Grudaidhian Day [IC / Sign Up / MT]

by **Iarann Grudaidh** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 10:59 am

Grudaidhian Day Celebrations

Today was a day of national celebration, a day that Grudaidhians were buzzing for! The lines to get in were long, spanning multiple blocks. The dedicated area was an extremely long road, also used for races. Security was tight, people were given a green, scannable ID bracelet, special guests, speakers, performers, etc were given a red one and people of importance were given a purple one. Due to the fact that they had specialized IDs in them, it would be difficult to be forged.

The Grudaidhian Police Forces were patrolling through the crowds as music played loudly from the speakers. The designated food area had a variety of Grudaidhian food on offer as large tents were set up for any medical incidents. Police helicopers did patrols as Vortex Shadow Troops made their way through the crowd, remaining unseen.

The music quietened as the Grudaidhian National Anthem began playing, armoured limosines began their approach as the convoy drove by, cheers errupted from the croud as the convoy came to a halt. The Supreme Leader got out of her limo and climbed up the stairs to the microphone. She gripped it and pulled it up to her mouth. "Today is a beautiful day, today is the day we celebrate the beauty and culture of this fine nation. We celebrate our winnings and learn from our losses. Today is the day we remind our enemies who they're truly messing with!" With that, the cheers got louder. "So today, my beautiful citizens, we open our doors, and the events begin!!"

by **AHSCA** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 12:13 pm

Sakura Amamiya

Well it had been a very long trip indeed, over the rolling seas from my home to a far off land. The ultimate test of my skills as a soon-to-be-captain. Think of it as an extensive test, test of patience, endurance, courage and just about everything else under the sun. My father was at my side to sort of school me and see to it that I was ready for this and well it seemed like I was. You see since I was little I've dreamed of being just like my family of seafarers and sailors and be a captain of my own boat. But anybody in the islands can have a boat and sail it wherever they like but to be a real ship captain and man a crew and carry passengers over long distances that requires a lot of training and skill, skill passed along family lines more than anything official but it was skill I had worked for. Now here I was in this strange land of Iarann Grudaidh, I'd be here a couple days to rest up refresh myself and then head back to the UIS again. It was strongly advised to all captains to do that but not everyone followed that advice, but I figure for my first time, I really should. Once back then the real hunt would begin for a vessel to work on or call my own and to secure a crew of my own, i would need a good first mate especially, someone to help. Well that would come later because as we woke in the harbor it seemed a large celebration was undergoing.

I went above deck to see the fuss and it was a real stir with many people cheering and celebrating! What, I wasn't sure but well why not I figure I'd join in the festivities. I was the only one among us aboard with any kind of papers that'd allow me to go ashore in a foreign land (save for the handful of nations that didn't ask of it for UIS citizens) that meant I'd be on my own to really explore and see this place and see what the party was all about. I'm sure I would draw attention, UIS was considerably "old world" so-to-speak, a nation not in a race to the top of the industrial food chain as many other nations were. Content in our ways, our old styles, our wind or steam propelled ships. I was 19, pretty young still, but well into adulthood by law and by tradition. Well what to do first? That was a tough question it seemed like there was plenty to do and plenty to see.

by **The Selkie** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 1:50 pm

Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim.
I was just a visitor, so upon entrance, I was given a green bracelet.
It somehow reminded me a bit of some of the concerts I have been on... anyway, I should introduce myself: Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim. I am about to turn 22 Springs, study history at the University of Fortham, and I am a hobby-photographer (mostly, people sometimes hire me for certain events).
I have long, orange hair, which I wore open as usual, grey-brown eyes shining at the scenes around me, and wore attire, which served well in emphasizing, that I was, as they said, a bombshell.
Jeans, which might be called a bit tight, especially at the rear, a blouse, which emphasized my considerable bust (I am a Selkie, thank you very much), a red jacket above it. It's inner pockets carried everything I might need today, from my IDs to my wallet to one of the two daggers, which I had with me for self-defense (I did not expect to get into trouble, but better be prepared then to look stupid). A photo camera with an analogue film hung from my neck, but before I could begin with practicing my hobby, a limousine arrived with someone, who I recognized as the Supreme Leader, the local head honcho.
I had informed myself about the country I was traveling to. While I did not join the cheers, I did join the applause after the short speech.
I'll be the first to admit, that my understanding of military matters began and ended with my service with the Younger Militias, but the military hardware and personell on display was not what I was here for - I was here for the people. The people here to celebrate Grudaidhian Day, the national holiday.
And as I raised my camera for a shot of one of the food stalls, I found my first motive.
The event, as the Supreme Leader had said, could really begin!

by **Folaisia** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 10:47 pm

Deila Bannatyne

After receiving her green bracelet, Deila went forward to check out the stalls that caught her attention. Spotting one food stall, she went forward, and when she recognized the long, orange hair, she stopped.

