NationStates Jolt Archive

(This is an A Modern World thread following on from the Lavrageria Greets the Tsar and deals with the practical side of Lavrageria's devision after the Washington peace talks.)


As the dust settled (a poor metaphore given the thick nature of the wet mud churned across wartorn Lavrageria), the Republic counted its losses. It was impossible to tell, exactly, but with casualty reports in one hand an electoral data in the other, a top statistician for Gukov's government was able to announce that he believed Lavrageria's 10.4million population to have absorbed above two hundred thousand deaths as a result of the invasion. For once, it was not widely thought that the victimised party was exaggreating its losses: why bother? The little republic had lost more lives than Britain did through the Blitz.

Foreign troops were now moving into the reduced Republic as the Tsarist forces withdrew under the watch of several divisions worth of twitchy Lavragerian defenders keen for a break as countless thousands of Republicans lined the way of the withdrawing Estenlanders, showering them with verbal and visual taunts and enjoying traditional Lavragerian dances and Republican songs.

Later, and further west, the foreign force, having passed through the Republic and much Tsarist territory, would reach Hia'Itakchi, the market town that swelled to over two thirds of a million before fighting killed thousands and chased others far and wide, shrinking the population to 570,000. Some people had joined the army and deployed east long ago, others had fallen with Kalmakoff's force north of the city. Now, as the old gates opened on what was Lavrageria's oldest permanent settlement, date of foundation unknown, just four hundred and seventy defenders shambled forth to meet those sent to evacuate them. Amongst them, in truth, were none-combatant family members of the handful of armed men assembled, though there stood some young girls under arms, some having taken up the fight apparently after losing their families or being isolated from them when Hia'Itakchi was surrounded. The fighters were armed with petrol bombs, slings, traditional compound bows, blades, a few muskets and shotguns, and just a handful of fire arms and explosive devices apparently lifted from the dead or else broken weapons picked-up and partly repaired. There were assault rifles missing sights and safety catches and with furniture replaced by hand-carved wooden components, all held together tape and rivets. It would be said that Kalmakoff had taken the best weapons left when the army pulled-out to the east, and that the failed attempt to relieve his force had lost most of what remained when it retreated in disorder.

Colonel Aybars Machul'ski, the man who lead the ill-fated relief attempt against the French rear, would, if anybody asked, be reported killed, a blow that perhaps explained the collapse of all bar the die-hard resistance elements within the city.

((I am just going to assume that Rome has been admitted to the Holy Leauge, we can do the celebration thing in Paris as you will see.))

Peace in Lavrageria!

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX was simply ecstatic. Invitations were issued, made of pure silver of course, to Tsar Wingert I and His Vassal King in Russia, Caesar Maximus and Grand Prince Massad of Al-Ahzad: A Triumph, in one weeks time, was to be held in Paris. A vast military parade, to include King, Caesar, and Tsar, would pass under the Arc de Triumph to the sounds of a thousand golden trumpets, followed by a sumptuous Te Deum Mass in Notre Dame. Following the massive show of gloire, the three monarchs would retire to the luminous gardens of Versailles for a week of fetes and glittering hunts in the Kings private, superbly stocked, forest.

In Lavrageria, the Dauphin adjusted his magnificent red and gold uniform, bedecked with about twenty pounds of sashes and medals. Colonel Kalmikoff, as per the terms of the Treaty, was allowed to march with his men (in formation, with their colors, but unarmed) out of Hi'Itakchi, making a bee line to the newly formed Republic. Having bested this lion of Lavrageria, the Dauphin Charles-Louis-Xavier raised his sword to Kalmikoff as he filed by, on his white charger, the French playing the fife and drums.

Slowly but surely, now that the war was over, the great majority of the Royal Dauphin Corps would be returned home to France, wearing their laurels high. The total force, 60,000 men, was spread through Estenlands and Lavrageria, though the main force (45,000) travelled with the Dauphins main army. The idea was that about 50,000 of the French troops, including the Dauphin, would return to France to become the 'shock troops' of the French Guards Divisions. The Dauphin would be granted his well deserved rest, and a place next to the Sun in Versailles, where he would be groomed to become Louis XXI.

Regarding the French troops remaining in Lavrageria, it would be an equal deployment. 3000 troops would remain in Tsarist Lavrageria, at Camp Necessity. Incidentially, Camp Necessity, now that it was needed as a permenant site and city, was renamed Wingertburg by the Dauphin, and was suggested to His Highness the Tsar as his new capital in Lavrageria. About 2000 French troops would stay at Petit Schonbrunn, the Palace where the Duaphin and Dauphine reside while in residence in Estenlands. And last but not least, 5000 French troops would be stationed at Royale Ltd. in Sebastopol, that massive French Industrial Complex staffed by Estenlandian peasentry. With the war over, Tsar Wingert could look forward to a massive centralized base with which to rebuild his economy (and in the process pay back his French allies for their help).

But then, just as Kalmikoffs men had just finsihed hobbleing past the drawn up lines of the Royal Dauphin Corps, Charles' Aide de Camp came and whispered something into the Dauphins ear.

"Your Highness, God is merciful. At precisely half past the hour, Your Highness' wife the Grand Duchess was delivered of two healthy, robust princes. Twins, Highness."

Louis XX, who made it his business to be the best informed man in the world (if he could) had learned of the secret some few minutes before his son. He remarked to his wife, Queen Marie-Therese, was eagerly listening as the King spoke on the phone.

"Well, mon cher, we have quite alot to celebrate next week" then they kissed, and went off to recieve the congratulations of the Court.

Just as the celebration was underway at Versailles, His Majesties Ministry of State issued to following proclamation:

"Now that the Lavragerian issue has been at length resovled, and in order to foster the peace so recently attained, among both the Holy Leauge and NATO powers which seek the succor of Lavrageria; His Majesty wishes for the powers of Europe (NATO, Holy Leauge, Russia---whats up with Spain?)) to sign an Entente Cordial. This agreement create a conglomorous non-agression pact in Europe and the West, from London to Paris, from Rome to Kiev, from Moscow to Port Royal, and from Marseilles to Maryland. The end result, it is hoped, shall be a Europe where both the Old and New ideologies of life shall be respected, and indeed both flourish."

A prelimenary meeting was slated for Stockholm in about three months. Powers interested in participating ought to make their intentions known, and prepare delegations. It was simply a thought that, in the aftermath of this war and hoping for no more (in Europe and the West, at least) perhaps NATO and the Holy Leauge must learn to live side by side.

tag

Well, The Council of Bishops has declared that they will offer to the war-torn people of Lavrageria a one-time, cash infusion to help rebuild their war-torn nation. They will give the two Lavragerian governments $1,000 Q/USD per citezen, making the payments combined over $10 billion with Tsarist Lavrageria getting $7 billion and republican Lavrageria getting $3 billion.


This is being matched by a one-time aid offering from the Quinntonian government but they offer only to Republican Lavrageria, the amount of $10 billion Q/USD for their efforts in rebuilding their smaller portion of the nation.

Also, Quinntonia, as Chairmman of WEC, is asking that the WEC development fund, under the terms of the treaty, be paid to Republican Lavrageria, in the amount of $4 billion.

That means,
Republican Lavrageria-$16 billion
$13 billion- from Quinntonia
$1 billion- from Hudecia
$1 billion- from TBF
$1 billion- from Roycelandia

Tsarist Lavrageria-$7 billion
$7 billion- from Quinntonia


It is hoped that this will alow these peoples to stave off some of the immediate problems that are inherent in rebuilding, such as, where are we going to get the money?


QNN
When the news of the massive scale of deaths in Lavraegera hits QNN, the people are shocked, and there are immediatel protests when the Council of Bishops announces that they are going to give ANYTHING to the Tsarists.

The Bishops repond by argueing that they provided money to the Tsarists with the hope that they will spend that money on re-building their portion of Lavrageria, seeing as how they were already complaining about having had to borrow heavily to pay for this war in the first place.


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The Quinntonian troops at the border of what is now Tsarist Lavrageria, stand on guard, under British command, even though they vastly outnumber them, and make sure to be ready incase anything should horribly go wrong.


WWJD
Amen.

((yah borrow from me...I dont get an aid fund? Those bigoted folks at the IMF let me tell you. But Q, no response to the Entente purposal?))

Hindustanis are also upset over the extent of casualties, especially civillian deaths. In such a small country as Lavrageria, a major war can set modernization back for ages.

Therefore, the popular congress announces that it will match the Quinntonian donation dollar for dollar, for both republican and tsarist Lavrageria. The government would also like to see infrastructure developed at the fastest possible rate in both Lavragerias, and hopes that the above-mentioned donation will be used to those ends.

Returning to Lavrageria's shattered capital, Ulanger, President-for-Life Larionko Aidarov was dismayed by the devestation that met him. Those French missiles had utterly flattened the shanty town that once represented most of the city, and it seemed to him a wonder as his boots crunched ashen buildings -and perhaps unrecognised bodies- that only a few thousand had been killed here. Rumours circulated amongst Lavragerians supposing that in some way that most novel of entities, the government, had contained the disaster's human impact: some said the houses were built lightly so as not to crush many when they fell and so as to be easily cleared up, others that the open wells were not so much a measure of under-development as of precaution (as a good many Lavragerians didn't even understand the nature of some diseases that had newly begun to beset them), and some even skirted around outlandish ideas of heroic governmental espionage against enemy weapons.

Either way, those in the east were -by and large- glad simply to be alive, and an outpouring of emotion contained behind a defiant face through the duration of the war was directed now often towards Aidarov and Gukov as almost the only shared authority figures and as icons of a new and already threatened and tested national identity. The President for Life was mentally writing all he would need to organise a popular referendum on his new title, to strike while the patriotic iron was hot on the ashes of the invincible Republic. If he was going to do it, it would be best done once people heard of the measure of international aid his absence had won in hard negotiation and before any problems arose in attempting to translate dollars into a shining utopia.

Moscow
Prime Minister Ivan Gukov remained with much of the Republican administration, their hotel rooms and the properties purchased by Aidarov's grey (and darker) market activities in the Russian far east being in much better condition than the administrative buildings in bombed-out eastern Lavrageria.

The PM would be largely in charge of co-ordinating relief on the Lavragerian end, and had already released a number of statements and sound-bites.
"I think that while we are all pleased by the belated international reaction to our plight, now is not the time to linger on pleasantries. Several issues occupy the immediate future of our considerations. With most of our farming and grazing land ceded to the Holy League and tools of agriculture and industry turned into metal of desperate defence, Lavragerians face a year of scant desserts at least. Likewise, with over-crowding suddenly a reality and preparedness unrealised even before the bombings, and with wells poisoned by weapons and death while hospitals crumble and burn, disease is taking to the cluttered streets on which our people have survived imperial onslaught. These things can not possibly be addressed too quickly, and it is our hope that the experience and capacity of Hindustani relief works may combine with international funding to help our battered and unbeaten people in living to enjoy their little victory."

He later said, "In the intermediate term, once food and drugs arrive and water may be found clean, our utilities must be looked to. It is the intention of the Gukov-Aidarov government to offer contracts -backed by aid-dollars- for the construction of power stations and distribution grids, more extensive water mains, transport infrastructure, and essential factories and food processing facilities. These contracts will favour bids that promise employment and training for Lavragerians, for we must learn nation building with the same skill and passion as we have lived the nomadic life and resisted the mechanised invaders."

The Prime Minister was also worried about whether the massive sums promised would ever actually reach Lavrageria, all too aware of the 1st world's record on promising relief and failing to deliver more than a small fraction of it once the government had its initial good publicity from the pledge (it was exactly that sort of weakness that Aidarov would frequently cite in legitimising his permanent Presidency). He has also mentioned the need for some of those factory-building contracts to cover military needs, as nobody wanted tens of thousands of foreign troops to be bogged-down forever in Lavrageria and Russia.

In Russia and Lavrageria, various individuals tried to figure-out how best to go about the business of stealing a bit of the many billion dollars promised to Lavrageria.

As the Pan-Asian Conference wraps up with mixed results, a much more anti-Communist Putin decides to head to the French meeting, in hopes of establishing a peaceful future for Lavrageria and ironing out the details of the post-Lavragerian War Europe.

Along the way, Putin also plans to visit Lavrageria, in order to award Aidarov, Gukov, Strathdonian Mercenaries, Russian Spetsnaz, and the bravest Lavragerian troops with "The Black Star Of Freedom", which is the highest honor bestowed by the Russian government. Aidarov, Lavrageria, Britain, and Quinntonia have been repeadetly praised for their efforts in "defending democracy", and the Congress, along with Putin, has decided to tolerate Aidarov's life rule, citing the need for stability and the obviousness of Aidarov's reelection. However, legislative and local elections are still called for.

Twenty thousand Russian troops move into Lavrageria, to defend it from Tsarist threats, restore order, and help with the reconstruction efforts. Specific numbers on Russian aid are unavailable, as the aid is included as part of the military effort. All around republican Lavrageria, Russian soldiers build schools, train police, and help the natives become part of a democratic society. Several Christian missionaries have come as well, hoping to provide solace within the hands of the Lord to the beleagured Lavragerian peoples. (The groups allowed in are strictly non-denominational, however.)

In other news, several KGB units were assigned to weed out those who would bleed off the Lavragerian aid money.

King Wingert stared out from the doorway of his field tent, the chill of the mroning getting harder and garder for this old warrior to deal with. Now at 72, though he looked 50, he was feeling the ache of old age, though these last months in the field made him feel more alive than he had in years. It was glorious to see all the militray build-ups and preparations he had made for two decades in action for the first time since the revolution. Now, he had victory. He had, through a combination of militray might, strange Russian cooncidence and massive military might, added 12 million people to his rule, now his nation was deeply financially indepbted to France, though Louis said it was a gift, now there were noises about "re-payment of the more than 45 billion Q/USD in cash and the many more billions in manpower and materials, as well as the massive construction projects in Sevastapol. France probably poured in almost 100 billion into this war, and soon, Louis would come looking for his share.
The Dauphin had performed reasonably well, and Jillesepone had just given birth to twins, one boy, the eldest, and a girl. Peter and Catherine. Peter would be the next Tsar after Wingert, and Catherine would be installed as Queen of Tsarist Lavrageria. Of course, she would not officially rule yet, a Board of Regents would have to be set up until she was 21, headed by the able Commander-In-Chief that brought him this victory, and ironically, an English nobleman, Sir Reginald of Hillfort, now Lord-Protector and High Burgoemiester of Tsarist Lavrageria. Of course, now lands would have to be doled out to interested parties, some as rewards for service duirng this conflict, others to be given as gifts to key French nobilisty, and still others to head-hunt new talent for the Estenlandian business Empire and military, still a favorite tactic of adding new talent to old blood. Then, of course, would be the lands set aside to be given to fleeing Tordian nobility. Yes, there was much to do.
And, much of his empire was in ruins right now, the massive reconstruction that would have to take place in Lavrageria would begin, as soon as teh 14 billion arrived from Quinntonia and Hindustan. Of course, maybe 8 billion would actually make it to re-constuction, as international banks would want their interest payments, first.
Aidarov would get a letter, with a Royal seal, saying that if he wished, Wingert would knight him, recognise his legitimate rule over the rest of Lavrageria and also his vassalage to the Estenlandian Empire. He would say no, but it will please Wingert to do it. Such a little thing, to please a Tsar.
Troops were pulled completely out of the established border zones, and the movement of both groups had gone smoothly, under the watchful eye of Roycelandian and Russian troops, though now a whole new set of defenses, along the Russian border, more permanent ones, and along teh Republican Lavragerian border were being reconstructed.
He would defer command to his daughter, Princess Adrienna, and would go to Versailles, to march under that Arch. Rome would be accepted, and diplomatic overtures to Russia would begin. It promised to be a brave, new world for the Royalists.

Tsar Wingert I.

((I am just going to use this thread for the parade...it seems apropros, but if anything differs, I could be persuaded to start a new one. I will do the appropriate post, which is to say the massive one, tommorrow. Ill include how Rome joined and such, it will be juist fine. Wingert, this suit you?))

Paris was preparing for the biggest celebration in its history. All over the city of lights, edifices for banqueting and fireworks were raised. Banners sporting the fleur-de-lys, the golden laurel, and the Romanov eagle were being hoisted over everything.

The Royal Army, or its creme de la creme, was being issued magnificent marching uniform, loaded with metals, and rifles made of teek and ebony.

The streets were cleaned, and a parade route from the Place Louis XV to the Arc de Triumph to Notre Dame was set up. From all over France, people flocked to see this glorious occasion. In any part of the city, musicians tuning their instruments and plebians practicing speeches of parise were heard. Great crosses adorned with images of the Trinity were raised, a symbol of the Holy Leauge as a reflection of the Godhead most divine.

In Versailles, great pains were being taken for a series of receptions. Of course, King Louis XX, Wingert I, and Caesar Maximus were expected, the core of the celebration. However, also on the 'A' list were Grand Prince Massad of Al-Ahzad, a freind of Louis XX---his presence at the triumph would show the solidarity felt between him and HIs Most Christian Majesty Louis XX. King Irogji (I always mispel it, sorry AC) was on the list, though as a vassal of Wingert, he would nevertheless be accorded the honor of riding in the Grand Procession. Chiisu Suun, perhaps His Majesties closest friend, along with his consort would be invited, Chiisu was to be given the peerage during his stay as well (although, sorry, for matters of morality I cant give Tian one too, well find something for him though) and Chiisus ally President Delgado.

Even Xigao, which alone in the world had expressed an admiration of the Glorious Holy Leauge, was to be accored the honor of sending a delegation...a clear sign that their amicity was heard and much appreciated.

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX had just greeted the Dauphin Charles, tender hugs and proud words suiting the occasion. Louis would laugh and joke his son (Louis being well known for his great fertility) "Just two? Perhaps times six!"

Grand Duchess Jillesopone, who was after all Dauphine of France, would be there to display the proud Prince and Princess de Wingert et Bourbon. It was to be the culmination of the Holy Leauges victory thus far, a celebration for those would had sacrificed their lives for the dream, and most importantly a chance for the worlds three great monarchs to be adorned with pomp, and worshipped as the visible hands of God on Earth.

Wingert got back to Kiev before moving onto Versailles, with Jillesepone and most of the Estenlandian nobility in tow. It had since been decided that the commander of Army Group C-the reservist that were called in to work with the marshes and pacification of the south while Wingert drove north with Army Group A, will be put in command of the entire Lavragerian force and Princess Adrienna, Jilleseopone's younger sister would be brought with her father to Versailles, it was thought that she deserved it, after commanding the Army Group B for the duration of the war.

Sir Reginald debriefed Wingert as to the losses as he stood in his palace bedroom. "The Imperial Air Force suffered horrendous casualties in equipment, with 268/500 long-range bombers destroyed, most of them in the final stages of the conflict, while supplying Ft. Necessity while it was still behind enemy lines. Of our 1,000 plane fighter force, we lost 585, and many more are in need of serious repair. So, of all planes in the Imperial Air Force slated for combat duties, we lost 58%." Wingert threw his breastplate across the room with such force that the wall shook. Sir Reginald, a tall man himself, at 6"2", cringed a little in spite of himself when this 7 foot behemoth showed the physical power of his massive frame. "Go on," the long-bearded giant said, apparently calm now, "Tell me about the army."
Reginald composed himself and continued, "Army Group A, under your majesties glorious command, suffered the majority of the their losses in the final push north, when they started to meet greater resistance, out of the total number of troops in Army Group A of 440,000, we suffered losses of 38,000, putting losses at about 8.6%. Army Group B, under the command of the Princess Adrienna, and charged with the sieges on some of the most massive hold-out strongholds, had the majority of their losses on the last push to control the border, and then were constantly harried along the total line, throughout the rest of the conflict. Out of the total 360,000 troops that she commanded, and considering that she leant you most of her armour for the final push, and that she endured the most sustained attacks throughout the war, she ably managed only 22,000 losses, only 6.1%. You must be very proud."
"She did what she was taught to, she is a Wingert, and has the bloodlines of the true Tsars in her veins. We must marry her to someone soon. Does Maximus have any children?"
I'm sure I don't know, Your Imperial Majesty, that would be more Father Behamat's area of expertise."
"What of my tanks, we were building them so fast, we should have more now than when we started."
"Your majesties armour began the conflict with strength of 14,000 units, and after taking 3,280 losses, now has 15,220 in total percentage of 17.7%."
"That is acceptable, with the losses to the air force; we will be able to afford to supply them."
Sir Reginald looked up and said, "Also, there is the matter of Army Group D, under the command of the Dauphin, to whom was leant your Elite Airborne Divisions, they suffered heavily, it will take awhile to replace their numbers, out of the 40,000 troops, 15,000 were lost, a percentage of 37.5. They did however, have the far most difficult and dangerous job of the whole war, and their losses meant far less French casualties."
"Also Army Group C, the reservists that were called up to pacify the southern frontier while the push went on, and handled POWs and guarded supply lines, spent most of their time fighting the nomads in the area of the Pripet Marshes, as well as enduring countless small raids by other nomads in the area, out of the 200,000 that were moved into the south, they took only 3,400 losses."
"And Army Group E? The reservists that I sent to Romonav?"
"They have suffered no discernable casualties, and are doing quite well at re-ordering the nation."
"What is the total lost for the war in manpower?"
"Out of the total manpower applied in Lavrageria, including the reservists, which numbered 1,040,000 troops by the end, we lost 78,400 that is a percentage of 7.5%, very manageable. The loss in manpower, though very large, is not the issue, the massive losses in air units, equipment, tanks, and all sorts of other mechanisation will set us back a decade, especially with the massive foreign debts we incurred, especially the multiple billions to France, which will have to be addressed, gift or not. This, and the fact of the massive amounts of materials that will have to re-stocked will cost us a great deal, perhaps you could ask our new ally for a loan? I am sure Louis will not be so generous now, with his recent military build-ups, it is a wonder that he can afford new wigs."
With that joke, Wingert's huge face curled into a smile, the sneer of a man that knows he could crush the life out of the man who joked thus.


“Make a new Royal decree, that with the fighting stopped, the workers that were being pulled from all walks of life was going to be allowed to go back to their former jobs and homes, and the high schools and trade schools will re-open, now that the students can leave the factories. The Reservists will be phased back into civilian life over the next three months. The Army Group E, with the exception of the 15,000 police officers in Tsarist Russia, will return to Estenlands, and be replaced with regular army.
All the churches in Tsarist Russia and Ukraine will ring a bell, once every five seconds, one time for every death that our Imperial Army suffered, (109 hours/ 4.5 days) starting on Easter Morning, and ringing until it is over. In the meantime, commission masses on behalf of all the dead, paid for by the state. The funeral costs will also be covered by us. You will also commission a memorial plaque with the names of the dead of every particular city to be set up on a monument of stone in the cities and villages that they came from. This will be done immediately. My people must know that if they fight for their Tsar, they will be remembered as heroes and saints. Also, commission a second letter, to all the families that lost people, and make it a personal letter of condolence to them, do that also for the French dead, including the plaques and memorials. They died well, and my son-in-law, he fought like a Russian, didn't he? A little too showy for my taste, but the results were the same, perhaps these French can be made into fighters after all, eh?"
“Sir Reginald nodded, “Everyone at Supreme HQ was pleasantly surprised with the Dauphin. Is it true he may be moving back to France?”
Wingert sat down in his over-sized chair and looked coolly at Reginald, “I don’t care if he moves to the moon, he has done his job, and he has brought the French into closest alliance with us, performed an expert and critical service in the war, and fathered my heir, Peter Bourbon-Wingert. But, under the agreement of the treaty with France, the children have already been baptised in the Russian Orthodox Church, and must be raised here. Jillesepone will stay, I would prefer if the Dauphin does as well, as he seems to make my daughter happy, but if he has greater concerns, so be it! WE will march under the great arch in Paris, that will please my daughters, they so love pomp, but that is well with women. And, I will meet the Caesar, and he will meet a Tsar. Louis and I will hunt and I will get drunk on vodka and we will celebrate our great victory. I like Louis; he seems to be a man under all that lace and powder.”

