NationStates Jolt Archive

“Do you swear to faithfully uphold and defend the name of Waldenburg so long as you bear the title of Emperor?”

“I promise to uphold the sovereignty and territories of the Waldenburg Empire and, and serves it’s people till my dying day.” Felix spoke in a whisper that filled the cathedral; it reverberated off the blank faces of starring angels, and saints who watched beatifically on their new Emperor. The crown, a metal affair that had been improvised in about a quarter hour for a king sometime in the 1100’s, was lowered slowly onto the anxious head. It was simply a circlet of tarnished silver, it had been set with sapphires later, and the odd religious symbol had been carved in on the side.

“God Save His Majesty!” The crowd all shouted at once, as the choir broke out singing his praise, and Zadok the Priest shook the rafters till sheets of dust cascaded into the glowing sunlight through the windows portraying the indefinite slaughter of infidels. Heads bowed as the Emperor proceeded down the, purple carpet thrown out for him, a train of six Earls held his long ermine trimmed robe. By tradition every noble, somewhere only slightly fewer than 5,000 would swear loyalty to the Emperor, this however had been waved away. In fact the procession down high domed hall was remarkably fast regal waving never ending between subjects. It would have been slightly undignified if any of the assembled nobles were not throwing their attentions to not making one mistake in the centuries old coronation.

Hundreds of noble faces bobbed as Felix strode by, they knew that this new one was trouble, but if handled right trouble that can be used correctly. The Archbishops started to file after with swarms of lesser priests, if one bomb went the entire Empire would collapse within the day, without an Iron fist of an Emperor or at least the slightly fragrant glove of the Archbishop revolution would flare up before the last bodies fell.

“Sir, this way.” A Divine Legionnaire motioned for him as he reached the last row of pews, “General Forsabben is ready the document is prepared.” As he left the roaring throng inside the cathedral he discarded hi robe in an anti room and jogged up a flight of stairs to the Archbishop’s office. Several men shot to their feet, very creakily, they were old men, men who were prepared to protect the “Waldenburger way of life” which for them meant piles of money, but for those under them meant sleeping in a pile of mud and attempting to eat rocks.

“Your Majesty, it is a pleasure I look forward to serving you, and my divisions look forward to be at the fray.” General Forsabben started to pull of his white gloves and laid his command baton over a large map of the world. Beside it was a smaller more detailed map displaying the North Sea and the dominions of the nations therein.

“Thank you general,” Felix smiled tiredly and flopped himself in a chair, “Coronations do so take it out of you.”

“We wouldn’t know.” There was a polite titter of laughter that the Emperor did not join in, but remained stoic as he surveyed the world.

“What is your plan general?”

“Your majesty,” he picked up a small pointer and began to weave patterns around the table, “We begin after the declaration of war of course with three divisions of cavalry clearing an invasion path, rounding up citizens taking out ambushes spotting, that sort of thing. Hopefully by then the main body of Jagaro’s army will be found, and with the application of 70,000 men should be driven to the sea. Our navy simply completes the blockade either shelling them into oblivion or starves them out depending on the disposition of the commander. I doubt Jagaro will continue on an aggressive path and that should wrap up the war. “General William Forsabben stopped as the old man took in the look on young Emperor’s fiery face.

“And how long will this take?”

“Well mobilization of the outer armies takes much longer then the army of Blunderburg, all of their men mostly come out of villages and farms, our army here is a stones throw away. Maybe 15 days and will be at full strength across the Empire, and the navy is already ready. Possibly four, five months to achieve a unconditional surrender of Jagaro.”

“General we do not have time, a note was delivered today,” as all official communiqués in the Empire, it was removed rather crumpled from an aide’s pocket. “Declaring Bautzen’s intent to protect the world against injustice.” Felix sniffed meaningfully and threw down the note, “We can only assume the world stands behind them.”

“Then surely sir this has gone far enough? We cannot fight the world and win, we cannot stand against a Europe united.”

“By numbers we cannot no, we however have been preparing we shall wash across the unprepared and strike at the knees of the giant. Waldenburg has sat idol for too long, let us flex our muscle. The plan suggested by General Forsabben is in theory perfect however not fast enough, if our enemies are allowed to fortify in Groddenburg our navies will be useless. If Norway is taken, our border is 68 kilometers, which will be updated once war is declared, believe me. Do you believe Wolfenstien is going to attack us? No word has been heard out of that dark Empire for many years, I doubt they will concern themselves. Speed and surprise shall be the order of the hour, if me must fight, then fight now we shall hash out an attack plan now.” The Generals looked sickened but the Admirals delighted, more chances for looting, and as the night rain began to rattle against he stained the officers took a cumulative breath.

An Admiral who had left only temporarily quit the room for the call of nature, retuned to a table of smiling faces. “Admiral Kennedy?” The Emperor asked sweetly, “Would you do something for us?”

June 11th 1916

A surprisingly cold wind rippled the cloaks of the officers on the parade deck of the WIS Forge of Heaven, they were radioing fervently with High command in Blunderburg. “Damn, you’d think it’d be warmer. That’s the Baltic for you.” Admiral Kennedy wrapped his cloak around him; while the others had left theirs open obviously enjoying a cool breeze on a warm day. A junior captain gave the Admiral a strange look and passed a letter to the Vice Admiral in command of a detachment of twenty five submarines who were currently patrolling a large exclusion ground around the fleet of fifty five surface vessels. Kennedy finally noticed he was shaking and chattering his teeth, not for any particular fear, he had personally killed four men with his bare hands and a sewing needle, there were some things you just didn’t do.

“At twelve twenty me make full steam, and then we trust our luck, Admiral,” he saluted a grizzled officer anyone would automatically call a seadog, “You have the bridge.” Kennedy slipped into an conference room, “still about two minutes just get ready.”

“As of today June 11th the Empire of Waldenburg shall render war upon the nation of Jagaro for it’s failure to comply with ultimatums issued to it by our government. Since the annexation of Groddenburg, by Prince’s Edwards government, it’s position has constituted a threat to the Waldenburg Empire, one that sadly must be dealt with in this way. It seems the world is against us, as sad events at the recent peace conference confirm Waldenburg shall not survive unless it bears itself to it’s weapons and arms it’s doves against a sea of hawks. There shall be no surrender, there shall be only victory and whence the victory comes we shall embrace to our hearts that we have done the necessary work, the work which God has ordained for us to perform. Any nation who stands against us shall fall, all those who bear arms against us shall be cut down. The less we sweat in peace the less we must bleed in war, and Waldenburg has sweated it’s people a loyal and devout populace. Victory is assured.”


Signed: By the Grace of God His Most Gracious Imperial Majesty Felix Von Waldenburg I, Council of the Serene Senate, Margreave of Blunderburg, Count of Trant, Count of Breildbreadershiem, Count of Golldon, Earl of Ribe, Grand Duke of Strienlikstern, Lord of the Oceans, Sumpreme Comamnder of Imperial all Forces, Grand Master of the Order ot the Heron, Grand Master of the Order of the Kraken, Viceroy of the Americas and of Asia, Voice of Heaven and Comamnder of the Faithful.

At leat for Admiral Keendy victory was assured, as he ships poured on more coal driving strait fro Jagaro, there would be no time to prepare, there may be an enemy there may not, but there would be a battle.

OOC Well that's that sorted out. jagaro if you could give me a basic description of what I'd come across in Norway that would be infinetly helpful.
This is the general thread for the war but if it get's to confusing we could make more.

ooc: given that the revised version of my attack is part of this war, really, how about we make it's thread the ooc one for this war, and put all IC stuff in this one, humm? http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=526448 << it's there.
that way this one can stay all tidy and ICish. except for this post. which i'll replace with something IC if necessary.

"Extra! Extra! Read all about it! War declared in Norway! Read all about it!"
It was all over the papers. Many of them had picked up on the Commander of the Oceans schtick, and mocked it bitterly. Others claimed the Council of the Supreme Senate meant that Felix had multiple personalities...how else could he be a Council?
One major paper came out in favour of Felix's actions, and refrained from mocking his pompous array of titles. This was the Dunkennen Guardian, which permitted it's opposition to the current government to lead it into supporting a man who stood for the very opposite of the ideals of that worthy paper.

This was taken by most as a demonstration of the strength of free speech; however the renaming of the paper by one of their rivals as the Dunkennen Hypocrite soon caught on, and could be seen to be hitting their sales. The editor was beginning to look shakey.

Meanwhile, in the impromptu nerve centre at the Palace, outside Nescia, where the Tyrant was still conducting business, as soon as word of this emerged, everything stopped.
He immediately called a meeting of both the key Cabinet members, and those heading the investigation.
In a large Council Chamber, still decorated as that of ancient royal days, crucial decisions would be made.

"Gentlemen, we are gathered here to make critical choices in how we respond to this. We have anticipated it for some time, now we must make use of that preparation."
"First, Tyrell. How fares the investigation?"

"Excellently sir. One of the prisoners cracked last night, and the other broke when he heard, in hopes that he could make himself a more useful Tyrant's Witness than his 'comrade'."
"So you have information that you believe reliable from both of them?"
"Yes sir. Both claim that they got the machine gun from men of Felix's personal guard, and were able to identify those men when shown photographs. This was consistent with what we knew of the locations of Felix's guard in the hours leading up to the attack."
"Have they divulged when they were turned? Who by? Who handled them?"
"No, however both are from poor families which were mysteriously saved from destitution some years ago. It may go back quite some way."
"Very well. That information is enough. We will release it. What other evidence do we have, however circumstantial?"
"The tracks discovered immediately led to Felix's airship. That is about all, I am afraid. I will get you the full report at once."
"Thank you, Tyrell."

The investigation into the origins of the 'Palace Murders' as they seem to have become known, has made a crucial advance.
Interrogation of the murderers has unveiled that they obtained the tool of their murderous destruction from members of Prince Felix's personal guard. They were able to identify the individual members of Felix's guard involved, and this was independently verified by our knowledge of the Waldenburgers whereabouts at the time.
While we have openly examined every aspect, the evidence is now clear. No other nation had the means, the motive or the opportunity to carry out this dastardly act:
Waldenburg was the only nation bringing it's own airship - space to carry the weapon.
That airship was where tracks discovered at the machine gun led back to.
The murderers admit to having been agents of a foreign power, and have identified Waldenburger guards as the providers of the weapon.
With interrogation of the murderers almost complete, they will soon be passed to Illar, to punish as that great nation sees fit for the death of her Ambassador, Alutius.

"Now, in the second phase of this meeting, what we must consider is how Incognitia responds."
"To the plot, or the declaration of war?"
"I am afraid I do not think we can separate the two responses."
"Who will be fighting Waldenburg?"
"Illar, Bautzen, Jagaro and the Anj."
"And who with them?"
"Possibly Germany. Our negotiations with them in Warsaw have not yet fully borne fruit."

Over the sudden low babble of vital information exchange (though at least one man at the back was heard to ask when the coffee break would be) the Tyrant spoke once more.
"We must consider whether we can allow an attack by Waldenburg on our soil to pass, as well as abandoning our strongest allies and permitting Jagaro to be crushed.

What is the readiness of the Fleet?"

"Good sir. A few vessels are undergoing repairs, or on regular patrols in the Mediterranean. The rest of the Fleet is in a high state of readiness, and those unready would not be sent, most likely, but retained for home defence."

"And of the Army?"

"Well, the mobilisation test went well. We can undergo a partial mobilisation; send perhaps two divisions to aid in fighting Waldenburg; and yet have our defences in a stronger state within a week than they are now."

"How much should we mobilise?"

"I think one third of the reserve, so five divisions, with warning notices to the rest which will speed their response if we need them."

"And how long will it take to get the two divisions embarked, linked in with the Fleet, and on their way?"

"Well, if we send the 1st (Lowland) and the 17th (Nescia), they're already based along the coast, so probably only three days for embarkation amd link-up."

"We can go to war; we have the ships, we have the men, and from a brief perusal of the budget we have the money. So gentlemen, in open vote, I call upon you thus: do we war on Waldenburg?"