"Oi, Iuna," she then called out as her eyes gleamed with excitement that has permeated the lens of her glasses.

Cormag Blyth

Cormag stood in a long line. Although not too far away from the entrance, his distance was enough to make him sigh and move around to loosen himself up. To do so further, he grabbed out his camera and recorded footage.

"Would you look at this, ghillen^*," he then said as he pans, "What a fuckin' long line. Holy shit," he then whispers before turning the camera on himself, "Well, this is what happens if you wake up late for an event like this. Gonna have to wait at this point," he sighs again, "So, I'll update you guys once I manage to stay up long enough, and get my bracelet at that. At the time being, see you then."

He turns the camera off, and continues to wait.

* - ghillen = Folaisian Scots/Gaelic for "guys"

by **Greater Orcadia** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 11:12 pm

Arriving from Greater Orcadia, Louise Lombard and partner Ryan MacLaine, along with Phenom Snyder and husband Evan Snyder were looking forwards to a good time at the festivities and the first thing Evan did when he got off the plane and clear customs is to whip out a smart phone, flip it into selfie mode and holding it out at arms length just level with his head he tapped the on button with his thumb.

"Good Morning, yep its Evan and Diplo-trucker here.." *rotating the smart phone to face Penny* ..." and with us today are a couple of friends, Now you may know our ferry trips we have taken, well here is the captain of the ship we travelled on, Louise and her partner Ryan..." he momentarilly flipped the camera at Louise then to Ryan "and we are here in Grudaidhia for a bit of a festival and it is over there somewhere".

Louise was wearing a pair of white trousers, a white shirt and blue tie with black eppelletes and was wearing shoes so shiny you can use them as a mirror it would seem, yes they have been pollished to within an inch of their life and then polished again! and apart from a pair of ear rings, nothing seems untoward about Louise's style, however she does have her tongue pierced. Ryan is wearing a pair of jeans, a hoodie and a denim jacket and has his arm around Louise.

Penny and Evan are wearing their usual gear, grey combat pants, trainers and blue hoodie jackets with "Meridian Cargo Services" on them, yes workwear, however it is quite comfortable, Penny however has various items of jewellery, gauged out ear piercings, a bull piercing with a chain to an ear ring. Penny however does not like the fact her father is a diplomat, she likes to do her own thing.

"I think we need to go over there Evan" commented Louise.

"aye" replied Evan.

Penny scooped up Tiswas, aka Tizzy, "you behave furball" she says, gently cradling the small cat as Evan swung the camera to face the small cat, "and yes we have the boss here, forget about Penny as Tizzy is the real boss, Penny just thinks she's the boss"

Tizzy just looked at evan. *meow*!

by **The Selkie** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 2:54 am

Folaisia wrote:Deila Bannatyne

After receiving her green bracelet, Deila went forward to check out the stalls that caught her attention. Spotting one food stall, she went forward, and when she recognized the long, orange hair, she stopped.

"Oi, Iuna," she then called out as her eyes gleamed with excitement that has permeated the lens of her glasses.

[...]

Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim.
I just made a photograph of one of the food stalls when some lass approached me.
Blonde, prim, proper, much like her profile pic on Piffle... she'd be fun to drag into a bed for things and stuff, of course only with consent, but alas, I had the feeling, that she was not inclined to agree to such an arrangement.
At least not on the first date.
If one could call this a date, that is.
Anyway, I smiled and didn't even try to hide, that I was checking her out. Military men never held any sort of fascination for me, unlike the cliche, but prim lassies... delectable!
"Heya, Deila.", I said and bowed my head lightly, "Fancy meeting you here!"

by **Astares Amauricanum** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 3:08 am

As people from various nations were mingling through the crowds, there was a group bigger than the others who was standing out a bit, and that was the soldiers from the Empire of Astares Amauricanum.
Indeed, having fought with bravery in the People's Guar rebellion that ended just a month prior, the Imperial Guards of the 3rd Shock Brigade and the Army troopers of the 33rd Stryker Infantry Brigade had gone back to the Empire to replenish their losses, fix their gear and vehicles, and were now back, now all clad in their Dress Uniforms, and equipped with their M8A1 and ACRs Assault Rifles, with their bayonets glinting under the barrel. One thing to note though, was that the rifles were not loaded.
As they had arrived, all of them were given a red bracelet, as they were considered performers.
And among them, their leaders, Major General Ffredrick Alstom from the Imperial Guard, and Brigadier General John Konrad from the Imperial Army, were given purple ones, as they were considered important guests. With them, who had been given purple bracelets as well, were some of the Personal Guards of Emperor Adrean Blachkor and Empress Anna Blachkor, although the two monarchs were not with them at the moment.
Instead, they were at a nearest airbase, getting ready for a flyby with their FA/18s with four of their friends.

