1912: Esparia at War - IC - ESPARIA ONLY

[Great Kauthar]

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[SECP]

SECP
November 1, 1913

SECP citizens standing in a "Working Line"

All over SECP the situation is the same.....Once productive factories are shut down, banks have ran dry, thousands are unemployed....
This was a "caused" by the carelessness of the once Romunee Empire who ran the nations economy into the ground. When SECP took over and over threw the Romunee Government, they promised a change. Well it's been 2 years now and nothing has seemed to change, but at least now people have hope....

---

Jericho City Parliament Building, SECP

Deep within the chambers of SECP's government building a deal was being forged. This deal formally known as the National Reconstruction Act is planned to rebuild the currently depleted SECP. Hours later Jozef Ipati, the current leader of SECP announced a message to the people....

Citizens, Comrades, My Brothers and Sisters....
Today I come to you not as our nation's leader, not as if this is another political announcement, but as a concerned father.
Years ago we allowed left our great nation fall into despair, we thought by overthrowing our old corrupt monarchy that life we once knew would return to us....That our nation's problems would be washed away over night.....That was two years ago.....And yet today we still live in the same state as we did under the Romunee Crown. We act as if we don't remember the times when these great lands was once the jewel of Ioraqus! For far to long we have left our garden unchecked! For now weeds have taken their place and yet we look onto as a common sight!........I know that SECP is a young country, much younger compared to that of Newmist Union or The Republic of Kauthar. But our roots in history are much deeper then any other! We are still a proud people!.....But our names have been tarnished by the years of neglect.
Now I will go tendered our garden and it will bear fruit once again. But I need you the people, the citizens of SECP to believe in my words and trust my next actions.... For some of my next actions can be questionable, but they are for the best of the people. I only ask for you to carry on with your lives and brace yourselves.... For these next few months will bring with them a new speed for SECP and with it a new glory.

[Zeelerfeld]

Ferderikfeld, Zeelerfeld
"Now what do you propose we do then commander?" ,muttered the weary sergeant. "Well that's the million Zerl question! Those damn Augusticinians have fortified our rightful cities against the citizens' wills!" ,answered the very clearly distressed Commander Arnold Zoherllendorf. Arnold had been the mastermind behind the great military victories in the north and had brought the Augusticinians down all the way outside the great city of Zeelerfeld City a grand city to rival even challenge the majesty of the cities from the older powers.
"Well I'll make this out quite clearly, we have more manpower and equipment all we need to do is break the entrenchments; even if that's only one of them we'll cut their supplies! This will be the greatest offensive of all time my friend!" ,gleamed Zoherllendorf. So the plan was set. "Commander!" ,announced a voice, "The Foreign Affairs issue?"

[Newmist Union]

"-Now, in other news, the new government intensive to ration food, has taken root in most of the city-states after the monthly affairs vote. Only 22 has voted "no" on rationing food, which has put them in bad political light. Some argue they are violating the constitution by letting them eat full rations, while most within the union now eat half, but they argue back that they are simply following the will of the people. We have been informed that the Department of Oversight are looking into this case, but has not found enough evidence to have a chase against the city leadership yet.

Riots. In city state 5, the work force working on the new train tunnels connecting city state 5 to city state 1, a hunger strike, broke out into a full scale riot. Five soldiers lost their lives, and twenty rioters were wounded. Psychologists have stated this might be due to the violent nature of the penal forced labor units. The hard line equalist city-state has shown in polls that they dislike the hard line unitarian approach to dealing with political descendants. Many think therapy or community service would better suit those who do not follow the constitutions guidelines. Polls show that the most common breaking is discrimination on gender and sexuality, or anti democratic views.

On the international front, tensions on fishing waters still rise. And no diplomatic solution has yet been reached between the Kauthar nation and the Union. The proposal of shared fishing waters went over badly, due to the argument of compensation. Both the Equalist and the Unitarian parties have voiced disgust over the lack of cooperation, but nigher wish to take blame for it.

The new hall of heroes building in city state 12, was desecrated by young political equalist activists, throwing paint onto the statues, arguing that the statues, by their very nature, elevate those few over the people, and thus, is a break on our very nations founding of equality. While the Department of Oversight saw this as a valid argument, the activists were still charged with resisting arrest. Their trial is to be held in 6 days.

