The Missed Shot (Archmont Nations Only)

[Prodizi]

FORMICINUS'S PARLIAMENT MEMBER ALMOST KILLED IN ŠARILYS, TENSIONS RISE BETWEEN FORMICINUS AND PRODIZI

An MP from Formicinus was visiting Prodizi this day when an unknown assassin shot the MP. He was in Prodizi to give a speech on open borders. He was shot by a sniper that was stationed about 200 m from the shooting location. Almost. It appears that the bullet had missed the leader by several centimeters and the leader was flown to safety. Formicinus had just embargoed Prodizi and things started to get bad. The Prodizian embassy in Tarnakkan was burned down by the masses. As a result, thousands of workers flooded the Formician embassy in Šarilys and barred the diplomat from exiting.

Formicinus is now blaming Prodizian secret services and Prodizi as a whole for perpetrating the attacks, although all claims have been dismissed by the Gov't.

[Luxdonia]

His Majesty's Government of the Kingdom of Luxdonia

The Kingdom of Luxdonia is closely monitoring the ongoing diplomatic tension that exists between Prodizi and Formicinus. We will act accordingly when we feel the regional security and stabillity has been compromised.

The Kingdom hopes that both parties in this conflict seek a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to this most distressing situation. The Kingdom, however, will not hesitate to use military force when it is felt that our interests are at stake.

Thomas Hull MEC, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Luxdonia

[Kustgebied III]

"Assassination attempt in Prodizi."

"Prodizi?"

"Archmont."

"Ah. Not familiar with the area."

"It certainly isn't the Three Continents or Triofa, if that's what you mean."

"Definitely not."

"Anyways, carrier groups near the region are warned to be on high alert - Formicinus is accusing Prozidian intelligence of perpetrating the attack. Those claims are quite debatable in the 'truth' department, though, so likely not the case - but a good excuse for war, and a danger to our forces."

"Ah. So, you want me to publish a press report?"

"Uh-huh."

[The Salius Legion]

Official Statement from the Grand Commandant of the Salius Legion
ATTENTION: To be distributed by Diplomatic Corps
The Salius Legion will remain neutral in our action towards this incident unless our services are engaged as a mercenary force by a participant in this conflict.

Any nation that wishes to engage the services of the Salius Legion, please feel free to send us an official telegram.

Grand Commandant James Regan ORA WED EC
The Grand Commandant of the Salius Legion

Commandant Nicholas Hayhurst EC
Commandant Responsible for the Diplomatic Corps

[Luxdonia]

King Edwin IV, the Sovereign of the Kingdom of Luxdonia was concerned. As he strode along the corridors of the magnificent Summer Palace, he fretted constantly in his mind.

The one question that engaged his mind was what is going to happen between Prodizi and Formicinus? Surely this was a relatively minor incident that would calm down quickly? Or would it lead to something greater? Something even more terrifying then anyone could possibly imagine?

He shuddered. The thought of a state of total warfare occuring across Archmont was simply terrifying.

He blinked. His feet seemed to have carried him to the Palace nursery. He opened the baby blue coloured door quietly. Inside, the young Crown Prince, Sigmund, Edwin's only and most adored child, lay sleeping peacefully.

Not a care in the world, Edwin thought as he stroked his son's golden, curly hair.

Quiet as a mouse, the King slowly exited his son's room until he found himself in the corridor again.

The diplomatic tension must not be allowed to escalate. It must not.

For Sigmund's sake.

[Gaurdion]

His Majesty's Government of the Kingdom of Gaurdion

Gaurdion is closely monitoring the ongoing diplomatic tension that exists between Prodizi and Formicinus. We will act accordingly when we feel the regional security and stability has been compromised.

The Kingdom hopes that both parties in this conflict seek a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to this most distressing situation. The Kingdom, Would also offer the services of the best Detectives of the Police Force of Gaurdion (With a Special Forces Escort) to look in to this awful events we wait to hear your Reply

HRH Andrew Hewitt King of Gaurdion and Commander In Charge of the Gaurdion Security Forces

[Prodizi]

LIVE FROM ŠARILYS

"This is an outrage! Our diplomats have been killed by Formicians and they have burned down our embassy! Prodizi will be conscripting additional forces for the army, and we will be strengthening our borders. This event will never be forgotten by Prodizians. We will fight back. We won't be afraid if Formicius attacks us. Unless a treaty is enforced, we will not step back" -General Arturas Mikoņš while interviewed by the press.

