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Laiakia wrote:

Pirates With A State

In the streets of the capital of the Broken Coast, Asmodeus, the thundering of steps could be heard all over as citizens flocked to downtown, eventually coming to a large open space inbetween the tightly packed buildings. This was the Qi Square, a giant open square residing in an antiquated fortress, now replaced with a newer and more armed fort placed on the new city outskirts and stretching to the port. The old fort had been relegated for important announcements, or parades. On the sides stood tall stands that were slowly filling up with people. On the primary stand stood Pirate Lord Edward Silverstry, overlooking the masses and keeping an eye on the time.

Meanwhile at the great port of Asmodeus, the citizens that couldn't find a seat at the Square moved to the port to view the adjacent naval parade from some more stands. Finally the clock reached the designated time, and the antiquated cannons of the old Asmodeus Fort fired in synch with the newer guns from the new fort, both having been armed with dry powder. Their booms echoed over the city as a Pirate Orchestra began playing some marching music. Four more boom echoed from the cannons in synch with the march, and the gates of Qi Square opend up to reveal a collum of equally dressed pirate-soldiers. They moved forward in synch with the music as the crowd cheered them on, and at the same time the soon-to-be antiquated naval fleet of the Coast sailed past the port and the people present there.

Eventually the marching stopped, and Pirate Lord Silverstry took to the podium and spoke into a microphone, a relatively new invention.

"FRIENDS, men of the Army and Navy, commanders and instructors, working men and working women, buccaneer-men and women, workers in the intellectual professions! On behalf of me fellow Pirate Lords, I am proud to be greeting you on another anniversary of independence from the wicked Grey Empire!

Many, from before our liberation, deemed the monarchist armies and navies to be invincible, such as their blatant propaganda spewed! Yet we showed them the opposite, for history shows that there are no invincible armies! Neither the Grey Empire, or their current adversary are invincible! Neither are the armies of the other nations here, in Skyreach! We have no doubt that as the clashes of the Grey Empire and its rival come to an end, that the victor will attempt to set their claws into Skyreach herself, and thus also our glorious Pirate Republic! This is why the progress of science, of that science which has helped create our wonderful weapons, while understanding the power and significance of the established scientific traditions and ably utilising them in the interests of science, are nevertheless incredibly important! For if we wish to never be slaves any Empire, if we wish to remain free and clear, the science which has the courage and determination to smash the old traditions, standards and views when they become antiquated and begin to act as a fetter on progress, and which is able to create new traditions, new standards and new views, has to progress! It is therefore my great pleasure to finally show you the newest addition to the Broken Coast's fleet!"

As Silverstry finished his speech, a silence fell over the crowd as one could hear the sound of rotors in the distance. This sound continued getting closer, until a flying battleship flew overhead, making the crowd ecstatic.

"I give ye, The Black Thunder! This ship is one of many being constructed, and soon we shall have a mighty aero-navy as well as a normal navy! Celebrate, friends, for our independence!"

The orchestra started up again as the crowd went wild, drinking and talking as the airship passed overhead and into its new dockyard.

A Deal With the Pirates

Having a nation of pirates to Anerica's direct southern border have caused security issues for years for the Mercer Administration, It's no different for the Dawning Administration. Old policy was to shoot and hang on sight but President Mercer changed it to jailtime and extradition back to their territory. Now President Dawning wishes to change once more. To a make a deal with them. On the outskirts of Anercian-Coast border, were the two delegation are supposed to meet, is Fort Meed, a fortified position just behind the Canto River as the main defensive position to repel raids and attacks.

Vice-President Gregor Mcaffy will lead the mission as ordered by President Dawning, along with a senior team of diplomats to meet the Broken Coast's representatives. They land in the Fort's Aircradle, built to airship supplies incase of emergencies, now it nestles the VP's Personal Air Gondola. As the gangway descends, a squad of soldiers along with the Fort's Commander salutes Gregor and his guards. Their uniforms stained and ragged, and position of attention slack. "Report! This place has seen better days, are your boys being drilled and fed?" He asked. "Commanding Officer Major Dennis Sir! He reports. "It has been quiet on the border for months now, intensity of raids and attacks have dwindled significantly, and our funding has been cut again." Dennis explained. "I'll get your bullets and bread Major, but for god's sake at least tell your soldiers to wash their uniforms now and again." Gregor dismissed them and escorted outside to wait for the Coast's representative to arrive.

