A War to End all Wars (Closed, Etharia only)

[Kanadorika]

1914. The world was abuzz with a plethora of new technologies that swept their way around the world. From the aeroplane to the dreadnought, new innovations from industrialization would appear every day. Steam power puffed clouds of black smoke into the air globally; powering truly intercontinental travel that hastened the intermingling of cultures. The wireless, still in its infancy, would provide for the instantaneous communication of knowledge between unconnected locations.

Socially, the world remained locked in the confines of the 19th century. Kings and emperors reigned supreme in their homelands; their empires stretched across the globe and subjecting new peoples to their rule. Nationalism had reached new heights as citizens proclaimed their land and culture to be superior to that of all others. Nevertheless, the world had been experiencing several decades of an uneasy peace. Modern weapons of war would be created, but without frontline experience, would go untested for a number of years. War was on the horizon, and it would be like nothing ever seen before.

---

Þorláksvík, capital of the Kanadorikan Empire
Field Marshal Herman Vonn Haapalainen, Chief of Kanadorikan General Staff.
July 5, 1914

---

"Mín Keisar."

I approached His Imperial Majesty's desk and set down a single document. "This is what you requested."

"Thank you Lord Haapalainen. This whole Sollarrian affair is quite an entanglement as I'm most sure you can tell."

It had only been a week since the Sollarrian crown prince was assassinated during his visit to Sjovenia, a nation whose ethnic rivalries with the Sollarrian Kingdom stretched back centuries. While the assassin, a Sjovenian nationalist, was now in custody and under control, the political nightmare he caused had been unleashed upon the old world. Sollarria, which had been a Kanadorikan ally since 1879, was now faced with the immense task of dealing with the loss of her rightful heir, and was contemplating the issuing of an ultimatum to Sjovenia, demanding they turn in the assassin to Sollarrian authorities.

The Keisar took the document in his hands and read it aloud before signing his name. He seemed pleased, a smile growing on his face. "Yes, this will do. We shall ensure our allies in the Sollarrian Kingdom receive our full support."

[Dominatus Leviathan]

It has only been a year since I last saw my Lord, King Dinita the third of our Glorious Empire, last time I saw him, he bestowed upon me my duty as Prime Minister, but now, I bring him news of grave importance, the nations of Sollarria and Sjovenia have gone to war. I rush to present my King with a telegram from the Duke of War, Serun,



My King swiftly reads over the document, his face shifts from shock, to a smile, then clearly irritated, he looked at me

This is most... displeasing.... Minister?

Yes your Majesty?

You will assume the duty of managing our military for the foreseeable future. Never in the history of our empire has so much power been so centralised in anyone besides my ancestors.

Tha-Thank you your Majesty!

Now... First order of business. Sign this form authorising the execution of your predecessor.

My King hands me some forms, which I quickly sign, I must do whatever is necessary to safeguard the future of our country.

Now... we will be arranging two separate arms deals with both belligerents. Our nation's best strength, is when others fall and break. We grow stronger from them. We must drag this war on. Do you understand?

Yes my lord. I will have the Imperial Diplomatic Corps arrange a meeting with both ambassadors. Preferably at different dates.

My King nods, and I am dismissed, I leave the room fast as to not waste his time, with the burden of leading my fellow countrymen to victory and prosperity.

[Sollarria]

The Formal Declaration of war.

[Kanadorika]

Egill Sigfinnsson, Rear Admiral of the Keisarlikk Maríne's 3rd Battleship Squadron, Medietas Fleet

His Imperial Majesty's Ship Aræði, Audacious Class Battleship


Somewhere in the North Medietas Ocean...

---

I stood on the admiral's bridge, where I had a clear view of my surrounding environment. The ocean was calm, with nothing more than a light breeze disturbing its surface and obscuring the infinitely dark depths which lay beneath. The great blue expanse stretched to the horizon, merging with the light cloud cover in the far distance. Aft lay the technological marvel of man; the Keisarlikk Maríne 3rd Battleship Squadron. Nine Battleships, comprised of 6 dreadnoughts and 3 pre-dreadnought ships, steamed forwards in a battle line. Their funnels belched billowing black smoke into the surrounding air, creating a distinctive trail of haze that mirrored the squadron from above.

The 18th destroyer squadron was dozens of miles ahead, scouting the waters for any activity. Accompanying them were ships belonging to the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, providing for heavier firepower should the destroyers run into trouble and find themselves unable to retreat.

I myself personally doubted that our fleet would run into anything of note in what was nothing more than a routine fleet maneuver exercise. The Medietas Fleet's commanding officer, Admiral Tryggvason, was a man of repetition, believing in the constant practicing of various maneuvers and formations. It was, however, only several days since the declaration of war on Sjovenia by the Empire. We were on alert, although our nerves certainly weren't frayed.

Feeling hungry, I stepped down to the deck and made my way to my own quarters, where my personal cook was busy preparing lunch in the Admiral's galley. I took a seat on a red velvet sofa. The wooden frame was elegantly carved as all furnishings in my quarters were, displaying outright the luxury afforded to flag officers of the fleet.

Finally relaxed, I was startled by the sound of a whistle coming from my room's speaking tube, one which led directly to the bridge. I swiftly got up and answered the call for me.

"Rear Admiral Sigfinnsson."

From the other end was the voice of a young man, excitement clearly audible.

"Sir, this is Lieutenant Theodórsson. our destroyer group has made contact with what has been identified as a Sjovenian destroyer squadron!"

I paused, briefly imagining the scenario in my head. "Has there been an exchange of fire?"

"Affirmative sir, both destroyer groups have opened fire at approximately 8,000 yards, and our cruisers are closing in fast."

"Have we made contact with their general fleet?"

"Not yet sir, we don't even know if they are accompanied by a larger fleet."

