more they changed, the Isle now looked more respectable than it had a few years earlier and certainly scurvy was far less common, lost in his reverie as he was, he was not so completely out of it that while waiting for her own tankard to be refilled that Bloody Mary was staring out the window wistfully. She had been named an Admiral to the Aztek fleet but that still not prevent her thinking of what might have been, and she spoke highly of her rescuers, specifically one, of course she knew that it was ultimately unlikely to be. Lucian elbowed her in the ribs with a great smile, she was here on leave and it behoved him to make sure she enjoyed her time here, in what was in essence a Training grounds of sorts for the rapidly growing Aztek Fleets.

[Eurasian Hegemony]

The Lion of Malta watched his wife and two children in the gardens below his balcony. The sun was beginning it's descent and a beautiful orange light washed over the palace. Turning away from the beautiful sight he read the Newspaper. Age of Piracy over it said. It read right. The only major groups of pirates now remained under the control of governments. He thought back to how only a few years ago six of his current provinces were under pirate war lord control.

Now he had effectively ridded his lands of the scum. He sat in his chair and lit his pipe. He puffed a few large clouds of smoke and clacked his teeth on the wood of the pipe. He looked at the wall opposite him and studied the map painted on. He smiled, actually content for the time being. HIs homeland spread across a massive plot of land. Amazing what, Ethiopia, Italy, and Malta could accomplish together.

He turned now to reports from officials and officers in his newer provinces in Libya and Arabia. They had varying degrees of difficulty. Those where the Pirates had been brutal found the populace very friendly toward the Christens. Those where the Pirates touch was practically the same as their own felt as if they had been conquered and held resentment for the Christens.

Progress was being made but their were occasional reports of violence. In one instance near the border of the independent city of Medina, a group of soldiers had broken up a fight between two merchants when the son of one merchant cut a soldiers arm. Retaliating the soldier that was wounded and one other fired on the boy with their rifles.

Believing the catastrophe averted the Guards paid recompense in money and some of the Garrison's provisions. However later in the evening a riot broke out in the village. In the morning light while the walls of the garrison building had held the town had been largely burned down and between the exchange of fire nearly 40 people had been wounded and 3 killed. One Soldier had been shot and killed and each of the rest injured. Following the hanging of four people believed to be responsible a larger riot broke out. This time 9 soldiers were killed and the town blockaded itself. It took several barrages of artillery and a systematic conquest by the Soldiers to reclaim the heart of the town.

Events like that were few and far between thankfully but the fact they existed at all after such time bothered Giuseppe. Though last year it would have been 30 soldiers dead instead of 10 and 5 years ago he could have lost an entire company.

The King now turned back toward the light washing the Balcony. He thought of what next he could do for Christendom. A thought played across his mind. Remembering the feud that remained between the Romans and the Christens the King took out parchment for two new letters.

To: the Czar of Russia, leader of the Russian peoples and Majesty of Perm.
From: The Lion of Malta, King of Christendom, Champion of the Papal States, Liberator and Lord of Alexandria, Lord of Italy, King of Ethiopia and Master of the Red Sea provinces, protector of Medina and Mecca, savior of Sicily, King Giuseppe VIII eighth of the Angeoli line.

I wish to extend friendship to your nation. Christendom and Russia have had few interactions in the past but I wish now to change that. I know we could not only gain from simple friendship but increasing trade and ushering our vessels to one another's ports could be very helpful. I wish to send with this letter an envoy of Christendom to commence a solidified political cooperation between our two great but still growing nations.

Regards,

Giuseppe Angeoli

To: Emperor of Korea, and it's many holdings
From: The Lion of Malta, King of Christendom, Champion of the Papal States, Liberator and Lord of Alexandria, Lord of Italy, King of Ethiopia and Master of the Red Sea provinces, protector of Medina and Mecca, savior of Sicily, King Giuseppe VIII eighth of the Angeoli line.

I wish to extend friendship to your nation. Christendom and Korea have had few interactions in the past but I wish now to change that. I know we could not only gain from simple friendship but increasing trade and ushering our vessels to one another's ports could be very helpful. I wish to send with this letter an envoy of Christendom to commence a solidified political cooperation between our two great but still growing nations. Your nation is no question far the superior of Christendom in technology and numbers, but both our nations can gain much from working together.

Regards,

Giuseppe Angeoli

[Of the Quendi]

Limon Bay
The State of Panama
The Empire of Brazil

---

Dom António de Carmona, Admiral of Brazil

1850 AD

---

After a long voyage across the Atlantic from Cape Verde Dom António took a deep relaxing breath as his fleet entered the Limon Bay of the Columbian territory of Panama. An ambitious project had been set forth by Petrópolis, one of a canal stretching from the Limon Bay to the Gatun Lake and from the Gatun Lake to the Pacific. Such a canal would give whatever power controlled it tremendous power and might, for such a canal would be surpassed only by the newly planned Mediterranean-Red Sea canal in strategic importance. Petrópolis, ever fearful of European encroachments on the Americas, especially in the light of the humiliating annexation of all of the Caribbean states, had concluded that Brazil should take the lead in such a grand project and secure Brazilian extraterritoriality over the canal zone. That was why Dom António had been sent to Limon Bay. To ensure that for once Brazil would be able to get its way and not have to suffer the ignominy of seeing its interests and ideals walker all over by foreign powers.

And that Dom António intended to do. Wasting little time he ordered his ships to secure the bay and begin to land troops on both the eastern and western shores of the bay. The sparsely settled region contained few civilians in a position to object and even fewer troops. The region was in chaos after the collapse of the Colombian state and the devastation caused first by the pirate menace and later by the uncoordinated manner in which it was brought to an end. Dom António expected little or no opposition.

[Oscalantine]

Viceroyalty Residence,
Chuk-Jae-Do Proper

Since the cumbersome trouble with the pirates just five years prior, merchants of Chuk-Jae-Do were in a cheery mood. Although Koreans have always benefited handsomely from pirates and was disappointed that such tactic was no longer possible, the diplomatic victory over at Rome as well as new outing to Western market from Persian Gulf has given merchants of Chuk-Jae-Do much to celebrate. Alongside still-lucrative re-export trade, is expected to bring a new heyday to Korean economy.

With that in mind, the board was discussing yet another problem that the Korean merchants were facing: native tribes. While the natives were of no concern for Koreans… in fact, they were VERY loyal customers… the creation of the Sovereign Territory in the Indochina region has become a sort of a nuisance. While the original intent of the Sovereign Territory was a grand idea, the native government was not holding up properly. As a result, much of the mercantile interest in the Indochina proper was now under attack, with pompous natives taking hold of trades rather than allowing Korean merchants to facilitate them. If natives in Indochina could be put under a more... “friendly” rule, it could more than offset the imbalance of trade lost by the reduction of re-export industry.