“We also must make an official diplomatic voyage to Russia. It is time they saw what a Tsar looks like.”


Tsar Wingert I.

Itageria was the largest Lavragerian town to have fallen in battle with the Royalists, though its original population of 270,000 was reduced by a greater margin than any other major settlement (some small villages of course had effectively ceased to exist, but not all of them had even lasted long enough to appear on maps). It was no longer a town in many senses, being instead a crowd of thousands barely subsisting on land no longer entirely fit for it. This was more or less the way in most of the south east and the areas bordering the reduced Republic.

In the far west, the Glakatahn still living out of the saddle had not been untouched by the war. Incursions and skirmishes with partisans moving to fight or flee the Tsarists and to forage in their lands had been a nuisance, but little more. It remained to be seen how they would react when the Tsar's men turned up claiming to have been given Hrodzyenskaya and north western Brestskaya by agreement with made Aidarov in some place called Washington... who in the world had even heard of that?

Most of the land between the Republican border and the far west was quiet as the conquerors marched in. Populations were small and some resigned themselves to the new status quo about which they were somewhat ignorant. The media wasn't exactly in good shape. Some didn't yet know about the surrender, and there would be the odd incident of partisan activity and perhaps strange events that would be put down either to gremlins or guerrilla sabotage, but the better organised and larger units had either fled or begun to disband, many reassured by the proximity of foreign troops as they laid down their rifles and set aside explosives. Most were inclined to stow their weapons away rather than thinking to give them to anybody else, some intending to hunt on as they always had, others just seeing the weapons as their property.

By and large, Lavragerians in these areas were still chasing slightly naive dreams about urbanisation, wanting to drive cars and watch television more than anything else. So far as they were aware, this process -begun with the republic- would continue regardless of the government that sat. They tended to believe that a government was just something that took charge of building things, things the people wanted, so most hadn't really seen the point of voting in the Republic's first election, anyway, and had just made a mark for Aidarov because that was what everyone else was doing. Now they shrugged and went back to planting vegetables and laying bricks, waiting for Wingert to send them more cement or to open a car factory or something.

Hia'Itakchi was a little different. Big enough that large parts of it hadn't been destroyed -though they surely would have been if the treaty hadn't come before the newly encircled city was assaulted- it was a long-established economic hub recently industrialised as the launch-pad for Aidarov's future assimilation and urbanisation of the west. It was by far the greatest jewel in the territory ceded to the Royalists.

If the Glakatahn presented one unresolved problem in the obliteration of an ancient and resiliant culture, Hia'Itakchi may yet bring to light a different one.

Ulanger

Preisdent Aidarov was delighted to hear of Moscow's intent to award him a high honour, long having considered that his titles were too few for a man of his historic importance. As to pressure calling for local elections, he was mildly irked to see that building before he had a chance to declare such himself. Larionko firstly did not like to be rushed, but more to the point was now concerned for his image in the event that people believe him to be bending to Putin's will when he announced local ballots in the coming months. He would just have to get the media up and running, and make himself clear as soon as possible, he supposed.

Chiisu was understandably full of glee as he packed his silk outfits saved from his Tiger King days.

"Who'd have thought it, me a French noble?"

Tian chuckled. "You haven't been invested with it yet; wait a while before you start planning any vacations on the Riviera."

"God bless that Louis. That man has more integrity in his little finger than the whole of Southeast Asia. I'm going to finalise things once we get over there and let him have a glimpse of what goes on here." Chiisu tapped his temple. "I think he'll like it."

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Before long, Chiisu's luxury An-225 took off from Lima International Airport. Travelling to France would be: Chiisu & Tian, President Delgado, Oddjob, Kichi Yoshida and the three Tiger's Claws.

((Just a small heads up...the parade will go up tonight, so if youve been included in it, just please try and go along with the flow for the sake of RP. Ahh, how delightful, anywho, keep your eyes tuned. Oh and BTW, does anyone think theyre up to making a post war map of Lavrageria? Seems like to would be a good thing. I would but, alas, dont got skill.))

((Sorry about the long post, but Kings dont celebrate lightly!)

A quiet dawn rose over the streets of Paris. Hardly a breeze seemed to shake the great banners adorning the capital: fleur-de-lys, the golden laurel, and the Wingertian eagle all hung proudly over the thoroughfares. The Eiffel Tower had a massive, gold plated crucifix mounted on the top spire, looking down over the huge gold plated fleur-de-lys which adorned its sides. The Bastille was preparing to fire a full salute, the shiny cannons could be seen being put into position.

Today was the day long awaited. Lavrageria, a pagan and satanic democracy, had been laid low by the combined might of King and Tsar. Through valiant efforts, the savages were bested on their own soil, their hotbed of chaos ordered and secured beyond doubt.
The Holy League was victorious. Vested by the power of Holy Mother Church, supported by the might of His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, His Imperial Highness Wingert I, and Imperator Caesar Maximus, this League of reactionism had disposed of the pathetic secular and mob-ish movements on the Continent…replacing them with the luster of crowns and religiosity of the Ancien Regime.

For the past few days, Versailles (ten miles SW of Paris) received visitors which, according the mandates of democracy and communism, ought not have existed any more. Let those vile forms of government know: the Lieutenants of Christ, the Champions of God Almighty, had returned. First to arrive was Chiisu Suun, followed closely by his friend and client El Presidente de Peru. Both were welcomed, and were promptly set off to the royal tailor that they might be properly dressed for this brilliant occasion. They were followed by Grand Prince (General) Massad and his entourage. Massad was greeted personally by Queen Marie-Therese, who was very grateful for the General’s unflagging support of Restoration France.

These were the guests of friendship and honor, now came the participants most mighty. Caesar Maximus, escorted by his stout Praetorian Guard, wearing the golden laurel and holding the fasces of power, was greeted by an honor guard in the Marble Court of Versailles, and hugged by His Most Christian Majesty after being presented with a plethora of priceless artworks and spirits.

And then there was Tsar Wingert. Arriving in his golden suit of armor, bedecked with medals, and glowing with victory----he was greeted personally, as befitted the brother in law of the French King. They hugged, spoke warmly about now being grandfathers, and then retired for a private shot of vodka.

Once this literally sparkling assembly of monarchs, nobles, aristocrats, and suzerains had gathered in Versailles, there was a large dinner. It was opulent, of course, but the real dazzle would be saved for after the parade. Nevertheless, countless pictures of the monarchs standing side by side were taken, to prepare for a bevy of portraits and medals, which would be issued for this singularly unimaginable event.

But in Paris, now, the dawn had given way to a bright and warm spring morning. The streets were absolutely flooded with people. Many French, some Roman, some Estenlandian, and thousands of others who had traveled from around the globe to see the Sun of God rise once again. Indeed, Paris Police were amazed at the amount of foreign supporters of the Ancien Regime, perhaps themselves more fanatical than even the most Gallic Frenchman. The King had declared this a holiday (only one notch below the Kings birthday, Easter, and Christmas), and since it was the feast day of St. Michael, God’s avenger, the entire set of circumstances seemed uncannily providential.

The parade would be transmitted across the world, serving several capacities: the first, a show of unequivocal solidarity amongst the worlds crowned heads, secondly it gave thanks to God for his favor, and lastly it was an occasion to show off the gloire and majesty (no pun) of the Holy League and its member monarchs.

Suddenly, from the Place Louis XV (formerly Place de Concord), a sort of shaking began. The onlookers were scared, the earth itself seemed to heave and groan under the divine assault---it was kettle drums.

A troop of five hundred drummers, dressed in plain white tabards emblazoned with a single red cross (symbol of the Holy League) began their march in unison from the Place, massive bronze kettle drums strapped to their shoulders. Bud-dom! Bud-dom! Bud-dom! Marching in perfect unison, as was their thunderous drumming, they led the parade. It was a solid beat, designed to flood the onlookers with a vision of strength; some ladies did faint.

They went a bit down the way, when the next group came forth, the ultra-elite 1st Swiss Regiment of the Royal Army. In red, gold and silver their uniforms were blinding. They were tall, strong, with fierce faces. Their rifles were made of mahogany, their bayonets were silver. Their tri-corner hats were made of kevlar coated steel, and all bore small golden fleur-de-lys appended to them. They too marched in perfect unison, although the decibels they produced were no where near as loud as the drummers.

Then came, to the sound of fife and drum, the Royal Dauphin Corps, in blue and white, led by le Dauphin Charles-Louis-Xavier, riding his great brown stallion. The crowd exploded, tulips were thrown before the feet of the marching Corps, with cries of “Long live our beautiful Prince!” and “When do we get more darling grandchildren?” The Dauphin never failed to smile and wave to members of the crowd, blowing kisses to the ladies whose looks demanded it. It took a while for the Corps to pass, being forty thousand strong regardless of their compatriots that remained to monitor the situation in Lavrageria.

For a moment, after the Corps passed, there was silence. One man alone marched forward next. His uniform was blue, and on his tabard were displayed the fleur-de-lys, the golden laurel, and the Wingertian eagle. He was the Herald of the Kings. With a voice like thunder, he proclaimed:

“Make way! Make way for the Lords of the West! They are come in victory, and they are glorious!”

Following this spectacular herald came a thousand trumpeters, their instruments made of silver and of the finest craftsmanship that could possible be found. As one they stopped after the herald had made his proclamation. With a noise like the wind of heaven, and the challenge that St. Michael continuously declares to the Satan, the trumpets let forth their sweet revelry, cascading through the blocks of Paris.

Verily then, it came to pass: three horsemen, mounted upon the greatest white chargers in existence, slowly trotted forward. In the middle was His Most Christian Majesty, Louis XX. He was dressed in the manner of Charlemagne, with his forefather’s hand of justice in his right hand, Charlemagne’s sword on his bejeweled belt. The crown most majestical, in the possession of the Kings of France since Clovis, sat upon his head.

On his right rode His Imperial Highness Tsar Wingert I. He wore armor of solid gold, and looked like a relic from the days of Ivan Grozny, the Terrible. His great broadsword was strapped to the armor, and he provided gravitas to Louis’ amiability (already, Louis had been given the title “Louis the Well Beloved”, at least, in Versailles). On the left rode the newest, but by no means least, member of the Holy League. Imperator Caesar Maximus, Dominus Romanorum. His golden laurel shone like the stars, and his attire was breathtaking, the purple robes of antiquity conforming to his modern will. He was grinning, this his stunning debut on the International stage.

As the Lords of the West rode forward, the people threw roses before their august bodies, the horses golden shod hooves soon felt no cement but fragrant petals. As if compelled to, as the three monarchs passed, the onlookers---overwhelmed by the sheer glory of the occasion---prostrated themselves flat upon the ground, in waves. These mighty Princes did not even glance at the crowd, but held their heads high, looking towards the sole source of their power, God Eternal and Mighty.

Deafening shouts of “God save the Kings!” were heard, along with “Long live their Majesties, Praise God, and Their Majesties Crusade!” Of course, being in Paris, there was always the ubiquitous “Vive le Roi!”

There was a second set of three horsemen as well. In the middle sat King Iroji of Russia. (Damn you for that name, AC!), dressed in the manner of Wingerts vassal…his crown was a lot smaller. Nevertheless, this must have been a tremendous moment for that Romanov, marching in glory with the Suns of God. On the right of the Russian King sat Grand Prince Massad of Al-Ahzad, in his medal decked uniform, and sterling silver sword of peerage previously granted to him by HMCM Louis XX. And to the left was none other than Chiisu Suun, dressed in the manner of a French Marquis---after all, not but three hours earlier had His Majesty Louis XX invested Chiisu as the first Marquis de Beaumont, and the stunning post of Gentlemen of the Bedchamber in the Ordinary (this post was prized simply because it gave the holder a direct link with the King himself at all times, something very rare).

In a open white carriage behind the monarchs, rode the three Queens who served their husbands. Marie-Therese de France was stunning, gowns and three foot tall wig accentuating her irresistible beauty. Also in the carriage was Grand Duchess Jillesopone, the proud mother of two new royals, the Bourbon-Wingerts. She held the precious children in her lap, and the scent of roses flowed over her as praise defined.

After the Queens came Regiment after Regiment of French Royal Army elites, Praetorian Guards, and the Knights of Wingert.

As the Grand procession passed the Bastille, a one thousand gun salute was fired (of course fifty at a time) the cannons reverberating through the souls of the amazed spectators.

Then came the greatest photo opportunity in the history of man. The three monarchs, in their full regalia, preceded by drummers, elite soldiers, and heralds the like of which had perhaps never been seen passed under the Arc de Triumph. Hundreds of thousands of cameras flashed, the Bastille continued its earth shaking salute of cannons, and ten Cardinals (and Orthodox Bishops) of Holy Mother Church, on either side of the Arc, sprinkled holy water on the Princes as they passed. This would be an image burned permanently into the minds of all who witnessed it.

The audience screamed with joy, hundreds of the ODSE’s crème de la crème Dassault Rafale-C’s flew over, at the very moment the monarchs exited the Arc. People were right, this was no nostalgic celebration: it was as if the very hand of God had delivered back to earth the Ancien Regime, its power and glory increased a hundred fold.

After this breath taking parade had navigated the route, it arrived the Cathedral of Notre Dame. There a Te Deum Mass, the grandest of all masses of the Catholic Church, was sung. Officiated by the Grand Almoner of France, Cardinal de Rohan, it included no less than 10 choirs, and 3 full orchestras. The three monarchs kneeled on velvet cushions in front of one of the largest Crucifixes in the world, the light being admitted so as to make the Princes luminescent.

“O God, We Praise You! O God, Defend Our Kings! O God Most High, All Praise and Glory Are Yours, Now And Forever!”

Whereupon all the church bells in the Kingdom of France were rung with gusto, the cities exploded with joy, and a week long celebration gratis from the King commenced. The Ancien Regime had returned from the past, with a momentum stronger than modernity could have ever anticipated. The sounds of choirs, trumpets, kettle drums and salutes had just begun.

There will be a soon famous picture of Wingert, almost dwarfing his charger, taken from the ground, with him sorrounded by falling flowers, hand on his sword, his full, long black (but peppered grey) beard flowing in the wind, looking up at the Arc de Triumph as he rode under it. In the background there could be many Parisians screaming with their faces contorted into joy, and prostrating themselves before the glory of the Tsar. It was made into massive billboards in Estenlands, and on the front-page of Tsarist newspapers all over Estenlands and the Tsarist provinces, as well as being made into a small post-card that was snet out to all Tsarist, Roman and French subjects with a "genuine" message in their languages of hope for the future.
Giant jumbo-tron televisions were brought into the various Lavragerian cities and military outposts so that the new suubjects could see their king, and pamphlets with that picture, and the title, "What is required of a Tsarist Subject?" were given out with gifts of Russian sweet-cakes and mine-pies, and huge feats were held with the soldiers using great drums to boil and then douse with butter millions upon millions of Perogies and Peroha, as well as traditional cabbage rolls. Thousands of bottles of Russian vodka were also given to the new subjects of the Tsar, and Political Officers travelled from spot to spot with military escort making speeches to the people about the new glory that will be given them as subjects of the Tsar.

In Tsarist Russia, there was much the same thing, but with far, far more vodka, a holiday in Tsarist Russia and Ukraine was announced and the people celebrated the end of the vicious war, and the realisation that they are not a backward people, many nations in the world have kings, and they love them as much as we do! All through Ukraine, the nobles made much of a show of making major cash donations to the people affected by the war, and eramarked money for orphanges, monastaries, the building of churches, schools, trade schools, and even a military academy.

Tsar Wingert I.

((The Party, or rather, the most sumtpous ball ever seen, to conclude the festivities, I imagine should go up tommorrow. Wingert...what is required of a Tsarist subject, I dig it. Ahh, if anything is sweeter than a victory I dont want to know about it.))

Perhaps a friendly visit by the Hindustani navy would liven things up...

*Goes about scheming*

Of course, there's just the small matter of reaching France and afterwards doing anything, with only eight submarines that can be considered modern.

Chiisu had to admit it; the roaring crowds and public spectacle invoked feelings of nostalgia about his old glory days.

Although he was greatly respected in Peru and seen as an ideological genius, he was still essentially second-fiddle to Delgado. Despite having great influence throughout a large part of South America, the showman in him preferred being king rather than kingmaker. Kingmakers were fairly secure and usually lower down assassination lists, but kings received all the glory, all the power, all the public spectacle, and all the influence.

His appreciation for Louis now knew no bounds. Whereas other states had merely shrugged at his fall from grace and pounced on the former Marimaian states, Louis had been there with an open hand of continued friendship. Chiisu swore to himself that one day he would escort Louis through streets lined with screaming loyalists and invest him with a worthy title; he had a feeling that with Louis's help, that day was now a possibility.

Delgado was truly loving every second of the visit to France. He'd been treated with utmost respect, and he could clearly see why Chiisu was constantly lecturing about the virtues of French friendship.

Massad stood at attention in the (compared to glittering royalty) stark and spartan black uniform of an Ahzadi field marshal. Ranks of French soldiers and their eastern european allies marched past in seemingly endless streams. Massad cast a sympathetic eye to his wife, standing in extremely stylish but hellishly uncomfortable shoes next to the French queen.

His attention was soon drawn away from something else. The low howl of jet engines as formations of Mirages screamed over the champs elysee. Treads squealed and rows of Leclerc battle tanks rolled past with a solid menace.

Leaning closer to the King, Ismet Massad asked with dry humor "Your Majesty, do you have any of those for sale?"

The King simply smiled in return, and he and Massad soon stood there, grinning like idiots. Massad looked out upon the fearsome firepower- and the glittering, beautiful city and rich nation it defended.

Someday- someday this will be Al-Ahzad. Greatness like this will be ours.

Louis grinned even wider, and handed his good friend Ismet the Royal Binoculars.

"Mon ami, which kind do you like best?" Then Marie-Therese clapped as a delegation of virtuous French maidens danced by, presenting the delegation with flowers.

((Well, folks, im off for a break myself, Im sure there is much more to be done with this thread. Well done, everybody!))

OOC: It's IGORIJ DAMMIT! Heh. Nice job, Elkazor. I'll respond tonight.

(OOC: BTW, just to let you know that Delgado's left for the United Elias celebration; the NeoSuunists are in shuttle diplomacy mode!)

IC:

Chiisu & Tian soaked up the atmosphere as they watched column after column march by.

"This takes me back."

Tian smirked at Chiisu. "Same here. Have you mentioned anything to Louis yet? Perhaps he could draw in the rest of the Holy League to support the plan."

Chiisu waved at a random section of the crowd as he answered. "Perhaps. I'll talk to him at the party if I get the chance; failing that, I'll just invoke my new privileges and have a friendly chat."

The pair moved closer to Louis, Chiisu leaning forward to talk over the sound of the parade.

"Louis, you've surpassed yourself with this! You and the rest of the League should be proud of yourselves, I haven't seen anything this grand in a long time."

Hia'Itakchi

With the remarkably small number of astoundingly under-gunned defenders of the city having departed under foreign escort and without further incident, the regional capital moved awkwardly into new pastures... though not so literally as had been the case for its people in previous generations.

Itageria was an occupied city. The other villages and lands in between were about the same. Hia'Itackhi had to be different.

The people had been buttoned-up waiting for the storm of a siege that never quite came, and left disconnected from their comrades and national government as negotiations settled the war from afar. They didn't want Tsarist troops coming into their city. Many came out and met the invaders as they approached the outskirts, expecting them to halt for the local authorities. They didn't happily receive pro-royalist propaganda nor religious sentiment associated with the celebrations that were organised in the name of their civilisation's military defeat: something they themselves had not actually been a part of suffering as such.

Being so long isolated from their national government, the people of Hia'Itakchi had been especially keen to hasten the democratisation of local government. A number of officies had been filled, others emptied and replaced during the late stages of the war and the immediate aftermath. There was a great deal of disorder about it -little organisation- but the idea was there.

Around the city, several of the access roads were still blockaded. As the prospect of siege had drawn over Hia'Itakchi, the people had ripped-up paving stones -often newly laid- and stacked them two men high and several yards deep, tearing-out iron fences and the like to anchor the stacks together. These remained in place after Ulanger had surrendered the eastern provinces, but further work on barricading had been abandoned when the handful of defenders that were volunteered for escort east had left the city. Lavragerian republican flags still flew atop some of the sturdier walls remaining.

Within, the people continued in their independent fashion, some discussing whether they should ask the Tsarist troops from coming into the middle of the city if they were going to stay and then whether they should like to join the local administration and government. Others questioned whether the Tsarists would even bother to send troops into Hia'Itakchi, and, more to the point, whether they should resist such a move. These discussions merged with wider political debate in the remarkable community of a city built by nomads, tempted with representative democracy, and unknowingly surrendered to kings. Not to mention that people walked the new but de-paved streets warmed by Glakatahn furs, Drapoel flightsuits, Republican army overcoats, Franco-Estenlandic loot, and whatever else had arrived with mercenaries and more.

Within, the people continued in their independent fashion, some discussing whether they should ask the Tsarist troops from coming into the middle of the city if they were going to stay and then whether they should like to join the local administration and government. Others questioned whether the Tsarists would even bother to send troops into Hia'Itakchi, and, more to the point, whether they should resist such a move. These discussions merged with wider political debate in the remarkable community of a city built by nomads, tempted with representative democracy, and unknowingly surrendered to kings. Not to mention that people walked the new but de-paved streets warmed by Glakatahn furs, Drapoel flightsuits, Republican army overcoats, Franco-Estenlandic loot, and whatever else had arrived with mercenaries and more.

OCC: Don't forget Hindustani Denison Smocks!

Eh. It makes me sad to see Lavrageria cut up so. After all, it was my army who originally suffered the couple broken BMP headlights to go and liberate the country in the first place! If I was still Russia, Lavrageria would be covered in the carcasses of Estenlandic armored vehicles!

OOC: Quit pestering me about that LRR. Your Russia was a happy little socialist paradise. Mine is a hellhole struggling to stay alive. I did aid the Lavragerians, but declaring war on the Estenlands would draw me into a suicidal struggle that would eventually end with a radioactive crater where Ukraine used to be, and a Russia with about 60 million population. Estenlands may be a smaller nation, but they still surpass my military tech. (Not for long, however, thanks to BG, and a few others.) Ah, and what about Russian fur hats? And GRU uniforms? I'll post ICly on saturday, but I've got a loaded schedule until then.

Hia'Itackhi was very quite, and while the discussion were happening, the Commander of the Lavragerian forces ordered the Commander of the forces ringing the city, those that were going to besiege them, Lord Georg Tenshikoff, to take the city, peacebly if possible, for the Tsar. It was considered the highest priority of the new regime that this should be, and it was being considered for the capital of the new nation of Tsarist Lavrageria.
So, all around the city, artillary and tanks moved into position, with APC's lining the roads. Construction equipment moved ahead of teh roops, bulldozers quickly clearing roadbloacks after the engineers had disabled the many land-mines and booby-traps. It was slow going, but nearly 100,000 troops and 2,000 tanks were bearing down on the new city. They had all been told to expect trouble, but everyone was hoping that it would not be the case. It was very silent, troops were given chocalate bars and bottles of vodka in plastic containers with cigarettes to pass out to the gathered people, who sullenly looked at the invaders as they went past. Lord Georg asked to speak with the representatives of the local government to negotiate the change of regime in an an effective and relatively harmonious way. It was promised that they would be given some voice, but any who agitated for a return to the defunct republic would be considered criminal. It was also warned that now that the Republican invaders were gone, this was, under the treaty signed by their own President, Tsarist territory, and so, any seditious movement could legally be met with lethal force without NATO intervention.
About 20,000 of the entire force was actually moving into the city itself, but most of the tanks were.(1250) The rest were coming close to the city and furiously setting up fighting perimeters should the city decide at the last moment to turn violent. Lord Georg certainly hoped not, for now, without a war going on, Estenlands could afford to push everything they had at this city, and it would be very importnat to the new regime taht it be brought to heel. It would be a bloodbath, of proportions that were not yet seen in this conflict.