"Have our squadron continue to follow at 14 knots and call for general quarters should we make contact. I want the squadron to follow our every move so inform the captain of this ship and the others that we are to zig zag should we be in the way of any oncoming torpedos, and to open fire on their discretion"

"Yes sir, I'll relay that to Captain Valsson and to the wireless operators so they can inform the rest of the squadron"

I quickly left my quarters and went back to the admiral's bridge, still hungry.

[Sjovenia]

The Kingdom os Sjovenia had been successfully overthrown in 1892 when a Communist radical began a revolution attacking key targets through out the country. After an intense two year war, one week till the second anniversary of the war, the Royal Family and their Attache's were ambushed enroute to a safe location. Those killed were members of the Royal Family, a Sollarian Diplomat, and a Kanadorikan Granddaughter whom lived with her Sjovene parents (The Royal Family). This incident began a rocky relationship between Sollaria, Kanadorika, and Sjovenia. The Radical Communist who took power was Maršal Jakov Rešnik (Marshal Yakov Reshnik). Maršal Rešnik knew that his coming into power would disrupt the Imperialistic alliance that was going on as well as having spilled both a Sollarian and Kanadorikan blood he understood revenge was likely to follow.

To help with poverty and the abrupt change in political leadership Maršal Rešnik began rebuilding the country. Key targets he attacked, industrializing semi industrialized areas, and fortifying the nation for an attack that was very likely to come. Twenty years later and the nation had become self sufficient. A working society that was brought up from the ashes of a corrupt kingdom. Things seemed to be fine and the imminent threat that was the relationship between Sollaria and Kanadorika seemed...rocky but starting to stabilize. In fact Maršal Rešnik and the Sollarian crowned Prince were to conduct a meeting to hopefully right the wrongs. Sadly, this was not to be...a radical and devout communist from the uprising had grown disgruntled with Sollarian and Kanadorikan affairs. Especially since they were in an alliance with the Former Sjovene Kingdom, the very kingdom that enjoyed the spoils of oppression. Oppression of the common that was! The would be assassin plotted his course and gained inside knowledge. The plan was set and the day arrived when words were put into action. As the Prince stepped out of his car to make his way onto his private rail coach, the assassin stepped up to him, pushing a guard out of the way, and shot the Prince point blank.

This incident was the last straw between Sjovenia and Sollaria. An ultimatum and declaration of war were announced as Kanadorika quickly followed to honor its Ally. Maršal Rešnik had no choice but to prepare for war hoping that it would be able to call upon it's allies as well. The year is 1914 and war is coming....

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Bitburg Capital Building "Visoko Poveljstvo"

Maršal Rešnik walked through the courtyard at the High Command Office. It was a little late at night for his routine but he had received word about a skirmish. Making a left into a corridor two guards stood at attention and saluted while the third opened the door. "Thank you" Maršal Rešnik said as he he continued walking towards his briefing room. Once inside he was greeted by the Commanding Admiral of Naval Forces who stood at attention as did the guards in the room. "Leave us for the moment" Rešnik said to the soldiers who quickly stepped outside and guarded the door.

"Maršal!" the Admiral said as he shook Maršal Rešnik's hand. "Admiral" Rešnik said as he shook his hand, "I am told that you have news for me?" he looked at the General awaiting bad news. "Yes Maršal, it appears that our patrolling fleet encountered Kanadorikan forces yesterday. Neither side lost a ship but shells were fired. Some minor damage, not sure how much was done to the enemy ships but only a small amount of damage was dealt to our own." Rešnik interrupted "What's going on now, what is the plan of action?" he asked wondering if the ships were being pursued. "Well the Commanding Officer ordered them to pull back as they were outnumbered. They are headed towards the coast through the mine fields. Last report states that they began to pursue but backed off shortly after."

Rešnik thought for a minute before speaking, "Good....have more mines deployed around the coast and our most vulnerable areas. I don't want any body's Navy to be that close to land forces without facing heavy losses. Make sure that our men avoid North Medietas' waters....it'll be too dangerous and theres no way to keep good records of what is mined and what isn't. Keep them patrolling, I'll send a telegram to ensure we have aerial patrols as well...this will help pilots get the service time they need in the new Ropotanje B14 aircraft!" Maršal Rešnik nodded his head in approval as he was lost in thought. "Very well sir!" The Admiral stood up and saluted before leaving the room.

North Medietas' Ocean

5 August 1914

I, Commanding Officer, Kontraadmiral Silvester Mathias of the Južni Fleet have had my leadership skills put to the test today... earlier today Južni Fleet encountered the Kanadorikan Fleet int the Medietas Ocean. In an attempt to intimidate them we got closer hoping they would go n further. Instead they engaged us and began firing shells. I ordered the fleet to man all stations and proceed to fire at will when a clear definitive hit was guaranteed.

After a 45 minute skirmish we decided to pull back having received as well as taken some damage. I ordered the fleet to keep distance and proceed into the mine infested water. Thankfully we kept track of all of the mines we laid. Admiral Lovro was impressed and had it sent up the chain as a mandatory procedure when mine laying. As we pulled back the Kandorikan fleet continued to follow suit before veering off course. Im unsure if this was because of our submarines or if they were reporting back to their base. Either way, should they pursue in our general direction they will face an unseen enemy....including our submarines.

Aircraft

Ropotanje B14 Reconnaissance

Južni Fleet

Zid v Bitki Class

Šest Jekla Class Dreadnought

Puščica Class Submarine

Pisanec Patrol Boat

[Ezhara]

Woroshire, Ezhara
Briskly walking across his governmental building, Ludwig Schneider's combat boots loudly clacked on the floor, his serious, rather cold expression monitoring his surroundings with a sort of arrogance. Following him were the three famous Ezharan oracles (or at least, that's what they said with only some evidence to back it up), known by the names of Doppelgänger Prophecy, Bismarck Prophecy, & Sanna Prophecy. "So, what is this glorious weaponry you wished to tell us about?" Bismarck inquired, his voice seemingly giddy with excitement.

