NationStates Jolt Archive

This is closed, however this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13639289#post13639289) is open.

The sound of wealth is by far the best symphony Europe has, can and will ever produce. Anyone knows what the true élan of society sounds like when they really want to piss off some communists and social do-gooders; rich is a simple, but extremely suitable word for it. This next League of Venice, this Re-Birth of An Era long gone but not gone forever, seemed to not only rival the last meeting in Vienna in this regard, but to pass it all together.

It symphony’s prelude, its build up, was with the motorcades of the Italians, Austrians, and Moorish delegates- their countries were all known for being the leading designers and builders of luxury cars, they carried such price tags that only a dozen were produced at any given year. The entire price of the combined Moorish motorcade could alone buy oneself a rather large African country from the ground up, a point and joke that was often served by all members of the party to each other; laughing at "colonials" was 'in' again, and joke was received with the same expectance time after time again.

The music’s transition to the song proper was the suits and dresses of the delegates, who this time had fully embraced the state suggestion of an 18th century styled banquet wardrobe. Glittering diamonds, ruffles, monocles (that were still often called incorrectly monoglasses) and aristocratic tones abounded throughout the evenings welcoming ceremonies; modern ware was limited to only the servants and anyone of importance was once again waving their family crests as if they would disappear tomorrow. It was an exercise of escapism, to when Europe didn't have to ask if to whether or not they could dominate the world, only how much each nation could imperialize, and it was not futile -it did the very thing Bismarck intended it to do- for it showed his people how it felt. To be decadently rich to an embarrassing level and to also show them why they did it- their embarrassment was an embarrassment, but it was an embarrassment designed to elect cries from their colonial subject, cries that (did not, at least, back then) should not materialize. In essence their foolishness was the pinnacle of arrogance, a fierce cry at the world saying 'defy me, for I am greater than you' and one that had never lost its appeal to real nobility.

The crescendo, the most awe-inspiring piece of the music, was where The League of Venice was housed; it was inside one of the most magnificent of buildings, the Doge's Palace. It was picked not just because it embodied the Old Guard of Europe, that it was formerly a bastion of elegance, pride, glory and wealth inside one of Europe's most powerful cities known for its elegance, pride, glory and wealth- the Doge's Palace was picked because it incorporated everything of Europe within one residence. It looks out to 'The Drawing Room of Europe', one of the only places on Earth where human voices still drown out the noise of cars. It is of Gothic design; it is reaching up to God, so that he can grant deliverance to its inhabitants. Not one European could say that at this point in history, this is what they needed to protect themselves from the war bands of restless nomads and savages. In essence- this residence of one of the most powerful men of Europe, was everything that one could find in Europe- wealth, nobility, God and the people; it was a brilliant move.

Once again, the entertaining, affable and cocky President of Austria, Ludendorf, spoke the opening oration.

"My fellow delegates! So good to see you, once again. I hope that you have not enjoyed this great city half as much as I have, for if you have, you will never find yourself able to leave. Venice, I feel, is a city you could honestly fall in love with, completely and totally- a honeymoon stretching on until eternal slumber.

I feel that this city, these people, are everything the world secretly admires- how can't they be awed by our accomplishments in attaining and more importantly, preserving, the city of Venice? The power of Venice alone, it's history, its personal pride, is a compelling enough reason as to why we are here tonight- in many sense, that is why we are here. For it certainly couldn't be because of the wine or women..."

A wink at an extremely attractive, young, Italian waitress (serving a particularly compelling Italian wine vintage) quickly insures that hilarity ensues; a collection of true and polite laughs and claps echo throughout the room.

"Actually, I do not think that particular vintage she is serving could stand it's own against a few well selected 1985, Austrian vintages."

More laughter from the audience, a few frowns, but the joke hit its intended chords.

"Honestly though, Venice is everything that we Europeans could want out of this world. Pride in itself, wealth, might, history and just a general air of something indescribable, something that we have never been able to describe- because our generation has never smelt it. I do not know what it is, you cannot know what it is, no one on this Earth knows what it is, what it tastes like, what it smells like, what it feels like. Yet I can tell you who does know- Frederick Barborossa, Charlemagne, Queen Victoria, Francis I, Wilhelm I, Otto von Bismarck, King Leopold, and the list just goes on and on my gentle ladies and men. That list incorporates so many aspects of Europe that I doubt one of you could figure out what they do not have. No, do not worry, I will tell you- what none of them have is that none of them are alive.