Morgon was being contacted, as were a good many of the Clan chiefs throughout the newly aquired land. It was hoped that some kind of meeting could be set up among the leaders of the various clans and the Tsarists. It was told to them that they would try and work out an agreemtn of limiy=ted self-government, but concessions would have to be made, and Estenlands was willing to use any means necessary to get this meeting to happen, bribery, blackmail, whatever.

Behind everyone else, all the military units that were now taking very deserved breaks, apart from the ocasional partial actions against Partisans, Humaniatrian Aid Workers from Estenlands, (really just contracters woking for the government) were making use of the first multi-billion dollar aid payment. massive construction crews were being brought in to start the rebuild, many heading for Ulanger, and city engineers and civil planners were overlooking what was going to be a massive undertaking. The idea was to buikd around Hia'Itackhi and Ulanger in order to show what a fully modernised culture could offer, and then expand out from there. Already rail-lines and improved roads were being quickly built, linking Ulanger and Hia'Itackhi with Estenlands so that goods and people could be quickly moved up to help with the rebuilding, though it would be awhile before they were fully operational. The contracters were hiring locals by the thousand and arming them with shovels and oick-axes, to put them to work. They were being paid in food for the time being, and that seemed to be enough for now. But there were promises of better pay when Tsar Wingert got the country up and running again.
There were also massive contracts given to French and Roman companies, who were beringing in people in droves to fill the gap of workers needed to rebuild.



Meanwhile, the Estnlandic government formally contacted Putin in Russia, asking to discuss a massive oil pipeline that would help both of their nations. It was made claer that Estenlands, France and perhaps even Rome would be buying huge amounts of Russian oil, and if this went ahead, Russian contractors would also be needed to help rebuild the nation. This would obviously help Russia spur their economic recovery even further.

Tsar Wingert I.

The gargantuan industrial complex that was Royale Ltd. in Sebastopol had switched over, mainly, from military production to civilian.

Although only about 10,000 French troops remained in the Lavragerian/Estenlandian territories, His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX was as committed as ever to his brother in law the Tsar.

The core of that commitment was in fact Royale Ltd.. During the war it had turned out spare parts that kept the Tsars armor moving, jets flying...and hundreds of thousands of gallons of Agent Rouge. Now, it turned out steel and concrete, as well as plastics and such. Run by French managers and staffed with countless serfic proles, the massivley centralized industrial center would no doubt prove vital to the Tsar in his quest to stabilize and indeed improve the Imperial economy.

French contractors were also about the Tsars domains, lending technical expertise to the waves of peasant labor. His Majesties government hoped that, instead of repayment to Louis XX by the Tsar for Louis' loans-in-aid (gentlemen always frown on business) the Tsar would simply provide the French with excellent economic oppurtunities in the conquered lands.

Indeed, with the war now over, there was every sign that the previously battle engaged French and Estenlandian economies would soon roar like lions, rising above the rest of the continent like monoliths.

-Republican Russia-
The Parisian Parade (as it was referred to by political commentators) was viewed in Russia largely with disgust and amusement, yet another show of pitiful extravagance by a band of thieves and murderers. Still, these thieves were very, very, very, rich. Therefore, Russian corporations were beating themselves up (literally, as two CEOs of rival oil companies went hand-to-hand in the street) to get business in Lavrageria, both Tsarist and Republican. Enterprising young men and women flocked to Tsarist Lavrageria especially, lured by rumors of "work camps" similiar to the Canadian ones, where one could earn sums in excess of 10,000 USD...a month! The government approved the oil pipeline, and Gazprom has already initiated talks with the Estenlanders to begin construction. In Republican Lavrageria, the soldiers are moving to more humanitarian roles, as they provide medicine, food, electricity, and water, and as they begin to rebuild the nation. Ulanger is given special attention, as Russian architects are brimming with excitement when given the possibility of building a new, modern city virtually from the ground up! Russian products, especially oil, cars, and Rasputin Cola are spilling into the Lavragerias, promoting the two nations' emergence as vibrant, capitalistic and consumerist states.

Back in Russia, Congressional elections have proved a boon to Putin. With all old parties and allegiances abolished, Putin's ROP (Russian Opportunity Party, a center right party) has seized 59.6% of the vote. The Left wing and extreme right wing suffered a miserable defeat. The Liberal Party, representing left wing moderates, was further shattered when its vote was split by the Mother Russia Party, an extremist Left wing group with Communist and environmental concerns being a top priority. The extreme right was destroyed by the emergence of a viable moderate right and the flocking of its voters to Igorij's domain. With such a stunning victory, a rapidly growing economy, a military that will soon be able to call itself modern, Putin is riding high on the domestic stage. Using this political capital gained, Putin has increasingly made appeals to both NATO and the Holy League for better relations. Indeed, a diplomatic core of noble lineage, called the "Dynastic Diplomatic Core" (Or DD Core) has been established to provide for direct communication with various monarchies around the world, and NATO has been aggressively lobbied for closer relations.

Military wise, the Beth Gellert partnership has been very profitable. While it has ended now, due to diplomatic pressure, it has helped the Russian government modernise the core of rebuilding an army: the factories. Russian factories have been increasingly improved, and now are no longer scrap heap reminders of the Cold War. The Airforce and Army have been of particular concern to the government, while the Navy has suffered. As The Boss said,

"In today's world, we are no longer in direct competition with far away powers. We do not need to force project around the world, with our major foes being within land reach."

Russian infantry's morale problems have been virtually annihilated, with a new Russian spirit (and plenty of vodka) infecting them, as well as the general populace. They have been trained to high standards, thanks to a combination of two factors:
1. General military improvement.
2. The end of the draft.

While the military has grown smaller as a result of the repeal of conscription, the quality and tactics of the Russian army have changed. No longer content to throw men into a meat grinder, the Russian military has actually concencrated on creating a fast, mobile, and deadly fighting force.

The men are armed with a variety of weapons, most being simple modernizations of old, Russian equipment. Most notable is the AK-48, which is improved with the use of modern synthetic alloys, instead of the clunky old combination of steel and wood.

In the area of vehicles, a complete revamp has been announced.

MILITARY VEHICLES

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Futureworldruler/RussiaUnits.jpg

Amphibious Infantry Transport/Assault Vehicle (Known as the "Crocodile")
The "crocodile" is a multi-purpose light assault vehicle. It has multiple variants which are used for purposes
ranging from troop transport to light assault to patrol.


Battle Master Tank

The meat and potatoes of the Russian tank force. It's main strength lies in its speed and its powerful ammunition.
However, it lacks the armor and range of an Abrams. That is why it is usually accompanied by Overlords equipped with
jamming devices.

Devil's Tank

A powerful creation that acts as a mobile flame thrower. It's main purpose is as an anti-infantry weapon, but the flames are powerful enough to melt the armor of an oncoming tank as well.

Gattling Tank

Truly a marvel of engineering. It combines the speed of a light attack vehicle, the armor of a tank, and the attack power of an anti-air and anti-personell vehicle.

Siberian Overlord
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Futureworldruler/Overlord.jpg
A truly monstrous creation. The most heavily armored and barreled tank in the world. The depleted uranium rounds are equal in power to those of artillery. It can come in three variants. A Bunker mode, which can store five infantry men, a Gattling Cannon Mode, which gives it expanded anti-infantry and anti-air abilities, and Radio mode, which allows for jamming, propaganda programs, and unit coordination.

Artillery
MOBILE
One variant of the Russian artillery is a mobile, lightning quick force that can be deployed almost instantly. While it lacks the range, armor, and punch of heavier artillery, it makes up for it in speed.
HEAVY
Traditional artillery, up to modern-day standards.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Futureworldruler/Mig.jpg
MiG-A
The Russian Airforce will rely on a newly upgraded MiG-A, which is a fighter bomber with napalm and regular bomb capabilities.


(OOC: More on Tsarist Russia later...)

(I just wanted to say, because I'm not around so often as some, that some aspects of Lavragerian RP will have to continue as ever to be at a very slow pace. The Royalists can do their thing with most of the ceded territory, in the south especially, though there'll continue to be difficulties in the west, but Hia'Itakchi will be an on-going matter that I'll post on during coming days and weeks. Don't hold your breath, just go about whatever other things you care to in the meanwhile :) )

In an attempt to familiarize the government with the situation in Eastern Europe, minister of defense Maicek Syzko has announced his intention to visit Moscow, Ulanger, Hia'Itakchi, Kiev, Warsaw, Villinus, Riga, Tallin, Prague, Zagreb, and finally Istanbul.

All that is left is the approval of the heads of state in The Estenlands, Russia, and Lavrageria. (OCC: I'd expect that the Poles, Lithuanians, Latvians, Estonians, Czechs, and Croatians won't object, but it really doesn't matter when it comes to the RP.)

As part of the Hindustani commitment to Lavragerian development, the government has also announced its readiness to ship in construction materials and prefabricated housing to both Lavragerias, possibly through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, or Russia, should those governments in question agree with the plan and respect Hindustani good intentions.

"Why the hell not? Just don't do anything illegal."
---President Putin

Hia'Itakchi

By the time that bulldozers had been ordered and brought up to the city, further changes had happened within. Nobody in the city was isolated from the strange atmosphere birthing there.
On Friday, after a gathering in what may have been the biggest and best town square in all Lavrageria (existing at the heart of an otherwise poorly planned city and surrounded by ancient structures resulting from the land's only traditional market town), a number of men and women stood on an ornate if slightly run-down balcony and proclaimed a Free City... independent of Republic or Tsar.

"Larionko Aidarov is driven by a search for power, power not just to run his own life, but to weild over others. He is of the Tsarist mould, and I would not be surprised if he identified with this, 'God' of theirs!" One young man cried, receiving much applause and laughter from the thronging crowd.

This denial of not only Tsarist authority but of the Republic's too was something in Lavrageria seen only by those following Kiba Morgan, and word of the troubles -when they eventually reached the Republic- brought up accusations of barbarism and counter-progress from Lavragerians assuming the city to have, "gone Glakatahn".

In the city, though, the Itakchi Commonwealth was struggling from its chrysalis. By the weekend's conclusion they had taken a great many steps to organise their isolated community of 570,000 persons. Announced by newly appointed megaphone-weilding town criers and in printed sheets nailed to doors, these were the provisions of, well, of the, "Provisional Executive of the Itakchi Commonwealth in the Free City":

*It took-over state and military buildings and nationalised their property
*declared a minimum wage for city workers in the ammount of 100,000 Russian rubles yearly, and a maximum wage for city workers of 180,000 rubles
*announced the end of conscription and the disbandment of the army, and the creation of a City Guard that would enroll all capable residents
*decided that cars and luxury consumer goods would be held temporarily in common, saying, "until such time as our means provide enough for who desire to partake, none shall unequally benefit from society's works"
*agreed to abandon the flag of the Republic, "adopting instead the flag of world revolution" as already presented by the improvised Igovian-like red banners fluttering from barricades and roof tops around Hia'Itakchi
*re-opened the businesses closed by the military government functioning during the Republic's war with the Holy League and re-hired workers laid-off or conscripted into the army
*divided the Free City into three Urban Districts, each of three sub-divisions
*mandated various elected officials and noted businessmen to over-see the re-start of roadblock building and other defensive works in their districts with co-ordination through several amongst them with military experience
*ordered the formation of councils in each sub-division, and announced popular elections to all of these, with the provisors that all elected officials be constantly subject to recall by popular vote enabled by the creation of workers unions enrolling all able citizens and any of their feeble charges
*declared that all public officials, teachers, and administrators would be elected by ballots organised not more than two weeks hence
*mandated unions to watch against the ingress of alien religious practice, preaching, or sentiment as would or could be used to hijack the personal spiritual realm of the individual for the furtherment of a public or political ideology, and to address such infractions through the new councils and not through militia action
*ordered the destruction of Republican statues and their melting-down for defence industry use and did so in light of their unwanted properties of deification and owing to the pressing need for mortars, guns, and munitions against the ingress of soldiers loyal to the Holy League
*issued an expectation binding citizens and city to accept in all regards any remaining foreign persons, regardless of race or nationality, provided a willingness on their part to abide by the democratic will of the Itakchi Commonwealth
*appointed a committee to advance and address the forces of the Holy League attempting to enter the city, informing them of the Free City's decision to bar all organised and especially conscript armies from its streets
*requested an official document or proclamation from the person and rank of Colonel Aybars Machul'ski confirming his acceptance of and agreement with the previous articles of Commonwealth standard and policy

The last of these, of course, confirmed that reports of the Colonel's death had been either mistakes or a deliberate deception on the part of the citizens of Hia'Itakchi, as the highest ranking Republican soldier remaining in the west after Kalmakoff's capture had not surrendered with those few fighters escorted back east. It now appeared that he was in fact alive within the city, and being courted by the Itakchi Commonwealth, which did at least suggest that his abandonment of Aidarov's Republic was not yet certain.

The people of Hia'Itakchi who involved themselves in the rising of the Itakchi Commonwealth called one another fellow, and sometimes refered to their whole as The Fellows. Amongst them, however, was not perfect political harmony. Many were followers of Proudhonism, more of Igovian Theory, and others of a Lavragerian movement inspired by Kurosite Thinking encountered in the brief days of the Drapoel PAAF's presence in the old Republic. More still were of a more immediate mindset that had perhaps less regard for the philosophy of their predicament, while more were influenced by contact with the Hindustanis (though one might wonder at how much they'd mused on Gandhi, as they marched into the streets brandishing -amongst other weapons- molotov cocktails, sub-machineguns, and traditional compound bows). A few in the city even held meetings on behalf of the newly established Young Lavragerian Strainists.

Of around 570,000 survivors in the city after cease-fire and evacuation, some 120,000 were counted males of broadly fighting-age, and from these some 84,000 or so were essentially fit for military service. There were more women of the same age, and a slightly higher proportion in reasonable health, making for officially nearly one hundred thousand female members of the City Guard. If Machul'ski intended to contest the Commonwealth and support the Republic, not only would he struggle legally with Aidarov's detached surrender of the city, but with a gigantic rabble of malcontents that quickly was ordering itself in the recovery, production, and distribution of assorted armaments. Barely had statues -those of Aidarov, Gukov, Putin, Defence Minister Vorobei, General Kalmakoff, and others of significance to the Republic- been forced to the floor (which usually was bare, paving and concrete having been ripped-up and thrown on to barricades along the few twisting mainstreats and countless tangled alleys) than they were set-upon by the city's few metal smiths and arms merchants, who ran over them with hands, eyes, and tools, hoping to determine some viability in their metal for its re-use.

The committee assigned to meet the soldiers and bulldozers advancing on the Free City went with nerves and pride afflicting them, one brandishing recently acquired snippets of information on Washington, about which agreements most in the city still knew relatively little.

"vii) The rest of the nation of Lavrageria, making up three quarters of the land with a population of almost 7 million people, will come under the administartion of the Estenlandian government of Tsar Wingert I.
viii) This new national entity will also be recognised by all parties."
Read the articles of the Republic-Holy League War's conclusion.

The citizens of Hia'Itakchi, being part of, "the rest of the nation of Lavrageria..." and being at the time of the agreements cut-off but still fighting on their own initiative against the forces of the Holy League believe that Aidarov's surrender of responsibility in consulting for them meant that he was unable to see-through point [viii] on their behalf. The Republic surrendered authority over Hia'Itakchi at a time when the Holy League had (as now) not been able to take such authority by force (which was not the case in the aptly described, "occupied territories" that were under de facto Tsarist rule). Aidarov's recognition of the new borders then carried no weight in Hia'Itakchi, and the Free City intended to remain free, and, more than that, chose not to recognise the new internal divisions within Lavrageria as a point of principle.

"Recognising the Republican and occupied borders as [being] apparently agreed already by all parties means recognising the break between Republican authority and those Lavragerians under occupation themselves choosing to shirk recognition of authority weilded by occupying powers. This we are prepared to do in legal though not spiritual and such other terms, for we can not regulate emotions by rule of law."

Said the Republican President at the occassion of his signing the articles for the war's end.

To Aidarov, this meant that the majority of the Lavragerian electorate was legally free to reject the occupying powers, as the treaty itself first ends his authority over said people and second affords them no representation until -after the treaty is signed- they become subject to the Tsar's rule. That is as if to say, 'It is recognised that I am not responsible for them [the occupied people], so it is recognised that they are without representation at this conference, and may very well choose to continue the war.'

Most, as earlier said, did not, rather accepting their occupation in hopes of it providing what they'd initially sought by settling down, anyway. It was really only the defiance of the seperate Itakchi Commonwealth that made those under occupation think again, and towns across the occupied territory soon had restless foundations ready to push-up revolt.

The Russian Congress has passed a resolution condemning the Commonwealth. While it applauds the cities turn to democracy, the suppression of free speech (especially religion) and the creation of a Communist state bound to fail, like all others, cannot be tolerated. The Commonwealth is warned that if it does not allow free choice of religion and if it does not abandon Communism, all humanitarian aid will be withdrawn.

As for the rest of Lavrageria, things were coming along nicely. Russian soldiers were working overtime to set up local elections, and Russian workers toiled to forge modern cities, concencrating especially on turning Ulanger into a modern metropolis worthy of the title "Capital of Lavrageria."

In the meantime, the remaining GRU in Lavrageria have begun infiltrating the Commonwealth...(secretly of course)

OOC: In the words of the late, great Rodney Dangerfield, "No respect! I get no respect!" Geez, here Putin is, risking war with Ukraine, sending Russians to die, and then rebuilding the nation, and what does he get? His statue melted down into shells! No respect...

Director Jidoshin, on his way to United Elias, hears of the recent news of revolutionary rumblings in Lavrageria. Getting on the phone with Mioka Ro, Eiji orders diplomatic connections to be started with the Itakchi Commonwealth; including the immediate recognition of the young state. Moscow is to be urged to also recognize the free will of the Lavragerian people, and is reminded that not all socialists are anti-Free market...like the Strainists in Lyong and Sujava.

While the Hindustani government is in no position to lend support from a strategic point of view, the popular congress does applaud Hia'Itakchi's stab at a more progressive government, although at the same time Lavragerians are cautioned to remain united and open, and not fall prey to factional in-fighting between different schools of revolutionary thought.

While Hindustan achieved its current state through civil disobedience, not armed resistance, the popular congress is ready to lend its support to violent rebellions, provided they don't get out of hand. But for this reason, the popular congress is uneasy about the whole affair. The sight of an armed protest is alien, considering that even at the peak of anti-British sentiment the worst an occupier might have got was a paper cut picking up leaflets and other printed materials distributed by Gandhi and his supporters.

Russia is cautioned to stay out of Hia'Itakchi unless it has something useful to contribute. The popular congress is understandably suspicious of the Russian military's effectiveness and capacity to excersize restraint and follow orders. After all, one of the navy's few capable capital ships was destroyed by renegade missile cruisers, of all things, and if a squadron of powerful ships can be hijacked, why can't the same be done to an army unit?

Until Putin has his military in a more consolidated and de-factionalized state, he should avoid conflict. Or so goes the advice of the popular congress, anyhow. Perhaps Putin's best GRU might be put to better use in fighting the mafia instead of engaging in foreign adventures. After all, the emergence of a commune in Hia'Itakchi, one that will probably be fairly brutally attacked by the reactionaries to boot, pales in comparison to the mob on the list of Russia's problems.

(OCC: I don't know that you're using GRU in Hia'Itakchi, but the Popular Congress has a hunch that Putin might send in some special forces at a later date.

OOC: It's not a "foreign adventure", considering that my forces have been in Lavrageria for a long time. Also, since the embarassing rogue fleet debacle, the Russian army has undergone a heavy crackdown, including several very public executions. This, plus the fact that we no longer rely on conscription, has vastly improved the corruption status.

IC:
The Russian government has two main problems with the Commune. One, it operates on Communism, which is a failed ideology and will only bring more suffering to the people. The "government" there has clearly stated that it is nationalizing all businesses. Second, the prohibition of religions that are "subversive" is very disturbing, not only from a freedom of worship angle, but the very idea that a government should be able to control the free speech of the people and should be able to punish "subversive" elements whose only crime is preaching another idea, is abhorrent, and brings back clear, disturbing images of a Mr. Stalin...

(OOC)
Hia'Itakchi (AKA Minsk) was cut off during the war, and almost all official forces withdrawn east to stand at the various natural barriers and protect the reduced republic that Aidarov planned (and got). It is in many ways the most traditional part of Lavrageria, being the closest thing to a city that existed before the Republic. It is the biggest settlement west of those that hug the Russian border, and relatively far from business done with the outside world. It was officially ceded to the Holy League, but that was done while it was cut-off, and was still resisting, and was as such unrepresented in Washington.
Communications are down, which is why it took until now, with bulldozers moving in, for the people to even get hold of transcripts of the surrender treaty, which, needless to say, they have rejected out of hand.
Needless to say, being as it is still effectively fighting a war against the outside, it hasn't really received any humanitarian aid, so isn't going to get in a twist about having it withdrawn.

Infiltration will be difficult to get away with for long if agents try to blend in rather than actually hiding in a ditch or something, as everyone in the city is being enrolled in the City Guard so as to protect against the Holy League (and possibly Russia and Aidarov's Republic) and in unions (essentially Soviets) so as to carry out democracy in something other than the absolute sham fashion that exists in the west. I don't imagine that Moscow has access to the papers and such only just being written up and issued in Hia'Itakchi, after all, and strange faces will stand out in any given district as the fellows increase their co-operation and sense of community.

These things can't be answered in character, yet, as the fellows don't know that Moscow's even noticed them, let alone passed judgement on their culture. However, if and when they're met with criticism such as Russia's, the fellows will reply that theirs is a far superior democracy to Russia's, and that the very idea of their being criticised as authoritarians or restrictive of freedom is completely absurd: most can only think of one other society on earth that even comes close to their level of freedom, and it's a lot closer to Hindustan than to Russia. And that same observation will also equally quickly obliterate any odd comments about the failure of communism, since it's clearly one of the most empowered (and empowering) forces in the modern world.

Statues were pulled down to provide vital war material. They were also disliked because they represented what the people see as their abandonment by the Republic and its allies. Plus, they were built either with public money or with private wealth gathered by those who chose to horde earnings rather than to share them with the people who provided the hours to earn it.

Moscow's judgement on the nationalisation of industry would probably get a Russian covered in spit if he's lucky enough to say it without one of the old warrior caste hearing and cutting his throat. The people settled down to acquire wealth and technology impossible to enjoy in the nomadic lifestyle of old, and that is exactly what they're trying to do. Under the Republic, ninety percent of the people continued to live with little better than their old every day trinkets, and now worked for companies -some foreign- rather than for themselves and their immediate tribal community. They almost universally agree that privatisation is theft, and they're deathly sick of thieves taking advantage of them as naive wanderers.

The idea that religion is freedom will cause a similar response from the culturally atheistic Lavragerians and those who have voluntarilly associated themselves with the defence of Hia'Itakchi. Religion is absolutely in no way important. The Lavragerians have lived without it since before most monotheistic religions rose-up to carve out empires for the sort of thieves so hated in the Itakchi Commonwealth. Why in the world should they allow people to come in and tell them about some fantasy or long dead hero from another culture, demanding personal wealth with which to raise up monuments and create institutions? To plant ideas that could only save people from a hell that would only come into existance after such ideas were planted? Ideas that could only be used in reality to foster hierarchy and impress moral codes, limiting democracy? That idea is a giant hypocrisy coming out of Russia, and the fellows will fight to the death to defend themselves from domination, theft, and imperialism no matter what abstract notions may be invented to disguise it.

