Against All Odds: The Struggles of the Noyyau

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

Review of the Royal Army of the Noyyau Kingdom

With the recent reforms and rearmament efforts, the once obsolescent and traditionally feudal Noyyau military has been transformed into a modern fighting force, based on volunteer service and meritocratic promotions.

Excluding purely garrison forces, whose duties and training have progressively shifted from pure military towards policing and peacekeeping, the Royal Army of the Noyyau Kingdom (RANK) consists of those forces able to enforce the will of the King and to enact the Noyyau Doctrine (when it will be properly defined) in any circumstance, be it at home or abroad.

The RANK consists of three main self-sufficient ground forces, a rapid intervention force, an experimental amphibious attack force, and a group of devout Shinto recruits.
While lacking an official Navy, any Noyyau merchant vessel can be ordered to serve the Kingdom in times of need, and a fundamental clause in each corsair's letter of marque mentions the duty to obey the King's orders, with grave consequences for insubordination.

The King's Own (colloquially also known as the Royal Fist) are led by the King himself and his elite regiment of Cid Raynor's Warriors, tracing their origins all the way back to the mists of Noyyau prehistory.
Notable among the ranks of the Royal Fist are the Giacola Misfits, whose recruits are drawn from the House of Giacola's most unruly, to be taught the discipline civilian life could not impart.
The Cannon batteries are led by the Viking Mercenaries, now seeking revenge for their conquered nation.

Spoiler :

Duke Michael Greek, continuing the famed House Greek martial tradition, leads the Greek Army, second only to the King's Own in strength.
Among the troops under Duke Greek's command are the Greek Raiders, specialized in using the deadly Greek Fire in battle, and the Hittite Mercenaries professional Cannon artillerists.

Spoiler :

The third army group is led by the First Axes of Noyyau, another military unit with a long and glorious history.

Spoiler :

The Swift Chargers are led by the revered Noble Knights of Noyyau, among them the Shinto Knights, Michael's Lances from House Greek, and the Knights of Giacola.
These elite cavalry squadrons are able to move at superior speeds, quickly intervening wherever there is the need for a sudden and decisive strike.

Spoiler :

The Sea Raiders are an experiment in unconventional tactics, an attempt to create a force able to quickly travel the oceans and attack coastal targets without the need for lenghty and risky landing operations.
The Sea Raiders are transported aboard the imported Dutch East Indiamen, their superior firepower otherwise wasted in trasporting commercial cargo.

Spoiler :

Finally, the Shinto Volunteers are currently guarding the Dye Forts south of Assyria, ready to intervene either north in Assyria or south in the Moroccan Peninsula, should the situation escalate with the Roman and Ottoman colonies there.

1. House Florentanius is disturbed by the failures of the SIS in Ottoman territory.
2. House Florentanius is disturbed by the implications of the Romo-Dutch defensive pact and would suggest that the SIS trick either side into violating the conditions of their pact such that it ceases to be. This may be accomplished by bribing Dutch leadership.
3. House Florentanius is pleased with the successes and escalation of the naval war in Canadian waters.
4. The Watch of House Floerntanius would request that the House of Nobles dispatch an armed intervention force to Venetian lands to ensure that they are not taken by rebels. These forces will help augment the WHF forces already present.
5. House Florentanius would urge the Noyyau to pursue peaceful diplomatic discourse with the Romans, especially if it will result in the removal of their colony. The colony should be removed before it becomes too established to do so. If necessary a war between Holy Rome and Rome could be started to ensure that the colony becomes more costly than it is beneficial to the Romans, thus they would be more likely to give it up.
6. House Florentanius would recommend that the SIS begin a campaign of destroying Assyrian infrastructure and causing chaos within their ranks. Privateers may also be used to cause chaos and reduce their capabilities. OOC: Use spies to assassinate units, destroy key buildings and improvements, disrupt production and send cities into revolts in Assyria. The more chaos there is in their lands the less advanced they will become and the fewer units they will be able to produce. Primarily; send ships down to Assyria to pillage their merchant marine and coast line and send any EPs or spies you can spare (foreign spy missions take priority however).
7. Mathias of Florentanius, on behalf of the Leadership of House Florentanius has requested a private meeting with the King.

