NationStates Jolt Archive

The year is 1897, and the world on the surface, is at peace. However, on this calm facade rests the embers and buildings a Great War which will enevitably run the world through an era of chaos and carnage from which there is no escape.


On the turn of the Century, the countdown will begin....



Kaiser Wilhelm sat upon his Office Chair, contemplating the future of the Empire of Germany. As it was the beginning of a new year, 1897, he felt it only appropriate to review his ideas for the coming year.

In economics, he felt it necessary to begin trading the abundance of coal, timber, and copper away for other necesities, such as oil to fuel the manufacturing plants which had sprung up all across the nation.

Militarily, he was quite pleased. The Prussian Army was highly regarded in the world as among the fiercest, and most disciplined fighting forces in the world. The standing army of almost 500,000 men, with two million able to be instantly brought up in Reserves, any threat to the Reich would be easily destroyed in the name of the fatherland.

His rule was a just one. One which he felt he executed well over his people, and was quite pleased as such. Mauser-Werke began producing, in mass quantities, Mauser 1898 Model Rifles, both for the Army and Kriesmarine, but also for sale to the rest of the world. This could bring excellent revenue into the nation, and make Germany an even greater nation than it already was.

Wilhelm smiled inwardly whilst looking out his window across Berlin. How he loved how the sun shined through the cobblestone streets, giving them the illusion of being made of gold, and how he merely loved, in general, Germany.

"Yes," He thought, "This is going to be a good year."

In 1883, following a short-lived French annexation of New Ireland, the British colony of Queensland annexed south-eastern New Guinea. However, the Queensland government's superiors in the United Kingdom revoked the claim, and (formally) assumed direct responsibility in 1884, when Germany claimed north-eastern New Guinea as the protectorate of German New Guinea (also styled Kaiser-Wilhelmsland).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_New_Guinea_Company

The Germans held the North, the British in the south, and the Dutch someplace in the middle... The French left the hole in favor of some other place on the Asia mainland that they called 'Indochina'...

That brings our attention here:
Fields of South Eastern New Guinea
A peasant farmer sets down his spade, after his long day's toil trying to scrape a living his formerly native land. British taxes and soldiers bringing drugs and disease into the land had spoiled the once proud tribes.

Though things were better here, than the north, which was still ravaged by the Deutsche Neuguinea-Kompagnie, and life was considerably better than that of the formerly Dutch controled West, many islanders silently demanded more. They demanded freedom...

Things had reached a boiling point... Financial support promised by the British failed to arrive yet again, the colonists had become restless, and tensions between the natives and the colonists ran high...

Then the spark hit the powder keg, litterally...

A depot of stored gunpowder exploded on the frigid night of July 13th 1897, the a riot broke out, the militia then attemted to restore order, shots were fired, 12 men lay dead in the streets by the next morning... 3 tommies, 8 colonists, and one native...

The colonists were outraged...

OOC: I get da ball rollin quick... On the end of the things, NG is a minor thing... Unless you happen to be me... As the fight for NG is already startd as a clash of interests, and could be used to 'size up' other nations as everyone gets a grip with their nation.

Since this is before any alliances have been made for the most part, no world war would likely resault from this... It would take a certain member of Aristocrocy to get capped in the head befor that happens...

I myself am a bit rusty at this sort of thing...

King Oscar II sat in his desk in a state of general anxiety. The new year was brimming with oppurtunites. The real problem was at home. The people had become so used to neutrality that they would accept no war short of an invasion and foreign soldiers on their fron lawns. He had to reform that attitude for the good of the nation. In front of him sat a few sheets of paper from one of his closest allies, Francis Weldheimer. On them were requests for the purchase of the new Mauser Model 1898 rifles being produced. The budget easily allowed for it. Lately his army had grown lax and lazy.

"This is only the beginning." He said aloud signing the papers and putting them in envelopes adressed to the Krupp works in Germany. This order was long in coming. This last shipment would finish the modernising of the army.

OOC:The order is set at 3 shipments of 20 000-Mauser Model 1898 rifles and 50-7.5 cm Krupp artillery. We will pay accordingly. I am like Hurtful Thoughts, I like the ball rolling right away.

(OOC: For RP's sake, I'm assuming that all states in the British Empire are independent but not hostile to Britain. Just so I don't own an excessive amount of land :p)

The year is 1897. Britain's Head of State is the septuagenarian Queen Victoria. Her reign has spanned sixty years, her name intertwined with the image of Britain throughout the world. In recognition of her 60th year as Queen, the British Colonial Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, has proposed that the Diamond Jubilee be made a festival of the British Empire, and of the world.

"Dearest Kaiser Wilhelm,

It has been much too long since we last spoke. I hope this letter finds you in good health.

In celebration of my 60th year as Queen of Britain, you and your beautiful lady wife are warmly invited to attend the celebrations here in England. It has been so long since I have seen you, my dear grandchild.

Yours affectionately,
Queen Victoria"

(OOC: Similar letters were sent to all European powers with family links to the Queen. I'm just singling out Germany because they posted already here.)

1897, great tensions arise in Saudi Arabia. The emergence of a Saudi state began in central Arabia in 1744. A regional ruler, Muhammad bin Saud, joined forces with an Islamic cleric and reformer, Muhammad Abd Al-Wahhab, to create a new political entity. This alliance formed in the 18th Century remains the basis of Saudi Arabian dynastic rule today. Over the next 150 years, the fortunes of the Saud family rose and fell several times as Saudi rulers contended with Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and other Arabian families for control on the peninsula. The Saudi state was founded by the late King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud (known internationally as Abdul Aziz bin Saud). Abdul Aziz, a man born in Riyadh in 1876, went into exile with the rest of his family to Kuwait. As he grew, he went on many raids in Nejd. He would continue to learn about life from the emir of Kuwait, Mubarak al Sabah, and he would go on more raids as he grew. 1876 is where our story begins, his story will reach its climax soon enough.

Tikri Al-Saud Galar of the House of Saud sat in his palace, speaking with allies from the House of Al-Sheikh, House of Sudayris, and the House of Subaie.

"As you all know, the House of Shammar, the House of Mutayyir, the House of Harb, and the House of Banu Khalid are our enemies. They must be destroyed. But we've not the manpower to do it now. So, does anyone have any solutions?"

Another man from the House of Saud, and a close friend of Tikri, interjected.

"Like what? Recruiting? Tikri, you know the people are looking for a new rule in Riyadh. Surely the majority of them are alligned with the Rotten Four, and as soon as we come knocking, they will tell their higher-ups in the Houses that we are obviously trying something big."

A small man in the House of Sudayris spoke up.

"Sir, if I could, what if we went to Kuwait and began recruiting? Those lands just recently came peacefully under the control of the Saudi Arabian kingdom, and if we don't try to bring these people to our side quickly, the Rotten Four will turn them against us."

Tikri smiled at the man and held his hands up.

"You're brilliant!"

The second man spoke up again.

"They won't come easily though. I doubt they are ready to die for a group of houses trying to seize total control which could throw the region into chaos."

Tikri already had an idea.

"Yes, but we will turn them against the Rotten Four first. I need volunteers for this though, because if something goes wrong, we will have to kill you to please the public."

25 men immediately stood up. "What do you ask of us?"

"Go into Kuwait's richest neighborhoods, and kill some of its most reknown people. Do this in the night, and you will paint the coat of arms of the Rotten Four Houses on the wall of the victims' homes. Enough people killed, and the people in Kuwait will become outraged. Then, we will show up and rally the people to our cause. Exterminating the Rotten Four!"

All the men in the palace cheered, and the women and wine were brought forward.

(( Contact with all you international folks will occur in my next post, hopefully. ))

Switzerland, Berm.


Chancellor Gottlieb Ringier took a brisk walk to his office, which was only a couple of streets away from his residence. When he arrived, he traditionaly checked his watch. Precisely 6 o'clock, he managed to be on his exact time again. Because of New Years Eve yesterday, he stayed awake half an hour longer, just until 9 pm. After all, it's an occasion to celebrate. And it was a good year. Switzerland is ruled for his people, by his people. It is a beacon of enlightment in times of imperialism. The small nation was encircled by the great powers of Europe and yet with only a tenth of their size, the midget managed to hold his own.