Yes, what I am saying is that the cream of Europe is dead and that there has not been one soul to rise out of the greatest nations on Earth and attain what is rightfully theirs. A crown, a kingdom... This is my plea to you, and you, and you; to all of you- give up your petty differences, give up the pride that defeats you and accept the pride that strengthens you! Stop bowing on the floor to your former slaves and dust yourself off! Because the world order you grew up in is about to be changed, irrevocably this time, to an age that has long been asleep... Long been dead. Yet its ancestors like you and me still live, waiting to be reborn, waiting to not turn back the clock but to affirm that it needs not to be turned back. Austria-Moorington will never again wish the clock were turned back, because history will once again become reality!

Lucrezia Dellatorre smiled at the president of Austria. She noted how the man's demeanor had changed since Vienna; confident, self-aware... almost determined. A far cry from the jovial yet confused president she met in Vienna, who had smiles as far as the Mediterranean yet lacked a single clue as to what was going on around him. She had reminded him somewhat of an elderly man who wasn't aware that he was elderly. Now, what she saw was a man who was aware and well-spoken. One could almost make the mistake of thinking he was in control.

But Lucrezia knew better. She knew, perhaps better than anybody in the room, that neither the gifted actor of a president, nor the charismatic Maxen von Bismarck were in control of this operation. Oh no, that particular distinction was reserved for one, Anthony Drekcsler, an enigmatic figure if there ever was one, Lucrezia wasn't sure exactly what kind of hold he had on he government of the Austrian Empire, and she was certain that few people in the world did. Time would reveal all, she supposed, and turned her attention to the President's opening address.

President Salvatore DiSano still looked uncomfortable. He slouched in his chair, fingertips resting on his left temple, looking entirely distressed. Earlier in the day, Lucrezia had convinced the president to host a closed-door meeting with the Austrian Chancellor, wherein they double-teamed the pressure for the President to approve of joining the League of Venice. He approved, but begrudgingly may have been an understatement. President DiSano wanted nothing to do with the world at large, and if it were his choice, Italy would become a hermit nation that did absolutely no mingling with its neighbors. Lucrezia pitied him, in a way. She knew that he wasn't cut out to be President. He cracked under pressure (as was evident in the meeting earlier in the day), didn't know how to conduct himself in conferences (as evident by his relatively rude posture presently) and had no knowledge of the state of the world. He lacked even the rudimentary wisdom that when you are a nation who has as much history, culture, and world-wide significance as Italy has, other nations are not going to like it. According to Lucrezia, joining this league was critical to maintaining Italy's security from the world. President DiSano wasn't able to connect those dots.

And so she stood, addressing the attendees that evening. Her jade dress swirling as she did so. It matched her eyes; uncharacteristic of the heritage, but striking nonetheless.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, delegates and friends, Welcome to Venice; the greatest city in the world."

Lucrezia scanned the room amidst an applause from the attendees. This was, indeed, the rebirth of an era.

The following phone call with Hradec quickly turned into a heated exchange that resulted in the both of them with heightened blood pressures and little else. Karlovy informed his boss that Austria was determined to rally the other Euopean nations to his cries for a ressurgance of Imperial glory. This doctrine put Kulikovia in a difficult position. If Austria recieved overwhelming support then Kulikovia will be pressured to ewither join or be ostricized from European dealings both economically and financially, possibly more.

The Asian, African, and South American delegates were righteously outraged at this bold proclamation. Hradec played down Karlovy's concerns and hinted that joining the LEague could benefit Kulikovia.

"So, we should sell our souls, our very beliefs? Just because it's more convenient?!" Karlovy fumed later, after slamming the phone into the reciever.

"Yes, perhaps Hradec doesn't care?" Lidia proposed.