They'd fight possibly as angrily against Moscow as against Paris and Kiev, given the comments on the failure of communism, and Russian attackers would certainly be taunted as Bolsheviks if they murderously crushed another isolated, peaceful, outnumbered democratic uprising so that they could talk about communism's failure. Probably they -being Glakatahn- would also cut off the hands of prisoners and then taunt them for losing boxing matches with the biggest guy in the city, because, by Russian logic, that would prove that being Russian was a failed pursuit.

Besides all of that, the motions passed were by the democratic will of the people of Hia'Itakchi, not by some dictator who rules for years on a 51% mandate

Again, there's not much chance of Hindustani concerns being addressed while the fellows are surrounded and their communications largely bombed out during the Republic's war, but the people would again answer Hindustani concerns in a confident fashion, if anyone goes to confront them or establishes reliable communication. There are factions in the Free City's politics because it is a democracy, and the people have different ideas about how to progress. To unite them all would mean... well, it would probably mean imposing religion or some hold-all notion like that. There are steps to prevent actual fighting between the factions, such as the disbanding of the army so that no one group may take control of it, and the order that militias should not be maintained or used in such matters as dealing with religious infiltration. It was possible that different parties would set up their own militias, but this has been disallowed and the City Guard has been set up so that infighting would be -hopefully- futile. The people are largely forced to some degree of unity by the possibility of invasion by the Holy League, or even the Republic if the Tsar wanted to use Lavragerian muscle to do the dirty work.

To the matter of armed protest, the Lavragerians in the city would probably say that the British didn't generally act with the totally ruthless brutality of the Holy League, which many believed was actually out to exterminate the Lavragerian/Glakatahn race. And even with that said, one of the first things that the fellows did was to end conscription and disband the army... even Hindustan has an army, does it not?

Well, a clarification of our position and the defences that would be given if the chance arose. Really, we would expect Tsarist peasants and workers to be speaking of solidarity with the fellows about now, and I'm utterly sure that hundreds of thousands of Russians would support them, but I get the feeling that it won't happen. Ah well, losing's sort of fun, too.

The Russian Manifesto

"Firstly, and most importantly, I am frankly pissed off by all you leftists calling my nation a "sham democracy." I'm sick of it. It is not a dictatorship, by any means. How many times must I mention Congress? If I was a dictator, why would Tsarist Russia be left alone, despite my wishes? The fact is, Russia maintains the highest level of democratisation feasibly possible. Every town has its own council, and levels of local control are extremely high. The Congress holds legislative power in Russia, and it is directly elected by and represents the people, with a myriad of different parties, from the ROP (Putin's center right party) to the Liberal party to the Mother Russia party, and many, many, more. Yearly referendums are held as well, and a recall process exists for every official.

The fact is, true direct democracy is impossible, despite what BG and you may claim. Here it is, straight from the dictionary...

"Main Entry: direct democracy
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: a form of democracy in which the people as a whole make direct decisions, rather than have those decisions made for them by elected representatives
Example: A referendum is a form of direct democracy, as is the practice of recall, by which an elected offical may be voted out of office between elections if enough people sign a petition to remove him and then win the subsequent vote."

Now, unless you guys have the people vote on every issue, you cannot have true direct democracy. It may be more grassroots than mine, (though I doubt it, considering I have elections and referendums at the local level) but it is not direct democracy without having everyone vote on everything. It failed in Athens, when the population grew too large. And that was one, ancient city! The fact is, normal people cannot vote on every issue. They need representatives, or daily life cannot function. And as long as the representatives represent their opinion, what the hell is the problem?

Secondly, I don't give a damn if you are religious or not. But banning religion is totalitarianism in the worst form. Your government is telling people what they should believe, exactly as Stalin did. You think we don't have experience down that road?

Thirdly, whatever happened to gratitude? Russian men and women died for Lavrageria. Your nation would be entirely under the Tsar's thumb if not for our dedication, our toil, our blood, our sweat. Who gave you those shiny Sa-18s? I'm willing to wager it wasn't your newound Hindustani or Bedgellen friends.

("They'd fight possibly as angrily against Moscow as against Paris and Kiev, given the comments on the failure of communism, and Russian attackers would certainly be taunted as Bolsheviks if they murderously crushed another isolated, peaceful, outnumbered democratic uprising so that they could talk about communism's failure.")

As angrily against Moscow as against Paris and Kiev? As angrily against a democratic, free society as you would against totalitarian, oppressive feudal regimes? You have lost your minds. And murderously crushed? Since when have we ever announced we would attack? Again, your marbles are scrambled in revolutionary fervor. We will not attack your mindless regime, despite its moronic tendencies. We do not attack areas simply for reasons of economic differences. So what if you are Communist? You will fall like all others. Beth Gellert is only stuck in fantasy, as where the early Bolsheviks. The Soviet Union was actually successful in the first years, simply because the revolutionary propaganda overcame human nature for a short time. But mark my words, Communism's lack of motivation, it's crushing of faith, and it's wall of bureacracy will strike the Bedgellens as well as it did to us. The arrogance of others in this manner is simply astounding, in truth. What you basically say is that the reason Communism failed in Russia was because we were, to be blunt, to stupid. Somehow you can make Communism work, it's just the stupid, inferior Russians who couldn't carry it out. It's just the Russian people weren't good enough, wasn't it? You sicken me with your delusions.

Some malcontents in Russia may support your delusions, those who are too young to remember the horrors of the Soviet Union. But those of us who remember those days, who remember the promises of freedom that always accompany any socialist revolution, but never came, who remember Communism's crushing of the very soul, will never stand with you. Never. Bolshevism, Maoism, Igovian theory...All different attempts to dress up Communism, and all that have failed. For those reasons, we shall never stand by you as you drive off the edge of sanity."
Vladimir Putin


OOC: As for the GRU agents, I find it hard to imagine that a few couldn't slip in, simply for observation. You can't say you run a free society if ever single citizen is monitored and observed at every moment. Especially in a large city and primitive Lavrageria, the only way to maintain such control would be Stalinism, which would only confirm my worst suspicions.

Oh, and sorry if I'm acting a bit angry here, but on this Lavragerian affair, I've been frankly backstabbed. I spend so many men and resources to preserve the republic, alienating in the process one of my largest trade partners, to get Aidarov running criminal operations in Russia, declaring himself dictator, cosying up with the Glakhatan, and now this. The Lavragerians have been, I'm sorry to say, ingrates.

Uh, well, most of the Republicans have built their society as close to Russia as possible, and obviously have erected statues of Putin and possibly other Russian figures, too.

I don't see how for the Free City the idea of being attacked can be all that absurd while agents are actually trying to infiltrate their society and the Russian government is calling their civilisation abhorrent.

Yes, they'd fight the Russians, because of the above things, because of the parallel with what the majority party (Bolsheviks) did to true democrats and communes during 1921 (calling them ingrates, hopeless utopians, traitors to this and that, crushing them with superior military force, and then calling them failures).

I didn't say that agents couldn't sneak into the city, just that it'll be hard to blend in if that's what they try to do, not because the government's imaginary storm troopers will come get them, but because the people (who, in the Free City, are the government), will spot unfamiliar faces. I was just trying to make you aware of the sort of environment facing such agents.

And I'm sorry if you don't like power politics, but in that case you should actually like the Itakchi Commonwealth which does away with any possiblity of backstabbing and criminality.

(OOC: I'm going to assume North Yaman was alerted to the Commonwealth forming by its Igovian and Hindustani allies...)

Moscow's 'Russian Manifesto' reaches Yamani intelligence in the military tower Yanheshi Shange(Tower of the Spearguard), a Spyran designed fortification that can be seen rising above the skyline in major cities of Lyong. The document immediately finds its way up the chain of command, until it is presented to the High Command present in Mioka Ro.

Of the eight members of the High Command, only five are present in the capital. Director Jidoshin, the elected leader of the Strainist Party of North Yaman, is visiting United Elias and Generals Kwa and Mitsurugi are in the developing Ogakaru plains district, where the three branches of the People's army have been working together in an effort to boost the living stanards of the nomadic Helekaru while setting up coast defences and military ports. The remaining four Ministers and General T'aejo of the Spearguard(Army), gathered together when the news of Russia's response finds them, are driven to the sacred shrine in the west end of the sprawling capital; the hill where the Strainist Council (Yamani parliament) meets, and the Spyran, Tordian, Drapoel and Hindustani embassies can be found.

In the resulting discussions, and heated arguments, between the cautious conservatives and the brazenly rash radicals of the Council, a decision is formed. This young state must be supported! Moscow could disagree with the Commonwealth, but Yaman knew that Russia wasn't like the rising fascists of western and southern Europe. If the people of Hia'Itakchi wished to create a commune, Russia would simply pull its aid in disagreement. But attack the young state? Only a handful of representatives thought that would be the Russian response; the parliament majority disagreed.

The discussions then turned to what they all knew was a more pressing concern. The Holy League. The Itakchi Commonwealth was stuck far from any asian support, and Russia probably wasn't going to let revolutionary aid flow through its territory.

The council disbanded for the night, the issue unresolved. In the morning, with the sun rising above the eastern mountains, the Council would reconvene and decide this issue.

Uh, well, most of the Republicans have built their society as close to Russia as possible, and obviously have erected statues of Putin and possibly other Russian figures, too.

I don't see how for the Free City the idea of being attacked can be all that absurd while agents are actually trying to infiltrate their society and the Russian government is calling their civilisation abhorrent.

Yes, they'd fight the Russians, because of the above things, because of the parallel with what the majority party (Bolsheviks) did to true democrats and communes during 1921 (calling them ingrates, hopeless utopians, traitors to this and that, crushing them with superior military force, and then calling them failures).

I didn't say that agents couldn't sneak into the city, just that it'll be hard to blend in if that's what they try to do, not because the government's imaginary storm troopers will come get them, but because the people (who, in the Free City, are the government), will spot unfamiliar faces. I was just trying to make you aware of the sort of environment facing such agents.

And I'm sorry if you don't like power politics, but in that case you should actually like the Itakchi Commonwealth which does away with any possiblity of backstabbing and criminality.
OOC: Err, so if I overreacted. Most of my anger is directed at the Commonwealth, whose spewing of BG-like arguments fills me with intense anger. I'm frankly sick of being compared to the totalitarian regimes of Kiev, and having my efforts called "sham democracy." Also, I misinterpreted what you wrote, and thought that this was a movement with large support in Lavrageria. I was wrong, and I apologize, although my statements in regards to the Commonwealth still stand. Oh, and I doubt the Strainists will like the Commonwealth's ban on religion...If I remember correctly, aren't they the ones with the whole priest caste, and such?

(OOC: In conservative and remote North Yaman, the nomadic tribal groups and small warlord kingdoms were highly attached to the Lyongese priest group. Teachers, chieftain asvisors, judges and musicians all belonged to one of the five priest castes that had developed in the Yaman lowlands, which were surrounded by highlands where lyongese animism mixed with shamanistic practices('priest' in this sense is more akin to a Druidic model than any modern Christian ideal). When the tribal groups came together and accepted Spyran aid in the early seventies, the priests thus became an important part of the new government. Four of the five castes received a seat on the nine representative 'High Council', only the 'Priests of Death'(Ii-ki) or sacred morticians were disallowed as they had never been involved in any governance. The four of the other seats represented the four power tribes, or 'Houses', with the last seat used to represent the nomadic tribes of highlands.

The population of the Kaiokeni plains, merged with Yaman after the Kaiokeni Revolutionary war and the defeat of the xenophobic 'wolf' tribe and their allies in the matriarchic Saiyan ethnicity(which kept the Lyongese majority in slavery), were not as conservative as their northern brothers. Strainist thought and education spread rapidly east out of Tagan PRS, and then from the west as Spyran engineers cut roads into Yaman from Spyr itself.

The Ogakaru plains were annexed following the destruction of Sol Sanctum, the Tordian capital, and the defeat of the Helekaru warlords by the Strainist armies from Spyr, Tord and NY. This area added to the strength of the conservative traditionalists, but by this point the populace was more focused on an odd sort of Emperor worship. Strain, being a known descendant of the August Emperors who ruled over Lyong ages past, was thus viewed by some as teaching a system that would once again bring the Heaven and earth(of lyongese animism) into accord: Strainism. Strain's teachings on the 'Universality' and 'Free market fasco-socialism' seemed to these traditionalists to be sacred teachings that could return Yaman to the prosperity of the August Empire. Radicals even began saying that Strain was the reincarnation of Emperor Lyong himself, come back from his throne in Heaven to earth.

Thus the nation was quickly turning to Strainist thought, but with great emphasis on Lyongese animism as well. At one point the conservative members of the High Council, entitled to life long terms but no longer representing their peoples, were sent to foreign nations like Hudecia and Marimaia for conferences and coronations. In their absence the High Council, led by Strainist proponent Councillor Jidoshin(son of the High priest who led the tribal council in the early seventies and whose assassination heralded the Kaiokeni war), reformed the government and created the Strainist Council, Yaman's first parliament. Dissident priests and conservative traditionalists in the 'Houseguard' were arrested and sent to reeducation camps, and the army reformed. The 'Houseguard', bastion of traditionalist power, was disbanded. Elements from the cities control by the Houses were put into the Spearguard, while the tribal warriors that had owed allegiance to one of these powerful Houses formed the 'Highguard'. This Highguard includes the famous Red Falcons of Mitsurugi, who was Emperor in Helekar, and the Highland tribal warriors who allied with the Strainists.

To control the priesthood and satisfy the religious majority, Lyong animism was declared the state religion. I must stress now that this is not related to Strainism. North Yaman has not merged with Spyr, though this is a reality of a truly Strainist state (one ideology, one state, Universality theory). North Yaman remains a 'socialist federal dominion', not a 'People's Republic' like Spyr. I have even been planning, even before the monarchies popped up in Europe, to declare Strain Emperor again and have a state religion like the 'State Shintoism' of fascist Japan...all with the eventual goal being the slow change to atheism, or less conservative religious thought, and the merger with Spyr.

I just wanted to make that clear...Strainism doesn't have any strong connections to Lyong animism, though Strain himself could be an element of the religion to some. The youth of Spyr are actually increasingly atheist(even to extremes such as the youth vandalizing shrines and temples) , or even attending Tordian Churchs...though they will stick with traditionalism when something important arises, such as festivals or disasters drawing people to the nearest shrine. This is only what I remember of Spyr's indepth descriptions of the Spyran situation though...

Sorry for the lengthy post in a complete digression, I'll get back to the topic now I've made that a little more clear)

The next day the Council is united in a goal, the support of this nation. Intelligence gleamed from Hindustan and the Igovians only adds fuel to the fire...here is another isolated people, living traditionally but realizing the revolutionary spirit that may be the only help for their culture and prosperity.

With Moscow pulling its support of the Commonwealth, Yaman decides aid must be sent. North Yaman, though still developing and dealing with industrialization of the cities, is in a position to aid the Commonwealth with military advisors and basic aid. The only problem, getting those advisors and that aid across the globe into Holy League territory. Between Yaman and Lavrageria lies the Sinoese, the northern Chinese warlords, Russia and the Estenlands. There was only one nation the Yamani could possibly trust.

Once again, Mioka Ro contacted Moscow. President Putin was asked by the High Command to allow Strainist military advisors and Yamani aid flow through Russian territory. If the Moscow wished to ignore the young state then it could do what it wished, but the Yamani had now seen a reflection of struggle and wanted to help the people of this European city see a brighter future. As a side note, Moscow was reminded that Strainism might also catch on with part of the populace and this might see a less extreme socialism mature in the Itakchi Commonwealth; one that might even be open to trade and free market dealings with its Russian neighbor.

The British Federation is also contacted, to see what the British opinion on the forming Commonwealth was.

(OOC: Basically AC, the Yamani know it'd be a bitch to help the city from NY without Russian agreement...you are in a position to deny or allow the Strainists to continue the easier way, without having to do something stupid...like sailing fleets through waters dangerously full of Holy League ships or something like that. Also, remember, the strainists are no enemy of Moscow...though wary of rogue elements in the Russian army, Putin has made many amends to stem the corruption within his government and military. The real enemy is seen as the Holy League...)

The Congress will decide on the issue of allowing North Yamani aid, but it is unlikely that they shall. The banning of "subversive" religions is disgusting, and the blatant insult against our people has not been unnoticed. Unless the Commonwealth abolishes its tyrannic control over freedom of speech, the prospect of Yamani vessels crossing over is bleak.

In subsequent letters and communiques to Russia, North Yaman, Beth Gellert, and others, the popular congress makes its frustration known. After all, Hindustan was the original supporter of the Lavragerian Republic, before logistical means ran out and the French monarchists burst onto the scene.

From the looks of things, it doesn't appear as though Russian political processes are as archaic as they were once thought to be, and are even similar to Hindustani practice in some areas. The popular congress is also glad to see that Putin has taken steps to end corruption in his military, although it came too late for about 210 Hindustani sailors. However, the popular congress tries to convince Putin that military or economic action against the Hia'Itakchi commune will only aggrevate the situation. If, instead of aligning themselves against the commune, lent it support and decried the reactionary monarchs as enemy number one, perhaps a solution more favorable to Russia would emerge in time.

Hindustan was never very friendly towards Russia during the USSR days, and even bombed soviet forces in Afghanistan more than once. However, the USSR produced dissidents like Sakharov and Solztyenitsn (er...s.p.), and Russia itself was home to such highly respected figures as Pushkin, Tolstoy, and Tsiolovsky. It is not an exaggeration to say that many wept when Andrei Sakharov died, as the popular congress hoped very strongly that the intellectual/dissidents would lead the new Russia instead of Putin, a far more controversial figure.

But the popular congress is willing to live with Putin so long as he stays in-line.

*A quick note on Hindustani government:

The popular congress is made up of delegates from every political district in the country, and positions rotate among citizens. It is perfectly legal and acceptable to decline congressional duty, and members of the constituancy are defined as all thinking beings (this will lead Hindustan to be one of the first nations to give computers the vote) 18 years or older, where applicable. The constituants can refuse a delegate by simple majority vote, and can recall and/or replace their delegate. Constituancy meetings are held bi-monthly or by special request.

The cabinet is more or less elected, but people in cabinet positions have very little power and it is seen more as an honor than a post to be appointed cabinet minister. The same goes for the position of Sultan. The sultan serves for life, but he has no power whatsoever in terms of politics. His job is to promote 'happiness and equality worldwide through awe-inspiring coolness.' The sultan is harmless and happy, and is tasked with making others happy. A deserving individual, usually a humanitarian or dissident, is appointed Sultan and given the works because they deserve it. Just a nice thing to do, like being knighted. Killing the sultan would be considered downright wicked, because not only would it have no political impact but it would knock off one of the nicest people around.

Strainism neither denies the freedoms of speach nor the freedoms of religion, an element found in the more extreme forms of socialist revolution. But it is only by moderate examples that these extremes can find their end.

Are not these also people? Do they not also need food, and shelter and warmth? Are they denied the knowledge and ability that will allow them a better life, free from a regime that they are denouncing as having no hold over their liberties? Or will they end as slaves to the monsterous spreading mass of the Holy League, creeping like the old Facsists across the entire globe?

Moscow need not be burdened by this revolution, which they are entitled to disagree with. All the Yamani government is asking is to transport aid supplies and advisors into the new state. They need not even be military in nature, but rather engineers, agriculturalists and officiers trained in intertribal relations.

In a more secret communique to all parties concerned, the reasoning for the harrasment of the Commune and the ambivalence towards the feudalists is given:

Frankly, they could, to be perfectly, totally blunt, kick our ass. The Commune, while frankly insane, could be tolerated if not for their strict controls on freedom of speech. It is a value that has become dear to Russians, for as soon as you start deeming even one belief "subversive", the path to the apocalypse begins. We know this sounds extremist, but once you've had a taste of Stalin, well, you can understand our paranoia. Now, the Feudalists do this very same thing, albeit against faiths other than their twisted version of Christianity. However, unlike with the Commune, we can't just brush off the feudalists. Ukraine represents one of our largest trading partners, and also happens to have a gigantic, modern army that would love nothing more than to "restore the Tsar of all Russias." In short, we are loathful of both, but the Feudalists remain a direct threat to our survival.

However, while we will not support the Commune, we will allow Yamani aid. It is seen that perhaps the reasonable Strainists can knock some sense into the Commune members. No military support, however, will be allowed. That would be a direct provocation of the Tsar.

Many thanks are extended from Mioka Ro to Moscow, and the operation begins. Trains dedicated to moving military hardware are temporarily recommissioned to transport humanitarian aid packages out of the more heavily populated plains, and north into the Highlands. At Shi Daoken the cargo assembles, anything from basic medical supplies to stainless steel ware to portable generators and radio supplies. A discrete communique to Moscow enquires as to whether any Sithin Arms design 'Kyu hi' rifles might be sent as well, as hunting rifles designed for ease of use and durability. Spare wooden parts on the models can even be easily recrafted by locals, making for a perfect hunting tool for the remote peoples of the European and Asian north.

Advisors also assemble in the north of the SFD, engineers and specialists of building up sustainable agriculture; humanitarian workers and diplomats. The Spearguard is combed for the needed specialists, though citizen volunteer numbers increase as the story of the Commonwealth spreads into the hamlets and villages of North Yaman. Country and city schools begin accepting non perishable food items, and shrines across the nation accept donations to help fund the aid packages.

Working as coordinators, Spearguard officiers trained in Russia and Eastern European languages as well as Strainist theory prepare for the journey. Moscow is once again contacted, this time enquiring as to whether the advisors might themselves bear arms for use in self defence. The Yamani would also like to send a delegation to Moscow to argue in the defence of the more militaristic requests, like the hunting rifles and right for the advisors to bear arms. Hindustan is asked to send any information on the specific needs of the Lavragerian revolution to their arriving diplomats.

The Hindustani government tells the Yamanis that modern infrastructure is desperately needed in many, if not most areas, and it wouldn't hurt to build a railway or two as well.

However, with virtually no presence in Lavrageria for quite a while, Hindustan is not the best place to get information on the current situation there.

The Republic of Lavrageria

President Aidarov's government was somewhat stagnent. Larionko wanted information on this city commune, but was not prepared to upset the Holy League so soon after securing a ceasefire. The machinery of government had only just begun to relocate from Moscow after its wartime exile! The President had Gukov send to the Tsar offering Republican support against any situation that may endanger the cordial new relationship that their respective states were forging.

However, hundreds of miles from Lavrageria, some of the cogs Aidarov left behind in the east were turning against eachother.

In remote Georgia and through the Caucasus, small 'democracy schools' established with Aidarov's money to, 'teach the value, function, and attainment of democracy in Lavrageria and abroad' had included Lavragerian recruits and slowly rising numbers of foreigners interested in the cause, either for Lavrageria's sake or for their own country. The surrender of so much of Lavrageria and then the rising of Hia'Itakchi had divided the pupils of these so-called schools, and over night gunfire had rattled through the mountains as Republican loyalists clashed with comrades who showed support for the Free City and its more democratic ideals.

There'd already been light casualties, and the skirmishing was spreading out as groups from various disperate schools scattered either in flight or pursuit.

Amongst each of the sides, more divisions were begining to surface as fellows argued about which progressive politics they wished to follow, and did so without the structure of the Free City's institutions as prevented infighting; meanwhile the Republicans disagreed over whether Aidarov did and whether they should be aligned with Moscow.

The Free City: Hia'Itakchi

The Fellows continued to make remarkable progress in their works. Factories were re-opening and already the economy was growing in spite of its isolation. Old hunting and other bolt-action rifles were being dispersed amongst the City Guard's armouries, which were beginning to see increased numbers of AK-47s, PPSh-44L sub-machineguns, SVT-40 rifles, PKM general-purpose machineguns, RDG-33 stick grenades, ML1 60mm infantry mortars, and RPG-7s manufactured in the city along with munitions fashioned in countless workshops. There were Igla 9K38 MANPADS left over from the disbanded army's stocks, along with ZU-23 towed light anti-aircraft artillery pieces and heavier KS-19 100mm guns, though radar fire control was still down thanks to the city's targetting during the war because of its modest SAM batteries. Also existing were M87 ground-fire 100mm towed guns, which though precious few in number were placed on long streets and covered in the same ramshackle fashion as most of the buildings, making it pretty well impossible to identify them from the air.