A few brave souls voted no. By the conventions of Cabinet, this was accepted, and as long as they worked henceforth as though they had voted yes, they would maintain their positions. Only if they felt unable to do this, were they expected to step down.
A clear majority voted in favour. War it was.

of Jagaro and of the law; in retribution, for what we now know to have been a Waldenburger attack on our soil; in support of our allies.
For all these reasons, Incognitia now considers herself to be in a state of war with Waldenburg.
All Waldenburgers in Incognitia, or in Egypt, will be permitted to leave Incognitia if they begin at once; and if necessary provided with transport to a neutral power. We will be withdrawing our diplomatic representation from Waldenburg, and Incognitia Airlines are terminating their routes to Waldenburg for the duration of hostilities.
All Incognitians in Waldenburg are called upon to leave forthwith. If you need assistance to depart, and miss the departure of the Embassy, call upon the Embassy of Caxistan for assistance.
We state now that we expect Waldenburg to respect Incognitian citizens in their country, as we are respecting Waldenburger citizens in ours.
Any Waldenburger naval ships discovered by elements of the Incognitian Fleet are now subject to destruction, restricted only by the normal rules of war.
Any Waldenburger merchant ships discovered, even in international waters, by elements of the Fleet, will be subject to inspection for war materiel, and compulsory purchase of their cargos.

OOC: My understanding of the state of the Law of the Sea at this point, is that it recognises free passage of the High Seas in time of peace, but permits nations at war to stop or destroy merchant shipping of their enemies, obviously for purposes of blockade &c.

OOC: I ment to post this yesterday but didnt have enough time. So ICly this will have occurred around 3 days before Felix's coronation.

IC:
As acting Head of the Bautzonian Government King James was holding a meeting in Bautzen's strongest fortress positioned in south-western Bautzen. Present at this meeting were the Ministers of Defense, and War, the acting Head of Bautzonian Intelligence and Foreign Relations, most of the General Staff and the Admiralty, and the King himself.

"My Lord, it will come to war the cabinet has already informed Waldenburg that in the event of their declaration of war against Jagaro we will go to war with them. Admiral Farnsworth has informed us that the fleet is ready and I have just received word from Illar that they will be willing to house three divisions of our men in Brittiny to await a declaration of war. General Tishman has informed us that the Gaurds, 2 Cavalry, and 4th Infantry Divisions are being moved onto transports as we speak. The main reasoning behind this second meeting is to decide whether or not to begin mobilization. We would all appreciate your input into this matter Sir."

"Well," the King began; "we must at least begin a partial mobilization as we are deploying half of our regular army to assist Jagaro and we may be forced to 'encourage' Kansiov to order the Waldenburger fleet to leave their port as per the rules of war regarding neutrals housing belligerent ships. So I would move for us to mobilize the Primary reserves while placing the Secondary reserves on notice. Do you gentlemen agree with my assesment."

There was a general murmur of assent as each man nodded or in some other way expressed their support for the proposal.

"Excellent!" The King concluded. "Well then we all have much work to do, I will be returning to the capitol to take over the day to day task of running the Kingdom for the next few days until Prime Minister Walters returns from Incognitia. I expect all of this to be carried out quickly so that we will be prepared when a formal declaration finally arrives."
_________________________________
OOC: This is my declaration of war against Waldenburg, issued the day after Waldenburg declares war on Jagaro.

IC:
The King approached the balcony from which he would be giving the most important speech of his reign. He would be addressing a crowd of thousands outside of his palace in Cetinburg, and he would be informing the people of Bautzen that, for the first time in half a century, Bautzen was at war.

He entered the Balcony and slowly, patiently awaited quiet. Quickly the crowd of an estimated four thousand grew silent. Gazing outat the crowd, the picture of royal serenity and calm. He began his address in an unwavering voice which commanded the attention of all present, not because of overwhelming power, but because of his measured tone and perffect inflection. He had never been considered much of a speaker by most in Bautzen, but that day he gave the most commanding and eloquent speech that any King of Bautzen, indeed any Bautzonian politician, had ever made.

"My People, Ladies and Gentlemen of this great nation; my citizens. I come to you bearing the gravest news that I have ever had to express. For, my people, we are at war! We are as of 7 O'clock this very morning at war with the nation of Waldenburg. For many of you this is a shock for, I came to power promising a new peaceful, and prosperous Bautzen. But, My good People, situations change and as your rular and a sovereign who believes in Justice and Equality I cannot stand here and quietly endure the wrongs done to the world by Emperor Felix and his citizens. I cannot, I will not, stand by and watch him bully his way across the world stage, all the while spouting off speaches about 'honor' and 'civility.'

My People, nor can I watch while he makes slanderous, and as we have all been shown by great Incognitian investigative work, increadibly false accusations blamming our own Ministers and citizens for an assasination attempt which he arranged himself. I will not allow the cowardly Emperor Felix to walk unimpeded across the world maintaining that he is a noble and just monarch.

'Justice' that word now bears new meaning to many in the world. In Waldenburg 'Justice' is assaination attempts used to discredit good men. Just is the rule of a few rich men over a poor and woefully oppressed population. 'Justice' means show trials, and press censurship in Waldenburg now. In other words, My Friends, in Waldenburg 'Justice' is anything but Just. In Waldenburg the Emperor rules without the consent, nor the wish to help, his people. Good People of Bautzen, there is a time for isolationalism, but this is not it. To allow Waldenburg to do whatever its malicious Emperor wishes would be to allow a power crazed madman to come one step closer to his ultimate goal of ruling the world! We will not allow Waldenburg to write International Law, we shall force Waldenburg to follow the establishments of international law and by doing so we will help ensure a brighter future for Europeans and all people of the world.

My People, God Bless Bautzen, God Bless Our Great and Noble Cause, and God Bless Liberty! Thank you.

With that the King stepped back from the podium and set to work carrying out maintaining a Kingdom at war. The Prime Minister would be returning shortly but the King quickly responded to Incognitia's request for a joint convoy bearing their troops to the fight. Bautzens response was that it would be happy to direct its convoy to whatever port Incognitia wishes to embark from and informing them that the convoy will be escorted by 10 Bautzonian destroyers. Bautzonian foreign missions in Waldenburg are ordered to leave and all Waldenburger citizens in Bautzen are given a 48 hour span from which any ships they own will be permitted to leave Bautzonian ports and all others are encouraged, though not required to find passage on neutral vessels. The remainder of the Bautzonian fleet is ordered to set forth for the Bosphourous straight and to make port there for as long as permitted by international law by which time the Waldenburger fleet should be approaching. They will then wait just inside international waters for the Waldenburger fleet.

"That is what we forgot! Bautzen will of course be joining the conflict; they will be sending troops; they will have to destroy the Waldenburger ships in the Black Sea. Perhaps we should link in with them on our way to Waldenburg."
"Excellent plan. Send a swift message to their High Command."


We understand that you will be joining the broader effort against Waldenburg. Given our clear intention to send both naval and military forces, we believe it to be in both our interests to link up to make that journey.

Imperial Response To: the Government of Incognita
From: His Most Gracious Imperial Majesty Felix Von Waldenburg

You dare splash such slander across the worlds press? You dare accuse Waldenburg of machine-gunning their own guards, of wounding their prince? We over estimated your intelligence services you believe such rubbish, people are above all the easiest to fabricate our minds easiest to change. We should better place our trust in mechanical and physical evidence rather then trust the words of obviously corrupt men. In consequence for your blatant accusations and many attacks on the good name of Waldenburg we are severing political contact between out nations. We are also severing links between Bautzen, as your nations seem to be chums despite the obvious evidences you shall surely be able to pass on that information through the lips of one of Incognita’s less corrupt ministers. They may also splash across their papers that we also declare war, put that your rags if you have need of news.

Signed:
George Lowlblatter Undersecretary of the Fisheries




Imperial Announcement To: The World
From: His Most Gracious Imperial Majesty Felix Von Waldenburg

In my hands I hold a copy of Incognita’s most recent edition of lies and slander. May I remind the world that if Waldenburg were to plan an attack such as this, we would not have placed the weapon behind it’s crown Prince and it’s own soldiers. Though the assailants did confess they undoubtedly did so under threats and violence. The word of man may be changed so easily, as is proved by the corruptness of Incognitan security that they may be bought in paid for by the nation of Bautzen. Be not swayed by the deranged ravings of the dying remember the concrete evidence of fact, such as the willingness of myself to hand over the attacker to the Tyrant’s guards. Would I do such a thing if a Waldenburg Royal had masterminded the plot? However I wish to assure the world that if any member of my crew took part in this attack they shall explain their actions in every city of the Empire, at the same moment.

Signed:
Emperor Felix Von Waldenburg

“Good morning Minister, I trust you sleep well our debates last night certainly wore me don?” Felix did not rise as the new minister of Information; Alexander Parsons entered the room and bowed from the waist to the seated figure.

“Well enough, your majesty.” Parsons faltered he had a slight lisp which gave him a general humorous aura, which he well made up for by having two men executed since breakfast. “Why have I been called?”

“Ah not a man to mess about are you?” Felix set down a steaming cup with a tiny chink upon a waiting saucer, “As you probably may have guessed by being there we are at war with Jagaro, and probably the world. This is not a war we can win by using only our fists, every weapon in our arsenal must be deployed, we must not fear retribution for we are the bringers of retribution. Do you follow?”

“Not specifically but generally yes Majesty.”

“Incognita declared war on us this morning, this you probably know. If not Waldenburg would demand a better minister.” Felix stood and walked to a picture window the magnolias lining the grand drive of the city were soaked with rain and even now police were out in numbers, generally for the purpose of smashing small breakable items, and hassling shop keepers. “They ask for the basic package, their citizens are to be respected their ships allowed get away time, that sort of thing. As a caring and respectful nation we will do so immediately, pack them up and send them home. However as devious, low bastards we shall return them home with a little more then they bargained for.” Parsons still looked confused, so Felix sighed and turned his full attention to the man.

“This morning I was having a word with Dr. Hellozor at the Imperial Free Hospital, he says there are so many things that can happen on long ocean voyages, things that are regrettable to us all. “ Still nothing from the information minister, “Oh God man, give them smallpox infected blankets feed them warm nourishing soup packed to the brim with vitamins and Burkholderia pseudomallei!”

“You want them poisoned sir?”

“More then that I want them infected, six Imperial freighters, shall take a load of three thousand refugees back to Bautzen and Incognita, we’ll brand them trouble makers and show them out of the country, Incognita will probably understand and is probably replying in kind. As they leave, hand them blankets and cups of soup, they shall spread our greatest weapon, and not one of our own must die. Now do you understand?”

“Yes Sir,” Parsons dull expression turned to one of great joy, if this was because of his understanding or the fact he was allowed to have his hand at millions of citizens.

“I’ll allow you to work out the details but we’ve already started rounding up people to load the ships, they should depart soon. On your way out have a word with Dr. Hellozor he is a wealth of information, which you may find vital.

Imperial Message To: Our Incognitan Enemies
From His Most Gracious Imperial Majesty Felix Von Waldenburg

Though we detest your baseless act of war, we do respect the rules of war. Your citizens inside Waldenburg have been instructed to leave, several thousand Bautzoonians and Incognitan’s have refused to go or have been deemed possible spies by the IIS. Tiring but we must deport them by transport, other then that minor point we accept everything in your declaration. They should arrive within three weeks, and we would not be appalled if your nation deported anyone Waldenburger who stays behind. We would in fact prefer it but all our nationals shall be withdrawn.

Signed:
His Most Gracious Imperial Majesty Felix Von Waldenburg


OOC Bautzen and Incognita feel free to rp out any possible infections at your liesure liquid time whatever. Now to wait for Jagaro.

OOC: Whats the gestation period for small pox?

OOC: I expect there to be a minor outbreak of melioidosis, given that it will probably infect many of those on board the ship but doesn't spread well from person to person.
As far as small-pox is concerned, vaccination has been compulsory in Incognitia since 1853 (as in Britain IRL).
Despite this, not everyone will have been vaccinated, and a small percentage who have will be infected regardless, so expect maybe a hundred deaths from that before it's brought fully under control.

Oh, we were going to use Roll the Dice as OOC for this, weren't we? I'll work up a bit of IC for this and move this OOC there.

OOC sorry i thought we were still using the other thread

"Your Highness Waldenburg has invaded The Ravenland." James told prince Edward.

"Damn how quickly can we get troops there."

"Two weeks at the soonest and by then there will be a blockade through and unless it is full of large holes we will be doing nothing but sending good Jagarons to a watery grave."

