A Crown of Ice and Snow

[Heretic]

Outstanding! I have readership! Who comment!
Anyhoo..

El Rey,
ta, I thought I would try something a bit different

anonymous4401,
due to the weight of industry on the east coast, and the decent military technology, the US of A is far from being on their last legs. I think I proposed the ides that the coin in the cash drawer talks to the other coins coming in and going out, and so may hear of far off events quickly. As for the maps, hey, I'm just trying to show y'all where the game got to.

Rensslaer,
If only it was an opportunistic AI, but it isn't, they are all my allies ( although it was the Mexicans who put in the DoW ) so I am simply glad that they got it together to ship a few divisions into the zone.

Heretic

 

[Heretic]

Baker

At the top of the wobbly ladder, Kirkan reached out to hammer in a small nail. Every tap of the hammer shifted the ladder slightly, and only by a careful balancing act did he stay in place.

“Nice bunting!” came the dulcet tones from below.

Twisting, Kirkan looked down to see Madame Kropotkin’s face looking up at him. “Thanks, I thought we should all be celebrating a little.”
“Well, some people have things to look forward to.”

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t think.”
“No, don’t worry, I am pretty used to it by now.”

“Well, did you want something? Step inside.”

The unlikely pair moved inside, with Kirkan at least a little more relaxed he moved into his more familiar role. Standing behind the counter, he found safety in the habit of offering the loaves and buns. Each action was so well worn it helped calm his nerves as he spoke to the widow.

“Well, at least I will know that Vladimir did not pass away in vain.”
“Pardon?” Kirkan startled, anxious about moving back into dangerous territory.

“You know, laid down his life for his country. Now that the Mexican Emperor has agreed peace with the evil Americans, I suppose in some small way, I know Vladimir helped.”
As she spoke, the sentence slowed, and the clear expression of her eyes clouded somewhat. Doubt seemed to be crossing her mind about the necessity for her Vladimir to die for his country. Logic prevailed, however, and she pulled out a small, meek smile at the end.

“Well, good, that’s good then, isn’t it?” Flustered Kirkan added, “Here, have these werenki on me.”
“Oh, so kind, thank you.” And with that, the widow departed the shop.

Kirkan wondered if he had dealt with the conversation well. It was all very odd, he would have to think a little harder about how she must feel. It was true enough that Tsar a few more acres of America.

But how long would it take before the widow’s heart would be sound? And it would be safe for him to approach her?

 

[Heretic]

Pah! Courting couples, I ask you, where will it end? Apologies, but I am becoming a little out of sorts. A whole load of bent kopeks have ended up in the drawer, and since Kirkan is a bit too honest to try and pass them on, they are just causing a stir.

So, the world moves on apace anyway. Our great emperor has had to make good on his alliance to the Kaiser, and so little Denmark is playing host to some of our finest regiments. Having said that, word is that the landings are not well supported, so maybe they’ll be home soon.

It’s not as if Russia has to try very hard these days, word from the dollars and francs that the seamen bring in is that our nation is highly respected. Indeed, that no other land can hold a candle to our achievements.

Well, it’s true to say that everything here is done in the best possible way. None of that newfangled democracy, oh no.

And as for the economy well, it is all about might, not nimbleness. It’s odd, but our methods are apparently not the most advanced, but in quantity we excel.

If only we could excel in the production of civil small change, that would be a marvel. I do hope the riff raff get passed off to a punter, my headache is getting worse by the day.

 

[Heretic]

sod it.
I've given up.
More posts will follow if anybody shows any interest.

Heretic

Oh go on then.
I guess this is more about me wanting to post than people wanting to read.
I'll put my toys back in the pram.

Heretic

 

[unmerged(17581)]

I tell ya, you need more from the coin's perspective. More info and funny anecdotes from the world of coins. That's what got me hooked onto this AAR.

 

[Heretic]

Baker

Now here’s a turn up for the books. A battered dime has joined us in the till drawer. It was brought to Odessa by a soldier returned from the wars out west. It’s quite a character, I can tell you. Very funny accent, difficult to understand, but a character nevertheless.

I seems that the events of last century, when the locals over there rose up against the British are beginning to become unravelled. Clearly it takes some time to unwind a hundred years of history, but the carpet is certainly ragged at the edges.

To the north, British interests are creeping in. To the south, the unruly Mexicans hold sway, although they remain as ever disorganised. Our friendly dime tells that the old settler trails are beginning to be used again, as checkpoints spring up on the main roads out of each state. I hardly need to mention the little steps our nation is taking to nibble at the fringes of another continent, now do I?