And yet... Three languages, 26 regions, local powers draining the federation, a lack of nationalistic feelings. How much longer can Switzerland remain? Nations around her keep getting bigger, putting pressure on the national economy and the political system. If Ringier wished to keep Switzerland unified, he might need to fall bak on the commen history of the cantons; the time when the regions joined together to fight against shared foes.

Russia. Vast tracks of desolate land, with some farmland in between. There were people in Russia. Many of them. This, along with the weather, had formed the basic Russian military strategy for years.

Let the cold kill them, and finish it off by burying them in troops. To this end, the troops had never needed to be especially well trained, or especially well armed, provided there was enough of them.

This, by the Czar's decree, was to change. In addition to the Czar's guards, already an elite force, a second force, of one thousand men, had been created. They were known as the Бессмертно, or The Immortal.

In addition to elite training, in fighting in both typical Russian conditions and in warmer climes, they recieved the cutting edge in Russian military equipment. It was for a demonstration of this that the General had come.

"An armored car, you say? I can see the use in transporting important materials and people, but what use in battle?"

"Here we are, General. You see, mounted on the top, the latest mechanized weapon. It is on a swivel mount, so that the gunner can fire in any direction. Unfortunately, as the machine gun can only be manned by one man, it is only able to fire short bursts, but we are working on developing an automatic method of cooling it, and it is still more firepower than can be weilded by a man on horseback."

"Very impressive. You have my commendations."

"Production, sir, is low so far. We have only fifteen of them at the moment."

"Well, you can hardly expect me to suggest we shift major amounts of our industrial power to construct these while thye haven't been proven in true battle."

"... Yes sir..."

Antony Skaya, future leader of Poland, looked into the chamber of his new rifle, and operated the bolt several times. It was very satisfactory. The rifle was a Polish copy of the Russian Mosin-Nagant, manufactured in secret, in workshops throughout Warsaw, Lodz, and Krakow. Next to it lay one of the many Mauser 98s that had been bought, or donated, from or by Germany, for use against their Russian rivals.

Long had the Polish been oppressed by the Russians, but this year, things would be different. The insurgents had learned their lessons from the February Uprising, and the November Uprising, and the Russo-Polish Wars. A new army had been raised, based around veterans of the Russian army, and they would not be disorganized like the February revolters, nor tenative, like the November rebels.

This time, the Poles would regain their sovereignty.

Antony Skaya, future leader of Poland, looked into the chamber of his new rifle, and operated the bolt several times. It was very satisfactory. The rifle was a Polish copy of the Russian Mosin-Nagant, manufactured in secret, in workshops throughout Warsaw, Lodz, and Krakow. Next to it lay one of the many Mauser 98s that had been bought, or donated, from or by Germany, for use against their Russian rivals.

Long had the Polish been oppressed by the Russians, but this year, things would be different. The insurgents had learned their lessons from the February Uprising, and the November Uprising, and the Russo-Polish Wars. A new army had been raised, based around veterans of the Russian army, and they would not be disorganized like the February revolters, nor tenative, like the November rebels.

This time, the Poles would regain their sovereignty.

OOC: You should make a new thread for this mano.

Rajah Aroon I sat on the balcony of his palace in Delhi. The sun shone brightly on Agra Fort, illuminating it for miles. He smiled at the sight of twenty thousand soldiers marching in unison, chanting his name, rifles pointing towards the sky. The world would kneel before India.

King Oscar II sat in his desk in a state of general anxiety. The new year was brimming with oppurtunites. The real problem was at home. The people had become so used to neutrality that they would accept no war short of an invasion and foreign soldiers on their fron lawns. He had to reform that attitude for the good of the nation. In front of him sat a few sheets of paper from one of his closest allies, Francis Weldheimer. On them were requests for the purchase of the new Mauser Model 1898 rifles being produced. The budget easily allowed for it. Lately his army had grown lax and lazy.

"This is only the beginning." He said aloud signing the papers and putting them in envelopes adressed to the Krupp works in Germany. This order was long in coming. This last shipment would finish the modernising of the army.

OOC:The order is set at 3 shipments of 20 000-Mauser Model 1898 rifles and 50-7.5 cm Krupp artillery. We will pay accordingly. I am like Hurtful Thoughts, I like the ball rolling right away.



Greetings King Oscar!

The equipment you requested to purchase will be transported as soon as it has been manufactured. This order should be completely filled within six months.


Good tidings to you,


~Kaiser Wilhelm II

OOC: You should make a new thread for this mano.

OOC: It's just an intro. A thread will come... when The Aeson and I are prepared.

...You do know 'mano' means 'hand', right, hombre?

1898...

Fighting in New Guinea has hit proportions equal to a civil war, with natives against the white men.

News of a new rifle, the Mauser 98, had reached them later in the year, but due to lack of funding/interest by the Germans, Dutch, or even the British, the colonists had single shot breechloaders, and many old muskets, followed by the occasional shotgun of 1860's and 70's era to fight the natives, and no gatling guns, let alone the Maxim...

The colonists were soon fighting a lossing battle, and they called out for help with an undertone of outrage to their protecting nations, namely, to the German New Guinea [trade] Company in Kaise-Wilhelmsland for the new Mauser weapons, or to the British for some of the new Vicker-Maxim Water cooled Machine guns...
(Developed in 1896, adopted by the British Army in 1912)

Without assistance, New Guinea would be lost to theses 'People Of Hurtful Thoughts'... As would their valuable commodities of herbs, spices, and exotic meats...

t would alspo strike a crippling blow to these nations' reputation as great nations, to have a few measly savages overpower the king's mren...

(Pretty much the same mess as depicted early in 'The last Samurai')
Notice to whoever is playing British:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Omdurman

OOC: The Maxim was a British-American invention... As was scalping...
The Maxim gun was the first self-powered machine gun, invented by the American-born Briton Sir Hiram Maxim in 1884.

Russia also lacked the arms manufacturing capacity well into the end of WWI...
They had some factories, but most Nagants were made By France and Remmington Arms during/before WW1...

March, 1897

Christiania, Norway
Slottet

"So it seems our German cousins to the south wish to spread their fancy new toy to the ends of the earth," remarked King Haakon VII as he flipped through several recent press releases. "Poland, New Guinea..."

"Sweden," interjected the Prime Minister, Francis Hagerup, from behind the King's ornately adorned mahogany desk which served as the centerpiece of the square office.

Of course, the mention of Norway's eastern neighbor always generate some amount of animosity among the Norwegian Court. Since the two nation's quarrelsome affairs of the early 19th Century, among which included attempted annexation, affairs had been strained between the two nations. In fact, since the botched Treaty of Kiel, in which the Kingdom of Sweden had so boldly attempted to add Norway to her list of Vassal states, only Cordial jestures and cold countenances had been exchanged by the ministers of each country towards one another. Thus, it was no surprise that the mention of Sweden captured the attention of the young king.

Leaning back in his apolstered seat, Haakon nodded. "Yes, Sweden of course. It seems even they cannot resist the temptation of new German weaponry."

"Nor would any ambitious power in its right mind," added the Prime Minister rather curtly. "After all, Mauser is known for its quality and the Prussians are known for their obsession with war. Add those two together and you have quite the sales pitch for anyone interested in arms."

"Nonetheless, I see no need for concern." the King noted, pressing his back further into his seat in a concerted attempt to relax. "The Swedes are entitled to their own choices, after all. Lest we not pester them too much."

If only they upheld the same policy in kind, thought Hagerup.

"However, I do think it would be wise to give the Germans some competition. Perhaps we might step-up the production of the Krag-Jørgensen in response?" suggested the King.