"Well then The Ravenland is lost, we must strike somewhere else. Tell the defence committee to triple costal defences, send 3/4 which where to be sent The Ravenland to Newfoundland as it will surly be unprotected and the rest are to meet up with Allied troops for strike on the Waldenburg mainland."

"Yes your highness. What of Waldenburgers in Jagaro"

"They are to be sent to internment camps for sevalince and given 'jobs'."

'Jobs' James knew ment 60 cent a day forced labor in the lead mines on greenland a terrible fate to be sure but not as bad for Jagaro's image as public executions nor is it much better. James was starting to worry about Edward it seemed this whole mess was starting to take its toll on him but since he was not a noble he could not chalenge him.

Anjahlixz Blejin, June 12, 1916:

Albert Lux sat at the head of a conference table covered in maps and charts, around which were arrayed his foreign minister, Air Marshal, Grand Admiral, And Marshal General.

"well, gentlemen. it's official. war has come to Europe, and it's right on our front door. what do we do?" Lux asked, leaning back in his chair.

"sir" Marshal General Alesoph stood, and began placing markers on the map that took up the center of the table "the current plan, such as it is, calls for us to make a lightning strike upon the Waldenburg Empire's territory on our boarder.

shifting the home fleet to near the Osteian coast to keep the White Sea open for our allies, we have the leviathans split into two groups and strike Waldenburg's ports in Denmark, hopefully catching their fleets. your instructions to find a way to allow them to destroy battleships have born fruit, it seems. each leviathan will be carrying in it's bomb bays four modified shells, of the type used in the main guns in our dreadnought. the only modification being stabilizing fins for accuracy.

both groups will loop around, one over the north sea and one, unfortunately, over Germany, so as not to cross the boarder. we don't want to give them Any warning.

the navy will send it's HKs to hunt and sink Waldenburg ships as possible. initially, however, the HKs will blockade their western naval base, as well as the straights, preventing any escape.

meanwhile, the first, third and fourth cavalry divisions, with attached artillery brigades, only a day or two out of position currently due to previous plans regarding the German coast, shall make a rapid strike across the border of Denmark. the first shall strike between the two easternmost forts on the border, and secure the railway there. the third shall proceed through the same gap, then swing around to take the castle nearest the lines and it's artillery battery. the fourth shall take soundsburg and then the Baltic naval base. there are further plans for the next step, but they are dependent on the outcomes of these attacks.

while this is going on, the fifth infantry division, with attached artillery, shall attack up the north sea coast, crossing the lines between the western most fortress and the coastal battery there. advancing up the coast, they are first to take the battery, then to swing back down and, depending on the situation and what re-enforcements we can get, take the fortress it's self.

there is one thing working greatly in our favor. for reasons unknown, Felix has spread his forces very thin. there is, on average, one man for every six point... i can't read the last number, it's all smudged. anyway, a bit under 7 meters of line. even with rough guesses as to the break down of forces and method of deployment, that leaves every company defending over a kilometer. we only need, at most, two gaps two kilometers long to make our strikes.

you can, i hope, see the implications?"

there were various expressions of agreement and pleasure returned, then he continued

"it is advised that formal deceleration of war and international justification, as well as a call for assistance from all interested parties, Incognitia, Illar, and so on, be made Simultaneously with these assaults. that call may be semi-redundant, as we already know they plan to get involved anyway, but it is the form of the thing."

"Sir" as the Marshal General took his seat, Grand Admiral Aphalle spoke his piece "there is No way we can win this if the Waldenburg army has time to mobilize or prepare for our attack. their potential forces in Denmark alone outnumber our entire army, according to the RES. but they will take months to mobilize further, and weeks to deploy into proper positions, if we strike Now."

Pemji interrupted "it is likely that Incognitia and Illar will both assist us in this with all haste, but if we wait until they are ready, the Waldenburgers will have already mobilized, and we cannot afford to get involved once that happens. even this plan is a great risk to the fleet. it does have an interesting side note to go with it though. depending on what the Germans do, it could trigger the pretext we need to deal with that problem as well."

"how long?" was Lux's only reply.

Alesoph responded quickly. "we can begin the attack in three days. if all goes perfectly, which as we all know it never does, we should have Denmark within two months. failing that, we have perhaps another month in which to win in that area or gain significant support. after that, if anything but mop up remains, we begin losing ground by the simple expedient of being massively outnumbered. three weeks after that, we'd be back to our own border. after that... who knows?

that is how the analysts play it, anyway. personally I'd be inclined to say that we'd have to hit the half way point in a month, and completion within three. "

Lux's response was not entirely unexpected. "the Reich has always taken big risks in the name of continued existence and great gain. there is much to be gained here. everything has been taken into account as much as possible, yes?" various affirmative responses were returned. "very well. once more the Reich rolls the dice, gentlemen." he stood and signed the official proposal as well as the diplomatic announcements that were attached to it. "let it ride."

ooc: assuming I'm not forgetting, the White Sea was the name for the English Channel before there was an England for it to be named after. given that there's no england in this RP....
so, no, for those of you with enough geographical knowledge to know about it, I'm not talking about the one near Russia.

Captain Hanner looked out from the deck of the SS Earnest.

Around him, he could see some of the other twenty ships carrying the 1st (Lowland) Division, along with some of the similar number carrying the 17th (Nescia), and the many carrying ammunition and stores for the said divisions.

On the ship with him, were to be found the rest of his company, and most of the rest of his battalion; though the CO, Lieutenant Colonel Witton, was elsewhere, planning with the Navy brass, or rather hanging on the coat-tails of his superior, the Brigadier, who was himself...
They were good lads, his men, the professional soldiers of Charlie Company. Oh, they'd drink and they'd brawl, and they'd raise hell when 'on the toon'. But when they were operational...then his boys were disciplined. Then they fought hard, and fought to win.
They'd been on ops in the southern borderlands, stationed there for a while...
Well. Now they were sailing to the far north. He basked in the Mediterranean sunshine, still gazing at the transports and their escorts, as the task force sailed for Denmark.
It was a Thursday...June 15th, 1916.
And half the navy...more than half!...and two army divisions, were sailing to war.

OOC: Based on what research I've been able to do, both into merchant ships of the time, and into how much tonnage of shipping was required to transport a division, I believe these numbers to be plausible, if not entirely accurate.
Thus why it is told by an Army Captain...if there's any error, he doesn't know any better.

Eastern Waldenburger Naval Base [Denmark] , June 15 1916

the sun would rise soon. all was prepared.

in the darkness, seven airships made good speed towards their destination. in the skies of Europe, this was not exactly an unusual thing. until, that is, one noticed that these airships were flying in formation, and not along any of the regular routs.

traveling at just shy of one hundred kilometers an hour, the Leviathans, for that is what they were and why they were behaving so oddly when compared to regular merchant airships, would reach their destination before the sun appeared over the horizon.

packed full of death for their foes, the Reich's secret weapon rumbled on.

****

western naval base:

like it's counterparts in the east, the Waldenburg naval base here was but minutes away from feeling the full fury of seven Leviathans unleashed to do their work. here, though, there was an added surprise. any Waldenburg ships that managed to flee port would find themselves headed straight toward ten of the Navy of the Reich's HK PA class submarines.

Flight Captain Lord-Noble Edward uph Sutland, Captain of the Leviathan T class combat airship Eden, and Commador of the Second Task Force of the Air Force of the Reich, smiled to himself.

the one and only function of the Leviathans that had been fully tested under real world conditions, though admittedly not in combat, was night flying.

oh, true, the gun crew were a mix of ex naval and army artillery personal, so they knew what they were doing well enough, and all had trained in simulation. many of the engineering crew had been part of the construction effort for these monsters of the skies, so they knew what they were about as well. but the Leviathans had never before seen combat, even mock combat. the need for secrecy had seen to that.

still. surprise was on their side.

"signal the Task Force. thirty minutes until we reach target. form on the Eden, make ready, and no further signals until given the order to strike."
"make ready, no further signals. aye sir. signaling now."

brief flashes of signal lamps, as used by the navy, went out.

******

Anjahlixz Blejin.

"send the messages now. the attack begins in less than a half hour. they are backdated by twenty four hours, yes?"
"yes sir"
"good."

Albert Lux smiled.

******

Anj/Waldenburg border, east.

in the dark of the night, the Anj forces had made their final moves into position. as the sun came up, they would make their attacks.

the cavalry were dismounted. none were foolish enough to risk their horses in the face of trenches and machine guns, however few. they would reclaim them once they had their breech, mount up, and ride forth.

the artillery, a full devision of it, was deployed and ready to begin bombarding the Waldenburg line. it would fire for five minutes just prior to the strike.

the armored cars were held in reserve, and the engineers stood ready to bridge and fill the trench line, as well as construct their own forts at either end of the breach to hold it open.

Marshal Sinel checked his pocket watch, it's casing decorated with many of the old spirits. quarter of an hour until the attacks began.


******

Anj/Waldenburg boarder, West

the last elements were in place. Anj infantry flitted towards the border as few others were able to, moving by company, by platoon, by squad. they would hit the line across a broad front, appearing suddenly and with little warning.

their artillery and engineers waited quietly, ready to assist when, where, and as needed.

five minutes until the attack began.


ooc: there you go. i think I'm going to need a little more information before i can make the attacks proper. [details such as bombs hitting battleships are kinda meaningless if there are no battleships there, for example] but perhaps not. next post [probably later] is the attack it's self.

OOC: I may not have internet access for a week or more from now, so if we could keep the actual naval combat to a minimum, until such time as I can

"War has come to Europe. War, gentlemen. War such as it has never been before. Waldenburg challenges all of Europe with her actions, and we must respond. For the Illar have never sought war, yet we are ready for it, if it comes to us. We cannot pay tribute to the trumped-up Emperor Felix, nor obseiance. Thus it is that Waldenburg must be destroyed. I can say only this. They will not succeed in their aggression."

The council nodded vigorously, and agreed with the Emperor. "My cousin, Alutius, was slain by a Waldenburg plot, no doubt masterminded by Felix himself!", yelled a councillor.

"We have no proof of that.", spoke the Emperor, calmly.

"Do we really need it? Waldenburg have shown by their actions such a massacre was in their favour, and none other."

"Perhaps. I will exact the truth from Felix when the time comes. Now. There is to be war. You have already made it so that the Assembly has voted for funding and equipping this war?"

"Yes, my liege."

"Excellent. I do not wish to begin with overly risky warfare. Until we can be assured of a fleet-in-being in both the North Sea and English Channel, we must risk no major confrontation with the Waldenburger Navy. Once the Incognitian and Bautzonian fleets are in place, we will begin to conduct offensive action."

"The army, your grace?"

"Send it to the Anj Reich. No doubt a few divisions of infantry, and with the artillery we can bring to bear will give them the ability to break through Waldenburg's defenses."

"Mexico?"

"Three battlecruisers, as many destroyers as the Admiralty deem necessary, and two divisions of the Colonial Corps, we'll be able to spare soon. We will wrest Waldenburg's colonies from them one by one."

"India?"

"The Indian Division is prepared to strike down into Waldenburger territory. Send an envoy to China, and offer them the Waldenburger colonies there, should they wish them."

The Emperor was suddenly magnetic in his enthusiasm, he was not an aggressive man, but he had served in the Army in his day - as a corporal, lieutenant, as a major, and as a general, all ranks someone who might ascend the throne were required to serve.

"We must mobilize the Infantry Corps, to serve in the Reich, and the Mountaineer Corps to man the defensive lines at full strength. We can ship 785 field guns over to the Reich, as well as their crews, and we'll bring the rest of the combat crews over later."

A general spoke. "Siege guns?"

"The Anj assure me this will be over quickly. Of course.. yes, it might be best. Prepare some of the 900 mm mortars. Three, or four. If the line doesn't break, we'll give them a bit more effort."


As a result of Waldenburg's declaration of war on Jagaro, and a steadfast refusal to negotiate with the powers of Europe, a state of war hereby exists between the Illar Empire and Waldenburg. There will be no peace made, only surrender accepted. Illar citizens in the Waldenburg Empire have already been recalled, and those who refuse to return are considered enemies of the Empire, and will have their citizenship revoked.

It is with a heavy heart that we come to this decision, but one does not stop the wolf by feeding it. I say this. Waldenburg will cease to exist as a Great Power, if it ever did at all, by the time this war is over. Those of us who fight for the Illar, the Anj, the Bautzonians, the brave Jagarans, and the Incognitians, rest assured that we will find only victory here.