"Gasses, chemicals," Schneider explained, in rhythm with his steps, "Based on those that we captured for the experiment, they have quite the effects... If war comes to Ezhara, they'll find that Woroshire won't be falling easy."

"& it is coming," Sanna said, the knife that she frequently carried around gliding about her hands as she juggled it, lightly laughing to herself, "We'll see our war soon enough, Schneider, & so many more to come." Soon thereafter, the group found themselves in front of a white door that simply said BOILER ROOM in large red letters.

Opening the door, Schneider then tapped a depression in the floor & a nearby boiler with his staff before going around the boiler & disappearing, his trio of oracles coming after him. Behind the boiler was a hidden door, unlocked by Schneider's staff, of which the group entered & found themselves in a large laboratory, hundreds of containers lining the walls of it.

"Here we are," the leader of Woroshire said, grabbing three such containers & reading their contents, "Phosgene, mustard gas, chlorine... All such glorious weapons to suit my needs. I doubt the other Ezharan leaders would be apt to put up a fight. Would you like to test one, Bismarck?" Having known the trio for a while, Schneider knew that Bismarck was the least composed out of them & was always disturbingly ecstatic at the prospect of war.

Lightly chuckling, Bismarck nodded. "Of course I would!" he said, taking a canister of phosgene from Schneider & placing it into a system of tubes that led to a glass chamber where a captured person was strapped to a chair. Before the seer opened it, the group put on their gas masks before Bismarck then opened it, a powerful fan keeping the gas in the tubes & preventing it from escaping (with the format of the tubes also reducing the likelihood of any gasses leaking out.

Within minutes, the poor soul stuck inside was now dead, having suffocated from the phosgene gas, in turn eliciting a smile that could be felt beyond Bismarck's mask; the same sort of smile that a child might get with a Christmas present they always wanted to get, although the seer's was far more sinister. "Satisfied?" asked Schneider towards the trio, who in turn nodded their agreement, Bismarck especially.

[Kanadorika]

08 August, 1914

Sir,

Be pleased to inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that a Sjovenian light cruiser squadron and destroyer squadron were brought to action on August 5, 1914, to the westward of the coast of Sjovenia.

The ships of the Medietas Fleet, in pursuance of the general policy of periodical sweeps through the North Sea, had left its bases on the previous clay, in accordance with instructions issued by me.

In the early afternoon of Wednesday, August 05, the 3rd Battleship Squadron, 18th and 12th destroyer squadrons and light cruisers from the 2nd and 9th Cruiser Squadrons, were, in accordance with my directions, scouting to the westward of the Battle Fleet, which was accompanied by the 9th cruiser squadron.

At 2:43 pm, HKS Glaucus of the 18th destroyer squadron made visual contact with enemy destroyers. Commander Tibrekus Afonsson relayed via wireless the location of the enemy squadron to HKS Aræði, flagship of the 3rd Battleship Squadron, who in turn relayed the information to myself.

At 2:46 pm, HKS Melinoë of the 18th destroyer squadron began shelling enemy destroyers at approximately 8,000 yards. Damage issued was light, as was the returning fire.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Battleship Squadron had been ordered to steam towards the scene of action to come to the assistance of the forces engaged against the enemy. At 3:01 pm, HKS Tyrsson of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron shelled an enemy cruiser of the Šest Jekla class. Several hits were confirmed on the vessel's belt and superstructure, however damage was kept to a minimum.

At 4:15 pm, Battleship HKS Ottalaus opened fire on the enemy cruiser squadron at a distance of approximately 15,000 yards. No hits were recorded before the enemy ships retreated into the mist.

By 4:31 pm, all visual contact with Sjovenian ships had ceased as they retreated westwards towards the coast. It was ordered by myself that due to fears of extensive mining of the Sjovenian coast and a subsequent torpedo attack, the Medietas Fleet would not pursue the retreating Sjovenian warships and would instead resume their patrols.

Please note that the mining of the Sjovenian coast is more extensive than previously believed, and that a sweeping operation would take several days to clear a path through which our warships can support the upcoming land invasion into Sjovenia. Thus, given the unlikelihood of delaying the invasion, and the rapid speed at which His Imperial Majesty's Army is mobilizing, I feel it will be impossible as of now to provide any meaningful fire support unto Sjovenian positions on land.

Officers and men were cool and determined, with a cheeriness that would have carried them through anything. The heroism of the wounded (who were fortunately very few in number) was the admiration of all.

Signed, Alfred Tryggvason, Admiral of the Medietas Fleet, Keisarlikk Maríne

HKS Aræði, Audacious Class Battleship

HKS Melinoë, Ymir Class Destroyer

HKS Tyrsson, Tyrsson Class Light Cruiser

Rear Admiral Egill Sigfinnsson (center), 1914

[Imperial Palma]

The Palman Empire
09 August, 1914

The people of Palma were a proud, nationalistic one. They were descendants of the Duméril Empire, which once spread far beyond the Palman Peninsula that the Palman Empire sits on today. The Empire dominated a crescent shaped amount of land, and patrolled the seas between the Palman Peninsula and what was now called Ezhara. But like all great empires, theirs eventually crumbled. As inferior beings snatched up their land like the disgusting cockroaches they were, the Duméril Empire was eventually left with the land Palma has today. Eventually, the people forged a new identity for themselves, and declared the Palman Empire.

But though they no longer controlled their former lands, it was still rightfully theirs. With a world war brewing across the globe, no one would be around to stop them from recreating their empire of old. They would honor their alliances and side with Sollaria and condemn Sjovena. However, they would avoid major contributions to the war for a while, and mostly use the distraction of a world war to retake their rightful land in Ezhara.

