DVK Tannelorn
25-04-2008, 10:52
OOC: I have decided to go back to my roots, early PMT-MT for now, all my FT RP's are still on going but I would like to try something new. This is Tannelorn as it was when i first started. I will be using modern tech, for the most part 1970's technology fills my military, however the Knights very blatantly stretch to the 20 year limit imposed on MT [anything we can have in the next twenty years.] So i suppose this could make me "very" early PMT. However I am not sure if straight PMT and MT share the same worlds.
Tannelornian technology, though wholly modern diverges from our own. First and foremost in personal armour. The merchants and democrats didnt win, the Knights did and for hundreds of years tried to perfect armour that could stop bullets, they did however until advanced ceramic plating, it had to be powered. Now using actual modern exoskeletons, the Tannelornian Knights do have power armour, they use compressed air, with compressors powered by a kinetic battery. Very quiet ones. Also PCF or Personal Combat Frames are very large power armour, basically Landmates from Appleseed, The pilot sits inside of it, with his legs in the thighs and his arms tied to slave arms that use the weapons and serve as the units "manipulators". The truth is, someone built a primitive one in his back yard with spare parts. A massive military complex could have invented one easily in the sixties, which is when we did it. Tannelorns terrain is mountainous and not conducive to tank warfare. Only one large plain exists on its western border, and its border is heavily irradiated and contaminated with diseases from the final days of the Terrible War. We are in the process of developing a larger robot, a 4-5 meter tall Heavy gear/Patlabor/Armoured trooper Votom, which is possible today thanks to advances from Sony, and if not today it will be available in the next twenty years [which is the accorded limit of tech in MT from what i have read.] However it will not be used in the MT incarnation, instead it will be "saved" for the PMT incarnation, in fully PMT threads. It is mainly controlled by heavy computers and is still in the basic testing phase. However our next gen tank is almost out, it is nothing like the tanks used by most in NS, being armed only with a 125 mm cannon, and having no more then 400 mm armour equivalent protection. However it is incredibly agile thanks to its interesting design [its treads being on "legs" that enable it to change direction quickly and move over rough terrain even better then a normal tank.] and armed with a huge battery of AT missiles.
This being said the primary tank in the Tannelornian armed forces is known as the TAV-6 Or Tannelornian Aggressor vehicle 6. Essentially it is a C2 mod of a leopard 1, and not very impressive being armed primarily with a 115 mm cannon. Our space technology is divergent, as to keep peoples minds of the reconstruction and destruction caused during the Harvest of Sorrow, the war that lasted from the early fifties to early sixties, Tannelorn went heavily in to its own space program, setting up observatories and science stations, as well as a tiny mining station on the moon. The population there is actually in the low hundreds since the late nineties as Tannelorn has been preparing for a mission to Mars. This will be a very open RP in the future. Aside from that we will have no orbitting weapons aside from the manned lunar ferries and capsules, nor will we have a nuclear stockpile. In fact nuclear weapons are illegal in Tannelorn, We make due with very large FAE [in the kiloton range] and Biological weapons like C-difficile and Salmonella, to tax an enemies health care system. If nukes were to be used against us, that would be the response. As for MAD..we do have stockpiles of missiles, bombs and men with suitcases filled with Botulism and Anthrax. Nough said on that.
The reason I mention these differences is that many people might question something like a heavy gear, PFC or power armour in MT. Heavy gears/Patlabors will be possible in the next 5-10 years, as feasible as rail guns. After all a five ton robot with a bushmaster wont likely be a threat to an 80 ton MBT in its favoured turf. Power armour has been possible since the sixties, as has PCF's. Dont believe me on the PCF's? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n12DtVP78fE . It is a primitive, junk yard built PCF/Landmate APES from heavy gear. Same control system and everything. Also rather then a wet navy or even helicopters [thats right no attack choppers] we use zeppelins and blimps. However we have developed our own analogue to an attack chopper. Honey combed aluminum frame covering several gas bags, with two jet engines on struts coming out from the top. Thats right..attack blimps. I want tannelorn to be rather unique and use equipment no other nation uses, and to lack equipment other nations have. for instance though Tannelorn does have good computers...you will see alot more "mechanical" computers used in things like cruise missiles and balance control on PCF's. The reason is Tannelorns World War II went nuclear. We use as little computer technology in military equipment as possible, as it isnt likely to work in a nuclear war.
So rather then declaring myself PMT, I simply thought of ways to do these things in MT. Sadly that means i cant have all the goodies I wanted..but I do get to field a massive citizen army filled with 1970's and 80's era weaponry, lead by some nigh PMT knights. I also get to have a very diverse and interesting society. As those who join this RP will get to experience first hand, there is more then a little trouble in the borders. Much like Russia, Tannelorn is trying to hold on to some distinct cultures within its borders. However these cultures are remnants of once nations, poisoned or irradiated in the war. Sorry for the long OOC part, however I wished to explain my Divergences without sprining them on anyone. This RP is not an invitation for fleets and battles however, but is an entirely open story and introduction thread.
No massive fleets, Airstrikes or invasions please, we will be very unhappy, and happy to show it.
Things Tannelorn has [militarily] other nations do [it seems military things are very important in all the time periods <.<, so getting this out of the way]
Jet fighters
Light tanks
Infantry
Artillery
Mobile Artillery
Things Tannelorn doesnt have
Decent MBT's
Any Heavy Tanks
APC's
Any ships of any classification
Any helicopter, of any classification.
Any orbital weaponry
Any Nuclear weaponry
Advanced Cruise missiles.
Long Range ICBM's
Things Tannelorn has that other nations dont [normally at least]
Powered Armour [some nations do have power armour in MT at least from what i have seen.]
PCF's [never seen it in MT though its possible]
Zeppelins [Rarely see it, but i have seen it]
Attack blimps [the size of attack choppers]
Combat Transport blimps
Walker Artillery vehicles [for mountain warfare, not designed for true combat and currently the ONLY true walkers in service, almost unchanged since their introduction..and not very fast at all..or good. But they can go where mobile artillery cant. Think a sturdier version of the Caterpillar made walking cranes..that can go a fair bit faster.]
Tannelorn is on a smallish continent, of which most of the western half is a wasteland, caused either by botulism contamination or nuclear radiation during the final days of the war. The western half of tannelorn is equally poisoned, but reclamation efforts are under way. [The FAE were originally developed to try to kill the botulism and Anthrax left over from the war.] Much of the habitable land lies just below the tree line, with the southern half being incredibly mountainous and covered to this day in a temperate forest. The north is a frozen wasteland and controls the nations ports. Only one port remains open year round in the south. Tannelorn' uses a fair few submarines for both civilian and military uses from the northern ports, and relies entirely on zeppelin for other forms of commerce [as it is currently a totally closed economy.] Its conventional military is the more powerful, being built up to win in a nuclear war. Because of this military vehicles and equipment are all NBC protected. Even regular auxilliary wear heavy combat plate armour and NBC gear at all times. [We arent used to it being too hot, but the heat packs could easily be replaced with cooling packs.]