Prodizi is enforcing strict conscription laws, and therefore, war may seem imminent. Neighboring nations are very wary of the squabble, and may need to act to assure a safe and peaceful conference and treaty, although that became less of a possibility.

[Otrovija]

"Otrovija, being a nation that shares close linguistic, cultural and heritage ties to Prodizi, will back up Prodizi in all means, even if it means war. Even so, we will remain neutral until war breaks out (if it happens) and Otrovija will keep an eye of the situation. Otrovians hope that this conflict can be solved peacefully and diplomatically. We also believe that the burning down of the embassies in Formicius is unlawful and the acts of the masses in Prodizi to be barbaric, and we will stand by."

Leader Raimond Sarasis

[The Salius Legion]

"I reckon we'll be on the march again, sarge" Corporal Pytor said as he spoke to his comrade in Avendonian.
"You reckon? We just got back from that horrible civil war in Argostania. I might be a mercenary but I have my limits." Sergeant Major Friedel was a burly man, a veteran of over a dozen wars. A career NCO, his whole life had be spent in the Legion.

One more tour he thought, one more campaign fighting for whoever employed the rag tag bunch of mercenaries called the Salius Legion then retirement. Might get a nice farm back home in Avendonia. That sounds like the life. Nice farm, plenty of exercise, nature.

He sighed. If he survived the next campaign. That would be a shame. He had been looking forward to a peaceful life.

"I don't know Corporal." He sighed. "I really don't know. Do you have any idea who we might be fighting for?"

"Well, they think that mess in Prodizi might blow up to be a massive war". Pytor puffed on his cigarette. "Reckon there be a bit of money involved in that. I heard all the big nations in Archmont are getting worried".

They sat in a thoughtful silence, smoking softly.

[Kustgebied III]

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF KILOMETRES FROM ARCHMONT, STERBOLWERK

"Mercenaries."

"Mercenaries?"

"The Salius Legion - famous to some, infamous to some, but it cannot be denied they're some of the most well known mercenaries in Archmont."

"Excellent to hear - what have they done to bring up our interest?"

"A letter."

"A letter?"

"To us."

"To us?"

"Uh-huh."

"You intend to employ them, Nicolaas?"

"Of course not, Mathias."

"I see. So, what's the plan?"

"If war breaks out, work with Cathelijne to try and get them to remain neutral."

"And if they refuse?"

"I'm sure we can make a deal with whoever they're fighting alongside to turn the other way when we launch a few airstrikes."

[Otrovija]

Leader Raimonds was in shambles. He didn't knew what to do. For the first time in his life, he had no plan in life. Either it was to help Prodizi, Remain neutral or fight the Prodizians for threatening war.

"Helping Prodizi in war may seem like a glorious options towards helping their own brothers, but if we lose, the shame will go in our name for ever and there is no guarantee that we will win"

"If we remain neutral, we will not have a central role in this, and we know that Prodizi is closely related, and many nations hope that Otrovija can be the middle man in this situations. Prodizi will surely hate us if we don't help them out and remain neutral."

"Fighting the Prodizians will be a dumb option, because Prodizians and Otrovians are eternal brothers. The Prodizians will hate us forever, but at least we got the international kind"

He sat down to think. He consulted many government and senior officials regarding the issue. What started out as a peaceful debate in the congress turned into one of the most tense and interesting mouth-battles between officials. Otrovija is stuck at a dead end with no turning back. Leader Raimonds goes to his room, sad and depressed, not knowing what the future of Otrovija will look like.

[The Salius Legion]

The smoke filled, shabby room which some brightspark had formally designated as "the Grand Chamber of the Council of Command" was slowly filling up with high-ranking officers of the Salius Legion. They were all seated around a long, hardwood table and at it's head was James Regan, Grand Commandant and leader of the Salius Legion. A small, nervous looking man who would look more suited to commanding an office of some sort then a mercenary force, Regan had overcome his difficulties to become Grand Commndant of the Salius Legion, the greatest mercenary force that Archmont has ever known. Fercious in battle and a master strategist, awe filled colleagues had nicknamed him "the Little Bull" and his command over the Legion was ruthless.

