A War of Mud and Steel[AH-IC-OPEN]

[Gorbatov]

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Russian:Союз Советских Социалистических Республик; Soyuz Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik
Ukrainian:Союз Радянських Соціалістичних Республік; Soyuz Radyans’kykh Socialistychnykh Respublik
Byelorussian:Саюз Савецкіх Сацыялістычных Рэспублік; Sayuz Savieckaja Sacyjalistyčnaja Respublika
Moldovan:Униуня Републичилор Cоветиче Сочиалисте; Uniunea Republicilor Sovietice Socialiste
Kazakh:Кеңестік Социалистік Республикалар Одағы; Keñestik Socïalïstik Respwblïkalar Odağı
Turkemen:Совет Социалистик Республикалары Союзы; Sowet Sosialistik Respublikalary Soýuzy
Lithuanian:Tarybų Socialistinių Respublikų Sąjunga
Latvian:Padomju Sociālistisko Republiku Savienība
Estonian:Nõukogude Sotsialistlike Vabariikide Liit
Polish:Związek Socjalistycznych Republik Radzieckich

Workers of the World, Unite!

January 20, 1914
Central Bukhara, Emirate of Bukhara

As Northern Bukhara came under full Soviet control two days ago, it was only fit to aid their Persian allies in their assault in Central Bukhara. To which again was led by Seymon Budyonny, whose Cavalry Army had seen most skirmishes with the Bukharan resistance, knowing their tactics, and using them against them, knowing that they lack any modern weapons and experience.

January 21, 1914
Moscow, Russia SFSR

As their only one day left till the anniversary, Soviet Union is quiet, for today most of the Soviet Union are mourning the mass killing of the proletariat in front of the Winter Palace. To which Patriarch Georgy I of Moscow and of All Russia, also known as Georgy Gapon, whom is leading a liturgy in front of the gates of the Winter Palace, to which is currently in restoration, removing any Tsarist symbols, replacing them with Soviet ones in Leningrad. Meanwhile in Moscow, Lenin was in his office, reading the Das Kapital, to which he was interrupted by his People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Georgy Chicherin, "Comrade Lenin, you must read this immediately, it is of utter importance". Lenin had put Das Kapital down on his, and took the telegram, quickly skimming through it. "So the Swabians had just expelled the Austrian populace just like that? Is their any statement from our Austrian Allies?". inquired Lenin. Georgy was winded and so had to take a breath for a while, "They haven't released a statement yet, but since they are our allies, shouldn't we support Austria?", rushed Georgy. Lenin pondered for a while, he looked at Georgy and said, "Yes condemn them, also the GPU to keep a close eye on Swabian nationals, they may be spies for their government."

"Very well, Comrade Lenin.", said Georgy as he exited the room.

People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

To the United British Isles, Unionist Republic of England,Scotland Ireland and Wales,

The Soviet government would like to extend a hand of cooperation, as you have recently became a friend of Persia, we believed it was just right that we become friends as well. Though we may have different views, we are similar, you and I, as both of our nations were born from the common people rising up, to overthrow a corrupt ruler. But also we share something similar as well, other than history, as we both share the disdain against the barbaric Germans. To which we offer you a alliance, both military and economical, as we both have rising markets, and both have large armies. We hope that this sparks a new wave in Soviet-British relation, as our cooperation may be key in the future, to which may decide the fate of the world.

Signed,
Georgy Chicherin, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union


Vladimir Lenin, Premier of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

[box]

People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

[i]To the States of the Church,

In response to your telegram, the government of the USSR would like to stress that we didn't murder the Romanovs, excluding the Tsar, whom was tried by the court, and was executed. From our latest intelligence, during 1905, a Russian Imperial Navy submarine, the Delfin, had been patrolling the Barents Sea, to which her crew spotted a unknown ship, to which was the unprotected cruiser, Almaz, to which was containing the family of the Tsar, whom were fleeing to the East. Additionally, due to it being at the time of the revolution, the Delfin's crew was ordered to sink any ship they see, just before departing Murmansk. To which resulted into the Delfin firing two of its torpedo's into the hull of the Almaz, to which resulted to the death of the Romanovs. With the issue of Patriarch Bogoyavlensky, we received news in December 1905, that he had died from frostbite during a trek to the east, accompanied by the escaping Russian aristocrats, to which a force of Soviet Cossacks were pursuing. Knowing that the Communist ideology is against theology, we decided at first of making the state atheist, but due to us acknowledging the vast populations of Orthodox and Muslim, we saw it fit to allow them practice their religion, as long as they don't interfere with state affairs, and so we decided to become so secular state. Additionally, as for the issues of church burning, a radical few in the left decided to fully cleanse the Union of religion, but knowing the large majority of the party was secular, the state decided to round them all up, to which we charged them of with treason, to we exiled them to Siberia for 'rehabilitation'. We assure you that churches would not be harmed, if we did, St.Basil's Cathedral would be a burning pile of ash. We hope that these answered your questions, and hope that our dialogue together would continue on to the future.

Signed,
Georgy Chicherin, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union


Vladimir Lenin, Premier of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

[Newne Carriebean7]

The United British Isles Unionist Republic of England,Scotland Ireland and Wales
London
Pinewoods Residence
January 21st,1914

President Nathan Crusoe Bishop ran his hands through the balding head that cursed his body. he had his thoughts and actions consumed by the local news, protests injured in Paris, and now he was enjoying a coffee,his shaky hands making the black liquid sway back and forth in it's cupped container. The door squeaked open,and his most trusted aide, Hanson,slipped into the room carrying some documents.
"Have the ships docked yet?" Bishop barked out.
"I'm sorry, what do you mean,exactly? the expeditionary force to Persia?"
"No, the diplomats to the Confederacy, I want to be updated on their potential meeting!"
"We're still awaiting word from them to say they've arrived,so it's a no yet."
"Dammit! just once I want this world to move faster, just once I want myself to have the patience and mental capacity for these trying times, but no! no, no no! I'm stuck here waiting for the inevitable or the unpredictable, the confused or the sane, the-"
"The righteous or the wicked, I've heard your banter before, now why don't you and I go for a little walk?"
"Y-yes, I suppose so, for the ship to arrive at Richmond, they must've been killed! it's the only explanation!"
"Sir, you're acting delusional,and imp-"
"Impatient?! I'm almost 68 years old, I've lived for such a damn long time, I barely remember when I was a republican politician! I remember when people actually treated me with respect like I'm important, but no, I'm some sagging sorry excuse for the President of the Unionist Republic, and that's all I'll ever be!"
with that, the man's voice cracked, and he collapsed on his desk, in tears. as the aide left and he composed himself, he began to think.
now he was very curious about the potential results of the talks with the confederates about this "alliance". He knew very well what he had wanted from the talks, the man was willing to stick by his allies for now, but he wasn't going to send hundreds of thousands of Brits to their pointless deaths, maybe a few hundred, at most ten to twenty thousand, he called the policy "Testing the Waters." It was catchy and he had an election to win, and a debate to go to, but he had time to reply to the Soviets.

To: Soviet Union, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
The British Government has seen your extend of friendship and we all are deeply moved by this motion of solidarity between the British lion and the Russian bear,while we both have similar goals in the war, with your punishing the Germans and us wanting to expand our empire further, something that we may not see eye to eye on, but it is the necessary times of the day. We are forced to shake this hand with a firm grasp, and as such and upon further consultation with my Foreign affairs minister on the benefits of this alliance, we find that the alliance between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Unionist Republic of England, Scotland,Ireland and Wales is in the nation's best interests ,and I have historically tried to steer the country for what is best for it,and personally consider this another one of our accomplishments.

may Britannia and Mother Russia join hands, sing and skip along the road of prosperity for many years to come.
Sincerely ~

Nathan Crusoe Bishop, 14th President of the Unionist Republic of England, Scotland,Ireland and Wales.

With that, he grabbed his coat and braced the pouring rains outside, hopping in the horse and buggy to the debate room that had been scheduled between the Republican party, United Farmer's Front that represented the Scottish, BUL, along with both the Navy and Army of the republic parties. All he could think of was how big of a clusterfuck this week had been.
"It hasn't even started yet..."
He mused from the back seat of the now moving buggy, the horses neighing as the carriage disappeared along the road.

[Insaeldor]

Grand Republic of Maranhão
Grande República do Maranhão

President Agostinho de Sá Carneiro
Military Proving Grounds at Uberlândia
Uberlândia, Maranhão

I stood upon a platform, elevated high above the mix of civilian and military officers who attended the academy not far from the location of my speech. It was alway a national event when a president would give a speech especially one that wasn't an inaugural or State of the Republic address. Buisnesses and industrial complexes would vault work for a moment in order to allow the people to hear the speech over radio, while this wasn't a mandatorything it was tradition that start with men reciting a transcript of the speech on the street corner and gradually evolved into what it is now, obviously a day or two notice was given so people could prepare and buisness could get settled to allies here workers to listen. I took a soft breath and looked over the blue clad officers and dirty civilian populace and prepared to speak.

"We have seen our nations transcendence through the iris of technology. We are quickly becoming the most industrialized nation in the Southern Hemisphere with a farming community producing enough food for the starving children of embattled European countries to feast upon and to make them feel safe while also giving us the ability to feed ourselves several times over.

We have seen ourselves come through the horrors of civil strife and internal conflict to become a beacon of republicanism and egalitarianism. We now constitute one of the most successful democratic institutions in the Americas. It our duty as members of this glorious republic to spread the message of republicanism to all of our felllw men who live in institutionalize binds.

Now we are in the stages of becoming a military sry power within the region. Our military has in conjunction with our blossoming industrial system have started the process of creating a new military capable of defending our nation in ways it was previously unable to. I stand here today to announce to the people that our nation is stepping into its own and taking the reigns of self determination.

The powers of Europe have a turn of phrase, who ever is the weakest of the colonial powers in there region they deem the sick man of Europe. But I believe if we take a broader look at the world we will see that Europe is the sick and anemic man of the world and that soon a new coalition of nations will take the helm as the powers of the world. Today we make our first steps into the realm of this new era of shifting power. We will be the next great power of the world, it might not be today, it might not be ten years from now but we will see ourselves placed upon the podiums of power that the Europeans stepped upon just as they Olympians did to the Titans."

As I finished the last of my speech men dressed in both the new battle and dress uniforms of our new model army marched out and stood at attention. Those who marched out to the field from the left wore the new dress uniform. Black jacket and black trousers with red acessenting colours and stitching. A red ascot, and a black busby. The men who marched out from the right wore a thin tunic and trousers dyed a dark green color, similarly colored Puttees and black leather ankle boots were worn with the uniform. The uniform itself was based heavily off the pattern 1902 battle dress of the British military with some distinct differences in the thickness of the material, several more pockets located throughout the tunic to allow for more of the new rifles uniquely designed en-bloc clips to be placed in as well as built in pouches meant to hold ten clips each.

Being rolled out by some of the officers cadets were the New Model 1914 Rifle, the Model 1914 Automatic Field Gun our new machine gun as well as some other smaller personal things like new knives and entrenching tools. While the men currently wearing these new uniforms are the only men equips with this new uniform hopefully by the end of this year a good portion of our front line troops will be equip with this new uniform.

[The Alps Confederation]

States of the Church
Status Pontificius
Stato della Chiesa

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
1 Samuel 12:24

Noi vogliam Dio, Vergine Maria
Marcia trionfale
Marche Pontificale

---

The Vatican, City of Rome, Papal States

"Yes of course your Holiness, it shall be done immediately. If you'd excuse me gentlemen...". Whilst Papa Benedictus and his newly appointed commanders were still discussing about the conquest of Italy, I proceeded back to my office to write a couple of important telegrams; This was part of the Pope's plans to acquire as many allies as possible to aid the Holy Roman Empire whilst maintaining our Church's presence around the globe.