"So, Colonel, what do you think?" asks Fredrick to Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Smetov, the officer in charge of the Phantom Squadron at the moment.
"I'm glad to be here, General," replies the nobleman as he readjusts his black leather jacket he wears over his dark green Service Uniform, before checking that his Masada 35 pistol is still strapped to his thigh. Among all the Astarians present, the only ones allowed to carry loaded weapons had been the Personal Guards of the Imperial Couple.
"Seeing this situation finally taken care of is good for morale. And as an added bonus, we didn't suffer too many losses.
-Indeed, adds Catherine, Phillip's wife, as she snuggles around her husband's arm.
-Say, ladies and gentlemen, interrupts John Konrad, the 33rd Commanding Officer, why don't we go present our respects to the Supreme Leader? It's been a while we've seen her, and it would be good for you to introduce yourselves.
-Yeah, I agree, answers Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Leonhart. Lead the way General!
-Aye Sir! replies John with a playful salute and a smirk, causing Frerick and the rest of the Phantom Squadron to chuckle. Despite what some people may think, the fact that the Phantoms had ranks inferior to the Generals did not mean the latters were higher-ranked. The fact that they were part of the Personal Guard of the Emperor and Empress meant that they were considered extensions of the Imperial power, and therefore carried a higher authority.

And so, the fourty or so people make their way to the Supreme Leader, showing their purple bracelets tot he Vortex Guards protecting her.
"Supreme Leader, good to see you again! says General Alstom with a smile. Glad to finally have put this mess behind us. You already know General Konrad, and may I introduce to you some of the members of the Empire's nobility, who also work as Personal Guards of their Imperial Majesties?"

And so, one by one, the Phantoms introduce themselves to the Supreme Leader (minus the Imperial Couple, the Morozovs and the Petrenkos.)
"It is an honor for all of us to meet you Madame, finishes Catherine Smetov as she and the rest of her friends stand to Parade's rest. Sorry if not every one is here, but as you know, they're preparing for their flyby in a few."

by **Folaisia** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 3:13 am

Deila chuckled with soft excitement. Indeed, what a pleasure it is to meet someone from PiffleNet.

"Affy braw meeting you here, too," she greeted as she placed the palms of her hands as if she were praying, "And my, are you looking captivating today, if I may be so blunt!"

by **Greater Orcadia** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 9:02 am

As the queue filtered Evan flipped the smart phone camera into forward mode and gave it a sweep of the crowd then someone caught Penny's eye.

"Over there Evan" she said,

"Oh yes, I see him" replied Evan, leaning to one side

"we have to creep up and bounce him when he's not holding his camera" joked Penny, their plan is simple come up silently and give him a boo!

"No guys, you're not?" asked Louise.

"yeah, get his reaction on a clip too" replied Penny.

"or you could get Tiz to do it" said Ryan as his own cat chose to lie down on the floor. Ryan leant down and picked up Sandy, only for sandy to get a loose petting off Louise.

"We'll have a job for you, chief mouser" she said, although the Atlantic Destiny and its sister ship Atlantic Dynasty are very much mouse free so finding mice wont be easy.

by **Port Ember** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 9:53 am

President Edward Flint & Minister Jan Breytenbach
Presidential Motorcade

The convoy of six identical black SUV's with their tinted windows were speeding down the highway after having left the airport mere moments after the Port Emberian President and Minister of Defence had landed there and departed the Presidential plane. The one vehicle in the motorcade was now filled with both the President and the Minister in the backseats, and a bodyguard and driver in the front. The other five vehicles in the motorcade was filled with Secret Service agents whom was here to ensure the safety and security of their two most beloved politicians. It was highly unlikely that they were even needed today, but its best to remain prepared, instead of being the headline of the latest presidential assasination.

As the motorcade was speeding down the highway, traffic congestion was barely an issue, thanks to the local 'Blue Light Brigade' - the local Iarann Grudaidh Police Service providing an traffic controlling escort to the motorcade with their blue-light-flashing-motorcycles.