Regan looked at each and every one of the men sitting around the table. He saw a few of them gulp, terrified at being stared down by one of the greatest military minds to have ever lived.

"Gentleman", his voice was brisk, the kind of voice that declared that no nonsense was to be had, "I am sure that you are now aware that a state of tension exists between the good nations of Prodizi and Formicinius. The big power players of Archmont have turned this minor little scuffle into a major diplomatic crisis with severe implications for the regional security of Archmont."

He smiled, a scary little smile that showed no teeth. When this little act at appearing human was completed, his face immediately transformed into it's usual, cold, unmalleable self.

"As a result, for us at least, there is money to be made. This little scuffle as I stated earlier is going to turn into a great war, I can ensure you of that. And what should be the role of the Legion in this crisis you may ask? We will, as always, remain neutral until someone pays us enough to do otherwise."

He smiled once again.

[Formicinus]

Greetings, leaders of Archmont!
A couple of days ago, one of our dignitaries was invited into Prodizi to held a speech there. Interrested in such a chance to open trade and communications with our neighbour he accepted only to be targeted by assassins.
The exact purpose was not clear to us, but we, the High Council, came to the conclusion that this was an attempt to lure us into a war with the nation of Prodizi. You may ask, what would they gain from such a war? Simple. Moving to war would weaken our borders, which in turn would allow Prodizis allies to attack our flanks. But no matter the risks, we can not leave this attack unanswered. We ask you, nations of Archmont, to stand with us and punish the aggressors, the ones who betrayed diplomatic customs.

We can no longer accept the lies and transparent excuses of the Prodizian government and thus we, with heavy hearts, have no other choice to declare war on these fiends.

Signed, Praetor P. Racanus

[Vekanstan]

[Formicinus]

Meanwhile in Colonia Arcania:
Praetor Racanus was restless. Not only did someone actually travel to Prodizi, he even managed to nearly get killed.
Why can't this foolish Tranakians just stay in their region and leave the international politic to him? But this events where also a chance. A chance to show everyone that Arcania, no Formicinus is not to be trifled with. A chance to completly close the borders.

A knock forces the Praetor out of his thoughts. He slowly turns to the door and asks slightly anoyed: "What is it?"
"Forgive me, Praetor, but your Legatus returned from Tranakkan." The answer comes from a nervous young man, well hidden behind the door.
"Finally. Send him in and then leave us." Some hushed whispers later, the Legatus enters and bows slowly before the Praetor.
"Forgive the delay, Praetor. The Council argued longer than I anticipated."
"Bah, discussing is the only thing they *can* do. What are the results?"
The Legate sighs. "Well, Narak has agreed to sent us aid for the war. Kryk promised to aid us. That is, if anyone attacks our southern borders.."
"No surprises there. There was little chance that Kryk would leave their beloved islands. But what about Natalis and Gronal?"
"Well, Gronal thinks the war is pointless, but they understand that we need to punish Prodizi. They remain neutral."
"And Natalis? Don't make me ask every little detail! Hurry up!" Anger filsl the Praetors voice.
"The High Commander claimed that it is more likely that you are behind the assassination attempt than that the government of Prodizi has anything to do with it. And the.. the Seer proclaimed that everyone who helps you with the war is a heretic who breaks the Lords words.."

"WHAT?!" The Praetor shouted. How dare they? Can't they see that he is the only one who keeps this country together? He has to do something and he has to do it fast. "We must act fast. The Seer won't be able to stop the war if it has begun, no matter how much she may preach. Go to Castrum Volata and tell the Imperator their to ready the troops. Hurry!"
"At once, Praetor" The Legatus solutes and then rushes out of the office.
"Servant! Go to the research facility and tell them to prepare for my inspection." There won't be peace. There will be no open borders. He works for the better of Formicinus, even if that means that he has to go against the Church, or the Lord himself. Formicinus will prosper even if the world has to burn for it.