And now, for our closer, we try to improve the lives of the listeners. Scientific research has shown that breathing in a specific way will help you deal with stress. Breathing in for two seconds, and breathing out for four. Doing this for an extended period of time, will force your body to become more relaxed. This can be beneficial for problems with sleeping, or dealing with minor periods of stress. If the problem is stronger, it is of course recommended that you go to the nearest service center, so you can be assigned a therapist.

Glory to the people comrades. Now, back to the daily music broadcast-"

[Sangaku]

Namiyousai Naval Dockyards
Vice Admiral Shin Ueno sat in his office as he looked over the military installation as a large ship slowly moved from the dry dock towards the water.
Ueno had been assigned to Namiyousai in order to train the higher achieving officers of the region, as the other naval academies of the Kanso region weren't considered up to the task for the 'best of the best'. Government funding for the military had been increasing recently, but training budgets had been decreasing.
"Our navy has a reputation to maintain." Shin thought to himself as a knock came from the door.
"Enter." He yelled towards to the door.
The doors swung open and a young officer strode into the room.
"Ueno-Chūjō" Lieutenant Isumu Kimura, one of Ueno's many aides, announced. "Captain Ikeda has requested that you be the one to send off Tengoku no Ken."
'Tengoku no Ken', the Heavenly Sword, one of Sangaku's newest and most powerful ships. A dreadnought with power never before seen within the national fleet. It was next in line to become the flagship of the Sangakuan navy, and with the amount it cost many had high hopes for the ship.

Captain Ikeda had been one of the students who had trained under Ueno. He came from a family with a long military history, and a close relationship with the Emperor's lineage. It was no surprised he would eventually enter this academy, nor that he would be captaining the future flagship.
"Meiyo da ne (What an honour)" Shin sighed. He turned to the young officer. "As nice as the offer is, I must decline. Besides-" He gestured towards the windows of his office. "-the view here is just fine."
The Lieutenant nodded and bowed, turning to leave the room. But as he reached the door he stopped.
"Was their something else, Isumu?" The admiral asked.
The younger officer, uncomfortable with the sudden informal use of his first name, turned slowly back.
"Chūjō...why has the government ordering so many more ships, so many more officers. Is parliament expecting something we don't know about."
Ueno sighed again as he looked out the window towards the dreadnought.
"It is possible. But it might not be that they are expecting something, but that they are planning something."

[Augusticinia]

Members of the Augusticinian 8th Colonial Infantry Company at the Battle of Arnberg in 1908

Augusticinian Colonial Military Headquarters, Hagosund City, Zeelerfeld

"1902, was the year. The year a few of these Zeelerfeldians decided that independence would be good for the very land we stand upon now. Emperor Olson, decided to laugh it off. None of us thought that a full blown revolution could happen. Back then I was just a general. We sent out patrols though and had a few skirmishes here and there. We only thought about capturing the revolutionaries and maintaining order. The revolution began in the Northern and Eastern areas of Zeelerfeld. So the war started out small with a few battles here and there. I was stationed in Aarnop, as a leader of an infantry brigade. At the beginning of the war we must have had 12,000 troops or so here excluding the militias that we controlled. Now that was late 1902. By 1904, we had maybe 450 casualties and the war had began to drag on. We did not expect the war to drag on this long though. Our troop count had increased to around 16,000. Emperor Marti was elected, he had the same stance on the war as Emperor Olson. We fought and slowly increased our troop count but the war was still at its low stage, until they did the unexpected. In 1906, they captured Freidlund. The war began to heighten then. They began to have access to weapons and machines. They made their way northward and westward. The horrors of the battle of Ferderikfeld as we were defeated heavily and they had gained a stronghold in the North. In 1910 they made it to Aarnop and we were forced to retreat. And now we are surrounded. Our last 3 strongholds of Zeelerfeld City, Holunt, and Hagosund, surrounded by high ground. We lie on the flat coastal plains while they have the hills as an advantage. Around 20,000 of our troops have died so far including militia. Right now we have around 30,000 soldiers here. 18,000 infantry, 4,000 Cavalry, 3,000 Infantrymen, and 5,000 marines all here on this grand battlefield. Emperor Reeves has faith in us. He promises us that he will not loose our valuable colony, and I agree. We will win this war. Our inferior air force is improving to match the rebels. We have a powerful navy and a large amount of men willing to fight for Augusticinia back home. I promise you no matter if it takes 1 year or 50 years Zeelerfeld will be ours!" Supreme Commandant Nikodemos Plesko stepped back as his small audience of officers clapped. As the clapping died down Plesko began to speak again,"In good news Emperor Reeves will meed us in Zeelerfeld City to discuss tactics and the current state of the war. 'To serve the Emperor.'" The crowd responded with Augusticinia's motto.

