NationStates Jolt Archive

So, as per Talost's suggestion, I'm making this thread so our players can post their factbooks and claims.

IC Thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14230061

Players:

TWSP (Austrasia) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14219784&postcount=2)
Talost (Gottwald) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14221420&postcount=3)
Izistan
Doomingsland (Zavakajia)
TheSilverSky (Crowne) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14230967&postcount=22)
No Endorse (Gaulllic) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14228622&postcount=7)
Central Prestonia (Armoria) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14227879&postcount=4)
Franberry (Nervrad) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14230203&postcount=11)
Nantarios (Lamiglia) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14228589&postcount=5)
Soviet Steam (Soviet Steam) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14230666&postcount=15)
Volzgrad (Stahlavan) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14231100&postcount=27)
Blub (Gallows) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14231118&postcount=28)


MAP:

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/505/ww1ts1za1.png
MAP (http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/505/ww1ts1za1.png)

Official nation name: The Imperial Republic of Austrasia

Shorthand name: Austrasia

National Anthem: Austrasia Prevails!

Abstract: Austrasia is, in comparison to Gottwald, a highly industrialized nation. Ran by the rich elite, little to no attention is paid to the needs of the working man, thus, the country has a high death rate, poor education and even worse working conditions. Still, the population is kept in order by means of a brutal and efficient army, thanks to the rampant nationalism that plagues the Republic.

National adjective: Austrasian

Total population: 80 million

Demographics:
-Male population: 38,400,000 (48%)
-Female population: 41,600,000 (52%)
-Children (birth to 16): 30%
-Able-bodied (17-65): 60%
-Elderly (66+): 10%

Government type: Constitutional Monarchy (disguises a de-facto rule by the military)

Head of government: Emperor Frederic Augustus Hobsbaum

Important government members: Field Marshal Alexander von Aszenmil, Empress Teresa von Hobsbaum-Wittenber, Lord Admiral Thadeus Van Hausen

Language: Grimmenhauss

Culture: Due to it's pro-industry and militaristic way of life, a great deal of Austrasian culture is dedicated to the dozens of nationals heroes that have, through the years, "saved" the nation. Of course, most of them have been invented to keep the proletariat at bay and content. Little to no attention is paid to the liberal arts, with literature being completely dedicated to the wonders and unimaginable glory that one can attain through war, not that people can read anyways.

Major industries: Steel, chemicals, oil, manufactured products, coal, timber

Exports: manufactured products, coal, chemicals

Imports: Food

Geography: Lush countryside, dotted with average-sized towns to the south-east. The north is more densely populated, with huge cities and developed industries taking up most of the landscape.

Area: 357,021 sq. km

Military:

% standing/conscript

23,040,000 men are in military age, of which a 70% (16,128,000) is in physical conditions to be a member or get conscripted into the armed forces.
However, the militaristic nature of the nation makes it so that, in case of need, both children and elderly citizens could get drafted.
Basically every male citizen able to carry a weapon receives military training, either as a regular troop or a reserve.

As of the moment, Austrasia maintains a regular force of three million (3,000,000) troops in the army, backed by about two million (2,000,000) able to be called on a short notice. The navy, in comparison, only has a measly half a million (500,000) personnel, and the Air Force a mere ten thousand (10,000).

History

The Imperial Armed Forces have existed since the dawn of times, albeit not as organized nor trained as presently, and played a very important role in the Empire's history, supporting the monarch and the status-quo. It has witnessed much improvements in it's existence but, with humanity apparently reaching the peak of it's progress, what is there left to change?

Equipment

- Neuman-Peters Infantry Rifle Model 1905
- Rosskiev Sub-Machine Gun Model 1912
- 1912 Automatic Pistol Mk. IV
- Neuman-Peters Machine Gun Model 1908
- Stielhandgranate
- Trench knife
- Trench spade
- Usual Soldier stuff
- 88 millimetres Krupp towed field howitzer
- 152 millimetres Krupp towed heavy howitzer
- 380 millimetres Gotha super heavy howitzer
- 600 millimetres Krupp & Gotha assault-siege mortar-howitzer
- Fok Model 1913 Recon Aircraft
- 2 x Kirov War Blimp
- 14 Dreadnoughts
- 20 Pre-dreadnoughts
- 8 Coastal defence ships
- 10 Armoured cruisers
- 12 Light cruisers
- 35 Destroyers
- 40 Torpedo boats
- 12 Submarines

Training

Volunteers receive 24 months of continual military training, personnel deemed fit for NCO or CO status are then sent to special academies for further training.
The regime is based on the real-life Prussian Model, with recruits being taught discipline under fire, basic marksmanship and basic combat tactics (among others), individuals showing exceptional skills may be re-routed to sniper or Stoßtruppen schools.

On the other side, conscripts and reserves are only given 16 months of training and then demobilized although they will be expected to attend "refresh" courses on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Doctrine

Standard Austrasian doctrine is based on the use of massed artillery as preparation for attacks on enemy positions, with cavalry playing a small but key role by harassing enemy supply lines and chasing routed enemy forces. Only recently has there been significant progress in the field of automatic weaponry, thus allowing the Imperial Army to replace it's "Grenadier" Corps with the Stoßtruppen, better fit for trench warfare.

Focus

The Austrasian Army is almost completely made out of infantry, although promising developments in the field of aeronautics has lead to some military commanders to request the creation of an "Imperial Air Service". The navy, in comparison, has never been a strong suit and has been, therefore, neglected throughout history, again, only lately the Armed Force seem to have noticed the need to protect it's overseas possessions and, if necessary, support the Army in obtaining more.

Official nation name: The Grand Duchy of Gottwald

Shorthand name: Gottwald

Capital: Freibachstrasser

Abstract: An agricultural society in the midst of rapid industrialization, Gottwald has grown in power and arrogance over the course of the last twenty years. With increased tension in the region influencing the political situation, the country has become very militaristic.

National adjective: Gottwalder

Total population: 72 million

Demographics
-Male population: 36,720,000 (51%)
-Female population: 35,280,000 (49%)
-Children (birth to 16): 6%
-Able-bodied (17-65): 66%
-Elderly (66+): 18%

Government type: Monarchy

Head of government: Archduke Frederich Thorshafn

Important government members: Archduchess Willhelmina Thorshafn-Hobsbaum, Prince Lutz Thorshafn, Prince Werner Thorshafn, Princess Teresia Thorshafn, Duke Otto Gotke, Duke Franz Holzinger, Duke Konrad Shulze, High Admiral Ludger Heindl, Field Marshal Gottfried Lechnerr

Language: Grimmenhauss

Culture: Gottwalder culture is very reserved, with a large emphasis on obedience to authority, neutrality of emotion and maintaining one’s place in the order of things. This tends to create a society that doesn’t place much stock in art or creativity, but has very little unrest.

Major industries: Pig iron, oil, agricultural products, coal, chemicals, timber

Exports: Oil, coal, chemicals

Imports: Food, seed, heavy equipment

Geography: Largely forested, with open agricultural land in the south and east and mountains in the north

Area: 345,000 sq. km

Military

-% standing/conscript
24,235,200 men are available for conscription, although only 900,000 are in the standing army at any one time. Given the nation’s emphasis on industrialization in the last few decades, those not actively serving can be mobilized rapidly, provided that the rail network grants access to the area in question.

-history
Gottwald has maintained a standing army since the late 1100s, when the country was often wracked by internal conflicts and factionalization. Over the years it has grown stagnant and resistant to change, with many staunch advocates of tradition taking high positions in the military.

Army

-infantry equipment
All soldiers receive the following:
1x Pistolegewehrshan Model 1900 (pistol)
4x 8-round Pistolegewehrshan clips
1x Picklehaube (spiked helmet)
1x Picklehaube cover (cloth cover)
1x trousers
1x shirt
1x jacket
1x boots
1x haversack
1x water bottle
6x ammunition pouches
1x forage cap
1x bayonet
1x compact shovel
1x compact pickaxe
1x pewter cup
1x cooking pot
1x spoon
1x knife
1x pocket knife
1x identity disc
In addition:

Standard infantryman
1x Gewehr ST 04 Model 1896 (rifle)
10x 5-round Gewehr clips

Sturmtruppen (c. 1918)
1x Untermaschinengewehr ST 19 (submachine gun)
3x 32-round Untermaschinengewehr magazines
3x Stielhandgrenate (grenade)

Offizier
1x Gewehr ST 04 Model 1896 (rifle)
10x 5-round Gewehr clips
1x compass
1x pocketwatch
1x binoculars

Artilleryman
1x compass
1x pocketwatch
1x binoculars

Sharpshooter
1x Gewehr VT Model 1911
8x 5-round Gewehr clips
1x binoculars

Uhlan
1x 1x Gewehr ST 04 Model 1896 (rifle)
10x 5-round Gewehr clips
1x saber
1x lanze (lance)

-artillery equipment
210x 76mm minenwerfer (mortar)
3,200x 76mm howitzer (field gun)
1,700x 155mm skoda (medium artillery)
620x 305mm schwer (heavy artillery)
5x 40cm eisenbahngewehr (superheavy railroad gun)

Navy

-High Seas Fleet
19x dreadnoughts
22x pre-dreadnoughts
7x battlecruiser
9x armored cruiser
5x protected cruiser
32x light cruiser
55x destroyer
82x torpedo boat

-submarine fleet
14x Mk 180 (coastal)
15x Mk 210 (oceanic)

-training
Those in the standing army are given 18 months of regular training, after which they are assigned to a posting. Every few years units are rotated through supplementary training courses, both physical and academic. Although conscription has not been needed in the three decades since the standing army’s strength was increased from 200,000, plans allow for 6 months of initial training for conscripts or, in dire times, 6 weeks.