"I'm sure of it. He doesn't give a damn about what the State stands for. He doesn't have a soul left to bargain with so he's gonna wager the souls of everyone in the State." Karlovy paced around as the conference was going on. The smug delegates and reps from Austria were tasting wine while their supporters clapped mindlessly. The whole sene disgusted him.

"What can we do?" Lidia asked, her attention drawn momentarily away by something that Karlovy doesn't see.

"Try and stoke the coals more. The non-European powers were barred from this conference which will further prove my point. Then, we have to speak with President Nevsky"

"What do you want me to do?"

"Make sure I don't do anything too stupid"

"I doubt I could manage that" Lidia offers a smirk and they turn their attention back to the proceedings.

Lucrezia waited for the low mumble of whispers and to die down. All of Europe's national leaders were there, and the tension was thick enough to walk on. European countries have a lot of history, and sometimes that history isn't always pleasant, especially when it concerns other Europeans. There were leaders here who disliked leaders from other countries based on what that country's leader did 300 years ago. Petty as it may seem, it was the reality of the world. You didn't have to like it; you had to live in it.

As she waited to address the delegates in attendance, she took note of the ones she saw: The Spanish States were represented, as was Kulikovia, contributing two representatives, Scandinavia had also arrived. There were some missing, but she didn't recognize all of the delegates. Perhaps these new faces represented Germany and Great Britain? She hoped. One thing that all of the delegates had in common, she noticed, was that they all looked pensive, as though someone had ripped the stability right out from under them, and they weren't sure what to think. It was a shame, Lucrezia mused, that the leaders of what once were such powerful states be so jaded... almost frightened.

Lucrezia took a deep breath and let it out slow.
"Ladies and gentlemen; delegates and representatives; leaders and diplomats; I stand here today, in Venice, the most glorious city ever built, as your ally. Italy, and indeed all of the Mediterranean, are the building blocks from which modern Europe emerged. The Greek and Roman Empires were the first expansive Empires, and some of the greatest the world has ever seen. Our armies over the years have become the standard on which most armies today are based. Soldiers in modern-day Europe and America are still taught the same principles as Ancient Sparta; Greece is considered to be the birthplace of democracy. The Roman Empire created the idea of centralized government, and was the first ruling body to grant Freedom of Religion to all its territories*. The culture and traditions of Italy and Greece are still widely practiced across the globe. Rome was the building block of Europe; Athens the strong-arm. I stand here today not opposed to Europe, but protective of it.

The meeting in Vienna regarding the formation of the League of Venice faced broad opposition from Asia. That was anticipated. What was not anticipated, however, was such resistance from its European neighbors. I think that a lot of the resistance stemmed from a lack of understanding, frankly. So allow me to clarify a few things here today, before we proceed with any talks.

Joining the League of Venice is not an oath to Imperialism. It is not equivalent to standing up and saying that your nation will be invading Asian and African countries commencing shortly. That's absurd. We do not wish to form an Imperial Alliance of any sort. There are many a great democracies and Republics in Europe; we do not wish to change the way your government runs itself. we do not wish to force anyone to comply to our vision of what Europe should be. We do not wish to impose our beliefs on your nation, nor do we expect any of you to do the same.

The League of Venice is born out of continental uncertainty and a significant loss of stability throughout Europe. Europe no longer has a strong hold on the world as it once did. Indeed, many European colonies have disintegrated, or been granted back to their rightful owners. The world we live in is not one dominated by Europe. Many see that as a good thing; others do not. One thing that can be said was achieved during that era which is of significant lack today, however, is that when Europe held the world in the palm of its hand, we had stability. Now that stability is lost.
The European nations face economic downfalls due to rising powers in Asia and the emerging of nations in the middle east and South America. Even parts of Africa are no longer uncivilized savages and clusters of tribes armed with nought but spears. They are forming governments, legitimate bodies of Congress and tangible economies. Europe risks being lost in all of this.

Asia, once thought to be a conglomerate of second-word nations - at best - now houses three major superpowers of the world, with economies equal to that if Britain, and surpassing the majority of Europe. There are nine Asian nations who possess nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. Many of these nations also actively pursue technology in biological and chemical warfare.

For a group of states who claim to only want a peaceful existence for themselves, they sure are arming up. And when they run out of things to blow up in Asia, they will come to Europe. Mark my words, they will come.

