Progressive Restoration (Modern World Only) [Archive]

The Estenlands

07-12-2004, 18:47

Count Falkenstein, stood scowling, as usual, thinking to himself that he could hardly tell which monarch was the French Queen. He stood only six feet tall, but his barrel-like chest and arms and legs as thick as tree-trunks, folded across the massive chest, he was onbvioulsy trying to intimidate the French military man, The Merechal de Saxe. His long, scraggly beard, black with streaks of grey hung over said chest and he peered out of his one good eye, with an ugly scar being partially covered by the black eye-patch on his left eye. He was wearing a red, blue and gold old Czarist style high military uniform, with a polished steel armoured breast-plate and partial armoured sleeves on his arms and shoulders.
The French were good diplomats, and while he gruffly tried to explain that Louis XX should start to build a larger military, he was being distracted in spite of himself by his two, young, beautiful daughters who seemes determined to allow the tall man to see far too much of their forms through their low-cut dresses, flirting furiously. Count Falkenstein would have strangled anyone who though these kinds of thoughts about his daughters back home, but this Frenchman seemed oblivious. Perhaps if this man could be persuaded to go somewhere else while he gave his daughters a tour of his quarters....um..his government would look kindly on that.
King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

07-12-2004, 19:44

It was a bright, crisp morning in Versailles. In the Grand Marble Court, the Swiss Bodyguard had drawn themselves up from inspection. Regimental flags snapped in the wind. Their uniforms were marvellous, with red trousers and blue jackets with silver lining. Their triconer hates were decorated with gold braid. His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX was determined to show his perspective allies that his Court was martial as well as merry. With envoys already dispatched to his two perspective allies homelands, and the Estates General going to Paris to resume their offices, the King decided that a tour de force was in order.

As the party (consisting of His Most Christian Majesty, Her Highness the Queen, Count Falkenstein, Phanum Srichapan, and the Dauphin) descended the Grand Staircase and entered the Marble Court, the Bodyguard as one snapped to attention, bringing their rifles to parade posture. Le Baron de Besenval, Commander of the Bodyguard, called out "Long live the King!"
The Bodyguard responded with gusto. Then, as the party neared the red carpet, the fife and drums struck up 'The world turned upside down.' The review was superb, for their were no fiercer looking soldiers than the hand picked men of the Kings Bodyguard. Each one was tall, strong and proud. The King was beaming, saluting the men proudly as he strode past, for the occasion getting dressed up in some conglomeration of militaria himself. Overhead, a squadren of Ordu du Saint-Espirit in their Dassualt Rafales flew over. He thought to himself, not without a hint of contentment, that this had been the most splendid series of celebration Versailles had seen in centuries.

After the review, the King and Queen excused themselves, as it was time for the Royal Mass. Of course, all the guests had a variety of entertainments at their fingertips--from hunting, to societal cards, to of course take a short motor ride to Paris. Following the High Mass, His Most Christian Majesty in such high spirits, Louis XX called for a council with his Minister of War, M de Saint-Germain. When it was over, the following proclamation was issued:
________________________________________________________________

Be it known the following:

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, in severe consideration of the current world situation, has decreed that the number of French Guards Division shall be raised from 2 to 10. Recruitment will begin immediately, at the Champ de Mars directly outside of Paris. A Royal Bounty of 20 Louis d'or is offered upon enlistment. Additionally, His Majesty signed a contract contracting another Korean Mercenary Division for service in the Royal Army, as well as another full Swiss Regiment. These are hardly a prelude to any sort of conflict, but rather simply measures taken to ensure the sovereignty of French interests in this dangerous world.

VIVAT REX
M. de Saint-Germain, Minister of War to His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX.

________________________________________________________________

Tents went up at the Champs de Mars, and the lines of recruitment began to form. Meanwhile, flights from Geneva and Asia came in bearing the newly contracted Mercenary forces, new elements of the Royal Army.

Elkazor

08-12-2004, 08:04

Marimaia

08-12-2004, 10:38

Phanum stayed up long into the night, detailing the French alliance offer to Foreign Minister Rongyi Bei and His Excellency Chiisu Suun via conference call. His Excellency was extremely enthusiastic about the offer, and granted Phanum the authority to sign an alliance with the Louis XX regime.

Phanum went to bed extremely pleased with himself; when morning came, he sent a message to the relevant authorities stating that Marimaia was ready to sign an alliance with France.

The Estenlands

10-12-2004, 01:02

Count Falkenstien woke up the next morning, and after chasing the young noblewomen out of his emporer-sized bed, noting that their father should be proud, he began a communique that outlined an official structure by which the Estenlands would begin to recognise Marimaia and offer monarchial support, in keeping with the true path of Divine Right, or Mandate from Heaven. It will be on Phanum's desk today.
King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Marimaia

10-12-2004, 19:09

Phanum looked at the communique with interest; His Excellency had sent him to France to secure an ally in Europe, but it now seemed that the Marimaians would acquire two European allies. He drew up a response and had an aide deliver it to Falkenstein's quarters.

The response stated that the NeoSuunist Prosperity Sphere of Marimaia was always glad to meet fellow superior nations; the Estenlands had shown the 'national superiority' that Marimaia looked for in her allies, which meant that Marimaia would be glad to hear further details of any treaty or arrangement which the Estenlands had to put forward.

The Estenlands

10-12-2004, 22:50

Count Falkenstien propses, through another flurry of letters, a Monarchial League. This would be a global council that would work, through economic, political and even military means, to safeguard the world environment for our, enlightened, forms of government. This League would consist, at first, of your nation, Tsarist Estenlands, and Elkazor-France. We would also mive to recognise and support the validity of other monarchies throughout the world, including some of the Chinese Empires, the government in exile of Kenendrua, etc.
King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Marimaia

10-12-2004, 22:57

Phanum thanks Falkenstein for his proposal, but states that such a league would potentially conflict with Marimaia's membership in the Shining Sphere of Revolutionary Co-Prosperity; bilateral relations between Marimaia and the Esterlands would be acceptable, but the NeoSuunist regime has no intention of joining any alliance which would conflict with their current obligations.

Elkazor

11-12-2004, 04:08

Elkazor

11-12-2004, 06:05

Troops drilled at the Champs de Mars. It would soon be apparent that the 8 Divisions of French Guards His Majesty had compelled to muster would soon be ready.

The Royal Navy just commissioned a third Cherbourg Class Battleship, the Louis-Auguste. It was massive, armed to the teeth, cut through the water like a honed blade and was a daughty as an ox.

The Champ de Mars was being decorated with banners and regimental flags. It appeared that after the conclusion of the the Alliance, His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX would host a massive military review. Afterwards, a great armada of Airbus's was being prepared to fly to Kiev, to celebreate the marriage of the Dauphin to the Grand Duchess of Estenalnds.

Once the Alliance (both the Holy Leauge and Tripartite Pact) was signed, the Kindgom of France would have a national holiday. The King hunted more than ever, and reveled in his wigs and suits. The only thing dampening the mood was the cold shoulder The Kingdom of France was getting from the British. His Most Chrisitan majesty was not pleased about that at all.

Yet, after a splendid hunt, His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, Defender of the Faith, King of France and Navarre, was preparing to attend a Te Deum Mass. The Mass would begin once the Holy Leauge and Tripartite pact had been signed. Already, massive loads of luxury goods were being prepared for the greatest dynastic Alliance Europe had seen in centuries.

The Estenlands

11-12-2004, 06:44

Count Falkenstien, after, conferring with home, was authorised to sign both agreements on behalf of the Tsar, and the "Roayal Seal" was being flown here immediately for the purpose.
However, as part of the agreement, Count Falkenstien was asking that one full-strength division of French nationals, be put at the disposal of their new ally, the Tsar, at France's expense. They would be under the personal command of the Dauphin, who will be residing in Kiev, after the marriage.
The Tsar is willing to have the couple married Catholic, as long as the children were baptised Orthodox. The tsar is also willing to travel to Versialles, in order to attend the ceremony.

OOC-Just some other stuff, medical records indicating that the dauphin is fertile must be provided.Also, King Wingert noticed that the son looks and more importantly, dresses more like his father, and so, there must be issues cleared up as to um.... his interest in um.....you know....producing an hier, seeing as Jillesepone is a seasoned military commander and athlete, with interest in fencing, riding, hunting, martial arts, archery, shooting, etc and the dauphin wears lace stockings and a powdered wig. The reason behind the military division is that the eastern understanding of nobility is that of military commanders, and in order for him to be respected in Kievian high society, he must have the ability to wipe out small towns and the like.

King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

11-12-2004, 20:56

The King hunted in his own private, fairy-tale forest tucked away behind Versailles palace. He hunted with his sons, the Princes of the Blood. There was the Dauphin, the Duc d'Berry, the Comte d'Artois, the Comte d'Provence and the Duc d'Bordeaux. Each was a spitten image of the King, and each had (including the King) produced enough bastards to people a city.

As they pulled to rest aside a perfectly symmetric stream, they dismounted, and the King looked at his Princes.

"My sons, my Princes, you have mave me so proud. As you know, your eldest brother the Dauphin is soon to be married to the daughter of the Czar. Tonight, we celebrate. Tommorrow, I will make my Kingdom shine with illuminations."
_________________________________________________________________

In the Champs de Mars, the muster had been completed. 7 Divisions of French Guards had formed, and been dispatched to their various forts: Metz, Strasbourg, Marseilles, and Lille. Yet one Division stayed behind. By order of the King, it was to be given special uniforms, and strenghtened by 3 companies of the elite 1st Korean Division of the Royal Army. This was the Royal Dauphin Division, and it was preparing for a magnificent review, by no others than His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX and His Imperial Highness the Czar.
_________________________________________________________________

If the fete given to innagurate the Estates General was splendid, the one to wed the Dauphin and Grand Duchess would be spectacular. His Holiness John Paul III would officiate the ceremonies, and the Patriarch of Constantinople would bless them. The gradens were given whimsical themes, state apartments were made ready for the various delegations. Estenlands would be impressed.

The Estenlands

12-12-2004, 01:15

Tsar Wingert I of The Village of farrah, and his eldest daughter Princess Jillesepone Hawkness-Wingert, board nondescript military carriers, as they get ready for take-off. It was not discovered unitl almost take-off that King Wingert had never had a reason for a foriegn state visit before, and the visits to Russia were with guerrillae units, not pleasant diplomatic affairs. Consequently, there was no suitable luxury like the famous Quinntonian Jesus-1 plane to carry the monarch to France, and rather than charter a private jet, it was decided that they would make a bold statement as to the nature of this alliance, and as to the power of the Estenlandian military tradition in the nobility by arriving in twin military carriers, along with fifteen decoy planes, in changing and mixed formations, that will be carrying the supplies, and a suitable dowry of Eastern religious artifacts and hundreds of Icons. Wingert sees that this sort of thing is appreciated by the French Monarch, and responds accordingly.
The fleet of 17 military carriers will be flying protected by an honor gaurd of 170 of the best fighters that Estenlands has to offer, they will fly escort until entering French airspace, when they will allow escort duties to be taken over by the French Air Force, of course, they will need to re-fuel in France bfore returning, and there are air refueling planes already waiting at several pionts along the way.
Wingert is also bringing along a company of his most elite special foces operatives and Kargat Assassins to be used as security while there. He is not expecting trouble, but this feeds his paranoia.
Count Falkenstien forwards a list of invited guests, including over 3,000 members of the nobility of the estenlands, some of whom were already arriveing in chartered private jets.
Wingert is leaving his second daughter, Princess Adrienna, as acting regent.

King Wingert issues an open invitation to the leaders of all of the nations of the world to come to this most glorious of weddings.
King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

12-12-2004, 02:37

The insipid worldwide revolutionaries continued to decry the legimate government of the Kingdom of France. His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, however, simply shrugged it off. Philippe Egalite was a worthless traitor, his example made it clear for the exiled French Republicans to keep their mouths shut...or else. Already, due to the heralded decrees spread Kingdom-wide, crowds of Frenchmen made the journey to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. The gardens were being prepared with pyrotechnic displays, the palace itself decorated with aggrandments of every shape and size. Needless to say, the price of this spectacular wedding would be incredible. However, since His Most Christian Majesty basically controlled the finances of France, it would be no great trouble to organize the weights of gold.

The Royal Army had been expanded with the addititon of both an extra Korean Division and a Regiment of the elite Swiss. The regular army had been brought up from 2 divisions of French Guards to 10. The Navy was brought up to par--Cherbourg class battleships, Brest Class Frigates, and Marseilles class light cruisers patrolled the waters around the Kindgom. The Ordu du Saint Espirit patrolled the skies, its cockpicks manned by the highest orders of French Nobility. France had become stronger militarily than it had been in centuries, and was commanded by the nobility, and policed by the elite forces of the Royal Army.

One division remained at the Champ de Mars, however: The Royal Dauphin Division. In order to give the corps a bit of backbone, 3 companies of the First Korean Division of the Royal Army had been added to it. This is the Division the Dauphin would take with him to Estenlands upon the marriage.

A non-descript number of aircrafts then arrived at Royale International Airport in Paris. As the lead approached the Red Carpet, the Basque Brigade of the Royal Army struck up Blozhe Tsarya Khrani (God Save the Czar). The Pope and Patriarch were alread quartered in Versailles, gleefully discussing how the orthodox rights of Christianity (both east and west) were supported by two iron pillars.

The motorcade that passed from Versailles through Paris carried the King and Dauphin. The crowds cheered and waved Fleur-de-lis. It seemed that through a number of policies (most of them used to blind the populace to the Kings absolute power) His Most Chrisitan Majesty Louis XX was absolutley popular. From the gilded Limo, the King threw money to the crowds. The King stopped and St. Denis on the way to lay hands on the sick, and bless them. So when the Czar stepped of his plane, he would be greeted by His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, and the Dauphin of France, Charles-Antoine-Xavier.

The wedding would be held the next day, and the celebrations would last for at least five complete days.

Hudecia

12-12-2004, 02:51

-Ottawa-

Hudecia's Quebec francophone populations was split on the issue of France's nobility. On one hand, they saw it as an prelude to an attempt at reunification with former colonies, but on the other there was sense of hope that the government would restore France to its position of honour and respect in the world.

As for Hudecia's politicians, they were also evenly split on the issue. With many of the anglophone politicians feeling that the increasing power of France was potentially dangerous, while many asian politicians hoped to focus more on Pacific matters.

Still, Hudecia decided that it would be best to send a delegation at least to the wedding and to extend an invitation to the monarch to visit its former colony. Preparations were already being made for a possible royal visit to Quebec City or Montreal.

Elkazor

12-12-2004, 03:43

The Quebecois delegation was welcomed with open arms. Although it was a miniscule recepetion compared to the grand festival being prepared for the Czars arrival, the Hudecians were nevertheless given every benefit of a state arrival. Limos whisked the delegation away to fairy-tale Palace of Versailles, where a suite of apartments awaited them. On the lead envoys desk was placed a gilded invitation to the majestical marriage. It was even hinted that an audience with His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX may in the future become possible.

Lunatic Retard Robots

12-12-2004, 04:20

tag

The Estenlands

12-12-2004, 08:22

The fateful meeting of these two political giants had finally come. Unfortunately, one of them was a physical giant. The Tsar had chosen to step off the plane adorned ina suit of gold plate mail armour, with the almost six-foot sword he carried slung across his back, and his wild beard framing his cold, glaring eyes. This would be the first major public event for the monarch, and the press ate it up. A man of his proportions would draw stares wherever he was, but now, this rough and tumble military man whose heavily muscled arms were almost as wide as the French Kings' waist, stepped forward and walked straight up to His Majesty, Louis XX, who stood there gaping in spite of himself, as the sun glistened over the massive gold armoured figure clanging towards him. (I assume that he had been told of Wingerts size, but let's be honest, nobody is going to be prepared for that)

Wingert drew himself up to his full hieght, and, taking off one mighty gauntlet, an armoured Goliath to Frances David, reached his hand awkwardly out towards the king. Niether monarch would be the first to bow, and this seemed the best option to the rather undiplomatic Tsar, he waited for the kings' response.

Princess Jillesepone Hawkness-Wingert walked in behind, in a traditional, vieled Ukrainian formal gown, obviously not accustomed to such finery, and though her cotume was a sight less than many of the lesser ladies, her intense athletic beauty more than made up for it, with actual gasps escaping from some in the crowd as her lithe form ....um.....filled out her dress. She took some small comfort in the fact that she could most likely out-shoot, command and probably kill hand-to-hand every man in the room.

Count Falkenstien accompanied the honor gaurd that had been assembled of Kargat and Special Forces, in full free regalia, which looked cheap and provincial next to the dress of the French noble-soldiers. (The entire delegation looked cheap next to the French, who just, let's face it, had more class. The only reason Wingert impressed is that a seven foot tall man wearing 120 pounds of gold and steel is going to impres you no matter how unstylish his beard) The soldiers that were assembled did offer one distinction, they were among the most skilled, experienced and effecient killers in the Tsars command, and their thousand yard stares chilled their audience to the bone.

King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

12-12-2004, 08:48

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX was, admittedly, stunned. The man exiting the plane was a goliath, but Louis was His Most Christian King. With that knowledge, his wig perfectly set, and his diamond buckeled shoes sparkling, wrapped in the royal blue cloak, bedecked with Fleur-de-lis; to the sound of the military band he hugged his new brother. The scene was odd, but the media experts agreed the majestic bearing of Louis more than made up for his vertical challenge. The Dauphin shyly blushed at the Princess, his military ensemble pailing in comparison to his wifes stature. The Bastille fired a twenty one gun salute, and the crowds cheered and huzzazed. It was a incredible event. With the official embraces completed, the Royal Parties entered their motorcade.

The massive motorcade sped through Paris. Hundreds of limousines cantered down the flower strewn streets, both monarchs waving to the crowd. By order of the King, the bells of Paris were rung for hours. The mood of the city was jubilant--though only hours before Phillipe Egalite had been broken, now the crowd had what they wanted:the glory of France, on full display. With every one of Louis victories the republic faded to a dream state, the Bourbons were ripe with power. The motorcade stopped at Notre Dame, where a Mass was sung both in Latin and Russian. Proceeding from there, the motorcade eventually arrived at Versailles, where the trumpets rang out the arrival. Tommorrow would be the glorious day, when the two all the servants of Christ on Earth (HMCM Louis XX, HIH the Czar, HH Pope John Paul III, and the Patriarch of Constantinople) would be united in a numptual celebration.

Balls were given at Versailles through the night, cannonades were blasted--but the best would be saved for tommorrow. Already, the Chapel Royal was being prepared for the most magnificent wedding in millenium. There would be the wedding itself, followed by a banquet, followed by a review of the Royal Dauphin Division by both their Majesties, capped off by a celebration of fireworks, masked balls, public entertainments, and free gifts experts estimated in the billions.

But now the Motorcade arrived at Versailles, and the subjects of France (from the poorest worker to the richest noble) cheered so loudly that their voices became hoarse.

Elkazor

12-12-2004, 19:13

bump

The Estenlands

12-12-2004, 20:18

OOC-BTW, t Wingert considers himself Russian Orthodox, though any Orthodox will do, he sees the Russian Orthodox Curch's stance on seeing the Tsar as the continuance in the tradition of the Emporer of the eastern Empire rather appealling.
IC-Ina tense moment, Wingert, misundertsanding the intentions of the French Kings hug, almost belted him, but remained cool, stiffly returning the embrace and patting him on the head.
Princess Jillesepone looked her betrothed up and down, hoping that the purity she saved for marriage would be worth it, and winked at her blushing husband-to-be.
Wingert sat and attended all the masses, and celebrations throughout that day, and there was even a moment of tenderness when he called Jillesepone to his seat, and had her crouch down and take his hand, like a little girl as his eyes welled up during one of the beautiful concerts that they attended.
Wingert also made it be known that he expected a private meeting between the two monarchs so that they could discuss the many international issues that both nations were involved in, not the least of which was the meddling of the Anglo powers trying to assert their so-called racial superiority over us.
He also gets a moment with the poe and asks why the Ukrainain Catholic Church has not been granted a Patriarch yet?
King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

12-12-2004, 20:43

Marimaia

12-12-2004, 20:50

OOC: Sorry, been busy with other things; quick update.

IC:

Phanum signed the Tripartite Pact, and signalled His Excellency's acknowledgement of the Holy League as a friendly institution (OOC: in other words, Marimaia has no objections to the Holy League).

Phanum and Lan will be in attendance at the wedding if they're allowed.

Elkazor

12-12-2004, 20:58

The Ambassidor from Marimaia and his charming wife were to be given a front row seat for the marriage, and the Grand Alliance ceremony afterwards. Louis XX was ecstatic, as the Ambassidors news was delievered to him while he chatted with the Czar.

Elkazor

13-12-2004, 00:27

bump

Hudecia

13-12-2004, 00:52

The Quebecois delegation arrives but is noticably lacking in any of the principle leaders of the country. The highest official is the Premier of Quebec, Lucien Chretien, a distant relative of the former prime minister.

They act respectably at all times but are nonetheless put off by language difficulties. Finally, an interpreter had to be brought in to help translate between Quebec French and France's French. It was sure to be noticed that Quebec French is slightly augmented by words from the english language.

The Estenlands

13-12-2004, 17:16

The Tsar pulled a flask of very old vodka out of his jacket pocket, just tucked under his kevlar suit, and poured a generous dollop into his coffee. Then, packing his pipe and lighting it, he began.
"Our nations sit on a very precarious grip of power." He says with in passable french," My people have swept me to power through decades of revolt and rivers of blood from our oppressors. You have had your counter-revolution happen very suddenly, and with surpisingly little bloodshed. I must say, I am impressed by your rise, mine was far more difficult, it truly seems as though yours was preodained by God. (he crosses himself) However, the French are notorious throughout their history for changing governments whenever the mood strkes them, how can you be sure that you will not be swept out of power as fast as you were put there?"

"Also, I know you understand the nature of the speed of this marriage. I need money. Lots of it, and you have it. You need a strong military ally, and I command the most powerful army in Europe, this is a marriage of convienience. I honestly pray that the children learn to love eachother, but in the end, the deal is done, all they need to do now is produce an hier. You must understand that I know through my agents in the Kargat of your sons youthful antics with other women. He should know that if that behavior continues, I will personally strangle the life out of him."

"The deal is as follows, you will apply military and diplomatic pressure on the western powers, making yourself a threat. I am going to invade Lavrageria if they do not tow the line. Your billions will be put to very good use in Estenlands as they pay to build war supplies and invest in an industrial base to be used for future conflicts. Your navy will also be responsible for keeping the Medeterranian open for Estenlandian trade, though I will deal with the Black Sea personally. In return, you will gain a powerful military ally and another nation that will support your government in whatever comes your way. Should all of Europe rise up against you, they will have to come through me. I know that we make strange allies, but there is no one else for either of us."

"Your son will be happy in Kiev, he will have a prodigious amount of work, a command to take care of, a household to run, I assume he will still retain control of his business interests? Kiev is quite beautiful in the summer, though he may have trouble adjusting to our winters. You probably should knwo that in order for him to accepted as anything more than a fop, he will have to prove himself in battle, as the nobility in Ukraine are some of the hardest warriors in Christendom. If he survives the campaign, and gets over the idea that in the military, he will answer to his wife, for now, he will go far, and his children will sit on the Iron Throne."

"WE need to arrange for a state visit from the other monarch of the Tripartide Pact, so that the "Big Three" can be photographed together."

"By the way, who is next in line to rule France now that your eldest son is going away? Is it stilll him? In the event of your untimely passing, will I lose two of my military commanders to the soft finery of Versialles?"

After the talk, which lasts late into the night and starts to take the turn to vodka more and more after the business is settled, the Tsar talks of the revolutionary campaigns that he grew up taking part in, used as a figurehead until he wrested control of the revolution from the commoners who dared to use him in such a way. He talks of the pleasures of his hunting lodge in Eatern Ukraine, and invites the French monarch there sometime, on a visit to his son. They find themselves in easy company as who can speak to men such as these but eachother, and each begins to look at the other as an equal, if anyone is."

King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

13-12-2004, 19:01

Quinntonian Dra-pol

13-12-2004, 23:14

OOC-The Protestant west, oh, right, my nation is like 60% Lutheran, I guess that qualifies. Also, 15% Cathloic, with maybe 5% Orthodox and 15% Evangelical,and less than 5% of all other faiths, including aethism.

IC-Prime Minister Jess Obed, in Britian participating in international talks, has decided to accept his invitation to the wedding and his plane, the Jesus-1 will be landing tonight, in a show of trust, he is placing himself completely under the protectorship of the French King.
"Defender of the faith, indeed, this Papist is just another tyrant using the name of God for his own personal glory. It's sickening. Well, he had better tow the line, because Quinntonians liberated France in WWII, and we will do it again, if we have to. As for the other guy, him, I'm frightened of. Does he actually beleive the Czarist nonsense that he spouts? If not, he is just a dictator, if he does, he's mad."