-doctrine
Military education revolves around cooperation between cavalry and infantry, supported by artillery and machine guns. The air is widely regarded as “the domain of fools,” as Prince Lutz said. Zeppelins are gaining favor, though, under the personal championship of Duke Hellmuth Nickel. The navy has yet to decide between a defensive surface fleet or an offensive submarine force.

-focus
Attrition tactics and very traditional maneuvers.

EDIT: Changed my fleet around a lot to be more like Germany's in 1914. Also added a note that mentions that sturmtruppen won't be created until 1918.

Official nation name: The Republic of Armoria

Shorthand name: Armoria

National Anthem: For God and For Armoria

Capital: Taranto

Abstract: The Republic of Armoria is an industrialized state officially laid out as a republic. In practice, however, corruption and mafia activity are the orders of the day in government. Political positions are bought, sold and traded, family connections often override public interest and favored dons and made men often find their "enterprises" protected and championed by the government. The current President, however, has attempted to bring some level of respect to the office though he remains first and foremost a mafioso. The people hold a high standard of living relatively speaking and are fairly patriotic, though the nation is historically isolationist (war is bad for business).

National adjective: Armorian

Total population: 83 million

Demographics
-Male population: 41,439,000 (50%)
-Female population: 41,561,000 (50%)
-Children (birth to 16): 15%
-Able-bodied (17-65): 73%
-Elderly (66+): 12%

Government type: Republic

Head of government: President Vincente Amato

Important government members: Vice President Salvatore Luciano
Grand Admiral Dante Cabella
Field Marshal Antonio Scarletti

Language: Italian

Culture: Armorian culture is very authority-oriented; the word of elders, in particular the patriarch of the family, is not to be questioned. Loyalty to God, Family and Country are also strongly emphasized. While liberal arts are more permissible in Armoria than in, say, Austrasia, the vast majority of academic focus tend to be on "hard" sciences as well as business.

Major industries: Coal, iron, manufactured products, precious metals, heavy equipment.

Exports: Manufactured products, heavy equipment, precious metals, steel (refined from iron)

Imports: food, rubber

Geography: Mountainous northern border, with mostly rolling hills in the interior and several major cities on the coast. Significant parts of the southern coast are below sea level. The colonized area is predominantly of a subtropical nature.

Area: idk

Military
-% standing/conscript
24,310,000 men are available for conscription, of which roughly 17,000,000 are physically fit for military service. Though isolationist, President Amato is a staunch believer in "peace through strength" and thus roughly 3,500,000 men are currently serving in the Armed Forces, with roughly 2,000,000 in the Army and 1,500,000 in the Navy. With the recent additions to the Trans-Armorian Railroad, the military is able to effectively mobilize anywhere in the nation, and called-up soldiers can be quickly brought to the front.
-history
Armoria's military is relatively young, stemming from the nation's formation from several small city-states in 1857. Principality-specific biases have mostly been eliminated, though in some cases graft and favoritism have trumped military ability in the selection of officers.
Army

-infantry equipment
All soldiers receive the following:
1x Glisenti M1910 (later replaced by Baretta Breveta M1915) pistol
4x clips for said pistol
1x Helmet
1x Helmet Cover
1x trousers
1x shirt
1x jacket
1x boots
1x haversack
1x water bottle
6x ammunition pouches
1x forage cap
1x bayonet
1x compact shovel
1x compact pickaxe
1x pewter cup
1x cooking pot
1x spoon
1x knife
1x pocket knife
1x military identification card
1x leather wallet
In addition:

Standard infantryman
1x Mannlicher-Carcano M1895 rifle
10x 7-round clips

Arditti (Shock Troops)
1x Mannlicher-Carcano M1895 carbine
10x 7-round clips
3x grenade

Officer
1x Mannlicher-Carcano M1895 carbine
10x 7-round clips
1x compass
1x pocketwatch
1x binoculars

Artilleryman
1x compass
1x pocketwatch
1x binoculars

Sharpshooter
1x Mannlicher-Carcano M1895 rifle, with 4x scope
10x 7-round clips
1x binoculars

Cavalry
1x Mannlicher-Carcano M1895 carbine
10x 7-round clips
1x saber

Pilot
1x pocketwatch
1x compass
1x map
1x Albatros D.I (after 1916; air force not formed until then)

-artillery equipment
TBD

Navy

-Grand Fleet (Taranto)
7x dreadnoughts
9x battlecruiser
11x cruiser
27x torpedo boat
14x destroyer
11x pre-dreadnought

-Northern Fleet (Catania)
3x dreadnoughts
5x battlecruiser
3x cruiser
10x torpedo boat
8x destroyer
14x pre-dreadnought
-submarine fleet
TBD

-training
Standing army receive a 8-week basic training course, followed by specialized training depending on specific occupation within the military, usually lasting around a month. Naval training is slightly longer, usually lasting around 12 weeks total.
-doctrine
Army education centers around the idea of artillery as a softening and demoralizing agent, coupled with the cavalry and infantry charge to finish off the enemy. Machine guns and sniper rifles are heavily used as a suppressor in conjunction with the artillery, the primary objective being to keep enemy heads down or eliminate as many as possible before the cavalry and infantry finish off. Air doctrine is in it's infancy and primarily focused on the airplane as a bombardment and psyops weapon, though this is constantly evolving.

Naval doctrine is centered on the decisive battle, with dreadnoughts playing the key role in the fight and maneuvering focused on decisive engagements to destroy enemy naval power. The role of the dreadnought as shore bombardment is slowly gaining followers within the services.
-focus
Decisive engagement doctrine, flanking and encirclement maneuvers are a strong focus.

Foreign Relations
Austrasia:
Austrasia is generally considered to be an ally of the Armorian Republic, though there has been some tension over the nation supplying Zavakajia with arms and other exports.

Crowne:
As a supporter of Gaul, eyed with suspicion. The Armorian Navy considers the Crownes Navy to be its main rival in contesting the seas, and would very much like to knock them out of commission in the southern seas.

Gaul:
Strongly despised. The Armo-Gaullic War ended in 1889, but try telling that to a citizen of either nation. The Armorian Republic views Gaul as a threat to its recently acquired provinces.

Gottwald:
Not particularly trusted, seen as somewhat backward due to relative lack of industry.

Lamiglia:
Seen as backward and uncivilized, though useful as a breadbasket. Strategically, Armoria hopes to bring Lamiglia to it's side in the event of war so as to split Gaul in half, and plans to supply the Lamiglians with weaponry and military advice are in the works.

Nervrad:
Generally eyed with around the same attitude as is given toward Lamiglia, though with a bit more hostility. Not particularly important except where its resources are concerned. Nervrad's population and thus her ability to bring massive amounts of troops to bear is of some concern to the brass, but it is hoped that the distance between Armoria and Nervrad should negate any potential threat.

Soviet Steam
Seen as socially dangerous, but not to the extent that war would be necessary. Support for Gaul may become problematic.

Zavakajia:
Armoria maintains strong relations with Zavakajia as a means to debase Gaul. Heavy trade in weapons and military advice is conducted between the nations, which has caused some minor tensions between it and Austrasia in the past. If war does occur, Armoria may be forced to pick between Zavakajia and Austrasia.

Official nation name: The Feudal States of Lamiglia

Shorthand name: Lamiglia

Abstract: Lamiglia is a relatively backwards nation when compared to the rest of the continent, and it's government's control over the nation is banked heavily on the continued survival of it's hierarchical caste system. Semi-autonomous lords hold vast swaths of land, which are in turn worked by serfs, under-educated, poorly treated common folk. As the nobles exploit the labor of the serfs, they in turn provide protection from the volatile world beyond Lamiglian borders. Lamiglian lords meet frequently in council to discuss national objectives.

National adjective: Lamiglian

Total population: 94 million

Demographics
-Male population: 47,940,000 (51%)
-Female population: 46,060,000 (49%)
-Children (birth to 16): 17%
-Able-bodied (17-65): 69%
-Elderly (66+): 14%

Government type: Collection of semi-autonomous fiefdoms

Head of government: N/A
Important government members: Lord Antonio Martin, Lord Roger Corning, Lord Michael Trent

Language: English (Nobles), Lamiglian (Serfs)

Culture: Culture in Lamiglia is completely isolated to the noble caste. Serfs, with no education beyond tradesmanship, have little need for cultural depth. Nobles frequently enjoy theater, poetry, and art, which are abundant in manors across Lamiglia.

Major industries: Agriculture

Exports: Various foodstuffs

Imports: weaponry, machinery

Geography: Mountainous terrain runs along most of the Lamiglian border with Nervrad, while the remainder of Lamiglia is primarily fertile plains. Population is widely dispersed, with villages and 'cities' sprouting around noble's manors.

Area: idk, either.

Military
-% standing/conscript
With little need for an active military, Lamiglia's defense depends entirely upon the oaths of fealty sworn by a serf to his lord to defend him in times of war. In this manner, every citizen of Lamiglia is an available conscript, though the quality of these troops is far from guaranteed.
-History
Lamiglia's military has, in the past, been used in inter-lord squabbles and to ward off minor foreign threats. It is unknown their efficiency in a major war such as the one brewing about them now.
Equipment
*(to be continued D=<)*

-training
"... lolwut?"
-doctrine
Nobles are educated in military warfare from birth, in order to be capable of leading the serfs into battle should it become necessary. Tactics center around soviet-esque rush techniques.
-focus
See above.

ooc: How can I go about joining this? :)

Official nation name:
République de Gaul Troisième (Third Gaulic Republic)

Shorthand name:
Gaul

National Anthem:
Dame Liberté (Lady Liberty)

Abstract:
The Third Republic of the State of Gaul is, as the name states, a constitutional republic. Consisting of two geographically separate regions originally part of ancient Crowne, it was populated by Gaulic peoples driven out of the vast western steppes. Mingling with the native ruling Crowne and ruled Geats, the nation has managed to stay relatively intact through history, though it is gradually losing land to Armoria and Lamiglia.

