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OOC: Indeed, but have we arrived in the promised land, I ask you?
Perhaps. Let's see who God favors with foresight and, of course, dice rolls!
 
To Emperor Napoléon IV and the government of France-Outre-Mer,

On behalf of Kaiser Wilhelm II, I would like to extend the most pleasant greetings of the Ostafrikanische Kaiserreich. I humbly apologize for the length of time it took to draft a proper response to your earlier correspondence. We are rather pleased to hear that you are offering the olive branch in these trying times. It is most assuredly in our mutual interest if the conflicts which so consumed our shared history were put aside, as it is quite clear that this cataclysm has proven difficult enough to bear. It is our proposal that we be enabled to set up a permanent diplomatic mission in Algiers to represent our empire and people.

Additionally, the Kaiser and Reichskanzler have given some thought of the shared influence on Africa, proposed by your letter. While a formal, written agreement is not prepared at this time, we would be most pleased if you would recognize our claims to Congo, Nubia and the lower Nile regions, as well as southern Africa in turn supported by our recognition of your own west African aspirations.

I await your reply at your earliest convenience. The Kaiser also wishes to thank you for the kind words on the passing of his grandfather.

Signed,

Adolf Marschall von Bieberstein, Außenstaatssekretäre (State Secretary of Foreign Affairs)

Endorsed by Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albrecht von Preußen


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This basically looks like everybody's being as friendly and polite to eachother as possible! No hostilities or wars or carefully-worded diplomatic threats at all...
 
OOC: Meh, its basic diplomacy for now. Most people aren't close to 'touching' each other's possessions, anyways.

EDIT. How close are we to a new turn?
 
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Succession of the Großer Generalstab

Following the public announcement of the impending expedition to Mozambique, Generalfeldmarschall Helmuth von Moltke quietly announced his decision to retire in the early autumn of 1890 to other officers and cabinet members in the government. Having received the approval from Kaiser Wilhelm II, he indicated that his failing health was partly to blame and felt the need for a younger, more robust Chief of the General Staff. He has served the government honourably and consistently since 1857 in his current position, prior to the unification of Germany. He has seen the empire through numerous wars and conflicts and is amongst the most revered people to ever serve Germany. He will be sorely missed.

In his place, the Kaiser announced the promotion of Generalfeldmarschall Alfred von Waldersee. A recipient of the Iron Cross, he has commanded formations during two major wars on the European continent and has served for several decades. He has announced that he will largely follow the outlined plans that are currently in place for operations in Mozambique and is currently touring formations on the border to ensure their readiness and has already met with high-ranking officers.​
 
OOC: Here's a question: Once a land is given a number of natives, ie my Caribbean exploits resulting in that area getting 6 natives, does it stay at that number? Or is it a new roll every attempt to conquer? The latter is breaking in the sense that millions of people don't just appear and leave at chance, but could also be useful in that if a land gets, again as in my case, 6 natives, then there is a chance for easier conquest later on.
 
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Exploratory Expedition into the Congo

An expedition has been requested by the Reichskanzler to depart in late 1890 for Léopoldville and the Atlantic coast. The government is interested to learn the fate of Belgian authorities in the region and what remains of the infrastructure and communities. Little was gained of the earlier invasion of the region by the Reichsheer several years ago, as the lands beyond Lake Tanganyika remained in the hands of natives and remnants of the colonial forces. Dr. Karl Peters, the prominent discoverer of Ost-Afrika and an intrepid explorer, has been designated as the group leader and has been given funding, supplies and a contingent of escorts, scientists, native guides and labourers. They are expected to cross the lake region into the Congo within several weeks, and travel north through the Lualaba River, where it merges with the Congo River. From there, they are expected to travel westward, towards the former capital region. The journey will be perilous, but is expected to garner significant knowledge for future expeditions into the area.

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Dr. Karl Peters
 
OOC: I have to resign, because I don't have enough time for RP post. Anyway good luck!

Sorry to see you go. Come back if you find the time! :)

OOC: I was worried about things like this. The focus on rp pretty much replaces strategy with time spent writing.

Because even 1 cp per turn doubles one's production capability in the beginning, and is still a significant amount later on. Even if it is only for research, a technological advantage is immense, and is reached much more rapidly with CP.

The 19th century world was asymmetrical. CP won't save you if your strategy is poor, but hopefully it incentivizes people to RP. (The RP is why I GM the game anyways - reading it is what's fun for me! :p ) Those who give us the best look into their society will, if smart, be able to play the role of technologically advanced 'great powers'.