Inside the vehicle which contained the President and the Minister, the two lifelong friends engaged in light conversation as they awaited their arrival at the Parade to meet with the Supreme Leader.

"The city surroundings does not look too bad at all. Seems that they managed to contain the majority of the destruction a city normally suffers during such large scale conflicts", President Edward Flint remarked as he stared out of his window into the surrounding landscape. "Aye, I have noted the same. Although the conflict was pretty centralised to the downtown area known as the 'Grey Zone'. The military did quite a solid job to contain the enemy there, which contributed to the quick end to the war.", Minister Jan Breytenbach added in response.

The two politicians refered to the recent incident in which Iarann Grudaidh was embroiled in a terror campaign, leading to civil war, which esculated into a near invasion of the island.

The Republic of Port Ember and Iarann Grudaidh were political, military and economic allies as they are both member states of the Northern Ocean Strategic Alliance (NOSA), and also geographical neighbours, as they were only 800km apart.

The two political leaders was in-country today to support their allies publicly to send any would be enemies of either state a strong and clear message that they were a strong and united alliance. This visit would also double as a sort of victory celebration as the Port Emberian Navy managed to utterly destroy and humiliate the Nation of War naval fleet whom attempted to execute a full scale invasion during the recent internal crises, once again sending a message to the world that the Port Emberian Navy was the top dogs of the day. An publicised parade could be used to flaunt this achievement, and thus the two Port Emberians found themselves here.

by **The Selkie** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 2:24 pm

Folaisia wrote:Deila chuckled with soft excitement. Indeed, what a pleasure it is to meet someone from PiffleNet.

"Affy braw meeting you here, too," she greeted as she placed the palms of her hands as if she were praying, "And my, are you looking captivating today, if I may be so blunt!"

Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim.
I smiled.
"Thank you, Deila.", I said and leaned over, to whisper something into her ear, my breath softly caressing her ear. She would be able to smell my parfume, a soft note of lavender, if it didn't get drowned in the smells of the festival (of which there might soon be more). "And you look beautiful as well."
I moved back and offered my arm for her to link. "Care for a late breakfast?"

by **Greater Orcadia** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 7:59 pm

getting the bracelets

At the gates, Penny, Evan, (with Tizzy), Louise and Ryan (with Sandy) queue'd togeher

"Good morning, party of 4 please" said Penny, "do you need ID?" she asks as Tizzy who despite being on a leash is being cradled in Penny's cybernetic arm let out a meow before tapping the attendant's arm with his paw trying to get a petting, yes he's learned that if he does that to Penny or Evan he gets a stroke and a petting or sometimes gets a kittybit handed to him.

Ryan turned to Penny, "so whats the story behind this celebration then?" his arm around Louise

"its to celebrate their independence from Greater Orcadia in the eight'n hundreds, although according to my father, things were not so great here a few months ago, this place was a bit chaotic however its a lot better now" Penny replied

"the civil war?" asks Louise.

"if you can call it that, was more of a spat so im guessing they'll be celebrating that too"

Sandy, squirmed around in Ryan's arms before ending up on the floor on all 4 paws, howewer he, like Tiswas is on a leash.
"bloody cat" joked Ryan before turning to the gate attendant to get banded

as Greater Orcadia consists of the following nations
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland. (Ireland and N. Ireland being 1 entity - as it was back in 1912),

by **Folaisia** » Sun Mar 15, 2020 2:10 am

When Iuna went up close to whisper, Deila could not help but blink in rapid succession, leaving her for a faint red color to be visible on her cheeks. And the soft lavender perfume did not ameliorate her heightened sense of anxiety. As soon as Iuna complemented her, Deila let out a slight, incredulous chuckle.

"Why, thank you," she then replied.

When staring at her arm, Deila took a deep breath and fidgeted the fingers of her right hand to form a fist and back. She blinks rapidly again, her mouth open at times to enunciate the word "um" as clearly as possible. Regaining her composure in a nonchalant fashion despite the tension, she nods.

"I'd be delighted," she then replies, smiling.

