NationStates Jolt Archive

This is part of this RP here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=504455)

First, how I spent my points:
gunpowder...................3
abundant iron...............5
abundant coal......... ....5
abundant timber...........3
abundant water............4
abundant food..............6
many canals.................5
paved highways............3
semaphore...................3
vet 9pdrs....................5
elite line inf..................7
vet light cav................4
line heavy cav..............4
vet light inf..................4
vet 6pdr horse artillery...5
small navy.................-15
basic shipyard..............3
heavy frigate...............5
superior crews..............1

So, I have spent 60 points. As a result, I have a kick-arse economy. I also have a pretty good army to do the kicking with.
My navy, as a result, is virtually non-existent.
On the map, I have the 'Welsh' territories, in black.

Incognitia is that abomination to traditional nations - a republic. The last King was removed some time ago, in a largely peaceful movement, and he has not been replaced.
At present the recognised head of government is a man named John McGrath. He is in charge because he leads the largest power bloc in the Consilium, which is the elected decision-making body, descendant of an advisory body to the old kings.
The military is entirely subordinated to Consiliar control, and it is recognised that generals cannot hold political power.
The economy is strong, backed by a strong resource base, good agricultural practices, and high quality infratructure - canals criss-cross the country, well-paved roads link cities, towns and villages, and in a recent development semaphore towers carry information faster than any horse can ride between major cities. Mainly this is crucial government business, but there is now a growing use of the towers for important commercial information as well.
The army is strong, well funded, well equipped and well trained.
The navy, by comparison, is very small, though its equipment is still of a good standard and its crews better than average.
In terms of numbers, the navy has some thirty heavy frigates, along with support services, giving them perhaps 12,000 men.
The army has 60,000 regular personnel. These are rarely concentrated, as there is a barracks in every large town and city. However, thanks to the transport network in existence, they can be swiftly concentrated and well supplied anywhere within Incognitian territory. The major emphasis is on the infantry, though disciplined and well equipped cavalry and artillery arms have a proud history.

The major city is Nescia (site of Cardiff), with approaching 200,000 souls. Other population centres are Dunkennen (Bristol) (100,000), Menzerte (Liverpool) (80,000) and Doimme (Hereford) (70,000).

Oh, the looks of the troops, since Osteia has told all.
All infantry dress primarily in dark green and black. Their jackets have facings in regimental colours.
Light infantry lack these facings. Their units are identified primarily by capbadge.
All badges are issued in a shiny state, and officially are meant to remain that way, however in the field this swiftly changes.
Cavalry dress also in green, though with more variation of shade, and plumes on their hats and such.

Artillery dress in dark blue.

All forces have no great distinction in uniform between officers and men, beyond rank badges.

Terror Incognitia, thought Captain Keane. The nation probably most like Caladonn on these fair isles- democratic, maritime, and thank God, civilized enough to have a coastal capital.

The Caladonnian officer was aboard a Frigate of the Imperial Navy, on the foredeck, where the coastline of Incognitia was just coming into view- a flat brown line that would soon be teeming with shipping and whatever else happened to be near the Incognitian capital.

The Praetor noticed an Incognitian Frigate bearing down toward their ship; no doubt the Incognitians would need an explanation for the sight of an armed Caladonnian warship near their waters. Well, you never know, that could be quite common soon enough... he wondered to himself, as the sideboys and bosuns prepared to welcome an Incognitian official aboard, and he smoothed his uniform as he walked aft.

"It's Caladonnian sir!"

"That much should have been obvious, Lieutenant. It isn't ours, and no-one else ever ventures out of port, if they have ships at all."

"Yes sir. So what do we do now, sir?"

"We ask their business, bring them into port, and make sure they get to the appropriate authority. Simple enough."

"Aye sir."

Lieutenant Naples wasn't the sharpest cutlass in the rack, but he was well capable of bringing the ship to a halt not far from the Caladonnian vessel.
At that a boat was lowered, and Captain George Rogers, one of the best captains in a navy that, though small, was known to be good, was rowed over to the foreign frigate.
Climbing aboard, he saluted the quarterdeck, as a mark of respect, then looked to the most senior-looking Caladonnian.
"Welcome to Incognitia, sir. What brings you to our fine country?"