The Krag-Jørgensen Rifle was, of course, Norway's own solution to the newest generation of bolt-action weaponry. Conceived by Norwegians Ole Herman Johannes Krag and Erik Jørgensen late in the last decade, the rifle, one of the very first to adopt the new smokeless powder cartridges, had been quickly adopted by the Royal Norwegian Army and Navy after only a short series of tests. Since 1886, a wide variety of both normal and carbine versions had been made for the Infantry and Cavalry including the recently introduced Model 1894.

"Perhaps," replied the Prime Minister. "However, I suggest you take that matter up with the Royal Armory, for I am no expert on the topic."

Grabbing his black top-hat and fur coat, the Prime Minister made a move towards the gilded pair of doors on the other side of the room. Then, making an abrupt about-face, he bowed to the King.

"If you will excuse me, Your Majesty, I should now take my leave."

With a wave of his gloved hand, the King dismissed his chief minister, perferring not to speak so as to preserve the new-found tranquility of the chamber. And, upon the Prime Minister's leave, Haakon decended into a slumber, pleseant dreams of future days swirling through his mind.

The first thing that the Germans were doing now, was the organization of their Navy. The Kaiser knew that the Heer had superiority on the land, with better training, equipment, supply, everything.

"But the bloody limeys have us beat at sea," Wilhelm recognized without hiding his disgust. Speaking to several Admirals and manufacturing Businessmen before him, he said, "So, we must increase production. It appears that our British cousins are superior on the waves. This cannot be. We must step up production of our forces in order to counteract this." Nodding at a very well dressed Businessman, he continued, "That is where you come in. We are going to give you a contract to produce our finest ships in larger quantities, and the Admiral here shall advise you in your construction of newer craft."

"Yes mein Kaiser," The Business man said humbly. "It will be an honor."

"All of Deutschland thanks you." And with that, all left, leaving Wilhelm alone.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

March, 1897

"The rioting has increased to almost a war-like capacity. As of 1853, a president had been the title of he who runs the country, but as of yet, he has not done well. As the royal queen of this fair country, I feel it is my duty to take action, but it is no longer in my power.. I pray that-"

A knock on the door interrupted Queen Princess Águeda-Emelia's quill, as President José stepped into her room.

"The rioting is unbearable, I cannot spend my valuable time listening to the sound of rocks being hurled into my bedroom window. I am losing sleep, and I have stepped down from my position. I leave the fair Republic of Argentina into your hands, and see to it as your responsibility to find my replacement."

Águeda was at a loss for words. Slowly, she put down her quill and pressed her lips together in a line.

"You're a coward. You are as capable to do this as God is, may He have mercy on your cursed soul"

José said nothing. He bowed and waved his weary hands, before returning to the door.

"Good day, Ma'am. May you find peace for the people of the Republic."

And with that, he removed himself from the room. Águeda turned the cover on her diary, her frail and aging hands paining slightly with the movement. She stood and turned for her door, and stepped into the hallway, the walls of which were painted white, the paint itself peeling at the corners.

"Maria," Águeda called for her servant. The young woman rushed to the sound of the Queen's voice, bowing her head and clasping her hands together.

"Yes, ma'am, what is it ma'am?" the girl questioned.

"Bring me something hot to drink. I will be retiring to my bed soon, so please do your best to quite the crowds outside."

Maria nodded. "Yes ma'am, right away ma'am." She paused, her eyes searching for something to pay attention to. They settled on a cockroach that scuttled along the floor. Maria rushed to scoop it up.

"Leave it," Águeda said, noting the creature's attempts at freedom. "for we are all but cockroaches now, and the famine is the hand that shields us from our freedom. At least spare the bug."

Maria released the insect, and it rushed for a hole in the wall.

A loud scream suddenly echoed through the palace, as a gunshot went off moments later. A child's cry could be heard, as the rioting shouts and screams increased in volume.

Águeda sighed. Another life lost to the hands of man. "Maria," She said, a sense of distress in he voice, "we need help. I want a telegram sent to.. I don't know, the President of the United States of America, the Prime Minister of England, France, even Spain if you must. Anyone who will answer our prayers, as God seems to want us to fix this on our own."

And with that note, Águeda disappeared into her room, praying for an answer by morning.

1897, the once magnificent Randean Empire has now ended, after losing every colony on the Americas, the remaining colonies on the caribbean are starting to revolt against the randean rule, the government desperated starts to act.

Randean Empire Capital.

"Gentlemen" started to say king Alfonse XIII on a crowded room "the empire has ended, we have lost every major colony on the New World, and now the last ones are revolting against our rule, if we want to stop this we need to modernize our army, the battles with muskets had ended long ago, and the cannons are now obsolete, if we really want to mantain our control on the last colonies we have to act now" he continued "thats why i have ordered 10 thousand Mauser 1898 rifles from the New Prussian Empire, and let me asure you, that the people of the world will remember this new Spain for a long time".

In response to the request for a weapons deal from the Spaniards, the Kaiser gladly accepted. He was thrilled by the orders which were rapidly coming in from around the world, and knew the revenue which was being generated from merely these new Rifles would greatly benefit the German Empire.

"You have read the latest telegram?"

"Yes, Tsar."

"The Germans seem eager to sell their weaponry. Let us put that to our advantage."

"Yes, Tsar."

No other answer was possible, really. Possibly from that sorcerer the Tsarina was so enamored of, but not for a lowly aid and advisor such as Josef. He quickly walked to carry out his task, the ordering of twenty thousand Mauser 1898 rifles from Germany.

OOC: Why are you ordering Mausers? You have the Mosin-Nagant. It's just as good, if not better...

OOC: Why are you ordering Mausers? You have the Mosin-Nagant. It's just as good, if not better...

OOC: Because I'm dumb?

OOC: Because I'm dumb?

OOC: Glad to have you as an adversary. :D

To Her Royal Highness, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith,

It is with much aduration that I personally congradulate you on Your Majesty's spledind reign these sixty years. No doubt, without the guiding light of British supremacy, the world as we know it would be a much darker place.

In light of your upcoming Diamond Jubilee, I would be more than delighted to attend the festivities in order and thank Your Majesty for the invitation. May such celebrations set the precedent for another sixty years of Enlightened rule.

May God be with you.

Sincerely,

King Haakon VII

OOC: Glad to have you as an adversary. :D

OOC: Hey, I may not be great with pre-WWI weaponry, but I am RPing a nation with enough people to successfully employ a human wave technique. Remember that...

Alright I gotta stop you guys right there.

A new year will begin on next Sunday, and it will 1898. Every Sunday is the New Year, not when you please. Also, can we not clutter this with OOC posts? That's what the OOC thread is for. I'll delete this when everyone acknowledges it and stops jumping forward in time.

Stockholm, Sweden

The King looked at the reply from the Kaiser on his desk. In six months the orders would be filled. Oscar looked across the desk at Francis Weldheimer. The plan he had just proposed was radical and if exectued properly would bring a rejuvination to the country. This man was the one that would help Sweden rise again.

"Now for the navy." Oscar smiled. Lately the navy had been downsized to allow for increased spending in the army. "What do you think should be done Bostrom?"

"Sir, I say that since you are intent on pursueing this course the proper investment would be a new class of ship." Bostrom glared at his rival. Francis had won the King's approval, and with the elections coming in June he was predicted to be the main opponent. Weldheimer's party already held a quarter of the seats in the parliment. Bostroms own held just over half.

"I agree. " Weldheimer looked towards the King. He pulled out a small tube of papers and lay them on the desk. "They are just something I came up with in my spare time. I know its not properly feasible as of yet, but in a few years it would be ready to go." The papers werent diagrams or blueprints. They were requirements.

"That is impossible!" Bostrom said looking at the papers skeptically.

"As I said, it is quite an undertaking and would consume years. But it can be done." Weldheimer leaned bakc and smiled. The ship he had envisoned would be a revolutionary idea. If Germany or Britain did it first, which they most likely would, it would only serve to enhance the importance of the project.

"6 11inch guns?" The King looked at his friend almost as skeptically as the Prime Minister. "That in itself is not so difficult to imagine. The propect of the ships having long range radios is. THe amount of cost is enormous."