The League of Venice is here to ensure that when they come, we are not alone. That no nation must face alone an on-coming attack against a superpower baring nuclear weapons and demanding revenge for the actions of our ancestors. We are not here to control Europe; we are here to protect it. But we can't protect it without your cooperation.

Please, those of you who have been instrumental in the derision of this League of Venice, think on my words deeply, before you decide to stand with us against those wishing to capitalize on Europe's weakened state, or stand alone."

Lucrezia sat amidst astonished eyes and hushed whispers. She only hoped that this meeting could be more productive than the last one.





OOC: *It's true - it disintegrated pretty quickly, but initially, the Romans didn't care what religion the people of its Empire followed, as long as they paid their taxes.

((OCC. Sorry but could I ask someone to sum this up for me. I never have much time to RP.))

The delegate from the Mediterranean Alliance spent the length of her speech confirming Karlovy's belief that the other Europeans were frightened. The once smaller and weaker Asian children have grown uo to be robust adult nations and the Europeans fear that they will take in some instances, their well deserved revenge upon their old oppressors and colonial masters.

"You are afraid that since the colonial slaves are no longer under the thumbs of Imperial oppression, they hadn't forgotten that fact and will begin to bully us?" Karlovy replied after Lucrezia ended her eloquant speech that might disarm some people of their inhibitions of the League's purpose, but not him. "You shouldn't waste your breath convincing us of your hopes for this alliance but try and convince the non-European nations that your intent is nothing threatening. This League is forged from paranoia, dellusions of former grandure, and stubborness in cooperating with the non-Europeans!"

Lidia stood behind her boss, turned her head as if there was something worth seeing off the the side and offering a small, quick smile. Then composed herself again and took a sip of champagne.

(ooc: Kulikovia, you don't have any history post-WW2 on your factbook, so forgive me if some of this information is inconsistent with your history in the last 50 years; most of it I tried to take from pre-WW2 era, to avoid such conflict.)

Lucrezia started to smile, but stopped herself; lips still slightly parted.

"Well, Sir Karlovy, that is awful rich coming from you. You are representative of what was once two countries, then three."

Amidst scattered chuckles from the delegates in attendance, she turned herself to address the majority of delegates.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to refresh some of your memories.

September 1st, 1939: Poland is invaded from the East by the Nazi forces. September 17th, 1939: Poland is invaded to the West by Soviet forces. September 28th, 1939: the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact is signed, and Poland is split in half; half under German rule, half under Soviet rule. Neither under Polish rule.

Czech Republic.. is that what they call it now? I've lost track, it has been under so much foreign rule. We can name off the Nazis, Hungary, Soviet Union, and Ukraine, and thats just since it's been called Czechoslovakia. Finally, the two split, and now re-emerge with Poland under Kulikovia."

Lucrezia finally turned her attention back to Karlovy and a seemingly cowering Lidia.

"You would be hard-pressed to find a group of nations more persecuted by powers more dominant than they in all of Europe. Your nation, throughout history, has been bullied and pushed around perhaps most of all. To not want to ally with the rest of Europe to ensure support should you ever be on the receiving end of that particular stick again is curious, at best; foolish at worst. But as you wish, Sir Karlovy.

However, there is a point that I would like to address that is consistently brought up.
The nations that have opposed us from the start have consistently talked of justified Asian revenge. I'm not sure about anyone here, but that strikes me as absurd. The leaders of European countries from the distant past may have committed crime against their people, but we did not. They may have enslaved and pillaged the Asians, but I have not. I find nothing justified about invading Europe by the current big wigs in Asia who have had their first taste of international weight and now wish to throw it around. It's arrogant, again, at best.
I also find it quite interesting that you, or anyone else, should accuse myself and the Austrians of being guilty of such crimes: No country that has ever existed in the Mediterranean Alliance - for clarification, that being Italy, Greece, and Switzerland - has ever held land on the Asian continent. The fool who ran my country 60 years ago invaded Ethiopia, and that was the extent of any modern-day colonial advance by any member of the Mediterranean Alliance. I could say the same for Austria, whom has never held an Asian or African colony. That such European ambassadors insist on charging us with being subject to a "justified" Asian retribution is almost funny. Almost."