- Emperor Alutius, War-Marshal of the Empire.

Telegram to Germany
In realization of this war, and the fact that we are threatened by the Waldenburgers - as you are threatened by their ability to close off the Oresund, an agreement must be reached. For the German Empire is a power we do not wish to weaken, and all powers rely somewhat on Illar trade. We offer, in return for protection by your navy in the Baltic, the protection of your shipping up to the point where it must enter the Baltic. This will allow us to continue the highly lucrative trade with Germany, and, of course, will allow you to continue to benefit from cheap Illar imports.

If Waldenburg decides to close the Oresund, it threatens trade and prosperity within Europe. We offer you this, and, furthermore, as a sign of our good faith in this deal, would be willing to remove all fees and tariffs involved with travelling through both the Suez Canal and the Gilbratar Strait, so that the prosperity of Germany is not threatened by this war.

A deal would harm Illar income greatly. Yet it would increase the chance of Germany staying neutral, or joining the Illar side, to retain their trade. A war against both Germany and Waldenburg was winnable, but certainly not desirable.

Eastern Waldenburger Naval Base [Denmark] , June 15 1916

as they closed on their targets, the Leviathans of the First Task Force of the Air Force of the Reich also ceased communicating with one another. if they had so wished, they could have shut down their engines and run silently as well, however Flight Captain Dephi, commodore of the force, was not confident that the engines could be restarted quickly enough once the Kraft were over the target. now, he thought, was not the time to find out. besides, their altitude and the unlikeliness of their method of attack should be more than enough to make up for any warning the Waldenburgers might get from the sound of their engines.

western naval base

in the west, Edward followed the plan to the letter, just as his counterparts in the other elements of the attack, or so he hoped.

he split his forces in two, having four of them swing around to bring the port under fire from four different sides with their guns, while the remaining three, including the Eden, made their bombing runs. once the first group had completed their attack, they would trade places.

'each Aeroz Kraft to take a different target, the largest warships you can find, and drop full bomb load upon it, then bombard the port out of existence or until forced to withdraw' were his orders, and that was what he was going to do.

Telegram to Waldenburg, copies sent to Illar, Incognitia, and others hostile to Waldenburg

June 14, 1916

as of this date, the Anj Reich and Waldenburg are at war. this is due to a combination of recent events, alliances, and the simple fact that Waldenburg represents the second greatest threat to the Anj people, and the most likely to act against the Reich's interests. Waldenburg citizens within the Reich will be deported to neutral nations at this time.

at this point the Reich calls upon it's allies to honor their agreements, it's friends to draw closer, form alliances, and assist, and all others to join the fight on the side of angels, or stay home.

Signed

Albert Lux
Reichgone of the Anj Reich.

Anj/Waldenburg border, east.

the attack began in the simplest of manners. in the dark, the dismounted soldiers of the Reich had crept as close as they dared to the Waldenburg lines, and when the signal was given, they charged. roughly ten thousand men in ten waves charged a stretch of trench line slightly less than two kilometers wide, defended by less no more than half a battalion.

the signal had been the end of a five minute artillery bombardment by the full four hundred gun division they had brought with them (the guns had been deployed several ranks deep and were firing over the tops of the ones in front, unpleasant for the gunners, but effective for heavy barrages such as this required) , and until they began firing their rifles, they charged in silence.

Anj/Waldenburg boarder, West

the battle here was far less spectacular. a small detachment of the Reich infantry simply marched up to the lines in their usual travel column. when they halted before the Waldenburg lines, their commander handed a (legitimate, thanks to the RES) order for their division to assist the Waldenburg army, as well as (also legitimate) travel papers, stamped customs documents, and so on. the Lieutenant explained that they were the point company and that the rest of the division would be along within the next few hours, Anj infantry always marching as if in hostile territory.

having crossed the lines, they then proceeded to turn and attack, focusing on the machine gun teams and making liberal use of grenades. at the same time their comrades still in front of the lines made their assaults.

the results were... not pretty. and Anj casualties were light.

ooc: err, hope i didn't break anything with that last one. well, you know, 'cept the line. and the guys there. if i have to i can change it, but this is just the kind of thing the Reich does, and RPing out a 10 minute encounter would take us a long time, holding up the rest of the war.

Orleans, capital of Immyr. 10:15 PM local. June 14th, 1914

"My God," muttered His Majesty, King Alphonse. The King sat slumped behind his massive oak desk, the lights of Orleans gleaming through the window over his shoulder. The three men seated opposite him reclined quietly and waited. "I had hoped that war could somehow be avoided. I see now what a mistake that was on my part."

"I dare say that we all shared that hope Your Majesty," stated Prime Minister Dumont. "Now that war has come, we must decide what the Kingdom's position will be." The King's lips turned up slightly at the corners as he sat upright.

"Are you prodding your Sovereign, Mr. Prime Minister?" chuckled the King. "Trying to keep me from sulking are you?" Prime Minister Dumont smile matched that of the King but he said nothing. "You're right of course. WHat say you gentlemen? What will be the Immyrian response?" The Defense Minister cleared his throat and all eyes turned to him.

"You would be well within your authority as King to order the deployment of active duty forces to the borders. At this point, it is no longer a question of provocation but a question of preparedness," he stated. "I would not advocate the mobilization of the Reserve simply because it is not needed at this point. The impact to the national economy would be significant as well and so should be avoided as long as possible."

"And what of Parliament?" queried the King, although he knew the answer.

"We would, of course, keep Parliament appraised of the situation. However, unless our plan is to authorize offensive action outside of our own borders, Parliament need not take any action," responded the Defense Minister. Throughout the whole conversation, the Foreign Minister had remained quiet. The King looked to him now.

"A diplomatic solution is not completely out of the question Your Majesty but things do look bleak. At this juncture, I am forced to agree with my colleague. We need to hope for the best and prepare for the worst," was the quiet response to the King's unspoken query. The King gazed speculatively at his ministers before nodding.

Four hours later, movement orders began to make there way out of the Defense Ministry enroute to the various regional command centers. As the various general officers receipted these orders and began issuing orders of their own, active Army units began to muster and prepare of deployment. It would shape up to be the largest military deployment in Kingdom history. Over the coming days and weeks, seventy thousand Immyrian soldiers would be deployed to the Kingdom's eastern most borders. Among those units being deployed along the Immyr/Anj border were several hundred 75mm field guns. Along the northern coast, construction was sped up on coastal defense positions. On the borders shared with Lyon and Illar, border security units were strengthened and border security tightened but no additional Army units were deployed. Slowly, the Immyrian military machine was awakening.

ooc: HFT, can i get a date stamp on that post please? you can be sure i'll be reacting to it, but How depends on when it is. i'll replace this with an IC post once the information is available. any further discussion goes in the "roll of the dice" thread, which is this one's ooc thread and linked near the top of the page.

Dear Anj Reich
Nerom would like to supply a division to support you in this war, I would of course like soe of the money from the victory. To arrive in your teritory

Marshal Garros
Supreme Commander of the Nerom Army

Dear The Illar Empire
I hear that you are taking part in the war against Waldenburg, and I would like to request that your navy would transport my division to the enemy.

Marshal Garros

ooc what happens if HT does not reply

Dear Anj Reich
Nerom would like to supply a division to support you in this war, I would of course like soe of the money from the victory. To arrive in your teritory

Marshal Garros
Supreme Commander of the Nerom Army

Dear The Illar Empire
I hear that you are taking part in the war against Waldenburg, and I would like to request that your navy would transport my division to the enemy.

Marshal Garros

ooc what happens if HT does not reply

ooc: he won't for a while. he has exams and stuff to deal with. what happens is that anything that hinges on his actions is delayed until he returns. given that we've got to a point where most posts are in a scale of minutes and hours, rather than weeks and months, i don't see that being a problem.

also note: the contents of this post take place on the 16th, so it does not in any way affect the first day of combat on the anj/waldenburg border. errr, this is also the post that was going to replace the ooc post i made earlier, just fyi

IC:

Albert Lux read the note from Nerom and simply laughed.

"fools. they destabilize the south, and expect a war to be profitable? war makes money only for those who make weapons, and for mercenaries. and the Reich will have nothing to do with mercenaries of That sort. not so long as its Reichgone has a brain in his head." he flicked his wrist, and the note spun across the room "Edjar, have Pemji send a reply. make it polite, for preference, but tell them to go peddle their incompetence elsewhere.

now, what's this i here about Immyr mobilizing?"

"Sir," the prime minister responded "they see war and destabilization, and threats. and so they prepare. i would suggest proposing some sort of agreement with them so as to keep that front peaceful. one less direction to worry about, and the Osteians would not appreciate another war through their homes so soon. the reconstruction is not even yet complete from the last one."

"right, right. Get Pemji on that too. normal rules. binding non aggression, near-binding defense, with an exception that we will not fight Illar or Incognitia on their behalf unless such a conflict arises independently, in which case we shall pool our efforts. just enough mention of other things to allow either nation to assist the other in aggressive acts with a reasonable degree of legitimacy, without binding us to it... feh, why am i listing this? you know it, i know it, Pemji knows it, and I'm pretty sure most of the World knows it by now. it's our standard operating procedure with those we sign deals with, after all."

"indeed sir."

"well, get on it. I've got a military strategy session to attend. "

the two men gathered up their papers and left the office.

ooc what i mean is when we would win I would like to get something out of it

Dear Anj reich
Nemor has sceen waldenburg as such an enemy that we are willing to send the Guards division are most elite Division. When other members of the government read my letter they want me o clarify some things. It is that after victory we would like some rewards

Marshal Garros

Nichlienlander Naval Base West Waldenburg (And east)

“Commodore, the WIS Verde Noche has reported a Zeppelin about two miles away, ETA 10 minutes, do you have orders?” In a quite tight room in Nichlienlander naval base, an eager faced and out of breath Lt. Commander has just interrupted one of the most intriguing end games in all history.

Commodore Hamilton snapped out a response, “It’s the Imperial zeppelin, forget the name, it sprung a leak on the return trip from Incognita, it’s scheduled for repair in two days.” Hamilton gave a wane smile to his chess partner an elderly civilian, who ran Kellor Shipyards the largest producer of surface ships in the Empire. He returned the smile and moved a knight cutting of Hamilton’s deathblow, the move would indefinitely stall the game the two were masters who shared their love of the sea and chess in the same small world.

“Really Commander you could learn from them, early is when things should happen it makes for a strong military and not a vengeful one.” He gave what he considered a most withering look before standing and smoothing down his jacket, which was unbuttoned and slightly messy. “Since you have me up though let’s go welcome the old girl home, they had quite the ordeal in Incognita, assemble a full military honor guard, and light up the base.” Hamilton’s face lit up moving a pawn into the path of two bishops, prolonging the game much further.

“Sorry William must go attend to this, help yourself to some more brandy it could be quite a long night.” He winked and pulled on his hat, stepping into the mild summer air. As two hundred marines were rushed from their posts to assemble at the small aerodrome, the Commodore recalled why he had joined the military, the sweet fragrance of hundreds of sweating men under his command.

“Light it Corporal!” A marine’s voice drifted about the drone of usual base activity, and the power, which was strangely left off in most places during the night, was lit. The naval base glowed like a Christmas tree, then on a hurried order by the commander several cannons were let off, six hallow retorts sounding across the water, echoed only by the stamping of boots into position.

“Bloody Hell, Swenson it’s gone past fifteen minutes what the hell was the Verde playing at?” the watch case clicking shut was dwarfed by the sound of the first explosion, the Zeppelin who had been seen by freak accident by the watch officer on the Verde, had reveled it’s identity in one earth shattering explosion. Hamilton could almost hear the rapturous screams of joy from the bombardiers; even though they were at least a mile up he imagined the stunned looks on their face to find the enemy welcoming them with artillery salutes.

“Damn it! Everybody to combat stations, marines get the rockets and Pom Poms guns those aren’t Imperial Zeppelins. Hamilton began to scream at everyone, though eager to get away from the bombs he had to watch in horror as his command was being set ablaze by the zeppelins still shrouded in darkness above his precious command. Luckily high command would be relieved not to lose any large ships, they were out performing tedious things, which the commodore was unaware of.

