[OPEN]First World War[IC]

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

The Great War



"The day of the Mengus Caugus was one of beauty, but was followed by hell and lead by the Devil's disciples."

The "Mengus Caugus" meteor shower is where it all started. In 1872 the "Mengus Caugus" meteor shower, and the largest ever to occur hit the nation of Anapoltania, the massive empire was in ruins following the shower. Cities in the nations mainland were in ruin as if a war had come apon them, the economy was in ruins and inflation made the currency worth less than the dirt itself. As the political situation worsened the people grew unfaithful in the Tzar and his government. The revolution boiled over and the people rose Fascism took hold of the government of the shattered empire, and over the course of the civil war that went from 1877-1985 many of its former colonies revolted from imperial rule or fell under the government boot. As the civil war went on the colony of Anavokia revolted with a workers uprising and the formation of a communist empire. When the war did end the nation of Anapoltania seemed as it would fall, but they managed to rebuild, the war had given the economy the boost it needed. The new government scorned that powers from all over the world. The fires of war billowed in the Anapoltanian state and the world chose it sides. Anapoltania formed the Axis powers and Anapoltania and its allies seeked to dismantle the empires that shunned them or opposed them , what was to be an ideological struggle became a war of imperialism.




"The comet was told to show beauty and all it lead was a conductor in the symphony of destruction, then in the aftermath the world turned against us in our time of need, now we must take what is rightful ours."

The comet crushed the Anapoltanian empire, its economy in ruins, and the world just watched. Larger powers carved up the empire, and the king was deposed in a violent fascist revolution that spread like wildfire. The Military Junta called for help to rebuild the empire, both foreign and domestic help. The once ruined country flared to life the cities were built and the factories echoed once more with the clanging of machinery. What had just begun was a reckoning for the nations who refused to help those who disobeyed international treaties and the Anapoltanian empire will rise ever stronger



"The Empire shall stand as it did yesterday, and the day before as it always had, for tomorrow and the next thousand years."

TheThe Grande Republic 0f Arcadia and its empire one of the largest in the world and one of many in its time. The Arcadian empire spanned across the globe and when Anapoltania fell under civil strife the Arcadian Empire seized the opportunity like many other empires and moved to fund rebellions and uprisings. When Anapoltania bounced back and grew the Arcadian Empire was one of the first on its hit list. As the first shots were fired on the ANS. Pride a navy frigate which was sunk off the coast of the Arcadian Raj. Soon the gears of peace turned towards war, a war that would engulf the world. The Arcadian Empire now facing enemies all over the globe in defense of the empire, in defense of her people the Empire turned to war.




"A divided nation is no longer acceptable, we the people must rise against the warlords to a better world and a brighter tomorrow"

The plains tribes of Vilhalan were recently unified under the military leadership of Immortan Jim, the charismatic leader and legendary general. Signing deals with The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia for weapons and supplies, Immortan Jim had raised one of the best trained, equipped, and led armies of the time and in a series of decisive battles against inferior opponents seized control of the entirety of the Vilhalan plains to declare the formation of the holy empire of Vilhalan.

Now, in debt to The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia for their military aid, Vilhalan must find some way to make an economy out of an undeveloped swath of plains. Perhaps the most economical path would be to simply acquire some industry from a neighboring nation . . .



"The State of the Union is all we have and must be preserved through peace and through arms, I would never damn my worst enemy to a life without the Union"

The last years of the 19th century were not easy ones for the Green Union. The depreciation of her once wide reaching navy, a narrowly avoided worker's uprising . . . and now the 20th century is threatening to be worse, raising questions about whether the newly reorganized "people's kingdom" will survive long enough to realize its new place in the world. The tides of war are stirring across the sea, and a new republic's rise in the Vilhalan plains threatens unrest closer to home.

The Green Union may be geographically isolated from direct invasion, but she is still a small country and painfully receptive to the international climate. If Placeoderms falls it is unlikely that she will last long with a less friendly nation on her southern border, so now is the time for her to stand tall and punch in well above her weight.



"With expansion comes the need for arms, ship, and tank, and the boots to operate them."

On the turn of the century, 1900, William Merrives finished his speech and looked at the endless parade of Emerstarian soldiers onto various ships docked in the harbor of York. The Emerstarians having began their colonial empire under the rule of King Eric VI in 1457 now controlled one of the largest and most powerful colonial empires of the day. These 20,000 soldiers, the IV Colonial Division were being transported to Frejil, a chain of islands in the north and part of the Emerstarian Commonwealth. A rebellion had risen on the island of Dvojir, threatening its sister islands, as well.



"The guns they will soon wither and stop and the fallen can be buried. The war had taken so much from us and soon we will prevail in the end"

The Sevevill Conarian war was nearing the end. Sevevill to the joy of the emperor. Sevevill had dug in the same year working down the Conarian soldiers who had also dug in. As the morale in both armies was being worked down more and more. Sevevill had started to overpower their weaker opponent while still receiving heavy casualties. As more and more soldiers on both sides were getting killed Sevevill continued to fight. Ending the war in late 1907

OOC Thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=429676

[Cossakastal]

Cossakastal is in a peculiar state in 1910. In the late 19th century, there was a failed Communalist-Syndicalist Coup De'tat, named the Cossak Republic. It led to hundreds of people dying and thousands more injured. Following the failed Coup attempt, the newly inaugurated king had to consolidate his power. King Bórysłavl Tÿór knew that the condition of the realm was in a horrendous position. He formally founded a secret police to weaken opposition,
Il' Kraljspetnyvornyc, The Kings Special Forces. He also had formed a Air Force Reconnaissance Corp, which would be a division of the Main Army. The realm is weak currently and susceptible to an open invasion, the king seeks protection, North, South, East, and West. There have been minor revolts in the provinces of Vallachija and Transylwanien seeking democracy. The king is in the hardest position any Cossak king has ever been in.


Communist Protest, Zigrúb, 1909.

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

Hizu, Arcadia

Adm. Finn Kollmann, 5th Fleet Commanding Officer

He looked out the window as he had just received word that an Arcadian naval vessel was sunk. All hands lost and the Anapoltanians sunk the vessel. Once tomorrows papers were out people would be out for blood. He had relayed the news to central in Casatolo and he knew the government will not let this slide. All hands lost he was still bewildered on how this could happen. The day outside was calm and Arcadians were going about thier lives. If only he could forget about the troubles of the world for one day.

BayJune, Arcadia

Gilles Boulet

He was 16 and was still in school and worked in a small shop in the city of BayJune. Today was his day off of work and school. His parents were from central Arcadia and his father moved to BayJune since he got a job as a banker in the central bank, and his mother didnt work. He sat atop a building on its roof looking into June Bay, while it held the title of Bay it was more of a sea lead into the ocean with a long canal. BayJune was the largest city in Arcadia and its empire, it was the central of much Arcadian business and military success. He looked out at June Bay thinking of tomorrow and what it will bring. Next week he would be turning 17 and would be getting a job on a fishing boat that could fish in the June Bay.

[Cossakastal]

Seeing the tension rise in the world, the Young King knows that the higher the tension in the world the more susceptible to an open conflict the Union is. The king orders Conscription, every jobless man from ages 17 to 35 to serve as reserves for the Cossak Royal Forces, for 3 years.
Bórysłavl would make a speech in Zigrúb to quell the local Communist underground resistance and to raise the morale of the local garrison.
Elsewhere, in Moldovaw, a local revolutionary Communal-Syndicalist, M. T. Leon, claims that the king is being over-excessive with their mobilization.
A journalist, Atzau Nortau reported on his speech:

Our King has betrayed our people! We need to revolt against this authoritarian, corrupt, monarchy! It is now we have to strike!
Live with this Authoritarian Monarchy or be liberated and free!

The King has yet to respond to this Revolutionary...

[Anapoltania]

Anapol City, Anapoltania

General Letrov Povich

He walked the city streets with his officers and the city was beginning to look as if the comet has never happened. The tri color flew high in the air with people all over the streets. The rebellion in Anavokia was soon to end with the Anapoltanian colonial guard pushing on the rebels. The republic if it still stood wouldnt have made such a rebound. His father fought to overthrow the Tzar and start a republic but the republic has shown that it was incapable to function. Thats why the military stepped in. They had since invaded three of the bordering nations that refused to help them and now they lay in ruins under the Anapol boot. As he walked down the street he heard shouting from the back and he saw a young messenger and he spoke "General, we have news that our coastal defenses had sunk an Arcadian naval vessel." General Povich was handed the telegram and he looked over the message and he knew they had to prepare for war, if they were caught off guard they would fall, but if they struck yet again they had a chance of victory. He turned to his officers and spoke "we must return to headquarters and plan our attack."

