Hearts of Darkness (IC Thread)

[The Knockout Gun Gals]

Tokugawa Shogunate, Korea

The army had suffered casualties, though recorded casualties isn't available as it would takes time to have an official record, but estimation to 3,000 is available. Of course, now there's a problem. One of the platoon accidentally saw Chinese soldiers, or rather, dead ones. It appeared of a cannon or artillery shelling, from either the Koreans or them. "Sir! We've found some dead Chinese!" was reported and it spread. The leading generals realized that the wave of Chinese must have been entered Korea from their border side as well. Stopping them? Unless they want a large-scale war, of course. But probably on assembling their own state in an attempt to stop Japanese from getting all the lands of Korea.

"Establish border forces! Defend the new state and send recognition letters!" The general commanded for orders. Soon, the remaining forces of 10,000 mobilized as border forces and attempted to build a makeshift border defense, while the rest of the forces strengthened the Modern State of Korea's central defense and administration, hastily. Wave of letters have been created to be sent to the world leaders, but perhaps a recognition from Russian Empire, despite their problems, and the Philippines, would be enough for first steps. Also to French, even as their nation ravaged by rebels.

To : Czar Nicholas II of Russian Empire, Emperor Louis XIX of Royal French Empire, and Philippines Supreme Council
From : Prime Minister Nobu Takaguchi of the Tokugawa Shogunate

Greetings to honorable Czar Nicholas II, Emperor Louis XIX, and the honorable Supreme Council in the Philippines,

As of now, the Shogunate had invaded Korea, which I assume that both of you have knowledge of. We have establish a new nation in Korea for them to realize the modernization is needed, and that Japan is available for their protection. And thus, we ask for an official recognition of two of our tasks.

1. Our invasion to Korea.
2. The establishment of Modern State of Korea as the only true and official Korea.

Hoping for a swift response
Sincerely yours,

Prime Minister Nobu Takaguchi

---

Tokugawa Shogunate, Koishikawa, Tokyo

The first rifle nationally produced in Koishikawa has been planned. Named Murata after Major Murata Tsuneyoshi, the engineer, designer, and IJA officer of American-educated. Though the design had been made, it will implemented combination of mechanisms from French rifles and American ones. Also, plans has been introduced to design and produce gatling guns, artillery, as well as ship cannons in an attempt for the nation to be able to not relying on foreign imports.

[Tayner]

King Louis XIX

The bastards. The nerve they have, bringing about more chaos in my city, demanding unreasonable changes. To hell with the lot of them! Louis though to himself, contemplating the commuarde's demands. The King thought of one solution to put the others in the shadows. It didn't take long for General Le Forge to be summoned.

"My kin-" Le Forge started to speak, only to be cut off.

"Le Forge, who have you appointed as the commander of the national guard?" Louis asked.

"Colonel DeQuo, he commands the garrison in Paris-"

"Bring him to me."

"That can not be done, he's one of the revolutionaries." Le Forge said.

"Bring him to me, or I will send you to the guillotine in his place, general." Louis threatened, putting emphasis on the last word. "Withdraw from the German border, I'll sue for peace." Louis continued. "Let the following troop movements be concealed to the public to the best of your abilities, have the troops on the Germanic front immediately redeploy to Paris to seek out every traitor and enemy of the revolution." He finished. "And make sure that this discipline issue never arises again." Louis added, before waving off the general.

---

To: The Legionary Republic of Iberia
Form: The French Office of Foreign Affairs

We gratefully accept your offer of troops to aid the combative effort against this revolution, and as representatives of the King, we give our upmost gratitude. We trust that your troops will partake in 'gentlemen's' warfare, and not cause any undue damage to property, any harm to surrendering combatants or civilians, and will aid the French forces in an Auxiliary capacity, abiding by the French battle plans.

Many thanks,
King Louis XIX

---

Already international support was pouring into the French Government, and the Loyalist forces were mustering. Whatever troops didn't divulge into treason, local militias of loyalists, the King's own guard, the Loyalists as a whole were banding together. The barricades that the rebels erected were quickly torn down by loyalists, and bloodshed on both sides ensued. Any traitor captured was sent to the guillotines with a hasty trial in an attempt to dishearten any rebels. It was only a matter of time before Iberian reinforcements and the troops pulled of the Germanic front would arrive and tip the tide of the battle.