The Palman Empire hereby condemns the actions of Sjovena, adknowledging that their actions have immorally damaged Sollarian nationalism, and that Sjoevna should have accepted Sollaria's demands. The Palman Empire sides with Sollaria and her allies in both body and spirit, and the Palman Empire will assist them in their patriotic efforts to fight off Sjovena.

Signed, Emperor Jacques Pickens.

This was the plan drafted by Emperor Jaques Pickens I and his military and political advisors, all of them extremely nationalistic. From the Imperial Palace in Grenouville, they drafted strategies for the insuring war, and were fairly confident they would be successful. Recent propaganda encouraged the thought of the ancient empire's revival amongst the proud populace, who now fantasized about restoring it. But the time for fantasies was over, and now, the Palman Empire would take action.

The Palman Empire herbey declares war on Ezhara for the theft of rightful Palman land. It is an integral part of the Palman Empire and must be restored to its rightful rulers.

Ezharan territorial waters
10 August, 1914

7 battleships, 10 cruisers, and 10 destroyers under the control of Admiral Étienne set sail to Ezhara in order to ensure Palman command of the sea. Ezharan ships, intimidated by the massive fleet, surrender, and their crews are taken prisoner. This is part of the plan, and their release will be discussed in the ultimatum: peaceful takeover of Ezhara by the Palman Empire. By use of intimidation and other threats, it is hoped that Ezhara will surrender without a war. They release an ultimatum to Ezhara.

The Palman Empire hereby offers the following terms for Ezharan surrender.

- Dissolve the Ezharan Armed Forces

- Cede all of Ezhara to the Palman Empire

- Dissolve the Ezharan government

If Ezhara chooses to accept these terms, the Palman Empire will release the captured sailors and there will be no collateral damage to buildings, significant cultural items, or people of Ezhara. If these terms are not accepted, the Palman Empire will retake their land by force. You have 72 hours to assure your compliance or face destruction and imminent defeat.

[Treko]

Velståendevekst, Capital of the Trekkish Empire
Kaiser Werner Tore Bořivoj III

---

The atmosphere around the capital was ecstatic for today was the annual celebration of the forming of the Trekkish Empire. All across the Empire, all sorts of festivities were being held to celebrate this joyous occasion. However, not all things were going well throughout the world. Reports of naval skirmishes and Declarations of war were already on my mind from previous days and constant bickering from among my generals only made me resent walking to the war room even more. I knew what was to come when I entered that room, a silence so strong it would be tangible and all eyes boring into the depths of me. Despite this, I sucked in every ounce of courage and waved to the guards to open up the doors. As expected bickering from the generals subsided and all eyes shifted to me. I looked over everyone of them before approaching a table that sat in the center of the room. My hands gripped the edge of the table tightly as I peered over the map that sat on the center table. With a heavy sigh I looked up from the map and quickly found Field Marshal Emil Svatopluk. A tall haggard man who had seen many conflicts over his life and had genuinely earned his rank.

I pressed my lips together before speaking, "Field Marshal Svatopluk what is the current condition of our military at the moment?"

"We currently have 25 Korps of infantry, 10 cavalry regiments, and squadron of recon planes at our disposal, Sir" Replied Svatopluk, his glaring stare made it obvious that our current forces would not do if Treko were to continue down the path to war. I didn't want to agree with him but it was painfully obvious and the chatter of the generals confirmed it.

"This simply will not do.....if things continue on its current course I think you all know what can happen. So with that being said begin the call up of the reserve and start the conscription laws. Military factories must double their efforts to accommodate the influx of troops." Silence was the only response as my orders seemed reasonable and those who opposed remained silent to avoid the harsh reaction of fellow generals. As the silence continued, I began to look over all the fortification pieces that sat all over the Treko part of the map. Thankfully most of the nations fortifications were up to date, but would they hold up was the main question. Before I could even finish my own questions in my head a low chatter began to grow before the generals and even the admirals. "Spit it out! What is the bickering about!"

"Sir, its about the Kanadorikan threat....we are thinking of possible options to counter them." replied a general who was receiving nodding approvals from the other generals.

"Counter them? If you are speaking of the sea then I'm sorry to inform you that their fleets are far superior to anyone's at the moment. Even the idea of invasion of their homeland can not be thought about unless their fleet is decimated. To do so otherwise would mean the end of us." I replied, such an idea was asinine and to even think that was a possible option.

"Then what should we do?" Replied another general

"Look not to me but Admiral Konrad Willison on that matter. His mind is more attuned for war on the sea." I gave a nod to the admiral who stepped forward and pointed at the island chain north of Treko.

"This will be our saving grace. I doubt the Kanadorikans truly know the ins-and-outs of the Aksel Island chain and we will use this to our advantage. We will use mines to force them into choke points and use our fleets and coastal forts to rain hell upon them. We must never engage them in an open fight, if we do it will be the end of our navy." stated Admiral Willison as he was given round of applause and a nod from the Emperor himself.

A sigh escaped me as I came to terms that if war were to break out Treko would be in safe hands, but things could always change. With the war meeting coming to and an end I looked up one finally time at Field Marshal Svatopluk, "Dispense our current armed forces to our bordering neighbors and a contingent to man the Glacialis Wall. Report anything that is suspicious immediately. We must have the upper hand on everything." Field Marshal Svatopluk only gave a single nod before leaving.

[Ezhara]

Woroshire, Ezhara, 24 hours after the Palman Message
In response to the Palman demands, the Ezharans naturally called a meeting at their capital of Woroshire to discuss it. After several train rides from their respective cities, the leaders finally sauntered into the city's meeting hall, anxious to discuss the terms & possible violence that may come to Ezhara. Despite being part of a unified nation, each ruler of the cities usually did not know each other that well — a factor that would most assuredly play out rather nicely for Schneider, who, among the Ezharan leaders, was only known to be callous & cold, not the psychopathic nature that those close to him knew.