May Peace Be Upon You, dear leaders of the United British Isles Unionist Republic of England,Scotland Ireland and Wales, the Sublime State of Persia and the United Arabian Federation.

The States of the Church, his holiness, Pope Benedictus XV and I, Pietro Gasparri, Cardinal Secretary of State, wishes to expand its global relations with various states and strengthen the rights of Christian majorities and especially minorities depending on where you are. We also have a common ally in the East, the Soviet Union, and although its ideology is unfortunately not compatible within Christian doctrine, it should nonetheless be clarified that the Church sees free will as a divine right to practice and also in times such as these, it will only be beneficial for us all to call someone a reliable ally. From what I gathered, Persia and the UR have already begun initiating diplomatic relations, thus we are all on the same league such as them; The Holy Roman Empire desperately needs help against our common arch-nemesis, the German Empire and its allies, and it is greatly disturbing to hear that these enemies of ours are anti-christ, threatening to eradicate the Vatican from this very earth, considered to be one of the fundamental pillars of order, justice and morality. It is my hope you heed our call for creating new allies, and in return benefit for us all...

God bless your souls and may your future always shine bright and glorious!

In domine patris et filii et spiritus sancti

---

May Peace Be Upon You, dear Emperor Tywin I Lanius!

It has dawned upon everyone of us in The States of the Church, including his holiness, Pope Benedictus XV and I, Pietro Gasparri, Cardinal Secretary of State, that the Papacy and Eastern Roman Empire should seek to do amends towards each other and ask for the Heavenly Father's forgiveness for all the past crimes and sins committed towards one another. Both the Roman Catholic Church and Byzantine Orthodox Church have many common aspects, and despite a few theological differences and trust on leadership, these barriers still can't stop the possibility of having a interfaith dialogue between the Holy Fathers of Rome and Constantinople respectively. The Papacy wishes to also act as a mediator between your Empire and the Holy Roman Empire in the west, if any conflictsand tension arises, the Holy Father in Rome is there to provide assistance in terms of spirituality and mutual understanding. It is our hope, God's hope, that you heed our call for a better world, helping each other's churches and spreading the faith of the One, True Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven, and a possible alliance.

God bless your soul and may your future always shine bright and glorious!

In domine patris et filii et spiritus sancti

---

May Peace Be Upon You, dear Kaiser Franz Joseph I!

The Pope's wondering if everything's alright with you, your family, your eternal Empire manifested by God and of course, the holy campaign in Romania? During the discussion he recently had with the newly appointed commanders for the reunification of remaining Italia, including your excellent Prince Alois Schönburg-Hartenstein, the importance of priests performing mass before each battle, the absolution of sins for all soldiers and their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater cause have been specified and will become a natural thing in the Papal Armed Forces; which is why the Holiness would like to remind you to not forget your duties as a Roman Catholic, and fill these young men's souls and hearts with the gifts and graces the Lord has bestowed upon the Holy Roman Empire. I can guarantee you that they will then no longer fear death and are willing to go farther than any commander has ever anticipated...

God bless your soul and may your future always shine bright and glorious!

In domine patris et filii et spiritus sancti

[Tracian Empire]

The Holy Roman Empire
Heiliges Römisches Reich
Latin:Sacrum Imperium Romanum, Romanian:Sfantul Imperiu Roman
Hungarian: A Német-Római Császárság, Czech: Svatá říše římská
Slovak:Rímsko-Nemecká Ríša, Croatian:Sveto Rimsko Carstvo
Bosnian: Sveto Rimsko Carstvo, Slovene:Sveto Rimsko Cesarstvo
Polish: Święte Cesarstwo Rzymskie, Italian: Sacro Romano Impero
Ukrainian: Священна Римська імперія-Svyashchenna Rymsʹka Imperiya


Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter!
Indivisible and Inseparable!

God save, God protect
Our Emperor, Our Country!

---

After the Romanian troops were initially able to stop the Imperial advance on the Jiu Valley, the Imperial forces regrouped. The Imperial Operational Command created the Army Group Straußenburg, headquartered in Petroșani, under the command of Generaloberst Arthur Freiherr Arz von Straußenburg. The total manpower of the Army Group amounted to 20,000 troops The Romanian forces could not withstand the new Imperial attack, which started after an artillery duel, in which the Imperial artillery forces, had the clear advantage in all fields, and helped by scout planes. The Romanians retreated the next day, and the Austrian cavalry entered Craiova. The Romanian Royal Army continued its retreat towards the Olt River while the cavalry tried to slow the Imperial advance in order to give it time to organize a defensive line along the Olt. Although the Romanians made attempts to stop the advance of the Imperial forces, they were largely unsuccessful. In two days, all Romanian forces in Oltenia, after failing to set up a proper defensive on the Olt river, surrendered to the Generaloberst von Straußenburg.

The Romanian forces, realizing the danger in which the city of Bucharest was, tried to mount a counteroffensive. They went ahead with the offensive along the Argeș and Neajlov rivers. Initially, the Romanians experienced success, taking a large number of prisoners, however the 1st Imperial Army was able to shift forces to deal with the sudden assault and The Army Group von Straußenburg crossed the Olt river. The 2nd Imperial Army advanced from Râmnicu Vâlcea, attacking the Romanian forces in their flank. Faced with the overwhelming superiority of the invading forces, the Romanian army, its ranks thinned from the previous actions, inferior in equipment and lacking any support, failed to check the enemy advance. Although it recorded numerous daring actions , the Battle of Argeş ended unfavorably for the Romanian forces. Within three days, the attack had been shattered and the Romanians were retreating everywhere. Bucharest was captured two days later by the Imperial cavalry. The Romanian Second Army made a fighting retreat to the Siret river. Fierce fighting took place in the Battle of Râmnicu Sărat with the Imperial forces entering the town after a day.

The collapse of the Romanian forces in the southern part of the country, was followed by the collapse of the Romanian defensive in the Eastern Carpathians, because of the flanking maneouver of the 3rd Imperial Army, which attacking from Suceava, took the city of Piatra Neamț, and fell behind the Romanian defensive line. With the complete collapse of the Romanian forces, the 3rd Imperial Army advanced and took the city of Iași, and then, together with Grenzer units, the city of Botoşani. The 4th Imperial Army advanced, and took the cities of Bacău and Vaslui, before meeting with the 2nd Imperial Army in the city of Focşani, surrounding the remaining Romanian forces and forcing them to surrender.

The 1st Imperial Army advanced towards the city of Slobozia, and two days later, with the help of the Imperial Danube Fleet, which managed to push through the few ships the Romanians had at their disposal, crossed the Danube between Fetești and Cernavodă, entering Dobruja. From there, the group split into two. The first group took the city of Tulcea, and reached the border with the Soviet Union, while the second group took the city-port of Constanța after a brief fight with some remaining Romanian forces, and then advanced and stopped on the border Romania had with Bulgaria before 1913, due to an order from Vienna. That was the end. Romania had fallen.

The next day, in the city of Bucharest, General Alexandru Averescu signed the general surrender of all Romanian armed forces. Victory belonged to Austria.

---

Embassy of the Holy Roman Empire, City of Madrid, Kingdom of Spain
Karl Emil Prinz zu Fürstenberg, the Holy Roman ambassador in Madrid, sighed. "Yes, it is indeed terrible. The situation has spiraled out of control. Vienna might call her embassy back if the government of Spain fails to take back control.", the ambassador replied. "You can certainly spend the night here. We have good enough defenses, and God forbid, if any of those idiots would dare to attack an embassy of His Majesty, it would result in a war, and Spain can't afford that." The man sighed again, taking a letter in his hand. ""It is difficult to say who will be the next claimant to the throne, after all, the entire Royal Family was killed. But I can afford to tell you that we have just received information from the H.K. Foreign House. It seems that the Emperor is quite content on getting his nephew, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, on the throne of Spain. How we'll do it remains to be seen, but the Holy Roman Empires considers Franz Ferdinand and Austrian support to be the sole way Spain can survive.

---

The Holy Roman Empire
Heiliges Römisches Reich
Latin:Sacrum Imperium Romanum, Romanian:Sfantul Imperiu Roman
Hungarian: A Német-Római Császárság, Czech: Svatá říše římská
Slovak:Rímsko-Nemecká Ríša, Croatian:Sveto Rimsko Carstvo
Bosnian: Sveto Rimsko Carstvo, Slovene:Sveto Rimsko Cesarstvo
Polish: Święte Cesarstwo Rzymskie, Italian: Sacro Romano Impero
Ukrainian: Священна Римська імперія-Svyashchenna Rymsʹka Imperiya


Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter!
Indivisible and Inseparable!

To, His Royal Highness, King Wilhelm the II,

Greetings, your Majesty. It has come to our attention that the Kingdom of Swabia has recently condemned our just liberation of the Kingdom of Romania, and that it has imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions against the Holy Roman Empire. Holy Roman citizens in the Kingdom of Swabia have also been forced by military and law enforcement forces to leave the Kingdom's territory, with their proprieties unlawfully stolen and nationalized by the Kingdom of Swabia. This is a very concerning incident.

My sovereign, His Imperial Majesty, considers the Kingdom of Swabia and its King as an old friend and ally. But something like this will not be tolerated. We humbly ask your Royal Highness to reconsider your actions. Otherwise, we will have no other way but to respond in the exact same matter, by evacuating all Swabian citizens from the Holy Roman Empire, and by imposing economic and diplomatic sanctions on the Kingdom of Swabia. We really hope that your Majesty will make the right choice.

Signed by,

Count Gyula Andrássy de Csíkszentkirály et Krasznahorka, Minister of the Imperial House of Foreign Affairs of the Holy Roman Empire,

In the name of,

His Imperial Highness, Franz Joseph the First,by the grace of God elected Holy Roman Emperor, forever August, Emperor of Austria, King of Germany, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Western and Eastern Galicia, Lodomeria and Illyria; King of Jerusalem, King of Lombardy-Venetia,etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and of the Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Auschwitz, Zator and Teschen, Friuli, Ragusa (Dubrovnik) and Zara (Zadar); Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent (Trento) and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Prince of Trieste, of Cattaro (Kotor), and over the Windic march; Grand Voivode of the Voivodship of Serbia and the Voivodship of Vojvodina etc., etc.

---

The Holy Roman Empire
Heiliges Römisches Reich
Latin:Sacrum Imperium Romanum, Romanian:Sfantul Imperiu Roman
Hungarian: A Német-Római Császárság, Czech: Svatá říše římská
Slovak:Rímsko-Nemecká Ríša, Croatian:Sveto Rimsko Carstvo
Bosnian: Sveto Rimsko Carstvo, Slovene:Sveto Rimsko Cesarstvo
Polish: Święte Cesarstwo Rzymskie, Italian: Sacro Romano Impero
Ukrainian: Священна Римська імперія-Svyashchenna Rymsʹka Imperiya


Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter!
Indivisible and Inseparable!

To, Cardinal Pietro Gasparri,

Since his Imperial Highness is currently in Transylvania, supervising the offensive on the Romanian front, he has delegated me, his humble servant, to respond to this letter.

The Emperor is delighted of the Pope's attention, and has asked to respond that everything is alright with him, and his family. The internal affairs of the Holy Roman Empire are all good and peaceful, as the preparations for the integration of the Kingdom of Romania are being made. On the Romanian front, the Holy Liberation is going on as planned, with the Romanian Royal Army unable to match the bravery of the Imperial forces. Not before long, His Majesty's flag will wave over Bucharest.