The most CP I've given out in a turn is +5, however, so while that might make it easy to reach Tier II for someone, empires are still going to need to be huge to start pushing into the upper levels.

O o c It looks like the thread had an exodus or its own!

:eek:hmy:

I'm guessing the sudden influx of fifteen Balance of Power clones finally annoyed Blade enough to banish us all. Future generations will surely refer to this day of wrathful judgement as The Fall. :D

This basically looks like everybody's being as friendly and polite to eachother as possible! No hostilities or wars or carefully-worded diplomatic threats at all...

The British did pretty hilariously insult the Japanese, but mostly people are just still on shaky footing. Nations will start grating on each other soon enough...or you could always sign up and start raising a stink somewhere! ;)

EDIT. How close are we to a new turn?

I'll probably call the warning tomorrow. I have processed orders for everyone besides the Twelfth House, Colombia, and Tannermann-Bigsby, but I'm giving this turn more time to get RP in.

OOC: Here's a question: Once a land is given a number of natives, ie my Caribbean exploits resulting in that area getting 6 natives, does it stay at that number? Or is it a new roll every attempt to conquer? The latter is breaking in the sense that millions of people don't just appear and leave at chance, but could also be useful in that if a land gets, again as in my case, 6 natives, then there is a chance for easier conquest later on.

It's not meant to strictly represent the population of a province; I would equate it more to the D&D 'Difficulty Class' concept. The 1d6 check is re-rolled on every attack, and the higher your roll the easier it is to conquer. A 6 means only 1 army has to be overcome and a critical failure of 1 means 6 armies rise up. It's my attempt at amalgamating all the intangible factors (I gave a list somewhere) that influence the difficulty involved in conquering a province.
 
o_O

We got moved?

I'll try to write an RP by 20-22.00 tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. Orders tomorrow afternoon.
 
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Royal Titles Granted

A decree by the Kaiser has granted the lands of Abyssinia to the House of Wittelsbach, ancestral rulers of the Kingdom of Bavaria. The royal families of Germany, the majority of whom were able to finance safe transportation to Africa in the immediate years following the collapse of northern Europe, have since been reduced to figureheads in the Bundesrat, or upper house of the government in New Luebeck. While the House of Hohenzollern was immediately given rights to Ost-Afrika and Wilhelm II becoming the ruler, the other major and lesser houses have since begun to lay claim to various provinces and regions on the continent. The crown has fallen to Luitpold Karl Joseph Wilhelm Ludwig von Bayern, previously the Prince Regent and heir under his nephew, Otto I. His future was decided by a bout of dementia and crippling malaria, which doomed the bedridden monarch. This pronouncement will dissolve the position of Reichskommisar and status of the area as a province, insteading rendering it as a state of the Ostafrikanische Kaiserreich. The seat of power will be moved to Addis Ababa, where Luitpold will conduct his affairs and take on rights as the King of Abyssinia.

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House of Wittelsbach

Succession of the Reichskanzler

In the light of the pronouncement concerning Abyssinia and its status, the Kaiser also announced his decision to replace Otto von Bismarck as the Reichskanzler. The aging politician stepped down to thunderous applause from the gathered assembly of the Reichstag and Bundesrat, who had been jointly summoned for the occasion. He was able to deliver a short though powerful speech on his visions for the Kaiserreich. It is unclear how the man credited with the unification of Germany will deal with retirement, but no doubt he will remain connected to the channels of government despite his official lack of title. Georg Leo Graf von Caprivi de Caprera de Montecuccoli has been named as successor and assumed his duties right away, being immediately focused on the needs of economic growth of Abyssinia and the impending invasion of Mozambique.

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Leo von Caprivi
 
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Joseph F. Smith Elected Governor of Utah
Nephew of Church Founder with New Vision


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Joseph F. Smith, newly elected Governor of Utah,
newly appointed President of the Church of Latter-day Saints


The following is an excerpt from The Mormon Tribune, published in Salt Lake City.

Governor and President John Taylor, who guided us through the Valley of Death and has led us to a glorious revival in this era of apocalypse, has died. He was 82.

However, the church has not followed tradition. Wilford Woodruff, the pragmatic administrator and President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, signalled that he wished to remain in his current position, and would not seek the Presidency of the Mormon Church nor the Governorship of Utah Territory. Instead, younger, more vigorous man has been elected.