As expected of the rather cowardly Ezharans, the discussion lasted mere minutes before they reached an almost unanimous decision to surrender, the only one who had not was Schneider. Immediately after, the conversation drifted away (since they didn't want to waste their journey there) from the idea of surrender to internal problems plaguing the nation. Too caught up were they in their conversation that they failed to notice Schneider exiting his seat with a sigh & walking out.

The command would be given with the ringing of a bell, & soon the doors to the conference room were barred & chemical weapons spilled forth from the ceiling.

Schneider watched the other leaders struggle & desperately attempt to claw their way out, a slight smirk on his face. "Now then," he said to nobody in particular, although the three Ezharan seers were with him, "we'll be sending our reply to the Palmans, right after I send our chemical weapons closer to shore."

Ezhara, 60 hours after the Palman Message

To: Palman Empire
It is with great misfortune that I must say that the other Ezharan leaders forced my hand: they had been wanting to fight back against your empire, & so I had to execute all of them on the spot. As the only ruler of Ezhara left, I have taken the liberty to surrender for my nation, for we have no hope of succeeding in defending against you. As a gift, our northernmost coastal city, Odona has all of the chemical weapons I manufactured — Phosgene, mustard gas, & chlorine — for your empire to take and use.

I will warn you, however, that this surrender may be a subject of great interest for Ezharan authors, playwrights, & painters, so expect an influx of cultural artifacts that may discuss an alternate history of Ezhara.
Absolutely do not attempt to infringe on their freedom in creating these, as rebellion is extremely likely in doing so. Ironically, the citizenry is rather meek and are unlikely to be inspired to rise up against you, so long as you do not greatly abuse them or attempt to limit what they can create.

Finally, I would like to offer to work under the Palman government in order to ensure that Ezhara stays under your rule, or at minimum, give advice to whoever wants to rule. After all, I have ruled over Ezharans for a decade, so I would know my citizenry well, & so my advice may be useful in ensuring that you do not upset us. If you would rather I do not serve you, I will go back to being an author, although I will certainly be trying to write in propaganda for you.

- Ludwig "Lightning" Schneider, Ruler of Woroshire

[Kanadorika]

Antti Keskitalo, Hersveitlegátus (Brigadier General) - 1st Cavalry Brigade, 17th Infantry Division
17 miles from the Kanadorikan - Sjovenian border

09 August 1914

---

I rode my horse besides the largest fighting force the world had ever seen, marching arm in arm towards Sjovenia in perfect unison. The sound of hobnailed boots multiplied by the thousands advancing onwards ricocheted off of the surrounding hills and provided for a distorted echo which sounded like the drums of war. The men of the Kanadorikan Army were well equipped, armed primarily with their Gevehr 97 rifles which were slung on their shoulders. They wore immaculate scarlet red tunics and black pants, the officers in impressive cloaks, which despite the hot August weather, were a sight to behold. Perhaps no force, however, equaled the prestige and magnificence of the cavalry, a brigade of which was under my command. The cuirassiers with their polished steel breastplates and sabers were an attraction in their own right, as were the hussars whose crested helmets and lances were easy to distinguish among the other men in the formation.

We were parading through the town of Veraken in a formation which stretched perhaps dozens of miles as we made our way to the border. The residents of the town were cheering, we all were. Ecstasy and excitement contaminated the atmosphere with an overloading sense of pride. We were after all the Keisar's land forces, going off to smash the Sjovenian Army and end this war as fast is it began so that we could go back home to our families.

The women of the town were mixed in emotion. Some wept over the departures of their sons and husbands, whose own sense of adventure and duty to the Empire were not lost on them. Others were downright flirtatious, ogling at the young men of my brigade whose appearances were much more prestigious than that of the regular infantry.

An orchestra had been organized and was playing the March of the Kanadorikan Army, much to our own delight. It only heightened the invincibility we felt as a nation, the largest empire the world had ever seen against a rag tag communist army whose exploits were the source of humor. As a rather cautious man, I tried not to overlook situations which could arise in the heat of battle and become detrimental to us, however neither I nor the rest of the general staff could possibly conceive of a potential Kanadorikan defeat ahead of us. It was to use the term loosely, impossible.

The rank and file enlisted men shared this enthusiasm, for they would finally be experiencing the rush of battle, something the younger men had only heard through stories told by the more experienced soldiers who had participated in past battles in the colonies. I too was a veteran of the colonial wars, however they all paled in comparison to what the Imperial Army was marching towards now.

Death in battle is glorious. Hail the Keisar and long live the Empire!

---

[Dominatus Leviathan]

August 14th, 1914

I stood above the masses, as High Lord of the Royal Guard, I observed as the crowd assembled in support of the Kanadorikan Empire, most likely inspired by their recent victory over the communist filth. By the King! I thought I saw more Kanadorikan flags than his Majesty's Imperial standard. A complete disrespect to his majesty's Imperial power! My pondering was interrupted by the shouting of a particularly close protester who had slipped through my guards

"Death to the enemies of our brothers! Our Empire must stand with the Keisar!"

He screamed as he was dragged away by my guards. My King's official stance on the war was neutrally, but privately he enjoyed the flames of war. He relished the crushing of communist men, and saw Ezhara's policy on surrendering to an invading foe as complete cowardliness and shameful, harshly condemning the decision and demanding they at least put up a token of resistance. A sign of his advancing age perhaps.

Finally however, counter-protesters assembled. This group sang "A Praise to Our King, and his right to rule" and waved our glorious flag, the uniforms of the First Royal Corps forming the spearhead of the group, with Bruse Fauter, recipient of the Empire's highest military decoration, the Order of High Merit first class for his actions in the war against Hajistan at the very forefront, demanding that the king maintain their policy of neutrality, probably due to his experiences with warfare. The protest became a violent affair when a protester threw a Molotov cocktail at one of my guards, and the counter protesters bashed his head in for disrespecting the King's most holy of men. I had my guards break up the groups and reported the growing tension to his majesty.