The sideboys and bosun's mates' fifes twittered in the clear coastal air as the Incognitian came aboard. Blue-jacketed marines presented arms, drums rolled, and the Officer of the Watch saluted peremptorily.

Captain Edward Keane of the ICS Justinian saluted the Incognitian officer from the quarterdeck, descending once the formalities were conducted. "Greetings, sir. Welcome to the ICS Justinian, 74 guns. I have on board Mr. George Tapling, of the Diplomatic Service, who has been sent by the Imperial Senate to negotiate relations between our lands."

A rather short man puffed up from the hatchway, bowed elaborately, and was introduced to the Incognitian officer.

OOC: You'll notice undertones of CS Forester...

OOC: Heavy frigate that, at 36, no? Oh, and you've confused me with having Praetor Silvas in one post and Mr. Tapling in another. Are they the same guy?

IC:
"Ah, diplomacy. Well, you are most welcome. If I may, I will remain here to guide you into port, and will then show Mr. Tapling, along with any who will accompany him, to the Consiliar Palace where he may conduct his negotiations.

I am certain the the Consilium will be open to any reasonable proposal."

Thinking to himself <they'll want to know if ships coming over the sea will be trading, bringing allies, or carrying invasion>.

OOC: Heavy frigate that, at 36, no? Oh, and you've confused me with having Praetor Silvas in one post and Mr. Tapling in another. Are they the same guy?

IC:
"Ah, diplomacy. Well, you are most welcome. If I may, I will remain here to guide you into port, and will then show Mr. Tapling, along with any who will accompany him, to the Consiliar Palace where he may conduct his negotiations.

I am certain the the Consilium will be open to any reasonable proposal."

Thinking to himself <they'll want to know if ships coming over the sea will be trading, bringing allies, or carrying invasion>.
OOC: Heh, sorry, I was originally going with my old naming system, but being in the British Isles and all, I thought I'd go with something more Anglicized... it's changed now.

As for the Frigate debat, I was previously under the impression that all 5th and 6th rates were normal Frigates (as in, around 20-40 guns) and anything above that was a Heavy Frigate, probably equivalent to a War of 1812 style Superfrigate, with around 60 guns. However, after talking with Angermanland and considering the popularity of different ship types around the Napoleonic era, it seems like you were right, and that the regular Frigate should probably be around 22-32 guns. I'll edit my post to reflect that (Now I'll need to use a SOTL for suitable awe :P), and I already got rid of the Praetor thing.

IC: "I thank you for the welcome," said Tapling, and the Captain responded by gesturing to his men to return to their normal duties, and bring the ship inland.

The Captain then strode down to speak with the Incognitian; "I hope that this day will mark a new era in our relations, Captain Rogers,and as such we have prepared a small surprise for you," he said with a slight smile.

Meanwhile, belowdecks, the gunports were opening, and the men were in their positions, powder already loaded... Incognitia would soon experience the power of a Caladonnian Ship of the Line. Like the rumbling of the mighty storm of Armageddon, the hundreds of sailors strained at the tackles, bringing the vast iron beasts forward... seventy four mouths of iron pointed outwards, harbingers of doom to most that encountered them.

"As a prudent officer, sir, I am sure you will understand that I am not keen on surprises. However, I will await this one with interest."

The men on the frigate watched apprehensively as the Caladonnian guns ran out. Realising that they were not directed anywhere near their own Doom Bar helped a little, but there was still tension on deck.
Lieutenant Naples had matters well under control, however.

"As a prudent officer, sir, I am sure you will understand that I am not keen on surprises. However, I will await this one with interest."

The men on the frigate watched apprehensively as the Caladonnian guns ran out. Realising that they were not directed anywhere near their own Doom Bar helped a little, but there was still tension on deck.
Lieutenant Naples had matters well under control, however.
"Oh, sir, I expect you'll find this surprise much to your liking," Captain Keane said, and gave the signal.

The 74 guns of the warship went off with one mighty blast, rocking the ship under their feet and causing eddies of powder to come up from the ports below. "That, Captain Rogers, was a seventy-four-gun salute. As you no doubt know, standard naval salutes only go up to twenty-one guns, but sometimes heads of state will recieve a full broadside. As this is the inauguration of a new age in the relations of Caladonn and Incognitia, we felt it appropriate to do one better and fire off the full broadside.