Joseph F. Smith, the nephew of the founder and prophet Joseph Smith, Jr., has been elected. Joseph F. Smith, only 52 years of age, will bring a youthful vigor to the government which has been too dominated by the aging council of elders. Joseph F. Smith grew up in Utah, but has wide-ranging experience both in church and lay matters. He has a internationalist resume as well, having gone abroad in his twenties, before the Fall. Joseph F. Smith also has a healthy, loving family, with his wives Julia, Edna, Sarah, Alice, Mary and his 23 children.

JF Smith has already called for increased cooperation with California and Texas. He has also pushed for increased missionary efforts across the Territories; he has outlined an ambitious goal for a majority of the population to be members of the Faith by the year 1900. This will of course be aided by the generous economic support packages that will soon be provided to Mormon families with more than 5 children, but the goal cannot be reached without bringing Gentiles under the light of the Church. However, our gentile brethren can rest assured that the rumors of a tax on non-Mormons is merely that; the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has denied that any such tax will soon be implemented.
 
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Changes in Texas
Legal Political Unification Inches Closer


The following is an excerpt from The Democratic Statesman, an Austin-published newspaper.

Utahn Army's Arrival Suppresses Counter-coup

Three regiments of Utahn soldiers were welcomed into Austin last week, on the invitation of Provisional Governor Theodore Roosevelt.

Over the past few months, we have all been wary of the threat posed by loyalists from the tyant E.J. Davis’ government. Had they not been so threatened by the major cannibal swarm that appeared in Mississippi last winter, and were it not for the old man’s own slow-reflexes, Davis’ successor Elisha M. Pease surely would have attempted a counter-coup.

Now that the Utahn army has arrived, with the governor of Utah Joseph Smith insisting that the situation in Texas be resolved peacefully, and with the temporary government under Roosevelt de facto controlling most of the state, there is little risk of the tyrant’s allies retaking power.

In an act of reconciliation and friendship, Elisha Pease has retired from his command and instructed his officers to report to a military general of Governor Roosevelt's choosing. While the decision has not been finalized, it is expected one of the refugee leaders, especially Seth Bullock or Wyatt Earp, will be nominated to take control of the military. Leaders on all sides are speaking as though they hope it will not be long until these soldiers can be merged with the larger, better-supplied and better-organized Utahn force.

Agreement on regional integration and federal restoration expected; Mormon influence set to grow

Joseph F. Smith is set to arrive in Austin, travelling by rail, next month. He will meet with Roosevelt, Pease, and other representatives of Texans and would-be Texans to hammer out a permanent agreement on the restoration of national order and economic prosperity. Little has been said by anyone on what can be expected. Some say a full restoration of the United States based upon the old Constitution should be enacted. Others argue that such a government would be out of place in the radically changed world we live in.

What can be agreed by all is that, despite continued misgivings about the Mormons' intentions, many in Texas view that strange church as a beacon of church. Your correspondent cannot take to the streets of Austin without hearing a Mormon missionary, and they always have an audience. The newly opened chapel is filled to the brim on the week-end and stays busy throughout the week as well. This is to be expected; our nation has been destroyed, but the Mormons were untouched. In the wake of the Fall, we descended into anarchy, tyranny and infighting, while the Mormons have built a blossoming civilization and turned Salt Lake City into a veritable El Dorado. I know I speak for all Texans, newly arrived or not, that we envy the security and prosperity of Utah, and hope to see it extend to Texas.

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Provisional Governor of Texas, Theodore Roosevelt

Invest 3 IP in constructing 2 armies (1 IP having been invested in armies last turn)
 
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PRINCE OF WALES PROCLAIMS LIBERATION OF DELHI!


The antique capital of India, which has seen before its walls the rise and fall of empires decided, this week stood witness to the confirmation that this British Empire, to borrow the Honourable Leader of the Opposition's phrase, will indeed 'go forward'. Prince Edward arrived at the head of the Royal Horse Guards and, in a ceremony within the ancient Red Fort, created the city's liberator as Viscount Wolseley, of Wolseley in the County of Stafford. Field Marshal Lord Wolseley reportedly declared it to be a bittersweet honour, in light of Stafford's present fate, but was otherwise elated to welcome the Prince of Wales and a Parliamentary commission sent to aid the surviving members of Delhi's municipal administration in reconstruction. Their long siege within the military residency had left the wider region bereft of civilised governance, and Imperial infrastructure in the capital must be restored to working order before regular policing and tax collection may resume. Several Princely rulers, including Maharawal Salivahan Singh of Jaisalmer, who so distinguished himself in the Battle of Rawalpindi, have also arrived from the frontier to greet the delegation.

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Prince Edward receives loyal Sepoy veterans of the First Mutiny, who valiantly re-enlisted upon the outbreak of the Second.