The "President" of the unified Korea sat at his desk, and was looking over some of his rather extensive paperwork that he had too attend too. His pen-strokes were neat and precise as he noted the state of the Korean military. For years Korea had been a military state, and tradition on the peninsula revolved around the military. The army was large with hundreds of thousands standing waiting for their leader's call to arms. The navy was being developed as well, just not as quickly and President Jong-Li would like.

Korea was doing it's best to keep itself out of the hands of it's rivals to the north who might want to aquire the peninsula, but the current Korean make of rifles would not be enough for the Korean Army, and as such the President of Korea knew that he would have to write a letter to the German Empire. Germany had never shown much interest in Korea, and as such the President saw little reason for Germany to deny Korea the guns that it will need in order to secure power in Asia and Oceania.

To: The German Kaiser
From: The Emperor of Korea

In light of the build-up of Europe's armies Korea wishes to buy your 1898 addition mauser rifles as we feel that we are lagging behind our European counterparts. We see your German rifles as our only hope to catch up to the modern military world.

The Emperor, as he dubbed himself, signed the letter and had it shipped to Germany. His plans for campaigns in the region would be legitimate, and perhaps he could find good diplomatic relations with some of his neighbors, and as such he drafted a letter to the Empire of Japan:

To: The Japanese Emperor
From: Emperor of Korea

Our neighbors to the east, we ask of you too meet in the city of Seoul to discuss Japanese-Korean relations, and the betterment of Asia. I truly hope that your nation can attend to this event, as I feel that it will be monumental in the rise of a better Asia.

With that, the Korean Emperor was off too sleep for a rest.

The palace was full of men cheering and dancing and drinking. The plan had gone smoothly, and Tikri was in Kuwait now giving a speech to rally the people against the Rotten Four.

12 entire families who were very well known and very well liked in Kuwait had been brutally murdered and it looked to the poeple of Kuwati like the Rotten Four had done it. They were furious, and soon they would be throwing themselves at the House of Saud and its allies to fight against the Rotten Four.

Tikri had revealed his plans after the Rotten Four was gone. He said they would allign themselves with another regional power, perhaps the Ottoman Empire, then they would use their newly-formed army to annex the other lands of the Arabian Peninsula. Soon after, they would put more funds into their navy, and the Persian Gulf would be under their control.

The House of Saud and its allies, though often under attack from the Rotten Four, were the governing body in Saudi Arabia. They collected taxes from the people, they ran the public and private facilities, and they had the loyalty of the already formed military. Although, many troops left the military to join the forces of the Rotten Four. With the hot-blooded Kuwaiti recruits bolstering their numbers, they would unite the peoples of the Saudi lands, and they would be the supreme power, uncontested.

"Drink up tonight, my friends! It is only a matter of time until we rule!"

The President of the Boer Republik, Johannes Brand, discussed with his military leaders the prospect of a new military rifle for their fledgling military. Hearing the release of the Kraag-Jorgensen Rifle, they sent a telegram to Norway.

"To whom it may concern,
The Boer Republik wishes to order 15,000 of these Kraag-Jorgensen rifles. We also wish to engage in diplomatic relations with your nation as our young nation yearns for trade and friendship.
Signed,
Johannes Henricus Brand

Rio de Janiero, Amazon Republic
Plaza de Central

Deodoro de Fonseca was a tough man, all throughout. He had led la revolucion to unseat the grasping Brazilian Empire, he had steadied the country, he had brought Uruguay into the fold and created the Republica de Amazon...quite a legacy, so far. But he needed, wanted, lusted, for more. And now that Argentina, to the south...perennial rival to the Brazilians, was supposedly "having trouble" according to his scouts...when a better time to reinforce the position as the Republic as forerunner of South America? de Fonseca could sense, could taste, that the Republic would soon be the power of the Southwest that the Europeans were of the North.
The guard was changing in the Plaza de Central outside the Congressional Halls, men clad in the military attire of the Republic Army, wielding long rifles with ferocious-looking bayonets on them-rifles, de Fonseca thought, that were getting a bit too outdated. They were old Enfields, back from 1870-something, no longer of great use (though still quite deadly to any thinking assassin or insurgent trying to create havoc). But something new was needed. His messengers had informed him of two new rifle lines emerging-one from Germany, one from Norway, both able countries in manufacturing (something de Fonseca hoped his nation would be, sometime in the near future). Maybe he could lay a hand on one of those.

"Manuel," de Fonseca sharply addressed the man to his right, his personal chief of staff. "Our infantry stock-it is getting a bit outdated."
"Indeed, Chancellor," Manuel Cabrillo responded. He was more Portuguese than South American-but still a capable person in the government, nevertheless.
"The Norwegians's line of rifles-I want some of them. With the recent trouble in Argentina, it is a suitable time to upgrade our own military without any flak coming from the South."
"You are right...I will send out a message promptly to the Norwegian government. Their new line of guns, to be procured, shall increase our military productivity."
"In addition...I will switch topics a bit here. Our ports-are in a bit of disrepair. Let us start getting them back into shape."
"It can be done."
"Then let us do so."
"I want a good deal of those rifles..."

de Fonseca looked at the new Guards coming on patrol before walking back into the Congressional Hall.

Addressed to the Honorable government of Norway

The Amazon Republic has seen the recent military buildup of European nations. In light of such affairs, the Republic's own military has seen a quite a bit of aging, and instead of going first to the German line of weaponry, we decided that a weapon of Norwegian design and make would be superior. Hence, we have a simple request: thirty thousands of your Model 1894 Krag-Jorgenson rifles, supplied to the port of Sao Paulo in the Eastern Brazilian province. We do believe these weapons to be of the best quality of the globe, and should we find them much to our liking, may step up our quantity.

Best regards,
Manuel Cabrillo
Chief of Staff, Amazon Republic

Once the message was off, de Fonseca had more questions.

"Argentina...exactly what is going on there?"
"Riots, I believe-of mass scale."

de Fonseca allowed himself a smile. His South American rivals were going through a bit of turmoil...

"Continue to watch the situation."

Queen Rànavàlona III was at a meeting in the capital city of Antananarivo in Madagascar calling anyone willing to sail north and trade with other countries.

"If anyone is brave enough to venture north to trade with any country you might find you will be rewarded greatly."

A large, bald man questioned the Queen.

"And risk our lives for what kind of reward?"

"We're not sure what we're going to give you yet, but I assure you it will be worth your while."

"I don't buy it for a second! We'll come back with the goods we've traded with the other countries, you'll take them, and we'll be given nothing as reward."

The queen was becoming angry with the man and his constant interruptions.

"Think what you want but when the man willing to go comes back victorious he will be rich and you will be stuck picking flowers or whatever the devil you do!"

"I'll go!"

The Queen turned to see a man with long hair that was tied together at the back. She found him quite attractive.

"You do realize what you are risking right?"

"Yes, yes I do and I don't care."

"Okay you may go. Oh and before I forget, what is your name?"

"Abasi Yafey milady."

"Thank you Abasi. Now, you will travel to Mahajanga and take the arranged transport to Nacala in Mozambique. From there 3 ships with troops to defend you from any hostile countries will be given to you. Each ship will be manned by 25 armed troops. The ships will be loaded with coffee, vanilla, cotton cloth, shellfish, sugar, and chromite. Try to trade for any new technology they might have. Our muskets will not protect us in this day and age. Oh, and there will be 50 slaves aboard each ship. You can trade them as well. Make sure they stay in good shape. I'm counting on you."

"Yes milady."

"The ship will leave at dusk. Be ready by then."

Bran Castle, the home of the Count of Transylvania and said to be the former house Vlad the Impaler…

It was cool afternoon as the Emperor, wearing all black suit with a black duster over it, looked out the window at the surround area of Bran, the trees moved in the wind as the Emperor’s brown eyes stared out of his tower’s window. He watch a bird flew into the air from one of the trees. He smiled at bird flew in the air, knowing he was free to go anywhere and everything that he wanted.

Walking away from the window, he stopped in front of a long mirror. He wasn’t a young man anymore, he was a fighter, a leader, and a father. He was nearing thirty-five years old, but he stayed in shape. He wasn’t going to be like other world leaders and get fat. He was planning on ruling over the United Empire for many years then when the time comes, he would hand the Empire off to his son.