Niccolo Edwards said:

Spoiler :

1. House Florentanius is disturbed by the failures of the SIS in Ottoman territory.
2. House Florentanius is disturbed by the implications of the Romo-Dutch defensive pact and would suggest that the SIS trick either side into violating the conditions of their pact such that it ceases to be. This may be accomplished by bribing Dutch leadership.
3. House Florentanius is pleased with the successes and escalation of the naval war in Canadian waters.
4. The Watch of House Floerntanius would request that the House of Nobles dispatch an armed intervention force to Venetian lands to ensure that they are not taken by rebels. These forces will help augment the WHF forces already present.
5. House Florentanius would urge the Noyyau to pursue peaceful diplomatic discourse with the Romans, especially if it will result in the removal of their colony. The colony should be removed before it becomes too established to do so. If necessary a war between Holy Rome and Rome could be started to ensure that the colony becomes more costly than it is beneficial to the Romans, thus they would be more likely to give it up.
6. House Florentanius would recommend that the SIS begin a campaign of destroying Assyrian infrastructure and causing chaos within their ranks. Privateers may also be used to cause chaos and reduce their capabilities. OOC: Use spies to assassinate units, destroy key buildings and improvements, disrupt production and send cities into revolts in Assyria. The more chaos there is in their lands the less advanced they will become and the fewer units they will be able to produce. Primarily; send ships down to Assyria to pillage their merchant marine and coast line and send any EPs or spies you can spare (foreign spy missions take priority however).
7. Mathias of Florentanius, on behalf of the Leadership of House Florentanius has requested a private meeting with the King.

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Senior SIS officials explained (during a meeting with a representative of the King and select other officials, including members of House Florentanius and House Giacola) the reasons of the recent setbacks in foreign operations: the recent increase in operations worldwide required the recruiting of many new agents, with a sizeable portion of the most experienced veterans tied up in training the new recruits.
Despite all the training, intelligence work is such that only actual experience can teach all the finer points of the trade.
Inevitably some agents will fail, due to any number of circumstances, however given the recent increase in the number of operations, the number of failures has risen as well and become much more noticeable.
They concluded by saying that while it would be possible to start intervening in Assyria as well, it would be advisable not to do so right away, as human resources were stretched thin as it was, and while the budget was generous, what was really needed was time, to allow all the green operatives to gain some field experience before pushing them to their limits.

Finally, while leaving the meeting, the King's envoy informed the Florentanius members that His Majesty would be delighted to have the Leadership of House Florentanius as guests.

After several days of private meetings with His Majesty King Felix of Noyyau it is the pleasure of Mathias of House Florentanius, the younger son of his father, the late Marcus VII of House Florentanius, to propose the Felix Doctrine. King Felix has decided to place the proposed Doctrine before the House of Nobles for them to debate and suggest amendments to it. The amendments will be added at the leisure of King Felix.

The Felix Doctrine for the House of Nobles of the Noyyau Kingdom

Under the Felix Doctrine the Royal Army of the Noyyau Kingdom (herein referred to as ‘RANK’) shall be used for the defence of the Noyyau Kingdom, her allies and interests. The RANK shall establish a standard Code of Conduct and set of Rules and Regulations that will be implemented and followed throughout the RANK.

The Felix Doctrine will allow the RANK to make full use of all resources available to them, including mercenaries and privateers. Mercenaries will be used to augment Noyyau forces in roles that are not within the regular forces of the RANK. Land-borne mercenaries will conduct activities ahead of RANK lines; including scouting, disrupting enemy activities, conducting overseas deniable and partially deniable operations, conducting warfare in deniable areas or in the defence of unofficial allies and other politically sensitive missions. Land-borne mercenaries will also conduct supporting operations behind RANK lines and within camps; including providing escorts for logistics and support personnel, acting as logistics and support personnel and other activities deemed nessesary by the RANK. Sea-borne mercenaries (herein referred to a privateers) may be used to disrupt enemy activities at sea, blockade ports and conduct other deniable operations against enemy shipping both prior to and during the war. All mercenaries working for the RANK will be subjected to the same regulations as members of RANK while they are officially working in conjunction with RANK.

The Security and Intelligence Service (herein referred to as SIS) and the Noyyau Department of Investigations (herein referred to as NDI) shall provide to commanders of the RANK any intelligence or information deemed relevant to them. The SIS and NDI shall attempt to collect and provide requested information to commanders of the RANK. Members of the RANK shall cooperate with the SIS and NDI and provide all relevant information captured during the activities of the RANK to the SIS and NDI.