The Emperor also wishes to once again ensure of the total commitment of himself and of his Empire to the reunification of Italy. As soon as the operations in Romania are finished, the Imperial Wehrmacht will mobilize its forces in Lombardia under the command of Archduke Eugen. The Emperor also hopes that the advice of Prince Alois Schönburg-Hartenstein has been most helpful to His Holiness.

The Emperor also wants to ensure His Holiness that he will never forget his duties as a Roman Catholic, and that the Holy Roman Empire will always fight in the name of God.

May God bless the State of the Church, and the only true Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire!


Signed by,

Count Gyula Andrássy de Csíkszentkirály et Krasznahorka, Minister of the Imperial House of Foreign Affairs of the Holy Roman Empire,

In the name of,

His Imperial Highness, Franz Joseph the First,by the grace of God elected Holy Roman Emperor, forever August, Emperor of Austria, King of Germany, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Western and Eastern Galicia, Lodomeria and Illyria; King of Jerusalem, King of Lombardy-Venetia,etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and of the Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Auschwitz, Zator and Teschen, Friuli, Ragusa (Dubrovnik) and Zara (Zadar); Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent (Trento) and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Prince of Trieste, of Cattaro (Kotor), and over the Windic march; Grand Voivode of the Voivodship of Serbia and the Voivodship of Vojvodina etc., etc.

---

[Yurizlansia]

Deutsches Reich
Berlin, German Empire

Years of war mongering had caught up to the German Empire, and Wilhelm knew it. The USSR was eyeing east German land, making the Kaiser uneasy. Recent news has shown that the USSR and Austria had united against a common enemy- him. He rubbed his temples to relieve him of his terrible headache. Well, not all was bad, if the USSR were to cause problems, they would have problems with China on their Eastern front, and the German Army could hopefully hold off the Russian advances. Also, the Austrians were temporarily distracted, with the supposed invasion of Romanian highlands. Wilhelm was not stupid however, and realized this distraction was only temporary, and once Austria had the time, they would focus their advances against him. He was shocked that no slavic nations were condemning this invasion, and he realized that any further condemnation of Austria from Germany would be viewed simply as a diplomatic gesture at this point, so in other words, it would do no good. However, Austria should know Germany is serious about themselves, and so the Kaiser ordered an extra 2,000 soldiers to add to the 10,000 already at the border.


Damn them, why won’t anyone accept Germany’s plans for domination? After saying this Wilhelm chuckled at his egotism. If he wanted to dominate Central Europe he would have to do it himself. It was obvious that Austria wanted to unite the Germans under the Holy Roman Empire, as he wanted to unite the Germans under the Prussian Eagle. The Eastern border will also have to be reinforced, of course due to recent issues with the USSR. Once again, the Russian Bear is dangerous. The Soviets have been industrializing under their leadership, and it wasn’t like Wilhelm could stop this, so instead he would allow the Soviets to try something. Letters from China have contained reports of border tension between the two nations, and after the recent arms deal that was brokered with China, hopefully the Chinese could continue to modernize, and offer a serious threat to the Soviets.


And of course, the Swabians. Relations with them have been tense for as long as he could remember, and they were not getting any better. There was no doubt that Swabia could be defeated in a war between just the two countries, but things were never that simple. Ethnic tensions in Prussia were causing stress, and there was reason to believe that the Bavarians may be receiving help from the Swabians, but no reports of this could be confirmed. Wilhelm's plan for easing ethnic tension so far has been to either raise autonomy, or appoint officials that were of that Ethnic group to high regional positions. These two things were probably the only thing preventing an open revolt against German rule, not to mention the terrifying army. However, the Germans have some tricks up their sleeves as well. France has been friendly towards Germany in recent years, and hostile towards Swabia, and as if things could not get any better, relations between them and Austria are strained. He would immediately take advantage of this situation, particularly against Swabia considering they have alienated and angered half of Europe by now.


As for military matters, the Kaiser ordered that propaganda be placed in newspapers throughout the country, particularly those that alienate the Kingdom of Swabia. The 3,000 men on the border between Germany and Swabia were placed on high alert, and were given the “OK” to kill any Swabian military units that dare to cross the border. The men on the Russian border were placed on high alert, but ordered not to fire on any border violations unless if fired on first, he did not want to start a war against Russia immediately, no matter how tempting the vast farmlands were.

To the Glorious Republic of France

Good day, Honorable Prime Minister Doumergue, I hope this letter finds you in good health. I write this letter concerning the cancer to my South and your East known as the Kingdom of Swabia. For too long they have inflamed both of us with support for rebel groups, and perhaps even claims towards land in our nations.I must keep this letter short, as the tensions on my border and yours are probably so high that more and more time must be spent paying attention to it.

God Be With You
Kaiser Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany

[Remnants of Exilvania]

Königreich Schwaben

Schwaben
Straßburg
2nd Elsässer Korps Headquarters

"Achtung!

All hail his majesty, king Wilhelm II of Swabia!"

The shout was accompanied by a the clicking of boots and the hails of the 2nd Korps` staff. Wilhelm II had come personally to get a picture of the defensive preparations on the french border and ensure that his officers were giving their best for the country. He disliked the whole pomp being made about the whole royalty business. He was a simple man and saw no use in all this representative bullshit. But the more he worked against it the more his subjects idolized him. He always felt as if they were playing a prank on him. With a brusque motion of his hand he let the hailing cease and ordered everyone back to work before the division`s commander, Generalmajor Schäferle appeared to shake his hand and apologize:

"Incredibly sorry your majesty. Nobody informed us that you would come to visit. I surely could have organized something more fitting for a man of your status."

But Wilhelm wasn`t in the mood for chitchat. Only recently he was messaged by the Austrians. They called this simply expansion a just liberation. A just liberation! Under these circumstances he should probably start counting the weeks untill the Swabian people would be liberated from his oppressive rule by the oh so just Austrians. And hell, a statement had been released already, requesting all Swabian citizens to leave the aggressive Austrian nation. He wouldn`t let them be endangered by austrian mobs high on their victory or by the austrian police. Not when he could do something against it. And at the same time there were people protesting in the rest of Lorraine and being brutally silenced by the french police. He had condemned the actions of both demonstrants and french police in a press interview. So yeah, he really wasn`t in the mood for the petty shams of Schäferle.

"Scrap that. I want a report about the current situation on this front. How is the morale? Are the men well equipped? Are there enough reserves in the depots? How about the fortifications? How far has their construction progressed? Do you have enough men?"

Schäferle was clearly a little overwhelmed by the questions. The king had never been that interested in the military although he had always made sure that it was up to date in it`s equipment and that his commanders were well educated. But in the end Schäferle was a soldier and a soldier answers the inquiries made by a superior accordingly:

"Your majesty, the morale is good though it was dampened recently due to the the Austro-Romanian war and the quick Austrian victory. But it also has it`s good sides. The perceived danger by the Austrians has increased. More people are volunteering and signing up for the military. I`m currently putting every NCO I can spare to gather them up, arm them and form military units with them. I dare say, that we can surely soon form another 1 or 2 Korps. I do hope that the defense budget survives that.

And we currently struggle a little to equip them all. We had Gew98s stockpiled but we hadn`t expected that the number of men to be armed would increase this drastically already. So, our reserves are a little strained right now. And this is genuinely understated.

Atleast the fortification project is going as planned. We`ve started building several concrete forts along the border and few further into the country at naturally easily defendable positions. We are currently busy transporting the heavy artillery to the first completed forts and we expect to be finished by the end of February."

The king was pleased with what he heard. It calmed him down a lot. With a smile on his face and himself supporting his stand with his cane he leaned forward and whispered to the general:

"Hehe, Schäferle, I gotta tell you something. My craftsmen are currently working on a special little treat. It`s a rifle with a tremenduos rate of fire and almost as accurate as our current Gew98s. It still has some issues but my craftsmen and scientists are telling me that they can figure it out till 1915. And then it can officially enter mass production. A weapon like that will help tremenduosly in the defensive war we`ll be fighting if we`ll fight any war at all."

[New Tuva SSR]

The Sublime State of Persia
دولت متعالی ایرانی
Muhteşem Iklim Durumu
الدولة سامية من بلاد فارس

January 21st, 1914
Isfahan, Persia

The Shah of Persia, Nader III, sat down in his balcony seat over looking the Parliament. An election had just taken place in Persia, the third ever. Early polls were showing a traditionalist and conservative lead, but recent alliances with the Soviets and British allowed the left to make their moves, and newspapers were often indecisive. The election, on January 18th, had finally been completely counted, and the readings began.

Prime Minister Ahmad Qajar, himself an Islamic conservative, smugly opened up the document to begin announcing the results, but his smile soon dropped. The Shah became worried to what was happening.

"Hello, Senate. I am your Prime Minister, and advisor to the Shah clapping and I have been tasked with announcing the results of the 1914 elections. The Leftist Coalition, made of Socialists, Communists, Social Democrats, and Mensheviks have gained... 62 out of 96 seats, a majority of the Parlisment. Widespread shock and awe, jaws dropping. This means Party Leader Mirza Kuchik Khan will be...the new Prime Minister. yelling and booing The ruling Moderate Socialist Party has taken… 32 seats More booing. The other two are Independent. As Prime Minister and leader of the Moderates, it is my duty to accept this election, which...I do. It was good serving you, Parliamentaries."

The Shah’s smile came back. The power-hungry and selfish Ahmad Qajar was finally out, and the revolutionary Mirza Kuchik Khan was now in, with the addition of new Field Marshal Yeprem Khan, another Communist. The worldwide alliances could be kept strong and fair with his lead, the Shah was sure. They would certainly be a power team. An advisor walked into his box.

“My Glorious Shah, we have received a British response and a letter from the Papal States. Also, your plane to Moscow is ready and will be departing in two hours.”

The Shah departed the Parliament happily, and was surprised by the contents of the Papal letter as told to him by the advisor. Before departing for his office, he mentioned to the advisor, “Telegraph back to the British we accept, I’m strapped for time.”

Dear Mr. Gasparri,

I am the Shah of the Sublime State of Persia and all of her territories. As you know, I control the major Muslim holy sites outside of Jerusalem and am a Muslim myself, so as you can understand I was extremely surprised. However, I am also very excited for these opportunities.

I have to say I completely agree, that we have a common ally in each other and a common enemy, the imperialistic and authoritarian Germans. While Persia is a now-secularized free state, most of our population is Muslim and I must agree these statists do not conform to our compatible ideologies of Islam and Christianity.

We can also confirm that the Christian Persian minority is alive, well, and safe from prosecution. I and my allies preach tolerance and the will of the people, a separation of Church and State is vital to that.