He stood there, his body like a young twenty year old man. Jason was raised to be like his father, Maximo Wolf, the former Count of Transylvania, but the great man was taken to soon from this world. Jason was only eighteen at the time of his father’s death, whom was loss to the sea as he traveled to the United States.

Jason missed him, but he was going to make his father proud of him. Jason continued his training with swords and firearms like he did in the early years of his life. He even archery took up again. At eighteen, he was named the new Count of Transylvania, a man that made every girl in Transylvania want to marry.

But it was until he was twenty one that he married. The woman’s name was Persephone, Princess of the Kingdom of Romania. He did everything in his power to win her heart. The reason wasn’t because of her title as princess as Jason was already part of a royal bloodline, which can be tracked through Transylvanian and other European royalties. She was Jason’s first and only love.

He smiled thinking of the first time he meet her and the day of their wedding. She was only seventeen years old at the time he meet her, but her father allowed the marry between them. The king thought it was good idea to gain a powerful ally like Jason. He did gain a powerful ally and a damn good son-in-law.

And being the husband to the Princess of Romania did help with the Count’s plan of the United Empire. During early 1895, he signed the union of Transylvania and Romania with his father-in-law to from the United Empire. Then he got what he want, his father-in-law, King Rudolph Falke, handled him control of the United Empire.

He stood there in Bran Castle looking at himself, the Emperor of the United Empire, a man known for his style with a sword and a firearm through out his empire and maybe through out the rest of Europe.

“You look nice.” came female voice behind him.

He looked back to see his wife, Empress Persephone (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/CountJWolf/Persephone.jpg), looking at him. She was wearing a light blue dress. “Thank you.” he said, walking over to kiss her.

As the two kissed, their son walked into the room. He was born in 1878, two years after his Jason and Persephone married. He was nineteen years old and a member of the Black Wolves, the elite soldiers of the United Empire armed Froces. He was Prince Maximo (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/CountJWolf/Maximo.jpg), named after a grandfather that he didn’t even meet in person. “Father, you have a group of people to meet with in the courtyard.” he said.

“Thank you, son,” he said looking over his wife’s shoulder, “Tell them, I will be down there in a few.”

“Yes, father.” said Maximo. The prince then turns and head down to the courtyard.

After a few minutes, the Emperor walked down into the courtyard. He looked at the men in his courtyard. There were six men in brown or black clothes, a few with blonde hair and a few with brown hair. A mix of people from different area of the United Empire. Each one a high ranking member of the United Police Force.

They all lowered their heads and took a knee as their Emperor walked into the courtyard.

“Proud men of the United Empire,” started the Emperor, “You were called him to travel to Moldova. I want you to aid in making the United Police in Moldova as into what they are in the rest of the United Empire. Your missions are to train their police officers into great men. Do you understand this mission?”

“Yes, milord.” came from each of the men.

“Very well, go do what your Emperor has said.” said Jason.

“Yes, milord.” said the six, whom then out to do as they were ordered.

Alone in the courtyard, Jason looked up to see the same bird that he saw from his widow, flying in the sky.

Stockholm, Sweden

Francis was pleased. The King and Prime Minister had accepted his proposal. The top naval scientists in Sweden were looking into the matter. It would take years, but it would be worth it. I just hope those damn Norwegians dont interfere when the time comes to...influence the Fins Weldheimer harboured no ill will towards any partiular race or ethnic group, he just knew that some were more reasonable than others.

"...so, as you can see your Majesty, the situation in New Guinea is of catastrophic potential. The colonists are badly out-numbered and are incapable of holding off a prolonged attack with their weaponry." Explained Lord Salisbury, presenting telegrams and maps to the Queen carefully. "Without our backing, the colonies will be overrun very soon- we will lose a supply of valuable resources, and Britain will be seen as unwilling to defend its own interests."

"Very well, Prime Minister. Authorise the treasury to fund a shipment of whatever weaponry you feel would benefit these settlers in their hour of need."

The next day, several ships were loaded to sail to New Guinea in order to protect British interests in the region.

Contains:
120 .303 Tripod Mounted Maxim machine guns.
250 .303 Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifles (MLE or Emily)
500 .455 Webley Mark I revolvers
500,000 rounds of ammunition for above.

The "President" of the unified Korea sat at his desk, and was looking over some of his rather extensive paperwork that he had too attend too. His pen-strokes were neat and precise as he noted the state of the Korean military. For years Korea had been a military state, and tradition on the peninsula revolved around the military. The army was large with hundreds of thousands standing waiting for their leader's call to arms. The navy was being developed as well, just not as quickly and President Jong-Li would like.

Korea was doing it's best to keep itself out of the hands of it's rivals to the north who might want to aquire the peninsula, but the current Korean make of rifles would not be enough for the Korean Army, and as such the President of Korea knew that he would have to write a letter to the German Empire. Germany had never shown much interest in Korea, and as such the President saw little reason for Germany to deny Korea the guns that it will need in order to secure power in Asia and Oceania.



The Emperor, as he dubbed himself, signed the letter and had it shipped to Germany. His plans for campaigns in the region would be legitimate, and perhaps he could find good diplomatic relations with some of his neighbors, and as such he drafted a letter to the Empire of Japan:



With that, the Korean Emperor was off too sleep for a rest.

The Kaiser wrote back accepting their request, and informed them that they would immediately begin production of rifles for their request.

The German economic powerhouse continued.

Imperial Palace in a city that the western world know as "Bejing" China:

Chi-Lo was a bodyguard within the Emperors imperial bodyguard. Chi-Lo was 21 he was hounoured to serve and protect his Emperor even if he was 8 years old.

As the cool breeze swept through the Palace grounds Chi-Lo looked around the ground was empty the bushes of the garden swayed silently in the wind. As he looked down at his shoe he thought about Ling-Ho his wife to be. He looked up just in time to see the Arrow-Bolt fly through the air and hit him in the head. It penerated the eye and shut the brain down. Chi-Lo's last thought was of Ling he was dead before he hit the floor.

A silent figure in pure black swept swiftly across the ground towards the Palace. The figure bent over the dead guard slit his thorat and dragged him into a nearby bush.

The firgure then crept into the palace and up the stairs and into a second floor. He opened a large oak door and slowly moved into the warm room. A beautiful women slept on the bed. The moon light lit her naked body she was trully beautiful. The figure bent over her he suddenly put her hand over her mouth she woke and tried to scream.

He slit her wrist and made sure it bled everywhere then he knocked on the her knocking her out-cold. He dropped a small leather bag to the floor. The figure left the room and quickly left going back the way he came as he got to the Palace Wall when he heard the scream. The mission was a success.


--------------------Imperial Palace (Next Day)--------------------

The attack on Princess Yuan had made the Emperor distraught he had cried most of the night. The guards in the search immediatly after the incident found the leather bag and the dead guard. The contents of the pouch was a strange tribal cultist symbol.

The Emperor being underage was not allowed to make a decsion altough theoretically he could. The Council of Office as it was known had made the decsion to order the army to do all they could. The Council was growing tiresome of having to get an 8 year old to sign a peice of paper every time they wanted to do something.

Altough it was purely rumor their was suggestions that the Council might even "deal" with their power problem by removing the Emperor. The question was did they really have the guts?


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

OOC: Sorry for the OOC interupt, but you guys will want to read this:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=516233

Even though it doesn't seem to violate any rules, E20 will likely be closed down for reasons that would also close your roleplay. Apparently, the mods frown on alternate-history roleplays. Therefore I would suggest that you either:
1. Convince the mods to allow alt-history
2. Move offsite
or
3. Stop RPing before you put too much effort into it.

OOC:...That ruling makes little sense. According to such logic, character RPs should be banned too.

Damnit. Thats fucking insane. Well, if they force us to close due to their own dumbass interests, then I'll make an offsite forum, even though I typically hate those. I will also quit nationstates if it comes to that, and only work on WWE.