The entire nation lives in fear from the sky, and is intensely paranoid about nuclear war's breaking out. Massive shelters exist under each city, with enough hydroponics gardens and factories to keep the nation going completely underground if need be. All military factories are also underground, deep under the mountains. We dont have a NMD..just good old rock.]
The people are also very different from modern people, though at the same time almost identical. The serfs for the most part are incredibly happy, and would not trade the security of a decent living for the risk of being a free man, despite the fact that most free men would be considered upper middle class today, if not wealthy. This attitude combined with a derision of democracy would leave many characters coming from a democracy feeling more then out of place. Some characters may feel it their duty to try to "inform" the people of what they are missing out on, leading to interesting [non fatal] situations. A part of this thread will be a tour of the contaminated/irradiated lands as the leaders of Tannelorn try to show the leaders of the world the results of WMD warfare.
Ok just wanted to get all of that out of the way before the thread gets started. [There will be a military action in this thread later on against a group of Terrorists, some of this will be used.] Also, Sorry for the lengthy OOC introduction. I wish to introduce my nation fully before playing with it, as it will not seem like a MT nation, but a strange mix of the Medieval, modern and post modern.
IC
***Timeline***
1 AT [Ascension to throne 997 AD]: The first king of Tannelorn is crowned. The Ten tribes of Arendacil crown Sigurd Alberecht the first King of Tannelorn. Peace reigns over the formerly disparate tribes as trade starts to blossom.
127 AT: The first majour road systems are built through the thick mountains and forests that cover most of Tannelorn. The Schneider Family grows to prominence as rulers of the Grahfsberg region. The only majour plain in Tannelorn. As a majour trading and agricultural nexus, their wealth amongst the tribes grows, causing many to become jealous of their good fortune. Tensions start to emerge amongst the nobles causing the King Helmut Alberecht to lose some control over the nation. Feudal warfare starts intermittently, under a very complex system of honour and rules for the next three hundred years.
369 AT: The plague of welts strikes Tannelorn. Over the next eighty years the nation is ravaged by small pox. During this time, King Aiden Alberecht and King Richter Alberecht set up and nurture the alchemical and medical colleges. A nationwide educational system is implemented and the Kings cement their control, as many nobles had succumbed to the plague. At this time Tannelorn started to gain a basic understand of Vaccines, through observing the effects of small pox on mice. In the next hundred years Scientific process replaces ancient superstition.
486 AT: The first Vaccine to the Welting plague is made fourty six years after its last majour outbreak, during which a total of twenty seven percent of the Tannelornian population died. The death toll would have been far worse had it not been due to the quick action of ancient kings, and education on preventing its spread. During the time of the plague a large middle class of skilled freemen and merchants had formed, replacing the role of many of the noblemen of ages past. The nobility is far from on the wane however, and they secure a charter of rights. Grudgingly they bequeath their right to treat serfs as they please, creating a strict code of conduct between lord and serf.
572 AT: The king Bertrand Alberecht executes the entire house of Saromir, after uncovering a plot to slay the royal family using anthrax taken from the fields. They were to lace it across the castle. The plot was only uncovered due to the loyalty of one member of house Sayomir, Knight Ingram Saromir. Had he not told the king of the "killing powder" concocted by Saromir alchemists, the plan would have succeeded spectacularly, throwing Tannelorn in to war over the throne. Powerful merchant princes start to see the world around them turning towards democracy. Seeing it immediately for what it was, a move towards siezing power from the nobility the merchants start to conspire towards their goal, enlisting a portion of the nobility.
692 AT: King Sigfried Alberechts reign is marred by the Merchants war. Declaring that Tannelorn should be a free and open "democracy" the Merchant princes, backed by some Lords and many freemen and misguided serfs thrust the nation in to a massive civil war, ending twenty two years later with the victory of the king's forces. The victory of the king could be traced to several key events. Almost unanimously the serfs sided with their king. This forced the Merchants to rely on imported food and mercenaries to bouy their armies. In this time the King started the Kings Auxiliary. A levy system whereby all men fit to bear arms would train for three months out of the year.
He gave the serfs rights comparable to free men and agreed to provide for them in all they need. In return the serf's would work for the nobles under the king, in whatever way they were directed in return for good homes, good food and diversions. This provided the king with a massive, loyal army and all the food and supplies his army could need. The system stands to this day, though heavily modified with the introduction of the national Constitution. The merchant's that did not flee were all put to the sword and capitalism was forever banned in Tannelorn. Instead a system of fair wages and fair profit was put in place for the Free men, and a system of rewards and services was created for the serf's that was so categorically perfect, few ever opted to join the Kings auxiliary or pay to become free men. After all though a Freeman could make a great deal of money, a Tannelornian serf lived as well as the middle class of most democratic capitalist nations. So long as they worked hard. To oversee this system, a massive bureaucracy was implemented, with candidates being chosen for skill and incorruptability through a series of tests, which would end only with the Bureaucrats career.
Monuments were made to Kind Sigfried long after his death. In Tannelorn he is revered as the second father of the nation, and the founder of modern Tannelorn.
712 AT : King Werner Alberecht pushes the nation in to a long period of Cultural isolationism. Though the king's agents would go out in to the world to learn all they could from other nations, no foreigners would be allowed to enter Tannelorn after a failed plot to start a democratic uprising comes from an outside nation, whose name was never discovered. Tannelornians turn inward developing vibrant regional identities and internal trade. Science and the art's are encouraged heavily by the state, as well the first constitution is put in place. Securing the rights, health, security and happiness of the Serf's as the price that nobles and the king must pay in return for being allowed to lead them. The freemen become increasingly wealthy, enjoying a form of limited capitalism that allows them to live very well. With the serf's having alloted Diversion allowances, the Freemen are able to make even more money, which in turn allowed the state to make even more in taxes. Nobles start to reward their serf's greatly for hard work. As well the nation started its first industrial revolution, and the first mention of the term "Factory-sef's" is made.
921 AT: Tannelorn's neighbours ask politely [at gunpoint] to be allowed to trade with the nation. At first their requests are rebuffed but King Darcia Alberecht allows for foreign trade at the nations only Southern Port, Sormr.