---

To: Prime Minister Nobu Takaguchi of the Tokugawa Shogunate
From: The French Office of Foreign Affairs

We recognize the new and modernizing Keoran state, and fully support the Shogunate's actions in Keora. We wish you luck in your incursions, and hope that the Keoran peoples prosper because of your actions.

Yours Truly,
King Louis XIX

---

To: the Kaiser of the German State
From: King Louis XIX

France wishes to end hostilities between our two great nations. It has been proven that your armies and leaders are deticated to their country on the battlefield, and I wish for an end of hostilities. France asks for an immediate ceasefire, and in turn will withdraw troops from German soil and we will return to our original borders while we discuss terms of peace. We hope you consider our offer, and wish for a quick end to the bloodshed.

[align=]Yours Truly,
King Louis XIX[/align]

[Pasong Tirad]

The Supreme Christian Revolutionary Kingdom of the Philippines
January, 1871

---

The Borneo Crusade
Northeastern Sarawak, Kingdom of Sarawak

Charles Brook, White Rajah of the Kingdom of Sarawak, has begrudgingly allowed the troops of the 9th and 21st Legions to cross through Sarawak and into Northern Borneo. As a precaution, the generals both agreed that the men and women of the 21st need to be blooded before they can be allowed to remain, armed and without supervision, in Brunei. The 10th Legion was left behind to defend Brunei and, if it has to come to it, fight off the Kingdom of Sarawak. They leave Brunei with a sense of stability, with one out of every five people in Brunei now official Christian. The ports and markets have reopened, fortifications continue to be built in Bandar Brunei, and the scars of the recent colonization are now disappearing.

The generals have to tread carefully in North Borneo. Stray too far North and they risk missing Lahad Datu, stray too far south and they risk fighting off the Sultanate of Bulungan, another kingdom vying for control of Borneo. With the dissolution of the Empire of Brunei last year, the Moro Sultan was able to take advantage of the power vacuum left behind in Northern Borneo, taking all of their land. The generals pray that it need not come to this, for they cannot afford to fight two enemies. Nonetheless, they've already sent word to Manila to send three more Legions, the 11th, 12th and 16th, knowing all too well that the Council will only send one or two of the aforementioned legions, due to the high cost of having to maintain two crusades at the same time.

In a month, the Borneo Crusade will reach Lahad Datu, stronghold of the Moro Sultanate, hopefully with little to no resistance.

---

The Formosa Crusade
Bashi Channel, Northwest of the Batanes Islands

While cold weather hit the men, they chose to disembark on January to avoid the storms that are usually present around these seas. The fires of their faith and the righteousness of their crusade were able to keep the spirits of the men relatively okay. It wasn't anywhere near high, but their zeal was still there, brewing and ready to be unleashed. It will be a week in the waters before they get to Pingtung and begin their crusade. Approximately two and a half million people are present in Formosa, ready to be converted - or killed. The generals of the Formosa Crusade aren't as merciful to those not willing to convert. Their greatest threat, however, isn't the natives: it's the natives' neighbor. China is a giant and even more modernized than the Philippines. While many of the men in the Formosa Crusade already wield the Dreyse Needle Guns imported from Japan (and almost all of them are already trained in using them), the might of the Chinese dragon is still something that terrifies the Filipinos. Knowing all too well that to meet the Chinese in Formosa means victory or death (quite literally), the generals have been preparing for the past few months for this.

For the first time, the Philippines may, if it has to come to it, have to face up against a power greater than their own.

---

Mercenary Diplomacy
Faithful Revolutionary Legislative Hall, Manila

Word has reached the Philippines on the events happening in France and Russia, both potential allies of the Philippines. With no word from the First Seven how to proceed with the rebellions in France and Russia, the Faithful Revolutionary Council was now left to figure out for itself how to deal with the developments - and, quite frankly, there wasn't much of a debate here. All the Councillors were itching to continue trying their hand at the mercenary diplomacy of the First Seven: soldiers armed with Sharps Rifles are to be sent to France, Russia and Japan, each, in order to aid them in their battles.