Also, thanks Middle Snu, for the heads up.

(Disclaimer: ANY MENTION OF REAL-LIFE NATIONS IS SIMPLY CONCIDENCE, AND IS A WORK OF FICTION. THUS NAMED REAL-LIFE NATIONS REPRESENT LOCATIONS, NOT COUNTRIES, SINCE NATIONSTATE NATIONS ARE IN EFFECT HERE. SO-NAMED COUNTRIES ARE SIMPLY LANDMARKS FOR LOCATIONS AS OPPOSED TO ACTUAL COUNTRIES WITH ACTUAL GOVERNMENTS. ALL ACTIONS ARE WORKS OF FICTION AND SHOULD NOT BE READ BY ANYONE, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.)

Backround
The Tripartite Intervention or Triple Intervention (三国干渉, Sangoku Kansho?) was a diplomatic intervention by three european nations on 23 April 1895 over the terms of the Treaty of Shimonoseki signed between Blubpan and a neighboring asian nation ending the First Sino-Japanese War.

Per the terms of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Blubpan was awarded the Liaodong peninsula including the harbor city of Port Arthur, which it had conquered from Qing dynasty China during the First Sino-Blubanese War. Immediately after the terms of the treaty became public, several European countries (each with its own sphere of influence in China) expressed concern about Blubanese territorial ambitions on the Asian mainland and the possible impact of the terms of the treaty on the stability of China. The European powers offered 'friendly advice' to Blubpan to return the territory to China in exchange for a larger indemnity, or to face war.

The Blubanese government reluctantly agreed to this, as British and American diplomatic intercession was not forthcoming, and Blubpan was in no position to militarily resist the three major European powers. On 5 May 1895, Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi announced the withdrawal of Blubanese forces from the Liaodong Peninsula in exchange for an additional indemnity of 30 million kuping taels (450 million yen). The last Blubanese troops departed in December.

Much to Blubpan's astonishment and consternation, Russia moved almost immediately to occupy the entire Liaodong Peninsula and especially, to fortify Port Arthur. Germany, France and even Great Britain took advantage of the weaken China to seize port cities on various pretexts, and to expand their spheres of influence.

This humiliation at the hands of the European powers helped lead to Gashin Shōtan or 'Persevering through Hardship' (for the sake of revenge) to increase heavy industry and strength of the armed forces, especially the fleet, at the expense of individual wants and needs.

Three years later..
Emperor Mutsuhito sat in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo concemplating the floor-sized three-dimensional map of Blubpan, parts of Chinna, Russia and the Philippines. A team of artists had gone through great lengths to make each detail of the scale model map as perfect as possible. Small, flagged markers detailed military positions and landmarks.

Field Marshal (I'll be using WWII ranks since I can't find the appropriate ones) Ishi's staff watched as the Field Marshal pleaded his case to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, I beg of you to consider how this makes our nation look. The west treats us as dogs! This traitorious act cannot go unchallenged any longer. It has been almost three years and we have not responded to the dagger in the back of Blubpan."

Admiral Oto couldn't help but agree, nodding his head. "We have the most powerful navy in Asia. We probably could have held out against the Germans and French at sea then, and we have grown in strength since. Mikasa is complete ahead of schedule and the fleet is ready. We can force their hand now."

Mutsuhito bowed his head in thought. He was a calm man, gentle, he wrote poetry. He was also wise enough to leave military decisions to his advisors. "We must negotiate first. I will leave the final decision in your hands after we have recieved word from the Russians."

Diplomatic Package to Russia
"Greetings. It is regretable that an honorably bargained treaty has been met with lies and deception. We have been played falsely in these recent years and the shame that your nation along with others has forced upon us is deep. We are forced now to deliver the ultimatium that Russia must think carefully over. We demand the return of Port Arthur to Blubanese control. Further, Russia will withdrawl half of its Pacific fleet to the western hemisphere and move what is left of their ships to Vladivostok. This will insure no further acts of warfare by the Russians and assure us that no coups will occur."

Abasi had arrivied in the port of Nacala.

A large armed man walks up to Abasi.

"Abasi the ships are all ready to go."

"Thank you for telling me...do I have any time to relax before we leave?"

"No, the queen wants us to leave right now."

Abasi sighed.

"Fine lets get going."

The man took him to one of the three ships.

"This is the Maisha it is the lead ship where you will be. The other two ships the Yusra and the Dabiku. They will follow behind yo going where ever you go."

"Okay then let's get going."

"Oh one more thing Abasi...We sent one of our best ships up north before from Mozambique it was full of 100 troops, and 100 slaves. It was also full of sugar and weapons. If you manage to find any cargo the queen would be most grateful."

"You think? Now get aboard and lets set sail!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

After setting sail for a few days.

"Abasi we have a sickly slave."

"Bring him to me I have an idea."

"Yes sir."

The sickly man was brought up by two soldiers in charge of keeping an eye on all slaves. The sickly man started to beg.

"Please you have to help me I don't want to die..."

Abasi smiled at the sick man.

"Today is your lucky day."

The man started to kiss Abasi's feet.

"Thank you so much!"

"Get off! I wasn't talking to you! Come over here and order everyone aboard to watch."

Abasi pointed at two soldiers.

"Go!"

"Yes sir."

Abasi grined like a mad man.

"Get me the wip."

"Right away sir."

Abasi started to yell.

"Let this be an example to all slaves that try to plot against us!"

"Here's the whip sir."

"Thank you. Now hold this man down!"

The soldiers grabbed his arms and held him in place.

"Twenty lashes for you! Next time you will be thrown overboard!"

The soldiers started to cheer and the whip made contact with the sickly man.

"Abasi!"

Abasi stopped whipping the sickly man.

"You have to take a look at this now!"

"What's wrong?"

Abasi walked over to the soldier shouting for him.

"Look."

The soldier pointed to a broken down ship along the coast that had the flag of Madagascar on it.

"Anchor down the ships! Get the row boats five soliders from each boat go to shore spread the word!"

"Right away."

Abasi and 5 soldiers boarded a row boat and headed for the shore. They were followed by more troops from the Yusra and the Dabiku.

"Be on your guard."

Abasi had a musket ready in hand.

"What was that?"

A soldier started to panick.

"It's nothing. Now calm down...wait what's that?"

In the distance three men came running at Abasi screaming. Abasi and two other soldiers grabe the men.

"What's wrong? Who are you?"

"We were part of a ship sent up here from Mozambique. There was a big storm and we crashed here. We managed to escape the wreakage but only 25 slaves and 8 soldiers made it. But then the natives came we are 3 of the soldiers who escaped them. The others are probably being killed or forced into labor."

"I'll be back you three come with me the rest of you stay near the wreakage and salvage whatever you can."

Abasi and the 3 people that escaped headed back to the Maisha.

"Alright who ever doesnt want to be sold into slavery stand up."

All the slaves stood up.

"Who ever want's to fight for their country so they are not sold into slavery please move to your right."

Seven slaves moved to the right.

"Alright then give these men some muskets and head to shore. Send word to the Yusra and the Dabiku to recruit anyone willing to fight and die for their country and send them to shore."

"Yes sir right away."

Abasi boarded a row boat and headed back to shore with the seven slaves that wanted to go. When they made it to the shore the soldiers that were there found 50 muskets that were still in good shape and they found 100 round's of ammo.

"Good job men! We should be expecting more men shortly hopefully from the Yusra and the Dabiku. Now set up a camp and get ready for a fight!"

OOC: I'm having a hard time finding info on Mexico at the turn of the century. Also, is this strictly mexico, I'd prefer not to be burderened with the Mexican military/economy.

OOC: Sorry for the OOC interupt, but you guys will want to read this:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=516233

Even though it doesn't seem to violate any rules, E20 will likely be closed down for reasons that would also close your roleplay. Apparently, the mods frown on alternate-history roleplays. Therefore I would suggest that you either:
1. Convince the mods to allow alt-history
2. Move offsite
or
3. Stop RPing before you put too much effort into it.