The meeting room in the Viceroyalty Residence was once again filled with friendly faces, exchanging news of the colonies. The merchant families who have long controlled the waters of Southeast Asia before the coming of Europeans were well-versed in the information network between natives: even when there was a superimposing “federation,” its member states of the Indochina were not far away from the network of the merchants of Chuk-Jae-Do. As the Viceroy entered the room, the Merchant Board organized themselves and took their seats. The Viceroy himself sat down, and thus beginning the meeting.

“Good evening, my lords,” The Viceroy began, “as you have been expecting, we will be discussing the issue with the federation in Indochina… the Sovereign Territory of Tamankran and its Surroundings.”

“Sire, we have taken liberty to discuss the situation, and the Merchant Board agrees that the anarchy in the Tamankran region and its request for our assistance in stabilizing its own local rule has actually created a negative effect on the region as a whole. The local natives in the region no longer see Tamankran rule as legitimate, and thus independence movement have been noticed in many parts of the region. While the federation still endures, the Tamankran government does not have the bureaucratic means to hold the government together.”

“As a result, some local authorities have been disregarding the edicts created by the Tamankran government, creating a situation where the merchants have to pay double, sometimes triple fees. The edict itself holds no value, while the merchants are forced to pay the sum to Tamankran government for the issue of their Edict.”

“The agreement between our two nations was to acknowledge the sovereign of the island’s authority over Indochina only should our merchants’ interests were met. The agreement has thus restricted Korean authority in the interior of Thailand region only because of goodwill from the Viceroyalty Board of Merchants with this guarantee.”

“In other words… my lords, there is no need for us to continue this agreement with the Tamankrans anymore.”

“The only problem, sire,” objected one of the board member, seeing where the conversation was leading, “is colonial powers in the region. While the region as a whole has always been within our sphere of influence, other powers will not tolerate an outright obtrusion.”

“A fair point.” The Viceroy nodded, agreeing to the issue.

“Regardless, there is no doubt that the legitimacy of the region is already within our hands. Tamankrans are already within our control, and it is only the matter of convincing the locals that Tamankran rule… and subsequently our rule… still reigns within the region.”

“Indeed, sire,” another board member commented, “but we do need to be conscious of the powers within the region. Despite diplomatic relations improving as of late, our Most Serene Imperial Majesty has concerns of open conflict. We must act with caution so that our movements are not checked by major powers.”

“And thus,” the same member continued, “the board as discussed of possible plans of colonization. The latest news from the French sailors have told us that French interest is close at home, stabilizing North African region. There is no need for them to further their interest in the colonies in Indochina. Thus, it would be safe to presume that a diplomatic envoy would be more than enough to resolve potential conflicts of interests.”

“I believe that it would actually be favorable for his majesty of Cheng Dynasty to have Korean-ruled Indochina, as it would allow southernmost provinces of the empire to be connected to Korean colonial market. There would be no need, but we shall send envoys nonetheless.”

“Which leaves Brazilian Empire. It has always been an obvious signs that Brazil shows little concerns for our interests. Thus, it would be unwise to even send an envoy, as it would only serve to delay our operations. Instead, the board suggests that we begin our operations from the coast of Andaman Sea, where possible incursion from the Brazilian colonial authorities could occur the most. Since this location was originally Tamrankan region gone rouge, it would be completely justified for Tamrankan to simply ‘stabilize the region’ with ‘substantial’ military force.”

“Of course, while this is occurring, we need to send diplomats to the Thailand natives, from which a new federation much be forged. Certainly, the Tamankrans have lost the legitimacy to rule over the Thailand, which would indicate why the local authorities are not buying the Edict signed by the Sovereign Territories. Our diplomats can travel to these locals and convince the natives to become the protectorate under the Chuk-Jae-Do, which will allow them to maintain their sovereignty while allowing our merchants full access to Indochina market. Whether these locals know of our deals with Tamrankan or not, they know that they have few options, and also know that only way to save their own rule is to side with us.”

“I agree with my lord that this is a strategy worth taking. However, the issue remains that the Brazilian troops could advance and do the same thing. While Tamankran forces are legitimate forces, we must position our navy towards a more favorable front to ensure that we could quickly reinforce the situation should Brazilian authorities take notice.”

“What sire states would be wise. There would never exist a ‘front’ to begin with when fighting in the jungle: there would be no need to establish supply networks so tightly when our armies would be necessarily be so far apart.”

“It is decided them: I shall send the messages to the French Vietnam and Cheng at once. Meanwhile, send the diplomats immediately along with lightly-armed rangers. They will need to move swiftly to prevent any issues along the borders.”

---

Movement in the Coloneis

Dear Monsieur Philippe Laframoboise,

Greetings from the Viceroyalty, my lord, this is your junior, Dong-nyuc, with a sincere request.

My lord, the Viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do has been plagued by the local authorities in the Sovereign Territory of Tamankran and its Surroundings as the more powerful warlords of Laos and Cambodia has asserted de-facto control over the fledging federation. As a result, our merchants have been forced to pay double… and sometimes triple… rates for safe passage into our Indochina markets. I assure you that the hike of goods from our colonies towards my lord’s sovereign was not of our own design, but out of necessity to survive.

Thus, I would like to request my lord to turn a blind eye on the issue that is about to unfold. The merchant board of Chuk-Jae-Do has decided to assert more direct control over the region to ensure security and safety of the colonial region of Indochina, and will be diverting our assets towards ensuring such stability will be permanent.

Lastly, I wish to end this letter with a positive note: this junior is getting married. It is most unfortunate that the bride is in the other side of Asia, and thus I am unable to receive your blessing in person. However, this travel would indicate that the two of us would be visiting Europe: my first time and her first homecoming. As my lord knows, this is a perfect opportunity to visit my lords in the mainland of the great republic, and I would like to notify them in any way possible: it is only to my shame that my lord is all that I know of the Second Republic and thus the only one I can rely on.

While I am gone, the colonial affairs would be managed by the Merchant Board of Chuk-Jae-Do, headed by Patriarch Kim Shin-Ju of the prestigious Kim family. I have already notified the Patriarch of the position, as I would have already left before the operation could begin. I hope to return with my new bride in hand in the near future.

The Tamankran authorities wasted no time to accept the offer of support. After the death of Vlad Draculesti, the Foreign Information Office has been more or less stabilizing the area with the help from the authorities of Chuk-Jae-Do. All the meanwhile, however, Korean authorities have been systematically assimilating lesser members of OIF, isolating the leadership led by now-dead Vlad’s families and allies. Still, the goals of both OIF and Korea current is aligned, and OIF has begun to move its assets to liberate its lost territories.