National adjective:
Gauls. Also see "Gallies," "Northies," "Caners," and various other racial slurrs.

Total population:

Demographics:
-Male population:(%)
-Female population:(%)
-Children (birth to 16): %
-Able-bodied (17-65): %
-Elderly (66+): %

Government type:
Constitutional Republic

Head of government:
5 person rotating Directorate

Important government members:

Language:
French

Culture:
A strong emphasis on the individual and the state's duty to the individual

Major industries:
Luxury goods, Manufacturing, Health and Sanitation Products, Processed (mostly Nervradian) Raw Materials, Trade

Exports:
Unrestricted, all products.

Imports:
Unrestricted, especially Food from Lamiglia. Also, all oil.

Geography:
Largely temperate.

Area:
Look at map.

Military:

% standing/conscript

History
Read Abstract.

Equipment
Army
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:French_World_War_I_weapons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneider_CA1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Chamond_(tank)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FT-17
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_2C

Air Force:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_aircraft_of_Entente_Powers_in_WWI#France

Navy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:World_War_I_naval_ships_of_France


Training
A modest but relatively well trained main army, supplemented by a strong navy and reasonable air force. Large swaths of the population are to be drafted in case of war.

Doctrine
Not dying. Also, preventing Armorian advances, and countering with front wide drives. It is believed that the course of war will be decided with a narrow drive at a strategic point, quickly supported by a front-wide advance as the enemy moves to defend against the initial breakthrough. This will lead to complete enemy dislodging in the sector, opening a wide and easily defended road to enemy territory. The heavy tanks of Gaul have been designed with this in mind.

Focus
Keeping the sealane between the two halves open! Calculated advances, careful maneuver, and very precise battle planning. It is unimportant to seize the initiative, as trench lines don't move. A breakthrough will force the enemy to build new trenches in new locations, a tedious ordeal. There will therefore be plenty of time to methodically exploit a drive, mobility is of minimal concern.

Gaulic Foreign Relations:
Armoria:
Several border wars with Armoria have lead to the loss of several Gaulic territories. Gaul seeks to restore these territories and regain lost pride. As such, Armoria is viewed very suspiciously.

Austrasia:
Eyed with friendly suspicion. Austrasia also doesn't appreciate the Strait of Gaul, and is viewed as somewhat militaristic. However, extremely tight cross-strait relations and trade, as well as a belief that Austrasia may provide leverage against Armoria and Zavakajia, have convinced the Gaulic Directorate to play friendly with Austrasia so long as it remains benificial.

Crowne:
The former rulers of ancient Gaul granted the nation its freedom in the ancient past. These two republics have been on friendly terms for centuries, remaining tightly allied.

Gottwald:
Viewed as militaristic (and therefore, untrustworthy), its heavy industry is appreciated greatly in Gaulic industry, as is its oil.

Lamiglia:
Viewed with some suspicion. Lamiglia won a small border skirmish some time back, taking disputed land. Though in the distant past, Gaul continues to resent this. Lamiglia also has the ability to cut off the lines of trade with Nervrad, forcing a treacherous ocean route only open in the summer months. On the other side, Lamiglia is a significant export partner for Gaulic weaponry, and Gaul imports much food from this nation, making belligerence a difficult bargain.

Nervrad:
The Sick Man of the West can be a fine ally when food imports are a concern. His monarchical ruler can be tolerated, even indulged, when its raw materials are in need. Firmly allied with Gaul. Nervrad is not believed to be of strategic importance beyond its resources, and no defense or attack plans take them into account.

Soviet Steam
Treated with much respect, Soviet Steam airships are the primary method of air travel between the East and West ends of Gaul. Though often thought Authoritarian, Soviet Steam is viewed as the eventual goal of many local social movements in Gaul. Therefore, The People's Republic has been embraced as of late, much to the chagrin of Crowne and Nervrad.

Zavakajia:
Known to resent the stranglehold the Straights of Gaul put on Zavakajian shipping, Gaul fears Zavakajia may seek to remove that stranglehold.

DOUBLE POST! Anyways, talk to TWSP, he's the official head honcho, Blub. Also,
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9240/ww1newri5cp4.png

OMG NEW MAP

This is shaping up very nicely! I was talking with Aequatio on IRC this morning, and I mentioned that the main reason I love this RP idea is that the nations are "one-offs," so it doesn't matter if we win or loose. That should be fantastic for encouraging creativity and storytelling!

I can already see some potential alliances and rivalries. Thus far the only official ties are Austrasia vs. Gaul/Gottwald. Everyone else has yet to declare (to me, anyway) which side they're on. Lamiglia is either going to be everyone's best friend or the biggest battlefield, since it is the only nation to produce a huge surplus of food, which at least three of the other nations require. Zavak will likely turn into a battlefield as well, just because of its central location, and if Crowne, Gottwald, Nervrad and any others in that little "Mediterranean" and straight to the east aren't allied, there could be some epic naval battles there. I vote we make sure to keep hostilities high :P .

Now, TWSP told me today that he will be gone for his senior year trip for ten days, starting Friday (the 21st). I'm sure he can tell you more when he wakes up in four or five hours. Anyway, we were thinking of kicking off the RP tomorrow (Thursday) with just him, me, and anyone else that is ready and has a factbook up. Don't worry about being "late" if you join in after that point, that's really how WWI played out, a bit at a time. This is just to keep the RP fresh.

EDIT: Oh, and if anyone is still wondering where to place your nation, the area next to Crowne's holdings in the southern landmass is probably the most desirable, followed by the area between Gottwalder and Armorian colony things. Lastly, what are people's thoughts on what to do with the unclaimed landmass? If nobody takes it for a while after the RP starts, it might impair things. Should we just erase it from the map? Make NPCs? Claim it ourselves? Colonies?

IC thread is up. Here's the link (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14230061).

Official nation name: Glorious Heavenly Tsardom of Nervrad

Shorthand name: Glorious Heavenly Tsardom of Nervrad

National Anthem: God Save The Tsar!

Abstract: The Glorious Heavenly Tsardom of Nervrad looms over the continent from the west. Its vast expanse of land is largely devoted to agriculture and raw-goods extraction, although recent efforts have seen the urban centers grow as machinery and knowledge is imported from the continent. The country counts with the largest population in the area, which has allowed it to emerge as a considerable power in the last decades. The "sick man of the west" has risen!

National adjective: Nervradian

Total population: 220 million

Demographics:
-Glorious servants of his Tsardom: 100% (220 million)

Government type: Absolute Monarchy

Head of government: His Imperial Majesty, Constantine Viacheslav the third, by the grace of God, Tsar of all the Nervradians.

Important government members:

Leonid Illarionovich, Prime Minister
Filipp Krylov, Grand Marshal of the Army
Sergei Kuroyedov, Grand Admiral of the Navy


Language: Nervradian

Culture: Nervrad is a populous country, and as such, contains a large amount of different cultural and religious groups. They living peacefully beside one another (mostly), although some of the fringes of the western part of the empire need to be policed by the army, as some ethic groups are not content with being in the Tsardom. The Nervradian people are joyful and have little desire for expansionism against considerable opponents, they would much rather take joy in the arts and music in their village square than campaign in some unknown land. This is not to say that they are unpatriotic, indeed, the Nevradian conscript is a fearful opponent in a defensive scenario.

Major industries: Agriculture, mining (coal, iron, copper), light industry, weapons.

Exports: Agricultural goods.

Imports: Heavy industry, chemicals.

Geography: Extensive arable land replete with small farming villages. There are considerable population centers in the middle of the country. Infrastructure tends to get worse as one gets further away from the center of the nation or the borders with other countries.

Area: -

Army:


Imperial Guard: 150,000
Regular Troops: 1,750,000
Conscripts: 3,500,000
Reserves: 15,000,000 (Enlisted: up to 40 years, Officers: 60)
Conscription starts between 18 and 20 years of age, lasts 2 years.
In times of war, any male between 16 and 50 may be called up.


-history
-equipment

Mosin-Nagant
76 mm divisional gun M1902
76 mm air-defense gun M1914/15
107 mm gun M1910
152 mm siege gun M1910
305 mm howitzer M1915

-training
-doctrine
-focus


Navy:
The Imperial Nervradian Navy is a second-rate naval power. It does not have the force to project itself around the world, but it can most definitely protect the coasts of Nervrad and exercise its power in a regional sense. The Imperial Navy counts with being the foremost power in the north-west sea, considering the marked absence of any similar opponent.

The Imperial Navy has undertaken a vast program of Dreadnought building that will hopefully place her amongst the front-runners. Other advantages are its excellent destroyers and torpedo boats, as well as its newly-gained lessons from co-operation and the examination of foreign fleets and exercises. However, the Imperial Navy's Pre-Dreadnoughts are hopelessly obsolete, more so than other nations. The Imperial Navy also has a noticeable complete absence of Battlecruisers and a very small number of Heavy Cruisers. Its Protected Cruisers are also slightly outdated, being replaced by the new Heavy or Light Cruisers.