“Aim in front of the explosions and up, a lot!” Hamilton screamed the first Pom Poms were being pulled out each one capable of firing over a mile and though inaccurate could spread a lot of fire over the sky. “Machine guns, spray the area never target any spot too long!” The Commodore watched as the outer berths were being turned into flaming, twisted traps of death for the night crew who patrolled them, several men had run covered in burning fuel oil jump into the dark waters were the oil was already spreading, within minutes the entire harbor would be a burning furnace.

“Marine!” He bellowed once more finally running from the carnage approaching, he was trapped but he might as well go down in a blaze of glory. “Get the rockets and fan out.” Obviously this command was dread but obey, and the marine grabbed a group of wandering crewmen to hurrying them off to the armory, where several junior commanders had had the same idea.

“Battery one,” a lieutenant said nervously, “commence firing.” The first rocket zipped into the air within seconds each one blazing in different directions, after only several minutes new prongs of this attack started to pull out of different directions, enemy Zeppelins seemed to fill the skies though it could hardly be more then a dozen on account of the explosions. The rockets would help, they were filled with white phosphorus, each one usually used on ships for land bombardment, each one capable of at least three miles, and with even the tiniest touch of a zeppelin would light it into a blaze of burning fabric to come crashing down on the heads below. However if the rockets missed a thirty-meter wide haze of death would descend down on crewmen below.

Better then any machine gun the rockets also lit the night the Zeppelins would either be burned to crisps or reveled soon enough. Across the country telegrams were going spreading from Hamilton’s office Waldenburg had been attacked, by Zeppelins capable of dropping explosives, all troops be weary. The message was short, it had to be resent several times, and two clerks had been killed in the attempt to get the message out. There would be no mistakes anywhere else, death tended to grab the attention of the world, and when the attack came through the naval base in the east was prepared with rockets and Pom Poms and even a few searchlights.

The Line, South Waldenburg

“You know I rather like the Greyhaven better it really goes with the fish.” Several commanders sat around a low table, discussing the war in which they intended to prove just how well they kept a level head in bad situations. They were doing so now as artillery was pounding the lines. “I say that was a big one,” Colonel Braggiander said mildly as a cacophony of shells smashed into one of forts, which had several noticeable flames pouring out of it. The Commanders were scarcely worried; it was difficult firing and any guns that could be brought up since Waldenburg’s declaration of war. Barricaded inside the fort were heavy guns, very heavy guns some ten-inch naval guns and heavy mortars laden with mortar equivalent of grapeshot. The heavier guns range overlapped, although could not even come close to comparing with the artillery ranged against them, it would be a turkey shoot for anything approaching across the land between the border and the lines.

“Gentlemen I’m afraid I must cut your dinner short, we’re needed at the front. Theirs is definitely going to be an attack, the Anj can’t afford to wait any longer then is strictly necessary and tonight is the night gentlemen.” Major General Arthur Curtain, spoke heavily with disdain hanging on every word. He was already covered in sweat from running up and down the line, and mud and blood splattered all but his grey command cloak, which was blowing away slowly, a few metal shards from the Anjian artillery (The army had no illusions who was attacking them only one country would allow such an army to build up in it’s own country and the attack made it quite apparent.

The command looked slightly vexed at being removed from their dinner and began pocketing chicken legs as they departed at a nonchalant walking pace. General Curtains trotted away at a firm pace before taking a standing leap onto his chestnut war charger, and leading the grumbling party who had acquired their own horses, and were following resentfully. All of a sudden the artillery stopped, “Damn fools, letting us know the infantries coming, come on gentlemen.” The artillery of the forts was not quite as gracious and the heavy guns continue to fire on the artillery batteries positions as the lighters guns started firing randomly up and down the line. It didn’t matter where but all over the line small artillery fire mingled with the pop and thud of mortars shelling everything.

“Get down,” a sergeant yelled irritably Colonel Fox and General Curtain had entered their command, “They’re much closer than we thought, their good, and we don’t have the men to lay down fire without aiming and hardly the ammunition to do so. If the Colonel will hand over my rifle and if , the Privates would please return to their duty stations man the machine gun. The Waldenburg army was poorly equipped machine guns were viewed as awe inspiring pieces of warfare and were approximately one to every 200 men, probably only three every kilometer. “Fire a short burst would you.” The machine gun blared and, a corporal lit a heliograph, and started flickering messages back to the forts which were then relayed to the castle, then if judge prudent flickered back across the night.

Can’t hear anything over the din!” the Sergeant yelled as the castle lit up ordering the machine gunners to spot fire through screams, it didn’t work as the artillery would never stop firing until the enemy army was one smoking crater. “Perhaps sir….” Fox was cut short as the glitter of a saber has attracted the attentions of an enemy rifle which cut down Fox in a shot that would have baffled the average Waldenburg conscript. “Fire!” the enemy couldn’t be more then 200 meters off and advancing in a silent but efficient pace. The line blazed to life all over officers had been targeted most of the senior commanders were lying in pools of their own blood. Each side was no firing at an unimaginable pace, Anjians picking out heliographs, and Waldenburg soldiers illuminated by the blaze of the guns behind them, Waldenburgers firing baselessly in the hope that they could manage heavy damage, machine guns swinging back and forth till the belts snapped.

“Let’s see them cut barbed wire in the dark!” General Curtains laughed as he removed his helmet, fearing more it’s glint then any shells. A scream went up nearly at once, obviously the Anjians had learned the disadvantages of attacking barbed wire in the night and now were paying the consequences, so would the other lines behind them unless it was cut now, then however the first wave would take horrendous casualties. Even though only 1000 men guarded the attack corridor (added for reference not Rp knowledge.) things looked positive, and General Curtains wondered why the Anjians believed five minutes of artillery was even close to enough to break a fortified line. The night would be interesting. And he ordered the Heliograph station to pull up reinforcements from the line to the far east for the forts, they would be the strong points which infantry would not storm easily. The trench would fall within 15 minutes once the barbed wire was cut, the waves would begin their charge again, which would lead them between at least two forts. Unfortunately most of the troops were at least partially wounded, though the original bombardment had knocked out large swathes of barbed wire and left holes in the trenches, attacking was now like treading through a room scattered with hair brushes, it was not straight and uniform but wild, hopefully General Curtain could hold it for a bit longer.

The Line, South West Waldenburg

The bodies were sprawled around the trench, some still moving and quietly and mercifully being killed by Anjian elite forces. It had only taken a small detachment of three hundred Anjians to silently purge the lines of Waldenburg of five hundred men, and capture some rather vital mobilization orders. A message had been sent telling the Waldenburg government of the attack, and the decoding machine destroyed though if many attacks continued with this ferocity there would hardly be anything worth decoding.

Imperial Encoded Message Sent to All Commanders upon Recival of Anjian Declaration of war:

Due to the betrayal of the Anjian people Waldenburg shall seek just retaliation on it's enemies in anyway to defeat heir ability to make and render war. All Methods are approved to win this fight, nothing that can hasten our vicotry despite innocent casualties shall be considered a meritable act and rewarded. Use of Poison Gas, bombardment, labor camps, phosphorus attacks and detaining of all foreigners is approved.

Signed:
His Most Gracious Imperial Majesty Felix Von Waldenburg


OOC Anj feel free to Rp the rest of the trenches falling. Seriously though I thougt you were doing something else then a frontal assualt I doubt 4500 men is going to make to huge a hole in our defenses when the trenches break there will be forts which should be bombarded out, which will take far more then five minutes. your troops will either have to press forward under gunfire to mindlessly push the forts and castle, or retreat under fire and loss the assualt.

As for the west attack it's fairly reasonable but I've limited the number down to 300 of your men. After that it seems even the dullest commander would be suspicous and certainly not put you in the rear. Still 300 elite troops with mobilization orders and free range inside my country are going to be quite valuable. Probably not enough to assualt the line but enough to cause some havoc inside.

OOC: Well, I've managed to get a few minutes of internet access, not all that much more right now, and the computer's still in the repair shop. That is, if it's reached there yet. Which I hope it has. In any case. I'm mobilizing three divisions to land in the Reich, and the vast majority of my ships have already been recalled to the mainland, although they're not on active duty as of yet.

I don't really have time to post a full IC post, yet assume that I'm delivering the 785 field guns, and 3 900mm siege mortars to the Anj (along with their crews), in a period of, say, a month. Anj can utilize them as he sees fit, and once I get internet access back, I'll start posting IC sea war goodness.

Waldenburg, can we just assume that neither of us launches naval offensive actions at this time, (The Illar still preparing for a large-scale war, and yourself forced to keep your fleet in the Baltic and North Sea to prevent an invasion, or reinforcement of Jagaro), until I can get properly back online?

The following is an extract from the despatches of our man with the Anj forces, Hugo Nicholls. A former Captain with the Incognitian Army, he was honourably discharged on medical grounds two years ago, and has been acting as one of our war correspondents ever since.

He travelled to the Anj Reich several days ago, and has been permitted to accompany the Headquarters detachment of an Anj Battalion, which will remain un-named for security purposes.

This battalion formed the second wave of assault at the Waldenburger lines.

The attack was preceded by an extremely short and sharp barrage. Shock and awe personified in the form of the thunder of the guns.
They had been carefully pre-positioned, I am informed, such that they could make this short barrage with no time for spotting the fall of shot accurate.
In any case, prior to the bombardment and then even while it was in progress, the men were creeping closer to the Waldenburger line.
Frankly, when the bombardment stopped, I do not believe they can have been more than 200 yards from the line in places.
The charge was immediate, and silent. The defenders opened up as soon as they realised what was going on, of course; but their wire was sparse, some of it destroyed, other parts simply rusted away in the wet Danish climate.
Thus heavy casualties amongst the Anj in the first moments were soon avenged by their reaching the lines and, frankly, overwhelming them.
The numbers advantage was huge; surprise was near total; and for all the brevity of the bombardment it was heavy.

Seeing the trench lines afterwards, it is clear that the artillery destroyed the barbed wire with great efficiency. This, undoubtedly, saved more Anj lives than a bombardment focussed on the defenders themselves, as it allowed the dismounted cavalry to swiftly reach their objective.

Listening to the battle, and watching what I could see from cover, there were regular, deliberate shots from Anj carbines, set against wild fire from Waldenburger machine-guns and rifles, with the machine guns being steadily silenced, and the rifles diminishing in number and being driven further off.

Once a broad stretch of line had been cleared, blocking forces were set at each end, and the horses were brought up, the guns limbered.
Some very swift work was done by Anj pioneers to fill in the trenches so they could be crossed in a number of places.
Then we rode through, into the Empire of Waldenburg. I know not what the success of the other strikes on Waldenburg is, but I can say that significant numbers of Anj cavalry and artillery are now on the loose; destroying railways vital for reinforcements and resupplying the Waldenburger infantry now stranded on their defensive line, intercepting logistical and resupply shipments, and destroying without mercy any fighting detachments of Waldenburg's army they encounter.
The forts scattered around the border region have been firing their guns blindly; big naval guns, the slow fire and blind probing militates against their power and range; the scouting parties are successfully keeping Waldenburgers from finding us for the guns, so only a few unfortunate souls have died from their fire.
Our objective now, I cannot tell, for fear it will aid Waldenburg and see the men I have become part of die, at my fault.
But I can tell all our readers that the first phase of the plan has been a success, if for a slightly higher cost than was desired; the second phase has now begun.

As our readers will no doubt be aware, this invasion of Waldenburg was accompanied by a port strike destroying facilities by the Anj "Leviathan" airships.
Our Fleet, flagship Implacable, escorting elements of the Army, is now en route to join the assault. It is thought they will soon be rendezvousing with elements of the Bautzonian Armed Forces.

Tomorrow: Further despatches, and analysis of the Leviathan: new way of war, or expensive white elephant?

OOC: I am assuming Anj's 75mm is based on the French 75mm 1897 gun, and thus can fire up to 15 rounds a minute, with great effectiveness against barbed wire and infantry in the open, but very little effect on entrenched infantry. Thus light casualties amongst Waldenburg's defending troops from the bombardment, but extensive destruction of the wire in front, allowing the Anj to reach the trenches swiftly.
In any case, this, being the viewpoint of but one man, is presumably flawed. However, it is how I see the battle having unfolded.