Rule Kromkariea!

With the Comet I Arium Cores successfully installed within the ships and crew aboard, the launching of the new Battleships would launch from the there holding. These two Victor class battleships representing the pride of the new fleet with the KSN Hick and the KSN Larson. Along with these ships would be the complement of Crusiers, destroyers and corvettes using the smaller Comet II Arium Cores.

With all the ships cores installed and ready for flight the crew embark after final checks from the Dockyard Engineers. The newly promoted sky-admiral first of his kind, Sky-Admiral Montgomery formerly Major General and War hero of the 31st Banesteppe defence Division. His strategic process in holding back the Imperials long enough for a counter attack to be made against the invasive forces. Now on this great day Sky-Admiral Montgomery now commanding the 1st fleet of the Kromkariean Navy via the KSN Hick, with the newly transferred members from the 31st division serving as the first crew for the fleet.

"Admiral on deck." says the captain of the KSN Hick while saluting.

Sky-Admiral Montgomery waving them to stand down speechless of this new ship as he looks around at the bridge full of mechanical consoles and hard surface control panels, a room entirely made of metal. Shining with the glory of Kromkariean engineering ready for flight the Sky-Admiral says his first words, "Men, we are the first. The first of Kromkarie to be selected as its protectors aboard the most advance vessel within our knowledge. A vessel and fleet that will protect this great nation and its values. Begin the engine start-up."

"yes sir", says the captain while grabbing a relay speaker, "Begin the engine start-up and signal the other ships."
The engine crew hastily running around shovelling coal and checking pressure gauges while the engines chug to life in a loud and hot environment starting the propeller engines spin-up process with smoke bellowing out of the smokestacks in large clouds. "Engines at idle speed sir, bridge controls now working," reports the helmsman while checking the throttles and realigning the instruments.

"Start-up the arium core." Commands Sky-Admiral Montgomery. The Captain signals the ship and the crew prepare the core for start-up, men rush to shovelling coal to the cores engine as it chugs to life with the arium core spinning. The ships cradle groans as the wait of the ship is slowly lifted from it.

"Arium core at idle speed sir." reports the Helmsman, "Ship is ready for flight with zero issues reported."

"Excellent, lets see what these ships can do," says Sky-Admiral Montgomery as he reaches for the relay. "Signal the other ships to the exercise destination." With the flag signals hoisted, the other ships soon follow into formation after take off and begin away into the desert. The monolithic vessels flying over the desert sands blotting out the sun as they make their way across the sky.

The ships in position begin fire training, testing the guns, speed, accuracy and the crews reload times as well as various manoeuvring exercises testing the abilities of the newly promoted officers and their crew. After a few days of exercises, the ships return to port where they will be waiting and planning for the next defence of Kromkarie.

NOTE: Any RP before this point is From previous iterations, and holds no relevance to the current RP.

Kromkarie wrote:

Dark Clouds part 1

-snip-

Bright Seas

A thunder of guns, the bestial roar of a battleship's fury-

-as the RMPS Princess Sophie delivered another broadside at the target hulk floating steadily a thousand meters above the glittering surface of the sea, several months later.

First Air Admiral Vance watched the lazy trails of black smoke arc across the distance through his binoculars. He nodded as they plunged down and black puffs of smoke indicated multiple hits.
He lowered the glasses and nodded approvingly. 'Excellent shooting, captain. Very well; I think we can conclude gunnery practice for today. Let's head back to Summerbridge, shall we?'
The captain nodded. 'Aye sir. Prepare to come about; set course for Summerbridge. Stow the guns.'
From across the bridge: 'Stow the guns, set course for Summerbridge, aye sir!'
'And, captain, if you'd like to meet me in my quarters, I have something I wish to discuss with you.'
'Oh, really? As you wish. Exec, you have the bridge.'
'I have the bridge, aye sir.'
The captain gestured. 'Lead the way, sir.'