Elections to various public positions were running more or less smoothly, and people were actually coming out on to the streets in spite of the gathering warclouds.

Nobody was interested in Moscow's opinion of much, any longer, as the Russians seemed desperately confused about even their own recent history, let alone the nature of democracy or of life in Lavrageria.

The SFD points to the recent outbreaks of violence in the Caucasus mountains and highlands as further proof that Advisors are needed in the area to promote peaceful relations between the various groups in Lavrageria. Yamani diplomats, now in Moscow to arrange the official border crossing of Yamani goods, advisors and medical workers, have pressured the Russian government once again to allow the Yamani to retain defences against banditry and possible aggression from the Holy league.

At the Russian border, the very first Aid workers begin their cross Asian travels by Russian railway. Citizens known for their upstanding community service and selected out of the many volunteers for their intelligence, these Yamani have agreed to act as cavalry scouts to help the later expiditions. Their job would be to establish contact with the Commonwealth and other major forces in the Lavragerian powder keg of political extremism. Five scouting groups have been formed, each consisting of atleast one translator/officier, a doctor and an engineer, accompanied by four Highguard horsemen(armed tribal warriors). They will be using Russian raillines to reach Lavrageria just as soon as they hear word from the Yamani diplomatic lawyers now in Moscow. (if you want to rp those diplomats arriving in Moscow you start it AC...its not often that I get to send people out, as Yaman is rather isolationalist)

-Moscow-
"Alright, it's all clear..."

The control tower cleared landing, and the jet holding Yamani diplomats smoothly entered the runway. As they exited out, they would be most likely be surprised by the media turnout. Russia had become a consumer nation, and the annoyances of mass media came with it. Journalists would poke and prod, fighting to get a photo, to get a question answered, to get something to excite the viewers.

"Is it true that Yaman's promise of hunting rifles is really a scam to arm the Communists?"

"What do you expect the Tsar going to do?"

"How do you expect to save the Commune from the Tsarist hordes?"

Later, when the Yamanis reached the Kremlin, they were informed that the Russians had indeed ceded to their demands. While they were heavily suspicious of the hunting rifles, it would make little difference as the Communists were already heavily armed. The plea for defense of the Yamani force was not unheard either...But there was a catch. Indeed, the Russians were feeling so generous that they were going to provide protection for the Yamanis, in the form of a ten man Spetsnaz escort, headed by Kadishev, a man who had already fought in Lavrageria.
-Ulanger-
Seeing as their position in Lavrageria seemed to be slipping, the Russians were working overtime to improve their image. Humanitarian efforts were stepped up even more, towns were being modernized in record time, cars were being shipped in en masse, factories were built left and right, missionaries were thumping Bibles until they could thump no more, electric lines were beginning to criss-cross Lavrageria, televisions were given out (of course, the only channels were full of pro-Russian propaganda thinly veiled as entertainment and news), and Ulanger was finally beginning to resemble a modern city. The Russians could not afford to lose their closest ally, and they were pulling out all stops.

The diplomats, used to the hounding press of North Yaman, are not preturbed by these Russians. While most ignore the reporters, one diplomat agrees to field question and is swamped by the crowd.

'One at a time please. Yes, you sir...No, no, the Yamani are only considering the livelyhood of these survivors of such violence. Food was scarce in the Yamani highlands until the agricultural reforms of the ninties and the annexation of the fertile Ogakaru plains. The Yamani know what it is like to starve for lack of modern equipment, and we would like to save these people that misery. Next question...Ah, the Tsarists. Well, if they're anything like the French, they'll probably ignore the wishes of these people and begin a war of complete destruction against the Commonwealth. This is what we're hoping to avoid through international pressure from progressive states, like Russia and Beth Gellert. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must join my companions. Good day to you all, and many thanks from our administration to the Russian people.'

Bowing, the diplomat is herded off to the others. Soon they are on their way to the Kremlin, where the Russian protection would be gratefully accepted. Kyu-hi rifles are added to the waiting supplies, and one of the three man scout teams(minus the Highguard) are sent across the border to meet their Russian guard.

Kadishev smiled sardonically as he saw the Yamani expedition. His brown black camouflage was swiped clean, for once, although that was only due to orders from above. Knowing Lavrageria, it probably wouldn't stay that long. He felt it was a waste of time to wash what was an all terrain combat uniform, but apparently, he was supposed to impress his protectees---Ha! What a joke that was! It was obvious for all to see that his men weren't there to protect the Yamanis. They were there to watch them, and make sure they weren't up to anything---with the newly reforged professionalism of the Russian army, for some apparent reason that only the higher ups knew.

He took one last shot of vodka, threw the glass away,swiped down his unkempt, ragged brown hair, and addressed the Yamanis.

"Alright. Here's the way I plan to get to the city. First off, we'll take a few Hind Helicopters within about ten miles of the Free City. We can't get closer, or they may accidentally shoot us down. I've got a few ATVs placed around there that can take us the rest of the way. Everything sound good?"

With the news in Shi Daoken that the scout expidition would be accompanied by a Russian Spetsnaz escort(excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is a 'Spetsnaz'...special forces? infantry? or something else entirely), the Highguard warriors were ordered back to their remote posts in the Yamani Highlands. The three man group has also expanded to five, the translator, doctor and engineer accompanied by a communications expert and a minor government representative. (sorry..I'm a bit busy with exams and everything right now...I'll make a more indepth rp of this group -including names!- in a little while)

[OOC: Spetsnaz - think a cross between SS, KGB, and natural born killers. The Soviet Spetsnaz was the best, the post-Soviet Spetsnaz is horrible, in skill that is.]

OOC: Spetsnaz are the cream of the crop of the Russian Special Forces. Brutally trained, well armed, and lacking almost any ethics, they are basically the lower tech, more primal version of the American Delta Force. And no problem about the exams.

[OOC: Spetsnaz - think a cross between SS, KGB, and natural born killers. The Soviet Spetsnaz was the best, the post-Soviet Spetsnaz is horrible, in skill that is.]
OOC: Yes, but like everything in my Russia, since Putin took over (mind you, my Putin isn't an authoritarian fascist ass like the RL Putin...And he's better looking, too) it's been on a road to recovery. And the army especially has been vastly improved. Besides, the guys I'm sending are already experienced in Lavrageria.

Kadishev smiled sardonically as he saw the Yamani expedition. His brown black camouflage was swiped clean, for once, although that was only due to orders from above. Knowing Lavrageria, it probably wouldn't stay that long. He felt it was a waste of time to wash what was an all terrain combat uniform, but apparently, he was supposed to impress his protectees---Ha! What a joke that was! It was obvious for all to see that his men weren't there to protect the Yamanis. They were there to watch them, and make sure they weren't up to anything---with the newly reforged professionalism of the Russian army, for some apparent reason that only the higher ups knew.

He took one last shot of vodka, threw the glass away,swiped down his unkempt, ragged brown hair, and addressed the Yamanis.

"Alright. Here's the way I plan to get to the city. First off, we'll take a few Hind Helicopters within about ten miles of the Free City. We can't get closer, or they may accidentally shoot us down. I've got a few ATVs placed around there that can take us the rest of the way. Everything sound good?"

The Yamani expidition appeared as model Lyongese, coming from different backgrounds yet bonded through common language, culture and revolutionary spirit. The doctor was an urbanite from the mountain city Michi, and introduced himself as Hironobu-ki Sang. This 'ki' suffix titled him a priest, specifically a member of the Ii-ki(life) caste. Known for his work in Venezuala, Hironobu-ki is a staunch follower of the head of the Ii-ki, Minister Gemmei-ki, who gained a reputation when she pushed for medical modernization along with the other Strainist reforms of the early ninties.

Yung Wai, known in Yaman as the talented young pop artist, is accompanying the group as the engineer, which he studied before his fame took him down other roads. Though criticized for what many in the media call a publicity stunt, Wai is actually very highly qualified for the job...having first made his name for his engineering designs, which later turned to grander projects of structural art work.

Accompanying the group and in charge of Yamani communications is Su-tu Geng, a Spearguard officier who works in the Yanheshi shange in Mioka Ro. Though smaller than the slavic Russians, Su-tu is in great physical condition and has very obviously had some experience with war time situations.

Though Jun-fa Zhou, translator and 'Coordinator' of the scouting mission, is the nominal head of the Yamani expidition but she will be watched at every step by a representative from the Strainist Council, Ming Arentaka. Coordinator Zhou took language studies and strainist theory at Sithin U, and also served in Spearguard administration and militia groups. Ming, a member of the family that formed the 'Arentaka house', is trained in international law and has been briefed on how to go about contacting the Commonwealth.

In contrast to the unkempt appearrance of Kadishev(and is soldiers?), the Yamani will strive to stay as clean as possible in keeping with their religious ways. The doctor priest will refrain from eating meat, and all eat their meat well done.

After bowing and introducing themselves to the Russian soldiers, the Yamani approve of Kadishev's plan and the force is underway, along with a small number of medical and communications supplies.

[OOC: Now we see if revolutionary spirit can overcome feudalist jailors and pierce into the heart of Estenland-occupied territory ^_^.]

OOC:
Actually the soviet Spetznaz were more akin to the US Rangers, Paratroop pathfinders or Royal Marine commandos than the more "sneaky Beaky" NATO special forces.
Modern Russian GRU Spetnaz units are gradually moving towards the Delta/SEAL/SAS model due the experinces in Afghanistan and Chetchnia but are facing porblems getting there for one reason: Thier numbers, they simply have too many personel.
Of course the russians have a number of other special forces units msot notably OMON and ALPHA.

OCC: Aye, but their real big operational show was in Afghanistan, right? I thought that Chechnya was more of an Airborne forces thing...albeit without parachute drops.

In Lavrageria, I would certainly think that a smaller group of special forces personnel, serving in an advisory role to the much more numerous native fighters, would be more effective than a concentration of infantry. When it comes to my forces, the Hindustani Paras are much closer to Royal Marine Commandos than anything else. More a light infantry force than a special operations unit. I have those too, although they aren't nearly as important to Hindustani strategic thinking...the lone assassin takes a back seat to the battery of MRLs in the HDF. The natural borne killer brutally trained in weapons skills is not nearly as important as the sapper and medic.

er...back to the rp.

IC: The popular congress is sure to thank the Yamains for their action on behalf of the Hia'Itakchi commune, although it is deemed unlikely that the Reactionary powers will allow it to survive for very long.

The government also strongly disapproves of fighting in the Caucasus region between different factions of Lavragerian revolutionaries, and calls for the schools to be disbanded and their students deported should violence continue.

In the Lavragerian republic, Hindustani advisors occasionally show up, bringing stores of weaponry and new aircraft, such as Hindustani copies of renowned Antonov light transports like the An-2 and An-14. Some ex-HAF MiG-21s find their way into the republican airforce as well, smuggled in from 'parts unknown.'

((Where is Estenlands in all this guys? I mean, I doubt the Tsar would not react to such huge changes. I almost feel importuned to respond for Wingert, but I shall not. Nevertheless, please take this SL a bit slower until he gets a chance to chime in. France would do more, but Im having enough fun repressing Algeria as it is. WINGERT!!@!))

(OOC:I don't see why we should take parts of this rp slow...for example, the Yamani expidition is far too small to attract notice from the Estenlands yet(it hasn't even started off), and its doubtful we'd announce our presence to the 'Imperialist pig-dogs'...and as for the civil unrest in Lavrageria, well, it would seem he either doesn't care or hasn't noticed yet. And its not like we let non-response slow us down in AMW. Look at the new Yamato leadership in North Japan. O&I has really gotten in only a few short posts, and now Marmy has declared that around half of the Teike's military has defected to his side.)

Kadishev gestured at the Yamanis to step onto the choppers, but suddenly...

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

"SH*T! DRIVE BY! GET IN THE CHOPPER!"

Kadishev slammed to the ground, while shoving the Yamanis into the helicopters. His team immediately fired back at the oncoming jeeps, which were full of heavily armed bandits.

"Damn, the Mafia must be wanting to get these helicopters...They do fetch a hefty sum on the black market...They're buddies of the Tsar, too, so they probably"

He leaped out from behind a chopper, and unleashed a barrage of AK fire. It killed one mafiosi leaning out from one of the jeeps, and his body rolled limply on the ground. Bullets sprayed asphalt into the air, as more and more Mafiosi poured onto the scene. They had the advantage that the expedition had begun its journey from a relatively secluded outpost, as to not attract much attention. (Fat lot of good it did them!) Therefore, the border guards there were only lightly armed, and the Mafiosi with their assault rifles and RPGs shredded them apart...

The Spetsnaz, heavily outnumbered, were in for the fight of their lives...

((OOC: Just trying to liven things up, with a bit o' action. I'll wait for the Yamani response.))

(Hmm...I was under the impression that we would be meeting, in say, Pozharskoye...being right across the border. But I'll roll with this, I guess.)

The Yamani, recovering from their shock, make for the nearest Hind chopper. Jun-fa Zhou immediately grabs one of the spare Ak-47's, and moves to back up Kadishev's defence. Su-tu Geng, seemingly unphased by the sudden ambush, is already sending out an emergency call from his portable equipment. A radio in one hand, and his SA-P1 Dragonsfire pistol in the other, Su-tu contacts the Airguard force in Mioka Ro directly, reporting an attack from bandit forces possibly allied with the Holy League.


-Mioka Ro-

Su-tu's warning quickly leads to the scrambling of a detachment of Airguard tilt-rotors, attack helicopters in the lead, followed by Raven transports full of Airguard soldiers.

OCC: Hey, if you wanted I could send in an Alouette full of Hindustani marines, or have a group of advisors involved in slipping across the border come to the scene, if only to get involved. I don't know how far this is from the water, so mabye the Alouettes would be out of range, but I would imagine that small groups of Hindustani advisors with committments in Lavrageria (or rather those with military, as opposed to civil, duties), have been sneaking/bribing their way through a relatively pourous (?) border from Lyong.

OOC: The Alouettes would be out of range, but slipping in through the border is fine.

IC:

Kadishev's men and the Yamanis used the heavily armored helicopters as cover, ducking out from behind to unleash a barrage of AK-47 fire. The Yamani and Russian aircover came in ferociously, blasting the Mafia trucks with missiles and machine gun rounds. Still, they poured on, with the number of cars multiplying. The Russian border guard raced frantically to reach their location, but if someone did not help them soon, the Russians and Yamanis would be outnumbered and destroyed.

[OOC: The Lyong-Russian border can, perhaps, be said to be porous one way, in that there are no Lyongian restrictions on departure into Russia, and given the state of government control there it would seem likely that border guard posts could be manipulated. The Lyongian side is quite different, with Spyr and Russia separated by the wide Meyon river. On the Spyran side it is watched closely, with two legal ferry crossings that undergo thorough inspection, not so much to bar entry as to identify and register entrants.

The Yamani part of the border extends through mountains, past the Meyon's origin point, and here it is difficult to constantly watch the whole border. However, military units and peoples militias from Yaman tend to be a bit more paranoid than the Spyrans, so illegal entrants may risk injury and/or death trying to evade authorities... though I'm not the final authority on this point. The rail line connecting into Russia has a border station where entants are registered before proceeding.

This is generally the setup for the Lyong-Chinese border as well.

there are military fortifications on both borders as well, not concerned with civilian wanderers.

Ducking behind cover, Jun-fa turns to Kadishev. Even with Airguard and Russian air support, the Russian defensive line was about to be overrun.

'We must abandon this LZ. We can extract everyone in the Hinds and Airguard SA-H1 Ravens while those Dragonfly attack helicopters(KA-29 variant) give us cover with their 500kg bombs and LAGM's. Once we're out, Russia and the LJDC can bomb these insurgents from a safe range. What do you think, Officier Kadishev?'

The Spyran and Tordian militaries are contacted through the LJDC, and are informed that the planned expidition to Lavrageria has been ambushed by 'a significant number of hostile vehicles, possibly allied with the feudalist Imperialists.' When reports come in that the attack has escalated, a patrol of Miggens along the Xiaguo border is redirected to the area and SRA assistance is requested.

A group of five Hindustani Foreign Service officers hide behind some sizeable rocks on the Russian side of the Lyong-Russian border. Heavy gunfire is not generally expected.

The advisors don't carry much in the way of weaponry, as they intend mostly to buy up ex-Soviet arms to bring to Lavrageria, a policy not exactly endorsed by the Popular Congress but one that has not yet been shut down. However, each advisor does have a Makarov PM, and there are even a few Port Said SMGs to go around.

"What does it look like?"
"I see an Mi-24 variant...some military types, and a bunch of civillian cars. Looks like a gunfight with the mafia."
"Perhaps we should help them out."
"It looks like the mafia is out in force...we wouldn't do much."
"Perhaps the mafiosi might think that they are being attacked by a larger force..."
"I suppose its worth a try."

With that, the senior adviser picks up an SMG and stuffs extra magazines into the pockets of his flanel coat. Once he is satisfied with his readiness for combat, the middle-aged Croat rushes towards the nearest Mafia car, followed by his four companions. They break cover and continue for some distance before they begin to yell and fire their Port Saids.

Kadishev nodded, and rushed the others onto the helicopters as the Mafiosi closed in. A few of the Spetsnaz and Yamanis stood by, providing cover fire, as the others slipped in.

The sudden attack by the mysterious Indian men left the Mafia completely surprised, and provided the ideal amount of time for the Russians and Yamanis to escape. Kadishev was completely puzzled as to the identity of their saviors, but hoped that they could somehow get out before the airstrikes. Quickly, he leaned out of the still open hatch, and yelled out.

"Whoever you people who helped us are, GET THE HELL OUT!"


More Hinds (Mi-24s, is it?) flew in to provide cover fire, along with some Lyongese choppers. The machine gun rounds and missiles pelted the Mafiosi, who began to flee. A few of the braver ones remained behind, launching handheld anti-air missiles, but the oncoming squadron of Migs armed with napalm roasted them alive. The Mafia, battered and defeated, fled into the nearby forests. Most were slaughtered by the initial strike, but many managed to dissapear into the countryside.

One of these Mafiosi ran to a few of his compatriots, panting in the woods.

"We failed..."
"At least they don't know who's really behind this. They'll think it was just a bunch of criminals..."
"Yes, but Tsar Romanov won't be happy...Now these revolutionary fools will be able to support those bastard Lavragerian Communists!"
"What can we do?!? You want to fight those Migs?!? Shut up and go..."

As soon as they see the Miggens, the Hindustani advisors quickly make for cover, and concentrate on getting back to their planned route.

They would be near-impossible to identify, considering that they were predominantly eastern european in nationality, carried Egyptian SMGs, and were furnished with more Rubles than you could shake a stick at. Most of those rubles would probably go towards armements for Republican Lavrageria and Communist Hia'Itakchi, and some cars as well.

OOC-Well had to take care of the last of that University thing, done my last test and all. Good thing that this is the slowest RP known to man.

IC-King Wingert was enraged upon his return from his victory march under the Arc de Triumph in Paris. He had heard about this "Free City" and was screaming about needing answers. Sir Reginald, who was the de facto commander in Lavrageria right now still, had the full might of the Imperial Armed Forces at his bequest, though it would indeed take some time to rally for another round of attacks. So, he head decided that the best thing to do was to negotiate, he in no way wanted to precipitate a full-scale conflict. So, he negotiated in the way of the Tsars. He continued to oversee the reconstruction and pacification of the rest of Tsarist Lavraeria, all the while bringing a full force consisting of parts of both Army Groups A & B to surround the city on all sides, and run continuous surveillance fly-bys and so on, but not engaging, unless, of course we are attacked. Anyone leaving the city will find that they are well treated, though they are disarmed and detained, being moved to one of the refugee camps in the south. Fortunately, the refugee camps are rather well appointed, with adequate shelter and warmth, as well as food and access to medical attention. No one is allowed into the city at all and for any reason, a missive is sent into the city that explains that if there are any medical situations, the patients can be sent out and they will be cared for, but they will not be allowed back in.
The force that is projected into the area and that is taking up positions surrounding every inch of ground that can be found around the city, including setting up of massive artillery grids of fire, all aimed at the heart of the city.

The force consists of:
8 Heavy Armoured Divisions
4 Fully Mechanized Divisions
2 Engineering Divisions
4 Light Infantry Divisions
This means that the force that is brought to bear is approx. 360,000 troops.

Sir Reginald realizes the limitations of his options right now, conceivably, a battle that would break out here, though it could be won, would be very costly in lives, and Tsar Wingert does not want unnecessary deaths on either side. That being said, the Tsarist regime can brook no dissent in this manner. The Tsarist force is in no shape to continue fighting, and the mobilization of this many troops is only possible because we have been able to stop using expensive war materials at a frightening pace. Also, we have sent our reservists home and are in the process of de-nationalizing the industry. All of this means that although we are in a very advantageous position if conflict should arise, it would mean that the re-construction money and resources that are now going to rebuilding the rest of Lavrageria, would have to be diverted to pay for any military action here. So, in true medieval fashion it has been decided that a siege should be set out, with a full blockade being declared against the rebels.

Really, the first of these units would already be in the area, and some would already be surrounding the city, in fact, a lot of them would be. So, it is just a matter of reinforcing our position in that area, just without a super-costly war going on to hinder us.

At that point, Sir Reginald is sending a delegation, with several copies of documents, with translations into Lavragerian, Ukrainian and Russian into the city. The delegation is going to be fully unarmed, and will be led by Major Golz, a member of the armed forces with some diplomatic experience. He will be leading a delegation of officials, (10) along with a gift of 2 tonnes of medical supplies on the back of a flat-bed truck. This delegation is going to creep up very slowly to the main road of the city, waving white flags, and walk with their hands in the air, so that it is apparent that they are unarmed. They will be carrying with them the follwing documents:
A Copy of the Treaty of Washington
A Copy of the Body of Laws and Responsibilities of a Tsarist Citizen (A handbook to their new responsibilities as Tsarist subjects)
A Copy of a Declaration of Blockade
A Copy of the Imperial Decree branding them Rebels Against the Tsar

The delegation is given the authority to hear demands and open communication with the Free City Leadership. They will ask that a phone line be run into the city, for quick communication, and will state that if the city surrenders within 10 days, Tsar Wingert, in his infinite mercy, is willing to pardon the city and all of its inhabitants. If not, after the period has expired, a state of war will exist between the rebels and the Tsar.

Tsar Wingert I.

The Russian-Yamani expedition, now out of harm's way, has decided to take a more conventional route, and will be taking an aircraft to a newly contructed Russian airfield near the "Free City."

The Russian-Yamani expedition, now out of harm's way, has decided to take a more conventional route, and will be taking an aircraft to a newly contructed Russian airfield near the "Free City."

What airfield? The entire area is under Tsarist control, any airfield would be garrisonned and the cit is under siege, that, and any aircraft that crosses the border will be challenged by the Imperial Air Force.
Tsar Wingert I.

The airfield is to the north, in Republican Lavrageria. I've had massive amounts of construction in Rep. Lav., and had a significant military presence for months, so I'm guessing it's safe to assume that Russia' built a few airfields. Don't worry, we will not enter Tsarist territory without permission.

And the Yamanis will have to settle that one.

OK, just checking.
Tsar Wingert I.

The Estenlandian government is slowly continuing their major rebuild, with thousands of Russian contractors being shuttled across the border to fill in the skilled workers shortage in Lavrageria (though under heavy guard) and a huge amount of Ukrainian wokers that are working on the new railway system that is now being built coming from Kiev to southern Tsarist Lavrageria. As the railway is being built, it is being followed by an army of unskilled labourers from all over Eastern Europe, from Poland to Moldava to Turkey. The impovrished peoples of these nations are flocking to Ukrainian hiring stations where they are shuttled out to southern Lavrageria to help work, and where they are kept in heavily gaurded (for their protection) camps at night and in massive work crews during the days. They are paid well and fed and sheltered which is usually more than they could expect at home.