Sincerely,

Shah Nader III

[Newne Carriebean7]

The United British Isles Unionist Republic of England,Scotland,Ireland and Wales
London
Pasteu Pastries
January 21st,1914

President Nathan Crusoe Bishop stared uneasily at the rows of men that had filtered into the bakery where the debate was to take place. the parties invited were the Republicans, TAB,BUL, Navy of the Republic party and Army of the republic party. a total of five representatives that were the candidates for all party, including the incumbent president, settled down as the debate was about to begin.
"Welcome to this first debate of the Republican incumbent, the TAB, BUL Navy of the republic and Army of the republic challengers to the seat of president. now then as the debate will go I shall ask a question to each of you, once that is done, we can get some questions from our wonderful audience. now the first question is for the incumbent President Bishop, under your administration the war clouds of Europe have drawn closer,what can you promise to the British people not to be drawn out in an overextended and elongated war that may kill thousands of our young boys?"
"Well first off I'd like to thank my opponents for agreeing to this and secondly, I am proposing a policy called 'dipping your toes,' so to say, in it, we would send anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 soldiers to the front line of the presumed battlefront, let's say Belgium as an example. we would send these troops and supply them with as much as they would need. once that's complete, we'll send a bit more, like five hundred or a thousand. that way not many people are killed and there's no need for a draft."
"Thank you for the answer,candidate Louis Sharpton of TAB, in the event of a widespread famine in the nation, what would you do to assist the people in the trying time?"
"Now,first off m'lassie, we'd get as much flour, sugar and butter as we could, and make a moderately sized cake, to feed the people, we'd also implement a system of government owned farms to feed the people. once that's done, you can bet your dear aunt sally that we can feed the people."
"Um,I don't have an aunt sally, and... sure, now BUL candidate,you have frequently toted that we should ban the Germans from the nation for fear of spies,how would you implement this policy and what steps would you take to get it passed?"
"I would first start with a card system, then we can keep an eye on em with spies,once that's done,we can get them out of the nation,that's it."
"Now Navy of the Republic Party candidate Admiral John Jelilco, what would you do if you were elected, would the nation be purely naval based,with no need for the army?"
"That's correct, we shall be a nation of farmers,dock hands and sailors,with the military,specifically the navy to be first. with more ships in our arsenal,we could conquer all the seaports we would want."
"Building a navy on the scale you would want would be prohibitively expensive, what would we do if we were on the verge of bankruptcy, would we sell the big older ships?"
"Selling the ships of the navy is like selling the kidneys of a sick man so you can see better! we will not, and are dammed if we would even think of removing the kidneys of the nation! if it comes to it, we would overthrow you blokes to see the right way!"
"What exactly is the right way?"General Haig spat out at the man.
"We would conquer the world with the massive arms of the fleet, with the additional resources, we'd be unstoppable!"
"Now,good sir, unstoppable,no, technology would advance and we would conquer more stuff,if it comes to it, the aforementioned coup isn't out of the question!"
"Good luck you sea dogs,you don't even have marines!"
"But we have 13 and a half inch guns to blast you all to hell!"
"Why you little!"
With more shouting, the presidential debate ended while the two men barked out at each other,the people filing out of the bakery while snagging as many snacks as they could.

United British Isles Unionist Republic of England, Scotland,Ireland and Wales
London
January 15th,1914
President Nathan Crusoe Bishop collapsed on the green leather couch that was in the front room of his house. he had been debating for a solid five to ten minutes in that sweat induced small room that was,thankfully the only one that would be present, the people now would go off and vote next week, and he would just have to shelter in the results. an aide then entered the room, staring uneasily at the tired old man that was occupying the sofa. "Sir, we have a letter from the Papal States and a response from the Persians."
"Ah, the Persians,what'd they say?"
"They accept our offer."
"That's good,now give me the Papal State's letter."
"Here it is."
Picking up the letter, he unscrewed another bottle of wine he had in his wine cellar,smirking at the irony of the situation, picking up a letter from the Papal states and taking a swig of wine to prepare for the message.Musing through it's contents, he set the letter down on the table and sighed.
"The dammed pope wants to be buddy buddy with the ol brits now? well then, he'll have to bend over and kiss Britannia's ass first before we can even think of getting friendly with them!"
grabbing a typewriter, he began to hammer out a reply to the pope's place.

To: Pietro Gasparri of the Papal States
From: President Nathan Crusoe Bishop of The United British Isles Unionist Republic of England,Scotland,Ireland and Wales
Regarding your letter that you have graciously sent our nation,the potential consequences of an Alliance between the Papal States and the British Union would mean that both nations would come to each other's aide when attacked.However, in the event of this large war kicking off, that with your permission,a possible naval detachment of two battleships and three armored cruisers be sent as an assurance of our alliance. we would also be willing to send naval attach'es and officers to train your crew members in gunnery and naval techniques,perhaps with a fleet exercise in the Mediterranean Sea to better prepare ourselves for the conflict ahead. We would also be wondering if an expeditionary force be sent consisting of 10,000 soldiers, 1,200 horses,30 heavy guns and 20 light guns under the command of Major General William Birdwood, they will leave in one week and arrive in three days. Please rest assured, for I will maintain a healthy relationship with your wonderful nation for many years to come.
Sincerely-

Nathan Crusoe Bishop, 14th President of the Unionist Republic of England, Scotland,Ireland and Wales.

White Star Line passenger liner Olympic
Wilmington, North Carolina, Confederate States of America
January 22nd,1914
The Massive Ocean liner sat at anchor in the foreign port,several men and women left the intimidating four funneled ship that's once mighty plumes of black sooted smoke dissolved to lanky thin whiffs of the now barely blackish soot that lazily rose from her funnels.British ambassadors James Bryce and Edward Grey hastily brushed their teeth and got their proper clothes on before leaving the home they had stayed in for several days, watching several cars taxi people off into the city.the two men then spotted a confederate man in a suit, whose southern accent greeted their british ears.
"Ah,you must be thems English folk that meet with Prez'dent Robert Lee Johnson."
Bryce's eyebrows raised at this name.
"The Robert lee?"
"Nah,a descendant,now y'all must be starving,so let's get some grub first!"
"First off, we're perfectly fine with our food, we need to get to a place to stay for our trip here,do you know any good hotels?"
"we have a grand hotel that y'all can go in,most of them ambassador's are meetin' there."
"Speaking of meeting, do you know when it's going to start?"
"y'all better give ol lee a ring on the telly, as you brits call it!"
With a squeakily annoying laugh, both men nodded to each other and mused over the proposed plans for this alliance. these are trying times for all nations on earth, and soon even the Brits and southern folk would be tested on the battlefield.


Off Denmark
Battleship HMS Royal Oak
January 17th,1914
Captain Arnold Fitcher grabbed his favorite pipe as the ship continued to sail through the heavy seas off of the Danish Coast.Taking a deep breath and inhaling the spiced cinnamon he had jammed in it, he smiled and began to feel a bit drowsy.Another wave came crashing on the deck,sending several men scrambling for something to grab as the windswept waves blew across the ship, creaking the old wood on the vessel. Going out to the forward bridge where there was less protection, he noticed a young man sitting there.
"So,do you like this rough weather, don't know why the bloody hell they asked us to patrol this windswept region of the sea,you have an answer?"
"Not a damn clue sir."
"That's good,have you spotted anything yet?"
"Just water water and more bloody water,of course I don't see anythin-"
The men were interrupted as the ship began to jerk to starboard and listed heavily, several surprised sailors rushing around as the alarms were sounded. Fitcher himself catapulting off the deck and he landed into the water. the ship was in chaos as men rushed about to try and prepare the lifeboat in the frigid north sea waters,several slipping into the sea to join the captain.
"Abandon ship!"
Several men in the turret began to crank out and alter the gun elevation in a panic, several more windows were mistakenly open,sealing the old ship's fate. Fitcher spat out some water as a small sail was sighted on the horizon.
"Men, stay together, I see something that'll save us!"
the old captain barked out to whoever was within shouting distance. A small sailing vessel weighed anchor as the men bellowed out for them to save them, the captain of the ship moving close enough to see hundreds of bobbing heads on the surface.

[Insaeldor]

Letter of Deplomacy for the Grand Republic of Maranhão

From: President of the Grand Republic Agostinho de Sá Carneiro
To: His Holiness Pope Benedictus XV

Your holiness, it is with great humbleness that I ask for our two nations join in a union of mutual military cooperation. Currently the state of Maranhão is seeing an eruption in industrial power and wish to put our increasing fortune in service to the holy emissary of our lord god. We see it as our solum duty to repay you for what you've done as gods holy emmisssry with what we have at our disposal.

While we believe that further meetings and negotiation on military and economic relations with our two nation but we believe that we have a capability to greatly impact an alliance between us. We may either meet in the hallowed halls of the Vatican or you may come to the humble Republic where I am positive you will be given a warm welcome by our strong and devout populace.

With best regards I wish that we can come closer into allegenceveith one another, thank you your Holiness.

Sorry for the short letter, went through several drafts and this was they best way I could figure out how to word the message.

[Gorbatov]

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Russian:Союз Советских Социалистических Республик; Soyuz Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik
Ukrainian:Союз Радянських Соціалістичних Республік; Soyuz Radyans’kykh Socialistychnykh Respublik
Byelorussian:Саюз Савецкіх Сацыялістычных Рэспублік; Sayuz Savieckaja Sacyjalistyčnaja Respublika
Moldovan:Униуня Републичилор Cоветиче Сочиалисте; Uniunea Republicilor Sovietice Socialiste
Kazakh:Кеңестік Социалистік Республикалар Одағы; Keñestik Socïalïstik Respwblïkalar Odağı
Turkemen:Совет Социалистик Республикалары Союзы; Sowet Sosialistik Respublikalary Soýuzy
Lithuanian:Tarybų Socialistinių Respublikų Sąjunga
Latvian:Padomju Sociālistisko Republiku Savienība
Estonian:Nõukogude Sotsialistlike Vabariikide Liit
Polish:Związek Socjalistycznych Republik Radzieckich

Workers of the World, Unite!

January 22, 1914
Moscow, Russia SFSR

(Btw, pretty new on doing a military parade RP post.)

As it was the day of anniversary of the 1905 Revolution, most of the Union was in celebration, which can vary from workers rallies to burning effigies of Tsar Nicholas II. Not all of the celebration were done by the people, as the Soviet Army had been preparing in the last few days, for a full scale military march. With most of Moscow's populace were in Red Square, and also most of the Soviet officials and foreign dignitaries, including the Persian Shah, to which surprisingly got a large cheers from the crowd. The military march was preceded with the ringing of the Spasskaya Tower Bells, in the tune of the Internationale, to which most of the crowd sung in unison, also it indicated the start of the event. After the singing of the Internationale, they crowd went into a minute of silence, to pay respect to the ones who have died during the revolution. After the minute of silence, the Red Army Choir and Band started playing the Echelon's Song, as People's Commissar of Defense, Kliment Voroshilov, in a white stallion, begun his inspection of the troops, to which after he went to in front of Lenin, to which he saluted and announced, "The Soldiers of the Proletariat are ready, and willing to die for their beloved Motherland!"

To which Lenin announced to the immense crowd in Red Square, "People of the Proletariat! On this very day, we the working people, rose up and fought against the corrupt and merciless rule of the aristocrats! Through bloodshed and strife, we managed to achieve our goal to oust our corrupt rulers, and took back the government to the working people! Though we may be finished our fight against the aristocrats, this doesn't mean that our goal of global revolution would be forgotten! We ask you of this, Soldiers of the Proletariat! As you will be the vanguard of the revolution, to which is slowly spreading across our world! To which, thanks to our new allies, spreading the revolutionary ideas of Marx and Engels is much more possible than before! May the Workers of the World, Unite! URA, URA, URA!"

The soldiers and the people responded back to Lenin, "URA, URA, URA!", and the Red Army Choir and Band started to play Red Army is the Strongest, and to which initiated the start of the parade.

For the most part of the march, the marching tune was a medley of Soviet marching songs, including the Soviet version of Farewell of Slavianka. Most of the infantry weapons seen was Mosin-Nagants, but when the Soviet Naval Infantry appeared, they seemed to be armed with the new but limited, Federov Avtomat M1912 semi-automatic rifles. As most of the infantry had marched, the cavalry was introduced by the song We are the Red Cavalry, then after the cavalry, were the Cossacks in Soviet service which was introduced by the song Polyushka Polye. Then came the famous Tachanka, which was obviously introduced with the song with the same name. Then after the Tachankas, the artillery were presented, but also a one prototype armored car, called the Putilov-Garford, to which was the main attraction of the parade, in which was introduced with the hymn of Once again, the battle continues. To which the parade was concluded with a fly over of a formation of three Ilya Muromets in full Soviet Air Force livery.