Local and National guards, including The Watch of House Florentanius, the House Greek Guard and The Caterpillar Vertedigers, will assist the RANK in the defence of their facilities, materials and equipment, they will provide military resources to RANK units that are serving in a domestic capacity and will endeavour to maintain the law and order within the cities regardless of the presence of absence of the RANK in the city.

The RANK will establish a standards set of Regulations and Policies that will leave sufficient room for commanders to make decisions tailored to the unique intricacies of the situation while also working within the more broad strategy of the RANK and the Noyyau Kingdom.

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The Felix Doctrine for Diplomatic Procedures

Under the Felix Doctrine the Royal Army of the Noyyau Kingdom (herein referred to as ‘RANK’) shall be used for the defence and protection of the Noyyau Kingdom, her interests and her allies. In doing so a standard set of Rules and Regulation shall be established, implemented and followed throughout the RANK.

The Felix Doctrine allows the RANK to make full use of all resources that are available to them; this will occur whenever possible and to their maximum effect.

The RANK shall establish a standard set of Regulations and Policies that will leave sufficient room for commanders to make decisions suited to the unique situations they may find themselves in while also being within an established policy and precedent.

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I forgot that my family's bloodline is at least a small part of the current ruler's bloodline.

House von Caterpillar apologizes for the absences in the House of Nobles, as there has been numerous issues within the family for many years. With the true leader of the house, Lady Felicia Wilhelmina II, on the throne we are once again able to join in the issues perplexing our country.

I request to see the current military status of House Caterpillar compared to the rest of the families.

CaterpillarKing said:

Spoiler :

I forgot that my family's bloodline is at least a small part of the current ruler's bloodline.

House von Caterpillar apologizes for the absences in the House of Nobles, as there has been numerous issues within the family for many years. With the true leader of the house, Lady Felicia Wilhelmina II, on the throne we are once again able to join in the issues perplexing our country.

I request to see the current military status of House Caterpillar compared to the rest of the families.

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(From this list of Noble House holdings)
House Caterpillar:

Military:
- Major military and naval production city (Robertia)
- House Caterpillar Verteidigers (city garrisons)

Holdings:
- Various land holdings
⁃ Ancestral home in City of Robertia
- Holds Fiefdom of Latvia

Robertia and the Latvian cities (Riga, Ogre, Jelgava) are garrisoned by the Caterpillar Verteidigers, with a presence of Noyyau Military Garrisons and of the Shinto Guards.

Robertia is the best military city in the whole Kingdom, with 12 settled Great Generals, the Heroic Epic, Venetian Arsenal, and many other bonuses to experience and military unit production.


Ogre has 2 settled Generals, and has decent production capabilities (no mines, but plenty of forests with lumbermills). It has been recently training many of the units that are on the way to be Mercenaries gifted to Siam (though for story purposes, the Mercs come from all over the Kingdom).

Riga has 1 settled General, though it has yet to start producing units, its food-rich but production-poor surroundings having slowed its building of basic infrastructure.

Jelgava is the Holy City of Confucianism, and has always focused on commerce and revenue.

House Caterpillar currently has no units in the reformed Royal Army, though two of the Noble Knights (now upgraded to Cuirassiers) are still unassigned, so if you want to "sponsor" one of them, you can.


Compared to the military of the other Noble Houses, House Caterpillar has the best production/training facilities, though they are used to fulfill Royal orders rather than for their own use. Beyond the Caterpillar Verteidigers, who garrison the Caterpillar Holdings, the House has no active forces.

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

With the representatives of the Noble Houses gathered in the capital to discuss the Felix Doctrine proposed by House Florentanius, King Felix added to their agenda further matters of national importance.

The first announcement he made was his intention to marry the Iranian Lady Pantea, declaring her to be the assertive and military-wise Queen the Noyyau nation needed.
He did not mention that she was also the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, and definitely kept secret the fact that the Lady Pantea was more than able to hold her ground against him in single combat.

After this announcement, with the date of the ceremonies and festivities yet to be decided, King Felix moved to more pragmatic matters. Having received updates from Noyyau diplomats stationed all over the world, the King now asked for the input of the Noble Houses in steering the further course of Noyyau foreign policy.