To: French Office of Foreign Affairs
From: Faithful Revolutionary Council of the Supreme Christian Revolutionary Kingdom of the Philippines

Mabuhay ka at maging manampalataya!

We, the Faithful Revolutionary Council, have heard news of the revolt sweeping Paris. As a token of our support for you against this unrighteous uprising, we send to you 70 men and women, our best soldiers, armed with the most modern rifles. They need no pay, requiring only shelter and food. They are to be used however you see it fit for them. Rest assured that the men and women that the Philippines has guarding the Filipino consulate in France may also be used at your leisure (provided, of course, that the Ambassador and the trade delegation's safety is still secured). They are there to fight not as Filipinos, but as free mercenaries for France and they will serve you well, provided they are treated fairly, given proper housing and food, and are given just as much chance to battle as any of your other soldiers.

They will stay with the French army to serve for seven years, upon which time the soldiers still living will either be sent back home or sent to replenish the security of the embassy, should the number of soldiers guarding the embassy dwindle. They will return gaining much more experience and knowledge from their time serving your armies.

sgd.,
the Faithful Revolutionary Council of
the Supreme Christian Revolutionary
Kingdom of the Philippines

To: Czar Aleksander II of Russia
From: Faithful Revolutionary Council of the Supreme Christian Revolutionary Kingdom of the Philippines

Mabuhay ka at maging manampalataya!

We, the Faithful Revolutionary Council, have heard news of the your Finnish Rebellion. We are ready to support your fight against this unrighteous rebellion by sending a token of our support: an ambassador and a trade delegation, to head straight to St. Petersburg, with a contingent of 70 soldiers to serve as security for the ambassador. To add to this, we send to you 70 men and women, our best soldiers, armed with the most modern rifles. They need no pay, requiring only shelter and food. They are to serve your army in any way you see it fit for them. They are there to fight not as Filipinos, but as free mercenaries for Russia and they will serve you well, provided they are treated fairly, given proper housing and food, and are given just as much chance to battle as any of your other soldiers. Know also that the soldiers of the Philippines have a long history of fighting as guerrillas and against them, and we believe their expertise on the matter will be invaluable to your cause.

They will stay with the Russian army to serve for seven years, upon which time the soldiers still living will return to the Philippines, gaining much more experience and knowledge from their time serving your armies.

sgd.,
the Faithful Revolutionary Council of
the Supreme Christian Revolutionary
Kingdom of the Philippines

To: Emperor-Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu
From: Faithful Revolutionary Council of the Supreme Christian Revolutionary Kingdom of the Philippines

Mabuhay ka at maging manampalataya!

We, the Faithful Revolutionary Council, as representatives of the Supreme Christian Revolutionary Kingdom of the Philippines, hereby recognize the Japanese invasion of Korea and the future establishment of a modern state in Korea as legitimate and righteous. As a token of our support for your right, we send to you 70 men and women, our best soldiers, armed with the most modern rifles. They need no pay, requiring only shelter and food. They are to be used however you see it fit for them. They are there to fight not as Filipinos, but as free mercenaries for Russia and they will serve you well, provided they are treated fairly, given proper housing and food, and are given just as much chance to battle as any of your other soldiers.

They will stay with the Japanese army to serve for seven years, upon which time the soldiers still living will return to the Philippines, gaining much more experience and knowledge from their time serving your armies.

sgd.,
the Faithful Revolutionary Council of
the Supreme Christian Revolutionary
Kingdom of the Philippines

---

Borneo Crusaders able to strike deal with Kingdom of Sarawak, allowing Filipinos to cross through Sarawak to North Borneo
Brunei now generally stabilized. Approximately 20% of the population (1 out of every 5 people) has converted to Catholicism, while the remaining Muslim population has 6 years and 6 months left to convert or leave.
Markets and ports in Brunei are starting to reopen, however discontent is still present.
Formosa Crusade Fleet now south of Taiwan.
Approximately 1 in 4 soldiers of the Armed Revolutionary Faithful of the Formosa Crusaders now armed with Japanese-made Dreyse Needle Guns
70 Filipino mercenaries heading to France, ambassador, trade delegation, 70 embassy security soldiers and 70 Filipino mercenaries heading to Russia, 70 Filipino mercenaries heading to Korea