WWJD
Amen.

The Estenlands

13-12-2004, 23:24

Wingert reeled at the thought, or maybe it was the second bottle of vodka he washed down with some old, French wine, 20 billion! That would buy him an industrial base that would serve his efforts for years. The planes were great too, they would also be put under the Dauphin's commands.
He was careful to correct the French monarch, who he coming to like, inspite of himself, that he was not conqueriing Lavrageria, but liberating her.
"The west will not want war, and I am not asking for a pre-emptive strike, I am just asking that you maintain tha threat of a motivated and well-equipeed French armed force just a few kilometers across the Channel. That should keep their meddling to a minimum. As for your navy, bravo! My navy is a small affair, quite sufficient for my needs in the Black Sea, but not adequate to engage the fleets of the other great powers in the open ocean, so that will be your domain. I have spent all my funding on my land-based forces and aircraft, and so don't need a navy for my puposes, yet. Perhaps when I rule from St. Petersburg, I will rebuild the might Tsarist navy, but for now it is not needed, as long a Turkey keeps its place. But I have plans for the Turks as well."

"Perhaps we could both visit our other ally, together, after your hunting trip to my nation."

King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

14-12-2004, 02:30

1
.

Elkazor

14-12-2004, 03:54

bump

The Estenlands

14-12-2004, 16:47

With the marriage over, King Wingert leaves the following morning, his huge airborne procession taking off at dawn. His nation is in a critical time and he is eager to get back. It is understood that the Dauphin Division and the planes that are attached to it will be transported soon, if need be, Estenlands will send military transports to pick them up.
As a wedding gift, Wingert gives his new son-in-law and daughter 800 M1A2 Abrams with full sensor arrays just bought through third parties from Quinntonia, they will also be attached to the Dauphin Division, giving them armoured capabilities beyond any of the rest of even the most crack armoured divisions, seeing as how they are the most advanced Main Battle Tanks in the world. They will be waiting for them to inspect in Kiev. He is also willing to provide his best and most elite tank crews gleaned from throughout his massive armoured element within his armed forces, the best technology in the world, built in North America, and the most experienced, best trained tank crews in the world to pilot them. This, along with the attached fighter jets and the elite brigades should make the Dauphin Division the most formidable one in the Estenlandian Armed Forces.
Also with this, the nobility of the Estenlands has come together and purchased 250 Joshua Class (Apache) Attack Helicopters to attach to the Dauphin Division.
The Dauphin Division will be given the Castle Perhoka, with massive renovations done to it, the newly wed couple will use that palace there, and will command the stationed 1st Dauphins from there. The sorrounding countryside is under major construction and within the month will be ready for the division to use as their major base, including living quaters for themselves and their families, a small city is being built just for them, walled off from the rest of the nation.

King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

14-12-2004, 17:48

The Louis-Auguste, the flagship of the French fleet (A Cherbourg-Mark IV battleship as opposed to Mark III) had origionally ben intended as the lead escort to Sebastopol. However, it was being outfitted with another radar/sonar modification so was unable to make the journey at this time.

In its place, the Cherbourg Mark III Roi de Soleil would escort the fleet of 5 transports and 6 Brest Class Firgates which would carry the Royal Dauphin Division to the Estenlands.

Steaming out from Marseilles, to the cheering of the dockers, it sped through the Med, on its way to deliever the precious cargo of the Dauphin, the Dauphine, and the division.
________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, His Most Christian Majesty was preparing for a Royal Tour. Following the arrival of his son in Kiev, he would fly in, and hunt a bit. Then, onto to Marimaia, the journey to be ended with a good-will tour of Quebec. France went back to its everyday labor, the women still humming the songs of the great celebration.

Hudecia

14-12-2004, 20:51

-Quebec City-

Preparations were being made to welcome the French monarch with all the pomp and pageantry required for a royal visit. No interviews, journalists or paparazzi would be allowed to get close to the King but the Hudecian and Quebec governments hoped that the King would be open to the public for a short period of time.. although not too long.. memories of Charles de Gaulle's infamous 'Vivre le Quebec' speech were still burned into the minds of Hudecian nationalists.

They would be sure that a repeat of that speech would be avoided, lest the French monarch enjoyed getting abruptly kicked out of countries.

A pressing matter for Hudecia was the existance of la Francophonie, would it still exist in the new world order? What would its job be? Would France want to change the relationship between it and its former colonies?

These questions might not be answered today, but Hudecia was watching to see if they would be.

Elkazor

14-12-2004, 23:13

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX was now ready for his world tour (Estenlands, Marimaia, and Hudecia at least, in that order---those nations which had shown him alliance, or in the latters case at least a little cordiality) In but twenty four hours, the Royal Motorcade would proceed to Royale International Airport in Paris. Awaiting His Majesty at the Airport would be his newly completed official transport, a massive and singularly unique Airbus-9000; dubbed appropriatley enough the Monarch One. The aircraft was deep blue, with white wings, and spinkled with Fleur-de-lis.

His plans in Estenlands were already known between himself and the Czar, likewise were his appearences in Marimaia (where he looked forward to a number of oceanic sporting events). Dispatches were sent to Hudecian Quebec, announcing Louis XX's arrival in nine days. The itenerary, as a courtesy, was planned with the Hudecian Government. His Most Christian Majesty would hunt with the Quebecois Primier, pray in Quebecs Cathedrals, attend a few parties, have one public appearence in Quebec City, and then (hopefully) attend lunch with the Hudecian Prime Minister himself. M. de Vergennes sent messages ahead to Hudecia declaring the trip simply a good will tour, with no controversy at all planned on His Majesties side.

Marimaia

14-12-2004, 23:21

The Marimaians are a little disappointed that Louis XX's visit will not coincide with His Excellency's coronation, but it will not prevent them from celebrating the occasion. His Most Christian Majesty will be invited to stay at Ayutthaya Palace as the guest of His Excellency Chiisu Suun; during his stay, he will be invited to visit the National Volleyball Championship. He will also be invited to enjoy surfing and scuba diving with His Excellency and Royal Consort Tian Yao.

Hudecia

15-12-2004, 17:56

-Montreal-

Preparations were being made in many quarters for the royal vist.

In the streets, barricades were going up to prevent the crowd from getting too close to the French monarch, French flags were being distributed among the francophone population (but not among the anglophones) and snipers were taking position on the rooftops to take out any potential assassins.

An entire corps was being relocated to Montreal, the largest city in Quebec and the proposed location for the dinner between Hudecia's Prime Minister, Thabo, and Louis XX. In attendance would also be several of the wealthiest and most influential public and private citizens, Foreign Minister O'Hara, Hudecia Industries CEO Michael MacNally, Korea Military Corporation's HR Department Head Meg Bang, Alberta Premier Mike Klein, Quebec Premier Lucien Chretien and the head of the Hudecian Aerospace Company, Michel Benoit.

Louis XX would begin his whirlwind tour of Quebec with a stop at the cathedrals in the heart of devout Montreal, where he would be invited to take part in mass along with the Quebec Premier.

After the mass, he and Lucien would travel to a place near Trois Rivieres for a hunt.

Then, he would make a stop in the capital of Quebec, Quebec City, where he would appear before the provincial parliament and the people before returning to Montreal for a dinner.

After the dinner, His Majesty would leave Quebec.

Elkazor

15-12-2004, 20:07

The Royal Motorcade, composed of limo's, vans, and armored vehicles, pulled onto the tarmack of Royale International Airport in Paris.

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX was given his tranquilizing medication by His Queen, Marie-Therese. It had been a grueling couple of months, and if he was to embark on another tour de e'tat, he would be forced to rely on relaxation in a bottle. He smiled, and Marie adjusted the Kings wig. Their sons, except for the Dauphin of course, would stay behind to manage things while Louis was gone. By the end of the night they would be in Estenlands. Then onto Marimaia, and finally Hudecian Quebec.

The Motorcade approached Monarch One, and a detachment of His Swiss Bodyguard was waiting for the King to board. He and His Queen then boarded the aircraft, his Bodyguard fired a salute, then followed thier Majesties on board. The plane lifted off.

The Royal Plane took off, followed by its escort of twelve hand picked Dassualt-Rafale C's, and set its course towards Kiev International Airport.

Elkazor

20-12-2004, 05:44

Versailles was cold, and the attendance of nobles had lessened due to the Kings absence on tour. But the grounds remained perfect, the fountains still played, and the Kings four other sons saw to the business of government whilst the King was away.

M. de Saint Germain, Minister of War to His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, stood before the Kings Council D'Etat.

"Gentlemen, His Majesty, in light of the developing world situation, has asked if I will be able to provide him with a full, additional Wing of Mirage-2000's for the Ordu du Saint Espirit---as well as raise another two divisions of French Guards. I have taken His Majesties orders to heart, and transformed them into reality. I have given commands, by the power vested in me by His Sovereign Majesty, for two divisions to be raised in the Champ de Mars, beginning at once...needless to say, construction of the new wing is already underway." With that Saint-Germain nodded, and sat down.

Armandian Cheese

20-12-2004, 05:47

OOC: Well, well, well. I see you're getting ready to fight an air war. Better prep the AA guns...He, he...Just kidding.

Elkazor

24-12-2004, 20:13

Louis XX returned to France, landing at Royale Internation Airport in Paris. After a long tour away, it was good to be home. All across the Kingdom, church bells were rung at his arrival.

Upon his leaving of Monarch One he immediatley donned a military uniform, laden with ribbons and sashes. He was take by motorcade to the Champ des Mars. There, he mounted his white stallion. Turned out, ready for service, were the additional two divisions of French Guards Louis had ordered to assemble. To the fife and drum playing 'The world turned upside down' Louis reviwed these brave French Guards, their uniforms of blue and white contrasting with the blue and red of his Swiss Bodyguards. Overhead, the new wing of Mirage-2000's of the Ordu du Saint Espirit flew by, in perfect formation. Men huzzazed! (Louis was glad, these were not mercenaries of the Royal Army, but the French themselves, if they were proud, Mon Dieu, things were going well) Long live the King! they cried.

When the review was over, and the men were sent to their garrisons, Louis was taken, finally, back to his beloved Versailles. Changing his limo for the Carriage Majestical, Louis XX, by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre, Defender of the Faith was taken to the Petit Trianon, a delightful little mansion on the palace grounds. He was served dinner alone, his wife left to sleep. His sons joined him, and they chatted.

It became clear that the Lavragerian situation was volitile, getting moreso every passing minute. Louis became convinced that no Dra-pol, Islandian, or Russia ships ought to be in the Medditerranian. It was with that intent he ordered five Marseilles-class frigates, under the command of the Cherbourg class battleship Roi de Soleil ((The Cherbourgs, heart of the French Navy. They are 2/3's larger than the Missouri class, armed with sonor/torpedo arrays, AA radar systems, huge 16" guns, and were white though made of the strongest reinforced steel---they French scrapped aircraft carrier programs, turning instead to fast, strong, armed to the teeth super battleships)) , to make for Gibraltar, to steam from Marseilles at once.

They were not to interfere with any traffic, but detain at once any and all Russian, Islandian, Strandothian, and most importantly Dra-polian ships. He would not have this situation explode, he would force a lid on it.

As well, he called up three divisions of French Guards to encamp at the Champ des Mars, at full awareness, in case anything should happen. Joining them would be two Batallions of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the French armored cavalry. Tents were raised, and thirty thousand men left their comfortable garrisons to assemble there, under the watchful eyes of the Royal Army. If war came, France would be ready.

After that state business, Louis was exhausted. He prayed, and then difted off to sleep. The next morning, Falkenstein was summoned before His Most Chrisitan Majesty Louis XX, and asked what his brothers need was, and what the hell is going on? Hudecian ministers were sent for, because in spite of all the chaso threatining, Louis wanted to carry on with the marriage.

Strathdonia

24-12-2004, 22:05

OOC:

Officially the Strathdonia government barely knows that eastern europe even exists much less is active there in any shape or form, i am merely role palying an idnivdiual group of mercs, the leader of which just happens to eb strathdonian Ex-pat ;)

Oh and feel free to stop our non existant shipping (we don't have a oceonianic coast we rely on links via Al-Khals and United Simba with the vast majority of our comerce likely being carried by vessel under the flag of Roycelandia and United Elias.

i don't suppose you want soem stats worked up for your battleships (based on their size a construction time of 5years would be optimistic).

Elkazor

24-12-2004, 22:43

OOC- Well, technically I have been in power for at least several years, and this was the Restorations major project in regards to the navy. Actually, it is a tiny navy, compared to the major powers, but cutting edge and efficent. Stats follow. And though of course you dont have a navy per se, I am sure there are unscrupulous folks whod give you a ride, such as perhaps a Dra Pol sub. And, Heaven forbid, even 1 man can carry unspeakable weaponry nowadays. Here follows stats for the Cherbourgs alone, keeping in mind they are the heart and soul of the Royal Navy, named of course after the dock city which has always been Royalist in tendencies:

The Cherbourg Class Battleship

Cherbourg Mark II- Louis-Auguste (add ons in progress, docked)
Cherbourg Mark I- Roi de Soleil (active)
Cherbourg Mark I- Louis XIV (active)
Cherbourg Mark I- Strasbourg (5/6 completed, docked)

Stats for Charbourg Mark I

Crew Compliment= 1100 (30 Officers, 1070 Enlisted men)
Displacement= 78000 (full load) tons
Perpulsion= Eight 1500-kw generators driven by 16 steam turbines
(two turbines per generator)
Shaft Horsepower= 310, 960 normal
Maximum speed= 38. 37 knots Endurance= 71,000 nautical miles
Cruising Speed= 17.31 knots Endurance= 160,530 nautical miles
Propellers= 6
Rudders= 3
Armor= 14.86"
LeClerc AF9 Radar Reconaissance Platform
LeMare SJ1 Sonor Reconaissiance Platform

Cannons
Gun 16"/12 units (3 per turret, for a total of four)
Shell Weight (lbs)= 1,535
Muzzle Velocity (fps)= 5,400
Muzzle Range (yds)= 95,600
Maximum Elevation= 45 Degrees

Offensive Misslery
25 Trident Ship to Ship Missles (not the American Nuclear Variety, akin to Harpoon)
16 Fury V Long Range Missles (receptacles for nuclear, chemical, biological or standard payloads)

AA Batteries
32 .52" in eight quadruple mounts
32 1.46" in eight quadruple mounts
15 SAM Stations

6 Kingfisher (Seahawk) Anti-Submarine Helicopters
6 Sonor Equipped Torpedoes per Chopper

Cherbourg Mark II- Will feature additional turbines and AA capability, plus heavir armaments. Est. completion, three months.

The British Federation

24-12-2004, 22:50

(Notes to self; develop bigger anti-ship missiles. Determine location of gigantic slips. Hide Gibraltar.
A proud day for French naval tradition, anyway. Daring to take on, in the Mediterranean Sea, the mighty blue water navies of Malawi and North Korea :) That must be, what, anything from nought to two ships, and that's before we even consider Belarus ;) )

The British Federation

24-12-2004, 22:55

(58.37knots! Am I misreading that? Eighty thousand tons of ship doing over sixty miles per hour?
I assume that 16"/12 indicates the presence of a dozen sixteen inch guns, and not twelve-calibre-long sixteen inch guns, right?)

The Estenlands

25-12-2004, 00:34

Count Falkenstien comes into the presense of the most August Louis XX of France. After a repectful period of courtly waiting, Count Falkenstien is let in and begins to report immmediately on the Lavregerian situation.

"His Majesty the Tsar has deployed the majority of our forces to the north of Ukriane, and is preparing, bouyed by Your Highness' generosity, for what seems like an inevitable military conflict. WE have called up 20 Divisions of Light Infantry from our reserves, and with your Majesty's generosity, will be able to keep them afield indefinately. With our military as it is, along with your finacial help, we are more thna able to utterly defeat the Lavregerain dfenders, unless they surrender to some form of vassalage, and will be more than enough to defend against any incursion from the troublesome Russias, and that commoner, Putin. You just returned from Montreal, is Putin really a French Canadian dish with fries, cheese curds and gravy?
His Majesty is also considering calling up the next tier of reserves and drilling them, in the few weeks that we have left, just to be on the safe side, against Russian incusion. That would increase our forces by another 20 Divisions, 400,000 men. The only difficulty is, that such a radical deployment of Reserves would cripple our ecomony. We only have funds and resources left to keep such a massive force equipped for a maximum of two months, without damaging our economy in the long-term. What would our great ally, King Louis, recommed in this situation?"

King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

25-12-2004, 00:37

OOC- Yes, good to have you back, by the way. That would be twelve cannons, mounted in three a piece turrets, each packing a 16" inch shell, the weight of the shells is on the list, I think. Thats just on paper, referring to 58 knots. I would imagine that anything over 50 and it wouldnt go so well. But, hypothetically, it could. Though non nuclear, it has a hell of an engine room. It would be in the red zone, though, and would probably only get one chance to go 58, if ya know what I mean ;). Nevertheless this is the bulk, appropros huh, of the French Navy. The other ships, basically 9 destroyers and 17 frigates, are meant just to supplement these momuments to the Louis'. Small, but expensive, yet not unwealdy, I think this is the right sort of Navy for Absolute France. Dont worry though, the French would never dream of ever using them against such as the Brits, once burned, right? It is simply a statement of French power, and the ability to focus it in small and potent amounts.

Elkazor

25-12-2004, 00:52

"You mean family Falkenstein, we are family now. I will hear no more of allies, we are one!" Louis grinned. "Tell my brother, your lord, that I will prop up his economy, no matter what the cost!" He said in a determined voice. "I stand by my family. You have but to ask, mon ami, and I will write a check, tell that to your lord." ((Within reason of course))

"Bah, Putin, Puton I say!" He giggled at his coarse word play. "Listen to me, Falkenstein, I will never let my brothers economy fail. Hudecia is a good land, and will become an economic friend of France in a few days, once the marriage occurs. Marimaia already is pumping out the trade." He smirked. "My economy thrives (especially since it has absolute control, ahh the profits of absolutist mercantilism) and will continue thriving...if we remain strong and respected. So we are dependant on each other. The Tsar must defeat the barbos, and when he does, our power bloc will grow even more, securing our economies for generations to come. Come, my friend, let us go to Mass, and then a rich dinner!"

When the King rose, his courtiers bowed, ladies fanning, men swelling with pride. The King and his entourage left for The Royal Chapel, and there was prepared a white lighted Mass. The Grand Almoner lifted his voice to God, calling down His protections and blessings upon His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX and His Imperial Highness the Tsar. The organ peeled, and the choir intoned mighty incantations of the Gospel.

Following the beautiful service, the King held a public dinner. From the highest noble of court to the poorest worker of Paris, subjects of France watched delightedly as the King, Marie-Therese, Count Falkenstein, and the Royal Family dined on Goose. Afterward, the poor were treated to gifts and food themselves, courtesy of Louis.

((By the way everybody, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and the best New Year! God Bless!))

Strathdonia

25-12-2004, 02:27

OOC:
58 knots would indeed be pushing things, most small fast combatants woudl have trouble hitting that speed and IIRC thats faster than even the HSV...

again IIRC the inefficencies of such a huge vessel make such speeds pretty much impossible. To be honest i woudl recon that even 37knots would be pushing it and such a speed would still make the vessel one of the fastest ever built in that sort of size.

Your vessels have one major major weakness: no CIWS, i think the french did design thier own home grown one but i'm not entirely sure about it.

Sorry for nit picking. Of course it will be interesting to see how UE reacts to these

Now why would we want to peopel to ride on the nasty rusty communist death traps when we coudl send them ona ridiculously oppulent Roycelandian pleasure boat..

TBF: Yes the french are right to fear the of swift boats and PBRs of the Nyassa Boat Section, why if they were to even consider setting sail on Lake Nyassa we would be able to fire, oh about 8 Sea skuas before dieing horribly. Now might be the time to cosnider reviving the Vangaurd and lion classes and seeing if you can stick a GBU-28 on a eurofighter...

The Estenlands

25-12-2004, 05:28

OOC-Count Falkenstien eating at the Royal Table at Versailles on Christmas Eve! Many would not, but I realise what kind of statement of affection that is.

But, in all honesty, Christmas does not occur in Estenlands for several weeks.
King Wingert I of the Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

02-01-2005, 03:49

Paris was sparkling. Crime was down, morality was up, and business was booming. It would seem as it ever did, save the Bastille standing strongly in the cities center. A symbol of the Kings absolute power, and the penalty for disobeying it. One would also notice now that the Eiffel tower had four massive golden fleur-de-lys on each of its sides, which sparkled in the sun.

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, on return from his tour, went about the day to day business of kingcraft.

He went by motorcade to Paris, where the sick had been brought to St. Denis. There, in front of crowds of onlookers both press and civilian, Louis XX laid hands on the terminally ill, granting them the "Royal Touch." Some said, and gave evidence to back themselves up, that the King by the power vested in him by the Holy Catholic Church and will of God was truly able to heal; as his ancestors had done before him.

Following that, he gave a short speech at the Hall of the Thrid Estate,which had become the nations economic chamber. It was a light speech, well recieved.

Perhaps on these occasions more than any other it was clear to see why France loved their King. He was a visible symbol of the rich, poor, righteous, and bourgeoise society, in one man. He was impressive, majestic, personable, and always had the right word to say to anyone.

Following the ceremony, he attended Mass at Notre Dame, and the cathedral was packed solid by people craning to get a peek of the King.
Afterwards, after he had taken his wife shopping, the motorcade whisked the Royal couple back to Versailles; where the King hunted, and the Queen entertained society ladies at the Petit Trianon in the park.

As counter-intuitive as it seems, the Restoration had actually improved the French economy. With the reinstatement of Sumptuary Laws, subjects were locked into their social posistion for life...there had been speculation, but the result was positive. No longer was there unemployment (except for select groups of the lowest poor, the perennial left outs), nor was there inflation. Nobles were given control of the enterprise (whether once corporate, agricultural, industrial) and the firms previous employees were life bound to their labor. The theory, a mix of fuedal law and capitalistic doctrine, ensured stable continuity. Wadges were fixed (excluding, of course, the aristocracy) and France had adopted a gold standard (no stock market without pure capitalism).

Thus, France's economy stood toe to toe with the capitalist West, as well as any non-capitalist nation can. Its 'trillion' dollar economy was stabilized, and with lucrative trade alliances with Marimaia and Estenlands, there was every sign that the GDP was on the rise.

Of course, such an economic system required pressure valves. There would always be exceptions to the rule, and avenues had to be made available to suit them. The result was: if you wish to persue another career than the one by birth you ought to undertake, you could either join the Church or the military. In either case, it would be a boon for society. Marriage was at an all time high now, baptisms in the Holy Catholic Church were mandatory for all lawful subjects, and any day of the year one could hear the delightful sound of a Mass being sung realmwide.

The monarchical government had firmly taken control of the military, cementing its power in the elite, all mercenary, Royal Army.

Nevertheless, such changes will cause discontent. The discontent came in the form of the secret ABC Society, a group of republicans, leftists, secularists, and generally revolutionaries. What they didnt know, however, is that their leader, a former Republican Deputy, was secretly on Louis XX payroll. This allowed for the King to watch the revolutionaries, at the same time keeping them insipid.

All in all, France was again the land of the Most Christian Kings.

Elkazor

02-01-2005, 23:43

Hudecian delegates began to arrive at Versailles for the upcoming marriage of La Duchess d'Polignac, niece to the King, and the Premier of Quebec, Monsieur Cretien.

This would be the second Royal Marriage in the Chapel Royal since the Restoration, the first of course being the illustrious marriage of the Dauphin Charles to the Grand Duchess of Estenlands.

It was a wonderful thing to live in Versailles. Due to the new system of economics in France (which was doing well, finances had satbilized and the GDP ((see last post)) was rising) the 'first banker' of the Realm was the King himself, who was incredibley rich. Ergo, Versailles was dripping with money. It was quite literally something out of a fairy tale, complete with a King and Queen that glittered in their finery. Hudecians would find the Court extravagent, to a level they must have never encountered before. But not vulgarly so, rather the extravagence seemed to form the fairy tale magic while occupied Versailles---the visible symbol of Louis XX prestige.

Ladies, to keep up with fashion, were having Hudecian themes woven into their wigs, like mountains and the maple leaf. However, the wedding would not be as luxurious as the Dauphins...still it would capture the worlds attention for a moment.

After the marriage, which would symbolize the trade alliance and non-agression pact between Hudecia and France, there would be an official signing in the Hall of Mirrors. After that, there would be a ball, followed by illuminations in the garden.