-----------
The huge battleship buzzed slowly across the midday sky over Summerbridge, and many a citizen going about their shopping below stopped to watch the shining vision of armour steel and heavy guns pass overhead, the huge Middle Predor naval jack flying from her rearmast. Her huge ducted propellors emitted a roaring buzz audible for miles as the ship turned for her approach into the battleship cradles, but despite the deafening noise nobody seemed to mind; such overflights were common in the busy seaside port.
The noise finally cut out as she floated gently above the cradle and her propellers stopped, before she gently sank down into the waiting arms of her cradle.

-----------

The shock of the cradle arms snapping shut around the aeronef battleship was merely a muted jolt in the air admiral's quarters, barely disturbing the admiral's aim as he poured wine.
'So, now you've read it, what do you think?' he asked, as he deftly gave the glass a tiny swirl before sliding it across the polished ash tabletop with a flick of the hand.
Without taking his eyes off the flimsy telegram paper held in one hand, the captain caught the glass as it reached him, and rose it to his lips as he lowered the flimsy. 'Well, it's very unusual, to start off. I don't know what Sophie's game is here, but it's not her usual one.'
The admiral tilted his head to one side, considering. 'Well, I'm not entirely sure it is her game today, John.'
An eyebrow raise. 'Oh?'
Vance nodded. 'I think this came from a little higher up the pecking chain. It feels like one of Elwin's typical schemes, this time.'
Now it was the captain's turn to consider. 'Hmmm. You could be right. This is more his style. But nonetheless. Taking Prince Aldrich that far north? In January? You know what the weather's like up there.'
'Well, it's not that far north. Kromkarie, particularly Banesteppe, is still pretty calm this time of year. And the Kromkarieans don't like us much, but they'd still give us a cradle if we asked for one.' Vance pointed out.
'That's true, and I suppose at a pinch we can anchor up by the leeside of the mountains and just hang. But I'm still not happy about it.'
'Neither am I, John, and that's a fact, but it came from on high, and we gotta jump when the Grand Lady asks us to.'
'Hrmmm. I'll have to think on it while we prep up.' He held up the half-empty wine glass. 'Mind if I take this?'
'Be my guest. And, John?'
A raised eyebrow from the captain.
'I've heard the Banesteppe girls will just love the captain of a big machine like the Sophie.'
A grin, and the captain saluted Vance with his raised wineglass as he left. 'Touché.'

Tiber Invicta

Iberion Maximus Flavon breathed the chilly, Northern air. The officer in the Tiberian army had known little more than bunkers and bombing drills for the past few years, and despite the wintery bite of the cold morning seemed to pierce him to the bone, he could barely feel it - the fresh air felt too good on his face and in his lungs. The long-time Tiberian Legionnaire looked over to what he jokingly referred to as his 'flock', a ragtag group of conscripts that were drawn from all corners of society to strengthen the Armed Forces should the Greytower Empire once more invade. There was Flavius - his nose had been broken too many times and his sleek frame and short stature betrayed his family's poverty. Justinius, the son of a disgraced intellectual, who carried with him an air of undeserved snobbishness, and then there was Brutus, whose plumpish frame told volumes about his background as the fourth son of a Senator.

These three were but a few of the familiar faces in a crowd numbering well over a dozen. Despite Iberion's long service, he remained on a maddeningly low rung on the Tiberian command structure. Iberion watched over his troops attempting to form up and sighed, noting the glaring flaws that his soldiers likely didn't even know was an issue.

"There's lot of work to do..", Iberion thought to himself

But as one soldier nearly bumped into another, Iberion pushed the stress out of his mind and took another deep breath of the icy, fresh air. "Bunker air is the worst..", he reminded himself.

