Steel Rails and Iron Men (PT, Interest/Planning, OOC)

[Freiderichsland]

IC THREAD

In the Holy Empire of Freiderichsland, politics is a deadly game where the rules and the contestants are never set in stone. The power of the Burgomasters increases as cities become centers of economic power and industry, while the Gauleiters who rule the vast tracts of countryside and the peasants who farm them leverage centuries of accumulated power and privilege to maintain their position on top.

In this complicated dance, control of railroads and the revenue and convenience they represent is vital. So it is a major bombshell when the Gauleiter of Fulda permits two Burgomasters to build a new railroad line through his territory to connect their cities. In addition to threatening to throw the delicate balance of power among the various princes of the Holy Empire out of order, this railroad also sparks a peasant rebellion among the people who are slotted for displacement when the steel rails are laid down.

This is an interest thread for a Past Tech RP in the Holy Empire of Freiderichsland, a Holy Roman Empire-esque nation divided into a patchwork of competing territories. The tech level is roughly late Victorian (1890s): here is a more detailed description of the kinds of technologies that are in play.

A map of the Holy Empire showing major cities and terrain features, with existing railroads shown in gray and the proposed railroad line shown in yellow:

Dramatis Personae:

Erich von Stricher, Burgomaster of Rotenburg – one of the two political figures pushing for the construction of the new railroad line

Severin von Horburg, Burgomaster of Offenburg – one of the two political figures pushing for the construction of the new railroad line

Heinz von Viligen. Gauleiter of Fulda – the prince who controls the land north of the Sauer River that the rail line will use to connect the two cities. He is backing the construction of the line as a way of increasing his own power.

Werner Adelhelm, Prince-Bishop of Dossel – the prince who controls the land south of the Sauer River that the rail line will use to connect the two cities. He is backing the construction of the line as a means of increasing revenue from pilgrimages to the reliquaries in his territory.

Lothar Alwinson – the leader of the peasant rebellion, a charismatic farmer driven off his land by the Gauleiter’s soldiers

Adolph Dussol, Pope Pius XIV – the Pope recognized in Freiderichsland, seated in the capital city of Koenigsburg.

Reinhold von Gelstorf, Emperor – the current Emperor of the Holy Empire.

[Alpes a Septentrionali Imperium]

Well, this looks interesting. Will probably post more tomorrow

[Crimetopolis]

Would a fictional nation be allowed? Dibs on the c96 automatic Mauser pistol.

[Freiderichsland]

Would a fictional nation be allowed? Dibs on the c96 automatic Mauser pistol.

What do you mean by a fictional nation? This does not take place in an alternate Earth or anything like that, this RP will use NationStates nations.

As for the C96, handheld automatic weapons are beyond the tech level for this RP. A semi-automatic Mauser would be fine.

[Alpes a Septentrionali Imperium]

Welp, I'm back. And I have a question, what do you mean by foreign investor? As I don't think the entire government of my nation would approve funding a railroad in another nation, but I'm sure nobles, capitalists, and even the emperor and the imperial princes would fund this project and even fund private armies to protect the building if they think that something is coming out it that they want.

Also is your nation like the holy roman empire but in the 1890s?

[Freiderichsland]

Welp, I'm back. And I have a question, what do you mean by foreign investor? As I don't think the entire government of my nation would approve funding a railroad in another nation, but I'm sure nobles, capitalists, and even the emperor and the imperial princes would fund this project and even fund private armies to protect the building if they think that something is coming out it that they want.

That is fine. The idea is that the funding and planning of the new railroad are coming from outside the Holy Empire - so it could be a private business, a state-owned company, or a wealthy individual. And presumably whatever foreign entity is helping build the railroad would get a cut of profits from the railroad, as well as some significant influence that could translate into future business opportunities or political arrangements. Being able or willing to hire private soldiers to protect the line as it's being built would also be a good plot point, and create another point of friction that would have to be dealt with.

Also is your nation like the holy roman empire but in the 1890s?

That's a pretty accurate summary, yes.