She then links her arm together.

by **Iarann Grudaidh** » Mon Mar 16, 2020 2:42 pm

Astares Amauricanum wrote:As people from various nations were mingling through the crowds, there was a group bigger than the others who was standing out a bit, and that was the soldiers from the Empire of Astares Amauricanum.
Indeed, having fought with bravery in the People's Guar rebellion that ended just a month prior, the Imperial Guards of the 3rd Shock Brigade and the Army troopers of the 33rd Stryker Infantry Brigade had gone back to the Empire to replenish their losses, fix their gear and vehicles, and were now back, now all clad in their Dress Uniforms, and equipped with their M8A1 and ACRs Assault Rifles, with their bayonets glinting under the barrel. One thing to note though, was that the rifles were not loaded.
As they had arrived, all of them were given a red bracelet, as they were considered performers.
And among them, their leaders, Major General Ffredrick Alstom from the Imperial Guard, and Brigadier General John Konrad from the Imperial Army, were given purple ones, as they were considered important guests. With them, who had been given purple bracelets as well, were some of the Personal Guards of Emperor Adrean Blachkor and Empress Anna Blachkor, although the two monarchs were not with them at the moment.
Instead, they were at a nearest airbase, getting ready for a flyby with their FA/18s with four of their friends.

"So, Colonel, what do you think?" asks Fredrick to Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Smetov, the officer in charge of the Phantom Squadron at the moment.
"I'm glad to be here, General," replies the nobleman as he readjusts his black leather jacket he wears over his dark green Service Uniform, before checking that his Masada 35 pistol is still strapped to his thigh. Among all the Astarians present, the only ones allowed to carry loaded weapons had been the Personal Guards of the Imperial Couple.
"Seeing this situation finally taken care of is good for morale. And as an added bonus, we didn't suffer too many losses.
-Indeed, adds Catherine, Phillip's wife, as she snuggles around her husband's arm.
-Say, ladies and gentlemen, interrupts John Konrad, the 33rd Commanding Officer, why don't we go present our respects to the Supreme Leader? It's been a while we've seen her, and it would be good for you to introduce yourselves.
-Yeah, I agree, answers Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Leonhart. Lead the way General!
-Aye Sir! replies John with a playful salute and a smirk, causing Frerick and the rest of the Phantom Squadron to chuckle. Despite what some people may think, the fact that the Phantoms had ranks inferior to the Generals did not mean the latters were higher-ranked. The fact that they were part of the Personal Guard of the Emperor and Empress meant that they were considered extensions of the Imperial power, and therefore carried a higher authority.

And so, the fourty or so people make their way to the Supreme Leader, showing their purple bracelets tot he Vortex Guards protecting her.
"Supreme Leader, good to see you again! says General Alstom with a smile. Glad to finally have put this mess behind us. You already know General Konrad, and may I introduce to you some of the members of the Empire's nobility, who also work as Personal Guards of their Imperial Majesties?"

And so, one by one, the Phantoms introduce themselves to the Supreme Leader (minus the Imperial Couple, the Morozovs and the Petrenkos.)
"It is an honor for all of us to meet you Madame, finishes Catherine Smetov as she and the rest of her friends stand to Parade's rest. Sorry if not every one is here, but as you know, they're preparing for their flyby in a few."

The Supreme Leader would smile in recognition to the Generals and Personal Guards. "Great to see you all fit and healthy, pleasure to meet all of you, a shame I haven't sat down with the Majesties and talked to them yet. I hope you enjoy the show." She'd state as her Vortex guards, in full combat armour, watched from numerous vantage points around the area. "If you excuse me, the festivites are about to begin."

And with that, the music went silent once again as the marching of soldiers could be heard from the distance, a large amount of troops could be seen wearing ceremonial uniforms as Grudaidhian flags waved from armed Humvees, the troops were carrying ceremonial weaponry with bayonets attached under the barrel. The crowds cheered and clapped as the vehicles and troops moved at a slow pace, people filmed the stone-faced Grudaidhian troops as they listened to the commands of their CO. The parade would continue slowly, introducing the Empire of Astares Americanum's troops to the parade, representing the strong bonds and ties that Iarann Grudaidh has.

by **The Selkie** » Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:03 pm

Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim.
I smiled at Deila's reaction - poor lassie wasn't used to such attention from the fairer sex, I would bet! She seemed a bit confused as I offered her my arm, so, Iuna, off the gas for a bit.
Breakfast first, so to the stall - only that our generous hosts then decided to...