As if that wasn’t enough, Europe is convulsed by war too. It seems that the Hapsburgs are not at all happy about goings on to the north, and so seek to resolve the issue by force of arms. That would normally be a clever move for a large and populous nation, but is made a little less so thanks to Prussia’s alliance with everybody’s favourite bear.

And a big bear indeed it is, as the call goes out to every city and town to muster the reserves. Old and young alike are pressed into makeshift regiments, all to serve the honour of our Tsar.

On the home front, Kirkan seems very out of sorts. He got a note a couple of days ago, which he read over and over. I couldn’t see it myself, and it’s not clear what it’s all about, but he certainly seems disconsolate.

There’s more to tell, but I must go now, there’s a meeting in the drawer of ones and twos, and they do appreciate a visit from a higher denomination, such as myself.

 

[unmerged(8915)]

mmm, the "My name is red" book comes to mind as soon as i read the intro. even the tone is very Pamuk-esque confused: )

 

[unmerged(8915)]

sod it.
I've given up.
More posts will follow if anybody shows any interest.

Heretic

Oh go on then.
I guess this is more about me wanting to post than people wanting to read.
I'll put my toys back in the pram.

Heretic

i just started reading and i like the format. short, quick and to the point. and the screenies are very good. keep on going, you got one loyal reader right here

 

[unmerged(17581)]

Very nice, though one thing I'd recommend is that you take a step back, and let the AAR move faster. We've been on this bloody Russo-American war for HOW long now?

Perhaps the introduction of another character will spice things up. Or even a scene where the coin and the humans interact, so we can have two perspectives on what happened, with the coin being treated like a coin. Perhaps a poker game or the Russian equivalent.

 

[Heretic]

Commenters, many thanks..

Readers; get vocal!

Ladislav - great, somebody figured it out! I read the Pamuk book not so long ago, and when I was casting around for a viewpoint for an AAR, trying to think of things that lasted a century and perhaps moved around a bit, Pamuk's characterisation of the coin sprung to mind. Mind you, that is only a story being told by a storyteller from the voiew of a coin, since the teller than move on to other tales, but there you go.

Anonymous4401 - as one of my most dedicated readers/commenters I hear you, but would like to clarify that by 1866 we are now on the 'Third War of the West'. I keep getting short changed in peace deals by Mexico who hog the glory and minge out at 2 or 3 provinces. I don't want to get a separate peace since the USA will then just go and eat them for breakfast.
Thanks for the story hints, I do already have a plan, but I'll see about being brisk in getting the story over.

Heretic

 

[Heretic]

Baker

Well, what a let down!

All it takes is a few regiments of spotty teenagers herded together and marched over the border, and the Austrians turn tail and flee. Well, to be honest it was a few hundred thousand men, but the principle is the same.

Speaking of principle it was a bitter shame that the Hapsburgs favoured the Prussians and the Johnny-come-lately Italians in the peace offer, with not a crumb of comfort for the little father (may the lord protect him!).

So, it’s plan B for our novice soldiers. Shipped off to foreign fields, that’s their destiny. From the shores of the Baltic:

And the shores of the Black sea they will go:

It’s quite necessary too! Ever since the evil American Congress declared war on our noble ally, the Emperor of Mexico last year, there has been nothing but retreat on the southern front:

That is a shame, were it not for the advances that the noble Amerussian armies are making further north. It seems that Russian organisation is a match for advanced Yankee technology.

And if all that wasn’t enough, there are troubles back on this side of the waters. Not content with lording it over the Austrians, our warlike Prussian allies have now launched into a new continental war. It’s kind of lucky there are still some conscripts left around here.

Oh, as for old lovelorn here in the bakery, it seems he has got a commission to create a celebration cake. Now, I wonder who has great faith in his abilities as a patissiére?

 

[unmerged(17581)]

Ah, the third war of the west.

Why not get a separate peace? Screw the Mexicans! After you pull out of the war, give all your divs in the Americas to Mexico as Exp. Forces.

Though it's a bit late for that.

Good luck with the AAR.

 

[unmerged(17581)]

Second time today that someone has posted an update as I was crafting a reply.

I tell ya, what are you getting out of saving Mexico's behind every time they get into trouble? With the wars in the continent, you'd think that the rich provinces of Europe would be a better investment of your efforts.

 

[Rensslaer]

That would normally be a clever move for a large and populous nation, but is made a little less so thanks to Prussia’s alliance with everybody’s favourite bear.

And smarter than the average bear, to boot!

Great work on all fronts! You're keeping busy.

Sorry I haven't been around much. But keep your spirits up! This is a worthy tale!