Personnel: 217,000
Battleships:

Dreadnoughts: 18
Pre-Dreadnoughts: 6
Heavy Cruisers: 7
Light Cruisers: 23
Protected Cruisers: 9
Destroyers: 62
Torpedo Boats: 86
Submarines: 16


Auxiliary ships:

Mine layers: 4
Destroyer tenders: 12
Oilers: 10
Transports: 4 (fast), 16 (slow)


Fleet makeup:
High Seas Fleet:

Dreadnoughts: 12
Heavy Cruisers: 4
Light Cruisers: 12
Destroyers: 37
Torpedo Boats: 34
Submarines: 16

Southern Fleet:

Dreadnoughts: 6
Pre-Dreadnoughts: 6
Heavy Cruisers: 3
Light Cruisers: 9
Protected Cruisers: 6
Destroyers: 35
Torpedo Boats: 32
Submarines: 16

Trombsk Station:

Light Cruisers: 2
Protected Cruisers: 3
Destroyers: 9
Torpedo Boats: 20

Hoo boy. We tried to work out who's fighting who on IRC, but it's so complicated I needed to write it down. So, the concrete deal is Austrasia vs. Gottwald. So, that's our sides. Now, the following are alliance 1:

Gottwald
Zavakajia
Crowne
Gaul

Alliance 2:

Austrasia
Armoria

Additionally, Nervrad is allied with Zavakajia and Gaul but not with Crowne or Gottwald. Lamiglia is neutral. Are these assumptions correct?

EDIT: Okay, after moar conversation on IRC, I have no idea who's with who. The two things I know are that Gottwald and Austrasia are fighting and Gaul and Crowne are allied.

*pokes TWSP* May I join please?

*pokes TWSP* May I join please?

Get on IRC, channel is #lulwar

Official nation name: People's Republic of Soviet Steam

Shorthand name: Soviet Steam

National Anthem: In Memory of the Communes

Abstract: The People's Republic of Soviet Steam is a recent, authoritarian but progressive State, originated from the violent deposition of the previous, increasingly unpopular Tsardom which has preserved cultural remains of feudalism in it, formerly known as The Empire of The Steel Sun, through a revolution inspired by the teachings of Ron Karl. The knack and exotic tendency to experiment on seemingly improbable, and usually impractical concepts, coupled with the high regard given to men of science, has been a feature that it maintains from its former social order, as does the large airfleet of cargo and passengers blimps. Their entire industry however is overtly concentrated at the heart of their territory, where a nearly permanent smog taints the landscape, while most of the nation is essentially agrarian, for their industrial revolution has been quite late compared to that of other nations. Despite the lack of care for nature of their rapid industrial expansion, since the revolution much of its economy, now in transition to a command economy, focuses into providing education, healthcare and welfare to those who would usually be downtrodden in other nations.

National adjective: Comrade

Total population: 65 million

Demographics:

- Male population(%): 65%
- Female population(%): 35%
- Children(birth to 16): 45%
- Able-bodied(17-65): 50%
- Elderly (66+): 5%

Government Type: Socialist Autocracy

Head of government: Dictator Yevgeni Zakharov

Important government members: First Engineer Andrei Saratov, Comrade Teacher Yania Mirov, First Doctor Karol Treblinski, Controller Sergei Orloff, Marshall-Commissar Yusef Minsk, Mayor of Blanquigradd Yuri Kharkarov

Language: Stalinian

Culture: Soviet Steam culture has suffered radical changes back when the revolution happened, but even back when it was a Tsardom, it already was an essentially secular culture focused on science and geniality, for the long lineage of Tsars that preceded the revolution supposedly came from a very old genius, who once invented a new farming method that saved the nation from starvation and collapse due to a long drought that happened centuries ago. Religions are fading away, the nuclear family is slowly sharing space with communal families, and a radical liberalization of social practices has brought consequences, leading to a significant population boom. Artistically, an wide-spreading school named Social Realism is slowly sweeping all works, from architecture to music, which is featured by a search in describing reality with simplicity rather than abstracting it.

Major Industries: Airships manufacture, electric goods and research.

Exports: Airships, batteries, electric components, power grid infrastructure.

Imports: Agricultural goods, oil and coal.

Geography: Major chain of mountains cross diagonally their territory from northwest to southeast, while their southwest is featured by plains and arable lands, and their northeast by a desert in the border with the Republic of Crowne.

Area: est. 490,000 sq. km

Military

% Standing/Conscript
There are 32.5 million of men and women in military age, of which 26 million are ready to fight for the motherland if necessary, and 3 million may have their health conditions sufficiently improved for such duties. Nonetheless, only 675 thousands of soldiers form the standing military under most except the direst of circumstances, with 200 thousand in the navy, 50 thousand in the Airfleet, 300 thousand forming the fifteen standing divisions of the Red Army and 25 thousand in the Intelligence Commisariat.

History

Before the revolution, the military forces of the former Empire of the Iron Sun were still reminiscent of feudalism in their organization, with ranks given on family upbringing rather than merit and very little cooperation and development of large-unit strategies. When the Red Army, Soviet Navy and People's Airfleet were formed, the relatively late process of professionalization of the military occurred, as a new rank structure was formed. Due to its youth as a professional Army, the experience of most current army officers in warfare has been that of guerrilla warfare with irregular units during the street fighting between loyalists, republicans and socialists during the revolution, while naval and air officers lack any experience with live combat. Another major change has happened as the former Okhrshanka, secret police of the empire, served as basis for the formation of an essentially external-focused intelligence organization, the Intelligence Commissariat, which has been for a long time the only branch of the military to experience live action.

Equipment

Red Army:
PK-17 Flare pistol
PK-99 8.89x22mm revolver
8.89x67mm VS-1 Service Rifle (http://z4.invisionfree.com/NSDraftroom/index.php?showtopic=3509)
VS-1K Rifle grenade adapter
65mm No. 6 Tsar hand-bomb
65mm No. 8 Tsar Rifle grenade
8-bundled Dynamite charge
8-bundled Clock-timed Dynamite charge
15x90mm Vintovka Automatic Gun
80mm field gun S1897 (4000)
60mm field mortar S1912 (450)
40mm S-77 anti-air gun (550)
180mm S-85 Howitzer (1700)
350mm E-90 "Monster" Mortar (400)
400mm Railway Gun S1913 (7)

Standard Issue

1 Saber
1 Bayonet
1 PK-17 Flare pistol
4 Flares
1 PK-99 revolver
24 8.89x22mm rounds
3 No. 6 Tsar Hand-bombs
2 Bandoliers
1 Utility belt
1 Steel cap
1 Cloth cover
1 Field bag
1 Suede jacket
1 Cotton undershirt
1 Padded Pants
1 Steel-lined leather boots
6 Water pouches
1 Pickaxe
1 Pocket knife
1 Trench knife
1 Entrenchment Shovel
1 Spoon
1 Fork
1 Cooking pot
2 Matchboxes
1 Compass
1 Pocket watch
1 Field-stripping kit
1 Bottle of Antiseptic and Painkiller(Vodka)
1 Identification roundel


Rifleman

1 VS-1 Service Rifle
8 7-round 8.89mm magazines


Grenadier

1 VS-1 Service Rifle
1 VS-1K Rifle grenade adapter
8 7-round 8.89mm magazines
5 No. 8 Tsar Rifle grenades
3 additional No. 6 Tsar Hand-bombs

Demolitions
1 VS-1 Service Rifle
6 7-round 8.89mm magazines
6 8-bundled Dynamite charges
2 8-bundled Clock-timed Dynamite charges

Sharpshooter

1 VS-1 Service Rifle
1 2x monocular sight
1 prismatic rangefinder
7 7-round 8.89mm magazines

Spotter

1 VS-1 Service Rifle
1 2x monocular sight
1 binocular
1 prismatic rangefinder
5 additional flares
6 7-round 8.89mm magazines

Medic

1 VS-1 Service Rifle
6 8.89mm magazines
3 field medicine kits
1 orthopedic saw

Officer

1 VS-1 Service Rifle
6 8.89mm magazines
1 binocular


Machine gunner

1 Vintovka Automatic Gun
2 100-round 15mm belts
1 binocular


Artillery gunner

1 prismatic rangefinder
1 binocular


Soviet Navy

West Fleet
12 Ron Karl Class Battleships
6 Proletariat Class Heavy Cruisers
14 Katyusha Class Torpedo Boats
40 Vasilyi Class Torpedo Boat Destroyers
12 Red November Class U-boats

East Fleet
4 Ron Karl Class Battleships
8 Proletariat Class Heavy Cruisers
5 Katyusha Class Torpedo Boats
20 Vasilyi Class Torpedo Boat Destroyers
8 Red November Class U-boats

People's Airfleet

15 KL-4 Orloff Logistical Airships
8 ZK-8 Treblinski Class Transport Airship
75 Model 91 Scout Balloons

Intelligence Commissariat

5,000 field operatives
2,500 propaganda operatives
500 infiltration operatives

Training

Standing Army training lasts 2 years and half, and focuses on assault tactics, trench cleaning, sharpshooting, reconaissance, spirit de corps, signaling techniques, operational maneuvers and outdoorsmanship. Conscripts may be trained in two to four weeks during war time, if necessary. Naval training takes three years, while the airfleet takes only one because of its non-combat purpose. In the Intelligence Commissariat, however, training may take from five to even ten years, and sometimes teenagers are recruited into training.

Doctrine

Due to its internationalist ideals, Soviet warfare doctrines strategically merge the struggle of international dissidents and armed rebellions with the regular military forces of the Red Army, emphasizing intelligence gathering compared to other military forces. In combat, multiple, timed assaults, coordination with partisans from behind the front lines and attempts to flank and capture trenches form much of the tactical principle of the Red Army, which is made nearly exclusively of infantry and artillery. The cooperation between naval and ground forces is also very important, whenever possible, to the point flares are commonly used to signal targets of opportunity for both naval bombardment and artillery. The Airfleet serves only as a logistical tender.