[Lucidar]

Statements on the Assasination Attempt in Prodizi by Lucidarian Politicians - 9/28/16

"Lucidar is currently under heavy financial stress as the malaria epidemic spreads through the northwestern part of the country. Due to this, we currently lack the funds to assist any nation and will remain neutral on this matter until more information regarding the assassination attempt is revealed." - Vincent Knapp, President of Lucidar (2008-2016)

"I am extremely disappointed in President Knapp's statement regarding the assassination attempt on Formincinus' MP. There's straight up murder going on out there and our government is unable to do anything about it because our president can't fix this country's damn economy. Our country has to take action and prevent more incidents like these. We can't just stand around saying we're neutral and hope we don't get dragged into it. From what this country's history shows us, these incidents lead to conflicts that drag everyone in regardless of neutrality. "
- Frank Luciano, Presidential Nominee

"A similar situation occurred before the Union War in our own country. The president of Kar, Leodis Kingwald, was assasinated, and the entire nation went to war. Assasinations are untolerable, despicable acts, and I promise to support Formincinus should the situation get out of hand. Hopefully, the situation doesn't escalate further." - Lester Gordon, Presidential Nominee

[Redwolfs empire]

Redwolfs Empire
a nation that perferes to keep to thereself, watches what happens cautiously hoping war doe's not spread through the entire region thinking of there relative from the stone age, the asi

[The Salius Legion]

Official Telegram #44828
RECIPENT:The Office of the Grand Commandant of the Salius Legion
SENDER: The Office of the Speaker of the High Council of Formicinus[hr]
To the Salius Legion:
Greetings. I am the Praetor of Arcania and designated speaker of the High Council of Formicinus.
You may have heard about the recent happenings in Archmont and thus may have awaited a letter, if not, let me tell you what happened.
One of our dignitaries was attacked while he spoke in Prodizi -where he was invited- and the government has refused to hamd over the criminal, making us believe that he was in fact one of their agents. It was followed by them lying about our well behaved citizens destroying their ambassy. This is of course wrong, we cought their own diplomats installing a bomb in the embassy to blame us even more.
(This forced us to take them into custody for attempted terrorism).
This string of events have forced us to declare war on such a vile nation.
We would like to enlist your services, because it seems likely that Prodizi is not acting entirely alone. So we would like to hear about your fees.
If this ..incident goes well and we see no fail with your perfomance we would like to continue such a relationship into the future.

[hr]

Official Telegram #28332
RECIPIENT: The Office of the Speaker of the High Council of Formicinus[hr]
Praetor,

The Salius Legion would be delighted if you engaged our services. The force will be mobilized.

Payment will be arranged.

J. Regan, Grd. Cmdt. Salius Legion

[Erlains]

We are shocked on what has happened. As on what we will do still remains unclear. Erlains will only get into other nations issues when asked and when we feel it is necessary.

[Aeleria]

Stazime Ofiçija aus den Ofije den Prejsiden der Aelerija
Official Statement from the Office of the President of Aeleria

Cosije den jetztle efen den feilste assassinatje den MP fon Formicinus, ve regnizijen den heiten sumtje zwisjen den nasijonieren Formicinus ij Prodizi. Bis, ij soli bis, efen den djezer intzidje bezjert den Dominija Aeleria, usura nasijon soldje neutralijen djeszer conflict sijrt.

Autje, usura securtije esten mer sijrt aut usuren najsten teritorij, ahso ve soldje furchtje autlandje militija met intentije hostil aus usura Dominija. Ve hete den efetje den krije der djezer land. Ve soldje et hiejre njet tolieje.

---Der Prejsiden den Dominija der Aeleria.

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

Concerning the recent events of the attempt on the life of the Member of Parliament of Formicinus, we recognize the increased tensions arising between the sovereign nations of Formicinus and Prodizi. Until, and only until, events concerning this incident involve the Dominion of Aeleria, our nation shall remain neutral to the conflict.

That said, we will be increasing security along our northern border, that we might deter any military presence with hostile intention from using the Dominion as a way to travel around to attack the opposing side. We have seen the effects war has on our land. We will not allow it to happen here.