OOC: ...I say "water under the bridge". I doubt this will be heavily enforced, as long as a low profile is maintained for awhile.
Hack and GMC should never have been made mods. Kat would have been much more reasonably, and she might have even answered the question that the thread was made for.
According to their logic, all of General and most of Nationstates RP should be deated... I don't see what they have to do with NS.

As the emperor woke up for his morning breakfast of rice and fish, he had already mentally prepared a letter to a neighboring nation looking for a political and militaristic alliance.

To: The Great Blubanese Empire
From: The Empire Carloginias (Korea)

Emperor Mutsuhito, the Blubansese empire has prospered under your wise rule, and the Empire of Carloginias wishes for a meeting to take place at a place of your choosing between each of our own nation's delegates in order to work out some of the issues that have been occuring in Asia. We hope that this meeting will hammer out some of the affairs at hand in the world.

OOC: If you could get back to my guy's message, Lachenburg...

Reply,

Word out of Manchirua has been grave recently. Russian (Whoever is playing Russia) aggression since the Triple Treaty has caused us great concern. We have demanded that Port Arthur be returned to our custody and that Russian forces withdraw to the north. Beyond Manchuria, at least.

OOC to Sweden: did you get the Boer Republik's order?

OOC to Sweden: did you get the Boer Republik's order?

OCC: Yes, I did read it. However, I haven't had the time to properly respond.

IC:

To The Honorable Johannes Brand,

The Kingdom of Norway shall gladly produce and deliver the requested order of 15,000 Krag-Jørgensen Rifles in return for an equitable sum of £2,000,000 British Pounds-Sterling to be made payable to the Norges Bank in Christiana.

In addition, our authorities shall gladly establish proper links of trade and communication amongst the Kingdom of Norway and Boer Republic. After all, it is but the proper thing to do when two nations exchange good tidings for the first time. Perhaps an exchange of Ambassadors might be worth further discussion?

Your Humble Servant,

Rt. Hon. Francis Hagerup
Prime Minister of Norway

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To The Honorable Manuel Cabrillo,

The Kingdom of Norway shall gladly produce and deliver the requested order of 30,000 Krag-Jørgensen Rifles in return for an equitable sum of £4,000,000 British Pounds-Sterling to be made payable to the Norges Bank in Christiana. It can be assured that these rifles will be of the finest quality possible and only further augment the capabilities of the Brazilian trooper.

We thank you for your purchase.

Your Humble Servant,

Hon. Christian Olssøn
Norwegian Minister of Defense

OCC: Yes, I did read it. However, I haven't had the time to properly respond.

IC:

To The Honorable Johannes Brand,

The Kingdom of Norway shall gladly produce and deliver the requested order of 15,000 Krag-Jørgensen Rifles in return for an equitable sum of £2,000,000 British Pounds-Sterling to be made payable to the Norges Bank in Christiana.

In addition, our authorities shall gladly establish proper links of trade and communication amongst the Kingdom of Norway and Boer Republic. After all, it is but the proper thing to do when two nations exchange good tidings for the first time. Perhaps an exchange of Ambassadors might be worth further discussion?

Your Humble Servant,

Rt. Hon. Francis Hagerup
Prime Minister of Norway



Mister Prime Minister,
The Boer Republik is happy you have allowed us to purchase these arms. The money will be paid shortly. We must ask, though, is it okay for the Republik to be paid in Gold or perhaps gems? As for the embassy situation, We have space for a Norwegien Embassy in Johannesberg.
Your friend and trading partner,
Johannes Brand

"...so, as you can see your Majesty, the situation in New Guinea is of catastrophic potential. The colonists are badly out-numbered and are incapable of holding off a prolonged attack with their weaponry." Explained Lord Salisbury, presenting telegrams and maps to the Queen carefully. "Without our backing, the colonies will be overrun very soon- we will lose a supply of valuable resources, and Britain will be seen as unwilling to defend its own interests."

"Very well, Prime Minister. Authorise the treasury to fund a shipment of whatever weaponry you feel would benefit these settlers in their hour of need."

The next day, several ships were loaded to sail to New Guinea in order to protect British interests in the region.

Contains:
120 .303 Tripod Mounted Maxim machine guns.
250 .303 Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifles (MLE or Emily)
500 .455 Webley Mark I revolvers
500,000 rounds of ammunition for above.

Events as of Dec 1897:
Southern New Guinea:
The shipment from their prime benefactor was met with mixed resaults, many people had not seen a Maxim, let alon knew how to use one, but they instantly noticed the sheer mass of the thing s and the reletively weak 'shell' these cannons would fire, thus, they chose to use these for the defense of their towns, assisted by the placement of barricades and furgasses...

The MLE seemed a rather cumbersome weapon at first, being not too well trained in their use, and the complexities of a bolt action rifle firing a rimmed cartridge...

The limited quantities of ammunition prevented the militias from training with these rifles beyond dry firing or re-using spent brass as dummy cartridges. Qualifications to be issued the rifle involved 5 shots per volunteer to become a 'marksman'. Many good shots failed, while some otherwise lackluster shots who happened to better understand the rifle managed to get the 'repeating marksman' position, while all other 'marksmen' were issued 'accurate' weapons of varius designs based on shooter prefferance.

The machine gun crews were allowed a total of 150 rounds pper gun to practice with, after which they were considered proefficiemt enough in the use of the Maxim. Many of these gunners were 'green', and had never seen combat before. the first 50 shot belt was to learn and sight in, the next to show off, and the third was the 'final exam', upon which, a group of 'volunteers' would charge the gun crew from behind, and while the gun was to be loaded and to fire its entire belt into targets downrange before being tackled.

Drills were also done with the traversing of a machine gun 'sweeping enfalade', and for hand to hand with the MLE.

The Webly was instantly considered a good weapon, merely by its sheer size, it became a much cherished weapon of militia, as it worked the same as any other revolver, and had a simply massive bullet, the main drawback was recoil and range... Thus, these guns were given to the stronger men of the militia.

Still, this 'massive weapons shipment' barely armed 1,000 people, provided 500 of them were content to only be given the revolver, while keeping their older weapons as 'standard'. (Most likely a .451 Martini-Henry, since the Snider-Enfield was phased out of even the most remote militias by 1880... And since the MH was in production up till 1889)
-------

The first thing the militia did was secure what settlements they still controled, this was accomplished without incedent. Later, 1,000 militiamen, containing almost all the new weapons except the havy and burdensome Maxims, attempted an assault upon a native settlement.

The resaults were promising, in spite of the fact that while these men went out, 2,000 natives attacked the recently fortified city, then defended by only 500 militia and armed with many Maxims. The assault was repulsed, much to the astonishment and horror of the defenders...

Meanwhile, the Militia patrol had sacked the native village, only to find itself in a double envolopement by the natves, who then fired into the now dissorganized militia with musket, rifles, and spears, finally closing in for the kill with clubs, firearms used as clubs, bayonets, knives, and more spears.

Of the 1,000 men sent, only 143 managed to crawl back to the vllage later that day, many of these people fled at first sign of destruction, and had lost their weapons.

One of the survivors was 'Lt' Nevill Smith-Melvill. (Fictional name derived from 3 survivors of Battle of Isandlwana)
----------

Later in the month, another settlement was attacked, this one was of special interest, since, as a land mine (old term) was detonated, observers noted a larger than usual fireball, black stuff shooting out of the ground, and that the ground, and watever this black stuff touched, was liable to catch on fire.

It was later discovered that they had inadvertently discovered oil...

The war in Egypt had shaken up the region. The Rotten Four was reeling from the attacks by Kuwaitis supporting the Saud Alliance. Though, this did not stop the Rotten Four from fighting back. Open fighting in the streets took place by the hour, and there had been atleast 400 civilian casualties accounted for so far. The original plan had worked brilliantly. Too brilliantly. The numbers of Kuwaitis enlisting in the New Saudi Army were grand. The ratio for the number of men for every weapon was 12:1. Tikri had to act fast if he was to arm this new army.

"What are you doing sir?" Tikri's Head of Public Affairs had entered the golden quarters of the palace, where Tikri did his work.