934 AT: The Zenislev Walker suspension is unveiled at the Continental fair. Designed specifically for the rough mountainous conditions of Tannelorn, a Farm-walker was presented, moving painfully slow and performing a great deal of agricultural tasks on a varied range of terrain. Several different types existed but only saw Civilian use. Tannelorn's military starts to modernise to the level of its neighbours, creating tactics and weapons for the coming centuries. Many attempts were made by the Knights to create functional armour during this period. Eventually deciding that the only way it could be accomplished would be to make a suit of mechanical armour, they gave up and instead started devoting their research in to machinery and engineering. Since the invention of firearms the Knights had devoted vast amounts of resources to building armour that could stand up to them, but it had eluded them until now. Unfortunately the sheer weight of the armour precluded anything without servo assists.
954 AT: One of Tannelorns neighbours annexes several nearby nations. The Tannelornian levy system activates. However Tannelorn's military is somewhat outdated at this point, the nation having been more interested in other developments in art and science, such as the introduction of Antibiotics and intense research on genetics. Though progress is slow, Tannelornian scientists start to unravel the human Genome, in a project that would take decades to complete. This forces Tannelornians to push a great deal of research in to computer technology. By the beginning of the First majour war Tannelorn had faced in almost three hundred years, their outdated army had only three things going for it. The phenomenal training of the Knights, the incredibly rough terrain of the nation, and the invention of computers. Though primitive punch card and vacuum tube designs, they are able to specialise them to tasks, helping them, however slightly in decoding enemy communications.
Though Tannelorn is occupied south of the Beral Forests, including the entirety of the Schneider holdings, they easily hold the enemy back in the rougher country. The enemies reliance on air support and tanks makes them easy pickings in the deep forests and mountains. The war rages on for nearly ten years before the enemy strikes the City of Yondath with a nuclear bomb. Tannelorn responds with missiles and long range rockets armed with Botulism. Many of the border lands become poisoned by both radiation and botulism as the two nations prepare for the final conflict.
961 AT: King Darcia dies of old age, replaced by King Luthor Alberecht. Darcia's son oversee's the final completion of the new modern army of Tannelorn. The production of nearly eighty thousand "aggressor" tanks, a simple design visually similiar to a Panther tank, and fourty thousand "defensive" tanks, as well as modern jet aircraft begins and is finished two years later. The first PCF [Personal Combat Frame] Is created by the Knights. A three meter tall exo frame mounting large weapons with a rather crude command interface. A pair of "slave" arms outside of the body were tied to the main arms, with the legs being placed in the thighs. Through very direct movement's, the Knights would move the frame, allowing them to assault heavily built up positions under fire. Mounting heavy infantry weaponry the first of these armour suits were put in to action alongside Aggressor tanks at the Breakthrough of Grahfsberg.
The enemy uses several more nuclear weapons before Tannelorn strikes back with its own Biological weapons. The Tannelornian air force intercepts many of the enemy weapons and bombers, however a dozen cities on the western borders burn, creating a radiation zone that lingers to this day. Tannelorn responds with its own bioweapons, using their zeppelin and bomber fleets to poison the surrounding countries for years to come with Botulism and anthrax on a scale so great Alchemists insist it threatened the world.
964 AT : The war official ends, as there are no nations left to fight. Tannelorn licks its wounds and accepts whatever refugees that managed to survive. King Luthor Strictly enforces isolationism. Though Nuclear weapons are taken by Tannelorn, their use is strictly forbidden. Instead they delve in to nuclear fission as a power source to help support their people after seeing much of the arable land blighted. Increased Terrace farming as well as hydroponic farming starts to come in to its own.
The military continues to develop its weaponry and tactics throughout the next few decades, fearing a repeat of the last war, the Knights vow never to be caught unprepared again. The Aggressor Tank and Defender Tank are constantly upgraded, as well the air force gains a greater priority then it had in the last war. PCF's start to be refined, by the early eighties they are no longer the ungainly bulky dreadnought suits they were, but quick and agile one man combat vehicles. Their control system and sized remain largely unchanged but they gain an increased priority over other forms of combat vehicle in the Knight's arsenal.
True powered armour is developed, utilising water and air pressure, to hold the weight of the armour. Though adding little extra strength, the newer bulletproof ceramics and composites being developed can be worn with no difficulty or loss of mobility. Only Knights would gain access to this piece of equipment, however as the maintenance requirements were beyond what was expected to be taught to a citizen soldier.
In the mid Sixties however, King Luthor Declares Tannelorns intention to explore the stars, starting their own space program. Within three years the first Tannelornian in space, Gerhard Nieburg paves the way for the Tannelornian space program. The Tannelornians do not stop once they reach the moon, setting up small scientific outposts, observatories and mining facilities [for irridium]. Several larger ships are designed and put in to space piece by piece during the seventies and eighties, designed for daily trips to and back from the moon. Rather then putting any weapons satellites in orbit, the Tannelornians discreetly arm and armour these vessels, requiring all crew to be able to put on a space suit within three minutes, as standard operating procedure when entering any "dangerous" [combat] situation would be to purge atmosphere to prevent explosive decompression in case of a hit. Though Tannelorn has no weapon satellites, it does have, an albeit very small armed presence in space.
They also put up a large pinwheel station, created from modules sent up one at a time, serving as a relay from L-5 orbit to the moon. All of this cost the Tannelornian treasury dearly, but was now finally starting to pay off in rare mined materials, scientific observations and Tourism. Its real purpose however, was to distract the populace from the true cost of "Harvest of Sorrow." With the peoples minds on space, the Alchemists could work in peace trying to restore much of the land blighted by botulism, anthrax and radiation. Tannelorn was now alone on its small continent, its neighbours cities crumbling in to the dust thanks to the poisons that were unleashed at the height of the war. The King forced all known samples save those for scientific research to combat these plagues destroyed, and forced the bio-weapons to work on less destructive diseases. Rather then kill them all, simply choke their hospitals. It was decided on that C-difficile and other like disease would be used instead. Experiments on making antibiotic resistant diseases continued, creating a more virulent form of C-difficile, Salmonella and Ecoli were created, carefully avoiding creating airborne versions. During this period of twenty five years Tannelorn recovered from the Terrible war.
985 AT: The Tannelornian space agency announces the launch of Five space ships, the Midgard-sormr, the Bad-hertzfeldt, the Grahfsberg the Yondath and the Caromir. These ships are initially launched in pieces, and assembled in space, but after several years recieved a fair few upgrades aimed at "strengthening them against possible collision with debris". The one hundred and four meter long ships were then armed with a small payload of kinetic kill missiles, four "space fighters" Really just some heavily armoured space capsules armed with a few Kinetic kill weapons and a brilliant pebbles and a single particle beam for Anti satellite work. Seeing other orbital weapons going up, Tannelorn is loathe to allow anyone to gain such an advantage over them, despite having no enemies. Rather then allowing everyone to see a massive orbital presence from Tannelorn, they opt to simply arm their space resources.