As they planned the attack, it was a simple surprise attack, they were going to strike a Royal Navy hospital ship and capture its crew, and soon lure the Arcadian fleet into battle. This would give them the ability to strike on the Arcadian Empire, and the time to invade the Arcadian Raj

[Romanussia]

---

The Kingdom of Romanussia

---

Bucur Iulia, District of Ilfov:

The sky above Bucur Iulia was filled with glumness ad gray, the people below bustling in its wide, crowded streets and twisting alleyways. Sir Ferdinand, the former Prince, was the new successor to the Romanus throne. The weight of his father, and the father before him, of the country was now on his shoulders, and he had a lot to elaborate on. Romanussia, though a major player in the international community, could be seen as lacking in other aspects. For one, their infrastructure and unpleasant military needed to be looked at. Political scheme and unrest was growing in the countryside and poorer areas of Moldavia, Bender, and Bessarabia. The economy was booming, yet the state was doing nothing with that money. And finally, the alliegance of Romanussia was to the Axis, aligned to foreigners, the royal house having some foreign blood on them.

So Ferdinand made very quick work of the issues in his past month as King, spreading settlements and prospering new villages, villas, and metropolitans. The peasants and radicals were soon given privileges and integrated, a new form of monarchical, agrarian, conservative, and classical libertarian way of thinking being widely adopted by the individuals of Romanussia. The military was given direct funding and investment as well as orders to use new equipment and drill regularly.

Finally, Ferdinand signed away at a telegram to the Arcadians to join the Allies, and renamed the house to Bran, after the Castle Bran. His duty was to the people of Romanussia.

But with everything cleaned out, it was now time to deal with a more pressing matter: the impending total war tugging at the country. Romanussia would be, no matter what, ready to handle this. So Ferdinand scribble furiously and drew up anew telegram soon:

To the post of Arcadia:

We way to inform you that the Romanian army will begin mobilization shortly, and will send it’s a small amount of ready troops to volunteer and in your operations against enemies abroad. Conscription legislation has been made and the reserves are now in the field. They will coordinate attacks with your army. Know that this is all in case of future war and combat.

Best regards, King Ferdinand I of Romanussia and the Adminstariat

Chilia Veche, Bessarabia Territory:

Chilia Veche. A bustling metropolis and sprawling countryside and urban commune within the borders the ofnthe Greater Chilia Area, a center of trade and mercantile traffic across the continent. Rear-Admiral Horia, adorned in a royal uniform of white, navy blue, and black all trimmed by gold, stood in front of a row of troops lined all in front of the Summer Palace, a great building of spires and pillars and levels that served as the point of territory-wise administration. He turned to them swiftly, and they saluted just as fast. News of drafts and conscriptions across the Kingdom was spreading fast, and great iron frigates and destroyers were being assembled at the vast docks of Chilia Noua and Chilia Veche. They were preparing by the Royal Marine/Naval Forces.

[Newne Carriebean7]

Carriebean City
Imperial Palace

The carriage came to a halt outside of the large, stone etched out building of thousands of rooms, built off the backs of tens of thousands of unpaid workers that seemed to glow amidst the rising sun over the vast mountains. Out stepped Marvin Washvelt, the tall man seemingly towering over the comparatively short and scurrying groups of aides and slaves that yanked the luggage off and were hastily cast off as they brought the luggage near the President. As three large knocks were impacted on the Oak doors, they opened to a large staircase with red and gold steps intertwined with violent dashes of purple.
“If there was one thing I could admire about the kings and queens, is that they had, particular states of style.”
The aides looked confused before Washvelt sighed.
“Never mind that, you simpletons lack the mind for visons such as mine, now where is his majesty?”
“If you would be so kind as for me to guide you to his private study hall.”
“He’s studying? That doesn’t seem like the attitude a king would undertake, I thought he’d still be playing golf.” Washvelt let loose a minute chuckle as his feet reached the top step and turned down a hallway.
“You know, this Palace has over a thousand rooms, it’s quite easy to get lost.”
“Did you print out maps or something?’
“No, we’ve just been stationing Amanzoeys all round here, them slaves is gud bargin, yes?”
“Indeed, I love nothing more than to embrace the flock of slaves as they were me kin.”
The slave stopped abruptly ahead of the emperor’s private study hall.
“Kin? Nah, y’all must be mistaken, you’re never our Kin, if an’ting,y’d be the suppa!”
A few uncomfortable second of bellowing laughter from the slave with forced giggles from the President made each tick tock on the clock seem like hours before the slave opened the door.
“You’re Majesty, you have a visitor.”
“David?”
“Marvin? It’s about time you visited me, I was getting pretty lonely, oh, Bart, just bring up a thing of cookies, chocolate chip flavored, in fact, just make the dough and ship it up, I won’t be too fancy.”
“Yass, Bass.”
With a nod to the president, both men were left alone with a small shut of the door. Washvelt took a seat in the opposite chair next to the emperor, who was dressed in simple, imperial nobility style dressings with a church going suit next to a gold and white striped tie.
“May I ask why so casual, Davy?”
David faux punched the president on the arm playfully and laughed.
“Would you care for some rum? Oh, where are my manners, would Marvy care for some rum?”
Marvin nodded his head as the king got out from his cabinet two glasses and peered over a small shelf filled with bottles.
“Your own private wine cellar, I knew you had hobbies, but never ones as nicely filled as this.”
“Oh, your flattery makes me think you’d like me, we all know that’s never coming to fruition, but one can dream, can’t he?”
Marvin was gifted a small wink by the king playfully in good fun as he read the choices to down.
“Red Wine 1804 or Port Wine 1810?”
“The Red Wine, I’ll need something to split with you.”
With a wide grin on David III’s face, the liquid poured out into two half full wine glasses that were shared with a clink of glass as the king gave a toast.
“To the preservation of the Constitution, perfect from day one. We merely needed that extension of Congress and your helpful position. Now about the storm clouds growing over in faraway lands, I’ve decided to meet with three of our top-level Military officials, Generals Piratei Von Kizer, Jodl von Knapenstien, and Admiral Yoho von Nadowara. It’ll be in about ten minutes, so we have a bit more time to chat and speak.”
Marvin sighed before swallowing more of the red liquid glumly.
“I hate to say it, but I’ll be meeting with the Ministers of Finance, Agriculture and Foreign Affairs, y’know, I’m going to miss this special time we have together.”
“Indeed, it’s such a shame that we may get rarer and rarer chances like this to plan out strategies for wars and to take cover when the bullets begin flying at the debate chambers of Congress, I hear you’ll be speaking on a bill?”
“It’s to reorganize the armed forces into Tensun formations of 10,000 soldiers per unit under a Tensun commander. The Pro Amenders are for it because if they can pass it, then they can say that they will need to amend the constitution in a big ol convention with all 70 states in order to allow for the states to establish their own militias.”
“I thought that was banned after our second civil war?”

“It was briefly reinstated after the third one directly after the second one, and no man or woman’s been bothering to check on it til the mid-90s, when it was decided to be illegal again. Now they want it legal once more.”
The King let loose a chuckle from his mouth at the absurdity of the situation.
“How absurd of them, can they not be happy with having it be banned, is that what they wanted?”
“It’s what the Anti Amenders wanted and still want, hence why around seventy something of them are voting no regardless of what’s said.”
“So even if you give this eloquent speech about the need for the militias to defend the nation, these Congressmen will still refuse?”
“That’s right, most of them can be as stubborn as men picking out the right painting, those rich nobility around the palace. Say, do you know what happened to Nobleman Ricky?”
“Ricky? He said he was going on a hunting trip, I saw him curse out a few slaves that dropped his hunting gear the last time I went with him, he was hopping up and down like a bunny, surprised other hunters didn’t go and blow his brains out!”
The two men shared another roar of laughter before the President stood up.
“I suppose I have to get going, wish me luck.”
“Good luck, and goodbye, my friend.”
With a happy look in both men’s eyes, he hugged each other before Washvelt turned and left the room, smiling at the slave with the batch of cookie dough ordered earlier that had been walking up.
“It’s about time, just give me the bowl, I’ll return it tomorrow licked clean!”

Carriebean City
Congressional Meetinghouse

The Congressmen formed into two lines as they funneled into the large, half circle that allowed for cross section debate, even though both sides were essentially segregated due to the political ideologies of allowing and preventing amending the Constitution, which was framed up in a glass box overlooking the entire chamber, with the large and round rotunda featuring the famed Carriebeanian War of Independence nearly five hundred years prior. The two rows of neatly dressed politicians came into the circular room and took their seats down at the small desks, turning some back over in anticipation for the gunfire that plagued Congress nearly daily.
President Marvin Washvelt inhaled a deep breath from his lengthy and tall body before getting to the podium to speak.

