The Mareyland Civil War (Past Tech, Sign Ups/OOC)

[Mareyland]

The year is 1875. It is a period of civil war.

The Commonwealth of Mareyland has suffered economic depression and widespread labor unrest. The ruling National Union Party was firmly allied to the interests and profits of the upper classes, while the opposition Liberal Republican Party supported economic and social reforms. Strikes by railroad workers, coal miners, and other laborers culminated in riots that swept through the nation's capital city, Eureka. President Martin Winslow fled the city along with his cabinet. Winslow and his political allies in the National Union Party tried to use the crisis to solidify their hold on power, by proroguing the Senate and declaring martial law. But the Liberal Republican Party gathered enough Senators to achieve a quorum and impeach Winslow. The Senate has elected Senator Quincy Addison as President pro tempore.

The Commonwealth quickly divided between the two governments, who each denounced the other as unlawful and unconstitutional. The states of Parthenia, Garland, and Pavonia, whose governments were dominated by the National Union Party, continue to acknowledge Martin Winslow as President of Mareyland. The states of Cressia, Vandalia, and Delmarva, which had Liberal Republican governments, have recognized Quincy Addison as the lawful chief executive of the Commonwealth. The National Guard, the army of Mareyland, has been split roughly in half between the two governments. Both sides have issued a call for volunteers to supplement their loyal National Guard and state militia troops. Armies are gathering in force around the capital, and open warfare seems imminent. Foreign involvement in the brewing crisis might swing the balance in the favor of one side or the other.

This RP is Past Tech and Open to all applicants. There is no form to fill out - simply tell me how you want to be involved in the RP and I'll respond with my impressions and feedback, and hopefully we'll be able to tell an interesting story. Participation on a character level or a national level is possible, though direct military intervention should be of small scale, at least to start.

For more backstory and to meet some of the cast of characters, check out the thread here.

[Mareyland]

I have begun an IC thread, both to continue the story and hopefully entice some interest. It can be found here.

[Aionios Rhomania]

I have yet to formulate my nation in this specific timeline but I might have an observer type situation depending on how much traction this gets.

Do you have a map of our nation?

[Mareyland]

Do you have a map of our nation?

Not quite. It is a work in progress. But Mareyland’s geography roughly corresponds to the American states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia. The capital Eureka is located in a place similar to IRL Washington D.C.

[Spirit of Hope]

If it is alright with you, this is how I view Spirit of Hopes participation:

Spirit of Hope is about a decade away from its own revolution at this time, so the government does not want to get involved to avoid flaming the fires at home. They will recognize Martin Winslow as president but will take no further action.

Meanwhile the liberal forces will be fundraising for President Quincy Addison and volunteers will begin showing up to participate in the fighting. At first they will be eager, but rather incompetent, growing in ability as the fighting continues.

[The King Isle]

Can i join?

[Aionios Rhomania]

I think this would be fun to join, just read all the material leading up to this.

Perhaps Rhomania would send observers and military detaches?

Around this time Rhomania had a sort of Chancellery thing going on, the current government would be led by the Socialist party, in coalition with the liberals.

I can imagine that the Roman government would support Quincy Addison unofficially, perhaps seeking to send volunteers and money, etc. The Emperor likely would wish to see how the government handles the situation and would have things appear to be neutral so observers could be posted if possible.

[Cayians]

in the civil war i was in the British empire. so the British empire will want to stop the civil war. thus bringing me into the civil war.

[Mareyland]

Spirit of Hope is about a decade away from its own revolution at this time, so the government does not want to get involved to avoid flaming the fires at home. They will recognize Martin Winslow as president but will take no further action.

Meanwhile the liberal forces will be fundraising for President Quincy Addison and volunteers will begin showing up to participate in the fighting. At first they will be eager, but rather incompetent, growing in ability as the fighting continues.

That sounds great. The Addison government has made an explicit call for volunteers, and there's no reason it couldn't be answered from abroad.

Perhaps Rhomania would send observers and military detaches?

Around this time Rhomania had a sort of Chancellery thing going on, the current government would be led by the Socialist party, in coalition with the liberals.

I can imagine that the Roman government would support Quincy Addison unofficially, perhaps seeking to send volunteers and money, etc. The Emperor likely would wish to see how the government handles the situation and would have things appear to be neutral so observers could be posted if possible.

Observers could be an interesting addition to the cast of characters. I'm imagining something like the Colonel Freemantle character from the film Gettysburg. But what would Rhomania hope to gain by observing the fighting?

Can i join?

I've seen your posts elsewhere on the forums and I'm not very impressed, so sorry but no, you cannot.

in the civil war i was in the British empire. so the British empire will want to stop the civil war. thus bringing me into the civil war.

I don't understand what you mean. Please elaborate.