Meanwhile, Korean navy has been moving on its own. Utilizing the fact that the Viceroy was moving out into the high seas, Korean navy focused much of troops in Andaman Sea to “ensure safety of the Viceroy moving into foreign seas.” Several of the newest Ship of the Lines, fitted now to the standard of European fleets, patrolled the borders with the newest design of Turtle Ships which was also stabilized from technological exchange with the French. Even as the Viceroy bid farewell to its home, the navy remained in the region, patrolling the seas to ensure the safety of the Tamankran operations.

---

OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM MINISTRY OF RITES

To The Lion of Malta, King of Christendom, Champion of the Papal States, Liberator and Lord of Alexandria, Lord of Italy, King of Ethiopia and Master of the Red Sea provinces, protector of Medina and Mecca, savior of Sicily, King Giuseppe VIII eighth of the Angeoli line,

The document sent by my lords has been forwarded to the Viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do, where the administration of colonial affairs is managed. The response will arrive within weeks my lords receiving this letter.

Minister Chae Jun-bum,
First Seat of Ministry of Rites

Within weeks, another letter was sent directly from Chuk-Jae-Do.

Official Document from Viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do

To Most Glorious Giuseppe VIII

Greetings and salutations from the viceroyalty of Chuk-Jae-Do. For many years we have only heard of the birthplace of Catholicism and seat of Christianity’s temporal power in the West. Indeed, it is our utmost honor to receive such declaration from Christendom.

We have sent with this letter some of our finest porcelain pottery as a customary gift towards my lord with meaning of friendship. However, it is also precisely due to this same customs that we cannot readily accept my lord’s desire for cooperation with a simple letters.

It is thus my utmost honor to organize and send diplomatic envoys towards Kingdom of Christendom for mutual understanding and cultural exchange as prior steps towards building cooperation towards my lord’s most glorious kingdom. Should my lord agree with these terms, we would like to dispatch our delegations immediately towards Ethiopia to continue our talks in person.

On behalf of the board of merchants and myself, I would like to once again express my thrill to receive such a greeting from the very birthplace of our beliefs. Though misguided, the believers of Cheondoism have only begun to understand how our beliefs align so closely with Catholicism, and we believe that this meeting is not just of political greetings, but of paths towards spiritual enlightenment.

Signed,
The Merchant Guilds of Chuk-Jae-Do and its Most Serene Merchant Board,
Patriarch of the Kim Family, Interim Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do.

---

Movement in the Mainland

While the colonies were busy with Indochina and Persian region, the mainland Korea has had continuous work ahead of them. Though taxing, the last five years saw through some of the most aggressive construction project in the Most Serene Imperial States’ recent history with the construction of trans-country railroad. Small Korean Peninsula may be, the construction of railway system stretching from Busan to Hanyang, and from Hanyang to Port Arthur in what was left of Briton-controlled ports required many hours of conscripted labor. Much of the gold for the project was financed by the Persian gold obtained from pirate raids to the gulf, in which the newly-crowned pirate queen has sent gifts of goodwill and tribute to the empire. With the large railway constructed around the mountainous roads of Korea, the Korean engineers were ready to tackle much, much longer path towards Nanjing.

The railway construction project was a joint conception of both Cheng and Korea in hopes of obtaining greater mobility in trade. To Koreans which relied on merchant class to raise profit, having greater market access was vital. Meanwhile, Chinese armies only needed logistics to fight openly with opponents. While the construction was commencing in the homeland, engineers were drawing out lands most suitable for construction towards Nanjing and perhaps beyond. The project would take far longer than years needed for homeland: but at the same time, Korean engineers did not need to blast through mountains this time around.

The first rails were installed from Port Arthur, ready to start its course to Nanjing from Liaoning region. As the materials from the colonies would be far easier to be imported from Port Arthur, it seemed to be a logical location to start the project. This time, however, no Persian gold would fund the project: much of the project would be taken from taxation from the Kingdom of Balhae, which has since been obtaining some form of unity and administrative efficiency within the five years of ruling. While the ports of Balhae were given to Japanese, the Balhae’s rich heartland was excellent place for farming, while some of its mountainous provinces housed materials necessary for the construction projects. As the mines opened and farmers were able to stably settle down and harvest its first crops, the kingdom was in no short for funding. While the increased taxation would surely create discontent among the populous, it was enough for the project to begin its first step.

[Tracian Empire]

The Roman Empire
Imperium Romanum
"Empire of Empires, Ruling Over Those Who Rule."

Three years had passed, bringing with them many changes to the Roman Empire. With its military successes in the last time, the Imperium managed to expand itself. Aegyptus, Libya, Syria, and Mesopotamia, were all brought back under the light of Rome. The Roman Empire successfully managed to strengthen its position, defeating its old enemy, the Neo-Akkadian Empire, ending the series of wars that had spanned for almost a millenium form the control of that area. May the next years bring just as many victories to the Imperium. Roman population from Asia Minor had been extremely eager to be moved to the new provinces, and the Romanization process is working as planned.

In Aegyptus, the end of the Mamluk rule was met with a good reaction from the general population. The obsolete Mamluk administration was changed with a Roman one, as the Roman controlled Aegyptus was divided into two Imperial rank provinces, Aegyptus Inferior, and Aegyptus Superior. All slaves were freed, and everyone in the provinces received full Roman citizenship, as in accordance with the Emperor's edict, approved by the Senate. After talking control of the region, the Exercitus build castra along the Nile, in order to better protect the area. Naval ports for the Classis were built on the northern coast of Aegyptus. Roads were repaired and built, cities were repaired, as the Imperium is trying to revitalize the region. Until now, everything is going well, and even if the nearby Christen Egypt was lingering like a shadow nearby, Aegyptus seems to have a prosper future as a province of the Empire.

In the Roman Libya, the Imperium has successfully managed to enforce its control over the coast, and reorganize the area under Roman rule. The introduction of the Roman military and administration in the area, was well received by the population, exhausted after years of pirate control. Work has started to enforce complete Imperial control over the area, and to bring the province of Libya in line with the other Roman provinces. Through a combination of military strength and negotiations with the natives, the administration and the military of the province of Libya have started to consider a possibly Roman expansion to the south, in order to prevent any native raids on the province.
Wallachia was probably the easiest province to convert, as it was inhabited by the Romanians, a Latin population that already had many friendly relations with the Imperium over the course of their history. As Wallachia's population was already mostly against the boyars, the end the Roman Empire brought to their domination and their endless fights was celebrated by the people of Wallachia. Unlike in other corners of the Empire, the Prince of Wallachia remained an important authority in the country, with his powers being only equaled by that of the Proconsul and the Duke. The Prince had married a cousin of the Emperor, and became a vassal. The Exercitus took a firm control over the country, while the new Roman control over the Danube Delta and Dobruja was received well by both the military fleet, the Classis, but also by the merchant fleet. With the province's capital at Bucharest, the Roman administration has started a series of works in order to bring it on the same level as the other provinces, including but not limited to building roads, building a bridge over the Danube, and securing the mountain passes in the Carpathians in order to facilitate trade with Austrasia. Just like everywhere else, the the population received Roman citizenship, and after negotiations, the slaves, mostly of gypsy origin, were freed.