Rensslaer

 

[Heretic]

Rensslaer,

Thanks for the lift - you have helped me to keep going. I think I hit a bit of a patch back there. I hope your newspaper goes well..

anonymous4401,

well, one thing I was hoping for was that Mexico might manage to hold on to parts of the continent, so I am saving them from getting thrashed. Also, there is the small matter of the BB that you can pick up if you gain too much land. More of that later..

Heretic

 

[Heretic]

Baker

Kirkan gently placed the box on the counter. It contained what was surely his masterwork as a baker. A cake of such finesse had not been seen before in Odessa. It sported icing in fanciful bows and flourishes. Small marzipan fruit nestled in cocoons of meringue. Within, a confection of dried fruit and sweet cake would surely tantalise the most jaded of palettes.

“Madame Kropotkin, it is indeed an honour to have created this cake for you.” Kirkan attempted his most polite and formal language, trying to cover his anguish.
“Ah, Kirkan, many thanks. It will definitely grace the occasion – It’s wonderful to have a little help in planning my celebration for Valdimir’s return.”

Kirkan croaked faintly, allowing the ex-widow to go on;
“Yes, it is surely amazing that for all these years he has not been dead, but stranded in the Mexican wilderness. I thanks the lord, our protector”

“Well, you certainly haven’t wasted all those hours praying in the church, have you?” Kirkan added, dryly.

As she left the shop carrying the large box, Kirkan’s eyes followed her sadly. His train of thought was swiftly derailed as a young man at the counter asked for some small loaves of bread. Distracted, Kirkan reached for the change from the cash drawer from the back instead of the normal trays at the front.

The young man left the shop too, leaving Kirkan alone with his thoughts. Alone indeed, since a very specific five kopek piece is now sitting in the pocket of the customer, a certain Yevhen Spassnik, who is heading out for a night on the town. He is celebrating completing his apprenticeship as a carpenter, with a very lively bunch of young men. A late night is almost inevitable and a good time is guaranteed to be had by all.

 

[unmerged(17581)]

Mmmmmm.....
Cake.....
Sounds absholutely delicious!

EDIT: Ah, just noticed that our coin character is now with someone else. Don't know how I missed that. o I guess I was caught up in the description of the cake.

Well, I like the ending. Kind of leaves the reader to wonder, sadly never truly knowing the end. Very nice, artistic even.

 

[Rensslaer]

Screeeeeeee!!!! Hang on! MASSIVE plot twist! Uh oh!

Now that wasn't just a cliffhanger. That was...

...and as Madame Kropotkin departs, Kirkan's heart sinks...

The End.

The lights go up...

A man in the middle of the theatre stands up. Wide eyed and frantically pointing at the screen, he addresses the manager, "D...D... But, what...?"

Well, I hope you will contrive some way for us to know what happens to poor Kirkan. I trust you will.

Surely Heretic does not have a heart of ice and snow!

Great job!

Rensslaer

 

[Heretic]

anonymous4401, Rensslaer,

Thanks for the comments. Great as ever to have some dedicated readers!..
I did try to put a couple of hints that things were not panning out with Madame K in the previous two posts, but maybe they were too subtle?

Ah well, on with the show!

 

[Heretic]

Soldier

Hmm. What a lifestyle change.

One minute, I’m sitting pretty in a cosy cash drawer, next, rattling around in a foul smelling pocket, romping all over Flanders. Yes, Flanders, you heard me. Oh, it is something of a story, so I’d better go back a few steps.

Many months ago now, our young Yevhen was merrily celebrating completion of his apprenticeship. Now, many of the drinking haunts of Odessa were happily visited, and the young man became very merry. So merry indeed, that you might say he lost some of his senses. Particularly his common sense.

Normally, when the recruiting officers are in town, young men of age for service normally have the sense to head off in the opposite direction. Clearly, if you are not altogether of sound mind, you may not take such elementary precautions.

Now, life in the army begins with a life on the rolling sea, particularly if you are being shipped off to serve in foreign fields. Sadly, young Yevhen was very, very unwell on the journey out, which made my environment very unpleasant indeed. However, we pull through life’s little miseries, don’t we?

So, I hear you ask, what of the wider situation? Well, from what I hear from the other loose change, the Prussians have had a little disagreement with the French, and so, as faithful allies, we are being sent to help settle the matter.

In fact, since we went by ship, and were the lucky ones. Two grand armies of over two hundred thousand men were made to march directly across Prussia to the French frontier. How generous is our Tsar with the lives of his people? Very generous, I tell you.

So, off we went:

And off indeed! The veritable flood of young Russians coming down form the French coast truly overwhelmed the French army.

Advance, advance they say. General Klaimenev will surely lead us to an easy victory! Well, given the relative paucity of Frenchmen defending the walls of Paris, victory was no problem.

But “what of Flanders?” I hear you ask. Next time, my friends, next time.