“Sir that was the last one from sector four. We’re out of communication with three sectors.” Hundreds of soldiers were pouring backwards in the now slightly opening dawn. There was just enough light to see the terror in the eyes of the Waldenburg conscripts. Most of their officers were left behind in the trenches some epically fighting with saber in hand. The battle had been rather short sided, Waldenburg soldiers had been to far placed to do much good and the heliograph’s which were to spot for the artillery had been knocked out first thing. Now the forts their heavy cannons filling the night sky with red blasts every time the shells roared. Without the heliographs in and around the trenches, the forts were inaccurate enough but the castle with it’s heavy guns was no where even close and looked more like shelling the Waldenburger lines then the Anjians who were pouring over the smoking trenches.

“Yes I can see,” a weary major was spotting from a reinforced balcony of fort Grey (Number 2) all he could see was massive blobs moving across at for Waldenburgers break neck speed. “Do we have anything that can hit them?”

“Besides the naval guns and mortars no. They are outside our long bore’s range by about three miles, and the machine guns and pom poms go without saying.” Sergeant Grossman finished carefully trying to take the tone of sedition away from his voice, looked calmly out at rising sun and an army pouring into his country. It was by no means massive he had seen far larger, the armies of Blunderburg could have swallowed this one but Grossman had the feeling they’d never get the chance. Still the navy had received the same letter General Hoffman had received before his death on the line, and shaky handed squads had read it, they did not cheer, they had nodded their heads seeing that to win this they’d need to “Halt Anj’s ability to make and render war.” Right now though it seemed little to hope.

“In Line bastar…gentlemen,” the major yelled from below, most of the army had been brought up in strict Church homes, where the appropriate death call included the word darn. The largest fighting squad assembled so far was about one regiment who had dropped down in a low gulley outside the fort, squads who had had the audacity to fire on the Anjians lightning attack had been obliterated, their bodies being crushed by the boots of a hundred Anjians. “Wait till dawn, when our artillery can see we shall have our country back!” the major shouted half-heartedly and the soldiers closest to him inside the fort let off a cheer, not for any particular reason but it was certainly better then having the yell be ‘We’ll bayonet everyone of them!’ There had been over 2000 casualties most of them fatalities or captured, hardly any wounded which was a shocking testament to the accuracy of the opposing riflemen.

(OOC All commands still with communication pull troops back about 32,000 troops are now assembly at which ever post is closest the rest are either being shot up as they run home, or left in the trenches.

Waldenburg Imperial Naval Command, Blunderbürg
(OOC about two hours after the line is pierced)

“Sir did you receive the telegram?”

“The one that say’s all everything we have is to be thrown at them? Or the one that say’s our line is pierced and we stand no hope least everyone take up arms?”

“The first one.”

“Yes and was not faintly surprised I might add. I’ve also had another telegram from the ministry, we have unlimited funding, it’s all out war apparently. I have go ahead for the Anxious class.”

“Anxious class? Good name, when will they be ready?”

“Soon now, it’s only a few upgrades and the ammunition is already in production. Possibly within the month, even with the added interest of the ministry we should finish it early before we are up to our necks in bureaucrats. Well to your station let’s win us a war shall we.”

Operation Hammer of Dawn

“General this had just arrived.” A communications officer slipped a small scrap of paper onto a large desk which was lined with pictures of a sprawling family and a network of friends, all wearing military uniform that showed this man was deeply invested in Waldenburg’s future. There was not another scrap of paper on the general’s desk, and the mustachioed giant in a uniform so crisp it was in danger of removing the tops of the man’s polished shoes. “Ah, I thought it would come sometime.” He stood setting down the paper in which there were only four quickly scrawled words.

“Mattel come here!” He yelled over the roar of the outer office, which was piling up with questions and requests for orders from hassled field commanders, which seemed to involve a lot of shouting by minor officers.

“How far is Flensburg from here?” General Hanner (A big military family as hinted at) asked mildly as he closed the door on the increasing drama in the office.

“Sir? It’s about 7 kilometers from the border maybe 10, 11 from our location, counter attacking are we?” The young corporal who acted as batman to the general asked, he had become quite close to the general and often performed longs hours of paper shuffling for the man.

“Possibly later but no not at the moment, though I would like you to hand out the orders to abandon the line, we’re not being attacked here and 10,000 men will hardly do any good in the trenches pull them back here.” The corporal saluted and made to leave preparing to deal with the looks of anguished captains who had only come off the line to report to Fort Orange. (4 on the far east) “Not yet Mattel, I have one more order.”

Sir?”

“Tell the gunners to bring the guns to bear on Flensburg, Operation Hammer of Dawn is beginning and were to soften the border up. Pull as many as you have to off the other batteries get as many guns as you can on the city, the bombardment begins in half an hour. Go Mattel.”

“Surely sir those shells are just over five hundred Kg’s, not to mention explosive, and we’re firing on Flensburg? Is that right?”

“Do not question orders Mattel, you will be surprised what we will do to preserve our country. We are the hammer which shall beat the enemy, we were attacked here and not the other way around, we are in the right.” The corporal saluted still unsure, he had read the letter for the general about using all force necessary but had no idea up till now that there had been a plan in place for years. The gun crews were much more receptive taking to the news and pulling ten of the guns around at Flensburg which on a clear day could be seen from the fort. In the early morning dawn the lights still cast the faintest of glows to the artillery crews sitting nearly six miles away.

Even if they couldn’t make out the glow most of them had visited the city often enough and could remeber it's streets, and most of them were only to happy to begin to shell it, it had been a rather dull city. Within a couple twenty minutes the first shell was loaded and Waldneubrg’s revenge began to fall on the rising city. Though they had seen some guns in the city on leave, they doubted they would have moved from the sea and turned inland already, even if they could be rotated quickly they would be firing through streets, and that would not help matters In the city. It would be a bloody retribution, the explosive shells had not been used on such a civilian population in Waldenburg history, and only once a smoking crater remained would Hanner be finished with the city.

OOC I realize that Anj may not have a city where Flensburg is, but as I have asked him at least twice for a list of cities and defenses (probably lost in all the shouting, God knows i misread a few things), I will go ahead with this one. Originally the plan was to involve Kiel and possibly a manuever up the channel, but that's a lot more then Flensburg to assume. Anyway Flensburg is an excellcent place for a city, despite the obvious artillery range but in Rl they didn't have to worry about that from the Danish.

OOC: Serious point. Where the hell does 32,000 come from!?

You have posted (a matter of hours prior to this in fluid time) that you have 10,000 men in Denmark, and no others raised yet; also that it will take some weeks to raise your full force.

"Sir!" Rear Admiral Soloman's flag Captain knocked on the Admirals quarters on the Bautzonian destroyer Intrasingent.

The Admiral grumbled something incoherent for a moment, then he called "come in John."

The Flag Captain walked in and watched the blurry eyed Admiral stumbling around his quarters for his uniform. He began his report to the leader of the Bautzonian convoy which was seeking the Incognitian Fleet which was also headed towards the war up north. "Sir, we have made out smoke rising and by what we can tell lots of it we may have found the Incognitians. However, we cannot confirm it until after dawn in about twenty minutes time."

The Admiral muttered something which sounded oddly like "Its about bloody time, I was starting to think the bastards had left without us." However, the Flag Captain deftly turned a deaf ear as his years of service with the man told him that he would be far more pleasant once he woke up, but until then...

Finally the Admiral finished putting on a pair of socks and his shoes, and putting his hat on his head started off towards the bridge of the small ship. As he walked on he turned his head and called back saying, "come John we're going to have to call the boys to quarters this is going to be an interesting maneuver, especially with the crew half asleep. It wont do for my flag captain to be resting on his laurels."

A short time later the Admiral stepped onto the bridge watching the small ships Captain, a mere commander, barking orders and calling the crew to its stations. He turned to the Admiral and said, "Sir, shall we start sending the signal to those ships over there?" The Admiral gazed out at the rising sun for a moment and then said, "Yes, Paul and get the fleet into formation lets get this party started, and then get those boys to the war."

OOC: I'll let you finish the linkup TI, try not to have any ships collide with each other and I'll leave it up to you to decide the exact date of the linkup. Squadron consits of 10 Destroyers, and a number of transports carrying 30k men, guns, ammo, etc.

“Captain! Relash, and coordinate with the Harken , The zeppelins are still out there, and we need all ships in this harbor!” Commodore Hamilton who now was covered with blood, his opponent from earlier had forfeited the game in a very permanent manner, Hamilton had been there for his death, was standing on the harbor key waving at his captain who were taking to their ships.

“My duty is to the fleet not some half deranged old man clinging to what remains of a burning base.” He waved generally in the direction of two ships, covered in grime and being loaded with ammunition that was only slightly newer then the ship. “What good will thy do if they stay, if we run.

“Captain I warn you insubordination will result in your arrest.” The Commodore who had been receiving dirty looks all night wished to reassert his dignity and command as soon as possible.

“It may,” the captain finally looked at the commodore, his destroyer was the only one of four that had come out undamaged, the others were putting up black plumes of flame that if the Zeppelins were still bombarding would have pointed the docks out quite easily for another run. “My duty is to my ship, yours is this base, remember that sir and there won’t be any problems. Your command seems to be a little hazy at the moment. I know where my duty is” He threw up his hands up in victory as the five inch gun on the bow gave a hesitant retort as the first shell fired from the WIS Fearless for nearly a near in reserves.

“Marine, the captain is a traitor, he disobeys orders with a fervency as to undermine my command and defense of this base, remove him. ”Hamilton whispered in his ear, and ear only slightly removed from the mind that had so recently watched as every major structure of the base was hit and nearly the entire department of the fisheries went up in smoke.

“To late sir can’t make him out the marine whispered, the small squadron had moved slowly out into the night, the destroyer taking the lead, in time it would hopefully pass the carcass of one of the Zeppelins that had been hit by the recently destroyed rocket emplacements. Within minutes the engines of the fast response craft could not be heard nor their clouds of smoke seen.

“Let’s hope they catch the Zeppelins then.” Hamilton intoned with bad grace to a red faced bunch of dockside workers who had so recently been assisting in deeds that should have earned a death penalty.

“Right then, Ensign bring up the search light let’s see if we cant hook us another zeppelin,” the rogue captain Thomas Bainbridge spoke jovially, he was in command of a squadron, his first operation and proving grounds. Even though he only had about four hundred men in the squadron it was an impressive sight to the eyes of Bainbridge. “Right to his face,” he mumbled as around him his crew set up the light and began searching the sky, a mistake in this case as the first torpedo was a straight shot taking out a torpedo ram which was slowly taking the lead.

“What the hell?” Bainbridge needed to scream as many of his compatriots on the WIS Dawn had taken up that occupation as not only the torpedo that struck them but also the large one hanging suspended from the front of the vessel, nearly half of the vessels was vaporized and the remaining portion plowed down into the water at nearly twenty knots, drowning a dozen men below.

“Get the search light on the water, they’ve got torpedo ships out there!” The command was coming to late as at least two more ships, which had been traveling in straight lines and with lights searching the sky were picked off. “Three ships in as many seconds, Port quickly!” Bainbridge yelled feverishly as the four 37 mm cannons began their quick fire dance across the night.

“No enemy ships in range sir we’ve got Heliograph reports from all ships nothing can be hitting them from the surface that we can’t see.” Another ship, which had crossed paths with the WIS Fearless was struck amidships, showering the decks of the flagship with shrapnel and flying limbs. “Submarine sir to Starboard!” (OOC I believe most torpedoes were shot within a couple of feet (a little hard to spot but give me something) of the surface, in most traditional WWI battles, if this is not the case then I think I should be allowed one kill for the evening) The Fearless’ quick fires began to pound the spot relentlessly once the nearly whimpering gun crew were brought to realize there was a threat. When other ships could be alerted to the presence of a submarine then to began to fire their cannons, and eventually brought a salvo of torpedoes off which probably looked more impressive then accurate.

“Good God they’re everywhere, there’s two more on the…”The warning was cut short as two torpedoes hit the floundering destroyer, cutting it jaggedly in three sections before it’s small magazine caught and obliterated the ships the torpedoes and shells adding a blinding flash to the battle. The squadron needed no more prodding, but simply turned and fled in their fear actually dodging with surprising efficiency, the submarines may have given chase out to sea but the reaming squadron never stopped to find out.
OOC As for in the east they just run, no casualties as they run merely because I’m lazy. As the other land attack made the line breaks, and they fall back I don’t have the time for much else. Coming soon the Invasion of Jagaro (Probably tomorrow) and the Retribution on Anj.)