Elkazor

04-01-2005, 19:21

((A bump for Hudeica))

Elkazor

05-01-2005, 01:28

Versailles was abustle with activity. ((In fact, Paris was to, due to the ackward arrival of the Hindustanis seeking their jailed compatriots released, and subsequently being pidgeonholed...but that did not redown to the gloire de Louis, and so the matter was kept silent, indeed no one outside of Court of the Hindustani delegation would know of it.))

First of all, the wedding between Duchess d'Polignac and Mosieur Cretien of Hudecia (who would immediatley pre-vows be knighted as a Chevalier du Saint-Espirit...a commoner could no technically marry a noble) was only days away, and gardeners worked round the clock in their floral preparations for the occasion. In the vast Parc d'Versailles pyrotechnicians were preparing a numptual display, and there was an increase in the ever present joy of sparkling Versailles.

Additionally, the arrival in the Palace of an ambassidor from United Elias was being expected, and a ball to host their arrival in the Grand Trianon was well under way. A walk through the gardens would present the sounds of musicians tuning their violins and trumpets. The King himself would attend with his Queen, the theme of the ball would be Middle Eastern heritige---suitable costumes were a must.

Not to even mention the fact that His Holiness Pope John Paul III would be visiting to pray with the King during the season of Lent...a gesture of the closeness of the two entities (Louis and the Church...who was their temporal defender).

On top of all this, there was the possibility that the Tiger King himself would soon come to Versailles, subsequently a Royal welcome would be in order, where His Most Christian King would be compelled to turn out Paris and in person greet the arrival of the fellow monarch at Paris International Airport.

Ergo, there would be a marriage and pacts, a few new faces with the hope of marriage and pacts, and the soon to be hoped arrival of an old friend who would be offered marriage.

Needless to say, for the grand series of events, those of base ancestry were already turning in applications to be able to view the events in person---only certain types of people would be accepted. Ladies sighed and fanned, everybody ordered more of the fabulously expensive pots of powder and rouge: what a romantic spring it would be!

((BTW Estenalnds, dont worry, Count Falkenstein will be given a place at all events, the place of honor, in fact. There is no disputing that the closest alliance His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX possesses is with His Imperial Highness, Tsar Wingert I.))

Elkazor

05-01-2005, 01:52

((::Bumps it, for all involved::))

United Elias

05-01-2005, 14:09

In comparison with the greandeur of Regal Versailles, the convoy was discreet and reticant, a 1980s vintage, black Zil limousine that was still the standard car for embassies that had not yet recieved the new cadillacs, and in many eyes still a most beautiful car thats very presence exuded authority, and two following Chevrolet Suburbans, all flying Elias flags on mini poles behind the headlights on each side. In the back of the lead car, His Excellency Adnan Salim sat, dressed in white tie for the state banquet, looking out at the magnificence of his surroundings, unable however to forget the events that had occured here on June 28th, 1919. That time they had unwittingly laid the groundwork for the world's most destructive war, he hoped this time, he would not do the same. Opposite him, his wife Laila looked most elegant in a western ball gown, designed to prove to the French that UE was a liberal, secular, westernised society and discard any possible connection with its strict religous neighbours.

As the Limousine pulled up outside the Palace, he prepared some remarks in his head, recalling the French that he had not used since his school days, across the water in most pleasant England.

Hudecia

05-01-2005, 16:57

-Versailles-

Hudecian President MacNally and Prime Minister Ishii both were in attendance at the wedding as were several of the provincial premiers. Also in attendance was Meg Bang CEO of Korea Military Corporation and Scott O'Reilly, CEO of Hudecia Industries.

They all were dressed in typical Hudecian/Western fashion, with tuxedos and suits, except for Ishii and Bang who dressed in a more asian fashion.

Fortunately Chretien was a Roman Catholic so it was assumed that there would be no religious problems involved with the ceremony or marriage. MacNally, a Protestant, knew of the problems that interreligious marriages could face by first hand experience.

The Hudecian attendees were impressed by the pomp and ceremony of the French monarchy, but many were also reminded of Louis XIV (the "Sun King")'s extravegant lifestyle and his downfall. But no one would dare mention it.

Signing the trade alliance afterwards would allow French products not only into Hudecia, but also parts of Korea and Indonesia. But the French position was a tenuous one, straddling between competing powers.

Elkazor

05-01-2005, 19:21

The wedding was magnificent. In the garden Cretien had been ennobled and invested with the cordon rouge. There was polite clapping.

The Hudecians would find the wedding dream like, for the organ played the whole time, mixed with the choir. The Royal Chapel was a Baroque masterpiece, made of black and white marble, gilted with golden angels. A massive golden crucifix, studded with diamonds and rubies, hung over the altar.

Thus were Chevalier Cretien du Saint-Espirit and Duchess d'Polignac married.
Following the vows, the King ordered a Te Deum to be sung...the kettle drums pounded and the trumpets rang out. From Paris, the sound of church bells ringing could be heard.

In the Hall of Mirrors afterwards, Louis would be quite jubiliant as he signed the treaty.

"Monsieur McNally, I wish to confide in you the feelings of my lands goodwill, and offer our promise that this treaty marks a period of stable trade and peaceful presperity (of course reffering to the SE Asian situation). My door is always open to your valiant land, and I welcome whatever input you might ever have."

With that the King stood and shook McNally's hand, in a most jovial manner; turning to admire the lovely married couple as they swept in, Cretien is his knightly vestments with the clever cordon, his wife in a silk wedding gown.

As twilight fell, and the gardens were illuminated, the Elian delegation would be admitted to Versailles. They were met by an honor guard of the Kings Swiss Bodyguard, who saluted them. After being shown to their suite of rooms at the Grand Trianon, they were given time to freshen up for the ball.

Under moon and stars Versailles shone back. The orchestra as a rule played only Minuets and Waltz's. Fireworks zipped up over the great park, and couples strolled through the fairy-lighted avenues with names such as "Ha Ha Alley" and "Peacock Lane."

The great marble ballroom lit by ten-thousand candles seemed to snow as servants at the top railings threw down little paper snowflakes. It may have seen cheap, but the papar sparkled and the effect was dazzling.

The King danced a Minuet with Polignac (who blushed the whole time) and Cretein danced with the Queen. Then, a trupmet sounded, and the Chamberlain rapped his staff to the floor.

"May it please your lords and ladies, the Ambassidor from United Elias!"

Great white doors were thrown open, and the Elians came through. They would be greeted by the King and Queen themselves, most cordially.

"Welcome, Monsieur y Madame." Said Louis XX. "Please, come and enjoy yourselves. I have been awaiting your nations arrival with the upmost pleasure." After that they would be lost in the swirl of the crowd, who at once questioned and complimented them, laughing gayly all the while.

The UE reps would already have some idea of what France was looking for, a trade allaince backed up with non-agression pacts. But that would come later, tonight they simply danced.

________________________________________________________________

The next morning, the Tiger King would be met at Paris International Airport by a full division of Korean Royal Infantry. In their yellow and red uniforms, they were breathtaking. Arrayed in checkedboard formation, they snapped to attention as one when Chiisu exited his plane, and cannons fired a twenty-one gun salute. After the conclusion of the salute, fifes and drums would play, and a brightly dressed figure walked down the red carpet.

The Comte d'Provence, His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX's second eldest son, met the Tiger King with a smart salute, dressed in the uniform of a Colonel of the Swiss Bodyguard.

"Your Excellency, it is my deepest honor welcome you to Paris. My father is delighted by your arrival. If you would follow me, all of Versailles is anticipating your arrival."

Elkazor

06-01-2005, 07:33

((By the way, I mention Versailles alot. And it is the capital of Restoration France. So here is the link to the Versailles site, it has alot of nice options, and gives a real feel for the French Monarchies MO:

http://www.chateauversailles.fr/

))

Marimaia

06-01-2005, 11:22

Chiisu smiled graciously at the Comte.

"Thank you for the kind welcome. If you don't mind, I brought my own limousine; it shouldn't take too long to unload."

While the limousine was unloaded, Chiisu and Tian engaged the Comte in conversation. They asked about how Louis and Marie-Therese were, as well as how France was doing in general. Once the limo was unloaded and all the luggage loaded in, Chiisu and Tian climbed in with most of the entourage; the Tiger's Claws revved up their escort motorcycles, while the NeoSuun Guard members shared transport with some of the French in attendance (OOC: hope that's okay).

Once all preparations had finished, the small convoy headed off to Versailles.

The Estenlands

06-01-2005, 11:41

Count Falkenstien presented the couple with a gift from his government-
A hunting lodge in the south of Ukraine, and a land-grant of some size for his now noble estate....in Lavregeria.

It is made known through diplomatic channels that Estenlands would be very offended if their generous gifts were not accepted.

King Wingert I of The Village of Farrah.

Elkazor

06-01-2005, 18:58

The first group of limos, French, contained the Count and Prince. The second group, Marimaian, followed behind. Since it was no great distance to Versailles from Paris, it was a quick ride.

Arriving at Versailles, they would find calashes ready to take them to the Orangerie, where a fine lunch was being prepared.

Upon their finding (Chiisu, Falkensteing et al) the massive white cloth table in the midst of perfectly planted rows of Oranges, they would see the King and Queen sitting at the table. Louis would rise when Chiisu came into view.

"Ah, mon ami. How are you?" The Queen, as a mark of this highest honor, made to rise without actually doing so. "Beinvienue a Versailles!"

As they sat, literally hundreds of servants began to dress the table. The meal today was game birds, cooked in various modes of flight.

"Chiisu, we are so sorry for the confusion over that debacle." He spoke while he worked on partridge, a bewigged servant re-filling his champagne. "I wish you to know the satellite is to be sold to you, no ifs and or buts!" The sound of the knife scraping on the plate sounded, and the king wiped his mouth with the napkin.

"I think we could all, use, Im sure you will agree Monsieur Falkenstein, seeing as we are in the midst of Lavragerian liberation, a general reaffirmation to the principles of the Tripartite Pact. Said in such a manner as to not disclude any personal allainces on behalf of our states, but affirming the Pact as inviolate. What do you say, Chiisu?" Just as he finished speaking, the next course was brought, and a string ensemble began light music.

Marimaia

06-01-2005, 23:44

"Oh, I absolutely agree. Free trade between our three nations is proving to be a wonderful boost for all of us; I wouldn't have it any other way. The truth is that we Marimaians have been bullied by the West in previous times; when we launched our liberation of Myanmar, several Western powers frowned upon it. We have our suspicions that some may have even supported the Myanmese against us, but we have no concrete proof of that...just yet. We were concerned that you were about to treat us in the same manner as others have; friendly but then antagonistic."

Chiisu took a sip of his drink before continuing. "The fact is that Marimaia has few friends these days; our only positively confirmed friends are the Shining Sphere of Revolutionary Co-Prosperity, France and the Estenlands. We have fairly good relations with Hindustan, but we don't have an alliance with them; the same is true of Beth Gellert. Our intelligence networks suggest that other nations see our position in Southeast Asia as a threat; despite the fact that we are clearly the rightful leaders of the region, there are nations who would rather see us weakened. The Tripartite Pact provides us with an opportunity to finalise our hegemony over IndoChina and our less advanced Southeast Asian neighbours."

Elkazor

07-01-2005, 02:33

"Ahh, Chiisu, it is so good to speak with another King! Mon Dieu!" he took a quenching drink of champagne ((guests would find it the best theyve ever had, the King kept cellars of the finest liquor in the world...how does he afford it, you ask: because, technically, he was the sole proprietor of France)).

As the meal was winding down, the King had his cigarette lit by the radiant Queen. He faced Falkenstein and the Tiger King. "Well, gentlemen, the ladies have their cards to attend to now, what say we hunt?" Before they could even respond, the King stood, and others at the table followed suit.

They then went to the Chateau de Versailles ((info on web for yall)) in open calashes, smoking and laughing. The King produced a flask, his own brew, and the took swigs as the carriage careened down the shaded paths of Le Parc de Varsailles.

What happened next would stun the guests. It was called the Lever d'Chasse. This is when it the highest nobles of the realm, to their esteem, were able to dress the King for hunt, publicly. ((although, of course, undershirts and garmets stay on))

It would shock the foreigners, but in fact was a vital tool of the fuedal system. In order to show favor to the nobility --the Kings hands-- both Rex et Regina were dressed in the morning, for the hunt, and for dinner, followed by for bed, Coucher. This showed which nobles were closest to the King, who had his favor, and who he would speak to. And for the public, well, the King loved all his subjects from top to bottom. They used it as a chance to see their patriarchal father, who never failed to wink or smile.

Following the dressing for the hunt, for which the King was now arrayed in suitabley trendy leathers, silks, and trousers; the three statesment galloped off by horseback into the depths of the Versailles forest. The forest, tended to by thousands of gardeners, was perfectly symmetrical, and was indeed a 'fairy tale forest'.

The foreigners again may not have realized it, but the French Kings hunt was also a public role. It symbolized the Kings role as a protector of France from dangerous things, as his ancestors had kept the forest clean of dangerous animals. Falkenstein and Chiisu would be shocked at how many points along the chase there were groups of courtiers, properly placed to get a look at the King, and wave. For such an occasion they had lobbied and paid bribes, for months in the Court.

There, in that gardened forest, copious pre-stocked game was held, and they would have good sport. Every time a kill was made, some camaflaged underling slipped in and took the trophy away.

After hours of hunting and hundreds of kills, the King lead them (they would find that although he was gaining girth, he was of strong physique, and rode with ease as he played his horn to echo in the woods) at a fast gallop through the trees, to his own private waterfall.

There, as if by magic, a table with champagne on ice stood ready, with servants convieniently here and there nearby, dressed in hunting motifs.
To his guests astonishment, they relaized that the whole forest (which was nothing more than an extension of the Versailles Palace Complex) had servnats placed about, and though they seemed alone, they were in fact surrounded by different types. Servants, here and there a Swiss Bodygaurd, even a few buxom maidens blushing and waving at the King, to which he blew a kiss.

Sitting down, they began to drink, as only aristocrats could.

Smoking his cigarette, Louis studied Chiisu. "Mon ami, since you have shown me the courtesy of your visit, I will grant you a favor. If you ask it of me, I will release the LRR vermin who took drugs into my country, as a kindness to you personally. No more need be said about it." He sighed contentedly.

"Ahh, friends, is it not beautiful here. Falkenstein over there" His Most Christian King was a bit tipsy "loves to hunt round here. Dont you, Gregoire?"

He smoked and drank, until the Chapel Royals churchbell in the distance informed the King that he would soon be called to his daily Mass.

"So, then, friends. Let us agree to give a statement affirming our alliance to each other to the world...Oh! did you hear? My daughter in law is with child, Saints be praised! I will finally be a grandfather, well, legitimatley at least" they all shared a laugh.

"The Tripartite Pact will be made in steel. Chiisu, you will get the satellite, and be free, indeed as any of us wish, to make lighter alliances with whom you will. However, none of those alliances any of us make shall detract from our dear Pact, shall they? C'est si Bonne, no? We continue, the Holy Leauge in Europe, and the Tripartite pact pan-global. Well, at any rate, I must attend to my prayers. We will meet tonight, my wife is having a card party, she does so love them." He stood, and nodded to his brothers in arms.."

"Until then!" At that point some of the forest moved mechanically, and a carriage moved in to pick up the King, and take him to Lever d'Mass.

________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, M. de Vergennes would approach the Elian delegation, and prepare them for the upcoming ball.

"Dear friends, we hope at the conclusion of your stay to fashion a non-agression pact with your nation, while beginning trade. Our interests include a discount on passage of the Suez Canal, and oil purchases."

"Please, think on the possibilites of trade between our states, and let me know what you wish of me and mine. Until then, I leave you to the sights, and will see you in a few days and the Eastern Ball."

Elkazor

07-01-2005, 21:39

His Most Chrisitan Majesty Louis XX made the following statement of RNN state-wide radio, thence into AP and beyond:

"The Kingdom of France acknowledges, and furthermore supports without hesitation, the Quinntonnia posistion in Dra-pol. We see Quinntonnias actions there as both in accordance with Christian doctrine, and the admonishments of humanity, and I only wish my Kingdom could do more to support their posistion."

"Additionally, we should like to invite the Empire of Roycelandia to send a delegation to Versailles, as we have not yet recieved any matters from them diplomatically."

________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, the Elian envoys must no doubt be getting prepared for the ball in their honor. Have they given any thought to the aforementioned treaty? They should have some idea of where they stand before the day of decision.

Marimaia

07-01-2005, 21:54

Chiisu was almost heartbroken when he heard the French endorsement of Quinntonia's position in Dra-pol, and asked to see Louis immediately. The alliance between their two nations had already come under pressure over Hindustan, but Marimaia's ties to Dra-pol were stronger than those Marimaia shared with just about any other nation. At the rate things were developing, Marimaia would have to make a decision between the European monarchies and the Asian revolutionaries.

Elkazor

07-01-2005, 22:02

Louis would see Chiisu privatley, the two of them, in his study.

"Chiisu, in the interests of France, I simply had no choice. I am sorry. However, I will stand by your nation, as I said yesterday, through thick and thin. If you would like a marriage, it can be arranged right now."

"You must understand, in my posistion, I cannot have powerful enemies. A scuffle with Quintonnia makes me quiver. I can have strong friends, and I count you among them. No matter what, I will never abandon the Tripartite Pact, even in the face of Western dissapproval, as the case may be."

"I beg you, do not throw away the Tripartite Pact, and a real friendship. The Sacre-2 is yours, as is my word of alliance and everlasting friendship. Let us not have other allainces and duties come in the way of our own strongest foreign policy, the Pact."

Lunatic Retard Robots

07-01-2005, 23:37

Smoking his cigarette, Louis studied Chiisu. "Mon ami, since you have shown me the courtesy of your visit, I will grant you a favor. If you ask it of me, I will release the LRR vermin who took drugs into my country, as a kindness to you personally. No more need be said about it." He sighed contentedly.

OCC: Its starting to bug me how everyone seems to think Hindustan is always as high as the sky. Marimaia has cannabid and opiate plantations too, you know. Just because drugs are legal does not mean anywhere near a majority of the population uses them regularly or at all.

And its not like someone would just say "Oh, let me take this bag of heroin, a crop not grown in Hindustan, and bring it with me to France, a nation that is probably more than ready to wipe mine off the face of the earth, and at the same time visit sleezy clubs and break plenty of laws while I'm at it."

Beer is legal in pretty much every country, but is everyone constantly drunk? I believe you will find the answer a no.

And in Hindustan for instance there are extensive social programs which encourage, among drug users, the avoidance of substantial doses and the use of their chosen substance frequently.

And you don't think just anybody gets to be a Hindustani diplomat, do you? Its not like its a hereditary position. *Wink wink*. They actually have to possess some level of competence, i.e. not getting themselves thrown into jail for having with them drugs in an important post. Of course, you might turn it around and say the diplomats were partaking on that which Hindustan doesn't have to offer, such as brothels, nigh-unlimited supplies of alchohol, and a market for drug sales.

Of course, such things are not present in the infinately more refined and civilized Restored France, now are they? A regime which, no doubt, cares more about its subjects than about far-off military misadventures.

Elkazor

07-01-2005, 23:58

OOC- No offense meant, LRR. I just used drugs, which your nation is already (rightly or wrongly) stererotyped to posses as a medium to carry out Louis carpicious foreign policy.

Of course, your brave nation has guts (such as they are) or your diplomats would obviously never have been apprehended. Indeed, I think your nation, far more than 'The West', poses the greatest threat of spreading a successful leftist doctrine, as Beth Gellert seems more isolationist...while your government moves world wide with its beliefs, and is oftened listened to. No doubt, the leftist exiles (those who managed to escape imprisonment) in London as well as ABC Society members in France love your message. That, at the heart, is why your team was framed and arrested. Just another flex of the Anciens Regimes muscles. Of course, when Chiisu asks Louis to let them go, they will be free as amnesiatic birds. And France does not want to blow you off the face of the Earth...at most they look with nostalgia on their days on Indian Empire, which is the present scenario is ludicrous.

Marimaia

08-01-2005, 00:08

OOC: I agree, it is unfair that Hindustan is being stereotyped, but there are a couple of advantages to it. A lot of nations will leave you alone because they think 'a bunch of drugged-up hippies' aren't worth hassling, so that's one good thing. Also, you'll have the massive element of surprise if you go on a military campaign or whatever, because the other nations won't expect it from Hindustan. Of course, in the ed, it might just be all IC talk.

IC:

Chiisu frowned, but in the end nodded in agreement.

"You're right Louis. I count you as a dear friend, and I would prefer not to lose that friendship. The North Americans make me shudder at times; they sit in their isolated homelands, not fearing invasion, but passing judgement on the other nations of the world. Still, enough of that talk. I will ask you to release the Hindustani diplomats though; the act will show your benevolence and kindness, while also boosting Marimaian popularity in Hindustan. I must also discuss another matter with you; it is an important one to Marimaia, and we believe it possible that France could assist us."

(OOC: The matter is a secret thing, so I'll TG you with the details)

Elkazor

08-01-2005, 00:18

Louis motioned Chiisu to sit, as he did as well. He then lit a cigarette.

"Without delay, by tonight they will be free." He made a call, and at the end of their conversation the Kings secretary Thierry would bring the Lettre d'Cache with the Kings signature to release the prisoners from the Bastille, and take them to the airport (Ill post it later).

Smoking gingerly, they talked for a while.

After the conversation, Louis would pour (with his own hands) glasses of congiac for them. They toasted, and for a while sat in the splendid study, decorated with Rembrandts, Louis favorite.

Lunatic Retard Robots

08-01-2005, 00:50

OCC: Ok, so that's settled.

But this is getting scary! Talk of doing bad things to Quinntonia?

Elkazor

08-01-2005, 00:53

OOC- Hell NO!!! I love Quinntonnia. Believe me, if every nation is AMW has one thing in common in regards to foreign policy, it is leave Quinntonnia be. ::Waves a little Quinntonnian flag::

Elkazor

08-01-2005, 02:57

As His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX was celebrating Mass at the Chapel Royal, with its splendid choir and orchestra, and presided over by Cardinal Louis de Rohan, the Bastille was releasing a few prisoners.

The Marquis de Launay, Governer of the Bastille, had just recieved a Lettre d'Chache from Louis himself. Signed and sealed, the document granted the immediate release (and expulsion) of the LRR delegation.

They were taken by helicopter from the Bastille to Paris International Airport. All several of them were perfectly healthy, but had to be taken by wheelchair as they were still on powerful seditives, given to them by French doctors.

The Basque Guard, still stationed at the airport, would ensure the quick removal of the Hindustanis to a waiting LRR jet, where Marshall Syzko and the LRR 'break-out' team had already been taken.

It was made clear than under no circumstances would LRR diplomats be allowed again on French soil, as The Royal Watch believed the LRR was inspiring leftist French exiles abroad with their troublesome litterature. If, for some odd reason, the Hindustan government needed to get in touch with the French, they would have to request permission in advance so security measures could be taken.

The public statement, given to the AP, would simply read:
"By request of the Tiger King of Marimaia, and by assent of His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, the LRR delegation heretofore under arrest for mischievious activites and questionable possessions in France has been released."

((Just some OOC info. The prisoners were drugged (pharmaceutically) the whole time they were incarcerated in the Bastille. As a result, they would not remeber their time there, and for several days before the arrest their memories would be fuzzy.))

Lunatic Retard Robots

08-01-2005, 03:22

Marshall Syzko pulls out some pre-purchased airline tickets from his shirt pocket, and finds that he forgot to buy one for himself.

One of the minor diplomats takes out his wallet and writes a check in Quinntonian dollars, covering the expense of the final ticket. Then, without further delay, Syzko and the two minor diplomats collect their drugged-up colleagues and wheel them aboard the airliner.

The chairs would probably find themselves back in France within a few days, air-mailed to their rightful owners, perhaps without a wheel or with some metal tubing missing, since such things are always useful in Hindustan, where the home-made bicycle indfustry has really taken off.

Elkazor

12-01-2005, 09:51

The Tiger King left after an excellent state visit. He and Louis had gotten along fine with each other, repairing all aspects of the Tripartite Pact. Secretly the Sacre-2 Satellite would be sent by ship, and Marimaia and France were dear friends again.

Envoys were sent without delay to Roycelandia, and were invited to Versailles as well.

As chaos raged in Lavrageria, as Russia simmingly was haveing a breakdown of sorts, and as the Western Allies concluded their "Accords", Louis ordered a second meeting of the Estates General, the second since his reign had commenced. The Estates, however, would be conviened by means of a Lit de Justice, a ceremony where the King compelled the body to accept his decrees.