Sir Samuel Browne remains in overall command of those regiments still engaged along the North-West Frontier, though it is expected that many will soon be withdrawn for the push into the Deccan. Nizam Asaf Jah VI and his Prime Minister Sir Salar Jung, rescued from the besieged cantonment in Madras, have used the Great White Diamond as collateral to raise a dozen new Sepoy regiments from among the southern states - their wages and a healthy disbursement to be paid out upon the defeat of those Arabic mercenaries who have usurped the Nizam's throne in Hyderabad. What little word escapes that realm suggests the Telugu generals, and other treacherous Mutineers cornered there, are preparing a last, morbid defence. Lord Salisbury having declared the majority of Afghan raiders killed outright, and the remaining women or children driven back through the Khyber Pass, that final contest appears soon at hand.

Orders: Attack Southern India with 5 Armies.

 
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PRIME MINISTER CALLS NEW GENERAL ELECTION!


As Lieutenant-General Roberts and the Mysore Field Force lay siege to Secunderabad, victory over the Mutiny which has haunted our thoughts and persons for so long appears, by all possible accounts, to be merely a matter of time. Indeed nowhere more so than in the halls of Parliament, where Lord Salisbury has finally yielded to the calls of the Opposition and announced the date of a new General Election:

MAY THE FIFTH, 1895

Polling will be conducted for two weeks, with counting stations erected in both Bombay and Calcutta. After his Government's refusal to dissolve Parliament for nearing two decades, the Prime Minister claimed to be "Elated that, having attained at long last the safety and security of our Great Democracy, our ancient liberties may be exercised." Undoubtedly owing to the clamor and dissension which had always followed his postponement of any election, a great show of excitement and derision was made in the Commons following the announcement. Opposition leader Joseph Chamberlain is reported by the Times of Calcutta to have later said that "Lord Salisbury's illegal possession of the great offices of state is coming to an assured, and long overdue, conclusion."

The Home Office has released for publication the concessions made to present circumstance, which may astound those who were privileged enough to cast their ballot before the Exodus. New guidelines for the Franchise are as follows:

  • that the voter be male and at least 21 years of age, and a British subject by birth or naturalisation;
  • that he be literate and numerate in English;
  • that he possess property to the value of 900 Pounds Sterling, or 10,000 Imperial Rupees;
  • that he have an income of not less than 250 Pounds Sterling, or 2,800 Imperial Rupees per annum.

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A scene from the last Election - 1874, the longest gap in national history.

The Home Secretary has announced that an Electoral Boundary Commission will be formed, but will not yield any workable findings before the announced date. Individual Members of Parliament will therefore not stand for specific constituencies, and all ballots will rather be marked with the general choice of either the Liberal Party or Conservative Party; Charles Stewart Parnell, Chairman of the Home Rule League, has confirmed that party's merging into the Liberal Party, a reality in all but name since the devastation of Ireland in the Fall. Seats will be apportioned according to the overall votes received by either party, and the parties themselves are to select who shall sit when the new Parliament convenes.

All voters must present verification of their full eligibility at polling locations. University graduates bearing diplomas will be granted an additional ballot.
 
TURN FOUR - 1895

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With the return of semi-regular merchant traffic on the sea lanes, word has spread to your nation that Lord Kelvin and the British scientific establishment predict that weather patterns will begin normalizing in the Wasteland near the turn of the century.

Military News fresh from the Wire:

German East Africa vs Mozambique:

4 Armies vs 3 Native Armies

6 10 Native victory (German army destroyed!)
2 6 Native victory
8 2 German victory
6 7 Native victory
3 3 Draw
6 4 German victory
2 10 Native victory

Natives repulse invasion!
Casualties: One Army for German East Africa


British Raj vs Southern India:

5 Armies vs 5 Native Armies

10 8 British victory
4 3 British victory
3 7 Native victory
10 4 British victory
8 9 Native victory (British army destroyed!)
9 9 Draw
3 6 Native victory (British army destroyed!)
5 4 British victory
6 4 British victory

British Raj conquers Southern India!
Casualties: 2 Armies for British Raj


California vs Pacific Islands:

3 Armies vs 1 Native Army

5 8 Native victory
2 3 Native victory (Californian army destroyed!)
5 5 Draw
4 9 Native victory

Natives repulse invasion!
Casualties: One Army for California.


France-Outre-Mer vs West Africa:

5 Armies vs 4 Native Armies

5 10 Native victory
3 5 Native victory
10 4 French victory
8 6 French victory
8 8 Draw
4 1 French victory
1 1 Draw
1 10 Native victory
4 4 Draw
4 1 French victory

France-Outre-Mer conquers West Africa!
No casualties.