1) Should we pursue diplomatic and commercial relations with the Romans?
A recent review of foreign relations revealed that the Romans now have Neutral or Pleased relations with all those whose opinion we care about.
Establishing Embassies and Open Borders will also allow us to get discounts on the cost of Espionage missions against them, and improving our relations with them might make them more willing to cede the Neapolis colony peacefully.


2) Should we collapse the Dutch Defensive Pacts and stir up trouble in the Lower Continent?
The Dutch have recently signed Defensive Pacts with Rome and Mongolia, probably as a way to dissuade the neighbouring Hurrians from thoughts of invading them.
These Defensive Pacts could be made to be canceled if we bribe either Rome or Mongolia (or both) to declare war on Holy Rome (who we do not care much about). The Dutch unfortunately are not willing to declare war on anyone at the moment.
This would certainly create instability in the Lower Continent, and there is a chance the Hurrians might go on the offensive again (they currently have the highest Power rating in the world, and their army is both massive and modern).


3) Should we invade the Batavii?
To test our new amphibious forces and to give something to do to our land armies, the Batavii are a perfect target. We even have some kind of pretext for invasion: during a rebellion in Sofia when the rebels took up the old Moroccan flag, the Batavii supported them by taking them as vassals (the rebels did not last long anyway).
We would get some minor diplomatic hits with our Lower Continent Friends, but we would obtain friendly ports and a base of operations (once they'll be defeated and vassalized) between the Catfish and the Lower Continent (on the other side of the world from our current territories).


4) Should we sign a Defensive Pact with the Hittites?
The Hittites are Friendly with us, and they (and their vassals the Egyptians) share a wide land border with the Hurrians (now that the Hurrians have completely conquered all of the Viking lands).
In case of Hurrian aggression towards them, the Defensive Pact would give us reason to intervene (against Canada as well, the Canadians being vassals of the Hurrians).
Signing a Defensive Pact with the Hittites and collapsing the Dutch Defensive Pacts might also make the Hurrians more inclined to invade the Netherlands and/or Mongolia, rather than the Hittites.

1) I do not think we ought to pursue diplomacy with the insidious Romans; to recognize their insolence by negotiating with them will set a dangerous precedent. We must drive the dogs before us and slaughter them with fire and sword.

2) No, because we ought to check the power of the Hurrians on the lower continent and to remove this bloc would merely weaken potential resistance to the Hurrian scourge.

3) Batavia occupies a strategic position between two continents, will allow our troops to gain valuable experience, and will provide a test of the new Felix doctrine. I say we invade after we deal with the Romans.

4) I say yes; this pact plus the Triple Alliance will check the Hurrian scourge and ensure that Noyyau and her allies can defend against any potential invasions.

I wish for a personal task force to be trained (preferrably) in Robertia when possible. I want a total army comprising 15 Musketmen and 10 Cavalry (Whatever the best horse unit is). For the time being I would like them stationed two tiles outside of Robertia. They will likely serve in the Noyyau military, but for now I want them consolidated until they are one unit.

1. I say we attempt to open relations with the Romans. Diplomacy is always the best option if war can be avoided. I don't know about the other houses, I would prefer our people not die for needless reasons.

2. If we can weaken our enemies by having them fight each other, I'm all for it. I fear that it may create one nation that comes out on top, but as a whole I support this idea.

3. I say we do invade this continent, but I want a report of any and all men that are lost, as the Noyyau people deserve to know who's sons and fathers are lost.

4. I like the idea of expanding Noyyau diplomacy. I agree with the plan to sign a defensive pact with the Hittite people.