Ah, we're coming into land now; I will remain in the harbor with my ship, and Mr. Tapling can accompany you ashore along with a small marine guard."

At his words, ten marines detached themselves from their duties, and formed up on the deck, while Mr. Tapling followed them forward.

"Ah yes. As it happens the Consilar-General is currently in Nescia, so you have even fulfilled protocol in making this gesture."
"Well, if Mr. Tapling and his escort will accompany me, in one of your boats, we can get going now.
The harbourmaster's boat will direct you to your mooring" he indicated a large longboat being rowed at pace out to the '74.


Nescia lay before them, all abustle with trade coming in and out. The city had walls, long since bypassed by the growth of the urban area; the main defences now were fortifications at strategic points surrounding the city.
The port was full of merchant ships moving every which way; a lot of traffic changed directly onto canal barges to move out across the nation; other goods went onto carts to the Nescia markets and the city's hinterland. Essentially all long distance movement of heavy goods was done by canal.

In the heart of the city, near the shore, could be seen the great cathedral, it's pure elegance shining over the city. Near that was the Consilium itself, and the various palaces and government offices.

"Ah, I see. Well, all the better then," the Captain said, before shouting orders to get the ship underway towards the docks, and square off the Launch for use by Mr. Tapling.

Soon, the Ship of the Line was moored, and Mr Tapling and his escort were ashore.

Captain Rogers led Mr. Tapling through the city, along the relatively short distance to the Consilium.
Word had already gone ahead that a Caladonnian diplomat had arrived, and so as soon as they reached the palace, the clerks who handled all the bureacracy of keeping the legislature and executive running smoothly were ready.

"Mr. Tapling, welcome. If you would leave your escort here and follow me, Consilar-General Kemp would like to speak with you."
The speaker, a dried-up little man who could have been 40 or 60, turned and began leading the way to the Consilar-General's chambers.

Captain Rogers led Mr. Tapling through the city, along the relatively short distance to the Consilium.
Word had already gone ahead that a Caladonnian diplomat had arrived, and so as soon as they reached the palace, the clerks who handled all the bureacracy of keeping the legislature and executive running smoothly were ready.

"Mr. Tapling, welcome. If you would leave your escort here and follow me, Consilar-General Kemp would like to speak with you."
The speaker, a dried-up little man who could have been 40 or 60, turned and began leading the way to the Consilar-General's chambers.
The Caladonnian was somewhat disconcerted on being asked to leave his escort behind, but resolved that it would do little harm. "I thank you for the welcome, and I would be honored to meet the Consilar," Tapling said, following the clerk.

Seeing the hesitation, the clerk felt moved to explain.
"We are taking you direct to the leader of our government, Mr. Tapling, and if you are entitled to feel a little nervous at being unescorted, think how Mr. Kemp would feel at there being ten armed men with no loyalty to him in close proximity."


A little way down another grand hallway
"And here we are. I'll just announce you."
He darted inside, then returned, ushering Tapling in and closing the door behind himself as he left.
Tapling was faced with a large, open chamber. High-ceilinged, and with a broad bay window looking out over the harbour, the Consilar-General was seated behind a desk piled with papers in front of the window.
However, as Tapling entered he rose, and walked over to two leather seats off to one side. Mr. Kemp was a man in his mid-forties, with an air of...relaxed command. A man assured of his position by his own work of years past, and not yet crushed by the weight of responsibilty.
"So, Mr. Tapling. What can I do for your illustrious republic?"

Seeing the hesitation, the clerk felt moved to explain.
"We are taking you direct to the leader of our government, Mr. Tapling, and if you are entitled to feel a little nervous at being unescorted, think how Mr. Kemp would feel at there being ten armed men with no loyalty to him in close proximity."


A little way down another grand hallway
"And here we are. I'll just announce you."
He darted inside, then returned, ushering Tapling in and closing the door behind himself as he left.
Tapling was faced with a large, open chamber. High-ceilinged, and with a broad bay window looking out over the harbour, the Consilar-General was seated behind a desk piled with papers in front of the window.
However, as Tapling entered he rose, and walked over to two leather seats off to one side. Mr. Kemp was a man in his mid-forties, with an air of...relaxed command. A man assured of his position by his own work of years past, and not yet crushed by the weight of responsibilty.
"So, Mr. Tapling. What can I do for your illustrious republic?"
"No, it is perfectly understandable, I assure you. Such would not be condoned by Caladonn as well."