---The President of the Dominion of Aeleria

[Erlains]

"After doing much needed research I have concluded that the Formicinus government did this to themselves to motivate their citizens to start war with Prodizi. Hiring an assasin to kill their MP may sound crazy but I do believe it and Erlains will stick behind Prodizi through this"

[The Salius Legion]

The siren rang hard and loud through Fort James, the base of operations of the Salius Legion.

Sergeant Major Friedel woke abruptly and gazed at the flashing red light and the overwhelming cacophony of noise.

He dressed quickly, polished his combat boots and was out the door of his room in under a minute.

In the parade square, the AR-4 platoon of fifty Legionnaries stood to attention.

"Gentleman," he barked, his hoarse voice hanging the early morning air. "Today, the Salius Legion march to war. Yet again".

This was of no surprise to the men. They gritted their teeth.

War it is.

[Gregor Leoni]

For Immediate Release
Given from the Palace of the Angels, Kingdom of Gregor Leoni

His Most Holy Majesty Evaristus, by the Grace and Will of God, Sovereign and Protector of the Kingdom of Gregor Leoni and Defender of the Faith

To the Sovereigns of the States in the Realm of Archmont, especially of the Free Land of Prodizi and the Federation of Formicinus, Greetings and Peace to you.

We are troubled by the news that has reached Our halls concerning the attempted assassination of a governmental official from Formicinus within the borders of Prodizi. However, while We grieve what this means for these two nations, We must remain cognizant of the needs of Our subjects and Our Realm. Therefore, considering Formicinus and Prodizi are both free and sovereign States within the Region, We regret that We are unable to involve Our forces or Our treasury in assisting the efforts to correct this grievous error at this time.

Of course, We remain open to hearing from both states should either feel assistance is necessary and We may be able to reconsider and to come to some agreement. We shall remain in residence at the Palace of the Angels for the remainder of this season and freely welcome official visits from your governments.

Evaristus, R.

[Prodizi]

PRODIZIAN
"Ģalīnaų tēs ,Vormiņilys, prėštįlyķa? Kūr Vormiņašų nięmaikė džvacīļa!! Proikēttas yr Doryvaėdys Protīzijaņūlys, Prysęnių, viļķedzys Vormiņyļģāčel korybęv. Ķadzymąs yr prodynījas džvacīlinajs, krovat apotrydes šailāgynas!" -Jiušialnas Arturas Mikoņš

ENGLISH
"Have Formicinus contracted the mercenaries? Formicinus has declared a war!! Brothers and Sisters of Prodizi, Today, we stand against the dreaded Formicians. Prepare your bodies and souls for war, because they have asked for it!" -General Arturas Mikoņš

Prodizi and Formicinus are officially in a state of war. No one knows when the first attacks will happen, but one thing for sure is that the furture of these two countries isn't bright.

[Formicinus]

A day later, at the Castrum Nauticae.
The Matriarch of Kryk walks slowly over the military base while the soldiers stand in attention. Few hours ago, the Praetor of Arcania had declared war on Prodizi, while the High Council stayed in deadlock. Who will ally with whom? She was curious how the war would develop.

"Matriarch! It is an honor for us to welcome you, your highness. Is the status of the base to your satisfaction?" A young women steps in front of the matriarch.

The krykian Matriarch musters the young Officer. It wasn't that long since Nyria Grukkan was named Imperatrix of this base, but in her eagerness to prove herself, she improved the status of Castrum Nauticae.
"Yes, Imperatrix, your work here seems ..satisfying. But the time is near, I want you to prepare for war."
"Do you want us to send our fleets north? We can send half of our ships at most, at least without jeopardisisng border security."
"No, keep them here. I want reports about every movement of Avendonia. Also, we need more intel about this ..Redwolf to the east."
"At once, your highness." The young commander salutes and leaves to relay her orders.

Many questions surround this incident, but the matriarch does not concern herself with anything that happens north of Kryk - her focus is on the lands of the east. Will this war bring her the opertunity to increase the power of Kryk? High Commander Bronak will be busy with the Praetor, there is little chance he will have the time to intervene in Kryk. The only thing missing is a chance to send the army..