1. With no proposed amendments to the Felix Doctrine, House Florentanius proposes that it be returned to His Majesty King Felix to be adopted as the official doctrine and policy of the Royal Army of the Noyyau Kingdom.
2. House Florentanius would like to congratulate His Majesty on his engagement. Members of the Leadership of House Florentanius will endeavour to attend, at least one can be expected to be present.
3. House Florentanius would urge the Noyyau to open diplomatic and economic relations with the Romans.
3. House Florentanius would urge the SIS to engage in clandestine activities in Rome and Holy Rome to increase tensions on the border and trigger a war, thus violating the defensive pact between Rome and the Dutch. This would also lead to significant losses for Rome, possibly leading to it being more willing to cede control of their colony.
(OOC: Bribe them to start a war)
4. House Florentanius would urge restraint in regards to the Batavii. Their ports are not connected to the mainland therefore lessening their strategic value in the event of a war on that continent, the Batavii territory also has limited resources and limited production and economic capabilities; in summary, to the Noyyau the Batavii cities are of low economic value. As well, the Batavii have relations with the Lower Continent which could cause damage to Noyyau relations that are vital to our ability to affect events on that Continent and could also lead to damaged diplomatic and economic relations. The manpower lost during this war would damage an already stretched-thin Noyyau military.
5. House Florentanius would urge the Noyyau to show restraint in negotiating defensive pacts. They are dangerous and can cause wars to spiral out of control. Other means of diplomacy may be best to check the power of the Hurrians. House Florentanius strongly condemns the Hurrians, but believes that allowing the Noyyau to be drawn into a war on another continent is perhaps, not the best course of action.
6. House Florentanius would like to express concern about the intended military buildup of House Caterpillar. Such an unprecedented peacetime buildup and mobilization of soldiers, especially ones who are under the control of an individual house and not the command of the Royal Army of the Noyyau Kingdom, brings some concern. If House Caterpillar intends to train, arm and mobilize these soldiers and prepare them for war, they should be promised to be under the command of the King and the RANK, not under the command of one house. If these men are to garrisons or reserves, they should be garrisoned and/or demobilized so that they can go back to their families until they are needed.

House Caterpillar would like to respectfully respond to House Florentanius by saying this:



These are my troops under my command. I have no intentions of overthrowing the monarchy or doing anything of the sort. As Lady of the House von Caterpillar I am obliged to defend His Royal Majesty above all else. While this rings true, I am obligated to a certain amount of autonomy with my troops, that is, if they come from my lands and I contracted them, they are mine. If you wish for my troops to become a part of the Noyyau military, that is fine, but you will be required to the same. While we're at it, why don't we give our holdings away as well? Might as well if we apparently cannot be trusted.

That being said, my soldiers are none of your concern good sir. They are my soldiers and they are to do as I wish, not you. You are neither the king of Noyyau nor the Lord of House von Caterpillar. I recommend you worry yourself only with your own issues.

-Ich freue mich auf Deine Antwort,
Lady Felicia Wilhelmina von Caterpillar II

House Florentanius means no disrespect or offence to House von Caterpillar, nor does House Florentanius mean to suggest, or even imply, that House von Caterpillar means to commit treason. In the interests of peace, security and cooperation the representative of the Leadership of House Florentanius will deign to ignore the inflammatory comments directed towards him and continue representing the policy of the Leadership of House Florentanius. House Florentanius hopes that House von Caterpillar will seek to maintain the respectful tone of the House of Nobles.

House Florentnaius does not deny House von Caterpillar’s right to raise and mobilize soldiers under their command, nor does House Florentanius speak for His Majesty King Felix. House Florentanius, however believes that with the establishment of a unified Code of Conduct for the RANK external military groups who are not integrated with the RANK may pose a problem with the implementation of the code across the various armed forces of the Noyyau Kingdom.

House Florentanius would like to remind House Caterpillar that aside from the various private guards employed by House Florentanius to protect their facilities and employees and the personal guards of the Leadership of House Florentanius it has no military. There are no members of the RANK who are currently employed by or contracted to House Florentanius. House Florentanius does not even employ mercenaries. The only thing resembling a military organization that is related to House Florentanius is The Watch of House Florentanius; a civil organization funded by House Florentanius. The Watch of House Florentanius is under the command of the King of the Noyyau. While day-to-day decisions are may by local and regional commanders and larger policy set by the Commander General (C.Gen) and his national staff, it is only the King who can direct their activities. It was at King Felix’s word that members of the Watch were deployed to rendition the individuals who intended to assassinate him, it was at King Felix’s word that the Watch was deployed to London to advise and assist local forces. It shall continue to be at the King’s will and word that the Watch conducts its actives.

House Florentnaius is in no way suggesting that the House’s should be forced to give up their holdings or property. House Florentanius is only requesting that House von Caterpillar show restraint in their mobilization. Such movements have rippling consequences and may have unintended effects, especially at a time such as now when the various nations of the world are engaged in wars that may rival any the Noyyau have ever seen. It is perhaps best to not mobilize and army and make gestures that may appear to be hostile.