I was less interested in the soldiers and their marching, their uniforms, weapons and such things, but in the people, who watched and, oh, my, there were a lot of people, who were cheering, clapping, some quite enthusiastically, bordering on ecstasy.
I was, for a moment, contemplating going back to my hobby and making photographs, but Deila was still on my arm and I was quite hungry and I did promise her breakfast and...
"Wanna watch before we grab a bite?", I asked and motioned into the general direction of the parading.
Well, if she wanted, I'd make photographs and then we'd eat, if not, we'd eat now and maybe watch it while eating.
I was also contemplating getting Deila as a bit of a model... later, Iuna, later...

by **Folaisia** » Tue Mar 17, 2020 12:12 pm

Deila

Deila was interrupted at the music going silent, which paved the opportunity for groups of soldiers to proceed with their march. The people's euphoric reaction gave her quite a surprise, that she ignored Iuna at her side a while until Iuna's question resounded to her ears.

"Oh, yes, we can watch for a while," Deila answered.

She continues observing the march and hearing the jubilant cheers from the crowd.

"You know, this display of exultance towards the parade reminds me of the stories passed down by my father and grandfather, all of which were about my three and four-time-great-grandfathers. Pressed into service during the Cistagzyl War, they managed to muster, I think, 6,000 men, and when they paraded off, the crowds cheered just like this, expressing their hope for victory and driver out the Belestan 'encroachers.' Needless to say, only 30% of the original total returned home."

Cormag

Getting his bracelet was of no major issue to himself, except for his legs. Running through the fair, Cormag recorded whatever interests him, the food, stands and other particular places. When the music stopped, he could hear boots clamping on the ground, prompting him to go forward, also twitching once the crowds cheered with rapturously.

"Goddamn," Cormag muttered.

Then, providing himself of the full picture of the soldiers and the crowd, he recorded the event.

by **Astares Amauricanum** » Tue Mar 17, 2020 2:13 pm

As the Generals and Personal Guards nod in answer, the Astarians quickly focus their attention on the upcoming parade.
Like the locals, they clap and cheer for the troops of their host and ally, the Personal Guards being nearly what some may call "innapropriate", showing their enthusiam a bit too loudly.

But then, as the Iarann Grudaidh troops continue to pass, behind them start to appear the Astarian soldiers, both Imperial Army and Imperial Guard.
The first to open the parade are the First Infantry Battaliin of the Third Shock Brigade of the Imperial Guard, followed by the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Thirty-Third Stryker Infantry Brigade. Both units advance on foot, with their flags carried ahead of them by an honor guard of 6 men, five guards and the flag bearer.
Then, comes the vehicles: first the Strykers IFVs, eight wheelers painted in dark green, with two soldiers presenting arms parading in each. Following them, the Imperial Guard IFVs and APCs, with soldiers jutting out of the traps too and presenting arms.
Next, the M1A3 Adams Main Battle Tanks of the Imperial Guard.
And finally, the logistics and support units, first with some units on foot, and then with their vehicles: recovery, ambulances, etc.

"So, Supreme Leader, what do you think? asks Fredrick with a smile to Georgia. Aren't they as good as parading as they are in combat?"

by **The Selkie** » Tue Mar 17, 2020 2:38 pm

Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim.
While the men from Grudaidhian paraded past us, Deila and I watched.
Deila told me of her great-great-great-great-great-grandfather (I hope I didn't miscalculate), who fought in the Cistagzyl War. Six thousand men, paraded off to cheers, with roundabout a third returning home.
I listened with great interest.
"I can imagine...", I said and sighed slightly: "In 1903, an train accident caused a majorityof our ruling body, the Elder Council, to perish. Expecting chaos, a nation by the name of Auwalt invaded to stabilize the situation and to install a pro-Auwaltian Ruler. The Selkie were anything but in chaos and actually mounted a defense. One of the forces dispatched were the Younger Militias." I smiled slightly. "We have a mandatory service for all children attending school, the Younger Militias, where we learn skills like first aid and basics of carpentry and camping, but also how to defend our homes with sword and pike and spear and bow. To this day, these four and a few other weapons, no firearms. Nowadays, it's mostly ceremonial or for disaster relief work, but back in the day, a force of thirty thousand young men and women between 15 and 19 Springs was dispatched to hold a strategic position at a ridge near a town called Anfa - with pointy sticks versus machine guns and artillery. The Auwaltians attacked there."
I exhaled, made a few snapshots.
By now, guys in different uniforms and with different tanks paraded past - don't ask for the models and makers.
Anyway, I continued: "Before the battle, they assembled and were mustered in Scuab, another town, and paraded there to the solemness of their parents and relatives and many onlookers, many of which were to be dispatched to other points along possible routes they might take.", I said, "They knew, that some might not return. In the end, the Battle of Anfa Ridge costed ten thousand casualties on our side - plus many more wounded. Of my eight great-grandparents, six fought at the Ridge. And they held."
I let a beat pass, looked at Deila.
"You can imagine the near-mythical proportions the Battle of Anfa Ridge has in our historiography.", I added with a grin.