Also, throughout Tsarist Lvargaeria, unskilled labour is being recruited to build roads and irrigation ditches, as well as to dig canals and reseviours, admittedly backbreaking but honest work. They are paid in food, medical supplies, and some cash, which they can use to purchase luxury items from military-run stores.

This is also being matched by militia recruiting officers who are recruiting soldiers to be used in a future Lavragerian military machine. Here, they are meeting with limited success, because many of those with a will to fight are either still trying to keep from being pacified or were killed or have fled to Republican Lavrageria.

All the while the transpotation and agriculture grids are being re-constructed, and in some cases, constructed for the first time, in the south, where the railways are already getting into place, joint projects between Royale Lmtd and prominient noble businessmen are being undertaken, taking advantage of the new labour forces that are hungry for jobs and money, there they are beginning to build factories of all kinds, along with massive living projects to house, and ccomadate the workers that will be working there. This, and hundreds of geologists are being flown by military chopper all over Lavrgaeria to take advantage of the large oil reserves that exist in the nation and have been almost completely ignored by the people of this nation.

Tsar Wingert I.

The Itakchi Commonwealth: The Free City

Two hundred and eighteen thousand residents had thus far been enroled in the City Guard, and many young men and women walked the streets with smiles on their faces as they enjoyed the alien experience of real connection with their neighbours and their society. Even their industry, which was central to their decision to settle down in the first place, was now highly visible and real to the people involved in it. Workers gathered at the start of each day to discuss the previous and administer their own works without greedy management and completely ignoring documents claiming that their factories belonged to Republicans miles away (and now essentially to the Tsar). People in general met daily in old government buildings and the over-sized private residences of the Republic's young -and here expelled- elite and they decided their own fate.

But there was something in the air that did not resonate well with that idea. Some who considered the matter feared that their fate was still beyond them, still controlled by an undeserving and alien elite: the Tsarists. These men and women lobbied hard for continued barricade works and increased arms production in the isolated city where others wanted to work towards ends less morbid but arguably less realistic.

When Major Golz and his cohorts approached the commune of over half a million Lavragerians they did so under the sights of hunting rifles held up by nervous residents peering over stacks of mattresses cast hurridly from a warehouse into the narrow street below and fixed by twine and wooden staves. Their white flags were answered by improvised red banners fluttering atop these mighty battlements, and beside one of such flags rose a figure to answer the Tsarist advance. A young woman with a PPSh sub-machinegun that was slung heavily off her shoulder and adjusted several times as she awkwardly bore it called out, asking the what was the party's business, "...in the Society of the Communards in Lavrageria?"


The Republic of Lavrageria

Home to some three million Lavragerians where once it had claimed ten million, Aidarov's Republic now spanned just sixty-five thousand of its former two-hundred and seven thousand square kilometres. Almost a million persons were counted Glakatahn still in the saddle out west where they felt increasingly short on options as Tsarist control solidified; and in the Fellows of defiant Hia'Itakchi. Perhaps two hundred thousand more were dead of the war. The Republic was outnumbered a little more than two to one by those Lavragerians who now were subjects of the Holy League, and sixteen to one by the population of the Estenlands.

With these things in mind, with Itageria and Hia'Itakchi lost to Ulanger's control, and with the enemy still idling on his doorstep, Larionko Aidarov bolted his door and made sure to smile politely when looking from his southern and western windows.

Never forgetting to give a friendly nod to the neighbours on the other side, the President decided no longer to delay local elections where they were still due. In the Republic that Lavrageria built, the people of each rayoni (district) -of which there existed several dozen in the two surviving Republican voblasts (regions)- quite openly put their support behind public figures of their choice (thus far they had mostly been warriors, hunters, and storytellers of note, or else tribal nobility) and such figures as received the most support were sent with a popular mandate with which to demand from the elected President's appointed Prime Minister their inclusion in his government.

In the first general election this had meant that some powerful warlords had bullied voters into standing down when they initially supported another candidate, but this was the fault of the open and visible system only to a certain degree: if a secret ballot meant that they had not been able to intimidate or buy the voters who were leaning against them, they would probably have killed the other candidates just to be safe. Larionko Aidarov had won the Presidency in part because where local warlords had, well, local influence, they tended to cancel one another out on a national scale. Aidarov was smart enough either to actually be the candidate that didn't threaten your life, or at least to make it look that way by outsourcing his thuggery to warlords who would have brutalised for their own sake anyway. At the General Election, the President hadn't won a majority in a single rayoni, but he'd come second or third in every last one, and nationally outclassed his nearest rival by a mile.

This time the warlords were a shadow of their former selves. Most had been given military commissions and were now dead (some thought it was odd that several hundred officers of tribal nobility had been killed during fighting that saw most of their units retreat intact into what is now the Republic without taking serious casualties, but that was one of the mysteries of war, eh?) or else were satisfied with the big houses being raised up for them on healthy construction budgets and more likely to use the forces placed under their command to chase-up rogue thugs than to act as them.

In theory, of course, Ivan Gukov -on Aidarov's authority- could refuse to accept popular applicants to local government, but as yet that sort of thing hadn't come to pass, and political debates started to take-over workers' lunch breaks between long hours spent re-building the reduced nation.


The bolt that secured Aidarov's door was in the fashion of 48,000 men answerable to the War and Security Executive, a number much reduced from the pre-war total but increased relative to the remaining population: the Free City may have done away with conscription, but Aidarov's Republic had been forced to extend it. Not a popular move, but one that was well understood. The new force was to reach all the goals set for the old military and never realised before the sudden move towards war, and the Republic would hope soon to be buying and producing a good deal of mobile firepower of mainly Russian design. Moscow would surely be keen to see its refurbished factories winning export orders once again, since Aidarov's attempt to acquire Beddgelen surplus equipment had failed in the face of Soviet preference for the Free City over the Republic.

Aidarov was offering to deploy his forces -once rebuilt- to the commune in support of cease-fire agreements made with the Tsar surrendering Hia'Itakchi.

If Aidarov moves any troops beyond his accepted borders, it will be considered a direct violation of the treaty that was just signed by him, and a declaration of war, an invasion of the legally recognised nation of Tsarist Lavrageria.
As for the city, I wonder how mfar the work orders to build more weapons will go, seeing as how this city has been unbder siege for what must be months now, and is competely cut off from re-supply right now.
As for Major Golz, he simply hands over, or at least lets the people know, that the stuff that he brings is a gift from His Imperial Majesty Tsar Wingert I, and his Regent over Tsarist Lavrageria, Sir Reginald. He also requests that some spokesperson comes forward to explain the needs and demands of the besieged deathtrap...uh... I meant city.
Tsar Wingert I.

OOC: Erm, how are the Lavragerians reacting to my previously mentioned "Media/Humanitarian/Democratic/Propaganda" efforts?

(Sorry, I got a bit lost in catching up with all the dramatic blams and booms and seem to have rather lost track of what Russia was offering to who, if anything)

The Free City was doing remarkably well for itself, in truth, and with good historical precedent. The Paris Commune of 1871 saw economic growth while under siege... though the Fellows try not to talk of the matter openly, for the French equivalent died in sickening butchery when the Republic's troops re-entered the city as Aidarov had offered to do for Wingert as Thiers did essentially for Bismarck.

100mm guns were scattered around the city, under cover, and wooden-furnished submachineguns and rifles abounded. Materials supposed to provide the city's people with personal automobiles and more significantly to drive the Republic's consolidation of two whole western provinces were turned over largely to war production. (One shouldn't forget that prior to the invasion, Aidarov's Republic was planning to subdue the Lodoz Confederacy and industrialise two whole states, and that Hia'Itakchi was the hub through which this was to be conducted.)

Inside, the people were disgruntled by the delay on their attainment of luxury, but pleased by their liberty. It was an unusual atmosphere.

OOC: To summarize Russian activity...

Basically, Russia has spent a huge sum of its own and Quinntonian money on Lavragerian reconstruction. Russian soldiers are creating modern infrastructure, distributing tons of humanitarian aid, and re-building Ulanger as a semi-modern city. Also, they are working heavily to both build democratic institutions and raise pro-Russian sentiment. (Which involves heavy use of propaganda.)

Ah, and a Russian-defended Yamani expedition is on its way to the Free City. (I'll let NY RP the arrival.)

You are not being allowed to do any propoganda in tsarist Lavrageria, though Russian sentiment would already be fairly high, as it is high in Ukraine as well, after all, Winhgert considers himself rightful Tsar of all of the Russias.
However, ther would probably be tens of thousands of Russians in heavily gaurded work camps, where they are shuttled in under haevy gaurd and their skills are put to use at very good pay, and then shuttled out for two weeks off after every six weeks. They areheavily bombarded with Estenlandian propoganda, and treated like kings, fed the best, treated the best, with great accomadations, considering the situation, and enough pay to get them drunk and bragging when they get home. Promises arer made for more permanent jobs in the future as well.

And there is the minor factor of the Free City being well insde Tsarist Lavrageria, sorrounded by a massive army, so just so you know, Russians will be egaged upon crossing the border.

Now, let me get this straight, is Aidiriv offering to use his military to help crush the Free City, is that right? Or am I reading too much into that last post?

And BTW, I have no problem with them being able to keep up war production for another couple of months, and since they are not expelling these resources, yet, it probably looks pretty impressive right now. However, they have been under attack and hundreds of thousands of epopel eat at least a couple of pounds of food per day, as well as expell the same amount in human waste. And, they need at least a litre of clean water a day to keep healthy. There has been no new shipments of any of these things in months, and any sewage system would have been dynamited long ago. That is the issue, the people seem pretty happy for sickly, starving, plague infested people that aee stewing in their own massive filth.

Now, I know that Lavrageria has a history of never, ever giving a stright answer, but again, what are you terms?

Tsar Wingert I.

No worries, no pro-Russian propaganda in Tsarist lands.

Hmm...I though the Free City was on the border...Never mind. Let's just say the NY-Russian delegation has come as close as possible without crossing the border. The Yamanis can negotiate passage from there.

Yes, Aidarov wants now to endear himself to the Tsar et al, having survived the conflict with a nation still to rule. He is prepared to use his troops to attack the commune rather than risk the Tsar thinking that he backs it, because he is afraid that if the Tsar thinks that and attacks the commune, he might also attack Aidarov's Republic.

The commune is fairly young in IC terms, I think, and its population was depleted when Aidarov introduced conscription and evacuated the government. At the moment it is a city that is seriously under-populated, and has redundant capacities to spare.

Of course, months from now it will be a different story, but in the short term it is ideally placed to sustain itself. That it is ancient in design and not a modern plan means that it also contains a lot of weird internal spaces... there are crops growing within the city, for example (not enough to feed the original population of Minsk, but with the reduced population enough to give everyone at least a little bite of fresh food along with old rations).

The people of Lavrageria are newly out of the iron age, really. On the one hand this means that Hia'Itakchi's people are used to having few luxuries and no reliable plumbing, but on the other it means that the Tsar can easily impress occupied Lavrageria by giving them these things. I suppose you can't have it both ways. Either the people didn't have these things before and fawn over the Tsar's progress, or they did and don't see any benefit to surrender and everyone across Lavrageria takes up knives against local garrisons and cuts throats every night.

(Yeah, AC. Hia'Itakchi is Minsk. The Republic exists only in Mahilyowskaya and Vitsyebskaya)

OOC: So...can I get a reaction to the Russian humanitarian efforts I summarized a few posts back?

OK, so I have set up a perimeter of defense around the city by this piont, and most of the military's mobile artillary is being moved into position, with the bigger guns being put together in groups a few kms. off from the city. A fully blocked off circumfrernce of 100kms. is being manned, meaning something like 3600 troops for every 1 km. on the perimeter.

Now, General Golz is still standing outside of the city, with a whole pile of supplies as a gift, and the crazy looking lady is staring down at him from the ramparts, he yells up in Lavragerian, "Tsar Wingert and Regent Sir Reginald of Hillfort I asks what your terms are. Will you speak with me?"

Tsar Wingert I.

Did Lavrageria just claim to just happen to have over 1.4 million litres of clean water a week after the couple of month siege? And that is just assuming 200,000 people. That means that in the one month that the siege has been going on during the war, 5.6 million litres would have had to be used already, and that is asuming that no one so much as showered or watered their plants. Where are these reseviors? Also, assuming that many people, even if they were rationed back to 1/2 pound of food per day per person, that is 350 tons of food per week that would be needed just to feed 200,000 people on a bare sustinence level. And I think I am being pretty conservative with my numbers. There is no way that internal gardens could harvest enough to be any more than a garnish on most plates for the first little while, before, the gardens and all seed-sock would have been picked clean, that and what about the effects of the Agent Rouge, or was that just in the swamps and the far north that the defoilant was dropped?

And remember, what goes in must come out. That means that yes, the people would be able to deal with psychologically the dirty old-world cities, but 350 tons of human watse a week, which, if the siege was already at one month when Aidorov surrendered, means that 1,400 tons of human waste flow through the streets.

Yes, I understand that the Lavragerian people are basically straoight out of the iron age, if that is so, you need to play those effects, over a 50% infant mortanlity rate. Massive plagues sweeping even the relatively clean countryside, and in a siege situation, in the Iron Age, 40-60% of all defenders were expected to die from disease. Well, in that tiome disease would have ravaged both sides, but Wingert has access to modern medicine and waste disposal and vitamins and food and hygene habits.

So, with that understanding, the effects shoudl already be becoming evident in te city, with tens of thousands too sick to fight and people starting to die. Remember that it was less than 85 years ago when the flu was deadly in North America. I mean, you would be dealing with leprosy, bubonic plague, the pox and thousands of other bacteria and hygene related diseases that no one is vaccinated for.

Not that I am supporting Wingert at all, though the treaty I signed recognised this area as officially under his control, I am just pionting out that it is not Wingert's army that should be factoring in most heavily here, but the conditions of the people, which should be either getting deperate or already are.



However, the Quinntonian government does make contact with both Tsarist Lavrageria and Republican Lavrageria, asking if these refugees would be allowed into Republican Lavrageria under armed peacekeeping escort.

WWJD
Amen.

OCC: Er...not to support or criticize Lavrageria, but, in all fairness...he's not the only one guilty of what one might call stretching the bounds of the practical and realistic, in an AMW context anyhow.

One could cite Bonstock's use of B-2s, operation of F-22s from jungle airstrips, circumvention of Malaysian resistance. There's AC's overlord tank (although he has fixed that problem) and replica Igovian submarine, Sino's all-seeing spy sattelites...and that's not even mentioning Macabees.

Although I am a proponent of realism in AMW, as the quest for realistic interaction is AMW's founding principle, perhaps we should be more even-handed in our criticism of RP shortcomings.

OOC: You're never going to let me live down that tank, will you? ;) As for the sub...remember, BG was a major military supplier of mine a few months back...It's not implausible to say I got a glimpse or two of Bedgellen subs...

I realise all of those things, and I am the first to piont out problems in most of those things, ah Maccabbees.

I guess it is just that because I am Rping the USA, I tend to getthe worst realism watchers all staring at every move I make. I mean, it took France two days to move a fleet further than when I moved the Bonstock fleet and I took two weeks of constant posting to get mine into position. I love realism, I love thinking of all of the things that could work against me. And then over-coming them.

So, pionting out a few things like this is not usually meant as a critique, but a suggestion. The deperation of the people of the city. The starving masses, the many dieing in the streets in inhuman conditions, what is the idealogical leadership of the city going to do?
Will they give in, throwing out their ideals, realising that their goals were to lofty? Will they, in desperation, fight against almost impossible odds? Will they try to negotiate a new stetlement, try to reason with the Tsarist government? What will happen a month from now? Two months? Will someone figure out how to keep these people supplied?

And let's face it, an uber-powerful tank from circa 2020 is one thing, keeping a few hundred thousand people fed on thin air is quite another.

WWJD
Amen.

All over Lavrageria, the re-construction was going as fast as was humanly possible, as the Herculean efforts to turn this backward nation into something resembling a decent Tsarist holding were going forward at a staggering quick pace. With the development of the Free City, Tsar Wingert was drawing on all of his resources in order to rebuild his war stocks.
It is by now well known that the massive size of the Estenlandian Imperial War Machine has one major weakness; it is that a force that well-armed and huge just can't be fielded for long periods of time. Before the Lavragerian affair, Wingert had spent years stockpiling enough cash, oil, fuel, food and munitions, as well as raw construction materials so that he could field his massive force, plus hundreds of thousands of reservists and a constant air campaign for 3 months. He managed to, through massive cash infusions from France, troops also from France, and staggering material support, including the building of a wartime industrial infrastructure on the Crimean Peninsula, also with massive rationings, the pressing of the school-age population into the workforce and huge "donations" by the country's nobility, to stretch the time allowable to 6-8 months, but after that the nations economy would have utterly collapsed, and it would have became impossible to support and supply the force in the field.

The Imperial Military High Command knew this, and counted on the massive size and effectiveness of the Tsarist military to get their job done quickly. Though the Lavragerian affair was projected to take a maximum of 6 weeks, the whole war took nearly 3 and half months, making many on the Tsarist side nervous. But, with the cessation of hostilities, All the fears were alleviated, but it is imperative that the government replace the supplies that would be needed should further military action be needed.

It should be noted that the 3 month time span was only for a FULL MOBILISATION, and that was the first one for Tsarist Ukraine, and the chances of another one any time soon is limited. However, smaller-scale engagements could be supported indefinitely, at least those involving less than 200,000 troops, though the eventual cost would be destructive in the long term to the Empire.

This being said, when full stock is re-build, a prospect that is going to take a fraction of the time than it did last, now that the French built Royale Lmtd. on the Crimea is fully operational and trade is now openly happening with Rome and France, as well as Roycelandia and Russia, and being able to draw on the resources of Tsarist Russia, though taking into account the reconstruction of Tsarist Lavrageria, the re-stock should be done within 3 months, and a FULL MOBILISATION would then be able to be fielded for more than 6 months, should that ever happen again. Though, there are no immediate plans for anything of that scale in the foreseeable future

The full re-supply is going very well thus far, with the troops surrounding the so-called “Free City” getting top priority, should they be called into action by the traitorous rebels.

On a related note, though recruitment is going slowly, and the Tsarist Command is finding some difficulty in the training, the newly minted Lavragerian Irregulars are being put together, an attempt to take advantage of the fighting spirit of the Lavragerian people, and to give them an opportunity to participate in the government of their nation, as a fine military career can easily lead to a writ of nobility being bestowed. Numbers are low yet, but recruitment is picking up, especially when the Imperial Command began to take advantage of the competitive spirit innate in some of the people, and had the men of cooperative tribes and villages compete against each other in a series of games and tests, purposefully only taking the best, meaning recruitment was lower than it could be in some areas, but was beginning to be seen as a status symbol. Especially when the recruits found themselves getting many privileges that are enjoyed by the military, including good food, clothing, and being able to buy newly imported luxuries for their families and to impress the men of the village with.

Natural warriors, the Lavragerians are quickly picking up the training, though none have ever been put to the field as of yet, they are just in training compounds. Also, though it has led to some disputes, and even bloody knife-fights, tribesmen are broken up and put with men of other, sometimes enemy tribes, as they are being taught that they are all now members of a new tribe, the Imperial Army. It is hoped that a few divisions of Lavragerian Irregulars could eventually serve in a force-projection, front-line status for the Tsar, and the most loyal and trustworthy would form the back-bone of an internal Lavragerian mechanism of policing and helping to govern. The Tsar want s his subjects to govern their own homelands, he just recognizes that they are as of yet incapable of doing so. Theoretically, the education that the Irregulars are getting will put them into a position wherein they would have the skills to effect the government in a positive fashion, perhaps even having Lavragerian nobility at the Tsarist Court.

Also, the Kargat, the Tsarist secret police, have been busy finding out who the best local leaders in Lavrageria are, and are trying to ascertain if these local Chiefs would make candidates for elected representatives to the Tsarist governments Duma, or perhaps even get their own writs of nobility. Time will tell.

Tsar Wingert I.

In Tsarist Lavrageria, Russian contractors continue to pour in. Skilled workers are rare in such an area, and the high pay that this leads to has caused many an enterprising worker to venture out into the "wilds" of Lavrageria. Many of these workers have returned to Russia now, spreading ideas of the Tsar's generosity and greatness, which has lead to a slowly rising tide of pro-Tsarist sentiment.

In Republican Lavrageria, Russian construction efforts continue. Relying on a mix of Quinntonian and Russian money, the government has built several major industrial centers, schools, hospitals, and the like, and is dead set on getting Lavrageria out of the Iron Age.

Also, it has become obvious to anyone that despite the lessening of tensions in Lavrageria, Russia's peacekeeping force seems only to be expanding. While official numbers cannot be found, large amounts of soldiers are rumored to be deployed or near deployment, and several large military bases and airfields have been constructed. While the Lavragerians may chafe under the increased Russian presence, it is hoped that the Russian propaganda campaign, humanitarian efforts, and the boost to the local economy by the bases, will assuage any harsh feelings.

In a seperate note, President Vladimir Putin has announced that he will visit Versailles soon, and has dropped hints that a visit to Kiev may be in order...

OCC: Hey AC, don't forget that Hindustan matched every single Quinntonian dollar of aid money, and even intended to double it for a little while, until it was determined that such a level of support would be totally unfeasible and impractical, given other commitments.

So as much as you might whine and complain about the red menace, don't forget that Mumbai footed the bill for a lot of the Lavragerian reconstruction.

OOC: Well, will the Hindustanis allow their money to go to the Russians? We're largely the ones carrying out the construction, while others foot the bill. I don't know if Hindustan wants its money to go to the Ruskies...

And whenever I refer to a Red Menace...

1. It's rhetoric. Putin wants to build a Russian Empire, and to get people's support, you need to emphasize up the potential threat. Personally, I thought BG's liberation of New Caledonia was justified, actually. In real life, I would applaud the liberation of a people from a far away tyrant. But in AMW, it provides me the perfect propaganda piece...

2. BG is mainly seen as the revolutionary menace, not Hindustan.

OCC: The money was probably sent to Republican Lavrageria, in order that it wouldn't be channeled by the Russian government to pay for defense projects...either that or distributed amongst NGOs operational in Lavrageria.

OOC: Don't worry, won't do anything like that. All humanitarian finances used by the Russians are clearly audited and documented, and all of it goes to Lavrageria. Of course, there are irregularities (no humanitarian operation is without them) involving local unit commanders embezzling funds and such, but on the whole the operation is legitimate.

Hey, with the nATO peacekeeping force in place on the Russian frontier, and with Roycelandians making up the peacekeeping force in Republican Lavrageria, how the hell would you increase your troop presense to 2-300,000? C'mon. Royce would be the first to ring the alarm bell, Quinntonia would see then alnog woth TBF, getting on the massive amounts of bpats that you would need, becuase I am sure that Wingert wouldn't just allow you to traipse across his territory with a force that size.

I mean, Republican Lavrageria is only like 3 million people, are you saying that you managed to sneak in so may troops that you now represent almost 10% of the population, and Aidarov wouldn't say anything?

That, and the specifications of the treaty said that you were just to escort the defenders out of Tsarist Lavrageria and leave. That just seems a little much.

WWJD
Amen.

Hey, with the nATO peacekeeping force in place on the Russian frontier, and with Roycelandians making up the peacekeeping force in Republican Lavrageria, how the hell would you increase your troop presense to 2-300,000? C'mon. Royce would be the first to ring the alarm bell, Quinntonia would see then alnog woth TBF, getting on the massive amounts of bpats that you would need, becuase I am sure that Wingert wouldn't just allow you to traipse across his territory with a force that size.

I mean, Republican Lavrageria is only like 3 million people, are you saying that you managed to sneak in so may troops that you now represent almost 10% of the population, and Aidarov wouldn't say anything?