Tapling followed with some trepidation to meet one of the rulers of Incognitia. He was a rather short and stout man, fussy, but well-versed in the art of diplomacy. Upon being ushered into Mr. Kemp's presence, he bowed, and said, "An honor to meet you, sir. To get right to the point, I am eager to foster better relations between Caladonn and Incognitia. As you are no doubt aware, Caladonn is the pre-eminent maritime trading power, while Incognitia has much of the trade goods desired by all. Thus, a trading agreement between our nations would be greatly and mutually beneficial, both economically and diplomatically."

"Well sir, straight to the point. I do appreciate that."

At which he motioned Mr. Tapling to a seat, and sat himself.

"I would have no objection to a trade agreement. We have no animus against your nation, and our interests will be served well by more open trade in greater volume.
Of course, at the moment, there are no real impediments to trade, but we could formalise this, and consider a reduction in customs rates to Caladonnians, to somewhere close to the level for our own traders.
Well, detail work. In principle a trade agreement is fine, and almost any reciprocal agreement will be acceptable.

Now, are there any less easy matters you wish to discuss?"

After he thanked the Incognitian for the chair, the Caladonnian diplomat replied, "Ah, this is excellent. I'm sure that with a suitable mutual tariff reduction, our maritime trade will know no bounds."

"In addition," the diplomat continued, "I have been instructed to touch on a... rather more delicate subject. Caladonn, as you know, is wary of any other nation developing a powerful navy, as it is imperative to our national security that we retain control of the seas.

We have also noted that, at least from a certain perspective, it appears that Incognitia has the weakest land military on the Continent, due to your maritime and economic commitments.

Therefore, I propose to you a mutually beneficial trade of military forces. Caladonnian marines, and sailors as gunners, will be sent as 'mercenaries,' to aid Incognitia. In return, Incognitia will hand over its navy to Caladonn, to be crewed by Caladonnians. If at anypoint you have need of your navy for a limited preiod of time, it will be returned. Obviously it may seem that your naval capacity will be more limited, but the Caladonnian Navy is more than able to protect Incognitian maritime interests.

What do you say?"

Kemp sat for a while, pondering.
At last he turned to the ambassador.
"A bold proposal, sir. And one where I would have to persuade the Consilium of the benefits, before signing away our navy."
"However, I do see benefits to us; we could not face you on the open sea, and while I am confident that our army could defend us at need, were we to need to conduct offensive operations additional troops would be required."
"However, I will not hand over the ships to Caladonnian crews. I will put our navy, Incognitian crewed, under Caladonnian command. I can sell that to the Consilium, and I can promise you that they will loyally and ably follow any order other than attacking us here."
"If you accept that, we need only agree how many marines would be required in exchange for each vessel. I hope Caladonn has sufficient marines."

Kemp sat for a while, pondering.
At last he turned to the ambassador.
"A bold proposal, sir. And one where I would have to persuade the Consilium of the benefits, before signing away our navy."
"However, I do see benefits to us; we could not face you on the open sea, and while I am confident that our army could defend us at need, were we to need to conduct offensive operations additional troops would be required."
"However, I will not hand over the ships to Caladonnian crews. I will put our navy, Incognitian crewed, under Caladonnian command. I can sell that to the Consilium, and I can promise you that they will loyally and ably follow any order other than attacking us here."
"If you accept that, we need only agree how many marines would be required in exchange for each vessel. I hope Caladonn has sufficient marines."
"This is, I believe, acceptable. In point of fact, Caladonn is currently expanding her marine force, and so I believe we will have enough troops."

"That is acceptable in principle. So, how many men would your people be able and willing to give for each vessel?
We currently have thirty heavy frigates in commission."

OOC: This is not simultaneous with the Caladonnian ambassador, it is some time afterwards, I just want to get it down in writing now.