Focus

"Offense is the best defense", "An Army without the People is nothing" and "Know your enemy and yourself" briefs very well the focus of the Red Army. Counter-attacks and assaults are maneuvers that all their soldiers are specialized in conducting, and for the defense or conquest of extremely critical strategical locations, no lives will be saved. Due to their small size, attacking first will prevent the need of manning trenches over the entire front lines, and through surprise and awe the goal is to punch a hole through the communications line of a trench and whenever possible, flank rather than face them in a frontal assault. Knowledge and orientation are very important, and all soldiers are equipped with compasses as part of it. Intelligence is equally a very high priority during an war effort. Despite the small size of their standing army however, their infrastructure and relatively large source of manpower, in part originated from the lack of discrimination in gender for conscription, allows for them to replenish their losses relatively fast. The battlefield of which they are most adept lie at the street fighting and close quarters combat of cities.

IT'S REALLY LIKE WORLD WAR ONE! Updated my above post with foreign relations

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14228622#post14228622

Get on IRC, channel is #lulwar

ooc: Was there for an hour.. no TWSP. :(

Blub and Sov, poast where u want land <.<

Blub and Sov, poast where u want land <.<

ooc: I want those islands. :wink:

OOC: Sorry if I am interrupting anything, but I am very interested in joining this RP. I've always been a fan of WW1.

You got it, Blub. Just get a factbook posted. Also, Greal is in as Greece's equivalent. I dunno where he wants to go, so we'll have to ask him. Volzgrad, it's easiest to talk about this on IRC. Can you hop on #lulwar?

Now, that being said, we have a few nations that we still need equivs for. Ottoman Empire is the most important one. Remember, you don't need to be the same size/pop/etc as your equiv, just share a cultural theme.

Official nation name:
The Republic of Crowne

Shorthand name:
Crowne

Abstract:
A Constitutional Republic on Federalist principles. The current government looks to return to world prominence. Once a colonial power, it's major colonial holding had separated into a separate democratic nation [Third Gaulic Republic] during ancient times. However there are still a large number of ethnic Crownes within the Third Gaulic Republic, it currently leases a naval base[s?] from the Gauls. Industry is concentrated within 200km of the Adelaide Strait on both sides, center serves as the agricultural center of the country. Most major cities are near the strait or central areas.

The Republic itself consists of the mainland on the northern side of the Adelaide Strait and a smaller holding on it's southern side. A strong army and navy are maintained to fight off aggression for all direction and to keep the oil, salt, gold and luxury food rich south connected with the ore and agricultural centers of the north. It's size has remained relatively constant for the last century but the increasing militarism of it's neighbors has caused the government to prepare for war.

National adjective:
Crownes.

Total population: 85,000,000

Demographics:
-Male population: 43,562,500(51.25%)
-Female population: 41,437,500(48.75%)
-Children (birth to 16): 32%
-Able-bodied (17-64): 63.6%
-Elderly (65+): 4.4%

Government type:
Constitutional Federal Republic

Head of government:
President

Important government members:
Vice President
Presidential Cabinet Members
Senators
Congressman

Language:
English

Culture:
A strong emphasis on individualism, self-reliance and the state's duty to protect the country and the individual's rights, military is looked upon with respect.

Major industries:
Luxury foods, growing oil/gasoline industry, mining [coal, iron ore, gold/silver, copper], self-sufficient agriculture, fishing, local maritime trade, mid-grade automobiles, shipbuilding, etc.

Exports:
Unrestricted, all products, mostly luxury foods.

Imports:
Unrestricted, especially tobacco and luxury goods from Gaul, some foodstuffs.

Mainland Geography:
Alps like mountains on the eastern border, desert then rolling plains, north is forested area and the west is rolling hills. Climate is mostly temperate with Mediterranean in southern areas.

Southern Colony Geography:
Low mountains on the southern border, some desert, then more hills with the coast being plains.

Area:
Look at map.

Military:
850,000 [250,000 in three armys [2 corps [5 divisions]], 125,000 in navy, 15,000 in airforce]
1,500,000 army reserves

100% standing
0% draftees

History
Read Abstract.

Equipment
Army
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FT-17 [Imported, licensed from Gaul]
[Possible future developments of FT-17. [heavy tank, artillery tractor, APC, etc.]]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1911_pistol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_revolver
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1903_Springfield_rifle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_Enfield_rifle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_1912
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1918_Browning_Automatic_Rifle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_Browning_machine_gun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_155_C_mle_1917_Schneider
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_75_mod%C3%A8le_1914_Schneider
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1902_field_gun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/75_mm_Gun_M1917
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Gun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_M1909_Benet-Mercie_machine_gun
Some british Siege Howitzers, railway guns, artillery.


Air Force:
Whatever the USA used in WWI

Navy:
2x Standard Type Battleships
Nevada class
* Displacement: 27,500 tons
* Armament: 10 × 14 in (356 mm) (2x3, 2x2), 21 × 5 in (127 mm) (21x1), 4 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Speed: 20 knots
* Ships in class: 2: USS Nevada and USS Oklahoma

10x Dreadnoughts Era Battleships
South Carolina class
* Displacement: 16,000 tons
* Armament: 8 × 12 in (305 mm) guns (4x2), 22 × 3 in (76 mm) (22x1), 2 x 3 pounder (2x1), 2 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Speed: 17 knots
* Ships in class: 2: USS South Carolina and USS Michigan
Delaware class
* Displacement: 20,380 tons
* Armament: 10 × 12 in (305 mm) (5x2), 14 × 5 in (127 mm) (14x1), 22 × 3 in (76 mm) (22x1), 2 x 3 pounder (2x1) guns, 2 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Speed: 21 knots
* Ships in class: 2: USS Delaware and USS North Dakota
Florida class
* Displacement: 21,800 tons
* Armament: 10 × 12 in (305 mm) (5x2), 16 × 5 in (127 mm) (16x1), 2 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Speed: 21 knots
* Ships in class: 2: USS Florida and USS Utah
Wyoming class
* Displacement: 27,200 tons
* Armament: 12 × 12 in (305 mm) (6x2), 21 × 5 in (127 mm) (21x1), two 3-inch (3x1), 2 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Speed: 21 knots
* Ships in class: 2: USS Wyoming and USS Arkansas
New York class
* Displacement: 27,200 tons
* Armament: 10 × 14 in (356 mm) (5x2), 21 5-inch (21x1), two 3-inch (2x1), 2 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Speed: 21 knots
* Ships in class: 2: USS New York and USS Texas

26x Pre-Dreadnought Era Battleships
USS Texas
* Displacement: 6,682 tons
* Armament: 2 × 12 in (305 mm) (2x1 en echelon); 6 × 6 in (152 mm) (6x1); 12 x 6 pounders (2.7 kg) (12x1); 6 x 1 pounders (6x1); 4 then 2 (fore and aft tubes removed 1897) x 14 inch (356 mm) torpedo tubes
* Speed: 18 knots
* Ships in class: 1
Indiana class
* Displacement: 10,288 tons
* Armament: 4 × 13 in (330 mm) (2x2), 8 × 8 in (203 mm) (4x2), 4 × 6 in (152 mm) (4x1), 20 x 6-pounders (20x1), 6 x 1-pounders (6x1), 4 Gatling guns (4x1), 6 × 18 in (457 mm) surface torpedo tubes
* Speed: 15 knots
* Ships in class: 3: USS Indiana, USS Massachusetts, and USS Oregon
USS Iowa
* Displacement: 11,346 tons
* Armament: 4 × 12 in (305 mm) (2x2), 8 × 8 in (203 mm) (4x2), 6 × 4 in (102 mm) guns (6x1), 20 x 6-pounders (20x1), 4 x 1-pounders (4x1), 4 × 14 in (356 mm) torpedo tubes
* Speed: 17 knots
* Ships in class: 1
Kearsarge class
* Displacement: 11,540 tons
* Armament: 4 × 13 in (330 mm) (2x2), 4 × 8 in (203 mm) (2x2), 14 × 6 in (152 mm) (14x1), 20 x 6-pounders (20x1), 8 x 1-pounders (8x1), 4 x 30-caliber machineguns
* Speed: 15 knots
* Ships in class: 2: USS Kearsarge and USS Kentucky
Illinois class
* Displacement: 11,565 tons
* Armament: 4 × 13 in (330 mm) (2x2), 14 × 6 in (152 mm) (14x1), 16 x 6 pounders (2.7 kg) (16x1), 6 x 1 pounders (454 g) (6x1), 4 torpedo tubes
* Speed: 17 knots
* Ships in class: 3: USS Illinois, USS Alabama, and USS Wisconsin
Maine class
* Displacement: 12,500 tons
* Armament: 4 × 12 in (305 mm) (2x2), 16 × 6 in (152 mm) (16x1), 6 × 3 in (76 mm) (6x1), 8 x 3-pounder guns (8x1), 6 x 1-pounders (6x1), 3 x .30-caliber machine guns (3x1), 2 × 18 in (457 mm) submerged torpedo tubes
* Speed: 18 knots
* Ships in class: 3: USS Maine, USS Missouri, and USS Ohio
Virginia class
* Displacement: 15,000 tons
* Armament: 4 × 12 in (305 mm) (2x2), 8 × 8 in (203 mm) (4x2), 12 × 6 in (152 mm) guns (12x1), 24 1-pounders (24x1), 4 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Armor: Belt 11 inches; Turret 12 inches; Deck 3 inches
* Speed: 19 knots
* Ships in class: 5: USS Virginia, USS Nebraska, USS Georgia, USS New Jersey, and USS Rhode Island
Connecticut class
* Displacement: 16,000 tons
* Armament: 4 × 12 in (305 mm) (2x2), 8 × 8 in (203 mm) (4x2), 12 × 7 in (178 mm) (12x1), 10 × 3 in (76 mm) (10x1), 4 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Armor:
* Speed: 18 knots
* Ships in class: 6: USS Connecticut, USS Louisiana, USS Vermont, USS Kansas, USS Minnesota, and USS New Hampshire
Mississippi class
* Displacement: 13,000 tons
* Armament: 4 × 12 in (305 mm) (2x2), 8 × 8 in (203 mm) (4x2), 8 × 7 in (178 mm) (8x1), 12 × 3 in (76 mm) (12x1), 6 x 3 pounder gun (6x1), 2 x 1-pounder Mark 6 (2x1), 6 x .30-caliber machine guns (6x1), 2 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
* Armor:
* Speed: 17 knots
* Ships in class: 2: USS Mississippi and USS Idaho
21x Protected Cruisers
* (C-1) Newark, (C-4) Philadelphia, (C-5) San Francisco 12x6" 19knts
* (C-3) Baltimore 4x 8", 6x6" 19knts
* (C-6) Olympia 4x8", 10x5", 20 knts
* (C-7) Cincinnati, (C-8) Raleigh 1x 6", 10x 5" 19knts
* (C-9) Montgomery, (C-10) Detroit, (C-11) Marblehead 9x 5" 18" TT, 17knts
* (C-12) Columbia, (C-13) Minneapolis 1x 8", 2x 6" 22.8knts
* (C-14) Denver, (C-15) Des Moines, (C-16) Chattanooga, (C-17) Galveston, (C-18) Tacoma, (C-19) Cleveland, 10x5" 16knts
* (C-20) St. Louis, (C-21) Milwaukee, (C-22) Charleston 14x6" 18x3" 22knts