That, and the specifications of the treaty said that you were just to escort the defenders out of Tsarist Lavrageria and leave. That just seems a little much.

WWJD
Amen.
OOC: No, the treaty allowed me to stay as a peacekeeping force. Also, I've been mentioning increased buildups for a while (bases, and all that). Also, Aidarov, the Roiks, and Wingert were all at my Moscow conference, and all were eager to accept my...plans. I'll cut my numbers if any of them protest, but I thought they had agreed...

I would double-check that, I have read your conference thread, and I don't think that you ever specified that it would be hundreds of thousands of troops. And, the treaty said only thatyou could stay in Republican Lavrageria as long as you were invited, and the treaty specified the amount of troops that you were allowed to have.
But, I maybe we should TG Wingert, and see if he understands this.

So, where are all of these troops? Do you have that kind of fire-power in Republican Lavrageria, or are you claiming them in Tsarist Lavrageria as well?

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: Well, I'm guessing Wingert wants as many Russian troops on the ground as possible, considering he is my ally in the upcoming campaign. But I'll change the number for now.

Sir Reginald did attend the meeting, but, specifically said that we have agreed to nothing yet. There is still no clear plan to agree to.

Tsar Wingert I.

OOC: I'm just building up forces so far, to be ready. I've TGed you some ideas.

Tsar Wingert is coming closer and closer to the full re-supply of his forces, and the apperent snub of the diplomatic mission to the Free City has had the inadvertant effect of galvinising the forces that are involved in Lavrageria, at that time, there are region wide ads taken out in newspapers, radio and TV spaeking about the grabd vision of the Tsar for the peoples of Eastern Europe, and pionting out the vast military power, world respect and economic prosperity that is enjoyed by the Tsarist Empire. These adds are everywhere from Germany to Russia and everwhere in between, with a particular focus on Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Russia.

This is in conjunction with mass hirings in all those nations that are recruiting people to come and help re-build Lavrageria, painting it as a humanitarian effort, helping these backward people, by the sweat of the Tsar's brow, into the 21st Century.

The Tsar is so committed to this effort that he is pouring billions from his "personal" funds into the re-supply and re-construction effort.


In related news, troops that have been enjoying a little R & R are now being moved throughout the empire, with the first and most appernt move being the five fully mechanised Divisions that are being moved into position alnog the Modovan border, and the massive troops of as still unknown final composition are moved along the northner Lavragerian border.

Tsar Wingert I.

OOC: Guys, I'm really busy now, so just assume a continual build-up and supply, propaganda effort, etc. Wingert, I'll send you a battle plan tomorrow. Oh, and if those annoying Free City dwellers won't give in, just fire bomb 'em back to the Stone Age...

OOC: This couple of month siege, I don't know what that's about. Hia'Itakchi was only cut off at the end of the war. Since the war started, its population has fallen by over one hundred thousand, and it was a vast sprawl to begin with. The City is large, and relatively sparsely populated. By its own time, it has been cut off for days to possibly weeks in a wider regional sense. But that doesn't so much matter. It has its own wells since before anyone can remember, of course. It had pumps put in years ago, and with Republic better organised water collection facilities and mains access from around Lavrageria... it is the launch pad for the industrialisation of the west, after all, and a city meant to support others, let alone itself.
It's a damn sight better off than Stalingrad, or the Parisian communards (who outnumbered the Itakchi commune without a hint of their advantages, and over-saw economic growth under siege). If the Tsar cuts off external tributaries: pipes from outside the area, life will become all the harder, but I hadn't noticed that being done.
People aren't bathing every day or having supersoaker fights in the streets, but they're not dying of thirst. I thought that I'd begun in what few posts I've made on the matter to indicate that they weren't looking their best, dressed in stolen uniforms and garments left over by the various people who've been here in recent months, partly because their own clothes aren't looking great.
I don't know if maybe you wanted more detail into the specifics of city life, but I thought that people were already annoyed by my use of more than two paragraphs in most posts. I'm fairly sure that we've as good a view of Lavragerian life as anyone else has bothered to give for their nations, but maybe I'm wrong.
I really don't know why this situation is being picked at so closely, Quinntonia: if you've done the research to ask these questions with such detail, then I suppose you must know that sieges far worse than this go on far longer. What do you want me to say?

"Life in the Commune continued to be less fun than life in a city that wasn't being attacked, just incase you were wondering."

Woo!

Sorry, I'm just a bit annoyed that Quinntonia's writing my part for me. I said that I was playing Belarus because it was relatively a little backwater that wouldn't meddle with world affairs too much by me not being around, and then I let everyone know that I might not even remain at all after the war, and that my participation was certainly going to be slow-paced at best. I let sixty or seventy percent of my country get conquered and decided to make an on-going tale of about five percent's understandable defiance... and it rather looks like people are jumping in and writing it all for me out of character. I mean, the condition of the city and its people would have been part of the commune's last stand, which I always intended to end in defeat either heroic or tragic. AMW doesn't seem to have had any incidents of people acting nobly or romantically and then perhaps succumbing to the less admirable ends...

I would have done it days ago, but reading the progress of the thread while I've been out... I haven't felt like it would be worth adding, and to be honest I've decided now to simply not bother, because what's the point? Bam, the commune's collapsed. Anyone who cares to can RP the desperate defence of the die-hard last democrats in Europe from street to street -they have big advantages in that there's no long straight roads for clear gunnery or cohesive street planning, but hardly any are trained tacticians or strategists and raw materials are short for munitions building- and anyone else who wants to have Fellows turn up on the run in their country can do so.

I'll just go back to playing with the tiny Republic and running my own stories when I'm around. Aidarov will probably have to do something with this Russian expansionism thing, anyway.

OOC: That's really too bad, Lav. I enjoy your detailed descriptions of events, and seeing the hardy Lavragerians go down in a blaze of glory would be a good read.

Oh my, what a pout.
I never intended to write your part, but, c'mon, just the simple math makes your proposition look pretty desperate. I was just pionting out that 99% of all MODERN cities couldn't handle the feat that you are claiming. And I think Wingert did post that he was cutting you off completely, but I could be wrong.
I wasn't even saying that you couldn't hold out, but I think that if you look at the sieges you are referencing, they were in various kinds of hell. Not just, oh my, I am wearing stolen clothing!

But, if you decide that you want to give up on the Free City, I encourage everyone involved to assume that it stays under siege until we hear something else from Estenlands.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: See, you're still doing it. It's redundant and sucks half the purpose out of IC writing to begin with.
Impatient so and so!

Republican progress to come soonish.

The Lavragerian Republic, Vitsyebskaya and Mahilyowskaya less four thousand ceded square kilometres, a little more than three million citizens enjoyed elbow room enough to take Israel three times and aid out of proportion as well. Observers would quickly notice that Aidarov's were a people who didn't entirely feel as if they'd lost a war. The President's popularity was actually rising: Lavrageria had shrunk, but the new sense of national identiy was represented more by the word Republic than by the nation's name, and the Republic survived. Evacuations had been quite successful, though some Republicans left friends and family behind in the commune. They had ceased to understand the Fellows, who represented a minority of politically aware Lavragerians where the Republic was built by and for the relatively ignorant masses.

The Condition of Aid Payments to the Lavragerian Republic

As Moscow also insisted, most of the aid money flooding in was going into the Lavragerian economy and into reconstruction rather than directly into the leaders' pockets or any sort of Mafia organisation, all of which found extreme brutality in confronting Aidarov's interests. If nothing else, Larionko was proving himself something of a control freak, and was known to fly off the handle at the merest hint of corruption or criminality meddling with his own unspoken plans. This had probably lead to a few cases being fast-tracked to prison or execution, but Ulanger was always quick to play for Moscow's sympathy on how serious it was about the threat of organised crime and how it mattered to hit hard.

While it was true that aid wasn't filling out Aidarov's bank accounts or refurnishing mobster's houses, the government was making sure that it rebuilt the right industries. Heavy industry and other sectors were to be built up from scratch at a cost of hundreds of millions, and the government of course had a large degree of control in them. It was aid money to the nation that was building them, so no private citizen could really justify ownership or control.

The Development of Lavragerian Industry and Trade

The government was starting to arrange competitions to award partial control to would-be Lavragerian industrialists and businessmen, but it was anybody's guess as to exactly how winners were decided, since almost none seemed to have any clear experience. Prime Minister Gukov said that his hope was to have the next generation of Lavragerian entrepreneurs educated abroad and at universities here, to be funded by developmental aid.

A lot of the industries built up were gradually geared towards competition with Russia and to a lesser degree the Estenlands, as Aidarov looked to make his little enclave important to Moscow's economy to which it could not help but be tied in future, and to stick up defiant fingers to the Tsarists. Construction was big, and easy to direct aid at since the Republic clearly needed a lot of physical reconstruction... it also seemed to follow that Russia's much-touted recovery would require a lot of construction, urbanisation, and infrastructure building, so the aid-backed Lavragerian firms looked to cement their foundations in Russia's markets. Standards of living in the Republic were climbing fast, certainly beyond the harsh simplicity of peasant life across the southern and western borders.

Lavragerian firms were aggressively seeking contracts in Russia, and promising very competative deals... they were looking for long term arrangements, hoping in the short term to under-pin their competative dive into this free market with the weight of several billion foreign aid dollars that would certainly have been called protectionism if Aidarov wasn't being very loud about gradually dolling out private control of firms and calling the cash injections investment in the future of an economy interrupted by illegal invasion. Any suggestion that it was unfair would usually be met with a Lavragerian citizen accusing the accusers of wanting to profit against Lavrageria from the Tsar's anti-democratic campaign of terror.

The Republic was also relatively open on its borders. While security was quite tight, Aidarov was happy for people to holiday abroad and to see that Lavrageria was increasingly a relatively good place to live. While Russians wondered if criminals would steal nuclear weapons today and subjects of the Holy League worked themselves stupid with little real reward, Lavragerians were buying their first televisions and holidaying abroad.

Fair enough, the televisions generally only received Republican cable services run by the government or by newly created Lavrageria-based firms, but that seemed a natural expression of the small land's unique culture, which otherwise was in danger of being trampled by larger neighbours.

Ulanger

In relation to Aidarov's pushing of ideals that he hoped would endear his state to its useful partners and keep the aid flowing for longer than perhaps it absolutely required... no sense rushing senate reviews of a deteriorating situation or causing news reports of stagnation to discourage sympathy.

The concepts were still quite strange to Lavragerians, but Larionko's government was taking a stab at it, all at once if possible. Ulanger had announced, "A serious attempt to foster the spiritual development -within our unique culture- of the Lavragerian Republic though a free-market inspired and democratic process to decide upon the country's national church."

Essentially, the Republic was planning to allow the world's churches and such to come and peddle their wares so that in time a survey could assess the situation and give official status to whatever religions caught on. No doubt the Catholic church would be at a significant disadvantage, of course.

Western Lavrageria: The Lodoz Confederacy

Part of the territory handed by Aidarov to Wingert, western Hrodzyenskaya was becoming an increasingly unpleasant place to live as several hundred thousand Glakatahn following the infamous Kiba Morgan persisted in efforts to live their traditional lifestyle in a range insufficient for such massive nomadic shifting. Lithuania was getting ample practice for any coming military storm as its border guards faced an ever greater frequency of raids by Lodoz bandits desperate for not just arms and status but the very essentials of human life, let alone Glakatahn.

Morgan himself was directing many of the raids, keen to make sure that his people left the Tsar's forces alone and found softer targets. He had come to recognise that the sheer size of Estenlandic territory beyond Lavrageria meant that his Glakatahn warriors would -in spite of their infamy in swift movement and decisive battle- never be able to deal strategic blows if they came to war with the Tsarists.

Strange, then, that the Lodoz were undergoing a cultural switch towards greater militarism. Seasonal farmers and nomadic herdsmen were training with blades, rifles, and grenades, and Morgan was trying to buy body armour and suitable materials for the 'bullet-proofing' of horses, and as well stock-piling fuels and buying motorcycles.

Morgan had decided that the Glakatahn's best chance for self-preservation was to specialise to such a degree that there would always be a niche in which they could not be beaten or as such dispensed with. He hoped still to establish himself as a noble in the Tsarist court, though those better informed tried -at great personal risk- to tell him that his ethnicity and more likely his religion -or lack of it- would prevent great progress in this, and he hoped to command a sort of mercenary cadre associated with the Tsar's ambitions.

For now, his warriors acted almost as a police force for the Tsar in this region, hunting down and punishing offenders against the Estenlands as Morgan tried to indicate his worth to the dominant power and to appear unthreatening.

Now, while the last Kiba sat cross legged on a bearskin inside his grand tent -which weighed many tonnes and was supported by timbers cut of whole trees, over which hung decorated skins several layers thick set with trophies of bone and jewel and insulated further by wools, grasses, and who knew what else- one of his favoured shaman indulged the ruler with a reading of human remains. These were fresh intestines and bones of the hip, jaw, and shoulder cut from an advisor who just minutes earlier had a conversion to Catholicism might be to Morgan's political advantage. Read with centuries old learning in expression of one amongst Lavragerias precious few and little known spiritual disciplines, the gory runes indicated the gathering of warclouds over eastern Europe, and it was for this that Morgan prepared his society.

<QUOTE>Standards of living in the Republic were climbing fast, certainly beyond the harsh simplicity of peasant life across the southern and western borders

subjects of the Holy League worked themselves stupid with little real reward, Lavragerians were buying their first televisions and holidaying abroad<QUOTE>

OOC-I just want to start by clearing up one thing that most people seem to be constantly getting wrong about the Estenlands. In Ukraine, we have a relatively high standard of living. I am not saying that we are as high along as some of the greater western powers, but it is at laest as high as Western Russia and RL Ukraine. That means, plentiful electronics, cell phone use, cable with 50+ channels, etc. So, competeing with the Estenladian standard of living will take more than a small TV and a couple of badly produced local channels.
However, the movements and communications of the poeples are very closely monitered and they are not allowed to move about beyond the city limits without a pass, have curfews, etc. And all of this is enforced by the ever-present Kargart, the secret police of the Tsar.

Also, unlike the French, religion is much more tolerant in the East. Tsar Wingert considers himself Russian Orthodox, but more because of political expediancly, rather than personal faith of any kind. Though the rather unseemly actions of the Lodoz, like ritual human sacrifice and cannablism would be a problem.

As for the Quinntonian arguements, I can really see his piont, and I am taking every effort to put the squeeze on the city, so you can assume that no one and nothing is getting in or out of the Free City, I am however, willing to accept that there are some massive stores that can support the population for a limted time, but at some piont it will start to get just as ugly as Quinntonia describes.

IC- The Kargat have been monitering the movements of Morgan, and is deeply considering sending a diplomatic team to move with them.

Tsar Wingert continues to keep up his propoganda efforts and redoubles his re-supply, hoping that his troops will be ready for whatever conflict comes his way.

At this time, the unexpected begins to happen, a diplomatic team, led by Sir Reginald himself, is being prepared, and a communique is sent from Kiev, bearing the Imperial seal, asking for permission to have diploatic visit to Ulanger. (this will require somehwta more of a time commitment, so take that into consideration when readying the answer)/


Tsar Wingert I.

OCC: Wait just one minute, Estenlands.

I seem to remember you fielding one of the largest, perhaps the largest, armed force in Europe. Something on the order of one thousand (more?) fighter aircraft (you mentioned F-18s I believe...those things aren't cheap!), five hundred bombers (not cheap either), thousands upon thousands of tanks and armored vehicles...

And this is a nation with 40,000,000 citizens that fought a protracted guerilla war for a fair few years.

Now I don't want to sound overly critical, but with you claiming a relatively high standard of living...I think it might be pushing it a tad to lay such scathing criticisms on Lavrageria for neglecting to specify the hardships suffered by a few hundred thousand Hia'Itakchians armed with weapons that wouldn't be incredibly frightening in the latter parts of the Second world war.

Dra-pol itself only has something on the order of 3% of its population in the military and on top of that had Beth Gellert as its sponsor for a fair few years. I think we should perhaps take a less critical viewpoint and recognize inconsistencies on the part of more parties than one...

OOC: Hm, seems I may have had some misconceptions about the Estenlands, too. I had the impression of some form of serfdom with the typical hardships commonly attributed to that sort of life. I gathered that it's not quite the same as France, with more opportunity for advancement (however unlikely), but rather expected something out of a Zola novel on the Second Empire for the ordinary people, working themselves to death for companies that may have been privately rather than royally owned but still by the one lucky soul who got ahead and was knighted or whatever. Hm.
I'll just sit over here with some Southern Comfort and think about it for a bit. Doesn't much matter to BG since we decided not to back the Republic for the same reason we pulled out of Dra-pol [Neo Anarchos' fault for raising our expectations], I'm just interested.

OOC-OK, again I have to deal with the planes. I already apolagized, like months and months ago, for over-estimating the air force, but I rectified that by allowing over 60% air force losses in the Lavragerian conflict in order to balance it out.

Also, have you ever really looked at Western Russia or the Ukraine? Average monthly income in the nieghbourhood of a few hundred USD. The conditions there are worse than most inner city conditions in industrialised nations, but even there, you will still have cable, a TV, and perhaps a cell phone. I don't think I am out of line saying this. I am not claiming that there is 2.5 cars in every garage and people are flocking to the suburbs, but apartment buildings, electricity, indoor plumbing and refrigeration.
So, I am assuming a relatively stanard of living to RL Ukraine, though the over-all economy would be much improved, it would be in the hands of fewer people.
That would mean that the monthly per capita GDP would be 525 USD
29% of the population would live below the poverty line
10,833,300 phone lines in use
4.2 million cell phones
and as for TV stations; at least 33 (plus 21 repeaters that relay broadcasts from Russia)
though, the internet use would be severly restricted to government approved persons and monitered through government controlled sites, with no outside access to the internet at large except through a centrally planned connection in Kiev that would filter all usership, even then, it would probably only be a fraction of the 3.8 million internet users in RL Ukraine, maybe 1 million. I am using CIA Factbook figures, here is the link.

http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/up.html

OK, just to clear all that up. I am just assuming that for Estenlands, I am having a heavily unwieldy armed forces, and with that large a force, placing the restriction upon myself that it can only be mobilised at full capacity for short periods of time.

And it is a nation appraoching 48 million and the guerrilla war was won in the early 80s, over twenty years ago.

So, no serfsom, after all the serfs were emancipated a long time ago. And I can see how everyone thought that there was serfdom, given my world-beating UN rankings, but if that applies at all, it would be illustrative not only of how poor my people are, but also how fabulously wealthy my nobility are.

Tsar Wingert I.

The War and Security Executive of the Republic of Lavrageria has begun to make new approaches for heavy Russian military equipment, hoping to achieve Moscow's approval and decent payment programmes from private firms.

Already producing much light or old Russian military equipment (often in factories working again before roofing has been put back over their burned walls), the recovering little state of course lacks the high technology to supply its own combat jets and really modern battletanks, for example.

Defence Minister Kastus Vorobei has forwarded approaches about a number of items that the Republic's big neighbour might perhaps provide, and speculated over payment offers.

(OOC: I hope you don't mind, AC, but I've assumed that Lavrageria can -or could and will after reconstruction again be able to- produce various Russian arms based on past aid and deals that didn't seem important enough to RP individually... from WWII AVs that we've modified to mid-cold-war rocket artillery and helicopters. I assume that Russia received some compensation early on, before the war, blah blah, you know.)

First, to spear-head the Republic's soon to be established tank force -which has seen Lavrageria already importing Croatian machines- Ulanger has tendered a requirement for sixty-five (65) T-80-family main battle tanks with specific configuration, to be designated T-80L. The vehicle would be similar to T-80UM with gunner's thermal sight and additional commander viewing screen; 2nd gen explosive-reactive armour; GTD-1250 1,250hp gas turbine engine or better; 9K120 Svir (AT-11 Sniper) ATGW; SHTORA-1 active IR ATGM jammer system (but not ARENA, which may clash with ERA coverage), and has set aside US$127m for the contract. The reported up-swing in the Russian economy, it is feared, may force Lavrageria to increase its offer to compensate for likely rising values.

Lavrageria is also pursuing S-300V (SA-12), and hoping to obtain four complete systems to protect its three major cities with double coverage at the capital, and is said to be prepared to pay at or slightly above seven hundred million Quinntonian dollars for what would ammount to almost two hundred missiles and complete systems.

The Republic is finally hoping to acquire a proper combat airforce of around 100 to 120 interceptor and attacker jets, but has made no clear approaches as yet, perhaps hoping to provoke competative offers from MiG and Sukhoi et al.

OOC-Wow! One plane for every 25,000 people. That would mean that I could be running 12,000 planes. Pretty good. I just wanted to piont that out.
WWJD
Amen.

Quinntonian:
You mean the RL USAFs 6000air craft isn't enough? although only about a 3rd of that is fighters and bombers, the rest are transports, triners, EW and other support aircraft of course add in the USN/USMC aircraft and both the USAF and USN helicopters then 12,000 aircraft wouldn't be far off the mark.

[OOC: Perhaps some assistance for comparative purposes, total numbers of aircraft and per-population statistics for a few countries (mind you, these are total military aircraft, so combat, support, transport, training, according to 2000-2002 numbers from European Defence and the CSIS):

DPR Korea: 1265, 1 per 18,112.
Republic of Korea: 567, 1 per 85,401.
People's Republic of China: 3593, 1 per 363,571.
Republic of China: 537, 1 per 42,633.
Japan: 399, 1 per 319,341.
Canada: 410, 1 per 80,012.
Lithuania: 27, 1 per 133,208.
Belgium: 273, 1 per 37,964.

And, the US of A at 17,951, 1 per 16,474 (not including Air National Guard craft, UAVs, or as-yet-unlisted-quantity units such as the JSF).

<QUOTE> The Republic is finally hoping to acquire a proper combat airforce of around 100 to 120 interceptor and attacker jets, but has made no clear approaches as yet, perhaps hoping to provoke competitive offers from MiG and Sukhoi et al. <QUOTE>

I was just pointing out that he was expecting that high an amount of interceptors., especially since he is claiming that his nation has only been out of the iron age for a few months. But, thanx for the list, I have been trying to find good numbers for the Quinntonian air force for a while, could you post the link?

I was just saying that if Estenlands gets flak for having so many planes with almost 50 million people and assuming a highly militarised society, the Dra-pol of Europe, so to speak, the 3 million person Republic might want to be careful about how many it has.

WWJD
Amen.

[OOC:

http://www.european-defence.co.uk/directory/armedforces/usa.html

Primarily a resource for Europe, but the US is detailed ue to the relevance of NATO

An addendum to the numbers posted... its hard to get a real fix on appropriate numbers. The DPRK is supposedly overmilitarized, but the US maintains higher ratios without the same difficulties, so its more of an issue of import capability and state policy rather than a direct link between supportable aircraft and economic consequence... the US feels itself to be a nation of a high technology military, with a focus more now on aircraft that can 'get-in-get-out', and supporting a vast array of allied nations (with land forces) with costly hard-hitting units, rather than longer term interactions. The consequences in terms of economy and policy, of maintaining much larger missionary efforts and 'prayer warriors' of some sort as is done by Quinntonia would seem to indicate that, perhaps, the mission paradigm of the USQ differs somewhat, esecially if your numbers are based on Vietnam era proportions, especially as the USQ has far fewer allies in need of high-tech support due to NPC neutrality and an AMW environment less suited to PC nations existing as US-backed democracies or dictatorships.

In opposition to the US higher than average air forces, the forces under the NATO or West European umbrella can rely on the Americans for defence in case of an invasion. Their forces are not needed for air superiority, but to hold the line until American air forces arrive. Lithuania has no interceptors or air combat units because the Russians left with all the Soviet fighters, and NATO will likely jump in with its air forces should they ever be invaded so an air force of their own just wastes money. This includes Japan (also limited by defence expenditure maximums) and the ROK, plus the ROC.