“This bill which we are about to come to final discussion and a house vote shall shape the course of this nation for centuries to come. Soon, children a hundred years from now will wonder with awe at the beauty of the armed forces of this nation, tens of thousands of smartly dressed soldiers in their outdated weaponry charging forth to a noble death on the battlefields of faraway lands and nations.
I am one that has an opinion on this bill, but for the sake of my life I will stop myself from sharing it. For the Tensun state militias to form, I shall take this issue from both sides of the aisle. I will first start off with the Pro Amendment’s arguments, taken with permission from the introducer of this Bill, Congressmen and Representative of North Yucatan State Bill Walker Thomas.
The Bill will allow for an ease in mobilizing the armed forces, and give the local governors powers back which have been lacking, as historically the power to mobilize the armed forces has been administered by the Kings and later the Presidency, Now I have no personal conflict of interest with this bill, but I do hold an opinion on it. I believe it is a good bill, I believe the bill will prevent a strong man from seizing power if the local governors can mobilize against the greater evil to preserve the greater good. This bill may be about merely reorganizing the armed forces, but I believe furthering the ultimate goal of having the states get the powers back that they deserve is one that will be needed in future conflicts for an ease of movement.

After I have read the Pro Amendment side, I shall now go on to the Anti Amendment side, undertaken by Congressmen and Representative of Sonora State Julian Marco Vazquez.
The bill shall weaken the State control that is needed for the local Governors to keep in line. If there were to be another catastrophic rebellion as of the second or third civil wars, the government would need to draw forces from the militia, and the risk that states would refuse to call in troops, declare themselves independent warlords with the abusive powers already granted to men more powerful than gods is miniature autocratic control. I do not wish to take an already damaged and battered nation and lead it to a catastrophic civil war once more. However, I do want a provision in the Bill if it is to be passed, that Pro Amendment and Anti Amendment military Units are Segregated based on their political beliefs and led by their agreeable in constitutional amending commanding officers.
With both sides read from the Bill, Open debate is over and the overall vote will commence with a ballot box vote. Members shall be read from a list to come up and vote in this box, they shall be randomized and read merely by yes or no to keep track of the vote’s progress.”
With that, the small scribbling of words was heard almost as quickly as pens and papers fell to their desks, with each Congressmen getting up and placing their papers in. Once the whole ordeal had been finished, the Congressional Majority Leader ticked them off until the last vote was seen.

“For The Bill:280
Against the Bill:85
With the required Majority of votes and two thirds, This Bill Passes in Congress! The Bill shall now be sent to Parliament where they are to debate and vote on the bill, with the Prime Minister’s signature. This Session of Congress is adjourned.”
Almost as soon as the gavel sounded, both sides took cover as shooting began.
“You damned Anti Amenders just weakened the needed state control, this nation will become nothing but a bunch of squabbling warlords!” Pro Amender Chuckie Rodgers bellowed out, letting a shot from his colt revolver graze the top of a long hat that an opposition congressman had on snugly from the far side of the debate format turned shooting gallery.

“We’re giving power back to the States, and ow, don’t fucking shoot me! ”Anti-Amender Dan Hatfield roared with profanity as he let loose a round from his single barreled shotgun, spreading rounds everywhere and causing maiming of several green buttoned politicans with guns.
As the bloodbath and gunfire continued with congressmen taking cover, the President crawled into a small room to await the shooting’s dying down, which seemed unlikely at the rate bullets were flinging out by both sides.

[Cossakastal]

Following the declaration of war; the king turns north to Romanorussia. He would meet with their King, in a conference he says,

My king, as you know, we are both merely weak pawns of a much larger game, that is why I provide you with, 'The Vidin Accords'. I propose we unite as a single entity to fend off foreign influencers. I propose the foundation of a Grand Union Of Cossakastal, Romanorussia, Jugoslavia, Thrace, and Illyria. As I call, The GU.

Cossak King, following the proposition, June 2, 1910

[Sevevill]

A Sevevill soldier on the Conner Front. During the Connarian war.

[/b]b]CPL. John Banks. 11th Infantry. 4th Army. Canarian front. [/b]
The pussy Connarians had surrendered years ago but men still littered the trenches. The Sevevill empire was impenetrable. Soldiers on all sides of the Empire. He put a cigarette up to his lips and lit it. Following the smoke, he looked off over the mud. Grass would never grow on these lines again. Sevevill guns had bombarded it into oblivion. A Sevevill pup floated by overhead. It took a diving turn and went back over the lines. Such a beautiful war machine. The pup was the Standard Sevevill fighter. WIth the Bristol being the Standard Bomber. The Rolls Royce engines could be heard from a mile away and were the most amazing sounding thing. The cigarette by now had burned down so he tossed it over the trench. Conditions had gotten better after the war with cement being put in. Along with adequate housing for the troops but it was still miserable. Absolutely miserable.

Emproers Palace. Seve City Sevevill
Emporer Johnothan the third.
He looked out the window. People were still protesting the Conner Seve standoff.
"End this madness." He said to an advisor
"How sir. We have tried everything."
"Bring MG's up form the Armory and fire them into the crowd. Surround them and kill everyone off."
"But sir... That's over a thousand people!"
"So?"
"Alright, sir... Right away sir"
He looked out his window as soldiers lined up three Machine Guns. While Riflemen ran behind the protesters. Gunshots. He watched smiling as people begged the soldiers for their lives. Laughing when one of the soldiers was forced to plunge his bayonet into a man's face.

Sevevill Soldiers storming out of the trenches. 1906 during the Connarian War

1906. Connarian Front
Operation Cesar.
Lt. James Mccoy jr. 49th Infantry. 1st Emporers Army
A whistle blew. He was the first up the ladder. He stormed out onto the mud, His gun firmly gripped. Bullets splashed around him in the mud. He ran through the Sevevill Barbed wire. With around 10,000 other Sevevill soldiers. He raised his rifle. Fired a shot. He ran towards the Connarian Barbed wire. He found the hole cut the night before. Running through it he ran towards the Conner front line. Other soldiers were already in the trench. He looked to his left and saw a soldier get cut down by MG fire. He once more pulled his rifle up and fired a shot into the gunner. He ran into the trench bayonet first. Hundreds of Sevevill soldiers were already in the trench. He looked around looking for a Conner soldier. Finding one he ran towards him. Bayonet ready. The Bayonet stabbed through the mans neck. As the man fell to his knees chocking on blood. James looked around for another soldier. When a blunt object struck him over the back of the head. He immediately fell to the ground. Laying there he waited. Boots ran over him. When he finally stood up and rejoined the fight the Connarian soldiers had already started their retreat.

[Romanussia]

Following the declaration of war; the king turns north to Romanorussia. He would meet with their King, in a conference he says,

My king, as you know, we are both merely weak pawns of a much larger game, that is why I provide you with, 'The Vidin Accords'. I propose we unite as a single entity to fend off foreign influencers. I propose the foundation of a Grand Union Of Cossakastal, Romanorussia, Jugoslavia, Thrace, and Illyria. As I call, The GU.

Cossak King, following the proposition, June 2, 1910

Ferdinand thanked the visitor for coming in such short notice, but he stood up to object.

I, on behalf of all of my people, reject this offer, with all due respect. Romanussia wishes to and will continue to function as a completely independent state under no name other than its current one. We are also going way past the point of just being a fledgling nation to be spurred by bigger powers. We are those bigger powers. And next time, maybe say the name of our country right. We are sorry to alert you of this.

Ferdinand stepped down. The Congressmen of Romanussia all stood in accord and in content with the statement their keep my had made.

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

AHS.Schlüter, Gersburg Strait

PO2. Tom Bode, Naval Medical Command

The Arcadian hospital ship Schlüter was sailing to the November Republic one of Arcadia's many territories. As he walked down the hall the alarm bells rang as the ship shook with a loud bang. As he was thrust on the ground he ears began to ring. As he stood on his feet he saw sailors running throughout the halls. As he walked forward in a slow stumbling fashion he saw smoke and the orange tint of fire. As he continued down the hall with his hand on the wall the ringing was still there. He soon arrived at the stairs leading to the top of the ship, where he walked up and reached the main deck. The escort of the hospital ship was engaged with an enemy force. he saw the banner of the Anapoltainian navy waving from a ship.