Japan vs Southern China:

3 Armies vs 3 Native Armies

10 6 Japanese victory
1 10 Native victory (Japanese army destroyed!)
7 3 Japanese victory
4 1 Japanese victory

Japan conquers Southern China!
Casualties: One Army for Japan.


Byzantium vs Anatolia:

5 Armies vs 3 Native Armies

2 3 Native victory
9 6 Byzantine victory
2 8 Native victory
7 1 Byzantine victory
7 7 Draw
5 9 Native victory
10 9 Byzantine victory

Byzantium conquers Anatolia!
No casualties.


Twelfth House vs Afghanistan:

4 Armies vs 5 Native Armies

10 5 Twelfth House victory
1 7 Native victory (Twelfth House army destroyed!)
5 6 Native victory
2 4 Native victory
3 5 Native victory

Natives repulse invasion!
Casualties: One Army for Twelfth House.

France-Outre-Mer successfully annexes Spain.

Culture Point distribution incoming.
 
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The Chronicle

As you may have noticed, the Chronicle has been changed. Hopefully, these new additions shall add to your enjoyment of our fine paper, as well to your knowledge of current events. Photos are becoming all the rage, and we here hope you appreciate them!
-A.W., Editor-in-Chief

HAWAII TRAGEDY UNFOLDS!
As our brave men charged up the hills of those pacific islands, the natives must have had divine providence on their side. Although we outnumbered and outgunned them, we were sorely beaten and lost the fourth division. As reports keep coming in, we shall attempt to keep you updated. It appears that the VB Council is going to make an official statement sometime soon about future plans in the Pacific, but it is expected that we shall try again.

MILITARY CONTINUES TO GROW STRONGLY
It is no shock that the defensive capabilities of our great people have flourished under the leadership of our Visible Best, and as such new advancements are being made every day. Our ranks swell with fresh men, as the brilliant men in Fort Bragg continue to develop new weaponry, experimental rifles coming out of the fort almost monthly. Although these tend to explode more than fire, each successive generation takes us closer to a more effective military force. As these works continue, new forms of drill are being tested by Shawn Marian in various war-games, to better learn how to use these new promises from the factories and laboratories. Although there is no date given for the presentation of a reworked army, such a change is expected within our lifetime.


Soldiers training with experimental weaponry and tactics at Fort Bragg

SHAWN MARIAN SICK?
Rumor has it that the great Shawn Marian may be sick, although he has made no announcement about this issue. It is believed that heart issues are growing worse daily, although his expedition to the pacific has not been aborted. The full force of our people is still expected to be sent with him. His wife Leila deigned not to comment when encountered in front of her home yesterday, and it is assumed that, for the time being, Marian is fit for service and still as strong as an ox. May God find it suitable for him to remain hale until his earthly plans are seen through.

MURDER IN THE STREETS
A body was found in the Dogpatch this morning, laying in the snow outside the home of a butcher. It is not believed that there is any connection between the butcher and the unfortunate man in front of his home, however. It is interesting to note that it was a white man in the snow, being that the Dogpatch is a primarily minority district. There was no identification on his person, not even a business card in a pocket on his suit. It appears that dogs reached the man before an officer, and the body was severely maimed, leaving little room for someone to claim the body. Although the corpse was affluently dressed, it has been decided that a common burial shall be given to the poor soul. Rest in peace, brother.


Johnson's shaving cream: the only shaving cream used by the folks over at the Chronicle!

***
OOC: WTF I can never seem to catch a break! Really? 3:1 and you can't win one fight? AND an army is destroyed? I'm not blaming you, GBIT, I'm simply angry at my luck.

ALso: this was supposed to be for last turn, but I guess it can be for this fourth turn. I've shoehorned it.

Create one army. Attack Hawaii with 3 armies. If Utah contributes, add their forces.
 
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***A recent telegram to the Utahn government***

Dear friend Smith,
We Californians assisted you in your capturing of Northern Mexico, and in return you sent us your magnificent navy. The fairness of this deal is not in dispute. I, speaking for my people, would like to beg your assistance in conquering some land for ourselves, out of your way of course, in a new deal. If you would be so kind, we would appreciate the lending of two armies to our cause in the Pacific for a campaign season. These troops would, of course, be allowed transport on the rest of our navy, and all five of our combined armies would fight the native menace in Hawaii for my people's expansive needs. We would be in your debt, and would of course repay the favor sometime in the future, at your need.
Thank you,
Miguel Francisco