In the PRC case, they have in recent years come to realize that having umpteen thousand aircraft is useless. They could match the US plane-for-plane wth a proportion of about 1/73,000, and using American proportions would give them a whopping 80,000 aircraft, so many as to be absolutely ludicrous in terms of need: you will simply never have a reason to own that many planes at one time.

Thus, the issue is rather complex.

In the Lavragerian case, 100-120 total aircraft isnt inconcievable... having the financial assets to acquire the latest models from Russia might be difficult, but there are other options: Under-the-table arrangements might be made to acquire Karilasus (local-license Su-27s, though after years of modernization initiatives more comparable to the Su-35) from Spyr, or much cheaper Miggen craft from Dra-pol, if finances become a major issue. Even in a MiG/Sukhoi bid war, bringing in United Elias military companies (who provide some pretty good modern craft) could help drive down prices a bit more.

Now, Lavrageria is not going to have much need for airborne refuelling, long-range military transport, or dedicated bombers. Even lighter transports for tanks and the like are not really needed given that its future conflicts will likely be purely defensive. With some efforts at coordination, airborne command and observation can be replaced with land-based posts to reduce needs further, while Aidarov may opt to fly civil airlines rather than spending state funds on those fun countermeasures-laden Lear jets. So, its aircraft needs can essentially be divided up into the following general categories:

Fixed-Wing Air Combat: Fighters and interceptors for engaging enemy air targets and establishing air superiority.
Fixed-Wing Attack: Fighters and fighter-bombers, or even light dedicated bombers, for attacking enemy ground and sea targets.
Rotary Attack: Helicopters dedicated to attacking enemy ground targets. More vulnerable than planes to AA fire such as SAMs, but they're called tank-killers for a reason...
Rotary Transport: Transportation helicopters to render infantry squads and supplies mobile.

Now, with only a hundred or so craft to work with, the key becomes maximization of utility: for example, many FWAC type craft can also carry air-to-ground weapons, substituting as attack planes when needed with a bit less efficiency. Helicopters such as the Hind have been designed to carry both effective attack armament and up to 8 soldiers.

Anyhow, I'll stop rambling on... Lavrageria's size and defensive profile give it advantages which its probable Holy League enemies lack, in terms of concentrating a maximum of total craft into direct combat roles, and a hundred aircraft is quite high but not inconcievable as a total. Its all a horribly complex issue, and probably more subjective than I'd like. Oh, well].

OOC: But the Estenlands clearly isn't the Dra-pol of Europe, as it is supposed to have a decent economy and all that.

Quinntonia could run 12,000 planes. But, firstly, I wouldn't care, nor would I keep filling your threads with OOC comments that turn out to be largely unhelpful; and secondly, you'd probably have to come up with something pretty fancy to explain why anyone wanted to do it and why your people put up with it while not being in a position to have their entire nation over-run in a day and their families forced into virtual slavery. The Lavragerian Republic is lucky enough not to have that problem.

The east of Lavrageria has been developing for years, and is now receiving tens of billions in aid dollars, we don't intend to have the same level of support structure that the USAF enjoys, we haven't made any bids, we're operating in a totally different economic as well as tactical and strategic environment, as Spyr has indicated our figures are still quite in line with established norms, I can't believe you aren't more patient, I wish you would stop making my threads seem like hard work, but I don't know why I'm still trying to explain myself. You're just going to have to get a new hobby besides picking at Lavrageria with precious little justification.

I don't mind questions from time to time when something doesn't seem to make sense, but I'm sorry, it is presently feeling like every post I make about my insignificant little landlocked nation draws instant OOC flack from the same source without it ending up being important or valid. Go and undermine China or Roycelandia for a bit. It'll be like a holiday for everyone.

OOC: Thank you, Spyr, I always appreciate your ability to look at reasons and motives where most AMW nations -myself included- are prone to either improperly applying real-life conditions or to reacting to the single most obvious needs facing our nations.

Anyway, for some of Lavrageria's plans I started out looking at Belarus, and then thought about how much of what it had/has was due to its part as a cog in a larger machine; then looked at what it agreed in reductions after leaving the USSR; then tried very loosely to think about its actual co-operation with modern Russia and to relate Lavrageria's aid. And of course the reduced proportions and vastly increased needs.

"On 17 July, 1992, the army [of Belarus] had available 3457 tanks, 3824 combat armored vehicles, 1562 artillery pieces, 390 combat aircraft, and 79 assault helicopters
AF Personnel numbered 15,800."

This was largely a Soviet-hangover arguably beyond the means of the nation of ten-million.

"Belarus agreed to have 1800 tanks, 2600 combat armored vehicles, 1615 artillery pieces, 260 combat aircraft, 80 assault helicopters"

A reduction considering reduced support from Moscow (though I'm not sure about continued co-operation, lots of big talk in the past and I think some integration of the air defence grid).

Still, with about a third of the population we might loosely justify eighty or ninety combat aircraft, which is horribly vague, but obviously excludes helicopters. But Belarus has earlier set a higher precedent and doesn't begin to have the needs that Lavrageria has. We're planning in total to have around 700 tanks including upgraded T-55s.

On a semi-IC note, Lavrageria isn't going to be making any secret of its re-arming, hoping to embrace this much talked about concept of supply and demand and of competition to make MiG and Sukhoi bend over backwards to win orders over those interesting East Asian ideas.

A diplomatic pouch in the hands of hardened Kargat field operativesfinds its way into the hands of Mr. Morgon. It contains a sizable "donation" from Tsar Wingert towards the well-being of his people ($100,000 USQD)as well as an invitaion to be a part of a regional summit meeting that would see him, as well as manyu other tribal leaders come and sit at a negotiating table with the Regent of Tsarist Lavrageria, Sir Reginald.
(I am assuming that many of the last remianing tribal leaders will snub the meeting, but they wouild be the last of those still resisting and slowly being harried and hunted down by the Imperial military anyway, most of the rest will probably show up, seeing as this might be their last best chance of having some power in the new nation)
This meeting will happen at the Imperial High Command and the tribal leaders are being lured with promises of voting rights and perhaps knighthoods in the new regime, as well as some regional autonomy. They are also being threatened, just having the fact that a castly superior military machine is now in control of the nation, and their people have little will to fight, and after all look at what is happening to those who are.

Morgon is being treated much more lightly than the rest, as he is seen as the key to the rest, friend or fow, his words will carry much wieght at the meeting. And, if he snubs the meeting, it will also be no less than taken as a declaration of war. This is a very tricky diplomatic time. Tsarist Lavrageria is firmly part of the Empire of the Tsar now, and from all indicators, will be for a long time, the new government is making it clear that they are willing to co-rule, in cooperation with existing authorities, the existing authorities just now need to make the decision as to whether to cooperate and take their seat in the new government, or make their stand now and fight.

At that time, while all the politicking is going on, the siege on the Free City is dragging on, with the noose around the city only getting tighter, with the artillary of much of the Imperial Army now having been moved into positions around the city and in fring range of the city center. This marke the first time that this amount of Imperial artillary is brought together in one place and pionted at one target. Also, the portable and towed artillary is being supplemeted by a huge ring of Main Battle Tanks (the full battle strength of this Army Group now at almost 7,000 units) that are ringing the city at their considerably lessened range of about 1 mile. Forward perimeter positions are being supplemented more and more with earthworks that hide knee mortars and heavy machinegun positions.

Also, on the border of Moldavo, the five Heavy Armoured Divisions with full armoured complement and over three quarters of the attack helicopter force that survived the Lavragerian conflict, and stepping up the propoganda effort. All the while, massive multi-million USQD bribes and payoffs are going to key government and military officials securing their loyalty or simply allowing them to leave the country in that utterly corrupt Communist country that rules over the poorest nation in Europe.

The mass of units that are moving on the northern border for "manuvuers" are also training very jhard and being drilled for some undefined action.

In a related note, the troops and police that have been assigned to protect Tsarist Russia have been ordered to move throuout the holding and interact with the people and have been given special "foriegn duty pay bonuses" that allow the soldiers to have a plethroa of free money to spend in full view of the struggling people of Russia, though economic recovery is coming in that part of Russia faster than perhaps anywhere else.

Also, the Lavragerian Irregulars keep building in numbers, with their training coming along swimmmingly.

The re-supply efforts of the Imperial Military are going gangbusters and are bearing completion, with all the forward units having been already supplied and forward supply depots already stocked to overflowing. Now just comes the happy job of stocking the oil reserves and the multiple warehouses all throughout the nation and now the Empire, and readying the stockyards with raw war materials that would be needed in the advent of a total deployment.


At this time, the Imperial cort is implementing a one-time only tax of the nobility (very much boosting his popularity among the peasantry) that will be very burdensome to them, it will be graded to their net worth and incomes, as well as to their noble and military ranks, and will cut fairly deeply, but allow the government to raise a one time cash infusion of billions of dollars of liquid capital very fast, this sort of thing was only ever done during the revolution, and will be hotly contested, but in the end, Eastern European nobility has far less power over the government and policy than do their Western counterparts, and rule only at the bequest of the Tsar. Fortunately, they are being promised first bidding priority on the massive new contracts that are already underway in the new Tsarist territories and with hints at new lands and commands in the near future, and the fact that Lavrageria has yet to be "divvied up" and all want to curry the favor of the Tsar right now as he begins to make decisions.


OOC-BTW, Do what you will Lav.

Tsar Wingert I.

OOC: As a related aside, discussion is currently ongoing as to assumption of temporary RP responsibility for NPC east european states currently awaiting invasion.
http://s9.invisionfree.com/NS_Modern_World/index.php?showtopic=62&st=0

With the re-stocking of the military reserves complete, Sir Reginald is drawing more and more militray personel to the northern border, forming a new Army Group for some puropse.
With the news from Versialles, new orders begin to come from Kiev, as Tsar Wingert sends a mssion parcel from his Palace before leaving for France. These orders are "Top Secret" and only Regent Sir Reginald sees them, but he immediately begins issueing commands t the Commanders sorrounding the Free City.

Tsar Wingert I.

Kiba Morgan went along with the Estendlanders, though he did have several of his minor competators assassinated as they came forth with hope of securing their power by Tsarist help and against Lodoz interests. The High Kiba continued to do his best to fit in, generally, and to turn up the odd body claimed to have been plotting resistance or running guns across the border to the Baltic states, though there was rarely talk of serious proof.

The Republic

In the east, Aidarov's government was probably only saved by how seriously his people were enraged at the world. Some were still fixated on Wingert specifically; others at the heavy Russian influence on their language and culture; some more generally at westernisation, feeling that they'd gone too far away from their nomadic roots; and many were more radically leftist and busy being excited by talk of an anarchist prince apparently slaying the hated French king in a self-sacrificing suicide attack. Aidarov was still trying to attract religious leaders from different faiths, too, encouraging competition between the worst firebrands he could find in hopes of adding religious division to the mix so that no group alone would be strong enough to challenge his Republic, nor able to countenance co-operation.

The President himself was pleased by the increasing Russia-Estenlands co-operation, feeling that it was becoming all the easier for him to do away with political opposition. Who could complain while working with a Tsar? And who could criticise his increasing extravagance and eccentricity as he changed the nation's flag yet again, including a seal of his own design in place of the old Glakatahn band? He had a number of government and private buildings built rectangular in proportion to the flag and covered their sides and roof with mosaics, fine painting, and other decoration that exactly replicated the national flag, making them stand out quite impressively. Also under construction was a holiday palace with glass walls that formed giant fish tanks and were filled with exotic sea life, both the outer and inner walls being full of fish and quite transparent.

The President's wardrobe grew, as well, and he ordered another small palace be built just to keep his faux-Glakatahn garments. Stables and a near palace of a garage, and a great many statues were also popping up around Lavrageria.
For the people, a theme-park was to be opened, partly designed by Aidarov; and unemployment was to be finished-off by putting people to work on further landscape-alrtering efforts.


The War and Security Executive under Defence Minister Kastus Vorobei -made popular when he returned from Russia and armed himself, prepared to personally fight the enemy when the approached the nation's last redout, the mighty Dnyapro- started work to defend the Republic's remaining 65,000sq.km in future, and would be partly responsible for mopping-up unemployment, which was already quite low during this industrial and economic boom.

The Tsar's decision to attack Lavrageria first time had come as a great surprise and the mere weeks of mobilisation proved ultimately insufficient to build a modern defence force: Lavrageria couldn't take the ceasefire as a cast-iron defence. Likewise, Russia was hard to ignore as a menace, though Aidarov was keen to maintain Moscow's friendship there was no denying Moscow's general aggression -though it had not yet been directed against Lavrageria- and nobody knew who would replace Putin. The Republic's plans for militarisation were re-drawn according to changed circumstances and approved by the President.

The flat landscape was being dug and blasted and built up along its natural if rather minor dips and rises. Tiny pillboxes were being sunk into the new formations by the hundred and arranged to cover one another. It would be possible for Republicans to fight along every inch of their soil once this was complete, said Vorobei. They would be able to move under cover, out of sight, and give fire from all sides, caring less for superior enemy numbers or technical strength.

A long-term project, certainly, as tens of millions of dollars in aid money went to buy concrete that ended up building pre-fabricated pillboxes or lining submerged or reinforced storage buildings: Ulanger was concerned for a futre in which the Republic may be surrounded by unfriendly powers, and keen to use its aid windfalls to stock-up for the long-haul.

But for now, as Russian forces used access rights to Republican soil, the territory was policed against Tsarist forces taking similar liberties with new shapes and sounds that filled the sky as well as the pulsating soil. Military units were being issued accordions and other instruments as standard kit as officers worried about troops becoming bored and disheartened by their inaction and perhaps going off to join the Baltic resistance.

In significant contrast, Lavragerians craned their necks upwards to see their Republican colours on passing Flankers, Frogfoots, and Fulcrums. The first of one hundred and eight MiG and Sukhoi front-line combat aircraft ordered by Ulanger. Initial batches were flying already, newly imported, while Lavragerians worked to assemble further examples from Russian-supplied kits.

Kiba Morgan, at the head of the Lodoz Confederacy, was now close to the be all and end all of Glakatahn political society. He knew just about everything there was to know about just about all of his rivals, subordinates, and their subordinates. The few tribal groups left with any doubt about whether or not they were really under the confederacy's control were now -largely by Morgan's design- headed by complete whack-jobs, not to put too fine a point on it. Anyone quick of wit or shining with a hint of promise was by now dead or dying, strung upside down from one of Lavrageria's many great trees.

This made them rather prone to ill advised action against the Tsarists (who themselves were getting far too big for their already over-stretched boots, in Morgan's hardly humble opinion), and Estenlandic forces supplying their Baltic campaign were again subject to bouts of sniper fire or the placing of landmines and traps over night. Reprisals were difficult, since the small number of none-Lodoz warriors causing trouble belonged to no static villages that could be blamed for supporting them, and neither stuck around to fight for long nor fled across open terrain.

But this was a minor sideshow. It indicated that ideas about the Glakatahn fighting spirit fading were unfounded wishful thinking and that it was a fortunate situation that put the Lodoz under the command of the very reasonable Morgan. The High Kiba went to meet Sir Reginald as the only thing between the Estenlandic campaigns of conquest and the fury of thousands of warriors prepared to buy the Baltic armies time to find outside help. Not to mention that such a rising might tip the Republican masses over from simmering resentment to an outright bid for revenge and freedom, backed this time by combat aircraft able to strike Kiev.

He went insisting that the Glakatahn would need a rather good distraction, and that he would need to remain a visable and authorative leader if such troubles were to be prevented. It didn't seem a complicated matter to see an alternative, he thought, and road his stout pony to the meeting with his barrel chest filled out by his wildman heart and wrapped in hides of beasts brought down by his own bow and rifle, visibly disdainful of what synthetic-clad soldiers he passed on the way.

Tag

As He rode up, Morgan was finally stopped by a group of soldiers, and his guards were asked to stand by. He would be allowed up to five negotiating aides, and two armed bodyguards, but he himself would not be allowed to be armed with anything other than a sword and dagger., The rest of his guard would be moved, allowed to keep their weapons, but only those of a non-gunpowder nature, into a holding area under heavily guard, but would be plied with food and women and entertainment. They would be not be joined by the other groups of guards for the other tribal leaders, just in case armed tribal rivals would choose to settle old scores. It was also explained that they were in no way prisoners, and if they chose to leave, they would be escorted off the base with their weapons, and left to go on their way. But while on their base, they had to abide by these rules. This was all ignoring the fact that by Tsarist law, non of them should be allowed to have any weapons at all, except for their ones of ancient type.

Assuming that this was OK, he would be led to a large hill, upon which a giant pavilion tent was set up, and allowed to post his tribal symbol or standard on a pole outside, most of the tribal leaders had already come, and were gathering in the tent to begin negotiations tomorrow. They all had barracks to themselves, and an honour guard of three armed Tsarist soldiers that would try and stay out of the way of their charges. Many had been arriving for weeks, and had been drinking and womanizing on the Tsar’s dime for this whole time, with a lot of back-room tribal politics being hashed out for the first time without gunfire and arrows. That in itself was a huge step forward, and through it all, the Regent Sir Reginald had been hard at work, giving gifts, bribes, and making side-deals and promises about the future Duma. But in the minds of all the leaders here, it all hinged upon the cooperation of Morgan, far and away the most powerful leader among them.

When Morgan arrived, he was shown to his barracks, which had been richly appointed in Oriental rugs and pillows, and his personal staff of servants, among them many very beautiful women that didn’t seem to have much cleaning or cooking to do. (Hmmm)

After that, while making the barracks more to his liking and preparing for tomorrows meetings, he was greeted by Sir Reginald, who spoke a halting Lavragerian, but was fluent in Ukrainian and Russian, as well as his native English, seeing as how he was a renegade member of the British aristocracy. He stood 6’2” tall, making him short for most native Estenlandian nobility, and was quite young too, being only 56, meaning that he left England to join the rebellion against the USSR when he was only 22, fresh from Military Academy. He distinguished himself in combat against the Soviet Military and when he was 31 and Ukraine overthrew their oppressors and placed the Tsar at the head, he had become on of the most successful commanders in the Tsarist forces. And, being fairly young, he also started to advance quite rapidly as the older guard began to retire and settle on the Boyar-ships to rule for the rest of their lives under the Tsar, getting their rewards. He has become the Tsars Commander in Chief of the Imperial Supreme Command only 4 years ago, and was exemplary in coordinating the invasion of Lavrageria, and was rewarded with the Regency, ruling while the Tsar’s grand-daughter, Catherine, grew old enough to rule as the Queen of Lavrageria. So, he would be ruling Lavrageria for the Queen until she turned 21. He planned on leaving her a strong and unified kingdom, one that the heir of the Tsar, his grandson and her twin brother Piotre, would be very grateful for, thus granting his own family a position of authority and respect for his retirement and for future generations. He was very good-looking with well-groomed blonde hair just now turning grey, and well-defined features. He appeared in his old scale-mail shirt that he wore during the revolution, and armed with only a long-sword. He carried himself as one accustomed to great power and war, and the scar above his eye, a reminder of a Russian soldier that got too close with a knife in hand, bore evidence to that. He also had a log red cloak that hung around his soldiers and hung to the floor and was smiling in greeting as he stepped forward. “Greeting from Queen Catherine and her grandfather the Tsar! I come to ask for your presence at the meeting tomorrow at the head table, at my right hand side, will you accept, milord?”


Tsar Wingert I.

OOC-I am doing this in response to the fact that Lavrageria decided that he no longer wanted to play out this part of the thread, so I am just tying up loose ends.


While the campaign in the Baltics was going on, it was decided that the Free City would no longer be allowed to stand, the stain of revolution was more than could be allowed upon the face of the great Tsarist Empire. So, with Sir Reginald busy, the commanders surrounding the Free City received their orders and began prepping their troops, moving the tanks and artillery into position, and having their forward troops bought forward.
Over the last several months, plague and starvation have reached endemic levels in the Fee City, and the leadership has become more and more unpopular as the people have begun to watch their friends and families die of disease and fighting off the hunger pangs in their stomachs.
There were even small raiding groups that were formed and sent out to scavenge the massive Imperial force that was arrayed against them. Sometimes coming back with small amounts of food and medical supplies. The other 90% of the time being caught and executed in full sight of the walls. And every night, the smalls of the great outdoor spits that the Army cooks cooked their meals on wafted over the walls, as the troops surrounding them enjoyed good food, good vodka, and good entertainment.
Guerrillas had been sneaking the other way as well. Platoons of troops had been constantly sneaking into the city and sabotaging defence fortifications, poisoning water supplies, setting explosive charges in underground bunkers, and getting into pitched firefights with city defenders, before slipping back out again.
Thousands upon thousands had left the city already, and been taken into custody, and processed by the Imperial military machine.
But the time for siege had ended. The death of Louis XX had seen to that. And without warning, at nightfall one night, the artillery barrage began. Then, the bombs began to fall; bombers diverted from the Baltics began to rain down on them in a merciless pounding. The artillery pounded on and on. This happened for every night for the first week.
After that, the tanks that surrounded the place were moved into forward positions, and though they began to take some mortar fire as they were now in range, they started pounding at the walls, turning them piece by piece into piles of rubble. And the artillery pounding and bombing was then extended to 24 hours a day.
What Stinger and AA fire they could muster did inflict some damage, but the mortars against the tank force were far more effective. Especially when they were lucky enough to hit a light tank or take out a tread.
Three weeks into the barrage, the Tsarists stopped, and broadcasted that they would give 24 hours for anyone who wanted to surrender or leave the city or get medical attention. In that day, thousands upon thousands left, it seems that the leadership had decided to let anyone go that wanted to, in order to save as many lives as possible in what now looked like a hopeless battle.
Well, with the outer perimeter and walls in ruins, and most of the city burnt down or on fire. The artillery started again, with one last 48-hour run of artillery and bombing, while outside the city, hundreds of attack choppers come up from the new tsarist province of Moldova. Then, at once, the artillery stops. The tanks fire up as one and begin to move forward, flanked by hundreds and hundreds of armoured APC, laying down heavy machine-gun fire while bringing up the advance troops towards the outer perimeter of the city.
The city defenders had some surprises for the attackers, and copious amounts of plastic explosives that were supposed to be used for the rebuilding of a nation were used to stop armoured columns, with spectacular explosions. But there were just too many, and the invaders kept coming.
Upon reaching the walls of the city, the invaders set up independent and easily defensible areas all around the walls, and used them to hold areas of breeches in order to allow the troops that were following into the city. The defenders pulled back into the city, and in response, the attack choppers, moved over it like locusts, pouring 7,000 rounds per minute out of twin Vulcan’s onto the defenders, and peppering them with copious amounts of guided rockets, but taking casualties themselves. But with almost 100,000 troops and over 7,000 tanks committed just to the attack, it was only a matter of time. While the rest of the almost 350,000 troops surrounding the city made sure that no one got out, and provided fresh reinforcements in a constant rotation to the invaders.
This meant that while the defender were not only outgunned, outnumbered, starving and sick, they had no chance to rest, and fresh troops were constantly poured through the many breaches in the walls. The rest of the battle took about 10 days. Neighbourhood by neighbourhood is pacified with the trademark brutal tactics of the Tsarist Imperial Military. If it can’t be taken easily, burn it, destroy it all.
In the end, the defenders, fanatics all, inflict horrible casualties on the Tsarist forces, but they are just too well organised and too many, coupled with the effects of a multi-month siege, the defenders never stood a chance, this may as well been the Alamo.
In the end, the city is fairly well destroyed, and burned to the ground. The refugees that have now been pacified are in a heavily guarded tent-city, while the city is bulldozed into the ground. Then, they are pressed into service, they are going to rebuild the city into a Tsarist capitol, with billions upon billions poured into it. The thousands of refugees are fed, given medical attention and paid a small amount while they work, and they now have a part in re-building the nation, at least their part of it, not in the image of Marx, but the image of Wingert, the Tsar.

Tsar Wingert I.