13x Armored Cruisers
2x USS New Orleans 6x6", 4x4.7", 3x18", 20knts
1x Rochester (CA-2) 6x8" 12x4" 21knts
1xBrooklyn (CA-3) 8x8" 12x5" 20knts
6x Pittsburgh (CA-4), Huntington (CA-5), San Diego (CA-6), Pueblo (CA-7), Frederick (CA-8), Huron (CA-9) 4x8", 14x6" 22knts
4x USS Memphis (CA-10), USS Seattle (CA-11), USS Charlotte (CA-12), USS Missoula (CA-13) 4x10", 22x3", 21in TTs, 22knts
1x USS Chicago (CA-14) 4x8", 8x6" 14knts

3x Light Cruisers
3x Chester Class 2x5", 6x3", 2x21in TTs, 24knts

44x Destroyers
13x Bainbridge-class destroyer 2x3", 2x18" TT, 28.4knts
3x Truxtun-class destroyer 2x3", 2x 18", 29.6knts
5x Smith-class destroyer 5x3", 3x18", 28.3knts
2x Paulding-class destroyer 5x3", 3x18", 32.8knts
8x Roe-class destroyer 5x3" 6x18", 30knts
11x Monaghan-class 5x3", 6x18", 29knts
8x Cassin-class destroyer 4x4", 8x18" 30knts
4x O'Brien-class destroyer 4x4", 8x21" 29knts

26x Coastal Submarines
7x Plunger-class submarine 8/7knts, 1x18"
3x B-class sumbarine 9/8knts, 2x18"
5x C-class submarine 10.5//9knts 2x18"
3x D-class submarine 13/9knts, 4x18"
2x E-class submarine 14/9knts 4x18"
4x F-class submarine 14/9knts 4x18"

15x Ocean Going Submarines
4x G-class submarine 14/10knts, 2x 18", 4x18"
3x H-class submarine 14/10.5knts 4x18"
8x K-class submarine 14/10.5knts, 4x 18"


Training
Well trained if not modest army with experience in mountain warfare, A modest but relatively well trained main army, supplemented by a strong navy and reasonable air force. There are provisions for a large scale draft but staunch patriotism keeps its need low.

Doctrine
Prefers short fast offensive action instead of prolonged battles, quick local attacks are generally followed by the entire front advancing to keep the front lines short, extremely adept in mountain warfare.

Focus
Keeping the Adelaide strait open, protecting shipping lanes in the inland seas, keeping potential enemies on the other side of natural barriers [forests, mountains, hills, rivers]. Keeping trade with Gaul open.

Infantry Equipment:
-infantry equipment
All soldiers receive the following:
1x M1911 pistol [Cavalry has M1909 or M1917]
5x 8-round magazines [12x 3 round half moon clips]
1x Helmet
1x trousers
1x shirt
1x jacket
1x boots
1x haversack
1x water bottle
6x ammunition pouches
1x forage cap
1x bayonet
1x compact shovel
1x compact pickaxe
1x pewter cup
1x cooking pot
1x spoon
1x knife
1x pocket knife
1x dog tag
In addition:

Rifleman
1x M1903 Springfield Rifle [M1917 Enfield in 1917]
10x 5-round clips [6 round magazines w/Enfield]

Heavy Rifleman [1918]
1x Pedersen device w/ M1917 Enfield
6x 40-round magazines [.30]
2x 6 round magazine [.30-06]

Light Machine Gunner
1x Lewis Gun or 1x M1918 BAR [1918]
5x 47 round drum [10x 20 round magazine]

Officer
1x M1903 Springfield Rifle [M1917 Enfield in 1917]
10x 5-round clips [6 round magazines w/Enfield]
1x compass
1x pocket watch
1x binoculars

Artilleryman
1x compass
1x pocket watch
1x binoculars

Sharpshooter
1x M1903 Springfield Sniper
10x 5-round clips
1x binoculars

Cavarly
1x M1903 Springfield Rifle [M1917 Enfield and Pedersen Device in 1917]
10x 5-round clips [6 round magazines w/Enfield + 6x 40 round magazines]
1x saber
1x lance

Crowne Foreign Relations:
Armoria:
View with a large amount of suspicion because of border wars with Gaul and that it could cut off the sea trade with Gaul [although a lot of trade goes through Austrasia.] Crowne maintains a high seas fleet in Gaul to protect the sea lanes.

Austrasia:
Viewed with a tense friendship, Austrasia controls the most of the oceanic and overland routes to Gaul and maintain a heavy naval presence in the inland sea, as well as controlling several ports used for refueling. All plans are to keep Austrasia friendly in order to provide leverage against Gottwald and Armoria as well as to keep the sea lanes open.

Gaul:
The former colony of ancient Crowne was granted its freedom in the ancient past. These two republics have been on friendly terms for centuries, remaining tightly allied.

Gottwald:
Viewed as militaristic (and therefore, untrustworthy), while it exports some heavy industry to Crowne relations are tense because of the mountain border the two countries share, it's proximity to the Adelaide strait is worry some to naval commanders, a landing on the southern colony could close the strait to Crowne shipping.

Lamiglia:
Almost no relations or trade exist between the two other then trade by proxy with Gaul, Crowne produced weapons often find their way into the country.

Nervrad:
A fine ally when you look at it from the angle of bread basket. The Tsar can be tolerated, when its raw materials are in need. Trade exist between the two in abundance. However the despotic nature of the country requires a large presence of military along the border.

Zavakajia:
Little relations other then trade through Nervrad, the only fear from it is that it may grow into the populous lands of Nervrad and become a major player.

You got it, Blub. Just get a factbook posted. Also, Greal is in as Greece's equivalent. I dunno where he wants to go, so we'll have to ask him. Volzgrad, it's easiest to talk about this on IRC. Can you hop on #lulwar?

Now, that being said, we have a few nations that we still need equivs for. Ottoman Empire is the most important one. Remember, you don't need to be the same size/pop/etc as your equiv, just share a cultural theme.

Sorry, but I've never liked IRC. I can however fill in for Austria-Hungry or Serbia if those spots are free.

Austria-Hungary is represented by Austrasia and Serbia by Zavakajia, sorry.

Some of the participants have concerns about tech. I want to stress that we are being strict with it, since technology advanced so rapidly during the war. That means that when we start, it's 1914. Stick to tech that had been used at the time. Also, absolutely no custom equipment. You can rename old things (we renamed Karl Marx to Ron Karl), but please don't stray far from the source material.

Austria-Hungary is represented by Austrasia and Serbia by Zavakajia, sorry.

Some of the participants have concerns about tech. I want to stress that we are being strict with it, since technology advanced so rapidly during the war. That means that when we start, it's 1914. Stick to tech that had been used at the time. Also, absolutely no custom equipment. You can rename old things (we renamed Karl Marx to Ron Karl), but please don't stray far from the source material.

Are Rumania (historically correct spelling) and Bulgaria taken?

I was actually about to say the same thing. Sub-machine guns only appeared in the final months of the war and even grenades were not in common use until mid 1915.

Romania and Bulgaria are free. We need some smaller nations on the map too, so that would be good. Just get TWSP's approval. We'll be updating the map soon, so please don't select a spot until then.

Official nation name: The Grand Duchy of Stahlava

Shorthand name: Stahlava

National Anthem: "March on Brave Volunteers!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEczjHk_Xq4 )

Abstract: Compared to its much larger and more nationalistic neighbors, the nation of Stahlava is relatively timid and hesitant to engage in international politics. Stahlava has only been considered a united nation since 1840 when the entire area was brought under control by the most powerful state of Rusgaria. Since then, massive changes have been brought upon the Stahlavan people by the new government. Under the guidance of Grand Duke Alexander VI, almost all of Stahlava's city states were industrialized in what is now known as the "Steel Surge". The poorly equipped and trained Stahlavan army was also massively overhauled and is now considered almost equal to the armies of its neighbors. Living standards in all but the poorest areas skyrocketed with Grand Duke Peter II's Welfare Act of 1888. Despite this, Stahlava is still considered a minor power in the world scene.