[New Grestin]

RICHMOND | VIRGINIA

It had been just six months since the proposition of the Abolition Amendment had occurred, and the President had yet to hear the end of it. It was an endless procession of protests and angry letters. The planation owners were incensed; the White League had been organizing a filibuster for the day the bill was to be voted upon. Huxley and his cohorts planned to have it prepared by July, giving Deckard and the opposition just enough time for formulate a battle plan. The President sat in his office, a glass of whiskey in hand as he peered out the window to an angry street. Wooden signs with obscenities and threats peppered the streets, intermingling with the daily business of the city. In the mix, he could see black faces. Black faces being marched along on chains. Deckard sighed.

He stood at a crossroads. Do the moral thing and commit political suicide, or stay the course and let the suffering continue.

It was a question he couldn't discuss with others. If news were to get out that the President was even considering signing off on the proposed amendment, his reelection campaign would be dead before it even started. The entire political establishment would be uprooted and, god forbid, might be replaced by something worse. There were so many factors that he worried for. Forrest was chief among them. The man held immense sway among the enlisted men, and if he so chose, could storm the gates of Richmond to tear down the entire system.

An improbability? Of course.

An impossibility?

He had thought it impossible that the Great Experiment could be broken. He had thought it impossible that brother would fight brother. He had thought it impossible that radicals could seize power so easily. Was the prospect of a military coup so outrageous?

He downed the rest of his drink, rising from his chair and calling for his secretary.

Beyond the walls of Richmond, and beyond the borders of the Confederacy, the world had gone mad. The Russian colossus was in turmoil, the Czar dead and a successor named. Communards had staged an uprising in France, the Finns had seized their chance at independence, and on top of it all, the Japanese had invaded Korea. In such a world, Deckard knew his fledgeling nation needed allies. He knew that it was only a matter of time before North and South would battle again.

There was only one natural ally.

---

From: Michael Flinn, Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Confederate States of America

To: The Foreign Ministry of the Empire of France

---

Good Morning or Evening. In these troubling times, nations such as our own must seek the protection of other, mightier nations. The French Empire, now standing astride the world, is one such power. As a major exporting nation, particularly of cotton, our nations sit at an interesting crossroads. We currently face the threat of American revanchism, along with the threat of internal conflicts, and as such we seek a formal alliance with the Empire of France. In exchange for such an alliance, we propose a trade agreement giving French business preference in economic affairs. Additionally, any current tariffs on the import of French goods will be lifted as quickly as possible. There is much that our two nations can gain.

We dutifully await your response.

---

• The Confederate States of America proposes a formal alliance with the Empire of France.
• The Confederate States of America recognizes the Japanese invasion of Korea.
• Internal Political Conflicts continue.
• Radical Socialist and Communist political movements emboldened by the Paris Commune Declaration.
• The Proposed Abolition Amendment is slated for voting in July, 1871.

[Camelone]

Legionary Cohorts
On the road to Paris
Three cohorts were dispatched to help the French to retake control of Paris, one cohort of the fanatical adherents to the Legionary Revolution, Palatini, who excel at the nitty gritty of combat in confined areas preferring death over dishonoring the fatherland, and two cohorts of the Velites the light infantry of Iberia who are made up evenly with green recruits and veterans of the legions. The galea of the Palatini glistened in the sun as they marched down the road with the standard of the cohort proudly at the helm, they were a sight of respectability and power and they knew it as they try to be the epitome of Legionary thought, the Ideal Legionary. Though the two cohorts behind them stood out starkly to the elite shock troops they were the Velites marching along in clumps and seemingly disorganized, they had black berets and light brown uniforms, a series of songs rose from many of the groups ranging from songs from home, bawdy songs that made many laugh though tried to keep it from the ears of the uptight Palatini, and songs of the fatherland and Legionary Revolution.

Copies of the telegram that was received were widely distributed among the forces to hand over to any French authorities to show their sincerity.