9 Hours later...

Casatolo, Arcadia

Frieherr Sven Munche

It was war, the AHS. Schlüter was captured and they were notified by a SOS telegram and the Anapoltanian Imperial Affairs office. The news hit parliament only ten minutes ago and they all voted for war. The Royal navy's third fleet would be ready in 23 hours to invade Anavokia, and the fourth fleet would be moving to a small coastal nation known as Straver which his occupied by the Anapol military. Much of the first month would be naval battles, but they could be able to breach the line with infantry on the beaches if the weather is right.

The Empire is now on the path for war. The Royal Navy and the Naval Army of the National Territorial Defense Forces are being mobilized. The colonies were being notified of the war notices and the Army, and the Land Arm of the NTDF were being readied for deployment acorns the globe. The Aircorp would see combat action for the first time in this conflict. His son would be heading to war in this, his son was in his quarters and he was packing. He was a Lieutenant in the Arcadian central command and he would be incharge of a infantry regiment from the 13th Infantry Division. He only feared on what would come next.

Fort. Gruber, Vice Arcadian Republic

CPL. Simon Obst, 105th Armored Regiment, 6th Cavalry Division

He awoke from his sleep, with his wife standing over him and she spoke "Simon, the phone is for you." He sat up and blinked and looked around. As he stood up he spoke "Thanks for waking me." he spoke as he past her to the wall. As he picked up the phone the voice on the other end spoke "Simon, I just got some news thats going to be brought up at formation tomorrow." Simon spoke "Watson what is it?" Watson spoke "We are going to war, I overheard the colonel talking to his aide about it and we are shipping out by the end of the month." Simon perked up and spoke much louder "Are you sure about this, I need you to make sure, if this is true, oh god." Watson spoke "Trust me I know im right about this, I just thought you should know about this." Simon spoke in a cracked voice "Thanks man." As he hung up the phone he walked over to his wife and hugged her. His wife surprised spoke "Is everything alright?" Simon spoke "Yeah...Yeah everything is fine, i just got some big news." His wife spoke as they both sat down, and Simon spoke "Watson said he heard the colonel saying we are going to war." His wife spoke "Are, are you sure." Simon quickly replied "We'll find out tomorrow I guess, hopefully its not true."

[Vilhala]

It's been a mere two years since the unification of the Vilhalan plains and the new nation's grand army is just as busy as when they were riding over the corpses of their factionalist enemies. There were few left of the former tribes and warbands that resisted the republic; most had either joined the republican cause or fled the country. Failing that, a good many anti-democrats had gone to the rope.

Now the biggest threat to the country comes from without, from the established powers on the continent whose balance of power would benefit should the Vilhalan plains devolve back into their primordial form. But at present Vilhala is not in a position to secure its own survival, since now some of the short-sighted deals of the past are now coming back to haunt.

The most cringe-worthy was two years ago, when to secure the future of the new country amid the turmoil of the local wars the then-rising faction under Immortan Jim struck a deal with the government of the neighbouring republic of Placeoderms. The treaty stated, among other things, that a unified Vilhala would stop the flow of Vilhalan settlers into the Votlands, a strip of high and lowlands lying between the Vilhalan plains and Placeodermsian forests. For centuries tribal Vilhalan influence in the Votlands had been of great concern to Placeoderms (more than one tribal raid into Placeoderms was conducted through this region) and the promise of a neutral Votlands, patrolled by both Placeoderms and Vilhala but settled by neither, was enough to maintain Placeodermsian neutrality during Immortan Jim's conquests of unification.

Now, however, Vilhala is bankrupt. Reliance on Arcadian arms imports has put the country massively in debt, and the plains are not developed enough to support competitive industry. More and more the government eyes the Votlands, two regions known for their farms, herds, and crafts goods.

If a deal can be struck with Placeoderms to promise no encroachment on their territory, perhaps it will be possible for the Vilhalans to annex the Votlands for themselves. Failing that, the Immortan's Republican Guard is in possession of advanced Arcadian weaponry and years of combat experience. They will be more than a match for any antique counterattack the Placeodermsians throw up.

The biggest question at the moment is not whether Vilhala will march on the Votlands, but how to do it without damaging her international standing.

Vilhalan infantry of the Immortan's Republican Army, using Arcadian weapons and kit, on patrol in the Votadini highlands

[The Green Union]

Minister of Militia Charles Foch, Parliament Buildings, Himmelsdorf, The Green Union:

The workday was getting busier for the government officials of the Green Union. All around the world tensions were rising, including very close to home on the Southwestern border of Placeoderms, the Green Union's principle ally. Mr. Foch himself had barely been home over the last week trying to stay on top of the global situation, but it was a losing battle.

The minister shifted through the latest precarious stack of papers on his desk, bringing up an interesting piece he had not yet seen. It was a telegram from one of the government's military observers taking notes on the Sevevill-Connarian war, a rather peculiar conflict which had been going on for several years and was only now burning out.

Dynamic motion of conflict has slowed down considerably [Stop] Fortifications exist very close to eachother, generally front positions 30 metres or less apart [Stop] Heavy use of artillery and steel helmets are now standard issue [Stop] Both sides hesitate to attack, morale has completely broken down in Sevevillian and likely Connarian lines [Stop] War should be treated as anomaly, pursuing military technology based on this war will compromise mobility of the army [Stop]

Mr. Foch put the telegram aside. Besides outlining a disturbing story the reports he had been receiving on the Sevevill-Connarian war held little influence over government policy. Compared with contemporary conflicts the GU was monitoring this particular one was an exception to the general trends, and the minister was fairly certain its stagnant nature could be chalked up to bad weather and a lack of morale on the part of the combatants. When the Sevevillians had first dug in with the last of their machine guns the Connarian forces had failed to find the resolve to break through, and this coupled with bad weather and subsequent Sevevillian cowardice had ensured the lines would stay immobile while defences piled up and solidified the deadlock.

This exotic kind of frontline would never hold up to fast, committed infantry and cavalry, Mr. Foch reasoned. It was hardly worth observing.

He moved on to more pressing matters. Namely, the recent reports of an Arcadian convoy coming under attack by the Anapoltanian navy in the Gersburg Strait. He hoped this was an issue that would be resolved with diplomacy, if strongarmed diplomacy at that. But knowing the Arcadian Empire this would more than likely result in an all-out war that the Green Union would have to struggle to stay out of.

[Anapoltania]

Fort. Dampton, Stravel-Anapoltania

LtGen. Saris Memel,1st Infantry Division 8th Imperial Army

Command was preparing for an assault on the newly annex province of Stravel, it was a logical invasion point due to it being closest to the Arcadian empire ,and since they had attacked two naval vessels they were at war. Spies have reported that forces were already moving to action. Reinforcements would be here in the next few days and the seventh imperial fleet was moving to guard the coast. The Imperial Airforce was already in the skies scouting for enemy ships and he knew if the Arcadians took this land they would have to strike quick. The Arcadian empire unlike the Anapoltanian empire was intact since they never had to deal with the comets that ravened the empire. The soldiers were digging in and setting up mines on the beach, they were digging in for the long fight.

Pvt. Gorge Vous, 1st Infantry Division

He sat in a ditch on the beach and look as other were hard at work, he like many were fighting for a better empire, one before the comet, he was happy to take the fight to the Arcadian imperialists who undermined the generals in the aftermath of the war. Vous was a medic in the Imperial Army, and he knew he would be working on many of his friends in the coming battle if the pitiful Arcadian Navy could get past the grand fleets of the empire.

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

Federal Parliament Building, Casatolo, Arcadia

Frieherr Sven Munche

He stood before Parliament and the news of the capture of an Arcadian hospital ship with the injured sons of Arcadia on board had the public outraged. Any diplomacy was over once the second attack began. Today he would be giving the official declaration of war on the cowardly Anapoltanian nation. He stood infront of the House of Commons and spoke "Yesterday the AHS. Schlüter and its escort was attacked by the Anapoltanian navy in an attack of cowardice and dishonor. The Anapols have attacked a full hospital ship of Arcadian soldiers and sailors returning home and this attack cannot stand. Here I declare a state of war between the Arcadian Empire and the Anapoltanian State, which has been engulfed by evil and cowardice. May god have mercy on our enemies."