[Alsheb]

Balkan Socialist Federation

Vrana Palace, Sofia
Residence of the President of the Federation
January 1914

"Now is the time! If there ever was a moment for us to strike, it is now." Aleksandar Protogerov orated passionately in the meeting of the Central Committee. The Macedonian-born politician and former guerilla fighter was known for his zealous and undying commitment to the cause of South Slavic unification. As leader of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation (IMRO), he had fought for many years, against the Byzantine government, Serbian imperialists, Greek nationalists, and every other enemy of Macedonian liberation or the emancipation of the Bulgarian people.

While unsuccesfull in wrestling his native Macedonia from the claws of the Byzantine emperor, but Protogerov had continued his fight in Bulgaria. He had led the IMRO to become a forced to be reckoned, just like they had been back in 1887 when they had assassinated the Serbian king Milan. When the military junta that ruled Balkania had signed a treaty with Byzantium, thereby recognising the Imperial control over Macedonia, it was Protogerov who, as one of the leaders of the organisation, had led the IMRO into contacts with the other main opposition force: the Balkanian Social Democratic Workers' Party. And it had been he who pit his signature under the May Declaration of 1901, when the two organisations agreed to merge together into a Pan-Balkanist and Marxist organisation: the Pan-Balkanian Communist Party (PBCP).

It had not been without risk or trouble. Many in the IMRO had vehemently opposed the direction the organisation was taken, and specifically the union with a communist party. The right wing of the organisation, led by the anti-communist Ivan Mihailov, had split from IMRO entirely, and even started a campaign of violence and terror in an attempt to sabotage the merger. It was only thanks to the support of the left wing of the movement, led by the excellent comrade Dimitar Vlahov, who had been one of the main contributors to the May Declaration, that the IMRO survived this ordeal, and ultimately Mihailov had been caught and summarily executed by the agents of Vlahov.

Time proved that Protogerov had been right with his controversial decision to merge with the communists though. The Balkan Red Army, led by Dimitar Blagoev and Georgi Dimitrov, made significant gains in the years 1902-1905, capturing large swaths of the Bulgarian and Serbian countryside, eventually resulting in the November 1906 victory of the combined forces of the PBCP and the proclamation of the Socialist Federation.

Yet Protogerov had not forgotten his dedication to the ideals of Balkanian unity and the liberation of Bulgarians everywhere. And today, as the Romanians were suffering their well-deserved fate at the hands of the Austrian armies, the liberation of at least one piece of Bulgarian land lied within grasp: Southern Dobruja.

Dimitar Blagoev, General Secretary of the PBCP and President of the Federation, nodded slowly.
"Very well, comrade Protogerov. You make a good point. The Balkan Socialist Federation must keep its promise to all South Slavic peoples that we will be there for them, to liberate them from the shackles of foreign imperialist control. Georgiev, you are to write a telegram to the Holy Roman Empire, ensuring them of our neutrality towards them and our intention to stay clear of any Romanian lands outside of Southern Dobruja. It is of the utmost importance that we avoid any conflict with the Austrians."

Lieutenant-Colonel Kimon Georgiev, veteran military officer of the Red Army and Foreign Minister of the BSF, got to work immediately.

President Blagoev stood up and spoke to the assembled council. "Make no mistake, comrades. Today we are writing history. The Red Army of the Balkans shall march north and take back what is rightfully ours. We shall drive out the Romanian imperialist thieves and ensure a free life for our South Slavic brethern in Dobruja!"


Bulgarian troops moving to invade Romania

From the Desk of Dimitar Blagoev
General Secretary of the Pan-Balkanian Communist Party
President of the Balkan Socialist Federation

The Balkan Socialist Federation hereby issues an official declaration of war against the Kingdom of Romania, and declares that the objective of the hostilities commencing hereby is the liberation of Southern Dobruja and the addition of the region to the Federation.

For far too long, the Bulgarians of Southern Dobruja have suffered at the hands of Romanian control and oppression. Far too long have the free peoples of the Balkan been forced to stand by and watch the pain of its fellow South Slavic brethren who so unjustly were forced to live under imperialist domination.

We call on the Romanian government to see sense and surrender control of all of Southern Dobruja and the peaceful transfer of the region to the Balkan Socialist Federation. If this demand is not met, we shall be forced to continue hostilities until our objectives are met.

People of Southern Dobruja: your liberation is at hand. Be aware that each and every one who takes up arms against the Romanian occupier in the noble fight for the liberation of your land and the integration into the glorious Socialist Federation, shall be rewarded for their loyalty and dedication to justice. Join the Federation in our sacred war against the forces of darkness and reaction.

Official Communiqué of the Balkan Socialist Federation
From the desk of Kimon Georgiev, People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs
To His Imperial Highness, Franz Joseph the First,by the grace of God elected Holy Roman Emperor

The Balkan Socialist Federation wishes to hereby inform Your Imperial Majesty of our declaration of war against the Kingdom of Romania, with which your Empire is also at war, as well as to relay to you tje objectives of our operation. The Federation aims for the control of the Bulgarian lands of Southern Dobruja. We have no wish for any other region of Romanian land, and are well aware of the Holy Roman Empire's desires in regards to Romania.

We assure you with all possible sincerity that the forces of the Balkan Socialist Federation shall not intrude on any piece of land currently occupied by the Holy Roman armed forces or any land that is part of the objectives of the Empire's current war against Romania. We merely intend to liberate our South Slavic brethren in Southern Dobruja from the claws of the evil Romanian.

Sincerely,
Kimon Georgiev
People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs

[New Tuva SSR]

The Soviet Republic of Iran
جمهوری شوروی ایران
Iran'ın Sovyet Cumhuriyeti
الجمهورية السوفياتية من إيران

January 22nd, 1914

Moscow, USSR

The Shah, standing next to the Premier of the Soviet Union, the great Vladimir Lenin, smiled from his elevated stage in Red Square as he watched the parades and crowds, and later Lenin himself. A grand Parade, for sure, showing the full military might of the Soviets. A small but grand Persian Elite unit came near the end to crowd cheers, the “Champions of Bukhara.”

Upon the conclusion of the Parade, the Shah stood up onto the podium and breathed a deep breath just outside the microphone's range. Sweat lined his forehead, as well as that of the ecstatic Field Marshal Yeprem Khan elsewhere on the stage. He was lucky he knew Russian from his time as a very young ambassador and diplomat in the north in the late 1890s.

“People of the Soviet Union, today we celebrate the ninth anniversary of the 1905 Revolution which installed the world’s first Communist state. This state has kept true to the ideals of Marx and hopefully it will for a long time. I have great respect and trust for your leader, Premier Lenin, a true man of the people and the greatest revolutionary since Marx himself.

And I have good news for the crowd; as kept from the media, I am here to announce the results of the 1921 Persian Parliamentary Elections. The wide-standing Leftist Coalition has won, destroying the conservative leaders in the country, with a resounding majority of 62 out of 96 seats! And with that, I have passed an executive order which makes the Sublime State of Persia, the Soviet Republic of Iran!”

At this point, the crowd was booming with cheers. But he was not yet finished.

“We have brought the revolution from outside the Russian Proletariat and into the wide sands of Arabia, the grandeur mountains of Iran, the clear lakes of Kazakhstan! The ideology of the people now stretches from Kamchatka, to Trabzon, Finland, to Yemen, New Zealand, to the Ukraine.

I know some of you may be asking yourselves, why does a Leftist nation have a monarch? Well, here’s your answer: I hereby resign myself as Shah and instead appoint myself as the very first President of the Supreme Soviet, the almighty highest body of our great state! President Nader Afsharid now serves the people!

URA! URA! URA!”

The crowd was at this point in full cheer. A Ilya flew overhead and dropped the new Iranian flag (seen above). The Worker’s Revolution had spread for the fifth time, and the first time without a bloody revolution, or at least for now.

[Max Empire]

Congress of Deputies building, Madrid, Spain

The question of who would be chosen as the next King of Spain loomed over the entire country. With many different names being called out in Parliament. As the Radicals became more and more militant in their support for a republic. The removal and nomination of a King required two-thirds of the Deputies to vote in favor of it... Something the Conservative/Reactionary alliance, nor the Liberals nor the Radicals/Socialist/Communist alliance had. A compromise would have to be made.

After several days of debates and arguments, an unlikely compromise was reached in the Chamber...

With a coalition of 287 Deputies (A little above the required 271 two-thirds majority) consisting of the Conservatives, the Reactionaries, Regionalists from Catalonia, Socialists, Communists and Republican Radicals the chamber accepted the prospect of offering Archduke Franz Ferdinand von Habsburg the throne, due to his family ties with the Former Queen Mother. The Liberals rejected the deal, but were just short of enough votes needed to prevent a two-thirds majority. Although the compromised made nobody happy, it offered enough concessions to the Socialists and Republicans in order to make them happy, but not enough to make the Reactionaries and Conservatives unsatisfied. Even the resistance the Liberal Party offered was half hearted, as the entire country was exhausted by the campaigning and the civil chaos that marred the election.

Eduardo Dato was also reaffirmed as Prime Minister and President of the Chamber of Deputies by an almost unanimous decision, as the opposition parties abstained in the vote out of respect and in affirmation of the compromises reached.

Official Telegram from Prime Minister and President of the Chamber of Deputies Eduardo Dato e Iradier of Spain
Intended recipient: Archduke Franz Ferdinand von Habsburg

Honorable Archduke,

As you have most likely heard, Spain has been undergoing decade long decline that has recently reached it's nadir. During the turmoil of the election, the King and the entire Royal family were slain by a group of armed Republican Radicals. Our country and our colonies are in turmoil and the future of Spain does not look bright. Yet we have never given up hope, and in the recent session of the Chamber of Deputies, we were able to join together in our love for Spain and have decided a clear path for the country to follow. With strong support from the Conservative, Socialist and even Radical sections of the country, the Chamber of Deputies has officially decided to extend an invitation and offer you, Archduke Franz Ferdinand von Habsburg the position of King of Spain and all the Responsibilities, Privileges and Powers that come with it. You and your beloved wife, the magnificent Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg would be crowned As King and Queen Consort of Spain, and your children would receive all titles due to Princes and Princesses of Spain. Your line of the Habsburg dynasty would be recognized as the Royal Family of Spain and your son, His Serene Highness Maximilian, would be recognized as heir to the Kingdom of Spain and it's Empire as the Prince of Asturias (among other titles).

In order to offer you the throne, we have however been forced to compromise with Socialist, Communist and Radical Republican elements in the Chamber and must inform you that in order to assume the throne you must pledge to give Catalonia Semi-Autonomy, promise to not revoke the Church Properties act recently passed by the Chamber and stay out of Religious affairs concerning mainland Spain. These compromises were necessary in order for us to gather enough support for this offer, but through it, we have brought together a coalition that was thought to be nigh-impossible and beyond thought in order to present you with this offer.

The Chamber of Deputies is confident that you will be able save Spain from it's long decline and slid into obscurity. We hope you take Spain's offer into consideration and look forward to possibly working with you.