Though the arming of the space fleet paled in comparison to the firepower being placed in orbit by many nations, it was a step towards ensuring their defense against any threat.
998 AT: Tannelorn enters a computer revolution, parralleling that of many in the world, however it parrallels a genetics boom as the Genome becomes uncoded as fast as new computers roll out. A mission to mars is announced to the people of Tannelorn, as well as a new orbital relay station. The moon bases' population goes from a meager twenty six, to over four hundred in this time. Accomodations are made for many more. The government intends to start selling trips to the moon on the open market soon enough, as many rich men announce their intentions to go visit space. The Tannelornian space agency remains relatively open, as it is entirely controlled by house Saromir.
1011 AT [Present 2008 AD] The King Luthor Alberecht of Tannelorn announces his successor, Sigmund Alberecht, his first born son and abdicates the throne. Sigmund opens the port city of Sormr to the world and openly announces an end to the cultural isolation of the last four hundred years.
***Hoffnungschimmer: Capital of the Kingdom of Tannelorn***
It was a bright, cloudless sky over the capital city of the Divine Kingdom of Tannelorn. The city itself stretched across the entire length of a massive valley, climbing up the mountains surrounding them. Over a Dozen Zeppelins, ranging from the thirty meter long Flak carriers to the two hundred and twenty meter long Grand zeppelin crossed the sky in formation, moving with a stately grace. Blimps flitted to and fro across the city and the sky line, taking passengers to work, home and to entertainment. The city streets were abuzz with excitement. Today was a day many Tannelornians would see only once in a life time. The good King Luthor Alberecht, at the age of eighty one, was abdicating the throne. His successor, was to be announced this afternoon on live television and radio broadcast across Tannelorn.
Other rumours flitted back and forth about a great announcement to be made. Some people thought that perhaps the lands closed off since the end of the Tragedy would be opened, others assumed that the long awaited mission to mars would begin today. Rumours filled the market places, city squares and workplaces. As the appointed hour approached, all eyes were turned to television sets, or ears to radio's. Time stopped across Tannelorn as King Luthor Alberecht prepared to make his final address to the nation.
***The White Palace***
"Father, I do not believe this is a wise decision, do you remember what happened the last time we trusted outsiders inside our nation? Can we afford to lose the rest of the nation if this fails?" Prince Sigmund asked his father. Dressed in a Knights powered armour, draped with the hide of a lion slain in a hunt the young Prince stared intensely at his father. His long blonde hair fanning out around his head like a mane, his moustache twitched as he waited for the inevitable answer. "Sigmund my son, The Kazul were a bastard, degenerate people. They fought until their own lands were destroyed and even still those that live only by our charity still wish to fight. Do not think the world is filled with such people. Our mistake was to not open up to them earlier. Had we asked for help from the outside in the early days of that conflict, we would not be as we are now..the Kazul would never have developed those abominable weapons, and we never would have had to craft our greatest sin."
The father looked much as the son did, though tired and gray, with eyes full of sorrow. "You my son are as proud as I was, but I know you learn from our mistakes..I fear you have learned the wrong lessons from our tragedies. We need to open up, to meet the world on its terms. Sitting here behind our powerful armies and looking through the mirror we see only what we wish. To know someone is to meet them, my son. One day those we dismiss as no threat at all may come to meet us on the field of battle and be our undoing, as it nearly was with the Kazul."
Sigmund stared at his father angrily, then sighed. "I understand father..but to let foreigners in to the heart of our nation..it is not something I will do lightly." Luthor nodded and smiled. "You shall be a good king my son, just remember do not ever let ill thoughts sway your judgement." Luthor left his son to compose himself as he entered the main hall.
***Broadcast to the world***
Lights and cheering crowds greeted the King as he strode towards the podium at the end of the long runway. Today the Television sets were not broadcasting merely to Tannelorn, but to the world at large. "I King Luthor Alberecht, have been priviledged to be the people of Tannelorns representative on earth and in leadership for the last fourty three years. Today however, I must bit you all farewell, as my time as king has passed. Today I let the new generation take the reigns of power, as my father did before me during the Harvest of Sorrow. Now it is time for my first born son, Sigmund Alberecht to become your protector, your leader..your King. We have seen much evil during my reign, some of which I cant help but feel responsible for. We have also seen the return of the dawn and many good times since." the king looked off forlornly in the distance.
Behind him out marched a formation of Knights, bedecked in full armour and marchin in a formation, fanning out in to the shape of a five pointed star. Several three meter tall Personal Combat Frames entered the formation, creating a contrast in heights that seemed far off in the distance in the huge amphitheater. Music started to play, the nation anthem, bright and soaring as it filled the space.
"Tannelorn is to open itself up to the world once more, to richen and broaden our own culture, as it is set against those of other nations..and to prevent another harvest of sorrow, for to meet someone, to speak to them, is to know them. One cannot know someone, when only watching from a far. I thank you my subjects, for your loyal service during my tenure, now I leave the throne to my first born, as my father did for me."
Luthor walked off the stage to the adulation of the crowd as Sigmund, cutting a striking figure marched up to the podium.
"Nations of the world, it is my honour to invite you to send delegates to our fair nation, to share our culture, our arts and crafts, to learn of each other in peace. Those of virtuous intention and no evil in their hearts are welcome in Tannelorn, we shall be holding a reception in one weeks time for any delegates or diplomats from other nations in this world who wish to attend." The king bowed slightly in respect and walked off stage, to the adoring throng and chants of Hail to the king.
Tannelorn was now open to the world..however not all in Tannelorn were happy about this.
***Altagswissen***
"Yorat, did you see the swines announcement?" a brooding man, of eastern european descent sneered. His companion, a slight quiet looking man with dark black hair and even darker eyes barely nodded. "Should we show their guests some hospitality, Tarrek?" he responded quietly. "No, we would never make it that far, fucking Knights and their faggot peasant soldiers would get us long before we could take them..but perhaps..a show."
The slight man chuckled. The men were sitting in a smoky bar in the Kazul ward of Altagswissen, on the western border. It was known as a rowdy place, but out of a feeling of misplaced compassion and guilt, the Tannelornians turned a blind eye to their activities, short of outright murder or mutilation..which it could be noted the Kazul had always been fond of.
It was highly unlikely anyone would hear..or if they did care about what the two men were planning. After all hundreds of Kazul plotted the downfall of Tannelorn. It was only logical, as Tannelorn was the only nation left standing after the final conflict of the Harvest of Sorrow. Though the Kazul started the war, and committed brutal atrocities throughout it..they still felt as if they had been robbed, as if they were the just.