In Serbia, Roman rule was easily established in the south of the country, that had already been under Roman influence for centuries, being part of the Imperium many times. The north however, was an entire matter entirely. After prolonged debates, the Roman Senate, with the agreement of the Emperor, have decided to give the northern part, that had already expressed its intentions to take over the area while Serbia was still an independent country.

In the Middle East, the last pockets of organized resistance had been destroyed by the Roman legions. Roman rule was met positively especially in the north, in Syria, which had been under Roman influence was centuries, constantly switching from Roman to Neo-Akkadian rule over the history, and in parts of the Mesopotamia that had been under the control of the bloody pirates. In general though, the reintroduction of law and administration in this area, that ever since the decline of the central authority in Babylon, had only known chaos and disorder, was met with fairly good relations by the population. Roman citizenship had been granted to most of the population, and the Roman Empire now enjoyed the full support of the former slaves, even if it was met with a certain hostility from the (former) nobles. While through castra, the legions maintained a tight control over the region, Roman engineers and workers had already started to build roads to connect the cities to the Imperium, while the cities themselves have started to be repaired from the damages of the last decades. The Imperium has been trying to properly organize the many different ethnicities in its new provinces, with a fairly good rate of success. Four new provinces have been created. Syria, Mesopotamia, Accadia and Arabia, each with its own administrative organs, enforced with the help of the military if needed.

In its territories and waters, the Roman Empire has enforced a strict control over piracy. Most of the pirates which had roamed this lands were executed, the military cracking down on them, while the few ones that had survived have been convinced to work for the Classis as privateers. With the military maintaining its power, it is highly unlikely that the pirates will ever reach such a power again. The Age of Privacy was dead, and Rome isn't going to tolerate bandits challenging its naval supremacy.

[Cymrea]

---

10 Januarius 1855

SCANDINAVIA FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Londinium, Cambria - The recent effort by Nordic parties to unify Scandinavia has fallen to disarray, leaving many Norwegians, Danes, and Swedes wondering what may now come, and where their collective - or separate - path(s) may lead. A source within the Royal Cambrian Diplomatic Corps reports that low level talks between Cambrian and Hansa officials include discussions pertaining to potential stewardship and guidance of the northern nations.

Scandinavia has long been a region of great potential, unrealised through its fractious nature and history of apparent self-defeat. Some in Cambria and abroad have expressed the opinion that, under strong leadership and with foresight, Scandinavia could become a significant player in European events and a solid partner in ensuring the financial security of the continent.

The Scandian Summit of 1854 in Copenhagen, a vain effort to achieve Nordic unity

---

Port of Acapulco, Aztek

Doyle was among the very first to disembark from the state liner and onto the verdant shores of Mexico. Sweat immediately popped from his pores; a blazing sun shone down through crystal blue skies, steam-cooking everything below in the high humidity of the coastal town. Pausing a moment as the base of the gangway, Doyle breathed deeply of fresh sea air that was liberally seasoned by the local flora. The tidal breezes rushed through ubiquitous palm trees that grew everywhere, even in the busy warehouse district.

Acapulco (Doyle was aware the town bore an Aztek name, but Cambrian maps provided names easier to pronounce) was an important port city for the Ascendancy, shipping and receiving many tons of cargo each day. Coming in were imports of livestock and processed meats, wheat and rice, coal, iron, and steel, other industrial metals and infrastructure components to keep Aztek growing. Sailing away to other nations were massive loads of corn, peppers, tropical fruits and vegetables, coffee, cotton, and silver. Much of this trade, particularly on the Pacific coast, was with Cambrian Canada and Japan. Out in the Bay, on the island south of Las Playas, the naval station was marked by a pair of frigates at anchor. Despite all the buzzing industry of the port, Doyle was certain that with the astounding natural beauty of the place, Acapulco could be quite a tourist destination.

A carriage was waiting for Doyle - a series of them, more precisely. Full diplomatic honours were afforded Sir Persicus Doyle, Legatus Extraterritorialis to the Aztek Ascendancy, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria. Heretofore, the title was much grander than the position. Vancouver has been cold and wet; in fairness, no colder nor wetter than his native Scotland, though the rugged landscape and nascent city made the climate seem less hospitable than usual. Now, it seemed, Doyle was destined to be steamed in his own juices.

A greeting party stood ready to meet Doyle, led by none other than Caa'ci Icnoyotl, the Aztek Commissar of External Relations. This was a portentous beginning already. A genuine smile grew on Doyle's face as he approached Icnoyotl.

[Lenyo]

To Viceroy of Chuk-Jae-Do Kwon Dong-Nyuc

France agrees that the current political climate in Indochina is undesirable. The fragmented rule of the Laotian and Cambodian jungles results in irrational taxation and dangerous business conditions. Even worse, aristocrats between our colonies have propagated outrageously libelous rumors that Colonial Officers have been profiting from the opium trade. Needless to say such actions would be completely dishonorable, and no Frenchman could ever be so corrupt and selfish. French colonial officers and diplomats have been exiled violently from Tamankran, and if preemptive action is not taken, there could be reprisals against innocent French businessmen and missionaries.

The Second French Republic supports the expansion of Chuk-Jae-Do, though France is interested in Laotian territories. Water is plentiful in Laos, and the province could one day be a prosperous rice exporter, if administrated properly. Colonialism in Indochina will bring peace and prosperity to the wilderness.

Postscript: Congratulations on your engagement! I plan on attending your wedding.

Awaiting the pacification of Indochina,
Governor of Vietnam Philippe Laframboise,
Foreign Ministry of the Second French Republic, and
Colonial Office of the Second French Republic

The Second French Republic and the Brazilian Empire had been negotiating massive territorial transfers for months now. The illustrious Pedro II had allowed the two foreign ministries to occupy an entire wing of the palace for nearly 100 days, frantically debating and contracting the destiny of far-flung colonies. And finally the two nations had finally achieved an agreement.

France would cede its lands in mainland South America to Brazil. Brazil would renounce its claims to Iberia and the Canary Islands, which would be integrated into France. Furthermore Brazil would cede Lower Burma and two dozen ships of the line to France. France would renounce all claims to mainland North America and South America, as those lands could no longer benefit from European rule.