House Florentanius would like to inform House von Caterpillar that its choice to mobilize does affect House Florentanius and indeed the entirety of the Noyyau Kingdom. House Florentanius had hoped that previous issues with House von Caterpillar would be smoothed over and the various parties could maintain peaceful relations under which business could be conducted.

It is House Florentanius hope that this situation does not escalate beyond words, if that.

- Representative of the Leadership of House Florentanius to the House of Nobles and Royal Liaison for House Florentanius

OOC Clarification

While King Felix has yet to intervene in this new Caterpillar-Florentanius debate, I'd like to remind our current civics.
Times have changed from the old days of the Feudal society and Vassalage army, when the Nobility was in power.
While the legal rights of a House to raise its own armed forces are still in effect, it has been a long time since any House has had military forces not for garrisons (like the various Florentanius Watch, Caterpillar Verteidigers, Greek Guards) or not directly under the Royal military (all other named House military units).
Our Burgeois society might begin to grumble about this apparent return to the past, and maybe even fear what that might mean for their Free Market profits.

Winter Break is coming for me! I can't wait to get updated with what has been happening in this story

Votes are currently:

0) Felix Doctrine
No amendments have been proposed, so it shall pass as it is.

1) Diplomatic and trade relations with the Romans

House Caterpillar: Yes
House Florentanius: Yes
House Greek: No

2) Collapse Dutch Defensive Pacts

House Caterpillar: Yes
House Florentanius: Yes (only with Rome)
House Greek: No

3) Invade Batavii

House Caterpillar: Yes
House Florentanius: No
House Greek: Yes

4) Sign Defensive Pact with Hittites

House Caterpillar: Yes
House Florentanius: No
House Greek: Yes


Voting will end on monday 4th july at 1700 GMT, if anyone wishes to change their vote (or someone else wishes to join in ) please do so before that time.

Spirictum said:

Winter Break is coming for me! I can't wait to get updated with what has been happening in this story

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It'll be great to have you participate again!

(How are things going in Brazil? Has the craziness subsided or not?)

I assure the people that the "Schutzmänner" are intended only for the protection of the Noyyau people at home and abroad. While they act under the authority of House von Caterpillar, the house itself acts under the authority of His Royal Majesty. While it may have been a long time since the houses had a mobilized military, that does not mean that it is immoral or unjust. I do not intend to do anything exceedingly extraneous with these men. For the time being they will simply act in and around Caterpillar lands.

-Ich freue mich auf Deine Antwort,
Lady Felicia Wilhelmina II

Noyyau said:

Votes are currently:

0) Felix Doctrine
No amendments have been proposed, so it shall pass as it is.

1) Diplomatic and trade relations with the Romans

House Caterpillar: Yes
House Florentanius: Yes
House Greek: No

2) Collapse Dutch Defensive Pacts

House Caterpillar: Yes
House Florentanius: Yes (only with Rome)
House Greek: No

3) Invade Batavii

House Caterpillar: Yes
House Florentanius: No
House Greek: Yes

4) Sign Defensive Pact with Hittites

House Caterpillar: Yes
House Florentanius: No
House Greek: Yes


Voting will end on monday 4th july at 1700 GMT, if anyone wishes to change their vote (or someone else wishes to join in ) please do so before that time.

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Nothing has changed, so the various items pass as they are.
History shall soon march again.

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

Sturdy Noyyau contruction Stone was sold to Mongolia, to help them pave their nation's road network (thus allowing Noyyau Spies to cross Mongolia faster, on their way towards the Hurrians).
While the pricing negotiations were still ongoing, a Mongolian Warlord expressed his interest in working for the renowned Noyyau Military, with one condition: receiving state of the art Noyyau Cannons.

Spoiler :

In exchange for continued supplies of Noyyau produce and resources, the Dutch agreed to sell an entire fleet of East Indiamen, the ships having made quite an impression on Noyyau military commanders.
It was also a useful coincidence that their time and place of delivery (the Iranian coast) was perfect for transporting the troops for the planned invasion of Batavia.

Spoiler :

With the approval of the majority of the Noble Houses, diplomatic and commercial relations were opened with the Roman Republic.
The Romans proved easy to convince to go to war against their Holy Roman neighbours, their price steep but affordable by the sturdy Noyyau economy.