by **Folaisia** » Tue Mar 17, 2020 4:36 pm

The Selkie wrote:Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim.
While the men from Grudaidhian paraded past us, Deila and I watched.
Deila told me of her great-great-great-great-great-grandfather (I hope I didn't miscalculate), who fought in the Cistagzyl War. Six thousand men, paraded off to cheers, with roundabout a third returning home.
I listened with great interest.
"I can imagine...", I said and sighed slightly: "In 1903, an train accident caused a majorityof our ruling body, the Elder Council, to perish. Expecting chaos, a nation by the name of Auwalt invaded to stabilize the situation and to install a pro-Auwaltian Ruler. The Selkie were anything but in chaos and actually mounted a defense. One of the forces dispatched were the Younger Militias." I smiled slightly. "We have a mandatory service for all children attending school, the Younger Militias, where we learn skills like first aid and basics of carpentry and camping, but also how to defend our homes with sword and pike and spear and bow. To this day, these four and a few other weapons, no firearms. Nowadays, it's mostly ceremonial or for disaster relief work, but back in the day, a force of thirty thousand young men and women between 15 and 19 Springs was dispatched to hold a strategic position at a ridge near a town called Anfa - with pointy sticks versus machine guns and artillery. The Auwaltians attacked there."
I exhaled, made a few snapshots.
By now, guys in different uniforms and with different tanks paraded past - don't ask for the models and makers.
Anyway, I continued: "Before the battle, they assembled and were mustered in Scuab, another town, and paraded there to the solemness of their parents and relatives and many onlookers, many of which were to be dispatched to other points along possible routes they might take.", I said, "They knew, that some might not return. In the end, the Battle of Anfa Ridge costed ten thousand casualties on our side - plus many more wounded. Of my eight great-grandparents, six fought at the Ridge. And they held."
I let a beat pass, looked at Deila.
"You can imagine the near-mythical proportions the Battle of Anfa Ridge has in our historiography.", I added with a grin.

Deila listened to Iuna's story with strict attentiveness, as is required by her profession. When she heard of the disproportionate balance of weapons used on both sides, all she could give out was a simple, shocked "what." After listening to the synopsis of the Battle of Anfa Ridge, Deila could feel a sense of gloom encompass her like a warm blanket.

"That's real horrifying," Deila replied, shaking her head, "I mean, to face modern weaponry with merely bladed weapons. That's just...bound for a massive slaughter. Indeed, I do see the near-mythical proportions of the battle clearly. However, that's nothing compared to the Battle of Colkirk in the War I mentioned. Set during the year 1860, it started on 19 May and ended on the 24th; That's five days of bloodshed, and from that our side was inflicted approximately 28,000 casualties.

"Both my three and four-time-great-grandfathers fought there, where they commanded the Bannatyne and Manitoba Highlanders. They fought on the Little Brother and Left Causeway Hills on the fourth day. Both survived, with my three-time-great-grandfather wounded on his right chest scarred and the left side of his head burned and scarred from a carcass shot, an incendiary weapon.

"While yours seems like a slaughter and hell at that, Colkirk, as well as the rest of the later battles of the war makes you feel like you're literally in hell, given the wounds I mentioned, and add in the howitzers and quicklime, which is a chemical. Even though I hold those who survived the conflict with wholeheartedness, I am fortunate not to have experienced what they have experienced."

by **The Selkie** » Tue Mar 17, 2020 5:12 pm

Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim.
I listened with rapt attentiveness to what Deila told me, biting back the addition, that our lads had some crossbows and archers with them... and a few canons. Nothing like the modern artillery of the Auwies, but good, old eight pounder bore hole guns.
This was not a contest, though.
This was us discussing history of our respective countries, an important part from either side.
And in the end, Deila said something: "Even though I hold those who survived the conflict with wholeheartedness, I'm fortunate not to have experienced that."
I let a beat pass, nodded. "Yeah, I can agree to that.", I said, "It was not pretty back then and it still isn't pretty now... which is exactly the reason for this." I motioned forward, to where the parade was happening. "Look at us, how much soldiers we have, how nice our newest killing machines are, how much you don't want to mess with us and while you are at it, how about buying the other killing machines?" I shook my head. "Such a waste of time, money and effort... yet, as there are enough people, who would pick a fight, a necessary one, sadly."

by **Folaisia** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 3:39 am

"Indeed and unfortunately, a sad truth," Deila replied, glancing at the parade, "There will always be opportunities for one nation to try to intimidate the other as much as possible like this to the point of going to war. Even though it is sometimes necessary, its nevertheless true. And it will continue to be like this until the end of time, or by some miracle, when all the world can put aside their conflicting beliefs and live in harmony altogether."