[Great Kauthar]

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[SECP]

The Northern tip of SECP

In the early hours of day, Jozef Ipati spoke to the nation once again and said very little...

Today is the day.....Today we begin our great journey into the unknown and test our limits.....Today we turn SECP around.

Many did not understand what Jozef Ipati meant, but the ones who did rejoiced. Today once the start of the famed National Reconstruction Act, the act that will "save the nation". Again, unknown to most Jozef Ipati has already privately talked to most of the major industries and businesses. They have agreed on doing one project, the "Ausarl Line". The Ausarl Line will be the largest and longest running railroad in the world! It will connect Northern SECP (Jericho City) to SECP's southern coast (Little Line) in the hope of making it easier to run commercial and businesses from the industry rich, thru the farmlands of central SECP, and finally to the mineral rich territory of the south.

This project will create thousands of jobs and help jump start the economy, but this should be impossible considering the economies current state. The will pay for it all and wont raise the nation's tax either, SECP has started to use the term of deficit spending. To make up for the cost Jozef Ipati had made many private deals with the leaders of most of the major industries and businesses and these deals will remain secret until felt needed to be revealed.

[Zeelerfeld]

Men in trenches at the Front with Augusticinia

Ferderikfeld, Zeelerfeld
"We must secure foreign allies, if we want to secure legitimacy as a nation!" ,fumed the Chief Diplomat Taarganof Rickter,
"The Great Republic of Kauthar is opposed to our oppressors we could use that to our advantage!"

"Yes we could back their claims for The Kotona Islands! We'll send our fighters over there for support!" ,suggested Air Chief of Staff Eric Kannendorf.

"And I'm sure we could trade with them too! We send over planes, while they send us ground equipment or personnel!" ,gleamed Taaarganof.
"So we send an ambassador to Kauthar, we inform them of our plans and then we'll have the material to finally push those Augusticinians out of our glorious nation!" an audible cheer erupted! Maybe this was it!

[Newmist Union]

"-So, lets start with your opinions on foregn affairs." The commentator said, before letting the candidates speak their mind.

"Well one thing we can agree on is that we both seek to destroy oppression wherever it may be. The difference is simply how we seek to replace it with unity and equality once its over." Joseph Gorachev said. Before his opponent Alexys Yleb scoffed.

"Of course you would say that. Unitarians and your speeches of grandure... right now, thousands suffer and die in nations that simply does not care for the weak. What we need, is to have the NPLM needs to go international. Its not just Newmistians who deserves worker representation, or have someone look out for them. And that is why the Newmist Peoples Labor Movement needs to not just make the lives of workers better here, but around the world. And who would say no to free housing and feeding of their poor? I mean honestly. What matters more? Sending millions of people to die in wars, or send millions out to make the world better for everyone?"

The commentator took the word. "Understood, so on internal affairs, I take it there is some things you focus more on?"

"Of course comrade. We seek to make the streets safer for everyone, and ensure the minds of our people will never become corrupted. That is why the answer to both is to give more leniency to the Department of Oversight, giving our loyal commissars and special forcers the ability to root out evil whenever they find it." Joseph Gorachev said in a stoic and calm tone, before Alexyx took over.