As the saying goes in Tannelorn, the Just always vanquish the wicked, and we are the just. However when everyone said it, who was really right?
Tannelornian technology, though wholly modern diverges from our own. First and foremost in personal armour. The merchants and democrats didnt win, the Knights did and for hundreds of years tried to perfect armour that could stop bullets, they did however until advanced ceramic plating, it had to be powered. Now using actual modern exoskeletons, the Tannelornian Knights do have power armour, they use compressed air, with compressors powered by a kinetic battery. Very quiet ones. Also PCF or Personal Combat Frames are very large power armour, basically Landmates from Appleseed, The pilot sits inside of it, with his legs in the thighs and his arms tied to slave arms that use the weapons and serve as the units "manipulators". The truth is, someone built a primitive one in his back yard with spare parts. A massive military complex could have invented one easily in the sixties, which is when we did it. Tannelorns terrain is mountainous and not conducive to tank warfare. Only one large plain exists on its western border, and its border is heavily irradiated and contaminated with diseases from the final days of the Terrible War. We are in the process of developing a larger robot, a 4-5 meter tall Heavy gear/Patlabor/Armoured trooper Votom, which is possible today thanks to advances from Sony, and if not today it will be available in the next twenty years [which is the accorded limit of tech in MT from what i have read.] However it will not be used in the MT incarnation, instead it will be "saved" for the PMT incarnation, in fully PMT threads. It is mainly controlled by heavy computers and is still in the basic testing phase. However our next gen tank is almost out, it is nothing like the tanks used by most in NS, being armed only with a 125 mm cannon, and having no more then 400 mm armour equivalent protection. However it is incredibly agile thanks to its interesting design [its treads being on "legs" that enable it to change direction quickly and move over rough terrain even better then a normal tank.] and armed with a huge battery of AT missiles.
This being said the primary tank in the Tannelornian armed forces is known as the TAV-6 Or Tannelornian Aggressor vehicle 6. Essentially it is a C2 mod of a leopard 1, and not very impressive being armed primarily with a 115 mm cannon. Our space technology is divergent, as to keep peoples minds of the reconstruction and destruction caused during the Harvest of Sorrow, the war that lasted from the early fifties to early sixties, Tannelorn went heavily in to its own space program, setting up observatories and science stations, as well as a tiny mining station on the moon. The population there is actually in the low hundreds since the late nineties as Tannelorn has been preparing for a mission to Mars. This will be a very open RP in the future. Aside from that we will have no orbitting weapons aside from the manned lunar ferries and capsules, nor will we have a nuclear stockpile. In fact nuclear weapons are illegal in Tannelorn, We make due with very large FAE [in the kiloton range] and Biological weapons like C-difficile and Salmonella, to tax an enemies health care system. If nukes were to be used against us, that would be the response. As for MAD..we do have stockpiles of missiles, bombs and men with suitcases filled with Botulism and Anthrax. Nough said on that.
The reason I mention these differences is that many people might question something like a heavy gear, PFC or power armour in MT. Heavy gears/Patlabors will be possible in the next 5-10 years, as feasible as rail guns. After all a five ton robot with a bushmaster wont likely be a threat to an 80 ton MBT in its favoured turf. Power armour has been possible since the sixties, as has PCF's. Dont believe me on the PCF's? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n12DtVP78fE . It is a primitive, junk yard built PCF/Landmate APES from heavy gear. Same control system and everything. Also rather then a wet navy or even helicopters [thats right no attack choppers] we use zeppelins and blimps. However we have developed our own analogue to an attack chopper. Honey combed aluminum frame covering several gas bags, with two jet engines on struts coming out from the top. Thats right..attack blimps. I want tannelorn to be rather unique and use equipment no other nation uses, and to lack equipment other nations have. for instance though Tannelorn does have good computers...you will see alot more "mechanical" computers used in things like cruise missiles and balance control on PCF's. The reason is Tannelorns World War II went nuclear. We use as little computer technology in military equipment as possible, as it isnt likely to work in a nuclear war.
So rather then declaring myself PMT, I simply thought of ways to do these things in MT. Sadly that means i cant have all the goodies I wanted..but I do get to field a massive citizen army filled with 1970's and 80's era weaponry, lead by some nigh PMT knights. I also get to have a very diverse and interesting society. As those who join this RP will get to experience first hand, there is more then a little trouble in the borders. Much like Russia, Tannelorn is trying to hold on to some distinct cultures within its borders. However these cultures are remnants of once nations, poisoned or irradiated in the war. Sorry for the long OOC part, however I wished to explain my Divergences without sprining them on anyone. This RP is not an invitation for fleets and battles however, but is an entirely open story and introduction thread.
No massive fleets, Airstrikes or invasions please, we will be very unhappy, and happy to show it.
Things Tannelorn has [militarily] other nations do [it seems military things are very important in all the time periods <.<, so getting this out of the way]
Jet fighters
Light tanks
Infantry
Artillery
Mobile Artillery
Things Tannelorn doesnt have
Decent MBT's
Any Heavy Tanks
APC's
Any ships of any classification
Any helicopter, of any classification.
Any orbital weaponry
Any Nuclear weaponry
Advanced Cruise missiles.
Long Range ICBM's
Things Tannelorn has that other nations dont [normally at least]
Powered Armour [some nations do have power armour in MT at least from what i have seen.]
PCF's [never seen it in MT though its possible]
Zeppelins [Rarely see it, but i have seen it]
Attack blimps [the size of attack choppers]
Combat Transport blimps
Walker Artillery vehicles [for mountain warfare, not designed for true combat and currently the ONLY true walkers in service, almost unchanged since their introduction..and not very fast at all..or good. But they can go where mobile artillery cant. Think a sturdier version of the Caterpillar made walking cranes..that can go a fair bit faster.]
Tannelorn is on a smallish continent, of which most of the western half is a wasteland, caused either by botulism contamination or nuclear radiation during the final days of the war. The western half of tannelorn is equally poisoned, but reclamation efforts are under way. [The FAE were originally developed to try to kill the botulism and Anthrax left over from the war.] Much of the habitable land lies just below the tree line, with the southern half being incredibly mountainous and covered to this day in a temperate forest. The north is a frozen wasteland and controls the nations ports. Only one port remains open year round in the south. Tannelorn' uses a fair few submarines for both civilian and military uses from the northern ports, and relies entirely on zeppelin for other forms of commerce [as it is currently a totally closed economy.] Its conventional military is the more powerful, being built up to win in a nuclear war. Because of this military vehicles and equipment are all NBC protected. Even regular auxilliary wear heavy combat plate armour and NBC gear at all times. [We arent used to it being too hot, but the heat packs could easily be replaced with cooling packs.]