[Sjovenia]

09 August 1914

Trdnjava Žitnik (Žitnik Fortress)

The sun shone brightly as birds chirped. Soldiers bustled about loading munitions into the fortress. A few snipers stood on the roof admiring the view. Directly in front of them was a beautiful valley twisting through the mountains. Some 90 miles following the valley and you would find the Kanadorikan border. A small spearhead force patrolled the area and ocassionally checked documents of incoming or out going traffic. Though some light traffic still came and went it was mostly silent and deserted since the formal declaration of war between Sjovenia and Kanadorika.

Only five miles to the east of the Fortress was a mountain pass, fairly wide with a road leading down towards the Kanadorikan border some odd 85 miles away. Careful fortifications of the local area was made in the planning for a war time invasion. Both the fortress and the mountain pass, located in the Ravna Glava (Flat Head Gap), had positions dug in with trenches, railway access by way of the Mountain Pass, artillery, and some small obstacles in the roadways of the Mountain Pass. The Fortress area was completely fortified while the Mountain Pass was still being prepared. Most of the fortifications were complete aside from barbed wire, some hillside positions, and a few machine gun nests.

Over the mountains flew a squadron of Ropotanje B14 Reconnaissance Air Crafts. They were the early warning system for the boys on the ground a long with the small spearhead force patrolling some odd miles away from the border. The Spearhead force's duty was to act as minor speed bumps and size up the incoming forces and report them back to the Ravna Glava Command Post. The B14s were to report troop movements, invading forces, size up the enemy, and ultimately harass the incoming forces with small hand dropped bombs.

[Rhikuosau]

Budrwele, Rhikuosau(Kanadorikan Territory)
Rik Boudewijn - 13th Cavalry Militia

---

With my feet sitting in the stirrups, I rose up from my saddle and took in the sights of the land that was Rhikuosau. The beauty of this land was immeasurable and hence why things were going to change around here real soon, whether the Kanadorikans liked it or not. It was the fault of the Kanadorikans that this rebellion had gone from simmering hate to boiling rage. If they had listened to our pleads to lift a few taxes maybe this rebellion could have been avoided but those dogs rather rule and not listen. That's why this rebellion is going to make them listen good and hard to what we have to say about their rule over us. I never wanted any of this to happen but some things can't be avoided and hard times make strong men. So that's why a handful of men and I are making our way into the depths of the highlands to meet up with other rebel forces to determine our plans.

"I can see the camp!" Shouted one of my compatriots who pointed towards the base of a great hill. A gathering of fellows boers could be seen, and all to illuminate the area was a single fire. I sat back down in my saddle and nodded to my group before spurring my horse onward down the hill. As we neared the base of the hill we were greeted with cold stares all around. With the rebellion truly heating up things were getting serious and everyone was being eyed with suspicion. Nonetheless, My group and I dismounted from our horses before making our way to the fire pit which had gathered a large group of boers.

"Alright, listen up you bastards....as you know we gathered here because things have reached the tipping point." stated one of the boer leaders, "The Kanadorikans pushed us to the edge and now were going to push them to the damn chopping block!"

"Send those fuckers back into the sea!" Shouted a boer

"They outlived their welcome!" Yelled another boer

"Shut your fucking mouths! We'll do all of that soon but first we have to displace troops all over the region so listen up! We've got a good band right here, around in the thousands." Stated the Boer leader, his eyes glaring through the darkness at each of the men. "Each leader of their militia will begin raiding towns loyal to the Kanadorikans and gather supplies, destroy train tracks within the region, and harass the living shit out of those red lobster cunts. You understand me?" Cheering echoed through the highlands as the Boers showed the eagerness to enact this plan. It was simple but that's all we needed at this point. Big plans gets you big for your breeches and that's how you get caught.

With the plan in mind I gathered my men and ordered them to mount up. I quickly secured my belongings one final time to my saddle before looking over my men who gave me all nods, and just like that I spurred my horse forward into them depths of the highlands. Havoc would be coming to those red devils.

[Imperial Palma]

LMN La Victoire
12 August, 1914

Aboard the appropriately named LMN La Victoire, Admiral Étienne grinned as his Tactique Interne, Louis Martin, wrote of his exploits overseas for documentation and analyzation. A Tactique Interne's job was to assist naval officers and observe their tactics so that they could one day become fine naval officers themselves. They were not paid, however, further lessons and basic necessities were paid for by the navy.

The origin of the practice days back to the Duméril Empire, where high ranking naval officers would train their children and close relatives to follow in their footsteps. Rich and powerful families caught onto this and, wanting their children to have esteemed positions when they grew older, would pay naval officers to train their own families. The practice produced several remarkable naval officers and spread to the army, and the practice was repeated over the generations.

Louis Martin was the son of a rich Palman politician, Huey Martin, who had always wanted to join the navy, but was forced to follow in his father's legacy and become a politician. Wanting his son to live the life he did not, Huey had him become a Tactique Interne for the prestigious Admiral Étienne. Louis himself had been encouraged by his father to become a naval officer ever since he had been born, so of course he was excited to serve his country overseas and eventually become a well-respected officer.

Admiral Étienne had already been a popular, well-respected officer, and this victory would only boost this. Étienne was proud of his work, for he had lived to the expectations of his country. The Étiennes had been a family of naval officers for centuries, and there was never a generation that didn't produce a proud officer. Among the many officers produced by this generation, this Étienne would be the proudest. He had secured for Palma its rightful ancestral land, something that would cement him as a national hero for decades to come.

"Document this story well, Interne. It will be the most important Palman event in this century," the Admiral told Louis, proudly smiling into the ocean. He had served his nation well, and he would anticipate his return to them so that he may bask in their glory. But first, he would land in Ezhara, and greet the newly conquered subjects of what was once their land.

Later that day, a reponse to the Ezharan surrender would arrive.