OOC Official Casualties from Primary Anjian Attacks:

2600 Infantry and dismounted cavalry killed captured or wounded on the line.
1200 Casualties in both naval bases,
1 Protected Cruisers sunk
6 Destroyers sunk or heavily damaged
1 Torpedo ram sunk
21 patrol boats damaged or sunk
Severe dmaged to West naval base
Moderate Damage to east Naval base

(I have the strangest feeling I’m missing something but can’t put my finger on it)

semi-ooc: Anj casualties:

Aeroz Kraft:
Levithan: Ifrit, lost buoyancy over the north sea, sunk. helms man, captain, and 3 engineers killed. remaining crew picked up by an Anj coastal defense corvette sent to their last reported position to ensure either the salvage or total destruction of the Ifrit

Hydroz Kraft:
PA-13, lost with all hands

land forces:

cavalry:
1st division:
3rd brigade:
1st battalion:
three hundred men, no horses.

infantry:
5th division:
2nd brigade
250 men lost, including most of the 1st battalion's 4th company.

i think that's about it.

As the sun rose in the East, the Blue Seas Fleet watched it.

As was standard practice, shortly before dawn every vessel came to General Quarters, ready for action. Men rushed to their stations; the Fleet prepared for action.

And today...today was when they expected to meet the flotilla from Bautzen. There had been some high-level communications, but the first most knew of this was a message from the commander of the Fleet, Admiral Philip Black.

We go to war with Waldenburg. But, of course, we do not go alone. We are expecting to rendezvous with the Bautzonian contribution to this war today; the Eastern picket is called upon to be particularly watchful.
I am sure that today, and onwards throughout this campaign, you will serve your country with all the skill and professionalism you have shown in the past; let it be so.

However, even before the sun actually rose, the men on lookout on the destroyer Agatha could begin to see the Bautzonian vessels.

"Numerous ships on the port quarter, sir."
"Any identification?"
"Mixture of warships and merchantmen, we're fairly sure the warships are destroyers from Bautzen."
"Numbers?"
"We're still seeing more, but already four destroyers."
"Very well. I'll pass it up to the Implacable."

###

"Orders from Implacable. We are to continue watching and wait out. Implacable will attempt radio contact."

###

Bautzonian task force, this is the Incognitian Blue Seas Fleet. We suggest you bring your transports in to join our convoy, and co-ordinate your escorts with ours.
Any capital ships should join the main battlefleet at the head of the convoy.
If none, advise sending liaison team to Implacable [Flag code IPB] to handle escort placement.

Encrypted telegram to Illar
We have promised Waldenburg our support in their efforts to secure their sphere of interest in northern Europe, and, being honourable and God fearing men, we will stand true to our word.
We do not, however, wish for a war of the world, which would only bring devastation to this world and strengthen the subversive forces that seek to overthrow the modern society. Furthermore we do not approve of the Waldenburg involvement in the assassination attempt of the envoys in Terror Incognitia, if the accusations we have heard are true.
We will therefore limit our support of the Waldenburg to supplies and moral support, pertaining solely and only to the Norwegian front of the war.
We will further protect all civilian ships of Illar within the Baltic Sea, ensuring that the trade and economy of the world is not ruined by the wars of other.

Emperor Friedrich V


OOC: I should have another thread dealing with my reaction sometime during this week. No promises, though.
I would be grateful if Waldenburg roleplayed as though Germany has warned them not to sink any Illar merchant ships.

"Well sir its confirmed its the Incognitian Blue Seas Fleet," started a young ensign who had just run up to the bridge to report to the Admiral. "They've sent a message to you, sir. I have it here now."

Admiral Soloman considered the note before turning to the captain of the Intrasingent. "Well Paul, he began it looks like its time to link up, I want you to pull up alongside the Implecable, I'll report to whoever is in charge there and then the hard part is over." He then handed the note over to the Captain of the vessel and turned to the young ensign once more.

"Ensign," he began. "Yes, sir?" the ensign replied. "I need you to have the following message sent t the Incognitian Fleet." "Yes, Sir," the ensign replied once again.

"Alright," began the Admiral. "Message starts, 'fleet command ship Intrasingent will pull along side Incognitian vessel Implecable, no capital ships. Sit. rep. will be given upon arrival .' Now hurry and have that sent!" "Yessir!, Admiral, Sir!"

“Hammer of Dawn is go! Prepare for shore bombardment, radio back to Blunderbürg, and inform them of our situation…What was the city called?” Admiral Kennedy paced the deck of the WIS Swift Justice study his fleet, it was massive belching smoke for nearly a mile, with a screen of destroyers and submarines patrolling a wide exclusion zone. Norway was under a blockade, or at least this very small part of it.

“Says it’s Bode sir, not sure what Jagaro calls it (OOC Jagaro, Insert city name and location we’ve been moving for days so should be able to hit anywhere. I asked for a list of cities again but must have been lost somewhere) Officers were crowding around Kennedy asking for orders that seemed plain enough to Kennedy. “Gentlemen Hammer of Dawn has all been explained to you, though it is somewhat altered, this is not the time. All ships will bombard the city eventually moving in and securing the coast with marines.” The officers all tried to speak at once but were silenced by a signaling twelve-inch gun, which roared an opening to the action.

Most ships in the fleet had only started to shift the guns so instead of the one huge boom meant to smash any defense in the way, a long roll of shells spanned from the Swift Justice as ships father down the line moved their guns firing to catch up. For nearly half a mile fifty surface ships shelled the city and surrounding countryside, by the doctrine of Felix himself, hammer out all aggression till the enemy cannot conceivably fight.

“Admiral!”

Kennedy turned from watching, via binoculars, the battle to his flag captain pudgy red faced man who looked permanently drunk, “What is it Joseph?”

“In the letter sir,” he held up a scrap of paper, which Kennedy had received from the Prince himself at the coronation, “it say the shells provided by the ISS? What exactly does that entail?”

Kennedy had been given strict instructions on what to say but as he probed the infinitely jowly face, there was look that suggested no matter what he admiral said it would be obey, “Chlorine gas mostly with a smattering of Mustard Gas. Load a salvo of it, and signal the other dreadnaughts of the fleet to do like wise” The flag captain nodded sagely and hurried off, the canisters he had seen earlier in the auxiliary magazine, the question was merely customary. There might have been return fire from the cities guns but at seven miles out it was much easier to hit a ship then a city. The ships were drifting erratically, their accuracy would be reduced but the effective of any shore guns would also be reduced. With ships signaling their allotted shells for the attack were nearing a finish, the Sift Justice, Archangel, Hell’s Retribution, Lord Of Heaven and Fin of God let loose their last volley on the city, 50 canisters of gas fired at random into Bode and it’s surrounding hamlets. To Kennedy’s knowledge it was the first time poison gas had been used offensively, and the amount used to even fire out of the twelve inch guns made him shudder.

“Pull back out of any gun range wait till night fall and begin to land the marines. If were to be criminals in the eyes of men at least let us do it properly.” Kennedy signaled to an officer who hurried up the small flight of stairs from the Admiral’s observation platform to the main bridge, motor boats, patrol boats, and even one destroyer that was reaching the end of it’s life would ram their way into Bode, and set up a small beachhead. The invasion force only had 2000 marines and as many hands as the smaller vessels could spare, but considering what explosive shells and toxic gases can do to a city the marines weren’t to worried.

OOC Gas canisters fired from naval units has already been approved by HT. And this is against Jagaro in Norway against a city of his choosing, we have been at sea long enough to hit anywhere in Norway.

ooc: ugh. people. date stamps, please! well known fact that events aren't proceeding in the same order as the posts.

IC:
3 hours after dawn, June 15, 1916

the fifteenth leviathan, Siren, had not been involved in the port strikes. it had a different mission.

though they didn't use them in combat situations due to ease of interception, the leviathans Did carry radios. altitude had it's advantages. the Siren's crew could not only see far further than anyone on the ground, but the ground it's self did not get in the way of reporting their findings.

they would spend all this day, and the next, flying over southern Denmark looking for concentrations of enemy forces and reporting them back to the Marshal in command of the northern forces, who had a radio truck as part of his headquarters unit. well, more accurately, he had several trucks containing parts of a radio that would be set up at his field HQ. but it amounted to the same thing.

armed with the information the Siren provided, as well as information gleand from a wide variety of sources by the RES, and making full use of their speed, training, experience and equipment, the Army of the Reich intended to sweep all before them.

ooc: i know that doesn't say much, but i need some clarification of what waldenburg's forces [those I've already engaged, those the Siren will see, and those making an attack on one of my towns] are doing.... a little detailed rp, perhaps, or some specifics in the ooc thread. wiether or not that bombardment of my town is a gas attack makes a significant difference to what i do next too. anyway, for those of you who wondered what the 15th levithan was up to... now you know.

"Sir, the Ministers of War and Defence are here to speak with you," the Prime Minister's secretary said as he opened the door to the Prime Minister's office. "They have an appointment."

"Yes, Peter, thank you. Please send them in now." The PM responded.

The door opened again and the two aforementioned Ministers walked into the office of the Prime Minister. "Gentlemen," the PM began. "We have to decide what to do with the Waldneburger Fleet stationed in the Black Sea. Now, I know the complecations about it being inside the sovereign territory of Kansiov; however, I dont see any other way around it other than to move the fleet to just outside their territorial waters then inform them that we require them to remove the Waldenburger fleet from their territory or we shall do it for them."

The Minister of Defence then spoke up, "Sir, that is, unfortunately, which everyone who has analyzed this came up with. We obviously cant just barge in and expect them to accept it. Nor can we simply leave the fleet be as who know what they will decide to do, and with our large merchant fleet we cannot afford to give them free reign acting out of a neutral port. Sir, the fleet will be ordered to 20 miles off the territorial limit of Kansiovan territorail waters then be ordered to wait. We will supply them with a radio which we will use to convey the response and their orders. They have orders to shoot any Waldenburger military ships they may meet on sitegiven the state of war. The battle fleet will be moved in its entirety, sir, I will have a full brief sent to you before the end of the day."

June 15, 1916
Encrypted message to Germany
I am writing to request that the Waldenbourg International Volunteer Corps be flown into your country to assist Waldenbourg and to be picked up at your coast. These men are Volunteer's From Nerom willing to fight for Waldenbourg

Yours Faithfully
Colonel Deri
Commander Waldenbourg International Volunteer Corps

"Sir, Nerom has been making noises regarding the Waldenburger war. It appears that they are trying to draw Germany into an alliance which they plan on using against te coalition." The Colonel who reported this stood in front of the Chief of the Bautzonian general staff.

The General hardly looked up from his paperwork. "Understood, Colonel, send a brief about it to the PM, tell him that I doubt anyhting will come of it as Germany has a;ready stated its neutrality. But, protocal must be followed."

"Yes sir." The Colonel responded before waliking back out the door.

OOC: I needed an IC post to put here but this is what I really wanted to say as I dont know if you know about the OOC thread. What the Hell are you talking about that post made no sense unless your saying that you have a Corps of Waldenburger troops in your country in which case you will be expected to inturn them for the remainder of the war as a neutral power.

OOC: Well, I have time for a brief message. This Wednesday, my computer comes back from the fix-it shop. Unfortunately, this Wednesday is also the day I leave for a two-day excursion to have some fun digging up (fake) old bones and artefacts for Ancient History, so I'll be back on Saturday. But rest assured I'll have to spend all Saturday - and maybe all Sunday catching up with stuff. I do apologize for this, but there's not much I can do about computer failure, y'know. But I will be back on Saturday. Which is good. This lack of internet has been killing me.

June 15, 1916
Encrypted message to Germany
I am writing to request that the Waldenbourg International Volunteer Corps be flown into your country to assist Waldenbourg and to be picked up at your coast. These men are Volunteer's From Nerom willing to fight for Waldenbourg

Yours Faithfully
Colonel Deri
Commander Waldenbourg International Volunteer Corps

On behalf of the German Nation and its beloved Kaiser, I am sorry to inform you that we cannot at this point allow foreign troops to march on our soil or pass over our lands. We must deny you passage, as the interests of Germany must come before those of our friends in Nerom in this matter.
The message wasn't encrypted; the Nerom message had been a living hell to decipher, and the German ambassador in Nerom did not wish to burden his colleagues with unnecessary work. Instead it was just a simple paper that he had his assistant deliver personally to the foreign minister of Nerom.