[Wochaystein]

I'll keep an eye on this. Personally I find it interesting if a Diarcesian from a province that is a rump successor to an HRE-like nation (Wochaystein) gets involved as a foreign investor in Freiderichsland. I assume this takes place in the 1890s not just in tech but in actual timeline? Maybe Kuronami can also get involved in some fashion here.

[Freiderichsland]

I'll keep an eye on this. Personally I find it interesting if a Diarcesian from a province that is a rump successor to an HRE-like nation (Wochaystein) gets involved as a foreign investor in Freiderichsland. I assume this takes place in the 1890s not just in tech but in actual timeline? Maybe Kuronami can also get involved in some fashion here.

I'm fine with the idea of multiple foreign investors, who may or may not all get along.

As for setting, this takes place in the canon of Legacy of the Yukons, which is a Past Tech RP region where technology has been stagnant for a long time. So it's happening in the "present day" and I'm keeping the tech limited to 1890s so nobody has a massive overpowered advantage. We can work out whatever multiverse reasoning we need to explain why everyone else is also using Past Tech, so it could be happening in the 1890s of your timeline for example. The Technology Guide I linked to in the OP has more information on the IC reason why the region is operating at late Victorian technology.

[Crimetopolis]

Cool. I'll play as myself.

Question: Would bolt action carbine that used smokeless powder, rimless catridges and stripper clips be allowed. too? Still hope on the Mauser 1896 pistol. also.

[Vrijstaat Limburg]

Oh, this looks sweet! Could I join too?

Edit: Can I support the peasant rebellion too? They seem like a pretty interesting side to support, and having different nations on different sides would probably make the tensions between the parties rise considerably.

[Orostan]

If you'll let me, I'm open to either playing as some foreign industrial capitalist or playing as an industrial union.

[TURTLESHROOM II]

I am very interested in this proposition. I've never done a story set that far back in TurtleShroom's history, and would love to world build some things for that era. My nation is multi-species with a massive human population (consisting of a plurality of the country) shared with sapient turtles and sapient mushrooms.

If your story has human-only snobbery, I maintain a strict "only send human" policies at the request of the author of the tale. Using the IC justification of "cultural sensitivity and respect", no turtles or mushrooms will set foot on your nation's soil if you so demand.

Personally, OP, I believe that this story should require our nations being set in the past. This would put everyone on PT and allow us to world build something we rarely think about in our nations' past.

[Freiderichsland]

Glad to see so much interest! I think I will have an IC thread up sometime tomorrow.

Cool. I'll play as myself.

Question: Would bolt action carbine that used smokeless powder, rimless catridges and stripper clips be allowed. too? Still hope on the Mauser 1896 pistol. also.

The only element of that which I would say is too advanced is the rimless cartridge. Otherwise the weapon you're describing is the kind that the Holy Empire's military would use, though hunters and other private citizens or militias might have to make do with single-shot weapons and possibly still black powder if they're especially poor. Muzzle-loading muskets are also still around, especially for poor farmers who just need something simple for home defense.

Oh, this looks sweet! Could I join too?

Edit: Can I support the peasant rebellion too? They seem like a pretty interesting side to support, and having different nations on different sides would probably make the tensions between the parties rise considerably.

I'm fine with the peasants getting some support, as long as it's not overwhelming. The only issue would be that the nearest large port is run by one of the pro-railroad nobles, so getting lots of aid to them might require some subterfuge.

If you'll let me, I'm open to either playing as some foreign industrial capitalist or playing as an industrial union.

That's three people who have expressed interest in being investors backing the railroad. If all three of you do end up joining the RP, I'd like you to coordinate so you're all on the same page.

I am very interested in this proposition. I've never done a story set that far back in TurtleShroom's history, and would love to world build some things for that era. My nation is multi-species with a massive human population (consisting of a plurality of the country) shared with sapient turtles and sapient mushrooms.

If your story has human-only snobbery, I maintain a strict "only send human" policies at the request of the author of the tale. Using the IC justification of "cultural sensitivity and respect", no turtles or mushrooms will set foot on your nation's soil if you so demand.

Personally, OP, I believe that this story should require our nations being set in the past. This would put everyone on PT and allow us to world build something we rarely think about in our nations' past.

I agree about the time setting, that simplifies things immensely.