The Palman Empire hereby accepts the surrender of the Ezharan pseudostate, and the restoration of order to the lands belonging to the Palman people. So long as the terms of your surrender are honored, we will honor the terms of annexation on our end. Our ships will dock in our newly reclaimed port in Bald Von der UECS Erobert Werden.

Grenouville
13 August, 2014

Emperor Jacque Pickens himself was present for the public execution of 5 liberal revolutionaries. The five men were on their knees wearing gags so they couldn't speak lies against the state. Meanwhile, five guards stood behind them, pointing guns at the rebel's heads.

"These men call themselves defenders of liberty and equality. They claim they defend the self determination of people like those in Ezhara. But they fail to realize that it is the self determination of the Palman people to spread civilization to inferior societies, and the self determination of the Palman people to retake their rightful land. The people of Ezhara have no right to self determination as they are a thieving, dishonorable race inferior to ourselves," The Emperor spoke out to the crowd. Executions often attracted crowds of nationalistic Palmans, who would watch with pride as enemies of the Palman Empire died.

The Emperor gestures towards the guards to execute the revolutionaries, and the ground soon became covered with blood.

[Kanadorika]

Dekanus Einn (Sergeant First Class), Lárus Sumarliðason, 1st Cavalry Brigade, 17th Infantry Division

On the Kanadorikan - Sjovenian border
10 August 1914

---

This was it; the first momentous push in a massive invasion of the Sjovenian homeland. My brothers stood beside me, perched on horses who seemed unaware of the carnage that would likely proceed in the next few moments. The Sjovenians were waiting for us, after all an invasion of this scope was bound to go noticed. Their fortifications were likely stocked and prepared for an all out assault by our forces.

The weather itself was unusually calm. Not a breeze rustled by, leaving the air rather stale and unnervingly quiet. It was about midday; the sun drawn directly overhead and leaving shadows at a minimum.

Kapteinn Borgarsson raised his hand, drawing attention to himself and quickly cleared his throat.

"At 1245, The artillery barrage will commence. Our siege guns are located a half dozen miles south of here, out of view of the Sjovenian recon forces. We will use the initial chaos to our advantage and direct a cavalry charge on their frontline infantry positions while their defenses are being shelled. Our heavy infantry forces will directly follow us, giving us a foothold to which we can base attacks by our flanking light infantry forces. The 14th Artillery Battalion will be tied directly to our brigade and will soften up the enemy forces in front of us as we make our charge."

He paused to catch a glimpse of the border, then continued. "Once again, our objective is to both physically and psychologically shock enemy infantry forces so that our men behind us can mop them up with little organized resistance. Does anybody have any questions?"

With no questions asked, Kapteinn Borgarsson returned his gaze to the border. These fortifications were only the first in a line which extended approximately 100 miles inside the Sjovenian border, where a second layer of defenses stood firm. A breakthrough of this first layer, however was to physically pry the metaphorical door open and allow a relatively easy assault on the second, more mountainous layer of fortifications.

I pulled my pocket watch from my trousers with my spare hand, as my other arm was balancing the lance on the ground.

1243... nearly time

Sjovenian units were clearly visible at 1000 yards. Less than 60 seconds away at a full charge.

My nerves were unhinged; each minuscule change in the environment catching my attention.

"1245! Everybody up!" Kapteinn Borgarsson screamed as we readied our lances in front of our bodies and spurred our horses to full speed. Massive 12" shells screamed overhead, belonging to the railway guns whose armament was borrowed naval artillery. They were soon accompanied by the tremendous and simultaneous roar from these guns firing in unison. The shells found their targets in a series of above ground concrete structures, and exploded into them, creating shockwaves which could be felt in my own chest. The smaller caliber field guns belonging to the 14th Artillery Battalion ripped through the dazzled enemy troops directly in front of us, now at only 500 yards distance.

The charge was an act of sheer transcendence. Time stood at an almost standstill as the bright red and black horse hair plumes from my comrades were swept back by the incoming rush of the wind. For a moment, the imperfect harmony of hundreds of horses galloping at full speed was the only sound audible, overpowering even the colossal blasts from the artillery and the screams of those unfortunate enough to be in its path. It would prove to be all too brief as we closed in further.

"Ready!" The Kapteinn screamed as we approached the final 100 yards. I selected my target, a Sjovenian infantryman whose erratic behavior suggested that he was still not able to fully comprehend what exactly was happening and seemed unaware of our advance.

75 yards...

50 yards...

25 yards...

His eyes finally made contact with mine and his face twisted into an expression of terror. I braced my arm for impact as the poor lad stood frozen in absolute fear. The tip of the steel lance gored through the center of his chest, exiting through his back while he let out a hideous shriek. For a very brief moment, his impaled body was carried forward by the momentum of the lance itself. I dropped the point towards the ground and his body was ripped off the lance, bouncing several times until it came to a rest behind me.

The initial charge succeeded in routing the Sjovenian infantry just as fire from Kanadorikan bolt action rifles rang out, marking the advance of the main heavy infantry force.

The Charge

[Sjovenia]

Sjovenia
10 August 1914
11:30am

"Sir!" an aid ran in with a message before placing it on the Officer's desk, he immediately went to attention. "Aerial Reconnaissance has noticed a mass movement of Kanadorikan Troops. It is very likely an attack is imminent at this point and time!" the Private, barely just turned 18, was breathing heavy having just ran from the communications center. Small beads of sweat dotted his forehead as he watched the Officer shuffle some papers before beginning to speak. "Well...have a telegram sent to have the troops ready. We knew this was bound to happen at some point and time."

Code: Select all

Pozornost vseh vojakov! Pripravite bojne postaje. Vhodne vojake Kanadorikans kot vojaška gibanja so bile opazovane in se še naprej spremljajo. Zahteva takojšnjo železniško podporo, mobilizirajte "Pekel Požar" !!!