The entire nation lives in fear from the sky, and is intensely paranoid about nuclear war's breaking out. Massive shelters exist under each city, with enough hydroponics gardens and factories to keep the nation going completely underground if need be. All military factories are also underground, deep under the mountains. We dont have a NMD..just good old rock.]
The people are also very different from modern people, though at the same time almost identical. The serfs for the most part are incredibly happy, and would not trade the security of a decent living for the risk of being a free man, despite the fact that most free men would be considered upper middle class today, if not wealthy. This attitude combined with a derision of democracy would leave many characters coming from a democracy feeling more then out of place. Some characters may feel it their duty to try to "inform" the people of what they are missing out on, leading to interesting [non fatal] situations. A part of this thread will be a tour of the contaminated/irradiated lands as the leaders of Tannelorn try to show the leaders of the world the results of WMD warfare.
Ok just wanted to get all of that out of the way before the thread gets started. [There will be a military action in this thread later on against a group of Terrorists, some of this will be used.] Also, Sorry for the lengthy OOC introduction. I wish to introduce my nation fully before playing with it, as it will not seem like a MT nation, but a strange mix of the Medieval, modern and post modern.
IC
***Timeline***
1 AT [Ascension to throne 997 AD]: The first king of Tannelorn is crowned. The Ten tribes of Arendacil crown Sigurd Alberecht the first King of Tannelorn. Peace reigns over the formerly disparate tribes as trade starts to blossom.
127 AT: The first majour road systems are built through the thick mountains and forests that cover most of Tannelorn. The Schneider Family grows to prominence as rulers of the Grahfsberg region. The only majour plain in Tannelorn. As a majour trading and agricultural nexus, their wealth amongst the tribes grows, causing many to become jealous of their good fortune. Tensions start to emerge amongst the nobles causing the King Helmut Alberecht to lose some control over the nation. Feudal warfare starts intermittently, under a very complex system of honour and rules for the next three hundred years.
369 AT: The plague of welts strikes Tannelorn. Over the next eighty years the nation is ravaged by small pox. During this time, King Aiden Alberecht and King Richter Alberecht set up and nurture the alchemical and medical colleges. A nationwide educational system is implemented and the Kings cement their control, as many nobles had succumbed to the plague. At this time Tannelorn started to gain a basic understand of Vaccines, through observing the effects of small pox on mice. In the next hundred years Scientific process replaces ancient superstition.
486 AT: The first Vaccine to the Welting plague is made fourty six years after its last majour outbreak, during which a total of twenty seven percent of the Tannelornian population died. The death toll would have been far worse had it not been due to the quick action of ancient kings, and education on preventing its spread. During the time of the plague a large middle class of skilled freemen and merchants had formed, replacing the role of many of the noblemen of ages past. The nobility is far from on the wane however, and they secure a charter of rights. Grudgingly they bequeath their right to treat serfs as they please, creating a strict code of conduct between lord and serf.
572 AT: The king Bertrand Alberecht executes the entire house of Saromir, after uncovering a plot to slay the royal family using anthrax taken from the fields. They were to lace it across the castle. The plot was only uncovered due to the loyalty of one member of house Sayomir, Knight Ingram Saromir. Had he not told the king of the "killing powder" concocted by Saromir alchemists, the plan would have succeeded spectacularly, throwing Tannelorn in to war over the throne. Powerful merchant princes start to see the world around them turning towards democracy. Seeing it immediately for what it was, a move towards siezing power from the nobility the merchants start to conspire towards their goal, enlisting a portion of the nobility.
692 AT: King Sigfried Alberechts reign is marred by the Merchants war. Declaring that Tannelorn should be a free and open "democracy" the Merchant princes, backed by some Lords and many freemen and misguided serfs thrust the nation in to a massive civil war, ending twenty two years later with the victory of the king's forces. The victory of the king could be traced to several key events. Almost unanimously the serfs sided with their king. This forced the Merchants to rely on imported food and mercenaries to bouy their armies. In this time the King started the Kings Auxiliary. A levy system whereby all men fit to bear arms would train for three months out of the year.
He gave the serfs rights comparable to free men and agreed to provide for them in all they need. In return the serf's would work for the nobles under the king, in whatever way they were directed in return for good homes, good food and diversions. This provided the king with a massive, loyal army and all the food and supplies his army could need. The system stands to this day, though heavily modified with the introduction of the national Constitution. The merchant's that did not flee were all put to the sword and capitalism was forever banned in Tannelorn. Instead a system of fair wages and fair profit was put in place for the Free men, and a system of rewards and services was created for the serf's that was so categorically perfect, few ever opted to join the Kings auxiliary or pay to become free men. After all though a Freeman could make a great deal of money, a Tannelornian serf lived as well as the middle class of most democratic capitalist nations. So long as they worked hard. To oversee this system, a massive bureaucracy was implemented, with candidates being chosen for skill and incorruptability through a series of tests, which would end only with the Bureaucrats career.
Monuments were made to Kind Sigfried long after his death. In Tannelorn he is revered as the second father of the nation, and the founder of modern Tannelorn.
712 AT : King Werner Alberecht pushes the nation in to a long period of Cultural isolationism. Though the king's agents would go out in to the world to learn all they could from other nations, no foreigners would be allowed to enter Tannelorn after a failed plot to start a democratic uprising comes from an outside nation, whose name was never discovered. Tannelornians turn inward developing vibrant regional identities and internal trade. Science and the art's are encouraged heavily by the state, as well the first constitution is put in place. Securing the rights, health, security and happiness of the Serf's as the price that nobles and the king must pay in return for being allowed to lead them. The freemen become increasingly wealthy, enjoying a form of limited capitalism that allows them to live very well. With the serf's having alloted Diversion allowances, the Freemen are able to make even more money, which in turn allowed the state to make even more in taxes. Nobles start to reward their serf's greatly for hard work. As well the nation started its first industrial revolution, and the first mention of the term "Factory-sef's" is made.
921 AT: Tannelorn's neighbours ask politely [at gunpoint] to be allowed to trade with the nation. At first their requests are rebuffed but King Darcia Alberecht allows for foreign trade at the nations only Southern Port, Sormr.