After several tense seconds, Lucrezia seemed to compose herself, and face the remaining delegates once more.

"I have stated it, and I will state it once more; we do not wish to impose on your freedoms, nor that of Asia or Africa, or anyone else for that matter. We, The League of Venice, are interested in a mutual defense coalition against inevitable hostility against Europe, with no ulterior motives or fear on our parts. I invite all interested parties to stay. Those whom insist on continually rallying against our cause and charging us with nonsense faults that have nothing to do with us, are free to leave Venice."

((OCC. Sorry but could I ask someone to sum this up for me. I never have much time to RP.))

In essence The League of Venice is attempting to restore Europe's power, or at the very least unify the fragmented states that make it up now and days. Obviously, I am a supporter (controlling Austria, Croatia and Hungary) along with ka-Spel (Italy, Greece, Switzerland and with the territories that go with them, Crete and Sardinia being the examples); we, as you can deduce, have met opposition from Kulikovia (Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia).

That's it in a nutshell.

It seems as of now ka-Spel is holding a good front as of now- I'll refrain from posting a superflous post that just reinstates (of course, with more rhetoric befitting Drekcsler) what has already been said.

OOC: Yeah, I forgot to provide a history of Kulikovia. What I have envisioned is quite different from the real world events you described. I have to work on the history part. So, until I do, I won't reply.

OOC: Yeah, I forgot to provide a history of Kulikovia. What I have envisioned is quite different from the real world events you described. I have to work on the history part. So, until I do, I won't reply.

(OOC: Well, the history that I provided for Poland is all pre-WW2 or during WW2, so that wouldn't change much... as for Czech Republic, a lot of that might be inaccurate if the post-WW2 history was changed, yeah. I anxiously await a response :-)

OOC: Well, I posted a brief bit of history. You can read it on my factbook.

(OOC: Alright, I'll edit my speech to accommodate it :-)

It seems a test was in order. Lucrezia struck fast and hard, and obvious supporter of the League with ferverous devotion to European supremacy in the world stage. Karlovy was setback, not expecting this quite Italian to resound so confidently throughout the hall and in front of such a large and important crowd. He gently tapped his finger against his leg and took a few moments to compose himself and let the right words enter his mind. Yes, the three nations that made up Kulikovia were dominated throughout history.

Karlovy looked back to Lidia who's face was blank, devoid of any indication of admiration nor contemot towards the ferocious Italian. She simply nodded to him, almost as a signal.

"Your history lesson for the class is not entirely true. You've done you're homework for the most part, but there's some things missing" Karlovy began to take a few steps forward.

"The current State was formed out of a mutual desire to retain soverignty, not as three nations but as one. After the ravages of Nazi oppression, neither Poland nor Czechoslovakia were strong enough to contest the Soviets. So, the Worker's Congress, the main united resistance movement, opted for one nation. Seeing how their ideaology was Socialism, not iron fisted Communism, they feared the Soviets who would simply pull us into their sphere of influence and turn us into a police state.

We struggled to find a national identity amoungst so many ethnic groups. The two uniting ideas were Socialism and the desire to not be put under the thumb of the Soviet Union. We managed to stay independent and find our place in Europe.

Yes, Austria may not have had an empire abroad, but they certainly had one in Europe. Czechoslovakia was once a part of the Austrian Empire which straddled Central Europe and into the Balkans, encompassing hundreds of ethnic groups and leeching the people of their livelyhood in order to make the nation an empire.

Yes, Italy may not have had an extensive empire. But the territories that were seized by your foolish leader were seized through armed conflict and the native populations of Libya Ethipoia, and Somalia were brutally suppressed and murdered to make them fearful and unwilling to rise up.

You say that the Asians have no justification in any act of aggression against Europe but at the same time you are fearful and cautious of them by saying this is an alliance against 'inevitable hostility against Europe'. What other fears do you need? Instead of us puffing out our chests to the Asians, why not cooperate with them to make this a better world? A world free from paranoia and suspicion?"