Eng: Attention all troops! Prepare battle stations. Incoming Kanadorikans troops as military movements have been spotted and are continuing to be monitored. Requesting immediate rail support, mobilize "Pekel Požar"!!!

Sjovenia - Kanadorikan Border
10 August 1914
12:00pm

The locomotive slowly pulled into position before it halted. Soldiers of the Rail Corps immediately got out and began to "Chock-Lock" the wheels to the rails before the order was given to prepare the cannon. The massive Rail Gun loomed as it towered over the men, the air was eerily quiet besides the hustle and bustle of the soldiers running around preparing the "Pekel Požar" Armored Train. "Men.....Kanadorikan troops have been spotted heading this direction. It is a matter of time before they cross that border and enter our territory. Those lines behind us are the main defensive positions. The small line in front of us some miles ahead are merely a small obstacle meant to slow the enemy down. They are a spearhead force only there to size up the enemy. They will be severely outnumbered! Our job is to shell the rail road further down the line to render it unusable, this will happen approximately at 12:40pm. This action will provoke a reaction so we will immediately adjust fire and target the secondary line of Kanadorikan troops and those beyond. First wave of troops, according to reconnaissance, is calvary. They will be too fast and too close to our troops for us to do anything. When the spearhead forces need to move back they will let us know so we can cover their retreat. They will rejoin with the main defensive line and prepare for the next Kanadoirkan onslaught. Am I understood??" The Officer was greeted with a resounding "Ja Gospod!" (Yes Sir).

12:39pm

Grigory Kaluža,was the Commanding Officer for the 46th Rail Corps. He sat in his dimly lit armored compartment writing a short letter to his wife and three year old son. He glanced at his watch and opened up the hatch. "Batten the hatches boys!" he shouted as the soldiers who were laying around smoking and playing cards immediately dropped what they were doing. Soldiers readied the ammo cars and began using the small mobile crane attached to the rail car to delivery loads of artillery shells to the deck of the rail gun. Kaluža watched as the men signaled they were ready. He nodded and two soldiers manning the gun maneuvered the heavy round into place as a third used the crane to load the gun. Immediately after they stood at attention awaiting further orders. Kaluža looked down at his watch, waited a couple of seconds and noted the time of 12:40pm. "On my Command you will fire exactly four rounds each 2 degrees higher than the last. Ready....FIRE!!!"

An extremely thunderous sound filled the valley. Kaluža felt the wind blast into his face as his vision became cloudy with kicked up dirt and grass. He quickly ducked back into his armored compartment as a secondary round echoed. In the distance a faint thudding boom could be heard. The Rail Corps troops continued to load more rounds on to the top deck with the crane. A third round was fired as the car rolled slightly back. One more round and they would have to zero in the gun towards the front line.

Sjovenia - Kanadorikan Front Line
10 August 1914
12:45pm

Five minutes ago the soldiers heard the thunderous 340mm rail gun firing at an unknown target. Shortly after they watched as the Kanadorikan calvary began charging at the line. A disheartening "Hoorah" was heard as the Cavalry made their way closer. Machine Gunners immediately opened fire when the Cavalry was within range. One of the soldiers was pierced with a lance. He was dragged out of the trench with the moment before bouncing on the ground and rolling over gurgling blood. "Keep on em keep on em!!!!" a man shouted as he reloaded his bolt action rifle. A volley of fire pierced into the calvary as round after round was dispensed by the machine gunners. The air filled with the sounds and horrors of war. The 340mm rail guns began to shell the second and third line of troops, a Sjovene soldier grasped the ground as he thrashed around shock beginning to set in. A lance wound to his neck as blood spurted and soaked the earth. A Kanadorikan cavalry troop was trampled by his own horse after being bucked. The horse was riddled with wounds before collapsing to the ground.

"Pekel Požar" 340mm Rail Gun with Sjovene Rail Corps soldiers awaiting a Locomotive to arrive. Near the town of Železnica, Slavija District, May 18th 1913

[Ezhara]

Woroshire, 12 August, 1914
As per usual of the cowardly Ezharans, the surrender of the nation was an average affair, one that did not attract much attention. After all, the citizens had little say in the politics of their nation, so sudden changes in who ruled hardly affected them since even in the rare times of sovereignty, the government might abruptly change from either end of the political spectrum. Still, Ezharans were slaves to their ideology of the preservation & creation of culture, for they believed that it was what set civilization apart from all else. Paintings, music, literature, statues; all of these staved off what they perceived might be the fall of civilization, which was when humanity lost its culture & could hardly be told apart from the barbaric creatures of the world.

Regardless, Schneider sent his reply back to Étienne, although it was a quicker statement as he did not have much to say. Even so, he wanted to get back to his home across the street to the government building — he was hopeful that the Palmans would let him govern for them in Ezhara or at minimum advise whoever they chose, but he knew that they would likely distrust him. After all, this surrender may well be a trap, & only time could tell if that was true.

To: Palman Empire
Lovely indeed that we will both be leaving from this relatively happy and prosperous! Currently, the chemical weapons are stored in Odona under strict supervision to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of more undesirable persons, who may wish to attempt to rebel. To further supplement your war effort, most Ezharans are capable of being drafted into your army, of which the treasury of Ezharan's once-existent government can be used to help provide journals for to greatly decrease the chances of their desertion (generally, so long as you let an Ezharan have the ability to create culture, such as in a journal, they are happy.)

As I have intentionally kept your port of landing a secret to ensure your safety and only that Ezhara has surrendered, I believe that any attempt to rebel upon your arrival will be unlikely. Before I close this message, I reiterate that I am willing to serve the Palman government if they so desire for it; otherwise, I will return to my writing. In similar terms, it seems exceedingly likely that Ezhara will preserve this story for future generations in their works of art, but they are unlikely to cause enough outrage as to openly rebel. Instead, they will — as Ezharans have done time and time again in their constant surrenders — to simply sigh and longingly wonder at what could have been.