934 AT: The Zenislev Walker suspension is unveiled at the Continental fair. Designed specifically for the rough mountainous conditions of Tannelorn, a Farm-walker was presented, moving painfully slow and performing a great deal of agricultural tasks on a varied range of terrain. Several different types existed but only saw Civilian use. Tannelorn's military starts to modernise to the level of its neighbours, creating tactics and weapons for the coming centuries. Many attempts were made by the Knights to create functional armour during this period. Eventually deciding that the only way it could be accomplished would be to make a suit of mechanical armour, they gave up and instead started devoting their research in to machinery and engineering. Since the invention of firearms the Knights had devoted vast amounts of resources to building armour that could stand up to them, but it had eluded them until now. Unfortunately the sheer weight of the armour precluded anything without servo assists.
954 AT: One of Tannelorns neighbours annexes several nearby nations. The Tannelornian levy system activates. However Tannelorn's military is somewhat outdated at this point, the nation having been more interested in other developments in art and science, such as the introduction of Antibiotics and intense research on genetics. Though progress is slow, Tannelornian scientists start to unravel the human Genome, in a project that would take decades to complete. This forces Tannelornians to push a great deal of research in to computer technology. By the beginning of the First majour war Tannelorn had faced in almost three hundred years, their outdated army had only three things going for it. The phenomenal training of the Knights, the incredibly rough terrain of the nation, and the invention of computers. Though primitive punch card and vacuum tube designs, they are able to specialise them to tasks, helping them, however slightly in decoding enemy communications.
Though Tannelorn is occupied south of the Beral Forests, including the entirety of the Schneider holdings, they easily hold the enemy back in the rougher country. The enemies reliance on air support and tanks makes them easy pickings in the deep forests and mountains. The war rages on for nearly ten years before the enemy strikes the City of Yondath with a nuclear bomb. Tannelorn responds with missiles and long range rockets armed with Botulism. Many of the border lands become poisoned by both radiation and botulism as the two nations prepare for the final conflict.
961 AT: King Darcia dies of old age, replaced by King Luthor Alberecht. Darcia's son oversee's the final completion of the new modern army of Tannelorn. The production of nearly eighty thousand "aggressor" tanks, a simple design visually similiar to a Panther tank, and fourty thousand "defensive" tanks, as well as modern jet aircraft begins and is finished two years later. The first PCF [Personal Combat Frame] Is created by the Knights. A three meter tall exo frame mounting large weapons with a rather crude command interface. A pair of "slave" arms outside of the body were tied to the main arms, with the legs being placed in the thighs. Through very direct movement's, the Knights would move the frame, allowing them to assault heavily built up positions under fire. Mounting heavy infantry weaponry the first of these armour suits were put in to action alongside Aggressor tanks at the Breakthrough of Grahfsberg.
The enemy uses several more nuclear weapons before Tannelorn strikes back with its own Biological weapons. The Tannelornian air force intercepts many of the enemy weapons and bombers, however a dozen cities on the western borders burn, creating a radiation zone that lingers to this day. Tannelorn responds with its own bioweapons, using their zeppelin and bomber fleets to poison the surrounding countries for years to come with Botulism and anthrax on a scale so great Alchemists insist it threatened the world.
964 AT : The war official ends, as there are no nations left to fight. Tannelorn licks its wounds and accepts whatever refugees that managed to survive. King Luthor Strictly enforces isolationism. Though Nuclear weapons are taken by Tannelorn, their use is strictly forbidden. Instead they delve in to nuclear fission as a power source to help support their people after seeing much of the arable land blighted. Increased Terrace farming as well as hydroponic farming starts to come in to its own.
The military continues to develop its weaponry and tactics throughout the next few decades, fearing a repeat of the last war, the Knights vow never to be caught unprepared again. The Aggressor Tank and Defender Tank are constantly upgraded, as well the air force gains a greater priority then it had in the last war. PCF's start to be refined, by the early eighties they are no longer the ungainly bulky dreadnought suits they were, but quick and agile one man combat vehicles. Their control system and sized remain largely unchanged but they gain an increased priority over other forms of combat vehicle in the Knight's arsenal.
True powered armour is developed, utilising water and air pressure, to hold the weight of the armour. Though adding little extra strength, the newer bulletproof ceramics and composites being developed can be worn with no difficulty or loss of mobility. Only Knights would gain access to this piece of equipment, however as the maintenance requirements were beyond what was expected to be taught to a citizen soldier.
In the mid Sixties however, King Luthor Declares Tannelorns intention to explore the stars, starting their own space program. Within three years the first Tannelornian in space, Gerhard Nieburg paves the way for the Tannelornian space program. The Tannelornians do not stop once they reach the moon, setting up small scientific outposts, observatories and mining facilities [for irridium]. Several larger ships are designed and put in to space piece by piece during the seventies and eighties, designed for daily trips to and back from the moon. Rather then putting any weapons satellites in orbit, the Tannelornians discreetly arm and armour these vessels, requiring all crew to be able to put on a space suit within three minutes, as standard operating procedure when entering any "dangerous" [combat] situation would be to purge atmosphere to prevent explosive decompression in case of a hit. Though Tannelorn has no weapon satellites, it does have, an albeit very small armed presence in space.
They also put up a large pinwheel station, created from modules sent up one at a time, serving as a relay from L-5 orbit to the moon. All of this cost the Tannelornian treasury dearly, but was now finally starting to pay off in rare mined materials, scientific observations and Tourism. Its real purpose however, was to distract the populace from the true cost of "Harvest of Sorrow." With the peoples minds on space, the Alchemists could work in peace trying to restore much of the land blighted by botulism, anthrax and radiation. Tannelorn was now alone on its small continent, its neighbours cities crumbling in to the dust thanks to the poisons that were unleashed at the height of the war. The King forced all known samples save those for scientific research to combat these plagues destroyed, and forced the bio-weapons to work on less destructive diseases. Rather then kill them all, simply choke their hospitals. It was decided on that C-difficile and other like disease would be used instead. Experiments on making antibiotic resistant diseases continued, creating a more virulent form of C-difficile, Salmonella and Ecoli were created, carefully avoiding creating airborne versions. During this period of twenty five years Tannelorn recovered from the Terrible war.
985 AT: The Tannelornian space agency announces the launch of Five space ships, the Midgard-sormr, the Bad-hertzfeldt, the Grahfsberg the Yondath and the Caromir. These ships are initially launched in pieces, and assembled in space, but after several years recieved a fair few upgrades aimed at "strengthening them against possible collision with debris". The one hundred and four meter long ships were then armed with a small payload of kinetic kill missiles, four "space fighters" Really just some heavily armoured space capsules armed with a few Kinetic kill weapons and a brilliant pebbles and a single particle beam for Anti satellite work. Seeing other orbital weapons going up, Tannelorn is loathe to allow anyone to gain such an advantage over them, despite having no enemies. Rather then allowing everyone to see a massive orbital presence from Tannelorn, they opt to simply arm their space resources.