The Throne Room at Versailles was in full glitter. The Thrones themselves were gold Roccoco creations, and a great blue and diamond enlaid cloth hung over them. The Estates had all assembled: the First Estate Clergy were dressed in a panoply of clerical vestments--Cradinal de Rohan was in their number---, the Second Estate Nobility were adorned in white plumed hats, and the Third Estate (made of high upper class--but not noble--professionals) in their black frock coats. There were also Quinntonnian and Hudecian Delegates present, dressed in their Protestant attire---perhaps a sign of what road the Kings decree would lay.

Their were great rumors surrounding this second meeting. The Protestant question could no longer be ignored. They were solid middle class folk to a man, and yet they were oppressed for what some called "Archaic" reasons. This, in turn, was important because the same Protestants formed a lucrative element of the French Economy. The majority of Third Estate members themselves adhered to Protestant doctrine.

The trumpets rang out. The King and the Queen entered the Hall, the King was dressed in his finest suit, Cordon Bleu du Saint-Espirit, Charlemagnes Scepter of Justice, and a powdered wig, and the Queen wore a dress valued at five and a half million dollars, and pricless three foot tall wig on her head.

As they walked down the isle towards the throne, the assembly kneeled. Sitting on their thrones, the assembly was allowed to stand. All were straining to listen, most of them never had access to the King, and these Estates General met infrequently as a rule.

The Most Christian King had a feeling of unuasual grace about him as he spoke. He was reclined regally in the Throne, and his voice was clear and resonant in flawless French.

"In our role as King of France, we nessicarily assume of duties of a father. We are resposible for our beloved French family, and are charged with their happiness and freedom. Yet now, after much discourse, it has become apparent that Protestant question needs be answered. The questioning of Quinntonnia and Hudecia in regards to this matter have motivated us to consider it, as they apply their questions as fellow Christians. Whereupon our subsequent examination into the matter, and with the blessings of His Holiness the Pope and the Holy Catholic Church, has been concluded as follows. By Royal Decree We, King Louis XX of France and Navarre, Defender of the Faith, grant Protestants the freedom to worship as their conscience dictates in France."* Jaws dropped.

King Louis continued "Additionally, we hereby reinstate the supplemental tax for the benefit of the First Estate and reaffirm Catholicism as the official religion of France. We pledge our never-ending devotion to the Holy Father, and to the Holy Catholic Church."

As he felt the audience become warm, and saw many waxing joyful, the King broke into one of his trade mark deep grins. "Let today be the first day of a new era in France, where all who follow in the path of Christ (Jews had already had full freedom of worship) may have equal rights to praise him."

As soon as the King finished, a stunned Third Estate represenitive stumbled from his post. His face was amazed, and his eyes were tearful. He dropped to his knees in front of the Thrones, and the Bodyguards did not stop him. "Oh Sire! God will Bless this day forever, the day when you grant your most loyal subjects your most righteous gift!"

The King rose from the Throne, and offered his hand for the man to kiss. A perfect camera shot, when the Protestant kissed the Royal Seal. He raised the man, and together they faced an audience brimming over. From all three Estates, a cheer went up. "God Save King Louis the Good!". The Bells were rung, and the Estates adjourned to the Royal Chapel, where a Te Deum was sun. The Choir roared, the organ boomed, the trumpets rang, and the orchestra played. And, now, Catholics and Protestants prayed together.

**Note- Amendments to the decree went 1) All Protestant faithful neverthless had to swear a oath of loyalty to King Louis and recognize the Sacred Touch (the so called Royal Touch, tradition of French Kings healing French sick) as a divinley ordained miracle. 2) Free-Masonry would stay banned. It activley sought to destroy Monarchies, and it helped in 1789.
=Other than that, its true. Protestants have complete freedom of worship in France. Unrestrained. Only those two if, ands, or buts about it.
_______________________________________________________________
This came when France was being publicly torn apart by the British. Versailles had sent every sort of cordiality, but in return that got an icy shoulder and a country that harbored, even nurtured, Frances exiled Republicans. So the French set about work constructing a response, the result was a Royal Theatre Production, a motion-picture extravaganza.

"The Limes of Winter" was basically a film done in allegory. In it, a vicious anthropomorhicized hog , with demonic features and wearing a Union Jack, ate the downtrodden of poor nations around the world, in an effort to gain ever more capital. What would easily be recognized as the Biritsh Royal Family were trapped and chained to a cage in the pigs pen as it were. The pig monster would torture the poor, captured royals, chortling, stuffing its face, and counting money. The plot twist came when a Knight in shining armor from the past came back to fight the beast. It seemed, in the past, he fought the British from Quinntonnia, and in a scene where Louis XVI was lifted by Angels to America to bless George Washington, the message was clear. Togther the valiant knight and George Washington had beat the monster back. The movie, of course, floated in and out of history at best. It ends with the Knight in shining armor chasing the beast back to hell and rescuing the Princess from the pig sty. Of course, Im simplyfying here, it has alot of special effects, A rate actors, and more subtle plot twists.

The movie was a hit in French Cinema, which despite the Restoration, still inspired the rest of the Continent. Within weeks it would be all the way, to well, Estenlands.

Roycelandia

12-01-2005, 13:12

Roycelandia's delegates to Versailles were impressed by the size and beauty of the gardens. "Don't let the Emperor see this, or he'll want one too" remarked a younger diplomat, making Jeff Lebowski, Roycelandia's Foreign Minister (and holder of more Frequent Flyer Miles than anyone else in the Empire) smiled and made a note to reccommend the lad for bigger and better things.

The announcement came as a surprise to everyone, and Lebowski suspected that they had, once again, totally missed the chance to meddle in someone else's affairs. His Majesty's attention had been focused on the Middle East and Africa of late, but he couldn't afford to overlook Europe for too long.

No doubt there'd be a cocktail party in the evening where some connections could be made...

Beth Gellert

12-01-2005, 15:05

The Limes of Winter will no doubt be widely shown in the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth just as soon as a copy is smuggled out by the French leftist or democratic underground. Portmeirion could always look into whether the film is available for export through more official channels, but, frankly, prefers not to bother. State media outlet Iskra! has already slated the film for a slot between the historical drama Washington's Slaves and the Drapoel pop video hour.

Quinntonian Dra-pol

12-01-2005, 17:26

OOC- Hell NO!!! I love Quinntonnia. Believe me, if every nation is AMW has one thing in common in regards to foreign policy, it is leave Quinntonnia be. ::Waves a little Quinntonnian flag::

OOC-LOL! Hee hee!

IC-The Quinntonian delegate, Reverand Roger Davidson, immediately breaks into "Amazing Grace" in English. The rest of the delegation is raising their hands and breaking into open prayer, thanking their Lord, El-Shaddia, The great I AM, Holy Jesus, only begotten Son of God, Savior of the world, and Word made flesh, for their good fortune to be present at this time, when the Holy Spirit has obviously been moving in the heart of the Most Christian Majesty, His Majesty Louis XX.
All over Quinntonia, news breaks disrupt regular programming and reporters proclaim one of the greatest coups in the last decade for the majesty of God. After about an hour of news broadcasts, with church-bells all over the nation, and also in Quinntonian Dra-pol ringing for a full hour.
Soon, Prime Minister Jesse Obed comes on Quinntonian TV saying that God has surely moved in Europe and begun to reverse the horrible trend of secularism that is found in much of the world. He also proclaims that day, a national holiday and day of prayer for His Majesty Louis XX and all the people of France.

WWJD
Amen.

Elkazor

12-01-2005, 19:44

Joy ran like a current throughout France. In Paris, vendors sold little portraits of the King, with the inscription "IV and XVI make XX" (alluding to the beloved Henri IV, and gentle Louis XVI), they made fortunes.

King Louis was seen by Catholics as their defender, by Protestants as their protector, and by all Frenchmen as their kind father. With the artful and successful results of the twice summoned Estates General, the Restored Monarchy seemed to setlle firmly over the French political landscape.

As well, Frances friends in the West seemed to be pleased. Lots of flowers and pastry were being shipped to Quinntonnia in thanks for their kind words.

King Louis, having his face powdered for the ball that night (supposedly the Roycelandians and the United Elians would be invited, it would be costume dress of course), could not stop grinning. He had satisfied the demand of his august ancestors, securing a bright future for the Kingdom of France. In little villages all over the countryside (incidentially in almost 100% Catholic areas) small stone statues were being raised of Louis XX. The dedications usually read "To His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX- Protector, Father, King you have as led, but on your fame a brighter light is shed, when by your hand the poor are warmed and fed."

Incidentially "The Limes of Winter" was becoming a real hit. Boot legged copies were shipped en masse to South Asia, while European theatres sold out. Everybodies favorite scene is when the demon pig and his wife, a street walked dressed up to look like a strumpeted Britannia, are beaten by a great coalition of powers, led by the Knight in shining armor. "Oh a lime is a lime, you see, but it cannot stay fat indefinitley!"

Lunatic Retard Robots

13-01-2005, 00:49

The Limes of Winter will most likely be shown in Hindustani cinemas at one time or another, especially because of the fact that most sources of news and entertainment are foreign.

The film probably will not go down too well, as it has already been branded by many as a 'grotesque oversimplification of the international situation for the sole purpose of fueling a particular conception of the percieved enemy to suit the government's purposes.'

Documentaries tend to be very popular in Hindustan, especially the Quinntonian PBS show Frontline, as well as comedies. The radio is the most common form of entertainment, given the fact that there is little in the way of a national electric grid in Hindustan, and television is often a major weight on the smaller self-contained village stations, based around rain collectors and photovoltaic cells. The national electric grid primarily supplies hospitals and medical centers, of which there are a great many, and educational establishments. Water purification equipment and home lighting are usually taken care of by small, community-based supplies of electricity.

Quinntonian Dra-pol

13-01-2005, 21:20

Though The Limes of Winter is showed in Quinntonia, it recieves almost no attention from the box-office at large, seeing it as an indie film or art statement that belongs in the limited theatres pandering to that sort of thing.
Since it made it to Quinntonia before Hudecia, though, many Quebecers made trips down to watch it, though not really understanding it, they cliamed to like it, probably just to mystify the anglos.
WWJD
Amen.

Roycelandia

14-01-2005, 03:57

In keeping with the Roycelandian Government's "No Censorship" policy, The Limes of Winter will be given an extremely limited release in the various Arthouse and Independent Cinemasof the Empire, although His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I has dismissed Arthouse cinemas in the past as being "full of turtleneck wearing, beret sporting, latte drinking wankers".

Most Roycelandian Cinema tends to be Comedies of various kinds, Action/Adventure, Espionage, and so on. One of the more recent successes has been the film Arab Raiders!, involving, well, lots of Roycelandian Soldier shooting hordes of charging Arab Raiders. And something about lost gold and oases full of diamonds.

Roycelandians have never been keen on political films, but nonetheless, The Limes of Winter is doing reasonably well amongst the sort of people who would want to view it in Roycelandia (both of them ;) ).

Hudecia

14-01-2005, 16:53

-Ottawa-

President MacNally was overjoyed at the French monarch's decision. His next phone call to Louis XX would be one thanking him and praising his wisdom and leadership skills. MacNally pronounced that all of Hudecia would join him in thanking His Majesty.

In a move to thank Louis XX (and maybe to temper the joy of the Protestants in Hudecia), MacNally allowed the "The Limes of Winter " to be shown in Quebec. Naturally, the rest of the country may not share France's view of 'limes', but with the recent pronouncement, few would raise serious objections.

OOC: Sorry... classes starting so I'll be on and off every so often depending on work.

Elkazor

15-01-2005, 23:15

The crowd swayed to the cadences of a Minuet, as King Louis XX, dressed in the costume of Louis IX cracked a joke at the "Arabian Nights" Ball.

The disturbances in Paris, small and surgical though they were, were as a rule never to be felt in Versailles. Besides, the City of Lights was back to its normal joviality now. Business was thriving, and Paris, since the Restoration, had achieved heights of fashion forgotten since the Revolution. The French were quickly asserting their role as wordly masters of decour and etiquette once more. Why, even the Bastille was a Gothic masterpiece done with modern material and methods.

But that night in Versailles, the ballroom was bedecked with Eastern themes. The King was conversing with the Ambassidor from United Elias, dressed as an Ottoman Emperor. Cardinal de Rohan, dressed as St. Augustine, Grand Almoner of France and the principle Catholic figure in King Louis government coversed with the Quinntonnian Pastor/Theologian Ambassidor, dressed as Martin Luther; the conversation was superb and the delicacies even better. The Hudecian Ambassidor danced with the Queens niece, and fireworks occasionally lit up the wide windows. The King, in a group with Count Falkenstein, Panem Srichpan, and the Elian, finished with the punch line "and she said 'Freshen yer drink, govner!'" said Louis with great wit, they all fell into gusts of laughter. Jeff Lebowski, the Ambassidor from the Court of Royce I, and dressed as safari bound adventurer, nearly fell over laughing.

The occasion was being used for several reasons. Namely, it was to gain the alliance Louis had been lobbying for with United Elias. Private negotiations of the two powers had revealed the French were willing to accomidate the Federal Republic quite handsomely. Secondly, it was a coup de gras for Louis XX, who had recently made Protestantism in France free while at the same time shoring up the power of the Catholic Church with the "Church Tax". The Western Powers (excluding the British, who as of date were to only Western power to treat France with disdain, even hostility) were invited as a mark of thanks for their kind gestures, and as a show of the warmest friendship. M. de Vergennes, Minister of State to His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, had done a great job of securing friendship with the West, a friendship that was vital in France was not going to become the subject of intrigue. And thirdly, it was the Queens birthday. She had been pining away for a gala, but Louis had to inform her that with the war against Lavrageria on, they had to economize for a bit. So, instead of having a one week one hundred thousand guest celebration, they agreed to have a one night, ten thousand guest party. Still, for a present, the King gave his darling wife a freshly built Palace in Monte Carlo, with one hundred rooms and a small circuit of gardens and fountainry. Marie-Therese loved the Riviera city, and spent lavishly there, indeed the main boulevant had just been name Rue de Reine. In Paris, the King paid for public entertainments and festivities (also to help forget the somehwat violent past few weeks, with carnivals and buffets, along with concerts and shows.

So the glittering crowd danced that night. All watched the Grand Minuet (played by the finest orchestra in Europe, the Orchestra of the Chapel Royal) when the King, in a suit of armor and accoutriments to represent Louis IX, danced with the Queen, who was clad in the silks, gold and pearls of Helen of Troy. Following the fairy tale evening, the crowds would adjourn to the Great Park, where fireworks lit the sky and illuminations lit the gardens.

United Elias

20-01-2005, 20:02

Having heard of this foul and unforgiveable support for a faction that had come to power via a bloody coup in Al-Ahzad, the Elias Ambassador walked out of negotiations on the treaty, and later submitting an extensive diplomatic complaint to the French government that said in several thousand words of technical verbiage, 'U turn, or the tankers will.' The message was clear, this was not acceptable, a friend of our adversary could not be our friend, or even our trading partner. Even if every drop of Al-Ahzad export crude was not directed to France, it would still leave them about 500,000 barrels short per day, and the tap was close to being turned up.

The indignancy was exacerbated by the fact that a Kingdom could abandon the support of another in favour of Republicans, and the similarities between Bonaparte and Massad were also pointed out. The French had once again proven to be unreliable partners, and this would certainly the already historically strong bond with Great Britain.

Meanwhile a group of Arabs, mostly exiles from Al-Ahzad or members of the Al-Waloud tribe, were allowed to protest and blockade the entrance of the French Embassy in Baghdad, an action that would normally have been met with tear gas and rubber bullets from riot police.

Elkazor

26-01-2005, 01:47

And so it came to pass that His Imperial Highness Royce I landed in Paris.

He was met at Paris International by the Mayor of Paris, who promptly presented His Imperial Highness with the Keys to the City.

As etiquette demanded, a procession of fine carriages for the Emporer and his entourage awaited him at the end of the red carpet, with riderless horses waiting for Royce's Bodyguard...to lead His Imperial Highness to Versailles.

His Highness would then be driven through Paris, past throngs of curious Parisians, in a great cavalcade, destined for magnificent Versailles Palace.

As the cavalcade approached the enchantment of Versailles, the great iron gates were thrown open, and a full Royal Army Swiss Guards Regiment stood at attention in the Marble Court. Their gold, red and black uniforms were stunning, and a finer example of soldiery could not be found. As the carriage rolled to a halt, the fifes and drums struck up a march, and the Kings major-domo rapped his staff like thunder on the Marble Court.

"May it please Your Most Christian Majesty, His Imperial Highness Emporer Royce I!" With that a volley of trumpets rang out, and the tall doors to the Chateau were slowly opened.

Descending like gods came His Most Christian Majesty King Louis XX, hand in hand with Her Royal Majesty Queen Marie-Therese, was was dressed in stunning white silk creations, dotted with diamonds, sapphires, and gold Fleur-de-lys. His Majesty wore his hair plated and powdered, The Queen wore a wig several feet high, done in themes of Nauticism, and bright rouge formed a perfect circles six inches in diameter upon her cheeks. As HMCM Louis XX reached the last step, the troops brought their rifles up in salute, and emitted a defeaning 'HUAH!'.

"Your Highness" said Louis XX with a polite nod "you do us great honor by your presence here today." The Queen performed a small curtsy.

Louis motioned to the Swiss Regiment. "Shall we, Your Highness?"

With that Royce I joined Louis in his inspection of the men, making small talk while reviewing the fine troops. After the fine review, the trio adjourned into the Chateau proper. His Imperial Highness was introduced to the Court, Monsieurs bowing and Madames curtsying. After all, Royce was 'of the blood', and so he recieved a better reception than a Republican even would, e.g. the carriages v motorized transport. No doubt, Royce I would be greatly impressed by the wealth of the Court, if anything more accentuated than it had been in 1788. Everything, from the most noble prince to the humblest servant, seemed to sparkle.

Following that, Royce I was invited to join Their Majesties for a lunch in the Queens private retreat, Le Petit Trianon. They would take a single open calash, driving upon a flagstone path, through the luminous gardens, past shady symmetrical forests and crystal canals, to a small mansion in a glade.

Once seated over a table of unsurpassable delicacies, Louis would smile at the Emporer. "So, your Highness" as he spoke the Queen giggled and lit his cigarette for him, which he would draw on slowly "my son has told me you are interested in history as well? Pray tell us of Roycelandias triumphs and trevails."

"Do tell" giggle the Queen again, obviously entranced by Royce I fine shirt, of such quality! Although, Courtiers judged, he would look handsomer with a proper wig.

Preparations were already underway for the fancy dress constume ball to be held the next night in Versailles.

Roycelandia

26-01-2005, 12:13

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I rather enjoyed being the Emperor Of The Roycelandian Empire- it bought him power, wealth, women, and the ability to travel at will and get someone else to pay for it.

He also liked it when people paid attention to him, especially nice fellow Emperors.

His Majesty's attention to detail, taste, and refinement were legendary. As he inspected the French Troops, he would pause to chat with some of the soldiers, remark on the quality of their uniforms, and look more closely at their weapons.

His Majesty commented at length how nice everything was, and how exquisite the food was.

Over lunch, he regaled Louis XX and Queen Marie-Therese with the history of Roycelandia, from it's earliest pre-history, through to the beginning of the Age of Imperialism in the late 1490s, through to the modern day, including WWI, WWII, the Fall of Lusaka, the AC Emergency, the Gabonaise Civil War, and many others.

His Majesty was also looking forward to the Fancy Dress Costume Ball the next night, and was trying to decide whether to go as a WWI Pilot, or as a Caravan Merchant plying the Silk Road between Europe and China in the Middle Ages...

Elkazor

28-01-2005, 06:52

A massive red starburst went off overhead, and in the Ballroom the dance was the Minuet. Their Majesties, King Louis, Queen Marie-Therese, and Emporer Royce, greeted glittering nobles.

His Most Christian Majesty was dressed tonight in his favorite costume of Henri IV. Marie-Therese was dressed as Cleopatra, golden snakes and all. King Louis really enjoyed the Emporers company, and was eager to sign a full alliance with Roycelandia, believing both His Highnesses politics and taste for life were the same as his own.

Couples wandered outside the crowded hall, going to take fresh air in the illuminated garden. The fountains, by tricks of expensive and ground breaking lighting, seemed to glow gold and silver. The forests were lit with fairy lights, and resplendant with the sounds of young courtiers laughing.

His Imperial Highness Royce I was introduced to Mme. Moneteinon, Princesse de Guemene. In high society that marriage was simply to secure alliances, and perpetuate dynasties. His Majesty made some discreet remarks to Royce I, commenting on the Princesses alluring beauty and poignant, aristocratic features. King Louis would of course have loved a match, as it was the surest sign of a good alliance. As Louis would tell Royce in private, he himself enjoyed the affections of numerous mistresses, housed in a charming little cottage in le Grand Parc. There was no pressure, simply an offer.

The dinner was grand, the firework display magnificent, and the music was sublime.

Often through the dazzling night King Louis would speak to His Highness about the richness of Africa, and its openness visitation. Louis was very eager to 'buy' some countries in Africa, and hoped to recovery some of its former colonial possessions along the Ivory Coast. He explained that if a turn over in the west could be condoned by Royce I, a new trade level would arrive in Africa.

All in all, His Most Christian Majesty was happy about the whole state of affairs. He was most eager to build relations with Roycelandia, which he found to be the quintessential Britain, not tainted with direct democracy and populism.

On the morrow, before the next days arrival of the Ahzadi delegation, Louis would take Royce to hunt in the shadowy symmetrical forests of Versailles, the King pride. Everything was perfect, maintained by a varitable army of gardeners. Versailles had a total domestic staff of about one hundred thousand, each worker slaving near constantly to keep up the appearences. Of course, they were housed away in the town, where they ate and lived. Versailles is a garden of delights only for those with the right sort of blood. If a noble happened to run across a lower servant, they would hide themselves so as to not discomfort their masters.

The last dance of the evening would be a couples waltz. King Louis would dance with Queen Marie-Therese, and Emporer Royce I would dance with Princess de Guemene Mme. Moneteinon. When the Waltz was over, 'Roses from the South', the Royals would showered with rosepetals dropped from above, and the audience would clap and sigh, ladies fanning, and men bedazzled at the beauty of the Queen and Princess.

Roycelandia

29-01-2005, 12:26

His Majesty was having a most enjoyable time, especially in the company of the delightful Mme de Moneteinon, Princesse de Guemene.

His Majesty also gently deflected the marriage offer. "It could create all sorts of horrible constitutional crises" he explained. "And I don't think the citizenry of Roycleandia would be too impressed. They'd keep asking "What's wrong with Roycelandian Women?" It would be a PR nightmare. Of course, I'd be happy to see the delightful princess in a more, shall we say, private setting, away from the public eye." His Majesty produced a large Roycelandian Cigar from his Flying Coat and offered one to Louis XX, before lighting one up himself.

"Why are the Servants hiding from us? It's uncanny, like that movie with the bad guys hiding in the jungle." His Majesty remarked as some of the servants hurridly got out of the path of their stroll.

As to regards to the reclamation of former French Colonies, His Majesty said '"I'm happy to help you reclaim Algeria, but as for the rest of it... well, I think it's acting as a useful buffer at the moment..."

Elkazor

01-02-2005, 07:39

((Sorry about the delay, we will be joined by General Massad, a three part treaty in regards to Al-Ahzad. And we can sign a good trade alliance, as per our talks. Look for something tommorrow.))

Roycelandia

07-02-2005, 11:30

(It's been a week, and I'm still waiting to see what Gen. Massad has to put on the table..)

North Yaman

08-03-2005, 01:49

Yamani diplomats are fearful of continued violence from this Feudal-fascist state, and nations like Quinntonia and TBF are cautioned to expect anything from such a violence-driven, fundamentalist nation.

(You know all this is the SFDNY opinion already, so...Taggith!)

Roycelandia

08-03-2005, 03:06

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I had taken advantage of the direct Hotline between himself and King Louis XX to offer his support during these "troubled and difficult times", and offering to provide residence for anyone liable to run afoul of the Inquisition in Roycelandian East Africa, "Where they'll at least be a good couple of thousand kilometres away where they can't bother you as much."

His Majesty also expressed sorrow that the European Situation wasn't working out as well as one might have hoped, but King Louis XX and his family (and retainers, courtiers, servants, people he happened to meet on the street on his way to the supermarket, and so on) were always welcome to stay in Roycelandia- a small Caribbean Island had been set aside from entertaining distinguished guests of His Majesty.

Privately, His Majesty was very worried about his friend Louis XX, but wasn't quite sure what to say- His Majesty had been given to making some rather draconian decrees, including banning Women's Magazines from having celebrity gossip or encouraging Fad Diet had been one of them, although that particular decree only lasted 3 months before a delegation from the Attractive Bisexual Female Nymphomaniac's Society had convinced His Majesty to change his mind on that one.