Frieherr Sven Munche

Fort. Munche, Arcadia

Pvt. Artur Wächter, 89th Training Regiment, Army Training and Doctrine Command

He along many of his cadre were ending thier basic training before they enter the empires Federal Army. Today was the combat simulation tests, as he lay in a ditch he and one of his fellow team members PVT. Christof Fried spoke "So how long until you think we win?" Artur spoke "I dont know but orange team aint gonna win this." As soon as he said that soon a training round cracked on his helmet and he dug his head in the ground as his teammates returned fire. As he picked up his head he started to fire, and they were in the tree line concealed from vision. Soon the team leader yelled "Move forward!" The team leader was a son of a member of the house of clans and his name was PVT. Nick Miete, and he swore if they ever went to war he would get them killed. Hell thats how his family was awarded clanship, his great grandfather was a colonel in one of the colonies that won a major battle but got most of his men killed in needless attacks. As he got up and charged with his team the stop whistle was blown and all trainees stopped shooting. Their Drill Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Keppler spoke " I must inform all of you apon completion of basic training you will all be deployed on the front lines, the Arcadian empire is in a state of war after a Royal Navy convoy was attacked by the Anapoltainian Empire." He went on talking but it didnt matter, all he knew he was going to war, he looked down and saw his training rifle and he knew that this would be soon traded in for a real rifle, a tool, a tool of war.

[Romanussia]

Buchur Iulia, District of Ilfov:

Romanussia had seen dark times. It had butted heads with the Zakar - Carpathians and Boii Revolts previously, seeing slaughter of innocents and soldiers alike. Disease ravaging the quarters. Outnumbered Romanians fighting in militia groups and conscripts. The well trained contingent of the army fighters by hard and destroying oppositions no matter the odds.

Ithad to stand its ground as an Allied Power in the face of the enemy. Resist pressuring drthe m both sides.

But with the war now official, Romanussia stiff silent as blood was spilled across the continent. No more shall Romanussia stand back while its allies face jeopardy under wartime peril. It will fight:

To the Interntaional Community:

On this day, war now spills across the continent. Arcadians have turned on Anapols, and Anapols have turned on them. Romanussia may have stayed back from the conflict in its early stages, but now there is no sign of it dissipating. Romanussia must now join its allies. All diplomatic ties and negotiations are severed. Romanussia has declared war on Anapoltania, and has joined Arcadia’s war.

Signed, King Ferdinand I and the Adminstariat of Romanussia

Ferdinand signed the letter quickly and sent it.

Now the Romanus turn on the Anapols to face the Arcadians.

Middle Square, Bucur Iulia:

Everyone was gathered at the government building; reporters, revolutionaries, civilians, all gathered at the city square. The police held them back and put fences around the front garden of the residential palace. Then, Ferdinand appeared and ascended to his podium. The people all froze to see what he had to say:
”My countrymen, on this day, 1914, Romanussia and its allies have been indirectly and deliberately attacked. In the face of an enemy, a state long past its expiration date, one where they restrict the freedoms you have in our state, we shall no longer cower. Romanussia will join the war. Against Anapoltania. With Arcadia. Socialists, Liberalists, Ultra-Nationalists, Conservatives, join your fatherland in protecting your freedom, to defend the country, a country you can spread your ideas in and to and where your voice is heard! For King and Country!
Ferdinand walked off the podium, the crowd cheering and roaring behind him, chanting yet, “For King and Country!”

Constanta Harbour, Dobruja Territory:

Romanussia new had made quickly work mobilizing its troops every second of the day. The boats at Chilia were wrangled up and sent to be delivered to the the main navy. Under Rear-Admiral Gloria, they proceeded to patrol the rendezvous point at the most bustling port city across n Romanussia: Constanta. Admiral Cuza waited patiently at the docks. There, countless frigates, capital ships, battleships, and destroyers pulled into view. Cuza looked at his pocket-watch carefully.

He stepped out onto the tip of the dockyard.

“How many do we have left?” he asked intently to a sailor passing by. “Seems like all of them are here, to be honest.” the sailor replied promptly.

Cuza continues onto the shipyard where he got ahold of a small paddle boat. As he relentlessly paddles towards the ships out on the horizon, he heard cheers from afar. He kept rowing. He was now well into the sea. When he finally approached the ship and climbed onto his flagship, he heard the sailors cheering his name. He climbed to the bow, looked out, and gave the order to set sail

Fort Bran, Romanian border:

An army was amassed at the outskirts of Romanussia. Originally, they had been a garrison. They soon delved deeper into the borderlands where they came upon fort Bran, ordered there to handle the Proletariats in bender and such. Bran was a tad bit worn out, yet huge fort and castle complex flanked by hills and forests. Innings along the wall were filled by artillery and field guns. The inside had mortar batteries and men. The center was where the hairs battalions were located, defending the headquarters of part Romanian army operation in the northeast. It was adorned by many ramparts and walls and spires and was Concordes by nature.

It was a glum day practically no, preparing for war and possible threats, and practicing in the fields on the left wing, shooting at dummies and targets, and drilling initiatives and possible battles. That’s when a courier approached the commanders there. One stood up a small went over to see what the problem was. Snatching the telegram from the courier and readain’t quickly. A mortified expression came upon his face. The other commanders went over to inspect where they got the news: War was here....

Hours later:

The army was well-trained. They had been studied with the basics of Anapol drills and tactic (as much as you could learn for many hours). A respectable contingent now filed out of Bran. They then assembled in the plains nearby. They departed from the castle.

General Coandă stood at the front. A respectable politician, General, and even friend of the king, Coandă stood eager to enter the war. He waved goodybye to Bran, and marched forward.

[Potthan]

Legate Gernaan
22nd Calvary Regiment
Potthani National Army



'Twas a sunny day in Agadesh. The vasts sands were warm and the southern shores were breezy. The gods have truly blessed our perfect nation with victory in this war. Some of the younger soldiers are a bit antsy and even terrified of what can happen. Understandable. I fought valiantly in the coup 3 years ago. I can say the cowards back then were no match for the Allied "Powers". Allbeit they are puny warriors, they still are better than the profligates that once occupied our government.

[Newne Carriebean7]

Carriebean City

Both sides seemed as hostile as the bone chilling temperatures and ghastly winds that swept through the capital city, with the many layered pedestrians exchanging harsh on the eye looks with their pro or anti amendment counterparts. Wanda Adams was one such person, brandishing her small handgun and looking with pride at the green with a horizontal stripe in the middle button that identified her as a Pro Amender.
With a harsh nudge on the door handle, she plopped the bulky radio outside of the door and knelt down with the large crowd of both political ideals as an older gentleman ran the wires to plug in the device, with it roaring to life as a snake was heard.
“Citizens of Carriebean, With the great and mighty storm clouds emanating from far off nations, where men are dying in droves and babes weep on the ground for their lost sons, the hard decisions of politics and war must not be overlooked or taken with such a grain of salt as to eliminate rash thinking from the table. We are not ignoring the sheer pain and suffering inflicted on others in the large conflict, and I’m sure His High Majesty is praying for each soul to return to their families safe and sound.
However, I feel as though the Carriebeanian Armed Forces, as politically divided as the Congress, will not fare well in this new kind and breed of warfare, one with mechanical beasts that ride over the horizon and spit shell and bullets from the metallic belly, one of large clouds of low, rolling death that inflict suffering and humanitarian grievances for those loved ones who had to endure such an awful death. One where artillery shells fall down on the neatly arrayed formations of thousands of troops, turning them into mere target practice.
It is because of these reasons, with no regard to the politics of the Constitutional Amendment crisis in which we face, I hereby declare the Carriebeanian Nation to be neutral in this conflict between the Allied and Axis Powers on this day until such time occurs when the option presents a chance to ally with one side or the other.”
Adams felt stunned at the announcement. She wanted the nation to rally behind the allied powers and to provide the ships, weapons and munitions to their fight, she had even been in talks with a small armaments factory for a job to produce rifles for the inevitable war effort, but all that had been for nothing.
“N…Neutral?”
The word scathed her tongue as if she had bitten into bitter fruit. It felt as if she was in a bad dream. “We…We cannot be Neutral, we have to pick a side!”
An older gentlemen with a thick and flowing greyish dirt colored beard roared with laughter behind her, startling Adams.
“And which side would that be, mishee?”
“On the side of the Allies of course ,I think of no better cause than these parliament filled Allied powers to allow for an easy way for the military to gain experience.”
“Allies? Hah! The Axis seem more to mah liking, ifins ya are a dough brain, I have one of them black and red stripy buttons on meh.”
Adams reached over and undid the latch from her revolver sidearm.
“Hells, we shulda cut loose from them nations years ago, help out them axis memebars.”
Adams got the weapon out and pulled back on the hammer, with her fingers on the trigger before introducing the man to a colt .45 revolver round to the brain, with the bearded monster collapsing on the ground as the scene soon erupted into a warzone.
“It’s all hell broke loose, membars, to your locations!”
Gunfire soon erupted from several large balconies as Adams took shots with the gun, having the bullet greet an old man with a shotgun in the stomach, with his hunched over position collapsing the wooden railing and causing a large fall for the dead man His killer picked up the shotgun and inspected it.
“Huh, neat.”
A fiery hail of gunfire forced Adams to duck into the store below the balcony, an old butcher’s shop that had the green with black painted on the door in solidarity of the Pro Amendment forces hopes for the allied powers. As she loaded the slugs into the double-barreled monster, screaming was heard as an anti-amender child rushed into the store, shooting off the three-shot revolver that had been acquainted to the man before Adams ended the child’s fantasies of violence with a face full of buckshot spread onto the brain, having the kid fall down in a mess.
She then felt discomfort suddenly as she dropped to one knee, taking a look at her health to notice pools of red blood on the floor before she tidied them up with the curtains used once to let in light, now trying to save the life of a middle-aged lady. She propped herself up with the weapon against the countertop, slowly dazing off to sleep, never to wake up again.