Deila sighs, and for a while, everything seemed to stop.

"Well, enough being depressed. Let's head for breakfast. Besides, I'm getting a wee bit hungry watching this spectacle."

Before heading out, Deila took a couple of pictures of the parade on her mobile phone.

by **Greater Orcadia** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 4:10 am

As the group made their way from the turnstiles, the festivities had already started, Penny placed Tiswas back on the floor and kept hold of his leash and then began to walk towards the gathered crowd and a "target had been acquired", Evan homing in or at least trying to home in on Cormag.

Penny moved left, Evan moved right has Louise and Ryan went down the middle.

Evan waited for Cormag to put his camera away before making his move.

"Cormag, how are ya?, we kind of figured this would attract your attention" he asked as Penny followed up behind with Tiswas running towards Evan with Louise and Ryan behind them. Ryan also does a travel videos across Europe but Penny also covers Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland, however they know Louise through the company they work for and added to that they have travelled on Louise's ship.

Louise on the other hand is not camera shy either, its a bit difficult to be camera shy when your partner has a truck like a film studio and a bedroom in a house that is more like a full editing suite, this can also be said about Penny's truck too as there are cameras on the trailer, and tucked away into other places, something like 10 cameras are scattered about her Scania and trailer back home and with a channel which has content ranging from driving to cats to looking after your amputated stumps and cybernetic limbs it has wide ranging content. Throw that in with Penny's other passion - railways as Penny and Evan also have a channel dedicated to making railway trips.

Ryan's channel is just called Travelling Ryan and just features him going about his job.

by **The Selkie** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 7:47 am

Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim.
I had made a few shots as well during the silence, satisfied for now.
So I nodded.
"Yeah, let's grab a bite... who knows, maybe everyone's watching this and not standing in line!", I quipped, before I added with a bit more seriousness, "And I'll buy."
I gave Deila a look, that did not allow for any arguments made contradicting this statement, offer and order. A moment later, I smiled again.
"I wonder what they serve around here...", I asked myself and Deila.

by **Folaisia** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 1:36 pm

After putting his recording camera aside, Cormag took pictures on his smartphone. Concentrating on obtaining good shots, he never noticed Evan and Penny move up beside him, and when they spoke, he could not help but quirk.

"Oh, holy shit," Cormag chuckled incredulously, "What's up, you two?"

Deila raised her eyebrows when Iuna spoke with earnestness when saying she will purchase their food.

"Okay," Deila replied, stifling a chuckle.

Then, they browsed through the food stands. Deila's eyes scanned for something that would appeal to her mind, but Iuna's wondrous statement would bring up the foods of her choice to mind.

"From what I've researched, Iarann Grudaidh possesses a cuisine similar to Scotland's, and even my country's. So, we can expect foods like haggis, meat pudding, Scotch pies, square sausages, rumbledethumps and that sort. And speaking of rumbledethumps, I hope they have it."

by **Greater Orcadia** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 3:49 pm

"four...." said Evan as Ryan and Louise caught up "...and we're doing good thanks, you?" asked Evan as Tiswas began to rub against Cormag's leg in a typically feline manner before lying down by his trainer laces and playing with them. (if its long, dangly and well stringy then Tiswas will find a way to be interested in it, he is after all a cat)

"and may I introduce Ryan MacLaine and Louise Lombard, a fellow vlogger and a ships captain, oh and the star of our show, no its not Penny my wife, but this little fella" said Evan, scooping Tiswas up. Tiswas let out a meow as Penny scooped him up, "this fella usually lies on the bunk or engine hump, and when we get back will have a camera in the cab facing him as we all know why people tune in, not for us or the scenery but Tizzy, he's the real star of the show" Tiswas extends his claws and clings onto Penny's fleece.

As Evan introduced Louise and Ryan to Cormag, they both smiled "evening" replied Louise in a nondescript accent as having travelled the world her accent has developed a cosmopolitan style so its hard to trace where exactly she comes from, Ryan on the otherhand has a Glaswegian twang "Good morning wee laddie" he says with a smile, "yer got any good footage yet?" he asks as a feint meow came from the floor from Sandy.

Grudaidhian Day [IC / Sign Up / MT]

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