"Do you even hear him? Making us safe, by turning us into a police state? Is that what you want? Our peoples militias are far than enough to defend our people. Power to the people! Enough with your talks of undermining the people's power, by making them cheer the death penalty, or making them sign their power away. The Department of Oversight has its role... and that role is not to take over the nation. Their sole role is to uphold and defend the constitution. Not to go against everything it stands for."

"Now now, you may disagree with Joseph on many things, but the Department of Oversight has gone through psychologically testing him, and he is truly not an anti democratic individual as you state he might be." The commentator clarified.

"Thank you comrade. My eager, young, opponent is fired up, and has the will and want to change the world. But with age, we learn to rely more on experience and recorded history, rather than one's own feelings on the matter. And I hope that with time, she will realize that."

"You just insulted millions of our own people with that statement, do you realize that?"

"And that's all the time we have for today. Thank you both party leaders for showing up today. Next on the program, daily education on how to properly file ration requisition forms.-"

[Augusticinia]

Battlecruiser ANS Melaba in 1911 in the Strait of Palebro

Hagosund City, Zeelerfeld

Commandant Nikodemos Plesko and Emperor Thomas Reeves walked through the halls of the headquarters. Their steps echoed down the halls as their soft speaking resonated. The Emperor asked,"How are we doing here?" Plesko responded,"Not so well, as you have heard we have been forced onto the defensive. Also one of our ships, a submarine, was on patrol and noticed a ship heading towards Zeelerfeld. It was told not to engage and it followed orders. After review of what the crew saw we have belief that it was a Kautharian ship. This may be important but that is not the most important issue of now. We are on the defensive and Zeelerfeld controls the higher land and we are being pushed back to our coastal cities..." Reeves interrupted,"Did you say a Kautharian ship?" Plesko nodded. "I received a telegram from the Kotona Islands and apparently construction is taking place in the islands controlled by Kauthar from what we have seen." Plesko continued,"We are in a rut, and we need to figure out how to solve our Zeelerfeld problem and obviously it sounds like Kauthar is preparing for conflict." Reeves nodded,"Obviously they have no business in our colonies and as a large trading power we have the right to the Kotona Islands but I think a conference may be necessary. Nikodemos do you agree?" Plesko faced Reeves and stopped walking,"As much as I'd love to teach the Kautharian's a lesson about our power, our privacy, and our property rights, I think a conference is necessary."

Reeves continued to walk and Plesko followed,"Back to the fighting in Zeelerfeld what do you think should be done?" Plesko responded,"I think we need an experienced group of soldiers and still their aircraft put us at a disadvantage." Reeves responded,"I think I will send 2 well trained marine regiments that have been asking to join the conflict. I will send some light infantry to the Kotona Islands to assure that it is secure along with a few ships. Also with the aircraft problem we will send some more artillery to help with that." Plesko nodded,"I think that is a good plan." They shook hands and Reeves parted after saying a few final words as Plesko made his way back to his office.

---

Telegram to the National Republic of Kauthar
Dear President Ryan Hancock,
The Augusticinian Empire has noticed certain activities near Zeelerfeld and the Kotona Islands. Alarmed by such actions, we wish to hold a conference to possibly settle our differences and disputes. As a common show of courtesy we will allow you to choose the location of such conference as long as it is in neutral ground. Please respond soon because we would hate for things to escalate.
-Signed, Emperor Thomas Reeves of the Augusticinian Empire.

[Great Kauthar]

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[Asaland and The Asish Isles]

UAA Meeting #248 - Kel, Asaland 1911

"The United Asish Assembly has been called in an emergency meeting to discuss the ongoing tensions in Zeelerfeld." said the Speaker. "King Naeem Rashoud, we (the Assembly) demand that you explain Asaland's position in this."
King Rashoud rose from the highest seat in the vast halls of the assembly and walked across to the mahogany podium. "When we were under the rule of the Imperalists, did we simply watch and eat grass whilst they exploited and oppressed us?, No, we took arms and rose against them. Why are the wishes of the people in Zeelerfeld any different to what ours were? Hence I propose that we form an alliance with the Zeelerfeldians."

"Do you have any idea of the repercussions that will hit Asaland as a result of us going to war? We will be led into the worst depression that has ever hit our soil! Any sane man would stay out of this, its none of our business to muddle in their affairs." said Hanbal Iskandar (representing District Farath'uaa, Ma'raa). "Augusticinia is on our doorstep, if we are to provoke them and their allies, we will be blown out of Esparia!".