As he exhaled, a sense of pride - something he had not felt in a long, long time - welled up within his chest. "Legionnaires!", he barked, pride overflowing from his body towards his soldiers. "The Avroc Republic might have aided us in forcing the Invaders out, yet now is the time for proper Tiberian military strength to show itself once again! Our traditions and pride demand it! It's time we learned the basics!"

The assembled soldiers barked back in variations of 'Urra', 'Tiber Invicta', and 'Tiber Aeterna'. Iberion smiled, content with the reaction.

"We'll start with the march."

Life after the War

It was done, the nationalist stronghold in Valdez finally fell after a year and a half of prolonged siege. Primo Vassily, the father of the Juntist movement, was pulled out from his makeshift bunker and executed in public. The All-Left Socialist Party finally inaugurated Mikhal Doga to the presidency, leading to the ultimate repeal of many Juntist laws passed years prior to the war. They also extended legal autonomy of states by establishing local councils as new subnational legislative authorities within the states. But the people has suffered the worst, years of fighting displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes, and with a tanking economy thats causing many welfare issues. Ministry of the Treasury estimated that the national GDP went down by 29% in only three years of civil war. Not all is lost however, newly nationalized heavy and light industries are starting to produce goods for export, unemployment is expected to be reduced by the next fiscal quarter.

Politically, the right was defeated and for a long time won't possess power, but militarily 13,000 reported nationalist militiamen still roam the Jesrurian countryside. MOI reports that they may have been deserters turned looters or what's left of the Valdez Garrison that escaped the siege. They terrorize towns and villages, often resorting to forcefully taking over businesses and local political offices. Their base of operations, coming from where the attacks stop and retreat to, is somewhere near the Nakara mountains. Rumors during the war was that Primo Vassily ordered a series of bunkers in the mountains, and fearing that the rumors maybe true the 3rd Army was mobilized along the mountains. And to counteract nationalist raids, the 1st Army was stationed to monitor and patrol the roads.

In Camp Rose Guard, where the new chiefs of staff assemble, senior officers and chiefs of the military pour over data and logistics. Their initial assessment state the Jesrurian Military is weak and vulnerable, characterized by: A highly disorganized logistical corps, decimated active manpower down to 250,000 soldiers, partly militia based, poor quality of arms, and a near non-existent areonavy. Their suggestion was to increase the military budget and retire the militia system to create a new professional fighting force worthy of protecting the homeland.

Overall the situation is bleak for the country, many don't know when they'll their next meal or shelter, but Jesruriz has always survived.

Partial Mobilization Order G-2

The second ever mobilization order given to the army has been approved by the General Congress and Supreme Court, though it was only a partial order to mobilize 2/5ths of the army. The main objective was to crush the remaining elements of the Fascist Militias of the Black Army, which were composed of mainly deserters but are highly organized according to field intelligence. They managed to suppress local garrisons in the hinterlands of Jesruriz, however reconnaissance failed to spot their stronghold, intelligence states that, "Our agents investigated this matter but we think their strong support with the local populace and these treacherous mountains to hide in, that they can hide from us near indefinitely. Savage attacks from the fascists interrupt reconstruction and pacification efforts in the area. Immediate action is needed or we might deal with uprisings in the countryside."

The first army stationed near Fort Paytona, under the command of Major General Alphonso Duce, were told to march into the Jesrurian Hinterlands and issue martial law for the region. The Third army, lead by Lieutenant General Ivan Vladovich, had to come in via ill-famed war-trains, steel amalgamations fitted with cannons and additional iron plating, many officers and soldiers issued complaints of nausea and foul crew conditions. The third had suffered severe casualties which only left half of their original manpower remaining. Many had died due to disease and faced the brunt of early defeats. With the combined armies together, they were ordered to patrol the region, assisting in local operations to dislodge already established fascist forces.