Tortuga Bay Docks
The Glacial Moonlight illuminated the dark dockyard, with several large naval vessels sat anchored. While far from being the main naval base of the Carriebeanian Fleet, they nonetheless had to ensure something gave the illusion of safety for pirates, and so they slapped the elderly Marely into a confined dockyard, more having to do with political bickering and favoritism because of their preferred stance to Anti Amendment vessels compared with the rest of the fleet. In her day, the titans of the sea were noble men who courted ladies to the local ball of the highest degree, now. But the main focus of the sheer size of the pre dreadnought floating fortresses anchored in harbor could be a mere notice and slight tip of a glance by Captain James Fargarret, who held his corn cob pipe firmly in his mouth as the last boxes were loaded onto the pathetically dwarfed fishing vessel Heavenly Spirits, named after his favorite wine.

“The err, roses and elderly bloomers are snugly in the hold.” Jackson Barlow hissed from the lisp in his slanted mouth near the captain.

Barlow had been a faithful second in command, even if he was a pro amender and Barlow held the opposite button pinned whenever they went ashore. The talk of politics was driving the salty sea dog mad with anger and frustration. Military resources were being squandered because of the divide in ideologies, meaning it would be impossible for an anti amender factory owner to give ammunition to a pro amender company of riflemen, the same would be true for a pro amender butcher throwing the good meat to anti amender marines, they would not do such unthinkable and ludicrous things as assisting the other Carriebeanian military units with differing opinions.
“I have half a mind to snatch the constitution and tear it in half, one part letting them amend it and the other half forbidding them, making both sides happy.”
“But then both sides will complain that their piece is uneven and that the other side had more.”
“Well then I’ll make sure the page is split right down the middle.”
“They’ll use word counts and bicker about who had more words on their piece.”
“Jesus, then I’ll feed them all to wolves, that way they’ll get eaten equally.”
The men on deck roared with laughter as Fargarret let a minor smile slip from the lips of the stone-faced captain. It was there for a fleeting second, so not many noticed their commander tap a tiny grin. He was so against the political divide that people who were not keen to politics joined his crew, the usual criminals and mentally insane, but it came with good company and low wages for him to garner for them, whatever fish they did catch.
Fargarret then stepped on his first mate’s foot, hard.
“Inform the men we are to cast off at once for a bloomer Delivery to the closest retirement home, and have the box be unlocked when I take a gander.”
“Yes sir.”
With that, Fargarret watched his first mate leave the bridge as he rushed down to the hold of the ship, looking at the seventy nine large wooden crates stacked neatly on the floor.
With a tender look in his eyes, he undid the latch with his key and picked up the long, smooth to the touch and a bit nippy in certain parts Bolt action rifle.

“Perfect.”

Carriebean City
David III class battleship Arriba

Hundreds of saluting faces stood stiffly at attention as the minor gold plated yacht came alongside the large capital ship. The Harbor was stuffed to the brim with large warships bristling with their massive, horizon ranged cannons, with many armored cruisers, torpedo boats, torpedo boat destroyers, Battlecruisers and Battleships all holding their breath for the important visitor that was to arrive. The preparations had been tiresome, with the ship’s four barbers having been through the hairs of 175 men per barber, leaving the barbershops shut down while the lacky aides swept aside the thousands of strands of hairs that were littered throughout. The Ship’s local brewery and three bars was locked up tightly by the “boozing bastard of an officer” Naval Readiness Officer. With a grunt, then men looked on as The President and Emperor stepped onto the deck with the captain and High Admiral Yoho von Piratei quick to greet them onboard.

“Mister President and Your Majesty, It is a great honor to have you onboard this vessel.”
“I can tell it’s been all prearranged, with the many men standing at attention, may we see without all this pomp and circumstance?” Washvelt asked to an offgaurd Piratei, who stuttered for a bit before roughly asking “Y-You wish to set sail?”
“With the entire fleet, all thirteen Battleships, four Battlecruisers, fifteen armored cruisers and forty destroyers. My plan would be to show of the Carriebeanian Fleet off in foreign ports as sign of strength.”
Admiral Piratei stuttered for a moment before repeating the last words spoken.
“Sign of strength? Mister President, if you allow me to ask a question, Aren’t we neutral in the conflicts and petty squabbles of other nations?”
“That is correct, I did declare no side to be taken, but this is merely an operation as a sign of our prowess as a nation, well, that and to get away from politics and more importantly, my mother in law, she’s a damn bitch.”
“Aren’t they all?”
“No, not true.” David spoke from besides Washvelt, swining an arm around his shoulder with confidence.
“Just inform the entire fleet to sortie from the harbor and proceed westwards.”
“Aye Sir.”
Within an hour of the shocking decision to Piratei, he found himself on the bridge of the Arriba barking out orders as the entire fleet moved from the protective array of harbor guns and batteries set up on nearby hills and out into the open sea. The larger naval vessels formed up in two long lines of six battleships, with the flagship and an escorting battleship, the Veracruz in the middle of the formation.

[Vilhala]

A telegram has gone out to the government of the Republic of Placeoderms requesting an audience in Kamooko to discuss possible renegotiation of the 1910 Votlands treaty, the deal signed four years earlier which established the current joint-administration status of the Votadini Highlands and Lowlands. The Vilhalan Republican Congress is convinced that certain amendments of the treaty will better serve both the neighboring republics.

Vilhalan Patrol, On the Stirling River near Edingow, Votadini Highlands:

Pvt. Henry Taylor bobbed up and down atop his horse, following the at the rear of the line of a dozen such riders passing through the towering grassy outcrops of the Votadini Highlands. The ride was far from comfortable for Henry, his Arcadian made steel helmet bumping into his nose with every step of the horse. The senior officer of the patrol had long since removed his own helmet, but had not permitted the junior soldiers to do the same.

Despite the sun Henry shivered. A crisp, cold wind was blowing in from the mountains, an ominous precursor to a harsh winter to come. The Vilhalan soldier nestled himself into his too-thin uniform, hoping his posting on this elevated rock would end before snow begins to fall.

He was so lost in his own thoughts that Pvt. Taylor didn't notice that the horses in front of him had stopped suddenly. The riders were gathered on the edge of a ridge. The sergeant was looking out through his binoculars towards the Stirling river far below, seemingly at rapt attention.

They stood like that for several minutes before their officer finally lowered his binoculars and turned to the men.

"There's a village down there by the river, few houses with a tavern. Looks like no more than twelve households."

The men shifted nervously. Finally someone took the bait.

"So what's the problem, sir?"

"There are maybe thirty horses outside the tavern. Big things hauling army packs. I think I see Placeodermsian rifles standing against the wall."

The sergeant jestured up the hill to a more secluded outcrop. "We make camp there. I've never heard of big numbers of the metal lovers moving this far West, and we're going to watch and see what they're up to."

Map of the Votlands and surrounding countries

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

Stravel-Anapoltania Coast

Capt. Jakob Reinmann, ANS. Brenner, 3rd Fleet

The Arcadian fleet moved along the coast, of the invasion zone, with troops packed ready to go. They were engaging the Anapol navy, to clear a way for the invasion craft that would be here in three days. Naval Infantry on the ships were departing on boarding craft to board enemy ships. Jakob commanded a destroyer in the Arcadian Royal Navy. The 3rd Fleet was moving on Anapoltania, while the 6th Fleet covered Potthan. Thier job was to clear a hole in the enemy fleets. Now the battle had just begun.

Fort. Munche, Arcadia

Pfc. Artur Wächter, 89th Training Regiment, Army Training and Doctrine Command

They were graduating basic training today, the combat tests were the end of basic training for Arcadian soldiers. As they stood in thier formal uniforms as Colonel Statson droned on about the future struggles and thier accomplishments. They would be going a month without Private First Class Miete who was accepted into Officer Candidate School. Next week he would be seeing his family before they go to AIT, since the empire needed shock troops, his whole training company was selected due to thier training results in combat, tactics, and so on. His plan of a combat engineer was out of the window and now he would become specialized light infantry. Christof always wanted to be a shock trooper, and as he looked to him he saw a smile ear to ear on his face. At least some where happy, Artur was in a state of disbelief than of pity. He knew he would be at the tip of the spear.