IC: They had travelled long and hard to get this far. The hazards had, fortunately, been surmounted quite easily. They were dog-tired. They had no money or valuables remaining, having traded all to continue replacing their horses.
Now, however, it was all worth it; for in sight, just ahead, was the first of the border forts, with semaphore links all the way to Nescia.
Two travellers in ragged, once-fine clothes, they made an odd sight to the patrols out, and the sentries above the gates.
However, once they explained themselves to the Captain commanding the fort, a message was sent flying down the line. All the way, from start to finish, in about 2 hours.
"Angerman talks fail. King hostile. Refused peace treaty 'mere words'. Troop movements spotted in south Angerman."

This news set the Consilium all aflutter. The Consilar-General called together his closest advisors, and considered their response. The following day, orders went flying along the semaphore to every major barracks in the land.
Of the battalions, batteries and cavalry regiments of the Army, fully half of those not already in the north were given their marching orders.
In logistics, supplies were being purchased up and down the country, and beginning to be gathered (and for imperishables stockpiled) in garrison towns.
And everywhere spread the rumour of marching boots, and creaking wheels, and soldiers on the move.

"That is acceptable in principle. So, how many men would your people be able and willing to give for each vessel?
We currently have thirty heavy frigates in commission."
"I believe we can offer five hundred marines for each of your Frigates. We currently have 12,500 marines not assigned to shipboard duty, and the other 2,500 can be raised from ship on patrol duty."

"One additional battalion for every two frigates. That will be acceptable. I believe then, that we can put this together as an actual deal.
We agree that all reasonable steps will be taken reciprocally to encourage trade, and that we will put all our vessels under the command of your Admiralty in return for 15,000 marines.
I am certain that were we, say, to exchange ambassadors, further progress could be made in advancing our mutual interests over time."

"One additional battalion for every two frigates. That will be acceptable. I believe then, that we can put this together as an actual deal.
We agree that all reasonable steps will be taken reciprocally to encourage trade, and that we will put all our vessels under the command of your Admiralty in return for 15,000 marines.
I am certain that were we, say, to exchange ambassadors, further progress could be made in advancing our mutual interests over time."
"Indeed, this is acceptable to us as well. I think we have ourselves a deal.

And when I return to Caladonn, I will pose the question of an ambassadorial exchange to the Senate; I can assure you that they will respond to the affirmative."

"In which case" Kemp said as he rose and offered his hand "I thank you, and hope you will understand that I have much business to be attending to.
I am pleased that we have achieved so much in such a brief time, and will instruct my clerks to draw up a document comprising all we have agreed that you can take home to your Senate."

"In which case" Kemp said as he rose and offered his hand "I thank you, and hope you will understand that I have much business to be attending to.
I am pleased that we have achieved so much in such a brief time, and will instruct my clerks to draw up a document comprising all we have agreed that you can take home to your Senate."

Tapling also rose, shaking hands with the Incognitian and saying, "You are of course most welcome, and I do not wish to take up any more of your time. I thank you for this opportunity, and I await that document."

A significant part of the army, indeed most of it, had been sent northwards.
Of 60,000 regular personnel, perhaps 40,000 were in or approaching the northern border region. The remainder were split between the southern and eastern borders, backed by militia.
The Consilium had issued instructions to raise new regiments; and the Caladonnians were expected to arrive soon with 15,000 men; but for now, what was present would have to do. As their orders stood, it was merely that Angermanland would get a nasty shock if they crossed the border, but that could change at any time.

The Imperial fleet was sighted off Nescia, bearing the promised 15,000 men, fresh from the Isle of Man. The Admiral expressed his wishes that the Caladonnians would be of great use to Incognitia.

Also, a thought had occured to the Imperial Senate- since the Caladonnian navy is more experienced than that of Incognitia, and the Incognitian army is better than the Caladonnian, perhaps while our troops are doing tours of duty with the opposite nations, we should endeavor to train each other? This would result in, upon our contingents being called to fight for their mother countries, their effectiveness being increased.

OOC: Essentially this means that you'd train my veteran infantry up to elite, and I'd train your navy so that it gains the "Overall better crews." An exchange of four points each way I believe.

OOC: Fair deal. And if anyone else has a problem, I'm happy to incur any expense required to achieve that.

OOC: Ok then, that works. The troops are in your hands now.

ooc: guys, there's an ooc thread for a reason...