"I am drafting a letter to the Kaiser of Germany."

"For what?"

"The guns."

"Ah. The new bolt-action rifles?"

"Yes."

"And you've forgotten the name of them, right?"

"Yes."

"Ah well."

Dear Kaiser of the Prussian Army,

In order to stabilize my region, I will need something to get ahead of the competition. It is this reason that I wish to order 120,500 of your new rifles. You may find it strange I did not include their name, but I am terribly tired and have tremendous pains in my head. Three rocks came through my palace windows today, and one of my servants was struck and killed. I need these rifles quickly. I apologize for my foolishness in not remembering the weapons' name. Please understand that I need these weapons within 4 months, or I will cancel the order and you will not be paid. It is urgent that I get them very very quickly. I apologize ahead of time for any inconvenience this may cause.

He simply used his seal on the letter, and did not bother to sign his name.

Boden,Sweden

Weldheimer sat on his horse and looked at the horizon. In the army camp behind him the men were readying for war. The first war in almost a hundred years. At noon they would move into Finland (OOC:I mean...The area that is unclaimed to the east of the northern extent of my empire...HaHa mods cant complain now!)

----------

Oscar began to think he had made the wrong decision. He wasnt ready for a war. The problem was that the people were. The past eighty or so years were peaceful and people began to get restless. The Empire was in decline.

----------

Weldheimer ordered the men to advance. They were full of zeal. All of them were young and strong. His objective was to secure the northern partition of the country. He had an easily sufficient number of men to do this.

"Piece of cake." He said aloud.

Mister Prime Minister,
The Boer Republik is happy you have allowed us to purchase these arms. The money will be paid shortly. We must ask, though, is it okay for the Republik to be paid in Gold or perhaps gems? As for the embassy situation, We have space for a Norwegien Embassy in Johannesberg.
Your friend and trading partner,
Johannes Brand

----

To The Honorable Johannes Brand,

Gold Bullion is, of course, an acceptable means of payment. As a matter of fact, such a method of payment is much preferred, especially in times as these when the confidence of paper money is dubious at best.

In concern to the state of diplomatic relations between the Boer Republic and Kingdom of Norway, an envoy shall be promptly dispatched to Johannesberg to make the neccessary arrangements for the establishment of a Norwegian Embassy.

Your Humble Servant,

Rt. Hon. Francis Hagerup
Prime Minister of Norway

Oil! Appropriately nicknamed "Black gold" by some, the substance was bitterly fought over throughout the world for its key role in industry. It's presence in a region marks sudden, intense competition for its possession; something the British were unwilling to see happen.

The reports of a discovery of oil in a settlement near the British colony in New Guinea filtered quickly back to the Foreign Office, where plans were drawn up feverishly for action to be taken to secure the precious resource in the name of the Queen. And good profit, of course.

Setting sail for New Guinea was a full Brigade, led by Brigadier Marcus Isham. The men were accompanied by sufficient supplies for a prolonged campaign, and enough weaponry to fight it. Their orders were to reinforce the colonists, set up a base of operations, and secure the area- using any means necessary.

The war in Egypt had shaken up the region. The Rotten Four was reeling from the attacks by Kuwaitis supporting the Saud Alliance. Though, this did not stop the Rotten Four from fighting back. Open fighting in the streets took place by the hour, and there had been atleast 400 civilian casualties accounted for so far. The original plan had worked brilliantly. Too brilliantly. The numbers of Kuwaitis enlisting in the New Saudi Army were grand. The ratio for the number of men for every weapon was 12:1. Tikri had to act fast if he was to arm this new army.

"What are you doing sir?" Tikri's Head of Public Affairs had entered the golden quarters of the palace, where Tikri did his work.

"I am drafting a letter to the Kaiser of Germany."

"For what?"

"The guns."

"Ah. The new bolt-action rifles?"

"Yes."

"And you've forgotten the name of them, right?"

"Yes."

"Ah well."



He simply used his seal on the letter, and did not bother to sign his name.

Luckily, the Kaiser had a sense of humor.

"This is most acceptable." He stated. "The request shall be fufilled over the course of the year.

OCC: Yes, I did read it. However, I haven't had the time to properly respond.

snip

To The Honorable Manuel Cabrillo,

The Kingdom of Norway shall gladly produce and deliver the requested order of 30,000 Krag-Jørgensen Rifles in return for an equitable sum of £4,000,000 British Pounds-Sterling to be made payable to the Norges Bank in Christiana. It can be assured that these rifles will be of the finest quality possible and only further augment the capabilities of the Brazilian trooper.

We thank you for your purchase.

Your Humble Servant,

Hon. Christian Olssøn
Norwegian Minister of Defense

A return some of four million pounds is on its way to the Norges Bank in Christiana. We thank the Kingdom for its speedy return and agreement to ship the rifles.

Best Regards,
Manuel Cabrillo

50km West Of Rovaniemi,Finland

Weldheimer urged the men. They were marching at the fastest pasiible pace for Rovaniemi. If it could be taken quick enough the Fins wouldnt be able to send an amble number of men to hold him back. The King had called up 40 000 more men. Weldheimer was getting 20 000 reinforcements. He watched the horizon for any sign of the enemy. I know your out there. Weldheimer knew the fighting would be fierce and men would be lost.

----------

"Set sail!" The capitain ordered. The Swedish fleet had moved out and was heading for the Finnish controlled islands. He and his collegues were responsible for landing the men on them. Then they were to strangle the FInnish war material being sent from overseas nations, except Germany and Britain if these were heading into FInland they were allowed passage.


OOC:Im not sure if I put my numbers in this thread or the other so ill put them here for now.

North Army/Weldheimer

36 000 Regular Infantry
2 000 Cavalry
2 000 Artillery Troops (Including 1000 Auxilleries)
-55 75mm Field Guns
-45 Howitzers
-75 50mm Field Guns

Naval Forces

2 Battleships
2 Battlecuisers
3 Heavy Cruisers
5 Light Cruisers
7 Frigates
20 Destroyers

Marine Forces:
4 750 Infantry
250 Artillery Troops
-10 50mm Field Guns
-15 75mm Field Guns

bump

((OCC-I am pretty sure that we may be moving offsite for our rp measures in the future, but thus far I don't think that a conclusion has been made, so I am sorta at a loss of what to do here.))

Sorry, I was 'inturrupted' earlier today when writing my first reply.
So most of the 'spur of the moment' post is now gone...

Setting sail for New Guinea was a full Brigade, led by Brigadier Marcus Isham. The men were accompanied by sufficient supplies for a prolonged campaign, and enough weaponry to fight it. Their orders were to reinforce the colonists, set up a base of operations, and secure the area- using any means necessary.

Late December 1897:
New Guinea:

[The people were impressed] by the arrival of a full brigade of the Queen's men, with their bright red tunics (which would not be replaced with khaki IRL until 1902) and well armed and trained to use the MLE, as 5,000 men could be very well used. As could the leadershp of Brigadier Isham.

(Wasn't there a massive complaint that the MLE, and even the SMLE was rather long for jungle fighting)

The Governer of New Guinea suggested that the troops would be better used to help re-train and update the militia, so that they could go home sooner, and so that they would be less reliant upon the British crown to save them again in the event of another crisis.

The militia was mostly armed with Martini-Enfields and Lee-Mettford (MLM) rifles (both of .303 caliber for simplicity) with a few archaic old weapons in the hands of private volunteer 'sharpshooters' since the militia considered the British service rifle horrendously inaccurate at long range, although this was hardly an inssue in New Guinea...

The primary cartridge in service was smokelass SA ball Cordite Mark I. Though the original issue blackpowder ammunition could still be found...
Many of these bullets had star shaped notches indented into the tips (dum-dums [precursure to the Mark 3-5 cordite]). (Note: Nitrocellulose charges are considered unreliable in the tropics, cordite erodes barrels though...)

Having bicked over this, the presiding Governor of New Guinea gave a letter of thanks, though he mentioned that more 'local' ANZAC troops would prove more satisfactory in this sort of fighting.