[Anapoltania]

:The Kingdom Of Cossaks boder

Pvt. Vasil Gennadiyevich, 8th Division, 9th Imperial Army

They had cross the border an hour ago and the might of the Imperial Army was no match for the peasants. The State banner flew high as they marched in formation. As they marched into a small town he saw on lookers from the windows and the streets, as the mighty Anapoltanian Army marched on. The march was being lead by a scout tank used by the Imperial l Armored Corp. The Air Force flew overhead engaged in a few dogfights above.

In the distance imperial artillery batters the hills and a nearby fort, he couldnt wait for combat to bring glory to the empire.

Stravel-Anapoltania Coast

As hell rained down on the troops on the coast, the Navy pushed on the Arcadian dogs. The Imperial fleet brought two dreadnoughts into battle with a battle fleet ready to defend the empire. Soon Naval defense guns on the ground fired into the enemy fleet as the air forces mobilized to take them from the sky.

[Emerstari]

The Frejil Isles

Dvorik Island
Outside of Jarels

"Mark time!" A regimental officer mounted upon a horse barked orders as 10,000 Emerstarian soldiers marched to Jarels, a small walled port city on the western coast of Dvojir. It had been taken by the Frejil Rebels months ago; Emerstarian troops had only arrived last month, however. "Present arms!" They were now outside the walls of the historic center of trade in the Frejil isles. As the soldiers followed the orders issued by their superiors, artillery was set in place. "Volley!" As the rebel soldiers entered sight, the officer, Colonel George Martin ordered for his men to fire. Several dozen rebel soldiers were shot dead and the others ran for cover as the artillery began its barrage. Whilst the line infantry fired and the artillery shells shook the town, light infantry began towards the city.
Quickly, the light infantry was met with enemy fire; they proceeded to split up into squads and took cover behind the rocky terrain. Corporal Garfield Larsen gripped his gun, having repositioned the hat upon his head, and ran towards an enemy machine gun emplacement followed by his squad. Private Thompson, a member of his squad was gunned down immediately while his peers took cover once again. Private Simon Ronaldsen then grasped his knife and jumped from cover, stabbing the machine gunner while Corporal Larsen shot the assistant.

The Federal Republic of Emerstari

City of Coronet
Congress Building, Senate Chambers

President William Merrives walked up to the podium to give his half-term State Adress. Having cleared his throat, Merrives began his speech, "Recent events in the world have prompted us to declare war; due to our defensive pact with the Grande Republic of Arcadia, we are declaring war against the Potthan Empire," whilst the President continued his speech, he spoke of topics such as the Revolution in Frejil as well as domestic affairs in Emerstari.

City of Belshire
Belshire Naval Docks

Frank Peters, a mechanic at the nearby shipyard sat upon a barrel as he watched several thousand Emerstarian soldiers marching in unison as if they were one onto the troopships. He thought there were probably thirty-thousand or so Emerstarians that were going to be loaded onto four troopships. Frank continued eating his lunch as the Emerstarians filled up the ships. Thirty minutes later, it seemed as if the waves of soldiers ended; now the artillery and supplies, including horses, were being loaded. By the time he had returned from lunch, the fleet departed.

ENS. Republic

Captain Maurice Duke walked onto the main deck; he was inspecting the ship's guns. Captain Duke, a distant relative of the Emerstarian Royal Family had grown up in western Emerstari, attended Kings University in Coronet and then enlisted in the Royal Navy as an officer. He was appointed in charge of the fleet of fifteen - four troopships, five cruisers, four destroyers, a battleship, and his flagship - once they had landed, High General Francis Cannon would assume leadership. High General Cannon had previously served as an officer in the Northern War, Jamich War, and the War of the Lakes; he had served as a cavalry unit in the Second Proveon Conflict and earned an officer's position.
The navigator of the ENS. Republic estimated the journey to Port Moulen, New Retermi would take two weeks. After resting, resupplying, and assembling a militia to aid the division there, they would set course for a five day trip to Bokan, Potthan.

[Romanussia]

---

Romanian Battle Plans

---

High Command, Fort Bran, Northeastern Border:

The chain of high-command gathered once again in the interior-core of Fort Bran, a light guard being placed around the outside. Each officer sat down around the table, the arms of Romanussia embroidered into it. Once General Petrescu sat down, the conference began. The officers slowly began to break the silence, relaying information around the area; they talked about supply lines, reinforcements, terrain, weather, headquarters, conscription, and the orders of the Staff of Defense at home. But one peculiar thing caught the ear of General Petrescu: Anapol assaults at Cossak borders. This was clearly an act of aggression against neutral Cossak forces, and could draw in more support against the Anapols. Petrescu soon formulated a plan, one made up fairly quickly, but one that was to be received well by the staff:

I think we can now safely conclude an order here: Romanian forces led by General Coandă at the forests north of here shall continue pushing the front into enemy territory and secure a trench line within a detached force at a nearby settlement. They will be easily supplied and supported and shall hold the line at a good position. We shall also devote some of our eastern-stationed divisions to the front at Cossakastal to hold the territory under siege and fend off the Anapoltanians.

Next we shall move on to Romanian naval forces. They shall be dispatched to patrol and secure our nearby waters and a few shall convoy raid and commence assaults against enemy war shipping. We must hope they remain cautious of any innocent passenger vessels. Another few of our navy shall be dispatched to Arcadia to be utilized in the war. They shall immediately head for Stravel on the Anapoltanian coast and begin reinforcing the lines there.

Now, our overseas possessions. Only colony we've gotten word from is Romanus East Indies, and they've raised a respectable force across the Moluccas and are also designating some volunteer ships to Stravel. Their main contingents are spread all across their islands, with significant bases in Sumatra and Java. They await word from high command. For now, let us place the order that they shall drill their forces and devote some to scouting out the area and assaulting any opposing force they are able to sight.

Otherwise, this conference is adjourned.

The staff nodded their heads in agreement and proceeded to stamp out the telegrams for the order. The other commands read it over carefully, authorizing it where the Staff of Defense of Ministry of Defense dispersed the orders. It was done.

Volunteer Ships, the Road to Stravel:

Romanian ironclads and steamships paddled furiously. Destroyers and battleships speeded by on the cold blue seas. Receiving orders from High-Command at Constanta, they had dispersed quickly onto the seas to find Stravel. They hadn't much time to prepare, but they were well-supplied and were paddling fast to get over to the frontlines. Oil sometimes stained the sailors' skin during work. Steam covered the ground near the machinery and engines. But they remained in high spirits, stopping to bathe atop reused lifeboats from time to time. They kept on pressing, regardless.

And then, smoke was spotted on the horizon. They knew what that meant; They had reached war.

"Spread the word; we've reached the war!" the lads would scream. The ships all organized in formation, loaded their guns, and sped forward. They'd lug more fuel every day at checkpoints, but now, Romanussia couldn't reach them. The ships were well aware of that. They headed further into the bloodshed. They faced other ships. Enemy ships. The ships got ready to fire.

Captain Cuza stood at the front. aboard his flagship. He looked closer at the flags: Arcadian. "Cease hostilities! They're friends!" he said at once, climbing to the quickest high-round. The ships fired friendly flares, and engaged in formation with their ranks.

Java, Romanus East Indies:

The Moluccans trained hard. They shot hot lead and drilled siege over the tropics and spice islands. They studied new tactic every day. They were ready.

The Romanus had persevered in relaying temporary orders to the East Indies: conscript the men, train the men. The armies there worked arduously to secure the task ahead of them, and practiced whenever they could. Their flourishing trade gave them the ability they needed to import mortars and other batteries. They were bale to erect settlements and trenches in defense of the region. They had mobilized the small navy into patrols around the island, organized into privateering and guerrilla assets.

All this was by the mandaye and command of one of the most renowned Romanian generals: Gerardus Johannes Berenschot. A Dutch immigrant born near the Romanus tropics, who had climbed his way up the ranks from a trainee to general in his extreme reliability in the War of the Prut. He now oversaw the Moluccan troops at the new theatre since the Romanian entry into the war. He was watching his men drill in the marshes, practicing ambushes and other technique, when he stood up from his position and ordered the pause of the conduct.

"Men, tonight we ride." he said. Today would be the day that they secure the defense of the colony.