To deal with the population that eagerly help the nationalists, local politicians and statesmen with provable connections to Black Army Remnants were arrested, while aiding the remnants became a crime punishable by fines or short imprisonment. Bounties on surviving officers such as The Killer of Redina or The Black Raider, Yohan Gibbels and Weimar Fischer, of the infamous Werewolfe Guerillakämpfer Brigade were issued to encourage people to give information for their death or arrest. More resources were allocated to the region's recovery program to build trust with the people, and the army was issued strict orders to prevent any lootings or plundering by government forces.

State Changes:

-Partisan Remnants -> Crackdown on the Remnants

Middle predor wrote:

Foreign Diplomatic Service: Royal Neighbors
Jesrurian Foreign Diplomatic Service, President's eyes only

Country of Interest: Middle predor

Initial assessment of this country shows it to be a moderate threat if they were attacked, but their isolation policies means that they will minimally interfere with our presence in the region. Securing a non-aggression pact or establishing proper trade routes can lead to a significant boon to our economy, having a trade partner to export to. Ideology points to a highly entrenched feudal monarchy, with deep control over the military and the rest of society. Ideological refugees could bolster our dwindling numbers if we offer asylum.

Official Response: Mikhal authorized a special embassy zone in the old governors district, a mansion which needed light refurbishment that a small loan paid for. The Minister of Foreign Relations was tasked to arrange a meeting with a representative to discuss terms of a treaty. Karl Rayne, the former royal ambassador to the governor, was to spearhead talks as his experience was useful. The revolution always kept the useful ones.

Diplomatic Tidings

In a diplomatic move, the Republic of Tiberion sends a small envoy to conduct talks with Jesruriz. The cause of this decision has come on the basis of securing a market to procure naval equipment. With a small navy, the Emperor of Tiberion saw it as vital to get access to modernized equipment, lest the maritime forces are swept asunder by rival nations.

The Tiberian government sends a letter to the Jesrurians, asking where such a talk could take place.

Jesruriz

Military Modernization Phase I: End the Militia System

From the various independence fighters that fought Imperial Soldiers to Union Militias fighting off the Black Army, Jesruriz has relied on the common people to arm themselves to supplement a crippled army. Official military census that army divisions are composed of 50-60% regulars and 40-50% irregular volunteers, most experienced but untrained and undisciplined. The "Popular Army" concept (mass volunteer and professional army) was supposed to be replaced by an all professional army once training was finished, however the liberals lost power as the ALSP formed and spearheaded the militia system.

The war was over, the left in the country won to vanquish their fascist foes, though some still remain in the countryside. The abysmal state of affairs the military lead a movement of professional officers demanding new reforms of military organization. Their demands clear: End the militia system, increase funding for the army, and establish a General Staff. Mikhal sought to do this anyways and agreed, passing it through the General Congress. He did however put his allies in the General Staff, disrupting any power play amongst the officer corps.

General Rearmament Act

1. An increase of the army budget shall increase $20 Billion RP, for the purposes of modernizing and equipping a new generation of professional soldiers.

2. All sanctioned militia groups are to hand over their weapons to their nearest police station or military post. They shall be disbanded until the next call to arms by the Congress.

3. A new General Staff of the highest ranking officers of every branch of the Armed Forces shall be created, they will create new: standards, codes, and military laws. They will not however supersede the commander-in-chief's decisions.

4. $15 Billion RP's shall be invested into recruitment and combat readiness programs, as well as pay increases for the common soldier.

State Changes:

-National Debt: $45 Billion RP's -> National Debt: $80 Billion RP's
+Loyal High Command
+Organizing Military

Jesruriz wrote:

Foreign Diplomatic Service: Royal Neighbors
Jesrurian Foreign Diplomatic Service, President's eyes only

Country of Interest: Middle predor

Initial assessment of this country shows it to be a moderate threat if they were attacked, but their isolation policies means that they will minimally interfere with our presence in the region. Securing a non-aggression pact or establishing proper trade routes can lead to a significant boon to our economy, having a trade partner to export to. Ideology points to a highly entrenched feudal monarchy, with deep control over the military and the rest of society. Ideological refugees could bolster our dwindling numbers if we offer asylum.