Meanwhile, His Majesty suggested a more formal Trade Treaty with France, so that the French Economy wouldn't stagnate with it's return to Feudalism...

Roycelandia

09-03-2005, 04:00

Port Royal International Airport, Port Royal, Jamaica Island, Roycelandia
(Just in case anyone hasn't worked out where Port Royal is actually located... :-P)

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I himself was present at the airport to greet the Comtesse de Polignac, welcoming her to Roycelandia and personally guaranteeing her safety and protection.

One of His Majesty's holiday villas in the Bahaman Islands had been prepared especially for the Comtesse, with beautiful landscaped gardens, a private yacht, a small (but well trained) detachment of Imperial Guard, and the finest food and luxuries that Roycelandia had to offer.

Naturally, her presence in Roycelandia would be a secret, but she would be well looked after and entertained.

Later that evening, however, His Majesty sat in his private study reading a well-thumbed copy oif The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy when Wiggles entered with coffee and biscuits.

"Your Majesty, I apologise for the interruption, but I thought you might like some refreshments."

"Thank you, Wiggles. I appreciate it. Have a seat. Would you like a cigar?"

Wiggles accepted, and the two men lit up and enjoyed their drinks.

"How are things with Louis?" asked Wiggles, who knew perfectly well how bad the situation was.

"Not good, I'm afraid... I'm told he's got the Nuclear Launch Command Centre in his bedroom, is torturing "Heretics", and generally spends most of his time in his chambers crying and being very ill."

Wiggles knew better than to ask how His Majesty knew all this, knowing the IIS' formidable resources, and more importantly, their scrambling to make up for lost time after the Gibraltar Straits debacle.

"I'm thinking of going to Versaille and talking to him myself."

Wiggles was stunned.

"That's madness! God only knows when the fertiliser will hit the ventilator there!"

"I know, but someone has to talk to him."

Wiggles had an idea. "Why not send Commander Sword? Louis XX knows him, and Commander Sword might be able to help assuade some of his fears and defuse the situation."

His Majesty thought for a minute. "An excellent suggestion, Wiggles."

He reached into his drawer and pulled out a thick manila folder, with the words "OPERATION TEMPERED STEEL" on it.

"This one needs to be totally on the hush-hush, Wiggles. Effective immediately, you're in charge of this operation, with full support from the Special Operations Command. It needs to be done sooner, rather than later..."

Wiggles read the dossier later that evening. He gasped. Operation Tempered Steel was a covert plan to rescue those branded "Religious Undesirables" from the clutches of the Inquisition in France, and spirit them to Roycelandian East Africa.

Meanwhile, Commander Sword was making preparations to fly to Versaille to arrange a meeting with Louis XX, or, failing that, someone who could tell him exactly what was going on and might listen to his suggestions...

Lunatic Retard Robots

10-03-2005, 02:41

Later that evening, however, His Majesty sat in his private study reading a well-thumbed copy oif The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy when Wiggles entered with coffee and biscuits.

OCC: Its good to know that old Royce has taste...

One of my personal favorites.

IC:

It will probably take a while before the Hindustani government realizes that Louis XX has left France, but once it does, it will be very happy. Perhaps one of innumerable Hindustani 'assets,' usually average people who happen to be 'around' when something happens, will glimpse him on a streetcorner in Lima or take note of an unusual motorcade.

Marimaia

10-03-2005, 11:04

OOC: LRR, Louis hasn't left France. All the other Royals are leaving, but he's staying put.

Elkazor

14-03-2005, 23:06

((Okay. ::Waves wand:: it has been amended. I should like to thank Royce and Massad most gratefully for their helping me even when I was in a clear state of delirium. Nicer gestures simply could not have been found. Please continue to read Progressive restoration as those things had not happened. Thank you all.))

Roycelandia

15-03-2005, 03:25

Not a problem! Naturally, of course, with the spectre of Nuclear War no longer hanging over us, we can get back to the various Trade Agreements and find newer and more creative was to promote Imperialism...

Elkazor

15-03-2005, 19:41

((Dusts off hands, so true Royce. I think we had already established trade links, but I would like to have a new round of agreements now that unpleasentness is behind us. I should like to buy oil, first and foremost, get France of a normal consumption rate again. Ahzad is top notch, but it would be pushing it to rely on them solely. Then I suppose coal, iron, boxite, tin and other natural resources your excellent imperial market is so capable at providing. In return, I could offer a selection of top notch finished goods, such as the French are famous for: wines, sports cars (lets just pretend since the Restoration, Pugeot now turns out a new 8 cylinder model, comparable or excelling the Porsche in taste and style, apparel, a high caliber of specialized military equipment, and cutting edge (relativley) satellite technology, the hub of which is very close to Port ROyal, in Charlesbourg French Guiana))

United Elias

15-03-2005, 23:01

Port Said, Egypt

In a ceremony to mark the date of the Elias Government taking over control over the Suez canal when Egypt was assymilated, the Minister of Infrastructure Hamad Al Sayari, addressed a large crowd of canal workers, shipping executives, and local citizens. It was originally suggested that the Minister should make no reference to the fact that the canal was largely a French achievement, given that the relationship between UE and France has deteriorated. However, the Minister, decided that it would be far more infuriating to the French Monarchists if he spent much time lauding the project and its patron, Louis Napoleon, and the 2nd Empire as a whole. A more subtle message was to perhaps illustrate that UE was in no way anti-French, despite being pro-British, and if France's middle east policy continued, anti-Legitimist. If one wanted to, the speech could also be read as an invitation for the Bourbon King to perhaps change his mind and that the door to reconciliation was open. After all France needed oil, UE had the most oil, and unfathomably more than Al-Ahzad.

Elkazor

16-03-2005, 01:16

Versailles did not miss the speech given by the Elian gentleman, but it was quite confused over what course to now take. His Majesty Louis XX could not simply sell out Massad, who had been given a major French Peerage and was among Louis XX most devoted allies.

At the same time, the Suez was number one on France's 'need to use' list, much more important than even Gibraltar, since it connected France with the East...the only other way around was impossible.

So, a moderate approach was decided upon, especially in the light of a rising Ottoman Empire...surely the Elians would be reacting very much to the appearence of an old-school Sultan on their borders. With all the courtesy and charm His Majesties diplomats possessed, Versailles congratulated the Prime Ministers office on the excellent job United Elias has done maintaining the Canal, even to some degree improving it. After considerable pleasentries, United Elias was asked, asked very audibley by the French, to send their Ambassidor once again to Versailles, after that confusing withdrawal months ago. Although His Majesties Government was markedly eager for reconciliation with United Elias, it made very clear that it viewed General Massad's regime as legal, and as an ally of the highest caliber to HMCM.

That said, France would love to resume trade in full, and it made no move to counter UE's barring of the Suez to Royal Naval traffic, no one wanted to 'rock the boat'. Indeed, as part of His Majesties "Happy France" policy, conciliatory attitudes (of course never self-depreciating) Foreign Relations were to be treated as a blank slate, using every oppurtunity to improve them.

Roycelandia

16-03-2005, 02:24

OOC: Roycelandia is not short of Natural Resources, and as such, we would be delighted to trade oil, coal, tin, bauxite, timber- whatever you need. In exchange, French finished products would be most welcome- Wines from the Bordeaux Region, luxury Sports Cars (Imperial Motors manufacture the Jaguar range of Sports Cars, so perhaps we could trade there, too?), and, most defintely, Satellite equipment.

Roycelandia does in fact have it's own space programme (based in Kenya), which,whilst reasonably advanced (we have Spy Satellites and the like), could only benefit with French co-operation...

Elkazor

16-03-2005, 02:32

((Sign me up, after all in France those decadent nobles want every sort of car for their collection, to say nothing of the King. A "Sports Car Trade Pact" would be simply wonderful. As to everything else, yes. I need timber, bauxite, tin, iron ores, and most importantly oil. Excellent. Satellite Co-operation would be grand, I assume we are probably on the same level...perhaps France might have a lead in launching capabilities (French Guiana IRL is agreed to be about the third best facility there is, of course light years behind the US and Russia) but we would happily share them with you. Im sure the spy capability would be dead even...and at any rate, the heart of Restoration France's R&D program is literally right next door to you, Charlesbourg French Guiana. And now that I am on French Guiana, I think the name should be chaged. From hence forth, lets call its hmm...New Provence (after that delighful spot in Frances south). So yah, lets get these trade wheels turning again.))

Roycelandia

16-03-2005, 08:49

OOC: Roycelandia is well known for it's somewhat... anachronistic approach to Cartography in many respects, and this includes maintaining the "Former" names for places when the change them.

In English, this means that places tend to be referred to by their Colonial Era names long after this ceased to be accurate.

For example, Roycelandian maps of United Elias will refer to "Constantinople" instead of Istanbul, Iran is often called Persia by people who really should know better, a disturbing number of people call Mozambique "Portuguese East Africa" despite the fact that Portugal left in the mid-70s Belize is the Elian Honduras, and so on. You get the idea.

Anyway, as far as Roycelandia is concerned, we're not recognising French Guyana's name change. Roycelandian maps and official documents etc will refer to the French Overseas Department as "French Guyana".

The Luxury and Sports Car Trade Agreement has been passed by the Roycelandian Parliament, removing all tarrifs on the trade of such vehicles between Roycelandia and France. French Nobles can now enjoy the sheer orgasmic joy of motoring around France in an Imperial Motors Jaguar or Aston Martin, and Roycelandians can all enjoy the French engineering in the Renault and Citroen touring cars.

French R&D technicians have been formally invited to visit and tour Imperial Aerospace's plant at Torpedo Bay, Roycelandia, with a view to perhaps even establishing a joint Space Agency- the Imperial-Royal Space Agency.

It has been revealed that Roycelandia has a manned space-flight on the cards for sometime "very soon", incidentally...

United Elias

16-03-2005, 18:23

For example, Roycelandian maps of United Elias will refer to "Constantinople" instead of Istanbul, Iran is often called Persia by people who really should know better, a disturbing number of people call Mozambique "Portuguese East Africa" despite the fact that Portugal left in the mid-70s Belize is the Elian Honduras, and so on. You get the idea.

OOC: Then your cartographers are also imcompetent since Istanbul is in Turkey, not United Elias ;) In Roycelandian speak, United Elias is Mesopotamia, Arabia, Egypt, Sinai and Transjordan.

Whilst I'm at it, I'll mention that the Elias Air Force has a space department. Our space program is purely commercial/military, with a relatively succesful satellite launch rocket series, and we have numerous intelligence, communications and NMD Warning satellites in orbit, but there are no plans to move beyond this capability, as we see no point. After all the President is quoted as saying, "If our homeland somehow becomes uninhabitable, I'd sooner be dead than live on the moon." Therefore it is rather difficult to justify space exploration or research, especially when the Defence Minister also says, "Why do something yourself, when there's someone else doing it for you?"

IC:

The President sends a reply, personally addressed to Louis XX, offering a deal, strictly in confidence: the Elias Ambassador would return to Versailles, trade would resume and UE would consider recognising Massad's regime, if France simply agreed to stop supplying weapons to Ahzad, and withdrew all but a few thousand of its servicemen, which would gradually be drawndown as the new Republic stabilised. Otherwise, the sanctions would remain and United Elias would continue to generally be obstinate and disagreeable in all matters relating to Ahzad. The President had little patience for the French when they were being tricky for the sake of it, and this proposal would probably be the last chance for reconciliation.

Armandian Cheese

17-03-2005, 04:03

As a gesture of reconcilliation, Russia has proposed a free trade agreement between them and France. Russian oil, Rasputin cola, newly manufactured weapons, (Don't have the links here, but the main items consist of highly advanced shotguns, rocket launchers, and new automated entry guns.) and the smash hit "NeRdZ 4vR" <Check it out at the Oscars thread.> are waiting to be exported to France.

Roycelandia

17-03-2005, 05:02

OOC: Then your cartographers are also imcompetent since Istanbul is in Turkey, not United Elias ;) In Roycelandian speak, United Elias is Mesopotamia, Arabia, Egypt, Sinai and Transjordan.

OOC: My mistake, I was positive I'd read a couple of posts of yours making reference to the Elian Government being based in Ankara (Turkey, in case anyone didn't know). Nonetheless, my inital point remains.

It's also worth mentioning that Imperial Airways often use the Colonial Era names of cities as well, so a Sunderland Flying Boat flight from Port Imperial to Auckland would invariably find itself making a stopover in Batavia (Jakarta), a flight to Tokyo would find itself on stopover in Bombay (Mumbai), and so on. To everyone else it can get confusing, but to Roycelandian's it's completely normal and, as far as they're concerned, it's the other country/city's fault for changing its name in the first place...

Elkazor

19-03-2005, 08:12

His Majesties government was in quite a pickle, trying to respond to Elian signals that were far more subtle than overt.

His Most Christian Majesty, far to busy with the grand celebration which would commence in Paris presently, turned the decision over to his Council of State---M. de Vergennes, M. de Miromensil, and M. de Saint-Germain: all of whom were far more capable in determining the correct course.

In the first place, withdrawal was impossible. After all, forces from both Hindustan (which was considered a neutral and acceptable state by Louis, he had actually begun to like them [perhaps hed been sampling some of their 'products'-even though Hindustan wasnt the only land to turn them out, it was widely agreed they did it best] and did not mind their participation in Ahzad...in small numbers and with neutral intent) and the intensely virulent Lyong bloc now resided there, hardly making French interests in the Grand Princes land safe.

At the same time, HMCM made it perfectly clear that United Elias was to be appeased, indeed: His Majesties government believed reconciliation with Elias would be a good stepping stone for improving Anglo-Fraco relations as well, not to mention OIL OIL OIL OIL.

Ergo the pickle. Verily, the only option the Ministers could suggest was a slow and steady improvement of relations. The first step was to end the violence in Ahzad, something Louis XX and Gen. Massad were working feverishly to accomplish, which alone would guarantee safety in Southern Arabia. Additionally, His Majesty was willing to act as a mediator between the Ahzadis and Elians, to help them broker whatever disputes they might have cordially: the French way ;).

To sweeten the deal, His Majesty would authorize Elian shipping harborage at such desireable waypoints as Ft. Martin in New Caledonia and Charlesbourg New Provence (French Guiana): at a hugely cut rate. Even more than this, Louis promised to look the other way when Elias would no doubt be forced to crack down on troubles to its North. With no doubt Britain supporting whatever UE would do, hand in hand with His Majesty, this would mean free movement for United Elias in the Eastern Mediterranian. And of course, the coup d'gras, a fifty year non agression pact with France, and vis a vis France the Holy Leauge.

In return, France asked only to have the Suez resume allowing Royal Naval traffic through, although with approval given weeks in advance, as well as continuing to allow French commercial traffic though. That, and of course, a resumption of oil sales.

Louis XX wanted to end the animosity between the two lands, it just remained to be seen if he could support his trusted ally Grand Prince Massad while placating the massive bulk of United Elias.

As a side note, and a deep state secret, Louis XX had a speedway built in the depths of Versailles' forest. He had just bought a whole set of twelve Jaguars from Port Royal, each a different and custom model, and on staurdays now instead of hunting (Which he still did every week day, High Mass on Sundays) he zipped around the track in the triple digits, Ladies fanning themselves profusely, and bewigged gentlemen wishing they had Royal favor enough to sit shotgun.

Caealan

12-04-2005, 23:51

Greetings from Ireland

I've put considerable thought into creating our own version of the EU...would you be interested?

We have several European countries, so we could become quite a major player in the world.

Armandian Cheese

13-04-2005, 00:58

OOC: Well, considering that the Holy League is already in place, probably not. Ah, Caelan, would you mind starting an introductory RP thread? We know little of Ireland right now...

Elkazor

17-05-2005, 01:58

Versailles-Ministry of Lesser Pleasure

In the Office of the Ministry of Lessure Pleasures, the not-small department charged with Royal Entertainments, a flurry of work was underway.

Literally hundreds of secretaries, interior decoratords, land-scape men and entertainers feverishly planned what His Most Christian Majesty called: "My celebration party!"

It was to be the largest Ball ever thrown since the Restoration, which is saying something. Figures are secret, but its speculated that the money being used for beverages alone would amount to 1/4 the cost of the entire Pacific War, e.g. New Caledonia. Every square centimeter of Versailles would be illuminated, every pavillion the scene of some Rococo delight. On the guest list were literally thousands of Ducs, Marqueis, Comtes, Bishops, Knights and Cardinals. Royals invited included Louis XX own brother-in-law Wingert, Royce I (no stranger to the Versailles scene), Caesar Maximus, and Emporer Juan I. The new Prime Minister of England was on the list, though not a Royal, a nice chap nonetheless. And of course, making his long awaited debut at Versailles, President Putin.

An expected six figure crowd would attend a seperate, cheaper, party outside the Palace itself, where Louis XX would give out free food, wine, and gifts to the subjects whose blood did not let them pass the gates.

The mounds of fireworks would be enjoyed by all.

It would commence when Louis XX returned from His Royal Tour, the King just leaving for New Caledonia as his valets met.

((Just wanted to put this on the table. It may not look like it, but this is going to be one hell of a sub-thread. Keep your eyes peeled on the upcoming Masquerade folks, youll be in for intrigue, suspense, murder, and above all top-par RP! Winks at BG))

Armandian Cheese

17-05-2005, 02:50

"With the amount of money they're spending on drinks, they better have some quality vodka..."

Vlad muttered to himself, as he frantically packed his small leather suitcase. It was an odd thing for a President of a nation to be packing his own luggage, especially for such an important event. But this was both a little bit of tradition for Putin, a reminder of his not so distant past where he had furiously packed his bags before fleeing from an Iraqi ambush in the heart of Baghdad, and an act of paranoia, as he trusted no man with the items within the suitcase. All sorts of secret files describing various unsavory affairs, (the ill-fated submarine assault, amongst many things) personal notes on multiple world leaders, (many of which were not too kind to His Most Christian Majesty...) full military plans of invasion for every single nation on earth, (Yes, even the Vatican) an incredible array of games for the PSP and Nintendo DS, his trusty AK-47, a stash of grenades, bottles of fine vodka, and of course, the shiny red button that could destroy half the world.

His bizarre briefcase contents portrayed what had largely been a bizarre life.

"Too bad it will soon be over...But God almighty, may you give me the strength for this final task..."

Soon, Vlad would arrive in a sleek, black, custom tailored MiG-35, and would exit, (flanked by an entourage of "Black Scarf" bodyguards who would travel the traditional route) clad for once in something more than a black trenchcoat and scarf.

((And now the fashion world braces for Putin's revelations...))

Lunatic Retard Robots

18-05-2005, 01:01

OCC: One minor nitpick, AC...according to my sources, somewhere around 30 Russian hydrogen bombs would destroy not half the earth but all the earth. I assume that you have more than that many, so...I think if Vladimir Putin ever decided to envoke his rights of office, we could count on planet earth being made devoid of life the value of several times over, although only once would do the trick...perhaps even blown apart.

IC:

In response to the party at Versailles, Cabinet Minister Leonid Lem announces his plans to drink very heavily that night. Being the senior Cabinet Minister, Leonid also extends an invitation to Graeme Igo. He would be most welcome at the occasion, which will likely see several kilograms of 'unspecified substance' appear on the Parliamentary aquisitions register in the comming weeks.

Armandian Cheese

18-05-2005, 01:45

OOC: I don't think 30 can do that much damage...Nuclear fall out is horrible, but it's not as far reaching as some imagine. I wasn't exactly sure how powerful Putin's arsenal was, so I was taking a conservative guess. Don't want to be accused of godmodding or anything.

Elkazor

18-05-2005, 02:48

As His Most Christian Majesty landed in New Caledonia, the real preparation work for the Grands Fetes du Roi intensified.

Versailles admits public visitors while HMCM is away. (http://schoolweb.argo.be/ms/2/oostende/frans/gwp/images/Versailles_grounds.jpg)

Thousands of gardeners, musicians, chefs, footmen, maids and pyrotechnician added to the Palace's already large compliment of a staff of 4,000. Great motifs and collanades were erected in the Parc and Gardens, while in the Chateau itself great tapestries used only for the most magnificent occasions were unfurled. All had as a theme the invincibility of absolute monarchy and the devotion of the French kings to Christ and the Catholic Church.

Champagne and hard liquor was brought in by the busload, while flowers from half the world over were flown in for decoration.

Roycelandia

18-05-2005, 05:54

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I has arrived for the celebrations in Versailles with a brand new Loud Shirt, this one depicting Hibiscus Flowers, Sea, and the like.

He also has a VERY attractive female "secretary" on his arm, and has been making the rounds, introducing himself to people, catching up with old friends, telling jokes, and making serious inroads into the Bourbon and Bacardi supplies...

OOC: While we're on the subject of Nuclear Weapons, it's an open secret that Roycelandia has quite a few of them as well- ranging from the DeathHand Hyrdogen Missile to the Sunburst tactical nuke. Development is also well underway on The World's Smallest Nuclear Weapon, with an effective range of about 3 square city blocks...

Elkazor

20-05-2005, 03:10

His Imperial Highness Royce I and President Putin were given magnificent rooms of state in the Chateau itself, entertained by the Court itself (The Princes were out hunting and Their Majesty's would soon return from Spain) until His Most Christian Majesty's return.

Preparations were nearly concluded now, the stage set for the greast Fete in the history of Versailles.

((Sorry, no time left, more tommorrow. BG, do you feel like chiming in about that families history and their station in France?))

Armandian Cheese

20-05-2005, 03:12

OOC: It's a masquerade ball, yes?

Beth Gellert

20-05-2005, 03:20

(Ich, sorry, I have a lot to catch-up on in this thread, and it's all kinds of too much my birthday (id est, I'm too drunk) to read-up just now, but now I know where to look, so I'll follow on, eventually.)

The Macabees

20-05-2005, 03:23

[OOC: Just saw this thread! How fitting, Juan Catalan and Marie-Therse Antoinette together at a ball! I'll respond IC to both threads soon enough. I haven't really slept since 5:30 AM yesterday. Damn Star Wars Episode III midnight showing.]

Elkazor

20-05-2005, 23:04

OOC- Just some background on this SL.

This is going to be the biggest celebration ever to have been thrown at Versailles, which is saying quite a bit. It is to celebrate the Tenth Anniversery of the Restoration, the 55th Birthday of His Most Christian King, and the immenent marriage of Princess Antoinette to Emperor Juan Catalan. Not to mention Holy Leauge victories, the 'victory' in New Caledonia, the seizure of Algeria, the victory in Lavrageria, etc.....

There will be thousands of official guests inside the Palace, everywhere from the Orangerie to the Chateau's Grand Ballroom, all dressed in the most expensive and fancy costumes that money can buy. Indeed this is not a Masquearade Ball, it is the Masquerade Ball. Indeed, even His Most Christian King will be incognito after the 'kick off' of the festivities. The cost of illuminating Versailles alone for this Fete is well into the tens of millions, with bonfires, fairy lights, lanterns, and helium high power lamps dotting the Palace Grounds and Chateau.

Outside the Gates of the Palace Grounds, around 400,000-1.3 million Frenchmen are expected to show up for the free wine, beer, whiskey, food, games, prizes, and fireworks that will be provided for those whose blood doesnt let them beyond the Gates. Tented pavilions will be set up for all sorts of things. Of course, to keep order, HMCM Louis XX will call in the 1st Korean Division and the 2nd Turkish of the Royal Army to keep order, aside from the usual Two Regiments of Swiss Infantry and the Garde Suisse that is usually stationed in the Palace Grounds.

Aside from the fun and partying, intrigue will make a debut in Versailles, the conclusions of its activities surely will delight and rivit you all. I will do the first official post of the ball tommorrow, or as soon as BG gives us a bit of a blurb. But, hey, no rush man, oh and happy birthday!

Here is a excellent plan de Versailles, please (those of you looking to participate fully in this new, daring, and exciting character based RP and mystery of sorts would be behooved to explore this pleasure land) regard it as you will. Until next!

Interactive Plans of Versailles (http://www.chateauversailles.fr/fr/100_Plan_du_Domaine_de_Versailles.php)

United Elias

20-05-2005, 23:12

OOC:

Would the Elias foreign Minister be welcome, a step towards reconciliation perhaps?

Elkazor

20-05-2005, 23:28

OOC- Of Course, UE, send a full delegation. Maybe I should actually post a list of who can come.