The treaty would benefit both nations. The French Foreign Ministry broke out rare champagne bottles from the 1790's to celebrate good diplomacy between two rising powers.

[Zionatra]

The King strode through the palace of Josiah. It's blue marble and stone reflected back the light of the sun as if it was water. He awaited news that his three colonial fleets had left. They were each bound for stretches of land in Africa.

The David Fleet or first fleet was bound for a piece of land just north of the French Colony of Senegal. It had a total of twelve ships, two of which were dedicated war ships. They had massive amounts of supplies and people to establish the first colony there. The second fleet or Jacob fleet was bound for land just east of the Korean Pirate Kingdom. It had more ships, 17 in total six were dedicated war ships. Lastly the Isaac fleet sailed for a plot of land just south of French Morocco.

When a young man delivered him notice that the fleets had all passed the horizon line he rejoiced slightly. He felt proud he felt he would be the one to bring Israel out of the dark ages finally bring Israel out of the dark ages.

[Novacom]

“And so we reach a point of no return,” muttered Jade Eagle, his voice clear and resonant, the only other occupant simply tilted her head slightly pursing her fulsome lips in thought. “There would be no point or so the Chairman said in engaging in diplomacy from afar, they have already proven they will not respect words but instead force.” His words were almost morose as he contemplated what else could have been done before casting such thoughts away with a shake of his covered head, no, he knew better than anybody else that this was the only course of action available to them.

“It will simply depend on what you intend to do with strategy, they have an empire spread across the globe, do you intend to take the war to distant shores?” Bloody Mary smirked, her sultry tones coiling around the dressed stone walls of the chamber, in her long and well-tended fingers she caressed one of the figurines from the table, her almond shaped eyes appraising every detail both on the carved warriors and the locale from which he had been plucked. “It would be as if we waged war with the world, and while we are much stronger now, I doubt even we are that strong…”

“I think you will find we are in an excellent position, we outnumber the Brazilians on land and at sea heavily, in a practical sense if nothing else, they need to garrison and defend all of these holdings, meanwhile we have our power concentrated,” he held his hands out wide as he talked of Brazil before bringing them together when talking about themselves. His counterpart merely placed the figure down before placing her hands upon her buxom hips which she swing to the side, her flirtatious manner was as much a part of her as any limb, while garbed in the uniform of an Aztek Leader she could scarcely not act so, it was after all who she was.

“You have a point, but such a war will be altogether different that the one we waged against That Great Swine,” with this last she became slightly hunched her face contorted with remembered rage and her hands tensed as if to vise themselves around an alabaster neck. And then but a moment later it was gone and she was calm again if not breathing somewhat heavily as she visibly worked her way through bitter memories, “we may be committing ourselves to a lengthy conflict, my concern is are we ready for it?”

Jade eagle paused for a moment his gaze shifting down to the board below and the myriad of figures which he had moved around earlier and given careful orders to one of his adjutants, even now during this conversation he had been writing page upon page of notes, orders for different units divisions and brigades. His swift flowing script had by some been likened to a composers scrawl, something he took to heart, the battlefield was his concert hall and the military his orchestra, and he would weave a symphony to touch the heart and soul. “We are ready, they have sowed the seeds and now they shall reap the whirlwind, and in any case all great enterprises must be embarked upon with no small measure of apprehension. We must instead consider this wisely and continue appropriately, and between the pair of us and your associates, we can account for all of the variables.”

---

Xuxa luxuriated in her hammock in the corner eying herself up in a gilded mirror with pearl handle, her pearly whites revealed as she laughed lightly while Bloody Mary regaled her of the meeting with Jade Eagle. “My, my, my, he certainly knows what he is doing,” she chuckled again as she swung bodily from the hammock landing on her feet without a sound and gently placing the mirror surface up upon the carved oaken desk, as she swayed her way over. “I’ve been reading through his papers, the ones he made available to me of the war, some of what we will now rely, the foundations were set down three years ago, and what fruit it has borne, yet I know he would not fight this by choice.”

Bloody Mary looked askance from this as she begun to peel an apple with a slender fruit knife with a ruby pommel, she was not to be left wondering for long as Bloodbeards old navigator and tactician continued. “By his own estimations we are ahead of where we would otherwise be, however much is still untested, the war to the south was perhaps the best test of all but he still knows he was fighting pirates, war is stranger to them.”

“You speak some truth to this, but we know full well it will come to war, the Brazilians are hypocrites to the extreme, they proclaimed brotherhood for all of their “Americas,”” the words here came thickly as if half stuck in her throat as she set the liberated peel down before sweeping it into a nearby bin. “Yet when it came down to it they were unwilling to lift a finger, no we suspect that their pride has been stung enough as is, and certainly the Congress will not back down, the war gave birth to a body of backbone and, dare I say it, Iron Will.”

“This much is true, and to think here we are servants and citizens of the Ascendancy, yet scant years ago Queens of the Sea, ah how times change, but yes, the advantage is with us, another war will cause another what did they call it?” Here she again grasped the mirror spinning it between her fingers as she was lost in thought “Economic Surge I believe, I was about in the capital while you were with Jade Eagle, you should have seen people when soldiers began deploying, the pride in their eyes and the skip in their step, I’m pretty sure everyone started working harder just at the idea of another war.”

“Your right of course,” Bloody Mary could only help but sigh as she finished setting her hat upon her hair which she had secured in a loose bun at the back of her head, Teary Eye was of course already ready, her rank was distinctly more nebulous, and for the time she was merely an advisor to the Admiral. “But I certainly do know this, I am not fond of the idea of sending people to their deaths Idly, I’m not Him, I’ll never be that way,” she finished with certainty.

“Of course not, but you are Bloody Mary, and you will do what you must,” Xuxa mollified quickly as she held open the door for her superior a guarded expression on her face, the same she always wore in public, the Aztek’s after all had been most in accepting them it was only right that she behave herself. They after all while amused by flirtatious antics that were acceptable when she was a Pirate Lady were now perhaps not so appropriate for a member of the Ascendancy’s military, and something of a rising star at that, however the Azteks, she had discovered were certainly fond of eccentricities, and she certainly had that in spades.

---

Captain Cha’co and his men had been advancing swiftly through the southern jungles for days now, they had originally been assigned to guard the snaking southern advance of the Jade Highway and Obsidian Way southwards. However about a week and a half ago they had received word to advance swiftly south in force to put paid to an incursion, they had been told that support would be swiftly forthcoming and by the time they had began to move out and additional troops were already beginning to arrive. Truthfully, he reflected, this is what we need, he like many others had been filled with nationalistic fervour during the war against Iron Chin and when the true elections had come about he had voted with his heart, he had voted for aggressive outreach, yet he was by no means disappointed when a moderate coalition had come into being.