Karlovy felt angered and insulted by the smug Italian. Of course, he gave her credit for taking a stand. Lidia smiled and nodded her head as karlovy spoke.

Lucrezia felt as though she were getting nowhere with the stubborn Karlovy. Simultaneously, she liked him. He took a stand against her, and she admired that. Lucrezia had spent the majority of her political career not being taken seriously by her male colleagues and counter-parts, and she had grown jaded for it. The result was an aggressive and dominant woman who was able to rally even the most resistant of opposition to her side through mere words. She was a gifted speaker, true, but she was also an intimidating woman to many. That such a man as Karlovy resisted her so fiercely excited her in a strange way; she hadn't had a worthy opponent in some time. The two could either get along wonderfully, or rip each other's heads off by the end of this conference; the cards could go either way at this point.

"Sir Karlovy, I refuse to sit here and debate international history with you. We are all aware of your nation's history; we have witnessed your people being oppressed under the thumb of various powers. My point has been made."

Lucrezia glared at Karlovy, voice just a tone lower; not quite aggressive enough to be threatening, but certainly containing its fair share of anger.

"I also will not sit here and defend myself against the actions of an evil dictator whom committed unspeakable crimes against the African people 60 years ago. I am not a Fascist; Benito Mussolini's actions are neither representative nor condoned by the Italian people. I'm not sure if they taught you this in history class, Sir Karlovy, but we hung Mussolini in St. Peter's Square and paid to throw rocks at him after the war. Please, do not insult our integrity like that again. Such comments are unbecoming of a promising young diplomat such as yourself."

"As for your comments about the Asian powers," Lucrezia continued, turning to face the rest of the delegates, voice back to the medium, neutral tone; The Diplomat's Voice, they called it in politics. There was a whole course on it in college. "No, we do not believe that the Asians would be justified in an attack against Italy or Austria at this time out of colonial retribution. Neither of our countries have held Asian soil, so there is no retribution to be had against us. Surely, Germany, The Netherlands, France and England may be main targets of attack, but that just underscores my point that Europe needs to be united. We do not feel that Asian retribution would be justified, but we believe that it will happen. And when it does, A unified Europe will be necessary to come to the aid of those attacked.

We also do not feel that Asian cooperation is practical at this point. Disregarding even the hostility that Asia has shown all European nations, there is too much internal unrest in Asia to consider diplomatic alliances. The Asians cannot come to peace within themselves; we do no wish to meddle in their affairs. We do not wish to go to war with an Asian country because we are aligned with another Asian country whom happens to be at war. This would severely compromise our national security and economy.

As I said, diplomats are free to stay and hear out talks, and they are free to leave Venice and never think about us again. I'm not sure what I have to say to ensure that we are not interested in colonization of Asia or Africa, and certainly not of Europe. I have said everything that I wish to say, and I cannot make these points any clearer."

"Do not insult our intergrity by portraying us as weak and feeble!" Karlovy suddenly exploded, feeling himself drawn into a fight. Lidia felt startled and her eyes widened for a brief moment but reconquered her composure.

"By us barring non-European members anf from less than admirable comments made by the Austrians at the last one, as well as the whole notion of this 'League' isn't helping the Asians, Africans, and other groups in easing their troubles. Now, they will feel as though they will feel disrespect, especially after the last meeting of this League. Instead of stepping back, digging gtrenches, and waiting for the pot to boil over, why not either extend a helping hand or simply stray away from meddling and saber-rattling?"

Karlovy regained his regular tone but felt his heart race a few beats faster as his chest rised and fell wuicker as adrenaline began to coruse through his veins. It's been some time since he last engaged in a debate as heated as this. He knew he could not disuade the other Europeans but felt it was his duty to uphold Kulikovia's decision to remain outside of this alliance. In his mind it was ridiculous that they huddle together in fear of the Asian hordes of which there was no guarrantee would be sweeping across Russia and smashing against the walls of Europe.

Lucrezia stepped back from the heated delegate. She was not expecting an outburst like that from the seemingly calm Karlovy. Perhaps she'd overestimated his diplomatic skills. Maybe they would end up ripping each other's throats out after all. Seemed a shame, really; she really thought that a diplomat would have better control over his emotions.