IC-

Invitations had been sent out to the Grand Fete, those invited are:

Tsar Wingert I- not arrived yet
Juan Catalan- not arrived yet
Emporer Maximus- not arrived yet
Emporer Royce I- arrived
President Putin- arrived
Grand Prince/General Massad- not arrived yet
Prime Minister Chaffin- not arrived yet
United Elian Ambassidorial Corps- not arrived yet.
Peruvian Ambassidorial Corps- not arrived yet.
Chinese Ambassidorial Corps- not arrived yet.

This concludes the list of foreign officials invited to the Grand Fete, scheduled to begin tommorrow.

Armandian Cheese

21-05-2005, 06:19

OOC: Hmmm...A masquerade ball...Do you mean masquerade as in those odd little masks, or as in costumes?

Armandian Cheese

21-05-2005, 06:20

President Putin was said to have requested a disco floor be installed in preperation for the Fete. It will be fully paid for by Putin himself, and may be kept by Louis as a gift, if he so desires.

Roycelandia

21-05-2005, 07:26

There are rumours that His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I is going to challenge Putin to a Funky Disco Dance off on the floor- it is well known that His Majesty is a funky kinda guy, although the sight of a Head of State in a Leisure Suit with a Loud Shirt dancing to "Born To Be Alive" or "Stayin' Alive" is not one that most people in the Diplomatic Scene are likely to be accustomed to...

Armandian Cheese

21-05-2005, 19:29

OOC: Oh yes! AMW's first disco dance off! Bring it, Royce! Putin's groovy disco styles cannot be matched! This...will be interesting...

Roycelandia

22-05-2005, 03:27

OOC: Consider it Brought! His Majesty shall put on the greatest show of Funky Disco Stylin' this side of 1975!

[Bad Hong Kong Action Movie Dubbing] Your Moves are no match for my Funky Disco Stylings, Foo![/Bad Hong Kong Action Movie Dubbing] :D

Cos we were born, born, born... Born to be Alive! :D

Elkazor

23-05-2005, 21:25

Elkazor

23-05-2005, 21:33

OOC- Bump for BG to introduce something!

United Elias

24-05-2005, 00:03

OOC: Wow, when I saw the Virgil quote I racked my mind for ages translating (hard considering I haven't so much as looked at anything latin for quite a few years), only to find the translation a few lines lower on the page! Oh well, at least I could do most of it, got a tiny bit little muddled in the middle though...

IC:

Foreign Minister Sheikh Zaki Mohammed, being a rather old, and highly traditionalist Arab, would refuse to dress up in order to hide one's identity, and wore, as always the Dishdasha, a white ankle length robe, a matching white Ghutra headress with just a plain black band around the head to tie it. Despite the fact that he refused to embellish in some of the more unorthodox aspects of this event, he was nonetheless impressed by the grandeur and the elegance, not to mention the scale of the celebrations. Keen to score diplomatic points before the other guests were too intoxicated on fine premier grand cru, he circulated, realising that identification was difficult and he would have to be cautious, as much out for fear of an international incident than just embarrasment if he mistook someone.

Armandian Cheese

24-05-2005, 00:32

OOC: I'll post a bit later...Shame, Elk! ;) Royce gets a rolling round of applause and his own little chair, while Putin is met with stone silence?!? Bah. His worth shall proven on the dance floor...When I get time to post, that is...Prepare yourself, Royce...

Elkazor

24-05-2005, 01:32

((Thanks, UE. I must say, though Im pretty sure youve had a British education which explains it, Ive noticed your Latinae studium sink in here and there, Valete Amici! Myself, Horace is my favorite. Ahhh, Horace. And then who doesnt like Catullus? But Virgil, yes, not bad. And Putin, you didnt get stone silence, but Royce is practically a cult hero in France, akin to Ben Franklin. That was the first of several huge developments, Id like to leave a bit of time here for people to enter into the RP if they wish, I assure you it will turn very character RP based ere long! Mi favorito! I want to 'hallor' out at Wingert to get his ass to Versailles. Caesar Maximus, that means you too. And Juan, well, I have good hopes hell be here soon. ::Rings a bell mimicking world revolution to lure BG in::))

The Elian Ambassidor, as were trains of other ambassidors, foreign princes, and diplomats was introduced to His Most Christian majesty before Louis zipped off to slip in constume...something, for reasons soon apparent, he is very eager to do!

Shiekh Mohammed would wait in line (a fairly quickly running one to be sure) taking slow steps forward each minute. Then, he was confronted with a blaze of light.

The divan, backlighted by crystal lighting and thus making it appear that His Most Christian King and the other enthroned members of the Royal Family glowed with coronas, was stunning. Louis inclined His regal head to Shiekh Mohammed:

"Mon ami, I bid you welcome to your most desired post here at Versailles. I once again wish for the best relations between our magnificent lands, and see your duty here as integral to that." His Most Christian Majesty then clapped, and a servant came forward with a satin pillow, whereupon sat a ruby studded silver heart. Once the heart was given to the Shiekh, His Most Christian King would again speak. On it were engraved the words "Death before animosity."

"Enjoy yourself now, and use your enjoyment as a foretaste for the excellent relations our two great lands and peoples!"

With the kindest gestures, the Ambassidor then lost his place in line...but soon found himself being assigned to another Minuet, in which one danced with several partners in slow and grand gestures.

Elkazor

24-05-2005, 01:51

BUMP engaged!

Roycelandia

24-05-2005, 03:22

Royce I waved to the crowd and performed his patented "Cocked thumb and forefinger with big smile" to select members of the audience.

His Majesty really wasn't big on Breeches and French Court Dress in general ("They make my ass look fat" he joked to a reporter from Canal Plus Internationale), so he was going with an exquistiely jewelled Renaissance Explorer-type costume with a Lion Mask.

He introduced his companion for the evening as "Miss Rebecca Waters", and she curtsied appropriately and generally impressed everyone with her charm, poise, and impressive assets.

Armandian Cheese

24-05-2005, 03:57

President Putin smiled sardonically, as he realized the irony of his situation. He, the son of a middle class merchant, was now attending a Royal Ball whose per minute expenses were higher than his father's annual wage! And of course, even more ironic was the fact that he was attending the party as a friendly guest, although both Louis and Putin had done more than their fair share of revolutionary meddling in each other's nation.

But still, here he was, forgetting old rivalries in order to achieve a greater task.

Odd how Christ's teachings apply to foreign policy..."turn the other cheek" indeed...

It was meant to be a joyous party, of course, but Vlad was here mainly here for business. The French had proven their cruise missile mettle in Lavrageria, as the smoking remains of Ulanger testified, and Putin was here to insure their expertise would not be wasted in the final struggle.

Still, the French were the French, and a good party would be had before any serious talk could begin. So, Putin had opted not for the typical masquerade outfit (His mere presence here was infuriating the anti-monarchist back at home; dressing like the aristocrats would be unbearable in terms of poll results), but something closer to his heart. Yes, Vladimir Putin, President Of The Divine Republic Of Russia, (and soon, hopefully, Eastern Europe) was dressed...

...as the Dark Lord Of The Sith, Darth Vader. Flanked by his bodyguards (clad in Stormtrooper Armor), the Russian President menacingly sauntered out of his Volga, as a bried interlude of the Imperial March played. He chuckled at the sight of some of the more faint hearted French ladies fainting, and then continued on to mingle with the crowd. Vladimir did not dance, just yet, for he had never truly learned to dance with a partner. It had been one of the oddest mysteries of his terms, actually, that not a single relationship had been slapped onto the covers of scandal hungry Russian tabloid. Putin was notoriously distant in relationships, and some biographers had noted that no evidence for even a single physical relation with anyone had surfaced, leading many to speculate that he was an asexual.

Now, what was the point of that little interlude on Putin's sexual practices?

A very important one. Putin had no son, no family, nothing.

But, you may ask, why is that important? He is a President, no? So heirs aren't really an issue.

Yes, but his psyche is what counts as of now. Every man who procreates does so for a reason: children. Even though it may be an accident, the accident was sparked by the man's deep desire to pass on his DNA. DNA is simply a means of carrying on after death, of leaving a mark for the next generation.

Now, Putin, having no one close to him, had no means of carrying on himself through someone else. And thus, as the Grim Reaper inched nearer and nearer, Vladimir's thoughts turned darker and darker. His once rigid morality began to slip away, his democratic ideals started to wither, his code of honor slowly faded into the distance. Putin was a man on fire, a man obsessed with one goal, one conquest. He was willing to make any deal with anyone able to deliver him his legacy, and so...

...and so he dashed through the lingering crowds, unable to dance intimately with a woman like the others seemed to, his remaining life energies devoted to one task.

Irritatingly, the task had to wait, as the French loved to put pleasure before duty, so Putin attended to a less important, albeit still important task.

"Emperor Royce? My name is President Vladimir Putin...but they call me...the Dark Lord Of The Dance! And I challenge you to a disco duel..."

Beth Gellert

24-05-2005, 04:31

While Paris subjugated millions abroad, the Commonwealth's millions unloaded arms once destined for Korea and hurled rice and grains aboard their WIG vehicles, replacing red fist-bearing yellow stars with the red star of Soviet aid. And while France smiled her way through sexually transmitted disease and desperate want of child welfare, Beddgelens laboured under the yoke of a thousand responsibilities: a comrade Jones-Singh (one of seven hundred thousand in the Commonwealth) struggled with his privately held Protestant writings on one hand and a condom in the other and wished that he had the freedom to be forced into not using the latter because it went against a faith he was totally free to not practice; a luckless fisherman drove to the city to visit his pre-revolution school chums and got stuck in traffic behind the former Duke of Orissa, driving a similar vehicle, and found himself wishing that he were walking eighty miles just to be out of this awkward situation; and in West Bengal a couple of chums compared torture wounds and prison stories from two decades back, born of asking questions, one claiming to have been thrown in the black hole at the Prince's demand.

And several thousand miles away...

A well appointed suite in Paris, France

"...sixteen years since your mother carried you out of Victoria Salvadoria, son, and into that sorry childhood. Ten since you found a home. Well, now you shall be compensated! Not quite seventeen and come from a hotel in Goa to the heart of Versailles! Son, in the same span of my young life I moved from the rank of heir apparent to heir apparent! And that was only because your uncle died in his crib before I arrived! Ha!"

Llewellyn went on and on, taking eight minutes to straighten the gold-trimmed green epaulets he'd awarded himself as he talked into the mirror as if his reflected words would somehow inspire that son of his to rise from his crumpled slouch and to straighten his regal spine.

Prince Bedwyr ap Llewellyn had grown-up with his father's vitriol the norm and almost his only education. Tales of the Igovian Revolution and of the Sovietists were told like the spectacle of gladiatorial battles in Rome where barbarians -kin who'd given-up before the legions two millenia ago while the Geletians fought on and eventually escaped- fought to emphasise their own brutality and inferiority to the Romans. Only, the youngster had not been unimpressed with the realisation that these gladiators were anything but the crown's inferiors: they'd won the war, and in India Spartacus made himself Imperator and then gave it up to the emancipated, indeed pointed to each of them and proclaimed, "You're Spartacus!"

The younger prince, exiled before he could walk, sighed a teenage sigh as he hauled a pale, blotchy frame from its seat and joined his father on the way to Versailles.

Versailles

Bedwyr was slightly put-off by the scale of the spectacle, and remained silent as the former Beddgelen monarchs approached. His father, though, talked constantly. He was clearly pleased by a return to the highlife, but even more satisfied by the constraints of the display. Surveying the gathered million, he smirked while comparing it to the four million turned out for him in his youth. The foreign guards were nice and familiar, too, but no Gurkhas. It was for Llewellyn the perfect balance: satisfaction of his long denied cravings and a rub of his gigantic ego. True, today he'd struggle to find a dozen admirers in his homeland, but his memory spoke still of displays to dwarf Paris at rush hour, let alone Versailles. Once he'd had more than half a dozen subjects for every one in France, and his armies could have consumed the entire Holy League of Europe in a morning, and it had all fallen to the peasantry, and as such he was acutely aware of the falsehood of the display. But that mattered little right now: he missed it, and honestly enjoyed the display and the good cheer.

The exiled Beddgelens prided themselves on wearing their own hair and keeping it free of lice, but that had not stopped the elder from lightening his with flour, nor his son from lightening his own... with lime.

The younger Celt almost hissed at anyone who came near or appeared as if prepared to lay hands upon him, and the pair honoured Louis with respectful turns of the wrist and slight stoops not quite sufficient to be called a bow. While Llewllyn's rarely held-up mask displayed the traditional animal characters to be expected of his position, the young Bedwyr almost constantly kept-up his own facade, shaped as it was in the manner of a wild boar as depicted in so much ancient celtic art from Gaul to Geletia.

The absence of the Crown Princess of Beddgelert was explained as resulting from her approaching labour with Llewellyn's second (he hoped) son. True, the elder Beddgelen royals were hardly middle aged and still in fit state to propagate their dwindling seed.

Llewellyn kept on smiling and chattering with anybody who would hear of his intollerable hardships and of his glory days on the sub-continent, and Bedywyr (the Welsh form of Bedivere, in case you wondered) kept a white fist clenched about the stick of his mask and another tight in his pocket...

Roycelandia

24-05-2005, 07:26

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I was most pleased with the extremely filthy and most unladylike message whispered in his ear by the delightful Ms. Waters, and she winked at him and headed off to find a French serving girl to "join them" later.

His Majesty, however, knew that Affairs of State had to take Precedence over "affairs of state", and he smiled at President Putin.

"President Putin, it is indeed an honour. I accept your challenge. Now, I do beleive that, as the challenged, I have the first choice of song?"

Elkazor

24-05-2005, 18:37

Armandian Cheese

24-05-2005, 18:38

"Indeed."

(OOC Sorry for the short post, have to sprint to class!)

Elkazor

24-05-2005, 18:42

((Of course, AC, actually me too. Anyway, Im sure lots more to come. I must say, I have quite an affinity for the evil Emporer in Star Wars: now there is a pragmatic individual who knows how to get what he wants!))

The British Federation

24-05-2005, 23:19

(Apologies etc for absence thus far)

When the invitation had reached Downing Street, Prime Minister Chaffin was quoted as saying, "Dressing up like a fool infront of a whole bunch of frogs - most undignified." However, the cabinet office had passed the letter up the chain to Buckingham Palace, where wise royal aides passed it down again to Kensington Palace.

The net result was that the United Kingdom would be represented by the second in line to the throne, Queen Elizabeth III's only daughter, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, also known as Princess Charlotte. Just under thirty years of age, and making up for what she lacked in beauty with lineage, this event would be used to further her extensive and exhaustive search for a husband, preferably European royalty.

Arriving, she also was not exactly incognito, being accompanied by several men in pristine evening ware, all specifcally trained to prevent a repeat of a previous incident at an official event, where excessive alcohol and resulted in most unfavourable and lesivious pictures of the Princess appearing in the tabloid press. In the spirit of the masquerade ball, the young Princess was dressed elaborately in a costume representative of Elizabethan courtly masques, which, incidentally were frequently held to celebrate marriage and engagement.

United Elias

24-05-2005, 23:59

(Yes Elkazor you are indeed right, I have had the typical experience of most who have endured the traditional, if I would have to admit, elitist style of British education, in that I was forced to study the classics, and loathed every second of it, only to appreciate it more afterwards. As for Horace, the only quote I can remember from him is 'Aut insanit homo, aut versus facit' (actually it might be a quote about Horace from a contemporary, I don't recall)...As far as Roman authors, I am inclined to say that Ovid is my favourite...)

Foreign Minister Skekih Mohammed, is most intrigued to see the Bedgellen royals, and quietly seeks to introduce himself. He would not be remembered but he had met many of the family when he was younger, and still junior in the diplomatic service, during the days of the principality, where, in a complete reversal, UE was the more progressive of the two powers.

Elkazor

25-05-2005, 00:04

Princess Charlotte managed to seize the title of "Belle of the Ball", at least for a few hours.

The arrival, finally, of a dignitary of Britain (a Princess no less!) was greeted enthusiastically at Versailles, the Princess was given a warm and loving reception by the Royal Family: Her Highness Marie-Therese presented her with a homespun gauze dress, Royally made.

And little did the Princess know that during the Ball several times she would encounter young, masked men. Little did she know that two of them were none other than le Comte d'Provence and the Duc de Normandie, younger sons of His Most Christian King. Louis' fecundity was well known, Marie-Therese and he had fathered six children, five of them sons.

Needless to say, they all were handsome and charming, le Duc de Normandie was said to be the most attractive of the whole Royal Family.

Elkazor

25-05-2005, 00:05

((Ahh, indeed UE. You dont remember "Semper ubi sub ubi?"))

Elkazor

25-05-2005, 00:24

((Oh, this is a bit unrelated to the Ball, but just thought id post it here nonetheless. I dont expect, or even encourage, a response to it, just wanted to post the raw information.))

Versailles, Ministry of War

As the Ball was just about to get underway, and twilight was setting on a perfumed Versailles, M. de Saint-Germain (Minister of War to His Most Christian Majesty) filed the proclamations His Majesty had ordered, handing them over to a functionary who would make good the commands.

After the utter failure of the Mirage-2000 aircraft in New Caledonia, His Majesty ordered that the entire ODSE (Ordu du Saint-Espirit, Air Force Knighthood in France) move its fighter craft over to the Dassault Rafale, hitherto only operated in small elite squadrens. The Rafale was quicker, tougher, more modern, and more capable than the older Mirage-2000. Although the Royal Armories would continue to produce the Mirage models, they would be conisgned for export and use in the burgeoning colonies as provincial defenses.

Since the production of Dassault Rafale's was on the increase before, the turnover is expected to take about two years. Although the Dassault costs more on a per craft basis, on the whole M. de Saint-Germain predicted to His Majesty increases in the single percentile range for the ODSE.

Of course, these announcements come as the Royal navy was being built another Super-Battleship, several more light cruisers and attack submarines, and ten more Brest Class frigates. The money has come from basically profits in Algeria and Al-Ahzad, as well as a permenant 15% tax on all income known as "The Kings Levy", although this money was also used for a myriad of other projects.

And since the Dassault Rafale is to become the standard fighter craft in France, the Academie Royale in French Guyana is going to develop testing for a new, elite French fighter. Roycelandian scientists were invited to participate. The goal would be to develop a interceptor as good or better than any craft currently being flown by the 'dangerous powers', basically Asia en masse. Also, the ODSE was going to begin to build a heavy bomber program, and since there was absolutley no machinery in France geared up to produce these, the Roycelandians were asked if they had any models for sale.

Armandian Cheese

25-05-2005, 00:39

OOC: No time right now, nor opportunity. I'll wait for Royce to begin the dancing duel. Oh, and Elk, if Industrial capacity is what you're looking for...Well, you know who to call...

Calling my costume outlandish? When the Roik emperor comes in wearing a loud shirt and gigantic hat, with a broad at the side, and the French king is dressed as a tree? Putin looks almost normal in comparison...

Yes, the Emperor is a bit of a hero of mine. Not in the evil sense, but his ability to so intricately arrange his ascent to power...Ahh...A perfect model for my upcoming Presidential campaign...

Lunatic Retard Robots

25-05-2005, 01:32

As Hindustani cabinet ministers drink distilled alchohol in gratuitous amounts, attempting to brush off the lavish Versailles party, a few start to wonder.

"Eh, whatever happened to that lewelleran guy?"

The cause of nigh-boundless trouble for the early Parliament, Lewellen and his principality are not viewed in a terribly friendly light by most Hindustanis. One might go so far as to say that, should the old prince find himself amongst a throng of HDF veterans or Hindustanis over the age of fourty, he could find his life much in danger.

OCC: Not to bother, but, TBF...any chance you could get around to posting in that British defense issues thread? Mumbai has indicated interest in a number of ships slated for retirement from the RN.

Roycelandia

25-05-2005, 02:13

OOC: Just a quick post before I head to Uni to say that Roycelandia has the perfect Heavy Bomber for France- the Colonial Aircraft Factory Lancaster II, best described as a cross between a B-52 and an Avro Lancaster. It's Jet powered and has lots of other goodies on it, too...

And AC, His Majesty has elected to dance to "The Hustle", to begin with...

Xiaguo

25-05-2005, 03:00

OOC:If this is a youth ball, but it isn't, just disgusting.

Armandian Cheese

25-05-2005, 05:10

OOC:If this is a youth ball, but it isn't, just disgusting.
OOC: What? I have no idea what you're saying...

Oh, and go ahead and start Royce. I won't be able to get a decent post in for a bit...

Xiaguo

25-05-2005, 05:57

OOC:Just a TAG

Roycelandia

25-05-2005, 12:47

OOC: You know, I have no idea how to adequately RP a disco contest, so I might just wait until you've got some time as well... ;)

Armandian Cheese

28-05-2005, 03:38

Putin smirked underneath his dark armor, before replying to the French lady who had patted him on the shoulder.

“Oh yes, and I’m sure that 18th century era over sized umbrella you call a dress was homespun as well.” he said, his words dripping with sarcasm.

He laughed sardonically, leaving the French lady a tad embarrassed as she observed her own manner of dress, realizing how absurd it was. The oblivious nobles laughed at his “outlandish” costume, completely unaware of how ridiculous they looked in their gigantic dresses and plumes from medieval eras, and of course, their tree costumes.

Putin rushed to meet up with Emperor Royce on the dance floor, and in his hurry, the dark lord slammed into one of the men disguised as trees.

“Goddam trees! Can’t you see I’m busy?!?”

The tree laughed eerily.

“I’ll tell Louis about you bastards in tree costumes. Just because I don’t know who you are makes you think you’re immune to anything, doesn’t it, you punk! Cowering under the veil of anonymity in order to pester and meddle with those who actually work for a living while you sit on your French arse, eating snails and sipping wine while having sex with your fifteen year old mistress! You’re just like those annoying thirteen year olds who pop up on Xbox Live…Bah! Get out of my way!”

An angry Vladimir shoved the tree being aside, and rushed ahead.

Little did the orange haired man know that the fellow inside the tree was none other than Louis XX, who would most certainly not be pleased…

Vlad’s attention on the tree man was cut short, however.

“Oooooooh…. Do it! ”
“Excellent…”

Putin’s head turned around, and a smile crept onto his face.

“Prepare yourself, Royce!”

The Dark Lord Of The Dance (as he was known in high school…but that’s a different tale…) dashed onto the specially constructed disco floor. The panels on the floor flashed in a dazzling array of colors, and the gigantic disco ball only further enhanced the overwhelming deluge of light.

“Ooooohhhooooohhhhooooohhhh…”

The dark armored body began to sway ever so slightly on the dance floor. As the music grew faster, his body bounced from left to right to left. He then began to do the “blender” (a dancing movement involving quickly rotating one’s arms around each other) as he rhythmically grooved across the dance floor. His movements grew quicker and groovier by the second, but something inside still lurked, waiting for the moment to be unleashed…The groove within…

“DO THE HUSTLE!”

Immediately, Lord Vader’s hand rose into the air, finger extended upwards. His other hand remained on his hip, as his body moved to the groovy beat, and his hand vigorously moved up and down in classic disco fashion. His legs twisted in a variety of ways, and his hips gyrated like mad. As the music intensified, so did his dancing, as he began to spin around as he boogied, and his feet flew all over the place.

“DO THE HUSTLE!”

Finally, he grooved his way over right in front of Royce, performed a quick dance step, and finished off with a dramatic pose.

(OOC: I’ll admit this isn’t really that good, but describing the hustle is difficult…)

Roycelandia

28-05-2005, 07:22

His Majesty nodded with an impressed smile.

"Very impressive. But obviously, you forget, I am the Funky Disco Emperor".

And with that, His Majesty stepped onto the dance floor, and His Majesty began to click his fingers in time to the Music, whilst looking side to side at various members of the audience and shooting some of the more attractive women therein his trademark cocked finger and thumb with smile move.

As the music built up, His Majesty summoned his inner Funkiness...

"DO THE HUSTLE!"

And that was His Majesty's Cue to whip off his Leisure Suit jacket in a vibrant explosion of colours, as it was revealed that the lining therein matched the Imperial Loud Shirt.

His Majesty brought the full force of his Funk to the fore, bringing out such maneuovres as the Truck Driver, the Blender, the Robot, and, at the song's climax, Moonwalking, before performing a reverse spin and launching into the classic Disco Groove move (the one that you see in Saturday Night Fever, with the arm moved from the waist to the ceiling and back again), before stepping back from President Putin. The Funk was with him that night, and regardless of how the competition turned out, His Majesty would have a very pleasurable evening once he retired for the night, that was for certain...

Beth Gellert

28-05-2005, 10:20

At several times during the early evening Bedwyr had felt a little faint. He'd grown up essentially on the run, the first few years of his life had been spent with parents terrified by the father's paranoid imaginings about GSIC ghost teams and the possibility of being kidnapped and taken back to answer crimes against the Indian people. The display at Versailles, especially as it put him for a moment at its centre, would have left him clearly shaken were he not able to retreat behind his little mask, which was held up to his face tightly and for long enough that it would leave an impression on his brow when he briefly lowered it from time to time.