The Chairman had proven himself adept in affairs of state and now unshackled from the now defunct Guild Congress the results had been impressive, and what happened now only furthered it, when news had arrived many of his men had mourned the idea that rightful Aztek Territory was again lost. Knowing that diplomacy would be irrelevant by the time that facts on the ground were established they had instead been ordered such, had filled the men with such heart even as they had swiftly packed their gear, he rolled his shoulders gently shifting the load on his back. As custom for an Aztek Soldier he carried what he needed and then some, also in his pack were parts for the units Artillery, which when they were closer to their goal they would assemble it and unite the ammunition before beginning to move more slowly and cautiously. Which was saying something given the Aztek’s ruled the jungles, and were certainly far more stealthy than most others could even hope to be, they would soon know they were there by both compass and map and by sight of the bay.

The sun begun to sneak over the horizon with an almost agonising lack of haste, as it did so it revealed the beaten iron hulls, replete with a jagged interlocking pattern of ocean and sky hues and their vertical structures complete at the top with the Aztek Flag. A large force had no arrived in the bay to be sure, and it’s size made attacking it a difficult prospect for the Brazilians, numbering as it did more than that of the force they had at their disposal and as dispersed as it had been.

Cha’co lay on his belly as he peered over the ridge, his men and those of other units had arrived in force and had fanned out into the surrounding area sweeping for Brazilian patrols, several of which had already been found surrounded and compelled to surrender. Some of course had chosen not to do so and been cut down, not without casualties however but none had been permitted to escape, due to the multiple layers they had been instructed to use in their traps.

As he looked down he could see several camps set up by the Brazilian’s each of which had already had some basic measure of fortifications, but they were spread out, and through his field glasses he could see that no small amount of commotion had set in with the arrival of the Golden Garter and her sisters. He inclined his head towards his second and murmured into his ear, before rising to his feet and dusting off his uniform, he handed a small twin bulbed glass to the man before he headed off, to make his way down to the camp, he had no doubt he would be seen soon enough and taken to the central camp, baring as he did a flag of parley in his right hand.

The captain ignored the arrogant leers and stares, he cared little for the attitudes of craven intruders, he had heard of all their high flown ideals yet had also heard of their complete and utter contempt from actually acting upon them. It sickened him to the core, as he was taken further in he perhaps realised that he now walked to his death, and in that cold moment of clarity he realised it mattered not, if he died now so would any chance for peace and with it whatever future the Brazilian Empire had. “I am here on one very simple matter, your complete withdrawal from this area, you have no place here go home,”

[Cymrea]

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Kwon Dong-Nyuc, Viceroy of the Imperial States of Korea,

On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, I send you the happiest congratulations and best wishes for your forthcoming nuptials. It is understood that the grand wedding will take place in Constantinople. You can rest assured that while I shall remain steadfastly in attendance to my duties here in Chuk-Jae-Do, members of the Royal Cambrian Diplomatic Corps will be present. To your happy marriage, sir!


Ever in service,

Right Honourable Sir William Gregorius Aster, Legatus Extraterritorialis to the Imperial States of Korea
Royal Cambrian Diplomatic Corps
for HM Queen Victoria

[Novacom]

Ixtapacas was a hive of activity, in the past few years like all cities in the Aztek realm it had expanded rapidly and thoroughly a wave of change transforming all it touched, the people went about with a spring in their step and fire in their eyes. The docks were a hive of activity however there was an ocean of calm around a carriage a path to which was flanked by elaborately dressed soldiers standing at stiff attention. Over their green jackets was carefully draped Jaguar Pelts and opposed to Shako’s the head of the jaguar rested atop theirs, their lifeless eyes flashing with all the anger and pride they once showed in life.

Effective yet highly compact carbines were held barrel skyward with the left arm while the right was held out at chest level with the fist clenched over the heart as they practically quivered at attention, not a single one breathed or batted an eye as the young Cambrian Legatus made his way ashore. Clerks waited a respectful distance away ready to begin discussing with the ships quartermaster when the time was proper while at the end flanked by two “regular” soldiers stood at attention, sands jaguar pelts and with less compact weapons they looked no less professional dangerous or proud. The Aztek variant of the Shako was different to that elsewhere instead it wrapped around the head resting just above the brow with fabric around three sides coming down to rest just above the collar.

Caa’ci was relieved that his Cambrian Counterpart had finally arrived, he had scarcely managed to sleep these past few days as events had went swiftly south, though it as of yet did not show on his friendly features. His garb was almost akin to a uniform, he wore a quilted almost robe like tabard of jade and earthen tone cinched at the waist with a blood red sash his tight fitting collar was an interlocking pattern of yellow and blue triangles with dividing lines of vital crimson. The front of his robe at the neck was almost crenelated with the two points framing his neck clasped with an Aztek Cogwheel crest. His arms were sheathed in pure white sleeves and cuffed with folded obsidian fabric matching the shade of his trousers the style was altogether quite popular as of late in the Ascendancy and was beginning to catch on elsewhere in foreign circles. Next to Caa'ci stood a tall thin almost cadaverous looking man of an altogether paler complexion, his hair was the colour of aged copper and seemed to defy gravity styled vertically as it was, and his garb similar in style to Caa’ci’s was of different cut and colour, darker colours and almost decidedly militant in style. From under a thick brow eyes like shattered sapphires glinted as he eyed up the visitor with an appraising glance, however his standing was not dissimilar to that of Caa’ci’s however it was altogether much more guarded.

When the warm introductions were over and they alighted the carriage it swiftly became clear that such conveyances were altogether the exception rather than the rule, horses were not plentiful in the Ascendancy and those pulling the carriage seemed altogether far too magnificent for such a task. Caa’ci was quick to mention that they would be travelling via the Obsidian Way, which upon the perplexed expression was even quicker to explain, the Obsidian Way being the Ascendancy’s railway network, there being no faster way to travel, of that he could assure.

The streets of Ixtapacas were filled with activity and the city certainly in comparison with those outside of the Ascendancy positively shone the air was clear and scented with sumptuous fragrances and aromas without the slightest hint of human waste or wastage. Merchants from across the world haggled and bartered with one another in the nearby exchange their gaze shifting to the carriage as it passed by, porters giving it a wide berth as they manoeuvred pallets piled high with all matter of goods and columns of soldiers could be seen visibly patrolling.

The journey to the Obsidian Waystation was a decidedly swift affair, to which Caa’ci had joked that perhaps it would have been just as quick to walk, the Waystation was a squat building compared to most seen so far, the city had many a tall building in a variety of Aztek Architectural styles. The tallest ones however seemed to reach for the skies and appeared much as if someone had stretched an Aztek Pyramid upwards but not out, the stairs no barely moving inwards and large enough for the children of giants to meander upon.