Official Response: Mikhal authorized a special embassy zone in the old governors district, a mansion which needed light refurbishment that a small loan paid for. The Minister of Foreign Relations was tasked to arrange a meeting with a representative to discuss terms of a treaty. Karl Rayne, the former royal ambassador to the governor, was to spearhead talks as his experience was useful. The revolution always kept the useful ones.

It was a dark and rainy day when the RMPS Princess Sophie entered Jesrurian airspace, flying the double white ensigns of a peaceful mission.
The pearl-grey monster descended gently from a rain squall, and smoke puffed gently from her twin funnels as her bulk loomed over the fields and plains of outer Jesruriz and she slowly made her way across the windswept skies.
Prince Elwin paced across the conning tower floor, his wingcloak fluttering behind him as he strode. He really ought to have sent someone else, he thought. With the situation with Kromkarie and the mounting costs of a full-steam shipbuilding programme, he ought to be back in the Palace, helping Father wrestle the complaining Dukes into shape.
Then again, there'd been no-one else to send. Prince Aldrich was off in Kromkarie, and Jesruiz was too important to send a mere duke to. Why couldn't the Jesrurians have come to us, eh?
Well, no time for that now.

THE PISCATAWAY POST - 10ẜ

INDEPENDENT PROBE CONCLUDES, SPP RETAIN MAJORITY
In a further show of complex governmental politicking, the SPP has retained its majority hold over the State and Union Congresses after the Grand Judiciary has ruled that the temporary Election Investigation Commission has been dissolved. Republican-Patriotic hardliners have been verbal in the investigation’s end, while moderates have grumbled silently in the benches. The controversial probe has proven pointless, as no wrongdoing had been found on the SPP’s party with regard to the November 1890 Midterm Elections.

Experts and the public alike cite a stark parallel to the various independent probes of past as conservatives struggle to find meaningful support in Congress. SPP proponents have claimed that the investigation was nothing more than a “deliberate act to undermine the democratic process”, placing blame on malicious intent by the Conservative coalition. Radical Populists called for a similar probe into the Republican-Patriotic faction, while Populist moderates have chosen to turn a blind eye, though the former has gained further traction in the recent months.

While President Zacharias DeWitt had nothing to say of a seemingly dangerous Republican ploy to unseat him from office, he had this to say to a recent press briefing: “I congratulate my fellow Populists in their respective victories, and I have it in good faith that they will carry out their responsibilities as any honest politician.”

“The Republicans have my respect for their vigilance,” he concludes on the matter. No further comments have been made by the President.

With the SPP secure in their hold of both Senate and House for the next two years, despite recent setbacks in their previous term of office and a tumultuous first hundred days, President DeWitt promises a continuation of his campaign platform, with the resumption of tackling global diplomacy, all the while reinforcing his approach on domestic issues, including social welfare, the healthcare system, and education. Talks have already begun on the course of sweeping new legislation by the SPP, in conjunction with the President’s promises of finishing the second half of his term on a better note.

On further news…

NOTORIOUS KULT SECT STRIKES AGAIN, CHAMPLAIN GOVERNOR ORDERS LOCKDOWN OF CAPITAL

SS OLYMPIAN, LARGEST AIRSHIP IN THE WORLD, TO EMBARK ON MAIDEN VOYAGE ACROSS SKYREACH; SISTER SHIP TITAN TO FOLLOW SOON AFTER

JOURNEY TO NORTH BEGINS, ADVENTURER SEEKS MYTHICAL ‘FLYING CITY’ AND THE NORTH POLE

BEYOND THE SEA: ONE MAN’S STRUGGLE TO CREATE A HESPERICAN UTOPIA

CONSUMPTION OUTBREAK IN OUTSKIRTS OF NYA KORSHOLM, TOWN PROPER QUARANTINED

MID-SPRING SNOWSTORM IN GOLGOTHA BAFFLES SCIENTISTS; ‘METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENON’

”GROWTH OF TRUSTS A DANGER TO INDUSTRY” SAYS SEN. ELRIN BULLWORTH