[Newne Carriebean7]

David III class battleship Arriba
Near Romanussia

A large splash of sea water greeted the men that were still drunk enough to be outside in manning their small posts on the railings, with the huge soakings of water saying hello to the men in the high top, much to the amusement of the number of officers on board, who cheered when a wave drew over the ship. The fleet had still been following the vague instructions of the emperor, heading steadily more west, away from Carriebean.

The sheer fact that the political elite had sneaked their way on board drew ire to many enlisted men but jubilation to Captain Bentley Bowster, who raised his glass when another wet cloud of ocean spray crawled over. The fleet had made steam at nearly twenty knots, though the older Harold class battleship captains were often irked because of the six knot slower David III class that were holding ships such as the Yutucan back with steam. Quick glances at their coal deposits meant they could sail for thousands of more miles across the ocean before having to stop off somewhere. As light classical music quietly eased out of the grand piano with the bubbling features of champagne evident in the gloomy sky, Bowster took another look at his guests who were chatting it up in the corner, walking over to talk by shooting a disarming smile their ways.
“So, Captain Bowster, enjoying your new assignment?”
“I’m confused by what you mean sir, I’ve sailed on this vessel plenty of times.”
Emperor David III slapped the captain on the back with a hearty laugh.
“You crack me up, sailed on this vessel? Hahaha!.”
The Emperor’s jubilant features dropped for a moment in a stern crack.
“Consider yourself promoted to Rear Admiral, in case the Admiral dies, you’re in charge.”
“ B-but I-“
“Enjoy your promotion, get some more champagne, oh, and more for us too!”
Rear Admiral Bowster raised a happy grin on his face before saluting.
“Yes sir.”
Loud bells suddenly distracted everyone as the Admiral, emperor and President all rushed out to the main bridge in front of the private officer’s lounge. Bowster took a few steps to the loudspeaker and shouted through the tube to the bird’s nest.
“What do you see, why did you activate the bells?”
“A large harbor like area dead to the port of the entire fleet! It seems there are dozens of ships and vessels located in that area!”
Bowster gingerly stepped away from the tube communicator and snatched up the President and Emperor to discuss in his private quarters.
“What do you think, those are lots of ships that we see. They could be enemy vessels.” Bowster asked, to which both men rubbed at their chins for a solid minute before the President replied first.
“But we’re neutral in this conflict, no ship would think to fire upon the large formation of our ships, I believe it would be safe if we set a course for the harbor area. “
“What if it’s a trap? We still have no idea who they are, and if they think we’re someone else-“
“That’s why we identify ourselves using the flags, inform all ships to fly this signal ‘This is the Carriebeanian Main Fleet setting in for Harbor, We currently are not involved in this conflict and merely wish to dock up for provisions, supplies and R and R. However, we do have the Emperor and President of Carriebean with us, and they have expressed interest in opening up negotiations. We expect an earnest and honest reply within the hour.’”
“I’m for it, Let’s hold a vote between the three of us, All in favor of sending the message out and making a course for the harbor are-“
“Sir, A Romanussian freighter has engine troubles and requests assistance.”
“ Do they now, this is an interesting development, Send a destroyer and good tow lines to hook them up, we’ll be kind for now.”
“Yes sir.”
The vote proceeded with a unanimous decision, ending the meeting as all three men shared a cigar or three, played a deck of cards before leaving the meeting room.

Ensign Gary Fletchersund stamped out the small, burnt out cigarette with his naval boots as he shuddered in the cold wispy conditions. He knew it was his turn on the spotlight, he just thought he would get more time before he had to go back out there. His stomach twisted and turned with the painful reality of a lack of lunch set in. He needed to go to the cafeteria and find something to eat. With a decision made, he turned around and began to head indoors when bumped into by an officer who punched him in the gut, forcing Fletchersund to his knees, gasping for breath.
“Here are orders jackass, watch where you’re going, send off letter jackass.”
As the officer flipped him off sideways while walking backwards and falling down a flight of stairs, Fletchersund gripped the railing for support as he took a breath on the seat next to his post and flashed out the message with various shutterings and openings of the searchlight.

This is the Carriebeanian Main Fleet setting in for Harbor, We currently are not involved in this conflict and merely wish to dock up for provisions, supplies and R and R. However, we do have the Emperor and President of Carriebean with us, and they have expressed interest in opening up negotiations with this nation. We expect an earnest and honest reply within the hour.

Pro Amender Village Tersenso,Carriebean

Captain Louis Manuel sneered at the burnt out houses from the raid and the bodies that were littered on the ground, it had taken scarcely a few minutes prior when they were up on a hill top click click click.
"Now I'm sure you know what the sacred commandment is from the good Jesuit Bible, it is to ensure the blood split is your enemies, and the lord will grant you mercies upon thy bountiful men for the lord is a kind wombat and frolics with thee. Jesuit died on the stake for thine sins, and thine justice shall be brought upon thee that doth hasten the work of the devil's pitchfork verily and verily!"
"Sing your praises oh men, sing your hallelujahs and cry from the valleys down above that you believe!"
Manuel shot an insanely terrifying look at the elderly catholic priest who was tied up with dry leaves and firewood,with blood dripping from his hands where the nails were slammed into his digits.
"We shall all join tin the final prayer! Gather round, oh mighty warriors of the lord on tis noble crusade against Satan himself!"
The four dozen or so crusaders on horseback dismounted and knelt down for the prayer circle to form around the five hundred crosses with every towns person on each.

"Oh Mighty god of our Lord, condemn thee and take upon these souls with thee to thine bountiful gates of the hell, for they doth hath interfered in our historic mission to locate thine temple unto god,and dedicate it in the name of our lord. We, the descendants of the one true Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who died for thine sins of the many so that thine few may prosper. We are anointed unto thine servants and are partaking on the great quest in order to view with our grandparents,parents, mothers,fathers,uncles,aunts and minors in the great cloudy abode of thine heavenly prayer. Amen!"

Manuel after standing up out of the corner of his eye noticed a man had freed himself, with a trail of blood emanating out from the only floor laid cross. With a barking yell, he mounted on the horse and trotted after, his cold steel getting closer and closer to the man's backside before he slashed the fleeing elder of another faith, falling to the ground as the bloody saber was brought up for a quick inspection and wiping off when the horse trotted to a smaller gallop than the one beforehand.
Turning his horse around and pointing the saber up high, he chanted victoriously.
"We shall now break the bread and water as our supper for tonight, Praise Jesus and Death to the Heretics of the true faith!"

[Romanussia]

Constanta Harbour, Constanta, Dobruja Territory:

When Admiral Cuza left to steer Romanussia into the depths of Stravel, he left the forces there to govern themselves, and as more and more ships were being thrown into battle and patrols, the remnant force at Constanta was no more than some rookies out at sea. That's how the interim commander, Ioan Grigorescu, found himself towing a faulty freighter back to the docks.

Then, a ship came into view. The ships dispersed. A raft soon approached.

Who were these people?

He spotted Caribbean tricolors waving at the ships mast, so he let them approach.The man was helped aboard, cold and dripping wet. The soldiers gathered around him, as they were finally towed back to Phanariote Wharf back on the mainland. The man delivered a message. A letter from the ships across the horizon. He picked it up and started to read; he finished it and tucked into his coat pocket before ordering the ships to cease hostilities. The Romanus sent up friendly flares to the incoming ships, and led the way towards the docks. Grigorescu descended on the tavern, where he brought out some of the foodstuffs and petroleum crates they had in massive stock. The sailors and workers there followed his actions; they took minerals and coal and other material outside to supply the party.

He then approached the party.

Medan, Romanus East Indies:

The Moluccans had reached Medan in due time, near the strait blockade. Their ships had amassed there, ready to incur on any enemies coming their way. Their divisions headed for Medan, where they would reuse the armament there at Fort Helen. The cavalry was detatched, scouting out for any enemies. They would find their way into war.

Volunteer Ships, Road to the Raj, Colonial Theatre:

And so they went. Departing from the forces gathered at the Molucca Strait. Heading at a good 21 knots, one of the first Mihai I class warships in the form of armored cruisers and destroyers, took to the seas. Fitted with many gun batteries and storage space, as well as new, reliable engine made up the components of the new ships.

They set sail, navigating through the chilly seas, the waves splashing and sloshing at the base of the ship. RWS Singmaringen, a pride of the new generation, brother and second only to the RWS Sarmisegetusa Regia, which was under command of prestigious Admiral Cuza and deployed in Stravel, stood at the front of the formation, spearheading into the waters of the Raj to shoo off any offenders and attack ships at the Arcadian Raj. Captain Decebal was at the railing, looking on nervously to the vast seawater. He knew what he was getting into.

"Right ahead!" a cabin boy said, a figure only the slightest coming into view. Wether it be shore or a ship, it didn't matter.

There was no going back now.