If the environs surrounding the docks had been busy then the Waystation was hectic in comparison, yet for the rapidly moving throngs of people goods and soldiers there was an order to it all, Clerks were helpfully advising families through the concourse while soldiers were filing up next to their carriages. Long almost aggressively shaped things picked out in dark glimmering black almost obsidian like metal, with patriotic murals painted into panels upon the side, while others had similar except in the form of mosaics. By in large most of the great mass of humanity gave the diplomatic group a respectable distance and while they gave each other the same this distance was something more, and as they made their way deeper inside the throng began to die down, as they passed by platforms a tumult of wind and fast moving air sent loose fabric flying as trains bulleted down the line at almost unholy speeds.

Eventually they reached a train with few carriages but while most had been Obsidian with mosaicked or painted panels and picked out with snatches of Jade and Crimson, this one was instead the reverse, Jade picked out with Obsidian and Crimson. A coterie of guards stood at fierce attention as they were swiftly ushered aboard, the interior was spacious and ornamented in an artful yet tasteful way. The Aztek sense of aesthetic had thus far given off an almost Spartan impression and while that was evident here in that the magnificence was not overtly so or obnoxiously so it did not distract but instead it served.

“We shall be in Tenochtitlan very soon, the Obsidian Wayfarers are some of the fastest trains in the world,” Caa’ci idly mentioned, his voice practically quavering with pride as they took their seats in what could almost be described as an alcove next to the window, the chairs curving around a table and at the same time offering a superb view outside. “It is perhaps for the best I explain now, as I’m sure you are curious, matters have changed somewhat since we communicated, we find ourselves now on the brink of war,” he said gravely as an attaché came bearing a flask of Iced fruit pulp, along with a small collection of frosted glasses. By this point Ixtapacas had whirled away perhaps unnoticed as the train had bolted from the station like a frightened Cheetah yet to no visible effect within the carriage.

[Cymrea]

On the Obsidian Way, north of Ixtapacas

Sir Persicus Doyle thought very fondly of loose-fitting linens and cool breezes. In fact, Aleutia must be just lovely this time of year, with its blissful sub-freezing temperatures. The luxurious ice in his fruit drink offered a tantalising taste of the frigid environs he now sorely missed.

His formal tailcoat, while magnificently tailored, was stout and heavily brocaded. Underneath: a linen undershirt, starched and pressed cotton shirt, suspenders, and vest. The opulently appointed state car was surprisingly cool, for which Doyle was tremendously grateful - nevertheless, his handkerchief was becoming quite saturated from mopping his brow. Opening a window would likely send a cyclone whipping through the car, he thought with a mental frown.

The chair, however, was most comfortable. Most comfortable indeed.

"It is perhaps for the best I explain now, as I'm sure you are curious. Matters have changed somewhat since we communicated; we find ourselves now on the brink of war," Icnoyotl said. News had, in fact, reached him via telegraph during a brief stop in San Francisco: Brazil and Aztek appeared to be on a collision course over the disposition of southern Central America and the French colonial holdings in Venezuela and Gran Colombia. Cambria had significant interest in the development and construction of a Panamanian Canal - the Suez project was already considered to be a financial success and had only just past the halfway mark to completion. Similar success in Panama would require a stable political environment.

"I understand, Icnoyotl-ci," Doyle said, adding the respectful Nahuatl honorific to his counterpart's name. "Perhaps you could do me a great favour and explain the details to me from the Aztek perspective. It would go a long way toward understanding the situation and devising a Cambrian strategy for assistance in the matter."

Doyle silently sighed gratefully as an attendant re-filled his cup with icy liquid.

[Cymrea]

United Kingdom of Cambria

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Greater Commonwealth of Saxahvall

On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her Circle of Archons, representing the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom of Cambria, it is my great honour to propose a diplomatic summit to discuss closer relations and the future of a stable and prosperous partnership with the Cambrian East India Company. It is hoped that the convention may take place in Rolighavn and result in an historically cooperative era between Cambria and Saxahvall.

For our delegation, we appoint the Right Honourable Sir Oliver Henricus Sinclair as the Legatus Extraterritorialis to Saxahvall.


Ever in service,

Right Honourable Dame Meredith Aurelia Rhys-Jones, Praetor Extraterritorialis
Royal Cambrian Senate
for HM Queen Victoria

[Cymrea]

---

28 Januarius 1855

HUZZAH FOR THE QUEEN!

Londinium, Cambria - Though Her Majesty's thirty-sixth birthday is not until the end of Maius, the portrait of our Imperial Mother, Queen Victoria, has been released to the Telegraph (with permission from Her Royal Majesty) for mass printing and distribution to Cambrians everywhere!

[Novacom]

“It in a way has it’s foundations in the war against Iron Chin,” here he paused to savour a small sup, and somewhat surprised and pleased by the honorific, and his wide smile came all the wider, “Ah you have some understanding of our language Sir Doyle, I have in my tenure learned many of the languages of the world yet still to me I found my own Nahuatl most beautiful,” he paused again before continuing. “During that conflict the Brazilians declared the idea of Americas for the Americans, something I personally considered Ironic to be coming from a former colonial nation, but I paid little heed to it. What was certain however was the sheer hypocrisy of it,”

“As you know they did nothing during that conflict and now bemoan about what happened in the aftermath of it,” he wryly smirked at this, after all both the Aztek’s and the Cambrian’s had benefitted greatly from that conflict. “About three weeks ago now they violated the exclusion zone we declared three years ago, we had been considering rescinding it, due to it no longer being needed, a sizable fleet drove hard into the zone and made landfall in the southern regions we had actively been incorporating.” Caa’ci shifted in his chair as he angled himself for a better view out the window, beneath the window and incorporated into much of the gilded scroll work was the Cogwheel encircling a crossed torch and hammer, the same symbol that had been evident in many of the murals in Ixtapacas.

He gazed out the window, they had by now passed numerous other Obsidian Wayfarers and through several Obsidian Waystations, and through more than a few cities, the realm of the Aztek’s was indeed vast and soon they would reach their destination. “We subsequently sent forces south to meet them, given they have acted aggressively thus far, we knew that we could not allow them to establish facts on the ground, thus we have been mobilising, the force sent south will offer them once chance to withdraw before they are removed.” Behind them the attaché’s were swift to return with several more frosted jugs, each with a different colour of Iced fruit pulp, before taking their place a respectful distance away in front of a large mural. Which was of a great man laid low being defended by a soldier and what appeared to be a factory worker, their hammer and a torch raised high and crossed in the sky and encircled with a cog.