The Nobilis Centurio handed a letter off to one of his messengers and ordered him to go up ahead and ask the French what they wished the Legion to do for them in the upcoming battle. With a salute the messenger was off at a rapid pace.

To: Whoever leads the forces against the Commune
From: Lorenzo Anna, Nobilis Centurio of the Palatini Cohort and Acting Legate of the Iberian Relief Force
Blessings of God upon you honored brother in arms. We are on our way to assist the honorable French Kingdom in their struggle against bronze hearted incendiaries and request to know our orders upon arrival. My men are itching to engage the enemy and would like to know the status of the city, more specifically if there have been any anti-clerical attacks upon the One True Church. We are fast approaching and I feel honored to fight besides you, whoever you may be.

[The Knockout Gun Gals]

Tokugawa Shogunate, Korea

The Modern State of Japan had been established, aside from some administrative problems and military formation. Of course, the Shogunate already rallied what left of the Joseon forces on the southern part of Korea to be either executed, or joined the military of Modern State of Japan. Some resisted and died, while the left eventually joined. Composed of them and several Japanese soldiers with the ratio of 1:3, they would be armed soon but first with smoothbore and/or matchlock rifles, so as to not resisted the Japanese. The Japanese would stayed until the Modern State of Japan fully formed its administrative and military, it would take months, at most.

[Welfresio]

Conflict (Korea)

---

The marching army of the Manchurian Front, consisting more than 200,000 men has encountered a slight problem.
With most forces reporting the appearance of a third side, the Army has deduced that it was the Japanese, they had catched up to the North.

This was a problem, indeed.

So they had to do a solution, and fast, and so they did in a few weeks.

Giving the rising value of Huángyè, or the Yellow Page after the sealed trade pacts with Persia, Germany and a hoist of other minor nations, it was decided to hire droves of captured Korean troops as their own equipped with modern rifles and training to go against the Japanese, mounting offensives and skirmishes to retake villages, towns , strategic positions to be handed over to Army Group Mǎnzhōu, consisting of more than 200,000 men.

It was a mixed bag, but they were given a large list of benefits and guarantee's to the Korean people if they do accept, they can decline but it was a solution nonetheless, with huge parts of the North of Korea under Chinese control and wanting more, they intend to push the Japanese back towards the Pusan Area, without the notice of the Japanese..

Internal Politics

---

The Winchester Rifle worked wonders, despite its smoke it coughed up each round is fired, the thing to simply do is to not expend you ammo in a short burst.
Decimating huge amounts of troops usually armed with swords, spears and matchlock rifles, this masterpiece of a design is nicknamed the "Silver Gryphon", for its silver-colored outer receiver as well as its fearsome reputation against the Koreans.

With mounting casualties in the Korean front, particularly from the furiously loyal Westernized troops guarding some areas bordering the Japanese after they retreated from Pyongyang, the wounded were usually left in the heat of battle and only dragged back to the rear lines, if they are ever found..
Thus, to strengthen his political legitimacy and gain more power, Siangya has ordered for China to ratify First Geneva Convention. It was also an effort to further modernize the military to stand a chance for the likes of France , Britain and Germany.

Therefore, the Medical Corps for the Federal Army of China (ZIJD) is decreed to be established at the year 1871. This has led for China to construct medical schools in Beijing and Shanghai, not as a recruitment tool for the ZIJD, but also for the encouragement for local clinics to form in towns and cities, handling the healthcare of its citizens.
Armies of China has been, quite impressive in the now-finished exercises and new training regimes that were gradually introduced last year, able to effectively pursue their objectives in combat.

Reports from Germany from the Military Observers on the Franco-German conflict has finally arrived, dozens of books and reports has flooded the military with new-found knowledge, concepts like General Staff, heavy use and support by artillery, two concepts however shined above the rest.
The heavy use of railways, and the exceptional quality of military schools dotting allover Prussia.

Of course, implementing this in a war would be costly and would disorganize the units in the front. So, at the expected end of the Chinese-Korean war, a full on modernization program would start, called the "Four Principles".
This intense program is to finally bring the Chinese Army to a level where they are actually can be to a degree, feared by major powers.

Then, the navy next..