Signed,
Eduardo Dato e Iradier,
Leader of the Partido Conservador (Conservative Party), President of the Chamber of Deputies and Prime Minister of Spain

[The V O I D]

The Presidential House
Raleigh, North Carolina
The Confederate States of America

With the conclusion of the Raleigh Conference, President Johnson was confident that the strengthening of alliances that had been formed within it would allow him to win in any future war with the Yanks. But he wasn't sure if it was enough... so, he'd requested that British and French navy and army support be ready to invade the Union as soon as possible. He wanted a Quick War. An end to the possibility of oppression by the Yanks. He knew that the abolitionists wouldn't give up their ways, but damn it, he was going to make sure that the Yanks were weakened. President Johnson had already drawn up plans with his Secretaries and generals; the Yanks would be forced to cede Canada (except Quebec) to the British. Quebec would become independent and be allowed to align with both France and Britain. As for the Union itself, well; he intended to break it up - weaken it completely. He'd have several new nations carved out from it; their governments forced to be weak and demilitarized. This would prevent the Union from ever interfering in any affairs to do with the Confederacy. Then, there was the matter of Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as Spain. But those could wait... for now.

As President Johnson began going over the plans with his Secretaries and Generals, they were reinforcing the Mouth of the Mississippi - the Confederates knew that if the Yanks captured the river, they could split the Confederacy in two. That couldn't be allowed to happen. The reinforcement process would take a few days to complete; as would the building up of arms and men along the Military Bases a few miles from the DMZ Border. War would happen soon, and it would have to happen fast - before the Yanks could catch wind of what was coming upon them. President Johnson had one other issue to resolve; he, himself, was Catholic; as were a large minority (around 30-40%) of Confederates. He needed to strengthen relations with the Papacy; this would ensure the Austrians remained allies as well, in case he needed more of their support in the future. His son was recently born and had yet to be baptized... there was something to do in that regard. Johnson also needed a way to keep Mexico from invading or joining the Yanks. So, he had an idea... His Secretary of Foreign Relations nodded after he told of the plan, and a message was sent to the two countries post-haste.

To the States of the Church and His Holiness, the Pope
From the Office of President Robert L. Johnson

To the Holy Ones of the Catholic Church;

President Robert L. Johnson sees it as important to strengthen alliances with you to help strengthen alliances with the Holy Roman Empire. His son, Robert L. Johnson Junior was recently born. Our President would be very humbled if the Pope or one of his Cardinals could visit the Confederacy to personally bless his child; indeed, it would be a great honor and would likely allow relations to form very smoothly.

In return, in the event that the Spaniards cause too much trouble for the Papacy, we will lend our support economically.

We do hope you will hear our request.

With most supreme Regards,

Robert L. Johnson of the Confederate States

To the States of the Church and His Holiness, the Pope
From the Office of President Robert L. Johnson

Dear Friends of Aztlan,

I, President Robert L. Johnson, would like to extend an offer of a non-aggression pact to your glorious nation. Though tensions have been high, the Confederacy does not wish to war with your people. Indeed, we would see to it that your people are given back some of their lands. In the event of war with the Union, the Confederacy has already decided to force the Union to cede the territories of California, Washington and Oregon to your nation - as they once belonged.

We also intend to break the Union up and ensure its tyranny and evil can never try to reclaim any Confederate or Aztlan territory. I plead with you, my neighbors and brothers to the south, to come to Raleigh and sign a non-aggression pact. In return, the moment the war with the Union ends, if in Confederate victory, we will ensure that you gain sovereignty over the territories mentioned above.

I do hope that you will consider this deal.

Regards,

Robert L. Johnson of the Confederate States

[Newne Carriebean7]

The United British Isles Unionist Republic of England,Scotland,Ireland and Wales
London
Pinewoods Residence
January 22nd,1914

President Nathan Crusoe Bishop sat the platter of milk outside of the house as he peered out from the window,drawing back the shades to the sight of a small tabby cat meow as it leapt up the wooden steps to the natural white colored beverage. The people of the nation had gone to the polls on the 18th, and the votes were being counted by hundreds of thousands of voter administrators and counter tickers, red polled silver slotted machines that make the process go quicker, albeit with human help with them. The cat's tongue went back and forth in it's mouth,lapping up the milk rather quickly, as the small animal was thirsty. smiling at the cat, he got outside and picked up the newspaper and noticed the cat had finished drinking the milk. without second thought, the former saucer of milk was snatched up as well, much to the surprise at the feline. He shrugged,tossing the platter into the sink,where it met it's untimely fate with too much force and shattered. Bishop did not care about the cat right now, as he had to muse through the paper and see what the people of the republic had said.

BISHOP LICKS TAB,BUL,NAVY AND ARMY PARTIES IN VICTORY OF THE CENTURY!

Smiling at the title of the paper, the newsboys probably shouting this news as the sleepy Brits emerged from their sleep, he noticed another story that made him spit out the already swallowed swig of hotly brewed coffee, the maid in the house making a face as it impacted the walls.
PERSIAN ELECTION WIELDS LEFTIST COALITION VICTORY,SHAH RESIGNS AND BECOMES PRESIDENT INSTEAD!
"C-communists? I'm not that concerned, a bit surprised at this result, but not concerned."
the maid asked "why not?"
"Because, my dear Beatrice-"
"Patrica."
"Whatever, I suppose I should congratulate them, after all, if the Soviets are our friends, why not the Persians?"
"What of the fleet we're sending to Persia?"
"Just send the naval ships instead. call back the military troops and fire the military commander, replace him with someone less confident or capable,got it?"
"yes sir."
with that, the bewildered maid, upon getting bossed around, left the kitchen to allow Bishop to continue reading his paper until he began to craft a letter of congratulations to the Persians.

To: President Nader Afsharid of The Soviet Republic of Iran
From:President Nathan Crusoe Bishop of The United British Isles Unionist Republic of England,Scotland,Ireland and Wales
May I first start out with a hearty congratulations upon your recent government change. while we are a democracy,we still see the value in an Iranian that is under the communist states,with the British and soviet alliance being of maximum importance, and as such, an ally of the Soviets is an ally of the Union of Britain,with our soldiers marching forth to the battlefields if they happen. on a more Serious Note, we shall send the two battleships with a reduced presence of soldiers on civilian liners,from 10,000 to 9,500 soldiers and 1,000 horses. It has proven difficult to acquire such materials, I'm sure you understand the reduced soldiered and increased naval presence as precautions.
May the rest of your years be blessed.
Sincerely-

Nathan Crusoe Bishop, 14th President of the Unionist Republic of England, Scotland,Ireland and Wales.

With that, he sundered off and grabbed his coat.
"Any news from Raleigh yet?"
"The results have just come in from the north, our ambassadors reporting success in that the Southern Americans will force the Northern Americans to cede Canada to-"
"Do we need to do anything?"
"Well, the Southern forces want our navies and armies to be prepared to invade the North..."
With a chuckle in his voice, Bishop grabbed the bottle of scotch leftover from a couple of days, and poured the last few drops into two shot glasses.
"Marion-"
"Patrica."
"Again, I don't care, would you support me in my celebratory intoxication?"
"You mean you want to get drunk with me? as long as we don't sleep together."
"Jessica! I am a married man, any thought of cheating on dear Veronica would mean my ass in the dog house!"
With a shrug, Patrica sighed that he had gotten his name wrong all day, but she just wanted a bit of a break from cleaning. grabbing the glass, Bishop held his glass in the air, like a toast.
"To this new age of relations between the world powers, and the fact that you're now getting double."
The pair chinked shot cups before downing the liquid. Bishop then grabbed his coat.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?"
"To the pub, I'm getting wasted tonight!"
"But you have several appointment-"
"Cancel all my appointments Sarah, the people need a 68 year old leader up on the roof of the parliament building swearing at the moon for insulting my one good cane!"
The drink going to the elderly leader's head, the door slammed shut behind him, leaving Patrica wondering why this mad man was elected for another term.

Plymouth Harbor
Battlecruiser Tiger.
Former Navy of the Republic Candidate/Admiral of the Unionist Navy John Jelilco nodded at the rows of men that greeted him onboard his flagship the Tiger. Sitting at harbor were the naval forces he planned for Operation Mallory's Revenge, named for the former Confederate Secretary of the Navy during the civil war. A total of four battleships, three battlecruisers, five armored cruisers and ten supporting destroyers in two groups with a line abreast formation being preferred rather than line astern as the normal method of British naval operation, had been painstakingly repainted, rearmed and her crew's retrained in gunnery techniques, as the traditional British naval tactic of blockading the Americans would be implemented, an echo at the former american wars that stained both countries' relations in the past.
staring at the route the ships would take, it was straight forward. They would depart today and meet up with the confederates in the Norfolk Naval yard in Virginia,where they might wait to see what the confederates or the unionist ships would do.
Hearing the begining of a loud series of acknowledging whistles from each vessel, he went ontop of the super-firing turret of the Tiger,taking a deep breath and pulling out a piece of paper, he began to bark out the speech he had prepared earlier to the crews of the ships.

"Noble Seaman of the Royal Navy, I am Admiral John Jellico. I shall lead the naval force toward the Atlantic Ocean, an ocean in which we shall cross with professionalism and dignity. Once we reach the Port of Norfolk, Virginia in the confederacy,we will begin to plot out a potential strategy for victory with the confederate naval high command. Once that is complete, we will engage in total the union naval forces upon which defeating them, we will blockade the union ports on the east coast,where,suffering from supply losses and an angry population, we will force a surrender from the Union commanders,and begin to safely escort troops across the Atlantic with our control of the seas,whatever happens in the land campaign will be up to the troops,not the sailors, but coordination,trust and duty to your country is final. We will Succeed in the ensuing combat, and be the ones that will win this inevitable and dangerous war that our politicians fail to see coming, if they are fogged by the vision of peace, we may be forced to show the politicians the right way via 13 and a half inch projectiles into the Parliament building! To your posts men, make ready to cast off!"
the sailors cheered for a breif minute at the news, then went back to their posts,within an hour, the heavy smoke clouds from the funnels of the warships began to fill the harbor as the ships began to move, the wakes of the water ever increasing as the ships increased in speed.
Jellico then went back to the bridge and sat with a cup of water,rocking back and forth in his chair.

[Dires]

大清帝國 The Great Qing Empire

“To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.”
-孫武

January 25th, 1914

The Forbidden City, Beijing, The Qing Empire

The grand conference had almost collapsed before it started - the respective empires and countries could not agree on anything, including what they would call themselves. That issue was finally solved when the Emperor himself decided to back President Roosevelt in calling it the "Allies of Freedom". That name was neutral enough for the Muzal King, German Crown Prince, and Korean Emperor to agree on it. The following days were filled with tense and technical negotiation on the nature of the defense alliance but ultimately, it was agreed that an attack on one would be an attack on all. This principle would be extended to even non-defensive circumstances- within reason. Each major partner nation made sure to sign generous trade and manufacturing deals with the Qing before they departed, Germany and America providing technical expertise and technological transfers, as well as naval shipping detail, in exchange for Qing's massive manufacturing power, manpower, and along with Muzal, cotton and food for the entire alliance. It was also decided to leave it to American and German diplomacy to court the French and Byzantines.

The Germans agreed to begin establishing Krupp manufactures in the empire and to provide quality assurance in Qing's massive arms manufacturing industries, as well as to maintaining a corp of military officers to oversee the training of the Chinese draft recruits and the establishment of additional German-style military academies, the Americans agreed to send scientists and begin joint weapons research development, bringing their Chinese counterparts up to speed what they were working on, in particular, mobile armor and aeronautics. The last day, however, had been pure drunken revelry as Guangxu had decided that the Allies of Freedom had accomplished enough to celebrate, and besides, what good was being Emperor if you couldn't enjoy it sometimes. All feasted on game they themselves had hunted and President Roosevelt was in particular good spirits when the Emperor saw him off, as he had been able to bag his first Siberian tiger. The German Crown Prince left with a antique Ming-era arquebustier, the Korean Emperor with a collection of the empire's finest teas, and the Muzal King with a full Chinese opera troop.