King Rashoud replied to Iskandar, "Members of the Assembly, Augusticinia is 'on our doorstep' just as the honourable member has said. If we do nothing they will invade our lands like they have done to others before, we must take a stance against them through the Zeelerfeldians if we are to protect our future as a nation. The Arterian Sea will soon see Augusticinian Ships heading our way if we don't do something" His comments sparked chaos in the Assembly. He walked out, bringing the Minister of Defence along with him.

[SECP]

Jericho City, SECP
Presidential Estate

Construction of the Ausral Line has done what it has originally has been designed too, to create a demand of work. Thousands of once unemployed citizens are pouring into the businesses that are working on "the Line" and in turn the businesses do not fear pouring their pockets into their new workforce, thanks to the government's promise. The Line isn't scheduled to be finished for another 3 years, but the pure aura that it is giving off is fueling the hope of the people and even smaller projects are being started in an attempt to ride off of it's success.
But this isnt enough. It's not enough to pull SECP out of it's depression "over night" like it was promised. So the National Reconstruction Act must be more bold....

It was early morning in Jericho City, the sun was just creeping over some of the taller buildings, but in the Presidential Estate Jozef Ipati was hard at work going over papers and other such demands. He was scanning over a paper when a knock was heard at the door, it was a soft knock, so soft the Jozef didnt even hear it at first. Then came a louder knock, without even looking up from the paper in front of him he yelled "Come in!". One of his secretaries opened the door and in walked three young men. When the door closed Jozef finally looked and with a half breath he started to say "Hello gentlemen what may be...." When he finally got a good look at them he stopped, at first his eyes showed he was surprised then they turned to anger. "No" he said in his darker voice he rarely uses "No I will not sit tho another one of your war hawk meetings." One of the young men whom stood in the middle spoke.

"But, sir if you would only listen."

"I said NO damn you... We are going to be drawn in what will burn this nation. We are just starting to recover! Our nation would not be ready."

The young man cleared his throat, then spoke again.
"Sir, we are not here to "war hawk" you. We are here to discuss the option about starting talks with Zeelerfeld."

"Why would we talk to them? Humm?! You know that they are at war! A war we have been trying to keep out of. Even after several times when a Augusticinian or Kautharian ship would "slip" into our waters! Time and time again we have ignored this war and we will continue too."

"Sir let me speak!...." He then quickly fixed himself.
"Our economy is now recovering yes, but not at the rate we hoped for is it? But you know what will...Our largest industry is metal works and you know this. Even with this "Line" being constructed only a tenth of our factories are being worked. Making a deal in this war can bring ALL of our factories to life and this will undoubtedly save SECP."

Jozef the looked down and gave a silent sigh. Never looking back up he spoke in a much softer tone.
"You want SECP to be rebuilt another nation's blood?....This would forever leave an impact on the world....."
Agin he sighs and looks back up.
"But you are right...This kind of act will bring SECP from the brink. I will allow you and a small group to travel to Zeerlerfeld, IN SECRET! And discuss terms of some sort of deal if possible."

The young man, now with a simile on his face, speaks again.
"Thank you sir."
He then starts to turn and leave, but Jozef stops him.
"And son....Be safe."

The young man turns back towards Jozef.
"I will be father thank you."
He then turns and leaves, more then likely already planing his secret trip to Zeerlerfeld.

[Zeelerfeld]

Official Zeelerfeldian Telegram

Fair salutations to all great nations of Esparia!
You may know of the current situation in our homeland.
We urge all nations to help in our fight for freedom!
We will strive for a diplomatic solution but will continue our war if needed!
The National Republic of Kauthar, we support your rightful claims to the Kotana Islands, furthermore the bolstering of relations including Embassies, material trade and improving relations would be mutually beneficial!
So we request a diplomatic meeting between our nations!
We are however open to all forms of diplomacy with any nation, your help will be invaluable.