As for the characters, I would prefer that any characters that interacting with Freiderichslanders be humans, but I'm fine with turtle and mushroom people being referenced or playing roles behind the scenes.

[Guuj Xaat Kil]

Henlo, are dreadnoughts allowed and do you have any?

[Freiderichsland]

Henlo, are dreadnoughts allowed and do you have any?

No, we're are the pre-dreadnought ironclad battleship phase. But the Holy Empire does possess a small number of battleships, but most of its navy is armored cruisers and smaller ships and its main emphasis is on coast defense and anti-piracy.

[Alpes a Septentrionali Imperium]

Know what, before it's too late, I've already posted a few times, and I kinda want to get into this. I think the Empereur-Roi's brother Prince Guillaume would probably try to fund this railroad under a shell company in some veiled (and probably failed)attempt to try to make Alpes gain influence in the Holy Empire, that and to prove himself to his brother. And he'll probably just bring a regiment of the engineers and infantry for just incase reasons.

[Thermodolia]

What’s the date of this RP? I know the tech level is 1890s I just want to know what the actual date would be due to Thermodolia having some internal strife in the early 1890s

[Freiderichsland]

Know what, before it's too late, I've already posted a few times, and I kinda want to get into this. I think the Empereur-Roi's brother Prince Guillaume would probably try to fund this railroad under a shell company in some veiled (and probably failed)attempt to try to make Alpes gain influence in the Holy Empire, that and to prove himself to his brother. And he'll probably just bring a regiment of the engineers and infantry for just incase reasons.

Excellent! I've been working under the assumption that all three nations who have expressed interest in being the investor will all be working together. It would make sense that the two Burgomasters who want the railroad built between their cities would get as many possible investors, and the foreign experts/assistance, as possible. And having some foreign soldiers guarding the line and helping evict people from the planned path of the railroad would certainly add to the grievances of the peasants who rise up.

What’s the date of this RP? I know the tech level is 1890s I just want to know what the actual date would be due to Thermodolia having some internal strife in the early 1890s

I don't have an exact date, but I'd say closer to late 1890s than early 1890s, if that's helpful at all.

[Alpes a Septentrionali Imperium]

Know what, before it's too late, I've already posted a few times, and I kinda want to get into this. I think the Empereur-Roi's brother Prince Guillaume would probably try to fund this railroad under a shell company in some veiled (and probably failed)attempt to try to make Alpes gain influence in the Holy Empire, that and to prove himself to his brother. And he'll probably just bring a regiment of the engineers and infantry for just incase reasons.

Excellent! I've been working under the assumption that all three nations who have expressed interest in being the investor will all be working together. It would make sense that the two Burgomasters who want the railroad built between their cities would get as many possible investors, and the foreign experts/assistance, as possible. And having some foreign soldiers guarding the line and helping evict people from the planned path of the railroad would certainly add to the grievances of the peasants who rise up.

What’s the date of this RP? I know the tech level is 1890s I just want to know what the actual date would be due to Thermodolia having some internal strife in the early 1890s

I don't have an exact date, but I'd say closer to late 1890s than early 1890s, if that's helpful at all.

Well, that sounds good and was about what I was thinking when I heard this being all about investors. Multiple investors working together to fund, help build and possibly plan out the building of this railroad. (Little question does this to be built railroad line have a name yet or no?). But why do I have a feeling that this ambitious prince from my nation coming over as an investor with his army, is going to end with my nation's soldiers massacring peasants to put down a revolt.

[Orostan]

Excellent! I've been working under the assumption that all three nations who have expressed interest in being the investor will all be working together. It would make sense that the two Burgomasters who want the railroad built between their cities would get as many possible investors, and the foreign experts/assistance, as possible. And having some foreign soldiers guarding the line and helping evict people from the planned path of the railroad would certainly add to the grievances of the peasants who rise up.


I don't have an exact date, but I'd say closer to late 1890s than early 1890s, if that's helpful at all.

Well, that sounds good and was about what I was thinking when I heard this being all about investors. Multiple investors working together to fund, help build and possibly plan out the building of this railroad. (Little question does this to be built railroad line have a name yet or no?). But why do I have a feeling that this ambitious prince from my nation coming over as an investor with his army, is going to end with my nation's soldiers massacring peasants to put down a revolt.