The gears of war were finally picking up speed, already 3 million men had received their mandatory service cards and were headed to military forts around the empire to receive their training, modern dreadnoughts were being built in dry docks in Nanjing, and Project Zheng-he was making significant headway.

Yunnan Province, Qing Empire
The wintry Tibetan winds howled as they made their way past the ice-capped peaks of the Tibetan plateau and finally rippling the thousands of vermilion Qing banners in the massive military encampment. 80 thousand of the Imperial Army's finest, veteran Guard troops and raw draft recruits alike, were drilling intensely in preparation for the action they expected to see in the next few weeks. The green recruits had not known even how to load their unit machine guns when they first arrived. However, just after a few days of intense breaking and rebuilding from their senior Guard comrades, men who had seen true conflict against the Japanese, they were toughening up and accomplishing innovative and adaptive maneuvers already. This was largely in thanks to the unique command style of their leader - the Imperial Third Prince, who, despite his young age, was already acknowledged as a military prodigy. His flexibility and encouragement of cooperative adaptation would prove to be a welcome pillar in the new modern army the empire was building. He had been assigned to head the army into the southern tributary states of Annam, Siam, and Cambodia to assist the local people in crushing Communist rebels whom had been waging a war of terror, assassinating top government leaders, innocent civilians, etc. Unbeknownst to all except the Imperial family, the attacks were actually perpetrated by poor saps trained and radicalized by Jade Hand agents. Even the rebels themselves did not know they were merely tools, often immediately killed after completing their tasks, so as to prevent an actual rebellion to take place. So effective was this covert plan that the local popular sentiment had hardened significantly against Communism and welcomed the stability the Qing empire represented. All was left was for the Prince to lead his men in and maintain order.

[Togeria]

Great Muzal Empire

---

After the tense days of negotiation, the emperor was pleased to have it finally ended in a beneficial alliance that would hopefully last until the end of time. That however was in the past and as reports reached his ears of what was happening around him, especially reports of the USSR and Persia a pit in his stomach grew. He would not have his authority challenged by these two forces no matter the cost and would send 62,000 of his own men to the border along Afghanistan as a deterrent against these unwelcomed visitors.

The opera troop courtesy of China would entertain the emperor days before he left again on his voyage to Xihai in order to extend relations to Sino-African state and like much before he looked forward to what awaited him.

---

In his absence the minsters organized new public works to bring the country more capital. The biggest of which would be the creation of the Trans-Himalayan railway that would connect both the Muzal and Qing empires. It would be a massive undertaking that would see the rail extend from the major Tibetan city of Lhasa down into the city of Dhaka and thus connect the Qing into the massive Northern Muzal railway network, allowing Muzal goods to enter China more cheaply and vice-versa. An estimated 10-20,000 were to be working on the highway which was to begin construction separately by the two nations in their respective homelands. The meeting point between both rails was to occur within the city of Kathmandu within the Nepalese Imperial Province within Muzal.

---

Further actions would be conducted with the Chinese upon the emperor's return. An agreement during the meeting between both the Muzal and Qing emperors would have them agree to a war game between the two nations. Occurring within the northern regions of India along the Hindu Kush a total of 40,000 combined were to be present. There several high ranking generals between both were to begin military joint military exercises designed to test the doctrine of both nations, test new strategies, and ensure combat readiness in both armies as they practiced. The exercises were to end after three weeks and culminate in the end with a mock war between several units in the exercise designed to critique and test the doctrine of both nations.

[Intermountain States]

Joseon Empire
대조선제국

1914
Hanyang, Joseon

"Your Imperial Majesty," Education Minister Kim Jwa-un addressed to the Emperor during the meeting of the Imperial Council (one of Gwangmu's last reforms, introducing a legislative body). "You are planning to dedicate 4,000 soldiers in support of the Qing's expedition to Russia?"

"That's exactly what I'm doing," Emperor Yunghui answered. "We never got a chance to showcase Joseon's potential, not since during Hyojong's reign when Joseon musketeers help defended China's borders centuries ago. We're in an industrialized world and it's time we impress international observers."

"But your Imperial Majesty," Councilman Jung I-shin from the Pyongan protested. "The Qing's expedition to the north could be disastrous and weaken our borders if the Soviets decided to counterattack. Not to mention our not so warm relations with Japan since there are camps in Japan to invade Joseon."

"Our coastlines are heavily defended with batteries and modern warships," Gyeongsang Councilman Yi Geol responded. "Our soldiers stationed in the coastline are ready to defend Joseon to the end. Not to mention backings from the United States will ensure Joseon's survival."

"That is true but the United States has a hostile neighbor with powers near to what the United States have." I-shin responded. "If war breaks out while Japan attacks Joseon, we'll be on our own."

"The development of the railroad in Joseon along with modern forms of transportation will allow Joseon soldiers to respond to any threat much quicker than before," Gyeonggi Councilman Bak Ki-moon said. "Joseon is also trained with modern weapons from Germany and the United States, which ensures that Joseon will have some of the best troops in the continent. If Japan attacks, then they'll be facing a modern and professional army dedicated to defending Joseon."

"It's final that Joseon will be sending 4,000 soldiers to support the Qing Empire in their Northern Expedition," Emperor Yunghui said. "I do recognize the concerns but our alliances with China and the United States along with our well funded military ensure Joseon's survival against a potential Japanese invasion."

"If Japan does however try to invade Joseon, I will personally lead our soldiers to victory in defense of Joseon, is that clear?"

"Yes, your Imperial Majesty," the National Council replied.

[Mechanist Combine]

“When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.”
―Dom Helder Camara

January 28, 1914
Wellington Council Building
3rd floor balcony
Council Chair's Office

Kate Q. Woolcott leans on the guard rail overlooking the streets of Wellington but her back would be to it. She would be smoking a spliff and reading intently. Her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose and eyes following every word. She would seem so readily engrossed in the text she had not noticed Sir Jack Milton enter the room and step in. Sir Milton would look around the quite neat office and then would quickly steps to the balcony.

"Lady Woolcott." He says, startling her.

"Yes, what is it Milton?" She replies, quickly gaining her composure and adjusting her glasses to better see the well dressed man.

"The council is preparing to convene, it would be a shame if you were late." Milton stood tall and straight, waiting patiently for her reply.

Lady Woolcott closed the passage she had been reading, placing a mark between the pages and stuck the spliff in her mouth before grabbing her cane and walking into the office from the balcony, the cane though was not for fashion, like her bowler or her fine suit, but helped her keep her balance due to her bum leg, not that it didn't look posh as it was. She lies the book down on the table and looks to Milton. "How much longer do I have till the meeting?" she asked.

"Fifteen minuets, Ma'm."

"And how long do you bet till it goes all pear-shaped?"

"An hour at least, two at most."

"Really, no hope that they can keep in line all day?"

"Not from what the guards tell me Ma'm."

Woolcott laughs at this "Well, bet to not keep them waiting."

"Then off we go Ma'm."

She would put out her smoke in the ashtray and walks to the door with Milton. Milton would go attend to other duties while Woolcott would make her way to the Council room.

Wellington Council Building
2nd Basement Level
Council Deliberation Room

Lewis Jordan III sat on the far end of a circular table as Woolcott entered the room.

"Good morning Lady Woolcott, how are you today?" Queered Jordan, watching her as she entered.

"Swell Jordan, swell. Do you mind if I smoke?" She would answer and ask, walking to the side of the room he was on, where a large, empty arm chair sat, promptly at the tables head.

"Not at all, say do you know if Grant is going to be here today?" He would look to her questioningly after asking her this.

"I do not believe so, I think he came down with a cold or something, why do you ask?" She would pull out a cigarette pack and pulls one out, she would put the pack back into her pocket and takes a small pack of matches from another, using one to light it, she locates an ash tray and sets it on the table at her seat.

"I was hoping to go over a bill I am having written with him, rather I would like him to proof read it and give his thoughts on it."

She would take a hit of the cigarette and then blows out the match, proceeding to place it in the tray. She would sit down and watches the door. "Nothing to do but wait now, huh?"

"Very much so, Lady Woolcott."

They would sit there, mostly in silence for the next five minutes and slowly the other members would trickle in and the meeting would start. It would go on for most of the day, at just around dusk the meeting would adjourn, placing one document, the manuscript "Well Needed Reform of the Public Education System.", on the Chair's review list and two others in the trash. But Milton would have won the bet, Noah Allen began a rather large and heated argument that lasted for several hours, ending in the through trashing of the bill "Profitable Marketing". The only paper not fully discussed that day was the law "Mandatory and Proper Policing Conduct." detailing some changes on how police handle suspects and the convicted.

As the Council filed out Kate Woolcott rested in her chair, and took out a different cigarette carton, a more beaten looking box and an older one at that, taking a hand rolled one from it and striking a match to light it. She would sit there and smoke it for a moment, before getting up and heading for the door, turning off the light as she leaves the room. She would make her way back up to her office and places the document on her desk grabbing her book and closing the balcony doors. She would look around to make sure not to forget anything, grabbing her handbag she would leave locking the office door behind her. She would head out the door of the building and takes a seat in the back her car, the elderly starting the engine and driving away down the road without a word, simply focused on his task, currently that of taking Lady Woolcott home.

[Greater Aterria]

The United States of America, Land of Free, Home of the Brave. February, 1914



Above: African American soldiers of the "Harlem Hell fighters".

"Relations seem to be going down South with Dixie, and the military is bound to be going the same direction."
-Reporter

---

Battle Cry of the Republic

"Extra extra!" A newspaper boy shouted while waving the daily paper in his hand. "Sir, would you like a paper. It's only 5 cents."

Steven Choi was walking through the snowy streets of Boston that day. He had heard rumors that the United States had officially joined into an alliance with the asiatic powers, but was still relatively unsure. It seemed that the daily paper was here, might as well take a look.

"I'll take one." Said Choi as he tossed the boy a nickel.

"Here you go sir!" The boy handed over a copy of the Boston Journal. As Steven began to read, the first words that popped to him were those in the title.

Alliance of Freedom formed. America to begin mobilization.

It honestly wasn't a huge surprise for Choi. The US had hated the CS since everything began some 50 years ago, and had been readying for the final war for years. Choi himself was registered for the US army, and like any other Union citizen, he was ready to serve when called upon. A nearby recruitment office had just opened up, and already more than a few men were lining up. Choi, an educated man in his own respect, predicted that the war would start sometime in April. Currently, it was far too cold up North, and the weather would definitely bog down any offensive attempts. Then again, judging by the US army's mobilization rate and size, it could start at any moment.

Walking up to the stand, Choi showed the man inside his registration card. That moment, Steven had officially entered the US army.

---

After a number of days of negotiation, Roosevelt had to admit he was pleased with the results. The Alliance of Freedom had been officially formed, and the war against the South would begin soon. The terms which the Alliance had agreed to were to be beneficial to all, something the US would try to ensure. America would help develop the ports of the various Asian nations, while supplying naval and industrial advisors. In return, Muzal and Qing China would ensure that the Union wouldn't run out of supplies anytime soon, while providing industrial yards for the Union to construct part of its navy in. The idea of joint international forces had also been suggested by Roosevelt. The US, despite its own front, would send its Asian allies a few infantry and artillery regiments, along with naval support. After all, it was always good for the papers, and would help establish a more mutual friendship.

Trade with the Confederacy was to be cut completely by April. No longer would Union factories supply the greedy hands of the Southern aristocracy, and no longer would Union citizens buy products from the labor of the oppressed. Muzal, despite its distance and ideological differences to the US, was by far a better option.

War was coming, and it would be hell.