Llewellyn became more quickly at ease, though in the unlikely event of eyes falling on him at the time, his frown towards the less than polite Russian would be evident.

Skekih Mohammed was entertained by a Llewellyn clearly keen to avoid talking to either Putin or the Hindustanis he thought that he'd spotted across the way, though the experienced diplomat would probably not have much trouble spotting that the Prince was lying about his memory of meetings past.

Young Bedwyr continued to drift awkwardly about, holding up his boar-shaped mask with one hand and checking his pocket frequently with the other. Most of his time was spent with back turned to most goings on, often facing towards the Hindustanis though not approaching them.

Grande Peru

28-05-2005, 16:05

(OOC: Oops, missed this thread; thankfully there's an IC way to account for that...)

A polite diplomatic communique is sent to Louis by El Presidente Delgado of Peru, thanking him for the invitation but expressing sorrow at being unable to attend due to developing situations in South America.

Attached to the communique is a letter from Kangtian Wei, the new head of the Pacific Lotus. Kangtian uses the letter to politely express his outrage at the fact that Emperor Shinseiki of Japan (aka good old Chiisu) was not invited to the ball; it is also hinted that Delgado's non-attendance is also a form of protest at the lack of invitation.

Of course Shinseiki is above openly addressing such slights, although Tian has been treated to the spectacle of some truly obscene tirades since the party began.

Lunatic Retard Robots

28-05-2005, 17:06

OCC: Oh, er...I should probably clarify the fact that there aren't any Hindustanis at the Versailles party (at least none on official business): The cabinet ministers are drinking in protest to the party.

Unless, of course, you count some Principality-era functionaries arrested and exiled here and there...

Beth Gellert

28-05-2005, 18:51

OOC: Ah, I thought it was a bit odd :)

Armandian Cheese

28-05-2005, 19:29

Putin grinned underneath his dark mask. Royce was a master of the art of Disco, and both were in for the Disco Battle of their lives.

"Most impressive. I have yet to meet such a talented disco opponent. But you will fail, Royce. I have not yet unleashed my ultimate weapon...Chikara, hit it!"

Chikara, head of the Black Scarves (Putin's personal security detail), was originally none to pleased to be wearing a stormtrooper costume. He'd signed up to be a professional security guard for the President of the Divine Russian Republic, not a cosplayer at French balls. Still, even he had to admit that the costume was eerily comfortable, and oddly enough, an incredible attractor for women. (Then again, the French women had thought Ben Franklin was attractive, so odd tastes were to be expected!) However, as the code words "hit it" erupted from Putin's mouth, Chikara sprung into action. His white armored feet sprung towards the DJ, who fled in the sight of what appeared to be a deranged Star Wars fan. The Black Scarf Agent then slapped on some headphones, and pulled out two gigantic black vinyl discs. He slapped them onto the audio machine, and his hands gently hovered above them, ready to do a bit o' scratching if it was necessary.

The music, which was surely familiar to Royce, began to hum into existance. Vlad began to tap his feet to the music. His elbows back, he pumped his left and right arm up and down.

"Young man! There's no need to feel, down!"

Putin snatched an obescenely large golden medallion from one of his bodguards, and strapped it around his neck.

"I say, young man! Pick yourself up off the ground!"

Vladimir danced aggressively backwards now, his feet dancing rythmically as he moved back, and his hands smoothly guiding him.

"I say young man! 'Cause you're in a new town!"

Vladimir kicked forward, once with each leg, and then wildly spun his arms in circles while still pointing outwards.

"There's no NEED TO BE UNHAPPY!"

His feet unleashed a dazzling array of disco steps, as he spun around at insane speeds. Seemingly out of nowhere, a line of Stormtroopers.

"Young man! There's a place you can go!"

These were no ordinary stromtroopers. These stormtroopers wore Indian chieftain headdresses, construction worker gear, sailor outfits, and more.

"I say young man! When you're short on your dough! You can stay there!"

The stormtroopers joined Putin in an ancient, traditional dance, a dance known to the eons as...

"And I'm sure you will find many ways to HAVE A GOOD TIME!"

...The YMCA.

"You can stay at the...YYYYYMCAAAA!"

With elbows thrashing vigorously, the line of Stormtroopers boogied on. One particularly mischevious one dragged the Bedgellen prince onto the dance floor, hoping to get him to join in...

Roycelandia

29-05-2005, 02:10

His Majesty was indeed most impressed by President Putin's Disco Dancery. But he still had tricks up his sleeve.

"Cue the Music!" called His Majesty, and the lights dimmed.

The first chords of a funk guitar drifted across the dance floor...

Once I was a Boogie Singer, Playing In a Rock & Roll Band...

His Majesty was swaying in time to the music, twisting at the waist.

And I never had no problems, yeah, bringing down the one-night stands

Suddenly he threw out his arms and Ms Waters and one of the French Serving Wenches spun onto the floor and into each of his arms. His Majesty smirked in his best playboy grin.

When everything around me, got down to feeling so low

Random Kung Fu pose from His Majesty!

And I decided quickly, yes I did, to Disco down and check out the show

His Majesty & Co unleashed a series of co-ordinated disco moves, including reprises of The Blender and the SNF Disco Groove

And they were dancin', and singin', and movin' to the groovin', and just then, it hit me, somebody turned around and shouted:

His Majesty & Co spun around, performed the splits, and rose up again in one fluid motion, fingers cocked at President Putin...

Play that Funky Music, White Boy! Play That Funky Music Right!

Several Imperial Guard (men and women) in Ceremonial Dress grooved onto the floor and launched into a series of Disco Moves, spotlessly choreographed, whilst His Majesty played Air Guitar and did an Angus Young (form AC/DC) style hop across the dance floor...

Lay down the boogie and play that Funky Music till you Die!

Before His Majesty suddenly went onto his head and started spinning around, arms out like a pirouette, whilst his secretary and the french serving girl started to dirty dance with each other and the Imperial Guard disco danced in the background, the lights from the dancefloor and the glittering Disco Ball reflecting off their Cuirassiers in a patten that could be described as either "Mesmerising", or "Psycehelic", depending on what (if any) mind-bending hallucinogens or narcotics the viewer had recently ingested.

By now a large crowd would have gathered to witness the Disco Battle Of The Century, with Foreign Minister Lebowski furiously rummaging through His Majesty's collection of LPs to find the next funktacular song...

Armandian Cheese

29-05-2005, 02:42

OOC: Ah, this is most excellent. Alright, let's get it down to one more song for each, alright? Putin needs to get going...

United Elias

29-05-2005, 12:37

The elederly foreign minister small talked with Llewellyn for some time. Then, he withdrew a business card from his long white garment, as well as an electronic device similar to a blackberry. After asking for a pen from one of the Palace staff, he quickly copied a number from the PDA onto the back of card, before handing it to Llewellyn. Then he leaned closer, just a few inches from the exiled Royal's face and spoke softly, "There is the private number of our Ambassador to France, I urge you to make use of it if you should require anything. Also, I must extend an open invitation for your family to visit our great country should you wish, and I assure you the President would be honored to have you as guests in one of his own fine residences."

With these words, he decided to move on, attempting to find a moment to make complement's to the British Princess, as a few insincere comments were an wasy way of gaining some diplomatic points with one of UE's most important allies. Speaking of allies, Sheikh Mohammed looked on to see Emperor Royce's exploits on the dance floor, quietly thinking that Roycelandia was indeed a most eccentric country as he tried to make peace with the bizarre customs of other cultures.

Xiaguo

29-05-2005, 20:41

OOC:I hope you guys don'tget too carried away with the music.This is becoming a International Disco..

Armandian Cheese

29-05-2005, 21:37

OOC: You think Royce is bizarre? At least he's not wearing a Darth Vader costume while dancing to YMCA... Ah, this is fun. Have a full post in a bit.

Roycelandia

30-05-2005, 08:51

OOC: Don't worry, we're only doing one more song each, then it's back to the Diplomatic Stuff.

Incidentally, His Majesty's somewhat... colourful behaviour is what endears him to the Roycelandian Empire, the French, and other admirers, well-wishers, and people in general abroad.

It's also important to remember that the Imperial Loud Shirt is really not that unusual by Roycelandian standards... heaps of people wear Loud Shirts (try and imagine a country run or inhabited by people like Glenn Quagmire from Family Guy and you have some idea what Roycelandia is like on the holidays :D)

Elkazor

30-05-2005, 22:01

Elkazor

30-05-2005, 22:25

((just wanted to insert this too))

Ministry of War, Versailles

The Lancaster II bomber is decided to be exactly what the ODSE needs.

Orders are placed, with the Ordu du Saint Espirit (France's air force) inquiring as to the possibility of purchasing around 175-200 craft, plus the rights to make their equipment in France.

Armandian Cheese

30-05-2005, 22:59

OOC: Damn research project! I cannot post a decent disco finale! ARG! Ahem. Elk, won't you react to Putin's "encounter" with the disguised Louis?

Elkazor

30-05-2005, 23:04

((Well, AC, the thing is then thatd give him away. Id assume he just shuffled past on his way to wherever. Of course, please feel free to poke about the Palace Grounds as you will...things should get interesting soon...hint hint BG!))

Beth Gellert

31-05-2005, 02:15

Llewellyn continued to enjoy his evening, the first he'd spent in the sun (a metaphorical body, of course) since the 1980s, and refused to be brought down even by brief embarrasments forced upon him by the Russians. His child-bearing Princess wife was surely almost so famous as he, and as such the Prince held some limitations over his behaviour, for wrecking his union right now might be a mortal blow to what so recently was far the world's most glorious monarchy... he didn't much trust that first son of his to protect the line with all the vigour required.

Bedwyr meanwhile had been wandering. After perhaps the first wine of his sixteen years, the frail young man was not at his most steady, and frequently he let the mask slip from his brow. He ambled about, sneering now and then at the most pompous displays and looking down on the guards and lower nobility such as he felt princly safe to deride.

But his mood rocked back and forth as he remembered his spiteful regard for his station, only for calm arrogance to return with the next wash of wine.
Then his spare hand pressed down inside his pocket, setting the impact fuze, and he went to meet the French king. To thank him for his wine and for a taste of the life that this young Bedwyr had been denied, of course. The Prince awkwardly grasped the stem of his mask under one arm for a moment as he walked, using the freed hand to slip a small something into his mouth.

Roycelandia

31-05-2005, 11:49

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I had indeed enjoyed the show that Louis XX had put on. Indeed, His Majesty was impressed by Louis' lavish displays of wealth.

Indeed, as the evening wore on, His Majesty played a few hands of poker and blackjack with both the Imperial Guard and some of the foreign dignitaries. He still had an interesting night planned at his quarters with his secretary and her friends, but for now it was back to hand-shaking and some light gambling and socialising.

Incidentally, Colonial Aircraft would be delighted to supply 200 Lancaster II heavy bombers to France. The licensing fees and royalties to make the aircraft in France can be hammered out later, of course...

Elkazor

31-05-2005, 17:56

((BG, I wonder where is Bedwyr? Louis, as described in the last post, is enjoying some sport at the Petit Trianon. As far as I can gather, Bedwyr was still in the Chateau itself. I withdrew to such a location, I must admit, in hopes of giving the Prince a chance to saunter over to the near deserted pleasure house...if you could just clarify what Bedwyr is up to and where he is, thatd be great...)))

Beth Gellert

31-05-2005, 21:58

(Oh, he's on his way, walking. I am afraid I'm perhaps not familiar enough with the geography, so would it actually be realistic for him to walk after Louis and all? As noted, he's not been making a great impression at the party proper, poor lad :) )

Elkazor

01-06-2005, 19:46

((Bribe a maid, shell show you the way no doubt. After that, the plot would seem to be set. Ciao, I shall await your intrigue ridden approaches.))

Elkazor

02-06-2005, 18:22

((Bump, Bump. BG, lets just say Bedewyr has found the location, and is in posistion. Its been fun, but id like to sort of get this in the final stages))

Elkazor

02-06-2005, 19:13

Elkazor

03-06-2005, 01:45

Bump...

Beth Gellert

03-06-2005, 02:16

The elder Beddgelen prince was still carrying on in a fashion that well enough explained his desire to keep the princess away from the event when his son finally returned to him and spoke for about the first time in the evening. To the half-drunk Llewellyn he broached the subject of their host's whereabouts, and it was not long before the crown prince was bellowing after Louis and setting Bedwyr the task of seeking him out, calling attendants to help him in the task. Llewellyn was still a difficult man to resist, having spent his youth condemning people to a night in Calcutta's black hole when it seemed too much trouble for him to settle an uncertain matter: in the unlikely event that his subject saw the next morning, he won the argument. Now, of course, the fallen ruler didn't quite have that power behind his words, but the experience of being back in high society put the appropriate tone back in his voice.

Not very much later, Bedwyr was at the temple of love, protesting the king's absence from the ball and generally trying to worm his way in. He was at sixteen just begining to show some signs of charm here and there, when he dared speak at all, and though his complexion was hardly something to envy it could be seen that he might become a fairly handsome fellow when it some day cleared up and his slight frame perhaps filled out a little. But the young prince had other things on his mind, and he rolled one of them under his tongue, sure that he heard the king's laughter somewhere about.

Al-Ahzad

03-06-2005, 16:01

Slipping in through a side entrance, Hikmet Bektasi waddles into the festivities. At the orders of Ismet Massad, the aging, perpetually grumpy master statesman and spymaster of Al-Ahzad is "taking some time off" from his constant scheming. Hikmet wonders if Massad was hinting at some secret plan of his or just massively ignorant of the fact that the "relaxing" party is probably the single greatest hotbed of espionage in europe.

Actually, thought Hikmet, that was the best part about all of this. Even keeping track of Massad's insufferably young fighter pilot son wouldn't keep Hikmet from getting his fingers into shady dealings.

Elkazor

03-06-2005, 20:52

OOC- Okay BG, dont mind if I move this a bit along, but I have alot to do next week and would like to get this wrapped up.

Somehow, Prince Bedwyr had found his way past the Temple of Love in his search for His Most Christian Majesty. Indeed, the Temple of Love was deserted now, save for a few lamps still lit.

Bedwyr, turning away, then saw the torch lit path to the Petit Trianon itself. Hearing the laughter from it, unmistakbley the King's (and a yound ladies) he might move to investigate.

Inside, His Majesty Louis XX's four personal Garde Suisse, and his two bodyservants, were playing piquet in the Petit Trianon's Guardroom, which controlled the only entrance into the building...of course, excepting the open windows this delightful spring night.

Louis XX was cavorting the the Pleasure House's Grand Bedroom, which once belonged to His ancestress Marie Antoinette. No doubt as every maid and valet in Versailles knew, a carriage would arrive to take His Majesty to the dinner in the Grand Ballroom at 2:50 a.m..

The clock struck one.

Beth Gellert

03-06-2005, 22:15

(OOC: Sorry, didn't want to get ahead of myself. Final move shall be made in the next post, one way or the other, as I don't want to assume too much.)

The young prince lingered outside the Petit Trianon for quite some time, tapping against his leg the mask he never thought to relinquish, and pacing back and forth. At one point while shuffling about outside he heard through a window the strike of a clock, and thinking on the lateness of the hour soon began to notice the evening chill through his less than functional atire. Eventually -he wasn't sure how long he had delayed- Bedwyr dared to venture forth and ask after the king. Finding that he'd be an hour or so before leaving in his carriage, the prince said that he'd retire to the ballroom to await the gracious host.

In fact, Bedwyr took only a few steps back in that direction before concealing himself beside the road and withdrawing a small parcel from his pocket. He awaited the arrival of the carriage and hoped to make sure that he was properly placed for its return journey. He should like to encounter Louis one last time before the dinner.

Elkazor

03-06-2005, 23:03

((Hey no thing. I appreciate your candor on this. If I can be a bitch, please your your utmost RPing skill, well, for, you know. I want to hear some interesting things, well, before...you know.))

The clock slowly turned to 2:50 a.m..

Down the avenue came the King's personal vis-a-vis carriage (called because it only had enough space for two, sitting opposite each other), drawn by four white thoroughbreds. In the distance, at the Chateau itself, a cannonde signalling the immenent beginning of the feast sounded.

Even when His Majesty was finishing a dalliance with a mistress, there was a bit of ceremony. Precisely as the clock struck 2:50, the doors to the Petit Trianon were thrown wipe open as the vis-a-vis carriage rolled to the foot of the porticoed stairway.

The door thrown open, His Most Christian Majesty's four personal Garde Suisse marched to stand at attention as Louis XX passed. Dressed as superbly as ever, they were hand picked for their personal zeal and devotion to Louis. Then His Majesty came, kissing the dreamy Mme. du Barry as she held a night cloth to her chest, diamonds and rubies still pasted on here and there. After a final goodbye, Louis marched down the stairs (again in his purple toga and golden laurel) followed by his two bodyservants.

As Louis prepared to step into the carriage, a bodyservant offered his master a hand up. Of course, Mme. du Barry always watched her lover go, waving, so she still stood in the open doorway.

Armandian Cheese

03-06-2005, 23:41

OOC: What in the devil are you two plotting? ;)

Beth Gellert

04-06-2005, 03:14

Bedwyr lurked by the roadside having watched the carriage pass and stood just near enough that he saw it boarded. The prince began to walk further down the road in the moments left to him before Louis' ride set out, and then stopped to arrange something rather bizarre.

Shortly after departing, if nothing exceptional happened to intervene, the carriage would come upon a stick driven into the roadside. A stick torn from the trees near by and adorned with a rather regal coat and holding up a mask. This was was brilliant white, likely to catch any light that may fall upon it. It was fashioned after a wild boar and in a distinctly celtic style. The sort of design a Coral Sea veteran might remember having encountered atop a helmet or at the mouth of a warhorn.

Whether stopping to inspect the odd scene or choosing to pass it by without delay, this lost scarecrow of the upper-crust marked the point at which the king's chariot would be surprised as young Bedwyr sprang in his shirtsleeves from the roadside, teeth chattering with a cold that had set into his stringy form. Casting forth the impact-fuzed bomb that he'd armed almost too long since, he had resolved in advance to end his life of exile by cracking the cyanide capsule held between his teeth, and thinking of India.

With a dying breath, chilled lungs would be asked to force the greatest shout that a hardly broken voice could as Bedwyr cried, "Rappeler la Commune!" and expected never to know of his success or failure, hoping only that somebody -perhaps back at the Petit Trianon if not all the way at the hall- would be alive to hear.

Elkazor

05-06-2005, 22:23

United Elias

05-06-2005, 22:57

Only minutes after the explosion had echoed across the Palace grounds, Foreign Minister Sheikh Zaki Mohammed had been surrounded by his small troop of FSB bodyguards, all of which had been waiting with other staff in an adjoining room. Despite not being allowed to leave, and still unaware of exactly what had happened, the Sheikh had used his PDA to send an encrypted message to Baghdad saying that a major event had occured, and His Most Christian Majesty was clearly not having a good night. He also reported that the Bedgellen prince Llewllyn, who he had spent most of the evening charming, had been taken into the custody of the palace guards.

Even though this snippet of information lacked details, it was enough for the President to be woken in what was in Baghdad a relatively early hour of the morning, a feat seldom attempted without very good justification. Quietly shockwaves reverberated around the capital, as the future of France hung in the balance. Speculation was rife, but the principal questions were, how would France take its first post-restoration succession, and who was responsible for this assasination? If of course, it had been an assasination, and if HMCM was in fact dead...

OOC: You probably know better than I, but shouldn't Saint Chappelle be the Royal Church?

Elkazor

05-06-2005, 23:02

OOC- I promised intrigue, didnt I? And of course, FYI, all forced to stay in Versailles nevertheless have free access to communication and such, its just of course no one knows whats going on right now. And UE, the monks of St. Denis (St. Denis being the Saint who crowned the first French King) are entrusted with Royal births and burials and such, and I liked their medieval devotion to monarchical principles, and so made them the Royal Chapel so to speak; not to be confused with the Chapel Royale, which is simply the church the King uses in Versailles. An interesting tidbit, the See of Rheims is entrusted with the very ampulla of chrism that was delievered from heaven by a dove to crown French Kings. It still exists!

Beth Gellert

06-06-2005, 02:12

Young Bedwyr had been somewhat let-down by his cyanide, which had been kept improperly for quite some time, but made seriously sick by it and then wounded in the bomb blast, the regal anarchist would certainly die in a matter of minutes none the less.

The assassin's father had cried for news of his son on realising his absence just after word of the bomb arrived at the ballroom, and on being approached by guardsmen first supposed that he'd commited an insensitive faux pas by fussing over his own heir's whereabouts while the French ruler's condition was unknown. His own mistreatment and later word of his son's fate -which he would probably refuse to believe was owing to his part in the assassination attempt- would certainly incite Llewllyn to insist that bigger men than these had tried to finish him before, and to turn on his hosts as being incapable of running a decent dungeon. He probably did not help his case for the innocence of his son and his own ignorance of the plot by bloodily stuttering of his certainty that if Beddgelens had been in any way involved, then the French empire wouldn't last longer than had his principality under their assault.

In the Commonwealth, sketchy and speculative reporting of the events in France met with initial low-key optimism in most circles, though a few persons -mostly in Victoria and Salvador- clucked tongues and said what a shame it all sounded.

Lunatic Retard Robots

06-06-2005, 02:41

Upon news of Louis XX's 'ill health,' as reported by the French state media, Parliament doesn't do anything. If RNN is bothering to report it, it must be bad, and since Louis no doubt commands a veritable army of well-paid and well-educated physicians, it isn't considered likely that he has come down with the flu. Therefore, many Hindustanis conclude that there must have been some kind of assassination attempt.

Some worry that France might blame Hindustan, and dispatch its strong flotilla off Al-Ahzad to attack the Indian west coast, and in case of such an eventuality several ASM units, fighter/attack squadrons, and corvette sections are put on hightened alert. Of course, with a good half of the HDF deployed along the west coast alone (the other half being distributed between the Iranian border, the mountainous and generally peacefull border with Xinjiang, and various intermediate locations), it shouldn't be terribly difficult to come up with sufficient forces to repell a French incursion.

Others figure that some Frenchman must have done it, and perhaps the crown will go on some sort of purge. The list of theories goes on and on, but most in the Hindustani government are still concerned with the acceleration of French militarization. The Cherbourg Mk. III is certainly a threat, and the HDF steps up training sorties for units concerned with coastal defense. New ASMs, specifically designed to penentrate battleship armor (although, incidentally, equipped with a relatively small explosive charge), are designed and test-fired along with big armor-piercing torpedos. For the first time since the 1950's, HDF planes practice dropping bombs on a simulated seagoing target, and corvettes fire homing torpedos at surface targets.

Elkazor

06-06-2005, 03:17

Llewllyn was locked up tight in the Bastille, after being gagged thoroughly. Naturally, this sort of news could not be kept secret, that a Begdellen Royal in exile was arrested in France.

The perimeter of Versailles remained shut. But, at 11:00 a.m. RNN stated there would be a major announcement made about the situation by Prince Cardinal Louis de Rohan at noon, Grand Almoner of France.

Meanwhile, the rumors flew.

Roycelandia

06-06-2005, 12:43

OOC: Sorry for the delay replying to this... Uni and Work are pretty full on a the moment.

IC:

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I was jolted awake by the explosion, along with Ms. Waters and the Serving Girl in the same bed.

Seconds later, two Imperial Guardsmen burst into the room, expertly performing a sweep and ensuring that His Majesty and companions were unharmed.

Of course, once news of Louis XX's assassination attempt got to His Majesty, he would leap into the RoyceMobile ( a Jaguar XJ12, in this case), and hurtle through the streets of Versailles to the hospital.

Once there, he would demand admittance to see Louis XX immediately, and only the two very exhausted Imperial Guardsmen who staggered in behind him, still wearing Cuirassiers and carrying SMLEs, would convince the security and night staff, as well as the nurses, that the somewhat strangely attired gentleman with the large calibre service revolver was actualy His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I, and not just some nut in a Loud Shirt with a large calibre service revolver...

Elkazor

06-06-2005, 18:36

Quinntonian Dra-pol

06-06-2005, 23:15

The services of the Mayo Clinic in Quinntonia are put at France's disposal, and Jesus-1 will be sent upon request to pick up the King and shuttle him there.
WWJD
Amen.