If nobody is going to play as the union organizers I’ll certainly have fun playing them and erecting guillotines

[Mersdon]

Okay, this is cool. I'd love to join, if it's okay by you!
On a similar note, are certain diseases common in this world? Are there going to be any epidemics going around?

[Freiderichsland]

Well, that sounds good and was about what I was thinking when I heard this being all about investors. Multiple investors working together to fund, help build and possibly plan out the building of this railroad. (Little question does this to be built railroad line have a name yet or no?). But why do I have a feeling that this ambitious prince from my nation coming over as an investor with his army, is going to end with my nation's soldiers massacring peasants to put down a revolt.

That's exactly the kind of outcome I was hoping to get!

If nobody is going to play as the union organizers I’ll certainly have fun playing them and erecting guillotines

By union organizers do you mean trying to unionize the workers building the railroad? Because I imagine most of them would be Freiderichslander peasants or city-dwellers recruited or conscripted by the pro-railroad nobles to provide the labor, which would make unionizing difficult.

Okay, this is cool. I'd love to join, if it's okay by you!
On a similar note, are certain diseases common in this world? Are there going to be any epidemics going around?

That depends on how you want to join the RP.

As for diseases: cholera, smallpox, typhus, and yellow fever are all common diseases at this time, though many of them have vaccines those vaccines are not widely available, especially in rural communities. So I imagine that the workers' camps that are set up as the railroad is built will have problems with disease outbreaks.

[Orostan]

Well, that sounds good and was about what I was thinking when I heard this being all about investors. Multiple investors working together to fund, help build and possibly plan out the building of this railroad. (Little question does this to be built railroad line have a name yet or no?). But why do I have a feeling that this ambitious prince from my nation coming over as an investor with his army, is going to end with my nation's soldiers massacring peasants to put down a revolt.

That's exactly the kind of outcome I was hoping to get!

If nobody is going to play as the union organizers I’ll certainly have fun playing them and erecting guillotines

By union organizers do you mean trying to unionize the workers building the railroad? Because I imagine most of them would be Freiderichslander peasants or city-dwellers recruited or conscripted by the pro-railroad nobles to provide the labor, which would make unionizing difficult.

Okay, this is cool. I'd love to join, if it's okay by you!
On a similar note, are certain diseases common in this world? Are there going to be any epidemics going around?

That depends on how you want to join the RP.

As for diseases: cholera, smallpox, typhus, and yellow fever are all common diseases at this time, though many of them have vaccines those vaccines are not widely available, especially in rural communities. So I imagine that the workers' camps that are set up as the railroad is built will have problems with disease outbreaks.

If I was to play as a union it would probably be some Freiderichsland based union and probably be semi-underground, at that.

[Freiderichsland]

If I was to play as a union it would probably be some Freiderichsland based union and probably be semi-underground, at that.

I like this idea! The union would be able to operate more openly in the cities, as sort of a natural evolution of the guild system, but it would run into opposition if it tried (as I assume you will try) to spread beyond the tradesmen in the cities to the laborers working on the railroad. This would be another good point of friction for the nations proving investment for the line.

(Little question does this to be built railroad line have a name yet or no?)

I missed this question the first time. The answer is that no, the railroad line does not have a name beyond "the Offenburg to Rotenburg line."

[Orostan]

If I was to play as a union it would probably be some Freiderichsland based union and probably be semi-underground, at that.

I like this idea! The union would be able to operate more openly in the cities, as sort of a natural evolution of the guild system, but it would run into opposition if it tried (as I assume you will try) to spread beyond the tradesmen in the cities to the laborers working on the railroad. This would be another good point of friction for the nations proving investment for the line.

(Little question does this to be built railroad line have a name yet or no?)

I missed this question the first time. The answer is that no, the railroad line does not have a name beyond "the Offenburg to Rotenburg line."

Then I'll play as a union - though an industrial union will be different than a craft union. The IWW and AFL never got along, I don't expect the relationship between craft and industrial unions would be better elsewhere. I think we can have a lot of fun with this.