[Aionios Rhomania]

Observers could be an interesting addition to the cast of characters. I'm imagining something like the Colonel Freemantle character from the film Gettysburg. But what would Rhomania hope to gain by observing the fighting?

IIRC it was quite common for countries of the time to send attache's to observe wars and record the events to learn from any possible advancements in technology or tactics. That alone may be enough of an interest, especially if we go with the old world being fairly peaceful at the same time.

As well, given that news of the brutality so far would have reached the rest of the world, Rhomania may be interested in observing to see who they give recognition to, which would hopefully prevent the worst, I'd imagine that it wouldn't just be Rhomania that would be interested in doing the very same.

And as well it would also be an interesting part of general diplomatic talks between Rhomania and both sides of the fighting.

Other things that could happen is volunteers from our "Colony" that could act as a discreet supporting base for the senate side of the war, things could even get tense if we go with the idea that the territory directly borders you as you suggested. This could draw parallels to the US Civil War even, especially if for example we have the senate states send a delegation (Much like how the Confederates where sending a delegation to the UK and it almost caused an altercation between the US and UK.)

[Mareyland]

Other things that could happen is volunteers from our "Colony" that could act as a discreet supporting base for the senate side of the war, things could even get tense if we go with the idea that the territory directly borders you as you suggested. This could draw parallels to the US Civil War even, especially if for example we have the senate states send a delegation (Much like how the Confederates where sending a delegation to the UK and it almost caused an altercation between the US and UK.)

That would make for an interesting wrinkle. If your colonial territory borders Mareyland to the south, then it would be bordering the state of Garland, which is backing President Winslow, not President pro tempore Addison. So the volunteers couldn't just march over the border, if they wanted to support the Liberal Republicans. And it raises the possibility of a standoff on the border between Winslow's forces and your colony. All of that is absolutely fine, and exciting.

Aionios Rhomania and Spirit of Hope, you're both free to begin posting on the IC thread.

[Aionios Rhomania]

I'll start working on a post soon then.

[Crimetopolis]

What technology is this? I for one will not baby-bawl if a motor car or automatic pistol pops by. Great game concept!

[Mareyland]

What technology is this? I for one will not baby-bawl if a motor car or automatic pistol pops by. Great game concept!

The year of the RP is 1875. So the technology level is that of 1875, which means no motor cars or automatic weapons.

[Aionios Rhomania]

What technology is this? I for one will not baby-bawl if a motor car or automatic pistol pops by. Great game concept!

The year of the RP is 1875. So the technology level is that of 1875, which means no motor cars or automatic weapons.

Or to be specific, no automatic handheld weapons.

Gatlings were around though, and the Maxim is certainly in the range to be fielded, but none of that is something that can be carried in a pocket.

[Crimetopolis]

Revolver:
Webley RUC
6 shots
.450 Adams cartridge
Double action

Infantry rifle:
Vetterli 1869 bolt action
12 round tube magazine
10.4mm caliber

Cavalry Carbine:
Winchester 1873
.44-40 WCF
lever action
12 rounds.
*NOTE: Engineers, messengers, telegraphers and those duties require a handier long gun than Vetterli get this instead.

MACHINEGUN:
Nordenfelt 1873 single barrel crank fired. Used by army and navy.

Artillery:
Hotchkiss 1873 revolving cannon
37mm
Crank fired
Used by both army and Navy

Refiyye 85mm breechloading cannon
Used by both army and navy.

[Crimetopolis]

I want to play as OklaTexas. My nation consists of Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Louisiana and Florida We are allied with Rome and wish to meet with them about 'The Mareyland issue'. Should you request, I'll give up Kentucky. It's your call.

[Meretica]

OOC: At about this time, Micah II was King of Meretica; the Grande Dames Society and the Council of Elders served as the only checks on the King's power. The Meretican army had about 250,000 members; most of them were members of the navy. I'd like to join this war on the side of the Liberal Republicans and President pro tempore Addison.

[Paleocacher]

The Paleocacherian government in the year 1875 was a constitutional monarchy and would ordinarily support the incumbent president and the National Union Party. However, given the legitimacy of the impeachment and the genuine desire of the Liberals to implement social and economic reforms the government of Paleocacher has decided to back the Liberal Republicans in the struggle. To that end, a squadron of warships will be placed at the service of President Addison to ensure the freedom of navigation of supply ships that other nations are sending and to provide advisers on military tactics and modern weaponry. A two hundred man force of advisers equipped with samples of Paleocacherian technology will be sent to the capital Eureka and placed at the service of the Liberal Republican government.

[Aionios Rhomania]

Updated my first post and added a map for funsies.

[Mareyland]

I want to play as OklaTexas. My nation consists of Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Louisiana and Florida We are allied with Rome and wish to meet with them about 'The Mareyland issue'. Should you request, I'll give up Kentucky. It's your call.

I need a bit more information about what you hope/plan to do and why.