[Great Kauthar]

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[Great Kauthar]

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[Zeelerfeld]

Battle map of the Zeelerfeld Independence War as of 1904-1912 called The Stalemate

Nedern, Zeelerfeld
"We shall provide air support while you bombard them with artillery and the Navy will cut their supply lines."
"Yes and the ground forces will easily secure the lines promptly!"
However one voice interrupted, it was Field Marshal Frank Danzekg "Generals have we not forgotten The Battle of Arnberg? We need proper co-ordination with all the army, navy and air force. I believe a general offensive should be drafted!"

[Zeelerfeld]

Plans devised by Field Marshal Frank Danzekg to Flank enemies and co-ordinating armies correctly.

[Augusticinia]

Augusticinian soldiers on the Southern front line. 1912

Nogul, Augusticinia
Emperor Thomas Reeves boarded the small steamship that had arrived. The Augusticinian legislature had approved the conference between Kauthar and Augusticinia. The choppy waters of the Strait of Storms rocked the boat as Reeves boarded. Reeves headed to his quarters and a servant came by asking if he needed anything. He declined merely saying that he was tired. When the servant left, Reeves opened a briefcase on top of the ornate desk in his room. Inside of it lay stacks of issues, telegrams, war reports, and personal letters. At the top of the stack was a telegram from Commandant Plesko regarding the successful arrival of 2 marine regiments and 1 artillery regiment. Also infantry had arrived in the Kotona Islands along with a few ships and some artillery. The telegram also talked about Plesko's plan to secure the lines near Nedern and take a swift strike towards Aarnop. The telegram ended with the typical,"To serve the Emperor." The boat continued to move through the choppy waters slowly towards the Chornesai ocean and a group of islands that had seen fighting for hundreds of years. Reeves was tired and knew he needed rest before the conference, so he closed the briefcase and headed towards his bed.

[SECP]

Anjerwpen, Free Zeerlerfeld
1:18 PM

Just off shore a silhouette of a ship sits. The water sat still as nothing disturbs its glass like surface, the itself ship sat there dead to the world. No light, no movement, no action. Soon tho some movement is seen leaving the ship, a smaller row boat is lowered and immediately turns towards the towns lights and sets off. Not a soul around to notice the small boat slip into the port, but as soon as the row boat parked it self along a pier a group of individuals swarm over the boat. These were clearly Zeeler Militia, they must not have been expecting the arrival of the boat seeing how most have rifles risen staring down the watercraft and the others somewhat dumbfounded. None the less tho several arms inside the boat go up to show they hold no weapons, then one by one 6 people exit the boat onto the pier still with arms up. After a few moments of awkward silence a young man from the center of the group steps forward with arms still risen and speaks.

Hello good chaps, sorry for startlingly you but I am on unguent business and I wish to speak with your commanding officer.
I wish to discuss the details of harboring my ship.....

[Zeelerfeld]

Anjerwpen Habour, Zeerlerfeld 1:20 PM

Follow me we must check of your loyalties and motives. I'm sorry to be so strict but this is a time of revolution and liberty! We can't let the enemy in so easily, though we will accept friends with open arms. You'll see Commandant Erwin Von Romstein soon. First may I ask why have you landed here?

[SECP]

Anjerwpen, Free Zeerlerfeld

I can save you the time and assure you that you will not find anything on me or my men. Our motives are....discreet. In truth we aren't even here. But I see that you may become wary of our presence. Take comfort, we are not your enemies but we can become friends. All of this teeter on my success here.

[Zeelerfeld]

Anjerwpen Harbour, Zeerlerfeld
Well I hope I won't regret this stay safe whoever you are. Commandant Sir we have a guest who inquires yourself. In God we trust!

He whispers something in the Commandant's ear.

Erwin Von Romstein is sitting on the desk in front, his uniform is proper it looked as if it was ironed while he was wearing it, an embodiment of respect. A large moustache lay on his face and so did authority.

Well who mathap you be and what do you seek of me? Be careful of your actions and words my guards will make short work of your band of men.

[Asaland and The Asish Isles]

Ministry of Communications
Nation of Zeelerfeld

Asaland will support you fully through your battle for freedom and independence. We will be sending military support within the next coming days to assist you.

King Rashoud I