Lucrezia cleared her throat, not sure how to respond, but decided diplomacy was the best approach. She'd lost hope in the explosive Karlovy; no sense in ruining the other delegates in attendance's opinion of her. If he wanted to make himself look like a loose cannon in front of the rest of Europe, that was his prerogative.

"Sir Karlovy, I do apologize for coming off as demeaning to your nation. Kulikovia has made unmeasurable contributions to society; we do not wish to derail that. I was simply illustrating that the need for a united Europe is essential. Many apologies for the unintended insult.

We barred non-European nations from this meeting because this meeting does not concern them. We are not singling out Asia, just using them as an example. There are many nations out there who resent the actions of our ancestors and would jump at the opportunity to attack. With such division within our grand continent, we are the ones who look weak and feeble. A unification would deflect any thoughts that we are torn apart and fighting what amounts to a silent civil war.

No one had stated that helping Asia in rebuilding those countries whom need it is not an option. In fact, i would say it is encouraged; we simply do not wish to be involved in their political and armed warfare. Humanitarian aid is not beyond the scope of this League. Furthermore, if Kulikovia were members of the League, they may even propose such actions. I'm sure they would be met with resounding positive reviews. As it stands, you are just repeatedly accusing us of being fearful. Europe has never been a fearful place, and it shall not be now. We are not afraid; we are wise. We have been the center of the world for millennia, and we know how it works, Sir Karlovy. We know that we are a target; if not Italy and Austria, then our friends to the north and west. Do not misunderstand me, we are not hiding in trenches, Sir Karlovy; we are simply preparing them for future use."

In essence The League of Venice is attempting to restore Europe's power, or at the very least unify the fragmented states that make it up now and days. Obviously, I am a supporter (controlling Austria, Croatia and Hungary) along with ka-Spel (Italy, Greece, Switzerland and with the territories that go with them, Crete and Sardinia being the examples); we, as you can deduce, have met opposition from Kulikovia (Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia).

That's it in a nutshell.

It seems as of now ka-Spel is holding a good front as of now- I'll refrain from posting a superflous post that just reinstates (of course, with more rhetoric befitting Drekcsler) what has already been said.

((OCC. Right cool, I'm going to asking people for nut shells a lot for a little while. :p Is this like a EU? If so I am all for it and was thinking of setting a EU like alliance any way. However I am not technically Europe and if I joined that would mean no Create invasion.))

(ooc{ Well, honestly, I'd rather you join here than invade Crete. i can always get somebody else to invade Crete.)

((OCC. I think I'll invade Create instead if thats OK? I'll set up a Middle Eastern Coalition instead maybe. Wish I could do both though. :())

OOC: This is an alliance thread right?

OOC: This is an alliance thread right?

(OOC: Yes. We've been greatly anticipating your arrival :-))

The German delegate, Frederick Luther, was sitting in his seat, thinking on what to say. He believed a unified Europe will deter any attack from the aggressive Asian nations. The war with France and Netherlands did not improve its image in Asia and Africa. He stood up, he was dressed in a nice black German made suit. He began speaking.

""Ladies and gentlemen, delegates and representatives, leaders and diplomats, Germany, France and Netherlands had its share of European history. The German Federal Dominion believes that The League of Venice is necessary to preserve peace in the world. We see superpowers in Asia. Some have been hostile to our nation. Others are peaceful to our nation, but that may change.

We hereby join the League of Venice."

OOC: Sorry for the short post. I'm not very good at this

New Delhi, upon hearing of the German delegation entering into the League of Venice, was amused by the events. It seemed that, the tide was changing. Whilst once the independent poorer countries were scared of Europe, the Leagues constant resolve to protect themselves from threats in the developing world whilst they viewed Europe as little threat themselves only proved to India that these nations were scared. It seemed the true transition of power in the world had begun to shift.

(ooc: I am hereby declaring this thread officially closed. The League has all of the members it's going to get in this meeting. Any new members will be announced in the IC thread. The members of the league of Venice are as follows:

The Mediterranean Alliance
Austria-Moorington
The Federal Dominion of Germany

Greal and Moorington: We should have an IC meeting with the first "official" members of the League sometime soon.)