[Red Party]

The Arabian Coming of Age

---

Cairo, Egypt

Mohamad quietly sat at his desk, noticing affairs around the world. With North America soon to blow, Mohamad was cheery and happy. As he popped a grape in his mouth, he quickly retrieved a map from his desk. The world around him looked ripe for the picking. With the large mass of land to his east being allied land, the are south and west of Egypt were going to become new targets. As 11:58 rolled around, Mohamad called an emergency meeting. As his advisors and generals hurled in worryingly Mahmoud also took his seat next to Mohamad. Mohamad began to speak.

Good Afternoon, there is no reason to worry. Comrades, our neighbors in Libya aren't currently liberated from the shackles of the worker. If we don't edge along the revolution, the revolution will remain at a crawl. Therefore, I'm calling a mobilization of the 3rd Corp. General Brahim, I expect a quick and swift victory. Use all measures needed in order to show a display to the world. Now, I'd like to show our neighbors that our navy is more than capable of holding its own and perhaps show the French a thing or two. Please ensure a blockade of Tripoli without triggering the French. The is of the utmost importance men, make it happen.

72 Hours Later, the 3rd Corp, Along the border with Libya



Abu Kammash

A total of 4500 men alone were launching the attack from the small city on the northern coast. They would deliberately stroll into Libya with the end goal being to reach Benghazi within 24 hours while the rest of the Corp was stationed in the middle and bottom of Egypt ready to sweep upwards once Benghazi is captured. The men, armed with new rifles and long sabers, fired the first shot of the war at a small cattle, the Unofficial beginning of the war.

36 Hours Later, Benghazi

General Brahim had underestimated the heat of the Libyan countryside. While the 3rd Corp had established a make shift border with a nice chunk in Libya's land, it had cost. 100 men simply died of the grueling heat and parchment. In the majority of towns, the liberators had been welcomed due to the poor side of the country being strike first. A limited amount of shots were fired, and most of the soldiers in these towns and villages simply handed over their weapons and saluted them goodbye. The 3rd Corp had indeed made progress.

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[Alsheb]

Balkan Socialist Federation

Dobrich
Southern Dobruja
February 1914

Under loud cheering, the Bulgarian troops of the Balkan Red Army marched through the streets of the city of Dobrich, heartland of Southern Dobruja. The city, after having suffered under Romanian occupation for far too long, having been stripped of its Bulgarian identity, its touch with the rest of the Balkans, and even its very name when the Romanians had renamed it Bazargic, was now free again, and under the rule of the Balkanian homeland.

The Romanian Army had put up a very weak and half-hearted defence for only a short time. With most of their forces occupied in the north, the Romanian soldiers along the southern border with the BSF were poorly armed, poorly trained and undersupplied. Against the barrage of the Balkanian artillery and subsequent full-scale invasion of Souther Dobruja, they didn't stand a chance. Their morale was further weakened only a few days into the Dobruja Liberation War, as the BSF had taken to call it, when the Romanian government in Bucharest had signed the capitulation to the Holy Roman Empire, giving up most of the Romanian heartland.

This basiclaly meant that Romania as a sovereign nation had sort of ceased to exist, as the Donau Monarchy absorbed it almost entirely, even to the Black Sea coast. Literally the only part of Romania that wasn't eaten by Vienna was Southern Dobruja itself, which interestingly was left alone by all Imperial forces. While there had been no reply from the Empire to the telegram that had been sent by the Foreign Ministry, the Balkan Socialist Federation had received the orders to proceed towards the total annexation of Southern Dobruja, but with the explicit caveat of not crossing into Imperial-held territory.

Today, with the city of Dobrich, close to what was now the border with the Holy Roman Empire, firmly in the hands of the Red Army, the Liberation of Dobruja was complete. General Aleksandar Stamboliyski, Minister of People's Defence and Chief of Staff of the Balkan Red Army, now rode onto the central square of the city on a mighty black steed, riding straight towards the central flag pole bearing the Romanian banner.
Dismounting his horse, Stamboliyski proceeded to officially take down the Romanian standard, and host into the sky the proud banner of the Balkan Socialist Federation, bearing the colours of both Bulgarians and Serbs, together as one united South Slavic people.

Under loud cheering of "Urah!", the General then made his way to a small stage that had been improvised by the troops, and addressed the assembled crowd.

"People of Dobrich! People of Bulgaria! People of the South Slavic union of the Balkans! Today we bring you liberation!
No longer shall you be trampled upon by foreign oppressors, exploiters and tyrants! The days of the Romanian occupation are over. Today dawns a new day for all of us. The day of reunification of Dobruja with the Motherland!

Rejoice, people of Southern Dobruja! The Motherland has sent its children to your aid. Peace, Liberty and Socialism shall be yours!"

[Dires]

大清帝國 The Great Qing Empire

“To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.”
-孫武

February 15th, 1914

Nanjing, The Qing Empire

Many said Shanghai was the Pearl of the Orient but Nanjing had come far in the years since the Emperor took power and made the city his summer capital once more. Soon, even Shanghai would not be able to outshine Nanjing's skyline - already the southern capital had better dry docks. Which is why the fiery Second Prince was grinning ear to ear as he watched his army loading up into 25 Baochuan-Class transport liners. With a total capacity of 10,000 each, there was plenty of room for the 190,000 draft troops and the 10,000 Guard Veterans. The draft troops had only received a few months worth of training but they would be sure to gain as much experience of war as they would ever need in the coming weeks. Escorted by 3 dreadnoughts purchased from the U.S. two two years ago, as well as a small flotilla of smaller battleships and scouting balloons, the Second Prince was to lead his men to the American harbor in Los Angeles and from there, cooperate with the Americans in war game drills much like other Qing divisions were doing with the Muzals in the far west.

The prince chuckled to himself thinking, "Heh, let's see which one of our brother's will bring back glories from the coming conflict, at the very least I can't lose to my didi, no matter how much of a genius people think he is."

Grand Palace, Bangkok, Siam
Bullets whizzed by Private Xie's face as he ducked down behind the elephant statuette he had found shelter behind. "Why couldn't this go the way it did in Assam two weeks ago?" Everything had gone smoothly when the Third Imperial Army moved into Viet country and had captured the Communist rebels. Within the week they had been hung and what was left of the Assamese government approved of the Qing proposal for Assam to enter the empire as an autonomous region, free to self-govern, maintain their culture, and language without undue interference from the central government. The anti-Communist sentiment and generous Chinese food subsidies had quickly swayed public opinion as people suddenly found themselves eating three square meals a day without having to worry about scavenging as they had in the past. The ploy had almost worked in Siam. However, despite the Siamese parliament supporting the Qing, the fat Chakti king was not as happy as to give up his palace to the Chinese imperial family. Which is why the private was stuck right there, keeping the palace windows covered with suppressing fire, despite the Siamese royal guard putting up fierce resistance. They were not as anti-Communist as they were fanatically loyal to the king. Suddenly Xie found himself lying on the ground as a wave of sound and light hit him, sparing him only because of his marble elephant guardian. When he looked up, he saw half the palace engulfed in flame with a massive hole in the east pagoda.

[Newne Carriebean7]

The United British Isles Unionist Republic of England,Scotland Ireland and Wales
London
Pinewoods Residence
January 21st,1914

President Nathan Crusoe Bishop took aim with the old shotgun and pulled the trigger at the fine china that was now hurtling in the air.It then stopped rotating and fell to the earth in several pieces. Putting the gun down, he noticed several aides salute him.
"Sir, Congress is to be sworn in today. Shouldn't you be preparing to head off there in order to give a speech?"
"I thought they met next month? are you positively sure that it's today?"
"yes sir, here's the message."
Handing him a small slip of paper, he smiled. This would be one step closer to the inevitable war,and a war which he would enjoy taking place all over the British colonies. With this, he could centralize the war effort from London,and he had several ideas to get the war train started.
"So this will be the begining of greatness for the British empire, I like that title of speech. Take me to Congress."
"Yes sir."
with a nod, they both boarded the horse and buggy and rode off a hop and skip to the congressional building, the massive slanted to the left structure had been faintly smoking all day long from a failed anarchist bombing, and now here he was giving a speech to the hundreds of members of congress.

Congressional Representational building of the Union of Britain
"People of the Unionist Congress! I stand before you today, not as the president of a global spanning empire, but as a friend and comrade willing to make sacrifices. we have traced our history back a few hundred years, back to the formation of the 1st British Republic in 1695, our nation has been a firm grip on the expansionist policies of our forefathers and their grandfathers.If our fathers could see the massive warships we have now at our disposal, huge warships that can fire 2,000 pound projectiles almost 10 miles away to ships that are on another horizon,or yet another plain of fighting. The British people are now a proud,multi racial people, the nation's colonies stretching from the south African valleys to the Indian gange rivers.

We are always seeking to expand the British contributions in math,science and the works of Shakespeare,whose work has blessed every child of this great sphere that god has made called earth. We Still have much work to be done, the little children's fingers no longer die in the cotton mills of the Indian sphere, nor do little children cry when their fathers are taken from them. That is what makes us British, and that is what will mark the start of a British Century, a British People and a British World. Thank you."
as the congressional members cheered and clapped at that speech, Bishop walked off,shaking a handful of people's digits before he disappeared back beneath the blackened windows of the horse and buggy that carried him to the building.

North Atlantic Ocean
Battlecruiser Tiger
John Jelilco watched as another wave came crashing on deck, covering the super-firing pair of 13.5 inch guns in water for a second before the bow of the vessel rose in the water,removing some of the water, then it went back down into the surf. they had left several hours prior and were a third of the way to the Confederacy,as was the plan he had gotten from the old man in charge of everything. an officer then entered the room,forcing Jellico to turn his attention to the new arrival.
"Sir, contact has been lost with the HMS Conqueror."
rubbing his chin and sitting down in his chair for a short while, he sighed.
"Forget that battleship,if it wants to show up at the last minute, what's the worst it could do with less firepower. continue our course."
"But sir, we're losing a lot of our guns that we could use?"
"Leave the ship where it is, if it wants to help us out, have him do it. are my orders clear?"
"N-Not really sir, but-"
the aide then shut up as the fleet continued to sail through the hard waves.


Union of South Africa
ewig muurbal (undying squash)
1 mile from Fort Ladyluck
Captain Charles Monroe threw back the pint of hard locally produced cider that the local woman had taken a liking to. He couldn't blame them, it was better than the shit water that could better up kill him. Sighing, he shook his glass, signaling for a refill of the brownish tanish liquid that topped off his glass quickly,with a nod to the servants at the pub. He then walked outside of the warm pub, getting slightly chilly as his body adapted to the chill air outside. He had to get to the makeshift outpost which was used by a hundred British soldiers to guard the nation's interests in the area. As he began his small bit of exercise, he noticed several rapidly rustling leaves. looking around, he noticed several shapes rushing about. Grabbing out his colt 1911 pistol, he aimed it at a shape he saw as distinctively as boer. Pulling the trigger, a bang was heard followed by a moan from the now dead corpse. Rushing off, he entered the fort and saluted the garrison commander, who was playing cards.
"S-sir! I just saw a native bloke try to cut me! we need to prepare for an as-"
A dull boom was heard as the commander adjusted his hat and set the shuffle of cards down.
"artillery."
The commander nodded and began to speak.
"Jeffery, close all the doors, Arnold, wake up the men and have them beat to quarters, Louis, contact Fort Marrion for reinforcements!"
Monroe looked directly into the man's eyes and asked a question.
"Will we be alright,sir?" the commander sighed heavily.
"I dunno yet,it's up to our brain cells and the guns we have. now get up the road and scout for more units!"
"Yes sir!"
with that, the commander unlocked a cabinet and got out another bottle of scotch.
"For you Gunther."