OOC: At about this time, Micah II was King of Meretica; the Grande Dames Society and the Council of Elders served as the only checks on the King's power. The Meretican army had about 250,000 members; most of them were members of the navy. I'd like to join this war on the side of the Liberal Republicans and President pro tempore Addison.

I'm curious, can you explain why a state that seems to have an near-absolute monarchy is supporting the more reforming, democratic faction?

The Paleocacherian government in the year 1875 was a constitutional monarchy and would ordinarily support the incumbent president and the National Union Party. However, given the legitimacy of the impeachment and the genuine desire of the Liberals to implement social and economic reforms the government of Paleocacher has decided to back the Liberal Republicans in the struggle. To that end, a squadron of warships will be placed at the service of President Addison to ensure the freedom of navigation of supply ships that other nations are sending and to provide advisers on military tactics and modern weaponry. A two hundred man force of advisers equipped with samples of Paleocacherian technology will be sent to the capital Eureka and placed at the service of the Liberal Republican government.

Alright, sounds interesting. What sort of technology? The Mareyland military is generally wielding up-to-date weapons, though the state militias are using older hand-me-down pieces.

[Meretica]

I want to play as OklaTexas. My nation consists of Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Louisiana and Florida We are allied with Rome and wish to meet with them about 'The Mareyland issue'. Should you request, I'll give up Kentucky. It's your call.

I need a bit more information about what you hope/plan to do and why.

OOC: At about this time, Micah II was King of Meretica; the Grande Dames Society and the Council of Elders served as the only checks on the King's power. The Meretican army had about 250,000 members; most of them were members of the navy. I'd like to join this war on the side of the Liberal Republicans and President pro tempore Addison.

I'm curious, can you explain why a state that seems to have a near-absolute monarchy is supporting the more reforming, democratic faction?

The Paleocacherian government in the year 1875 was a constitutional monarchy and would ordinarily support the incumbent president and the National Union Party. However, given the legitimacy of the impeachment and the genuine desire of the Liberals to implement social and economic reforms the government of Paleocacher has decided to back the Liberal Republicans in the struggle. To that end, a squadron of warships will be placed at the service of President Addison to ensure the freedom of navigation of supply ships that other nations are sending and to provide advisers on military tactics and modern weaponry. A two hundred man force of advisers equipped with samples of Paleocacherian technology will be sent to the capital Eureka and placed at the service of the Liberal Republican government.

Alright, sounds interesting. What sort of technology? The Mareyland military is generally wielding up-to-date weapons, though the state militias are using older hand-me-down pieces.

Despite having a rather authoritarian government, Meretica is a very socially and economically liberal nation; it is extremely proud of its unions and workers.

[Crimetopolis]

Sending arms and munitions to Rome with a military intervention only if ourselves were threatened.

[Paleocacher]

I want to play as OklaTexas. My nation consists of Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Louisiana and Florida We are allied with Rome and wish to meet with them about 'The Mareyland issue'. Should you request, I'll give up Kentucky. It's your call.

I need a bit more information about what you hope/plan to do and why.

OOC: At about this time, Micah II was King of Meretica; the Grande Dames Society and the Council of Elders served as the only checks on the King's power. The Meretican army had about 250,000 members; most of them were members of the navy. I'd like to join this war on the side of the Liberal Republicans and President pro tempore Addison.

I'm curious, can you explain why a state that seems to have an near-absolute monarchy is supporting the more reforming, democratic faction?

The Paleocacherian government in the year 1875 was a constitutional monarchy and would ordinarily support the incumbent president and the National Union Party. However, given the legitimacy of the impeachment and the genuine desire of the Liberals to implement social and economic reforms the government of Paleocacher has decided to back the Liberal Republicans in the struggle. To that end, a squadron of warships will be placed at the service of President Addison to ensure the freedom of navigation of supply ships that other nations are sending and to provide advisers on military tactics and modern weaponry. A two hundred man force of advisers equipped with samples of Paleocacherian technology will be sent to the capital Eureka and placed at the service of the Liberal Republican government.

Alright, sounds interesting. What sort of technology? The Mareyland military is generally wielding up-to-date weapons, though the state militias are using older hand-me-down pieces.

The Paleocacherian military can provide samples of breechloading artillery guns and repeating rifles. We also have samples of prototype smokeless powder that can be used for artillery to enable smokeless firing, thus making it more accurate and more difficult for the enemy to see.
P.S. I realize that nitrocellulose smokeless powder wasn't invented IRL until 1884 and wasn't widely adopted for small arms use until the late 1880s. But there were trials done in the early 1870s with guncotton and different smokeless powders for artillery. So an artillery battery with a trial program of smokeless powder being provided to a war in 1875 shouldn't be too unrealistic I think.

[Crimetopolis]

A. SEnd arms to Rome
B. Keep Maryland's war from my nation
C. Intervene only if needed.