Though the arming of the space fleet paled in comparison to the firepower being placed in orbit by many nations, it was a step towards ensuring their defense against any threat.
998 AT: Tannelorn enters a computer revolution, parralleling that of many in the world, however it parrallels a genetics boom as the Genome becomes uncoded as fast as new computers roll out. A mission to mars is announced to the people of Tannelorn, as well as a new orbital relay station. The moon bases' population goes from a meager twenty six, to over four hundred in this time. Accomodations are made for many more. The government intends to start selling trips to the moon on the open market soon enough, as many rich men announce their intentions to go visit space. The Tannelornian space agency remains relatively open, as it is entirely controlled by house Saromir.
1011 AT [Present 2008 AD] The King Luthor Alberecht of Tannelorn announces his successor, Sigmund Alberecht, his first born son and abdicates the throne. Sigmund opens the port city of Sormr to the world and openly announces an end to the cultural isolation of the last four hundred years.
***Hoffnungschimmer: Capital of the Kingdom of Tannelorn***
It was a bright, cloudless sky over the capital city of the Divine Kingdom of Tannelorn. The city itself stretched across the entire length of a massive valley, climbing up the mountains surrounding them. Over a Dozen Zeppelins, ranging from the thirty meter long Flak carriers to the two hundred and twenty meter long Grand zeppelin crossed the sky in formation, moving with a stately grace. Blimps flitted to and fro across the city and the sky line, taking passengers to work, home and to entertainment. The city streets were abuzz with excitement. Today was a day many Tannelornians would see only once in a life time. The good King Luthor Alberecht, at the age of eighty one, was abdicating the throne. His successor, was to be announced this afternoon on live television and radio broadcast across Tannelorn.
Other rumours flitted back and forth about a great announcement to be made. Some people thought that perhaps the lands closed off since the end of the Tragedy would be opened, others assumed that the long awaited mission to mars would begin today. Rumours filled the market places, city squares and workplaces. As the appointed hour approached, all eyes were turned to television sets, or ears to radio's. Time stopped across Tannelorn as King Luthor Alberecht prepared to make his final address to the nation.
***The White Palace***
"Father, I do not believe this is a wise decision, do you remember what happened the last time we trusted outsiders inside our nation? Can we afford to lose the rest of the nation if this fails?" Prince Sigmund asked his father. Dressed in a Knights powered armour, draped with the hide of a lion slain in a hunt the young Prince stared intensely at his father. His long blonde hair fanning out around his head like a mane, his moustache twitched as he waited for the inevitable answer. "Sigmund my son, The Kazul were a bastard, degenerate people. They fought until their own lands were destroyed and even still those that live only by our charity still wish to fight. Do not think the world is filled with such people. Our mistake was to not open up to them earlier. Had we asked for help from the outside in the early days of that conflict, we would not be as we are now..the Kazul would never have developed those abominable weapons, and we never would have had to craft our greatest sin."
The father looked much as the son did, though tired and gray, with eyes full of sorrow. "You my son are as proud as I was, but I know you learn from our mistakes..I fear you have learned the wrong lessons from our tragedies. We need to open up, to meet the world on its terms. Sitting here behind our powerful armies and looking through the mirror we see only what we wish. To know someone is to meet them, my son. One day those we dismiss as no threat at all may come to meet us on the field of battle and be our undoing, as it nearly was with the Kazul."
Sigmund stared at his father angrily, then sighed. "I understand father..but to let foreigners in to the heart of our nation..it is not something I will do lightly." Luthor nodded and smiled. "You shall be a good king my son, just remember do not ever let ill thoughts sway your judgement." Luthor left his son to compose himself as he entered the main hall.
***Broadcast to the world***
Lights and cheering crowds greeted the King as he strode towards the podium at the end of the long runway. Today the Television sets were not broadcasting merely to Tannelorn, but to the world at large. "I King Luthor Alberecht, have been priviledged to be the people of Tannelorns representative on earth and in leadership for the last fourty three years. Today however, I must bit you all farewell, as my time as king has passed. Today I let the new generation take the reigns of power, as my father did before me during the Harvest of Sorrow. Now it is time for my first born son, Sigmund Alberecht to become your protector, your leader..your King. We have seen much evil during my reign, some of which I cant help but feel responsible for. We have also seen the return of the dawn and many good times since." the king looked off forlornly in the distance.
Behind him out marched a formation of Knights, bedecked in full armour and marchin in a formation, fanning out in to the shape of a five pointed star. Several three meter tall Personal Combat Frames entered the formation, creating a contrast in heights that seemed far off in the distance in the huge amphitheater. Music started to play, the nation anthem, bright and soaring as it filled the space.
"Tannelorn is to open itself up to the world once more, to richen and broaden our own culture, as it is set against those of other nations..and to prevent another harvest of sorrow, for to meet someone, to speak to them, is to know them. One cannot know someone, when only watching from a far. I thank you my subjects, for your loyal service during my tenure, now I leave the throne to my first born, as my father did for me."
Luthor walked off the stage to the adulation of the crowd as Sigmund, cutting a striking figure marched up to the podium.
"Nations of the world, it is my honour to invite you to send delegates to our fair nation, to share our culture, our arts and crafts, to learn of each other in peace. Those of virtuous intention and no evil in their hearts are welcome in Tannelorn, we shall be holding a reception in one weeks time for any delegates or diplomats from other nations in this world who wish to attend." The king bowed slightly in respect and walked off stage, to the adoring throng and chants of Hail to the king.
Tannelorn was now open to the world..however not all in Tannelorn were happy about this.
***Altagswissen***
"Yorat, did you see the swines announcement?" a brooding man, of eastern european descent sneered. His companion, a slight quiet looking man with dark black hair and even darker eyes barely nodded. "Should we show their guests some hospitality, Tarrek?" he responded quietly. "No, we would never make it that far, fucking Knights and their faggot peasant soldiers would get us long before we could take them..but perhaps..a show."
The slight man chuckled. The men were sitting in a smoky bar in the Kazul ward of Altagswissen, on the western border. It was known as a rowdy place, but out of a feeling of misplaced compassion and guilt, the Tannelornians turned a blind eye to their activities, short of outright murder or mutilation..which it could be noted the Kazul had always been fond of.
It was highly unlikely anyone would hear..or if they did care about what the two men were planning. After all hundreds of Kazul plotted the downfall of Tannelorn. It was only logical, as Tannelorn was the only nation left standing after the final conflict of the Harvest of Sorrow. Though the Kazul started the war, and committed brutal atrocities throughout it..they still felt as if they had been robbed, as if they were the just.
As the saying goes in Tannelorn, the Just always vanquish the wicked, and we are the just. However when everyone said it, who was really right?