National adjective: Stahlavan

Total population: 41 million

Demographics:
-Male population: 19,000,000
-Female population: 20,000,000
-Children (birth to 16): 4,000,000
-Able-bodied (17-65): 10,000,000

Government type: Constitutional Monarchy

Head of government: Grand Duke Adrian I (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/General_John_Joseph_Pershing_head_on_shoulders.jpg)

Important Government Members: Baron Yuri van Mackersfeld, Baron Alexander Sturenovich, Baron Stanislaw Karakin, Baron Pyotr van Sturic, Admiral Hanz Ornoff

Language: Rusgarian

Culture: Despite its small size, Stahlavan culture is incredibly varied. All 10 city states (Rusgary, Stahlburg, Kradich, Vuron, Ayaria, Gurenburg, Yyala, Karakin, Orngrad, and Wuzelia) have different customs and traditions. However, after many trials and complaints, Rusgarian has been adopted as the official language and Roman Catholicism as the official religion. Nationalism has steadily been growing and as a result, the Stahlavan military's strength has increased exponentially over the last 20 years. Though it is still not powerful enough to attack one of Stahlava's neighbors alone.

Major industries: Lumber, Fishing, Agriculture, Steel

Exports: Manufactured Products, Lumber, Grains

Imports: Weaponry, Technology

Geography: Lush forests and countryside with small towns located in between the much larger cities. The capitol of St. Adriansburg and the surrounding area have been heavily industrialized while the outer regions of Kradich and Vuron are still largely dominated by farmland and steppes.

Area: 110, 400, sq. km

Military:

Unlike most other armies, the Stahlavan Imperial Army is almost entirely composed of trained volunteers. However, a very large reserve force of conscripts is always held ready in case of full scale war. Since Stahlava really does not have any territorial or political ambitions, almost the entire military save for the Cavalry are designed for defensive warfare in mind. Thanks to Stahlava's rugged forestland and high mountains, the defending forces have an excellent advantage against any would be attacker. Largely due to Stahlava's developing arms manufacturing industry, almost all of Stahlava's military is equipped with slightly older weaponry then most other armies of the time. This disadvantage is made up however, by the 503mm Siege Howitzers that the Stahlavan ground forces have become so attached to. On the other hand, the Stahlavan military has no air corp to speak of; largely due to the thought that planes are a dishonorable way to fight a war.

Regulars: 400,000
Conscripts: 200,000


Equipment:

Infantry: (http://www.gwpda.org/photos/bin04/imag0302.jpg)
- 7.92mm M1890 Ferdinand Bolt Action Rifle
- 10x 10 round clips
- 1 Fragmentation Grenade
- 21cm M1865 Sword Bayonet
- Entrenching Spade
- Pickaxe
- Hygiene Kit (razor, small shaving mirror, soap)
- Bedroll
- Utensils (fork, spoon, knife, bowl)
- Model 1890 Gas Mask

Cavalry: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Ulani.JPG)
- 7.92 M1887 Ferdinand Carbine Rifle
- 12X 10 round clips
- M1860 Cavalry Sabre
- Entrenching Spade
- Pickaxe
- Hygiene Kit (razor, small shaving mirror, soap)
- Bedroll
- Utensils (fork, spoon, knife, bowl)
- Model 1890 Gas Mask

Machine Gun Corp: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/Vickers_machine_gun_crew_with_gas_masks.jpg)
- M1898 Kruger 7.92mm Machine Gun
- M1875 Kadakin 9mm Revolver
- 5x 100 round belts
- M1899 Trench Armour
- Entrenching Spade
- Pickaxe
- Hygiene Kit (razor, small shaving mirror, soap)
- Bedroll
- Utensils (fork, spoon, knife, bowl)
- Model 1890 Gas Mask

Artillery Battery:
- 10 77mm Field Guns (http://www.gwpda.org/photos/bin14/imag1307.jpg)
- 8 108mm Howitzers
- 2 155mm Siege Howitzers
- 1 503mm Siege Howitzer (rail mounted) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/28cmBrunoRailwayGunAndCrew1918.jpg)

Navy:
- 1 Dreadnought (SNS Karlburg)
- 10 Pre-Dreadnought Battleships (SNS Sturovny, SNS Abakin, SNS Ulanic, SNS Alexander, SNS Peter, SNS Sovereign, SNS Majesty, SNS Machersfeld, SNS Grand Duke, SNS Triumphant)
- 8 Light Cruisers
- 20 Support Vessels

Able Seamen: 6,500


Training:

Since the Stahlavan military is almost entirely composed of volunteers, the training is naturally tough. Every soldier, regardless of branch or age, must undergo at least 5 months of intensive training in marksmanship, survival skills, field engineering, basic medical skills, and orienteering. Optional training includes alpine warfare, advanced medical skills, advanced engineering, and machine gun skills. Once basic training is completed, the soldier is given a choice upon which branch he wishes to join,if they are fit to serve, they are immediately sent to whichever unit they are assigned to. Conscripts, despite many rumors, are given very similar training except the amount of time is roughly halved.


Doctrine:

Due to Stahlava's rugged, mountainous, and forest covered terrain; defensive warfare is a natural skill. With whispers of an imminent war, almost the entire southern, northern, and northwestern borders have been covered in fortifications and defensive emplacements. The most impressive of these defenses being the ring of forts that stretch west to east along Stahlava's borders with Nervrad. Stahlavan infantry units also contain a high percentage of machine guns and newly designed mortars which make up for their disturbing lack of numbers. Stahlava is the world's leading researcher and producer of gas oriented weapons with several Imperial Army units specifically trained to fight in a chemical filled environment.


Focus:

Almost the entire focus of the Stahlavan military is on the Imperial Army. The tiny Stahlavan Imperial Navy is underfunded and its only purpose is to keep Stahlava's ports open in case of war. While the Stahlavan Imperial Army is small, machine guns and artillery are in abundance. While it has yet to be tested in a real battle scenario, gas has recently become a large factor in the Imperial Army with the entire 7th Brigade turned into a "Chemical Warfare Brigade".

*cackles* Stealing TWSP's format.

Official nation name: The Gallows Empire

Shorthand name: Gallows Empire

Abstract: The Empire is a unique one. It is the furthest east and the first nation in the region to see the sun each day. The Gallows Islands are mostly modernized with an interesting blend of old tradition and new ways. They trade heavily and with the five major islands being connected by water, have a strong naval history. Progress has come slow to some parts of the islands as traditionalists continue to support isolation. In recent years the traditionalists have begun to step up as the government called upon their young men to join the Colonial Navy.

National adjective: Gallian

Total population: 54 million

Government type: Imperial Monarchy

Head of government: Emperor David Tiggs

Language: English

Culture: There are two distinct factions among the Gallians. First are the traditionalists who have strong ties to the Empire's naval past and once supported strong isolationism. This sense of isolationism has begun to fade in recent years.

The second faction are the Imperials. The Imperials have a belief in expanding the Empire's power. They are a minority in the government and their voice is not that strong.

Major industries: Ship building, fishing, brick/mortar production, farming.

Exports: Ships, concrete, sea food, livestock.

Imports: Steel, luxury goods.

Geography: Five major islands. These islands are heavily forrested with areas of clearance for farming. The center island is volcanic but extinct.


Military:

Army
The Colonial Army is a volunteer army responsible of defense of the home islands and is small but well-equipped and trained. At age 18, one out of every three males of qualifiying phyiscal ability can sign on to recieve a 9 week training course and serve an additional 43 weeks in the army performing logistical tasks such as cooks, supply and paperwork. They may then sign on for a paid contract with the military doing more advanced tasks/roles.

Logistics: 120,000
Army: 350,000


Infantry Equipment
Basic infantry load
Bolt action 7.55mm rifle
14 x 7 round magazines
2x grenades
20 inch bayonette
Spade
Personal kit (Razor, hygiene material)
Wound kit (Gauze, bandage, rubbing solution, epson salt)
Bedroll
Gas mask

Optional
Light .30cal machine gun
Heavy .50cal machine gun
BAR-type machine gun
Sniper rifle
Trench shotgun

Heavy
100mm towed artillery
210mm towed artillery
210 towed mortar

Mechanized
Half-track truck
Motorcycle
Horses

Navy
The Colonial Navy is the oldest organized military at the disposal of the Gallows Empire. Most volunteers for the navy are traditionalists and come from long lines of sailor families. Often sons will be assigned to ships that their fathers served on, carrying on the tradition

Sailors: 150,000

Equipment
Ships
15x Dreadnought Battleships
8x pre-Dreadnought Battleships
20x Armored Cruisers
24x Light Cruisers
10x Torpedo Cruisers
38x Destroyers
20x Torpedo Patrol Boats
10x Submarines

Auxillary
5x Minelayers
10x Destroyer Tenders
5x Oilers
30x Troop Transports

Air Corp
The Air Corp is the newest branch of the Colonial military.

Airmen: 5,000

Equipment
10x Scout biplanes
5x Zepplin Bombers


Doctrine

The Colonial military's doctrine is that of naval domination. By protecting its own shores, the military can keep enemies away and project warfare upon the enemy.


Focus

The main branch of the military is the navy.

Looks good, Volzgrad. Obviously done a lot of research. You've got my vote, but still need to talk to TWSP. Blub, yours looks good as well, but there are a few anachronisms. Tanks didn't exist until 1916, and triplanes until 1915 (IIRC). Other than that it's awesome.