“I must admit that it is somewhat brief, but at present we’re still putting together the pieces together ourselves, in essence we’ve turned Jade Eagle and Bloody Mary loose,” he paused to drink yet again, appraising the somewhat perplexed look on Doyle’s face. “Ah yes, Jade Eagle is the commander of our Militaries Southern Front while Bloody Mary, she joined us during the war on Iron Chin, and she has proven herself to us and therefore we have entrusted her with command of our Aztlan Fleets, between the pair of them I think we have little to fear, however it’s the wider repercussions that could prove problematic, as I’m sure you can imagine,” here he let this last hang. The situation could be complicated by additional layers of detail but this was the broad thrusts of it and he had no doubt when they arrived in Tenochtitlan that more information would be waiting on his desk.

[Cuprum]

Republiek Argentinië

May the laurels that we were able to achieve be eternal.
Let us live crowned in glory or let us swear in glory to die

Mitre sat in his litter, sweating under the intense Argentinean afternoon sun. It had been many years since he had returned from the North and narrowly escaped the Massacre of slaves there, and he had begun questioning why he left in the start. Bloodthirsty and uncultured were the two words that sprung to his mind when he heard the words 'Africa'. This was his true city, and he loved all of it. Goede Lucht, the true home of the Argentinean sun. None of those other South American cities could claim to be as pure as Goede Lucht. This was where the negros fled after those godforsaken bandeirantes had burned their villages and its plantations to the ground, salted their fields and enslaved their people. The south of the nation turned to a recreation of their homelands coast, and settled there, safe from the Bandeirantes knives and flames, naming it Trelew in the intentions of rebuilding their homeland stone by stone, home by home. And in the intentions of rebuilding their future, thought Mitre. For now the Bandeirantes were gone, scattered far away to the mighty of the Republic, and the black people flourished once more under the Sun's of May watchful gaze.

Mitre’s wishful daydreaming was interrupted by a jolt as his carriage passed over a bump in the road. The streets of Goede Lucht were packed today as his procession made their steady way through, with all manner of people out and about concluding the last of the day’s business. Mitre could hear the heckling of street vendors and shouts of the dock's quartermasters calling for their workers mixing as one. Through a crack in the curtains of his carriage, he could see the shimmering turquoise sea, calm and peaceful in sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city right by it. He was being taken by his butlers back to the Mitre family Palace, after concluding a particularly interesting and beneficial trade deal with a Brazilian slaver. Not only had this slaver, whose name Mitre had already forgotten, offered to supply sugar only him from now on, but he had also offered the best rates he had seen in a long while. Mitre chuckled to himself as he remembered. He had had to haggle him down from the ridiculous figure he had first offered, but it was most certainly worth it. Most certainly. He could almost imagine the looks of frustration and envy on the faces of some of his rivals in the trade when he would tell them over dinner later in the evening. It had been a good day so far, one of the few he had had for an age, truth be told.

The family business, sugar and coal, had been passing through some smooyh waters waters in recent years. Of course when demand increase, and supply remains high, that is to be expected. And what with all the revolutions and power shuffles in the Cities and closer to home in the Republic, demand really has increased, thought Mitre, as he picked up a grape and chucked it into his mouth. And supply has definitely decreased, he thought, what with the growing numbers of pirates and companies willing to sell him machines from these new wars.

For the Bandeirantes easy money that capturing people made certainly outweighed any moral consequences the trade in human flesh had for many. Not that such a turbulent market truly hurt the Mitre family’s investments in the Brazilean soil anyway; they were too big to collapse. It was the smaller Slavers families he worried for as they went out of business and lost all their money. I suppose its simply more sinners for the markets in the end, he thought, grabbing another grape and bringing it to his mouth.

The Carriage finally reached the Manor. He clambered out, his joints cracking after too long sitting down, and made his way to the entrance, longing for the coolness inside. As soon as he entered, he was pounced upon by his youngest daughter, Isabel, as he always was upon returning home.

“Father, you’re home!” she said, hugging him tightly. “You must take me with you next time to the markets, I want to learn.” Although only past her seventeenth birthday, Isabel was the only one of Mitre three boys and two girls who even remotely wanted to continue in the family business. His eldest son joined the army, his other two daughters were already married away, one to a family in St.Johannes and the other to a Mendocinean merchant and his two twin boys seemed only to squabble over who would inherit what after Mitre’s death more than anything else.

“My darling Isabel. You are not yet eighteen but have the hunger of a tiger to learn. If you do not stop pestering me, I may have to take you one day.” Mitre said, chuckling as he released her from the hug. “Now tell me, where are the rest of the family?”

“Mother is out at the markets, she left not long ago. Bartolito and Juan Manuel, I know not where they have gone. Perhaps to the Jockey Club. They have been away all day.” Isabel replied. “Oh father, I had the most wonderful fun today with Nicholas, he took me all along the waterfront. I think he means to ask me to marry him.”

At this, Mitre scowled. Nicholas was a newly appointed captain in the Army, and not a choice he would’ve consented to. He considered Nicholas reckless and arrogant, but had so far allowed the romance between the two go unchallenged but for a few words of caution. “You already know what I think of that boy. But not to worry, my dearest: I am too happy to be angry or worried today, and I have matters to conclude. We shall speak later.”

With that, Mitre hurried himself up a flight of stairs, and slowly pushed open the doors to his grand study. There, clustered around a small round table, surrounded by plates of succulent local food, sat seven men, of differing ages and builds. These seven men represented some of the largest and strongest trade families in the city, perhaps a few even stronger than the Mitre family. Perhaps, Mitre thought with a sly grin on his face as he pulled out the remaining chair and sat down. He clapped his hands and a butler, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, brought forth a platter of octopus for him to dig into.

Mitre wiped his hands on his tokar as the plates were cleared away by butlers. The meal had gone well, and he had enjoyed it. He savoured the memory of when he told them of his recent trade deal, and their reactions. He could feel the jealousy in them, and he revelled in the knowledge that today, he had won. As the men filtered out from the hall, Mitre noticed that one remained seated, holding a letter in his hand. Mitre’s victorious smile weakened a little. When he noticed it was Alsina, a fierce trading rival of his, the smile disappeared completely from his face. “My friend,” Mitre said, nervously, “the feast is over. Have you not noticed?” Alsina got up, and walked to Mitre.

“Ah yes, and may I congratulate your excellent hosting of such a great event.” Alsina eyed the letter, and offered it to Mitre. The smile was now on his face. “A little something that we all thought would be best handled by you. For the good of The Republic, you understand.” He said, before leaving the room. Mitre opened the letter, and read it hurriedly. He immediately cursed as he finished it. It was a missive, signed by all of the seven who had been present at his dinner, requiring him to make the journey to Africa to act as a diplomatic envoy for the Republic to foster more trade and better relations.