"Gentlemen, the war has begun in earnest. And I must say, we are most unprepared. The fleet is ready, yes, but I cannot with any good conscience dispatch forces to the Waldenburger front. Our men have been stripped of their artillery to aid the Anj, so.. We may be able to ready a single division sometime soon, but little more."

Another general sighed. At this time.. the war looked to be dragging on forever. It was the manner of most of the admirals, and the Emperor himself. If they engaged Waldenburg in the North Sea, and failed, they would be limited in their scale of naval operations for the rest of the war. Of course, they would have to take the coast.

But the Anj coast could be secured fairly easily, and without major loss. Naturally, the fleet might be damaged, but it seemed unlikely that Waldenburg would be able to defeat their fleet, and the Anj fleet together, without being annihilated.

So it was the fleet was posted in the English Channel - operations to clear the coast would commence soon enough, but not yet. A little more time was needed. Just a little more to prepare.

ooc: im guessing we are raping Waldenberg


IC: West Prussia offers the 15th Infanterie Korp i this struggle, they are fully out fitted and ready to go, the only thing they need is a commander to serve under

Several days after the Colonel made his report to the head of the Bautzonian General Staff he was back in reporting about the movements of yet another small, and rather insignificant nation.

"Sir, it appears that the Prussians have been making noises along discreet diplomatic channels about joining into the Waldenburger War. Intelligence is reporting that the Prussian General Staff is smelling blood and wants to get on the coalitions good side."

The General looked up giving the Colonel a rather bemused look. "Funny," he began "how these small nations think that by contributing one small division they will curry the coalitions favor, I doubt they even imagine how tempermental this coalition is. However, more bodies is never a bad thing, though I think we should advise the Prime Minister to defer this decision to Illar, and Incognitia as they will have to move through Incognitia and use either their, or Illarian ships to move their men to the warzone; given that they are landlocked and all."

Still shaking his head in an amused fashion he dismissed the Colonel. All the while thinking about this new development. To think that these small insignificant pieces of dirt are signing up thinking they're going to get favor with a coalition which will fall apart the instant the war ends. They're simply too many diverging interests, I mean honestly Incognitia and Anj were planning a defensive war against the Illar before this all erupted, come to think of it their plans are probably still sitting on a shelf somewhere waiting... alongside the ones they've drawn up for the event of war between the Central European Alliance and themselves. Well so be it ,bodies are bodies, no matter where they were born and what language they speak...

OOC: I'm not sure who that offer was directed towards or if it was just a blanket offer to the coalition, anyway Illar, and Terror your call I really dont care. Also Verenburg the war has barely gotten underway so if you are going to commit troops keep in mind they wont be fighting a beaten enemy in a mopping up operation, they will be fighting an actual war. Also is Waldenburg even active I dont remember seeing him check in, I think someone might want to PM him.

Sixteenth of June

’’Your Highness?’’
The Emperor of all Germans, Friedrich V, sat silent on the chair specially prepared for him. Overlooking a map of Waldenburg Jutland the territories of Holstein and Southern Schleswig, recently ceded to the Anj Reich; the young Emperor reflected upon the situation. He had had lessons in strategy and foreign politics, like all of the late emperor’s children, but he had never excelled at anything.
I am fortunate to have Otto he thought to himself.
‘’My Emperor?’’
There was that voice again. Friedrich looked up. von Moltke, chief of the General Staff, was the one who had spoke.
‘’My Emperor, what shall be the course of action?’’ Moltke said, perfectly hiding his irritation with the absent-minded emperor.
‘’Where is the Reichkanzler? Where is Otto?’’
‘’The Chancellor, Your Highness, is in the Imperial Library. Shall I send for him?’’
It was the third time in an hour that the emperor had asked for his chancellor without whom, it seemed to the professional soldiers sitting by the table, he could not make a single decision.
‘’Yes…or no. No, let him be. Ah, yes,’’ he said, looking down at the maps again, ‘’we will not intervene on the side of our friends in Waldenburg.’’
‘’No, Your Highness,’’ said von Moltke with a hint of frustration in his voice, having mistaken the Kaiser’s assumption for a question, ‘’I do not think that would be very wise.’’
‘’Do not take me for a fool, von Moltke! I am your emperor, and fully aware of how such an intervention would harm my beloved Germans.’’ von Moltke was not alone in thinking that the Kaiser loved some Germans, the prostitutes of Frankfurt and Bonn perhaps, in a way that was not becoming of an emperor of the mightiest nation of Europe.
‘’I did not mean to insult Your Highness,’’ said Moltke, trying to cover up his mistake, ‘’I was merely agreeing with Your Highness’ assertion that we would not go to war against the Anj Reich.’’
‘’Good,’’ said the young emperor, still glaring at his chief of staff.
‘’Now, we did promise Waldenburg support in their defence of their homeland, but certain unforeseen circumstances has rendered military support an impossible option.’’ He glared at von Moltke again, affirming his position as von Moltke’s superior in rank and therefore, in his own eyes, superior in the art of war.
‘’The question, gentlemen, is therefore what form this promised support shall take.’’

---

‘’How can I help the Reichskanzler?’’
‘’I am looking for the complete family tree of His Highness the Emperor.’’
‘’That can take some time I am afraid, Reichskanzler. The Hohenzollern family, I am sure you know, is a large one. Perhaps if you would specify what exact part you are looking for…’’
Otto looked suspiciously at the librarian. Of course there was no complete family tree in any single of the tomes or scrolls of the Imperial Library; the Hohenzollern family was a far too large and complicated throng of marriages, adoptions, rejections and extramarital children, all with a legal, though distant, claim to the throne. It was just that his was closer than others. Still, he could not divulge the true purpose of his research to the librarian. A cover-up was needed.
‘’My best librarian,’’ he said, peeking over the librarian’s desk and casting long suspicious looks around himself as though searching for some unknown eavesdropper or foreign spy, ‘’can I trust with some of the arcane lore of the courts, the secrecy of which is of utmost importance to our country?’’
It was a half-rotten excuse, but what the hell? You could not wish for everything in this world, and just perhaps was this librarian foolish and trusting enough that Otto’s silver tongue could once again save him. A Chief Imperial Librarian is after all still a mere librarian, and by rule of thumb foreign to the workings and intrigues of the royal courts of Europe.
‘’If the Reichskanzler deems me worthy of such vital information, I shall guard it with my life!’’
Good; he was a foolish one. Otto told him of the machinations of the other European countries; how malevolent rumours about the Kaiser’s private life, all make-believe of course, circulated in the courts of Europe. Even here, in Germany and the fair imperial seat of Stuttgart, was the Kaiser not safe from slander.
The librarian’s eyes opened wide as he became aware of the terrible picture that was painted before him; a picture of a world in which even the most noble of nobles could not be certain of respect, a world in which egoism and deceit was the norm and not heroic loyalty.
As the most honoured librarian understood, such rumours could be the basis of unsubstantiated claims that the Kaiser’ as of yet unborn heir was an extramarital bastard. The chancellor’s research was therefore purely altruistic in nature, as he wished to ascertain who would stand to gain from such a heinous crime, and therefore who would have very strong interest in seeing the children of the emperor to be declared bastards who could not possibly inherit the throne. All of them would of course be closely related to the emperor and probably in the service of a foreign state or known for spending unusually long times abroad. Secrecy and discretion was, as Otto pointed out once again, paramount.

---

‘’I take it everything went according to plan?’’ asked Otto and took another sip of champagne, as he was looking out through the window. The sunset was beautiful; as the golden disc slowly sank below to green hills, the birds sang farewell to the daytime and greeted the German night with a majestic symphony. The darkness crept slowly forward towards the castle, and with it the nocturnal affairs of an imperial court. Slander, intrigue and plot; they were all creatures of the night.
‘’More or less,’’ answered Tirpitz.
‘’More or less?’’
‘’von Moltke had a slight outburst, and the emperor’’ he winced as he pronounced the title, ‘’responded in kind.’’
‘’But you did get him to make the right decision?’’
‘’I had talked to him before the meeting. Prepared him for the situation, as you would say. When we had all gathered, he presented the idea as his own. It was almost pathetic.’’
‘’No surprises there, then.’’
‘’Do not consider me a republican or a traitor, Herr Reichskanzler; do not mistake my contempt for the Kaiser for disloyalty.’’
‘’Your loyalty is fixed and steadfast like a mountain I am sure, as is my own. You cannot deny though that we face a troublesome dilemma, one which all Germans must face in this grave hour.’’
‘’I do not deny that.’’
‘’We are torn between our loyalty and love for our emperor and that for our nation, are we not?’’
‘’We are. My soul is torn as though fought over by two great champions. I do not know about your heart, Otto, and I wish not know, but I would gladly sacrifice everything for things to be different.’’
‘’As would I, Alfred.’’
‘’Despite my longings and hopes, our emperor is emperor, appointed by God Himself and he shall remain emperor for as long as God wills it.’’
‘’Surely it is so. Though is it not perhaps that He made him emperor because of his weakness?’’
‘’God would not make such a man emperor without a divine purpose, known only to Him by His design and will.’’
‘’He wouldn’t. For the sake of the argument though, could we perhaps not theorize, hypothesize perhaps, about the nature and substance of this purpose?’’
‘’We could perhaps, Otto.’’
‘’Could we not say then, without committing ourselves to superbia, what the Greek called hybris, that His choice of a weak emperor was to allow the stronger elements of the German nation to take control of the state?’’
‘’What do you mean?’’
‘’Consider you and me for example. We are both noble in intention and spirit, we wish for Germany to be the most powerful nation on the face of the Earth and we are not bound by the heritable animosity against the Austrians or the Dutch for example. We are bound solely by our honour, our faith in God and our loyalty to our people.’’
‘’And to our emperor, Otto. Do not forget our oath.’’
‘’Our oath is not to our emperor in person, but to the office of emperor and to the people the emperor shall rule over. If the emperor is unwilling or incapable of ruling fairly, justly and well, we are not bound to him by oath as much as we are bound to the success and well-being of Germany by oath and honour. This God knows. Here are we then, with an emperor incapable of ruling to the best of Germany, and we are left with the task of ensuring the greatness of all Germans.’’
‘’If we, just for the sake of the argument, assume you are right, and that we are not bound to the emperor in person but rather to the Germans as a nation, what are we to do?’’
‘’Simply what God has allowed us, perhaps even mandated us to do, by making this young impressionable fool emperor; we shall rule!’’
‘’Are we to rebel, to lower ourselves to the level of anarchists by committing regicide? You speak of treason, Otto, and no pledge of allegiance to Germany can help you!’’
‘’I am not! The emperor is appointed by God, and shall remain emperor until God wills otherwise. I am merely suggesting that we exercise our influence and power over the emperor so that Germany can take her place as the leading nation of the world. Our industry is unmatched, bar the infinite resources of the Illar; our army is the role model of Europe, the envy of all; our colonies allows us to wield significant economical power, as we are unmatched in the export of petroleum.’’
‘’We must still find a way to make up for the loss of tax in the Red Sea. The navy is not strong enough to back up our claims of lordship over those waters, should Illar decide to act.’’
‘’We have lost taxation only of Illar vessels. Granted, the loss is a significant one but it is not something we cannot overcome. We can, in the period of a few years if everything goes to plan, gain control of the entire east coast of Africa. The increased price of steel, coal and oil should keep our economy running until then.’’
‘’Not even our army can conquer Africa on its own!’’
‘’Alfred, my dear friend, this is the role of the politician; to conquer with the pen, when the soldier cannot wield the sword.’’

---

Telegram to Waldenburg:

Germany is nation that stands true to its word. Nowhere else in the world, bar our friends in Waldenburg itself, are the words Honour, Dignity and Loyalty so revered by commoner and nobleman alike.
We once promised Waldenburg support in its quest to rid itself of the foreign invaders who would keep her from reaching her rightful place as the crown jewel of Northern Europe and commander of the Seven Seas.
To fulfill this promise, We will lend you what support we can. We are unfortunately barred by the acts of others, from lending you the direct military support We wish. We must instead send you only supplies, weapons and ammunition, and hope and pray that we will soon be able to enter the war in earnest.

Friedrich V, Emperor of all Germans