People make sure you're using 1914 tech and are at 1914 level, not "WWI" in general levels as a lot of that means 1918.

Looks good, Volzgrad. Obviously done a lot of research. You've got my vote, but still need to talk to TWSP. Blub, yours looks good as well, but there are a few anachronisms. Tanks didn't exist until 1916, and triplanes until 1915 (IIRC). Other than that it's awesome.

ooc: Better?

Volzgrad is in, Blub needs to correct some tech issues.

Blub's corrected the issues, so we're all good to go. Just need to get the map updated.

Forgot about it.

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8426/ww1ts1dprkrqd4.png

As for the Red Army, I'll write about it later.

Can someone add me to the map on the east islands?

TWSP has taken off for the night, so no updates until tomorrow. No Endorse usually likes to go over the map himself and fix odd-looking lines or something, too.

So the IC thread is progressing. Prince Lutz will be dead in the next post, which will be in a few minutes, and we can progress to war from there.

I still need a location before I write my factbook.....

Hey Volzgrad, great stuff. I need a location though. And if there's somewhere you really want to be, I can futz with things. The map's been kinda tossed together, so we can always alter things without too much hassle, just gotta talk to those folks involved.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/907/ww1maphg3.png

May clean it up, or may make TWSP do it <.< >.>

<3 u TWSP

I would like that area across the sea from Austrasia. Make it small.

Hey Volzgrad, great stuff. I need a location though. And if there's somewhere you really want to be, I can futz with things. The map's been kinda tossed together, so we can always alter things without too much hassle, just gotta talk to those folks involved.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/907/ww1maphg3.png

May clean it up, or may make TWSP do it <.< >.>

<3 u TWSP

*cough*

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll43/Vulture_77/ww1ts1zb1.png

The map is a bit smaller for some reason O_0

*cough*

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll43/Vulture_77/ww1ts1zb1.png

The map is a bit smaller for some reason O_0

That's photobucket resizing, you have to disable it and upload again.

I finally finished the military section.

As for where the Intelligence Commissariat has managed to send "diplomats", that'll be up to the neighboring nations.

sorry Volzgrad, can't see it.

sorry Volzgrad, can't see it.

*cough again*

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll43/Vulture_77/ww1ts1zb1.png

Well, since TWSP is now gone for the next ten days and can no longer edit his post to update the map, it would seem that we need another "OP" of sorts. Since I have the highest non-TWSP post the main page, I suppose it would make sense for me to put it up, but No Endorse is a much better map maker and if he put it in his post he wouldn't have to bother with me when he updates. Thoughts?

EDIT: Also, everyone okay with starting combat on Saturday (22nd)? I'll be attacking across the border with Austrasia and in the north of Crowne, ideally opening a corridor to Nervrad. Since TWSP is gone I'll probably be concentrating on the Crowne front, unless another nation can ship their own units to the Eastern Front. I'm sure as long we don't do any war-changing battles on Austrasian soil then it won't matter if we RP his troops for him.

Sure you take over

Fine with me.

Haha, okay, I suppose I can take control for a week or so. I'll do my best, I promise.

Now, I've got some things to do today so I won't be able to get a post up for three or so hours, but once I do I'll try to either bring it directly to day 1 of the war or 2 days before, at least. Volzberg, how long do you think it will take your fleet to arrive? I don't think anyone has determined a scale for the map yet, so it seems a bit arbitrary. Perhaps you guys could come up with one while I'm away?

Soviet Steam will remain neutral unless someone invades them, just like Russia did in WW1 after the reds won the revolution. It doesn't make any sense for them to "side with one of two squabbling bourgeois plutocracies." and they want to spread communism internationally, but aren't insane to face everyone at once.

Unless someone gets one of their spies red-handed attempting to incite a revolution. But I'll post about it later.

Haha, okay, I suppose I can take control for a week or so. I'll do my best, I promise.

Now, I've got some things to do today so I won't be able to get a post up for three or so hours, but once I do I'll try to either bring it directly to day 1 of the war or 2 days before, at least. Volzberg, how long do you think it will take your fleet to arrive? I don't think anyone has determined a scale for the map yet, so it seems a bit arbitrary. Perhaps you guys could come up with one while I'm away?

I've fast forwarded it one day so they should be arriving 1 day before the outbreak of war.

Oh, okay, I didn't see that. No Endorse has kindly worked out a scale for the map over IRC. I think he settled on 5km/pixel. Don't worry about changing your nation's area to conform to this, just blame it on map distortion or something. I don't know, are you going to want to update the map with the new scale, No Endorse?

Can I still join in the on the fun?

Can I still join in the on the fun?
You'd have to be rather small. We have too many big nations.

You'd have to be rather small. We have too many big nations.I looked over the factbooks and would a population of fifty million be within reason?

Also, could you use a heavily industrialized neighbor who could serve as a trading partner?

That would probably be fine, yes, although you could easily get away with less. We'd love to have you in the roleplay. Just get a factbook up and let us know where you want to be on the map.

Sorry I didn't get a "war" post up yet. I tried to include it in this last post of mine, but I have writer's block. I'll get it up later tonight, I promise. On a related note, anyone know how to get the forums to accept a post written in all-caps? Old time-y telegrams were all-caps and I wanted to do that in my last post, but the forums decapped everything when I posted it.

I wasn't aware this had fully started, but no matter. I'm currently in the process of updating my equipment (as I didn't know it was IRL-only) and foreign relations and will probably get an IC post up before I go to bed.

Sorry, I wasn't clear enough in the post where I said something to that effect. I didn't mean to imply that we could only use the actual weapons that were used. This is a fictional world with fictional weapons. What I was intending to say was that if every rifle of the time was of the traditional layout, don't have a bullpup. If airplanes are not advanced enough yet, don't have a Stuka (I know that's WWII, part of the point). It's a fuzzy line, difficult to follow.

I'm going to go take a shower but I will post the beginning of the war when I'm done.

I looked over the factbooks and would a population of fifty million be within reason?

Also, could you use a heavily industrialized neighbor who could serve as a trading partner?
No ffs people thats too big. We've got all the "big" powers filled. Theres no more parallels to Russia/Germany/France/UK/USA left. You gotta be something smaller.

No fun in everyone being super developed like France or Germany.

Here a suggestion: Why not play as some sort "Ethiopia parallel" and kick "Italian parallel" invading asses back to their homes...

with Spears!

SS, are you still interested? Doom's country is a good example of a smaller nation. 20 million subjects but at a crucial crossroads, so as to still have an impact. Expeditionary forces are all the rage, I hear.

I want everyone to know that this thread hasn't died already. We're talking about it constantly on IRC. Got a slew of new posts coming, but the political issues are so complicated! For example, Armoria is reinforcing their ally Austrasia, who I am attacking, but they are also attacking Crowne, who I am attacking. That makes us both allies and enemies. So, it's things like that that have to be worked out. Fear not, though, I will post tonight.

Do we have some sorta IC thread yet?

We have the whole time. Check page one of this thread for a link.

... :$

Hey, don't worry about it. Happens to the best of us. Now, I just posted, but it's very sucky and consists mostly of telegrams. We need some combat before this can get interesting. I'll try and work some soldier-level writing into my next post, but since both of my enemies are not posting there's only so much I can do. Wow, it's really hard to not type in the "telegram" style now...

Volzgrad, are you sending your ships through the strait between my nation or all the way around the continent?

So here’s where we stand now: TWSP should be getting back on Monday, December 1st. At that time we should be able to get a lot done since the Eastern Front will be active. TheSilverSky has told me that he can’t post until Sunday, November 30th, so the Western Front will be mostly inactive until then. That leaves only three areas we can RP in. The first is No Endorse versus Preston, second is naval action (Armoria vs Gaul, Preston/Gottwald/Stahlava vs Crowne, Gottwald vs Austrasia, although some of these participants are inactive) and finally, diplomatic RPing. Let’s keep this going, guys, just a few days longer and the controller of the RP will return and we can have all fronts going again!

On another note, Blub and Doom have yet to post. What are your guy’s plans? Zavakajia is neutral IIRC, right? Blub, I don’t know your plans, but if you have a navy or anything now would be a good time to get active, help the RP out, all that jazz. Oh, and Confederacy, are you planning on staying completely neutral until Crowne gets overrun?

I'm sorry for the lack of posts, because for now I'll be taking a neutral stance on the conflict... until it either spills over Soviet borders, or their northern neighbors are on the verge of defeat, should it ever happen.

Volzgrad, there is no way I would let your ships through the strait unmolested, even in peace time, my coastal artillery has the range to fire across the strait in some areas even. The only reason i hadn't posted attacking my ships attacking your ships was because i wasn't sure if you were sending them through the straits or not.

The whole strait is a good 1 and a half day journey, and at only 30km across at both ends I would of draw you into at least one battle.

Looks like the main issue we need to resolve right now is the straight issue. TSS, have you and Volzgrad come up with any compromise?

I won't be able to get a post up until Tuesday, but I promise it will be long and will address everything I can fit in.

EDIT: Ah, okay Confederacy. Hmmm, that might make it hard for you to maintain interest in the RP, though. Is there any way you can get some forces into play right now?

Remember guys, these are throw-away nations in an alternate universe (or something), so don't worry about winning. Just write for the story.

I'm back, bitches!

As am I! Well, almost. I've been gone for the last week because of preparation for finals, which is this week, so that's why I've not posted. I've got another few finals on Wednesday, the 10th, but other than that I'm finally out. Scott free. Weeeooot. I've got a prior commitment to AMW and City of Heroes too, but I'll be active again for at least the next month or two.

Working on a post right now, in fact. Hopefully up by this evening.