The Estenlands

06-06-2005, 23:39

Count Falkenstien is keeping a vigil upon being informed of the situation by Princess Jillesepone and makes a hurried phone call to the Tsars Palace in Kiev.
Tsar Wingert is agahast, and flies into a fury, trashing his bedroom and throwing furniture, as well as smacking a few of the servanst that make the mistake of coming too close to his huge paw.
He then immediately makes for the Air Force Command and has his personal bomber fueled up and readied, he will soon be on his way to Versialles, saying, "King Louis has been the greatest friend to the Tsar that I have ever had, and the only equal of worth that can possibly understand the burdens of Imperial rule."
"This action of the vile socialists will not go unchallenged! This plague, this cancer against Divine Right should be wiped from the earth!"

Tsar Wingert also akss his Father Confessor, Father Bahamut, to enact a day of prayer in Estenlands, and not to stop the church bells ringing until Wingert gives further notice. All of Orthodoxy will be waiting for news from Versialles.

Tsar Wingert I.

Roycelandia

07-06-2005, 00:44

OOC: Sure, we have a squadron of them in mothballs at the moment that you can have now- or at least by the end of the week NS time. I know you probably want more than 12, but it's going to take a few months of NS time to make more- after all, it's not like we keep them sitting around in crates, ready to be assembled like Lego... ;)

IC: His Majesty was not a religious or spiritual man, but he was deeply upset that someone had tried- and for all he knew, succeeded- in killing his friend.

Naturally he couldn't hold the entire Bedgellen Nation responsible for the attack, but nonetheless, His Majesty knew that the thus warming relations between Roycelandia and Beth Gellert wouldn't be helped by this.

The Roycelandian Broadcasting Corporation and RSkyB have also arrived in Versailles to keep views updated, whilst Foreign Minister Lebowski insisted that His Majesty was in seclusion to reflect on the best way to help his friend, and not, as rumours indicated, horribly, horribly drunk in his room...

Armandian Cheese

07-06-2005, 01:40

OOC: Obviously, this happens before all the assassinations.

IC:

Putin and his YMCA troupe gasped in awe at Royce’s dancing powers. The title of “Funky Disco Emperor” was much deserved, and Vladimir now realized that it would take every last bit of his disco prowess, every inch of his training, every fraction of his funky might to survive this tremendous disco battle.

“Chikara…Initiate…Operation: Groove”

A thumping beat pulsed throughout the room, as the Darth Vader dressed Putin grooved onto the dance floor. The floor flashed in a dazzling array of colors, and Putin grinned ferociously. The panels on the floor suddenly lowered, taking Putin’s stormtrooper guards underground. When they rose back up, they were all clad in white leisure suits, gigantic afros, and thick platform shoes.

“She’s a very kinky giiiiirlll….”

Putin slammed the buttons on his Darth Vader chestplate. Steam poured out from the cracks, and smothered Putin’s body in smoke. As the armor fell off and the smoke cleared, a voice emerged.

“I’m Rick James, bitch!”

Putin wore an extremely long, curly wig, a horrendous black goatee, a violet jumpsuit, and a flourishing puff of silk that flew out of his shirt. In short, he was the late, great, Rick James.

“SUPERFREAK! SUPERFREAK!”

“Drink and be merry! Ha! Ha!”

Putin whirled around crazily, his body dancing as if possessed. He snarled and leapt forward into the air, performing a somersault and landing in the splits, before leaping back up and snatching a mug of beer from a French noble mid-air. He guzzled it, posed for an onlooking camera (giving a thumbs up for “Sam Adams” beer), and whirled around. A few “Funky Chicken” dance moves later, he swiped Ms. Waters away from Royce, took her for a momentary tango, ending with her stretching back in the traditional dramatic flourish at the end of the dance. He then pulled her in for a quick kiss, and spun her back to Royce.

“It’s a celebration , Charlie Murphy! Where is Charlie Murphy anyway? Ah, whatever! Cocaine’s a hell of a drug, HA! HA!”

With a tip of his wig, he was gone.

<Continued in the EE invasion thread…>

----A Bar In Some Obscure Hell Hole---

“Well, well, well…Looks like some crazy foo finished my job…”

Al-Ahzad

07-06-2005, 16:10

Hikmet Bektasi had suddenly attracted a small entourage of very alert Ahzadis that accompanied him and Massad's son to their- remote- guest quarters. Quickly sending off dispatches to Raysuz about the situation, Hikmet is informed of the calling off of the Destined Glory II exercises as the French contingent races homewards. Relived that a sucessor is designated, the analysts of Bureau Six are set to work trying to determine what this all means.

Of course, it is also slipped to French officials that Foreign Minister Sheikh Zaki Mohammed was seen conversing with the prime suspect in all of this, and that FSB involvement or complicity in the bombing should not be ruled out.

Elkazor

10-06-2005, 01:15

((Whats up my friends. Bit o news, I have to jet off for a few days. My deepest apologies, it could not be avoided. Please consider this frozen in suspense for the mean time, I will have something early next week for sure. UE, I will get to TUnisia then too, promise. And AC, likewise with the European invasion. I know I had all these things set up, but I am actually called back to the mother country for a few days, so it will inspire my RP even more. My best to you all, I will be back soon, thanks for all y'alls understanding.))

Armandian Cheese

10-06-2005, 01:57

((OOC: No problem. Just don't go stirrin' up any pro-monarchist revolutions, you hear? ;) ))

Elkazor

07-07-2005, 05:58

Roycelandia

07-07-2005, 11:30

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I is obviously deeply saddened by the passing of his friend Louis XX.

However, His Majesty has surprised all and sundry by speaking out against the Death Penalty imposed on Prince Llewellyen, suggesting instead that the Crown Prince should suffer for the rest of his days in a French Penal Colony.

OOC: Glad you're back, Elkazor! How was your trip? And how does Louis' death affect Franco-Roycelandian relations, if at all?

Beth Gellert

07-07-2005, 14:13

(Just to clarify, it was young Bedwyr who threw the bomb, and who was badly wounded and later killed on the scene. Llewellyn, his father, former ruler of Beth Gellert was arrested. In fact, Llewellyn is as surprised as anybody else is about his son's actions, perhaps more-so as his fatherly eyes refused to see Bedwyr's radicalism or at best dismissed it as passing teenage angst.)

Hudecia

07-07-2005, 17:15

-Hudecia-

The Hudecian government sends a note of condolence to the French government, mourning the passing of a 'great unifier and leader and friend of Hudecia'. It also expresses hope for the future.

(OOC: sorry.. didn't see this earlier)

Elkazor

07-07-2005, 17:19

Andaman and Nicobar

07-07-2005, 17:57

President Eustace F. Brown of the Great Incorporation (a slightly over-the-top title from time to time applied to the Andaman and Nicobar islands and their three hundred and sixty thousand residents), after first conveying his nation's heartfelt sympathy to the Kingdom following its great loss at the hands of ISAN's greatest nemesis (as described by the Nicobarese press but hardly felt in kind by the dismissive mainlanders), the Beddgelen communists, has appealed on behalf of Prince Llewellyn.

Brown states that -from personal experience dealing with the royal family following the great migration of refugees from mainland India to the archipelago during the '80s and '90s- he can not believe suggestions of Llewellyn's involvement in the dastardly attack.

"Prince Llewellyn" the President said, "has been a close friend of mine since I first was elected President of The Nicobar Islands. The very idea that he would support any communist or anarchist motivated activity is, well, it is as if Chiang Kai-shek would suddenly have put-up posters glorifying Mao in the streets of Taiwan."

ISAN has accepted the rest of Llewellyn's family back into society life in Liberation and Port Blair, and its French consulate continues to appeal for a more serious investigation into Llewellyn's case. Knowing that the French may be reluctant to admit any mistake they might uncover in this matter, Liberation is reported to be considering a number of measures such as abandoning its own Light Combat Aircraft programme and buying French instead, and even to opening its shores to French forces, so close to South East Asia...

(Yes, it was true that the Beddgelen royals were major contributors to the Brown Party, and that the Libertarian Free Party was poised to over-haul the President in the coming General Election.)

The British Federation

07-07-2005, 18:42

Foreign Secretary Lord Bambury, whilst making cordial diplomatic overtures to the new French soverign, has also expressed concern as to the fate of the Crown Prince. At a press conference in the glass enclosed couryard of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, he responded to a question from a BBC reporter by saying that, "Whether or not Prince Llewellyn was involved in this assasination, we, as civilised nations should abstain from such heinous and public demonstrations of vulgar brutality. In any case, it is quite clear that the central tenets of justice, namely the right to due process have not been accorded and therefore we should regard this as a crude act of venegance and not as a rightful or just punishment." In Versailles, the British Ambassador refuses to attend any official events, and in his place, more junior diplomats will go in his place.

However, there appears to be some discernable division between the opinions of Her Majesty and her government as messages of praise and support continue to be sent from Queen Elizabeth III to His Most Christian Majesty.

Elkazor

07-07-2005, 19:59

Hudecia

07-07-2005, 20:45

-Montreal-

Hudecian francophones looked on with disgust at the 'execution' in France. Although the Crown Prince may have assasinated a well-liked (by Hudecians at least) leader, they by no means enjoyed the spectacle that unfolded.

The Hudecian government would give no official response to the 'execution' but it was only because the francophone PM was reluctant to criticize a fellow french-speaking leader. As for the President, she held the French monarchy in such low regard that she didn't see the event as that far below her expectations.

Needless to say, the French monarchy was far from well-liked in Hudecia, even in Quebec. Borderline disgust was more an apt way of describing how Hudecians felt.

Andaman and Nicobar

07-07-2005, 22:00

Liberation couldn't prevent reports of the dark-age execution from hitting the Nicobarese streets, and it was not long before the President's right hand, Mr.Giles, was advising action. It had to be seen to have been taken before pressure mounted, and out of genuine concern. The Brown Party needed to secure the support of Llewellyn's pregnant widow, for she was now quite possibly Asia's wealthiest woman, and was in effective charge of the largest portion of the party's potential campaign funding.

Speculation about Brown's preparedness to deal with the French without even considering public opinion, especially the idea that he would risk putting the nation into the Soviet firing line by hosting French forces just to save his own political position, was certainly not helping his party against the libertarian opposition, which was actually suggesting that it might hold referendums on such issues were it to win the general election!

Liberation declared that, in the absence of satisfactory evidence of his guilt, the inhmane and public execution of Prince Llewellyn of Beddgelert, friend of the Incorporation, had the unhappy consequence of forcing diplomatic and economic recrimination upon the Franco-Nicobarese relationship, for which President Eustace F.Brown had entertained such high hopes.

ISAN's ambassador to France posted a notice upon the consulate's gates, declaring the impending closure of the facility. The Incorporated States Air Force announced a domestic contract for a lightweight multi-role fighter, finally killing talk of Mirage this and Rafale that. The French state would also be excluded for the time being from promising on-going oil and natural gas exploration projects in Andamanese and Nicobarese waters.

The Nicobarese now at least felt a little less torn about their bias politically, and began to look more closely at the nation's future associations.

Elkazor

08-07-2005, 00:20

Lunatic Retard Robots

08-07-2005, 00:30

If there are any doubts about the nature of the French regime in what is commonly known as the progressive bloc, Llewellyn's execution should put them to rest. A great number of Hindustanis are horrified, although a greater number is not at all surprised. If nothing else, the French just killed any chance they had to install a Llewellyn as Bedgellen head of state, and put on what is deemed a simply mindless orgy of blood and gore.

Moreover, Hindustanis cannot quite understand why the Prince himself was given such grizzly treatment. He didn't even do anything, judging by reports on the subject. Llewellyn killed thousands upon thousands of Hindustanis, including Parliamentarians and cabinet members, if the same standards are applied, and if Mumbai ever got its hands on the man he would have been offered at least a venue in which to argue his innocence.

"The current French leadership has proven itself a barbaric and uncivilized institution, unfit to govern a country of human beings. If nothing else, Prince Llewellyn's execution has allowed the world at large to see just what the Bourbon regime is capable of, and it does not take a great leap of the imagination to picture such occurrances in Algiers, or Cayenne. What city could be next? Tunis? Cairo? London? It is the opinion of this Parliament that Hindustan is obliged to call upon all French citizens to depose the Bourbon monarchy as soon as possible."
-Parliamentary Statement on the issue

The Estenlands

08-07-2005, 03:07

Count Falkenstien, ambassador from Estenlands, finally appears before the new king. His one eye that isn't covered by an eye-patch is red and puffy, having obviously been crying, but willing to use his sword to run through anyone who dared pionted that out. He walked forward towards the new Royal Couple and rpostrated himself before them, bowing down in front of all the other ambassadors, his forehead touching the ground.
He then dared to look up at His Majesty, and yelled, in his warrior's voice, "Long Live the King!", he then drew his sword and held it forwrad, on his knees, arms outstretched, in both his hands, and declared, "The sword of teh Tsar, and all his servansts are at the service of your king."

He then proceeded to explain that Tsar Wingert, due to the war, was calle d back to Moscow, to confer with Putin, but has asked for hourly updates. He has statsed that he will be here for teh funeral, and has asked if members of teh Tsarist Royal Family, could act as pall-bearers.

Later, Jillesepone will remind her husband that he needs someone he can trust at the head of his militray, and pionts to the fact that she was teh third top ranked officer in the Imperial Militray.

Tsar Wingert I.

Hudecia

08-07-2005, 14:58

-Ottawa-

Hudecian diplomats decided to confer with the Nicobarese and the Hindustanis concerning their feelings towards France and its monarchy.

In Hudecia itself, after consultation with the many provincial governments, especially Quebec's, President Christine Lau, Prime Minister Bouchard and Quebec Premier Bourassa would go to the French embassy to inform them that although Hudecia dislikes to involve itself with the affairs of other nations, in this situation Hudecia would make an exception.

"It is the opinion of the Hudecian government that with regards to the barbaric execution of a noble in France, that Hudecians are united in our opposition. As a result, we will be placing an immediate embargo on France. No goods will be exchanged between the two nations for an indeterminate amount of time."

The Hudecian government had decided to allow the French ambassador to remain in the country but the embassy staff would have to surrender any and all weapons they might have. Hudecian guards would protect the building.

Armandian Cheese

08-07-2005, 15:52

The Russians sent no ordinary diplomat to greet the new King. Indeed, to display their respect, the Second-In-Command of the Russian Military, the highest ranked military official (the actual head was technically a civilian, the Secretary of Defense), the Conqueror of Kazakhstan, one of the chief strategists behind the Baltic invasion, and, unbeknownst to most, the man responsible for the upcoming restoration of the Tsarist Monarchy.

General Armand Domalewski was a fiery young man, with wild brown hair that refused to be tamed (especially the front, which extended itself mightily), thin black glasses, and a maniacal grin. He approached the King, knelt, and spoke.

"On behalf of the Divine Russian Empire, President Putin, and the Russian people, I offer you the deepest of condolences over the death of Louis XX. He was not always on friendly terms with my nation, but he excelled in the only area that really matters for a ruler: he gave his people peace, joy, and security. Louis always kept his people's welfare in mind, from the moment he woke to the second he fell asleep. He claimed to be strong because of divinity, but I would dispute that. He was strong because he was human, just like all of us, one who could understand his peoples' aches and pains, and one who cared. He did not fall into the trap that all too many monarchs do; he did not forget those who were less fortunate than he. He drew he strength from the people that loved him, and in return strengthened them with his love. Let us not celebrate Louis XX as a divine spear of God; let us celebrate him as the kindly father of the French nation."

A brilliantly glinting, thin, swift, Cossack blade was offered to the new French King, as well as a small note suggesting French cruise missile bombardments on all Lithuanian military targets begin soon...

Spyr

09-07-2005, 00:02

To go into Spyran reaction to events in France would likely be pointless... few tears are shed for the fallen monarch, and few for Llewellyn, though the manner of his passing triggers all manner of empassioned condemnations of the inhumanity and brutality of the French despots. None of which would ever reach the people of France, nor spoil the mood of the new monarch by their mention... it is the same rhetoric that has always been bubbling in the background, if with more specifics than usual.

Spyran diplomats, as part of a concerted effort to create a 'united front' against the developing Holy League invasions of Tunisia and Eastern Europe, can be heard to point out the 'obvious brutality of the regime in Versailles' as they look for support... oddly, given the Spyran history of close cooperaton with Beth Gellert, even the Nicobarese are contacted about a unified effort to restrain further Holy League excess.

Quinntonian Dra-pol

09-07-2005, 02:10

OOC- Just pionting out that if this one execution prompts a full embargo, there are many nations that deserve the same treatment. Including China and Dra-pol.

IC-PM Jesse Obed expresses his condolances and personally mourns for the passing of teh King.

WWJD
Amen.

Andaman and Nicobar

09-07-2005, 02:27

OOC- For my part I can say that the Chinese never killed anyone who was funding our ruling party's election campaign (unless you count any number of drugs and arms smugglers who may have been caught out, but we can't very well embargo over that!). And, well, I think it's safe to say that never in history have the Nicobarese maintained trading relations with the Drapoel.
While I can't speak for Hudecian (four attempts before I spelled that correctly) motives, it's safe to say that the simple fact of the brutal execution in itself is not likely to provoke a government into doing anything, but that does not mean that said government won't do anything, if you follow...

IC- Liberation has never been inclined to deal with the Spyrians, but since the fall of Bonstock and rise of Sujava but a stone's throw away, their influence has become harder to ignore. President Brown had almost ordered the Nicobarese Marines into action during the Bonstockian War, and only the sloth of the inept force's mobilisation (officers have since been replaced, condemned to a horrible punishment Nicobarese style: the dreaded golden handshake and exile to a small unspoiled island...condo) spared ISAN the same fate as its unstable neighbour.

But now the Nicobarese were free to pursue new ties. The French and their bloc were off the cards, and so Liberation was even tentatively prepared to at least talk with Strainists, keen to make sure that ISAN's increased isolation didn't see it swallowed up by the surrounding mouths of the leftist world.

Elkazor

09-07-2005, 04:44

Versailles

Quinntonnia is given hearty thanks for her consolations: His Most Christian Majesty was keenly aware that the good yankees were being decent whle other, more sordid nations simply hollared about the fitting execution of a traitorous murderer. King Louis-Auguste also as a deep gesture, no doubt as Quinntonnia already knew, had appointed a leading French Protestant as Minister of Trade. Although Louis-Auguste was deeply Catholic and unasabedly a Papist, he nevertheless wished to given French Protestants a comfortable and respectful home in the realm...they were his children too.

The Tsar was informed that indeed the Estenlandian Royal Family would be given posts as pall bearers. His Majesty, and the Queen, were also very eager to recieve the Tsar. He was Jillesepones actual father, and when Louis-Auguste was a Dauphin and serving in the Lavragerian war he developed a close and loving relationship with his martial father-in-law.

The Russian diplomat was given a warm series of thanks for his words, and the assurances that His Most Christian Majesty would aid his Holy Leauge allies to the very utmost of his abilities.

And so Versailles slowly but surely was returning to her normal routines. The King assumed his standard shedule: Mass in the morning, hunting in the afternoon in Versaille's superbly stocked forests, and spending evenings with his wife the Queen and Princes of the Blood. Sometimes theyd go riding, other times theyd all take a dip in the pool. Of course, with the time needed for the Kings War and State Councils, time was precious. Yet the summer was warm, and all were content in that gilded Palace, from the scullery maids sneaking a cigarette to the proud footmen and even the usually tense fawing nobles. The realm istself was getting a feel for the new King, liking the mettle they found: He was his fathers son, and the monarchy grew even stronger and more secure under the charismatic and kind hearted Louis-Auguste.

Roycelandia

09-07-2005, 12:12

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I has sent a formal Invitation to King Louis-Auguste, inviting him to His Majesty's Safari Lodge in Kenya for a spot of Hunting, Safari, and discussion on the "African Situation".

The Roycelandian media has been extremely critical of the Execution of Prince Llewellyn, and although His Majesty is also less than impressed, the closest he's come to saying so directly is "That's just not cricket, dear chap" to King Louis-Auguste over the Hotline, but aside form that, he has refrained from overt criticism.

The Lancaster II deal is progressing nicely, with the first aircraft arriving in France this week for trials and demonstrations, ahead of the bulk of the fleet over the next 6-9 months.

Elkazor

09-07-2005, 19:21

His Most Christian majesty would be delighted to accept Royce's purposal (After quick trips to Rome and Kiev), and apologizes for the need to have pulpified the assassin.

Versailles is playing the Franco-Roman invasion of Tunisia off as a simple border dispute with United Elias, trying to assuage fears of an all out world war. There's no need to worry about the Progressive Bloc entering the war, the King said, as if they tried he'd just blow up the Suez. Royce is given the Kings word, however, that he will end the war if the British and Quinntonnians attempt direct interference. But, since French victory would mean free oil for the West and none at all for the East, His Majesty does not think the Brits and Yanks would be objectionable to his plans.

In either case, Royce is offered massive monopolies in the soon to be conquered Oil fields of the Mideast in since with the Holy Leauge nations, drasitcally altering the Modern Worlds' Oil business. And Louis-Auguste is ever so grateful for the Lancaster deal going throug, planning to have the first squadrens operational and in North Africa by the months end.

United Elias

09-07-2005, 19:29

OOC: Elkazor, I find your claims about being able to destroy the Suez canal quite laughable. First of all, destroying a canal is not exactly easy at the best of times, even if you were on the ground next to it. Secondly, you'd have to get through an air defence system that involves more than a thousand combat aircraft as well as hundreds of SAM, ABM and EW sites. In other words, it would probably be easier for UE to bomb Versailles than it would be for you to attack the Suez canal...But don't let that stop you trying...by all means go ahead.

Beth Gellert

09-07-2005, 19:39

OOC: Just look on it as French and regal, UE. Everything that comes out of Paris these days is drastically... over-blown with hot air ;) Hey, I mean, the great stand made by the French fort holding for weeks was actually a few hours of shellfire and some precision missile strikes that killed hundreds of defenders and kept them pinned down while forty-odd Mirage were destroyed, mostly on the ground. I just read it all as very much, well, in character :)

Armandian Cheese

09-07-2005, 20:58

While at first panicked by the prospect of a massive Euro-Aran war blowing up in their face, Russian diplomats soon recovered from their shock and dismay. The United Elians were nothing if not Machiavellian, and the French, while a tad daft at times, weren't foolish enough to risk a full scale war. No, this looked to be a throwback to the days of the Cold War and Korea, with Tunisia serving as Korea, and the French and Elians as the Americans and Soviets. A proxy war, at most.

After the panic subsided, something even more soothing flowed into their minds. If the daring scheme succeeded, at the very least UE oil prices would skyrocket, thus enriching the embargoed Russian economy, and at most place both Russian and Middle Eastern oil in friendly hands, thus establishing an oil hegemony previously unseen in the history of earth.

Discreetly, twenty Mig-35s from the elite "Cossack" fighter wing, as well as five thousand Russian paratroopers, and five thousand Tsarist Russian soldiers (with blessings sent by Igorij Romanov) would be slowly deployed to Algeria, in order to "defend the oil investments of major Russian corporations."

Quinntonian Dra-pol

10-07-2005, 04:09

PM Jesse Obed and the Quinntonina government is very concerned about the turn that this is taking. This situation will be monitered. But all that has happened thus far is a condemnation of Holy League movements in the area.

WWJD
Amen.

Lunatic Retard Robots

10-07-2005, 06:02

Perhaps its worth noting, think a great many Hindustanis, that the middle east, while certainly the world's largest supplier of oil, is far from its only source. Indonesia, Central Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent, as well as the Arabian Sea, all contain significant oil reserves. Furthermore, Russian assets in Siberia could, in an absolutely worst-case scenario, be seized by the Lyong nations fairly quickly.

But Hindustan has no desire to be known as a greedy nation. In fact, it is this feeling that sees Mumbai giving amounts comparable to or in excess of those contributed by Quinntonia. But closer to the point, renewable sources of energy and gasoline-conserving measures have always been at the top of the list. The prevalence of public transportation, especially the railway, and small, efficient, and clean-running mopeds and motorcycles (not to mention the absoultely dismal quality of Hindustani roads) means that there are very few privately-owned automobiles to guzzle gas. Not to mention the fact that Hindustan fought an almost 40-year long war with a numerically and technologically superior opponent and at least survived, so France doesn't look so threatening by comparison.

OCC: But yeah, I don't think destroying the Suez canal would really be that easy. UE can field many more combat aircraft, warships, and ground troops than France, and that's on its own turf, while the French have to force-project smaller amounts into hostile territory against an opponent(s) fighting for their very existence.

And, no offence BG or Elkazor, but I don't think the New Caledonia invasion was really the best one could do.

*Points to engineer vehicles not being included in the first wave, failure to exploit air superiority, failure to effect a proper and constant rolling barrage, and non-presence of rocket artillery, the likes of which could, in Hindustani estimation, have been used very effectively in clearing mines and devestating strong points.*

NationStates Jolt Archive

Progressive Restoration (Modern World Only)