Spoiler :

The Mongolians too proved amenable to Noyyau suggestions, requiring supplies to outfit and feed their army.

Spoiler :

The Hittites, however, realized that behind the sudden war against the Holy Romans stood Noyyau manipulation, and revoked their willingness to sign a Defensive Pact.
The planned invasion of Batavia would have interrupted the Pact anyway, however there was hope that, by the time the invasion would be complete, the Hittites might change their mind again...

Spoiler :

Pakistan continued along the enlightened path of progressive reforms, becoming the first nation to establish a Constitution. What really interested the Noyyau government, however, was the new Pakistani nationalized Jail reorganization, which soon was copied across the Kingdom.
Despite (or perhaps because of) the economic growth, organized criminality, especially in the larger cities, was exponentially on the rise, the local law enforcement (House Florentanius Watch, Caterpillar Verteidigers, Greek Guards, and Shinto Guards) barely able to contain the situation.
For every criminal organization stopped it seemed that two more were just waiting to take its place...

Spoiler :

The corsair naval war against Canada reached its apex, the Canadians gathering all their reserves for one last decisive battle against the pirates.
When the smoke cleared from the ocean's surface, it was the Noyyau corsair fleet that remained floating, despite the severe damage to most ships.

Spoiler :

The second Florentanius Watch peacekeeping mission arrived in Venetian London, to further train and advise the Venetians.

Spoiler :

The Sea Raiders performed a training exercise against a small pirate harbor in the southern Arctic, while waiting for the RANK to link up with the newly purchased Dutch East Indiamen.

Spoiler :

Noyyau military aid to Siam continued to be delivered regularly, the Siamese needing all the help they could get against the never ending waves of Lithuanian attacks.
Case in point, the Lithuanians were once again sieging Khon Kaen.

Spoiler :

While the Canadians were still stunned by their fleet's disastrous defeat against the pirates, SIS agents in Montreal sabotaged key Canadian infrastructure.

Spoiler :

As it had announced, House Caterpillar began recruiting and training its force of Caterpillar Schutzmänner, under the guidance of the House Caterpillar (former) Noble Knights, in their new role of Schutz Kapitan.
There was no lack of volunteers, many coming from as far away as Latvia and even Spain and the East Coast to be part of the new military force, thanks to the famed Robertian weapons and Caterpillar pay.
Things ran smoothly for some time, until one day a Shinto Guard morning patrol found a small group of Schutzmänner, sleeping off a drunken night in an alley. What really disturbed the Shinto Guardsmen, however, were the bloodstains all over their new uniforms...
While the Schutzmänner were being taken into custody for further investigations, the alarm was raised at the house of the Florentanius Watch Liason to House Caterpillar: the morning shift of private house guards had discovered the dead bodies of the Florentanius Liaison and several guards, viciously killed with extreme violence.
The news travelled quickly across Robertia. Before midday, the Shinto Guard had found the personal diary of one of the Schutzmänner, the last entry consisting of incoherent ramblings about “those Florent bastards” and “what was coming to them”, the shaky handwriting probably caused by the drunken state of the writer at the time.
By the early afternoon, in collaboration with the Caterpillar Verteidigers, the bloody boot- and handprints on the crime scene were matched almost perfectly to the arrested Schutzmänner (not to mention the bloodied weapons found on them), while outside the Shinto Guard barracks two rival mobs were forming, one clamoring for the immediate execution of the murderers and the demobilization of the Schutzmänner, while the other supported House Caterpillar's decision to establish its own military force, and loudly questioned where the other mob's true loyalties lay.

Spoiler :

While trouble was brewing in Robertia, the Greek Army reached the southern Pictish coast and boarded their new transports, sailing southwest towards distant Batavia.

Spoiler :

The impending Batavian invasion and the certainty of victory spurred a wave of Noyyau nationalism, that, coupled with the recent growth in criminality, led to law enforcement having their hands full with all manner of disturbances, from organized crime to ethnic violence.

Spoiler :

In the distant Siamese Whiskers colonies, unrest continued, the central Siamese government barely holding the line against the Lithuanians, unable to meet the colonists' demands.

Spoiler :

The Security and Intelligence Service attempted to destroy Saxon Fort, recently recaptured by the Lithuanians. The operation unfortunately failed, the agent never reporting back.

Spoiler :

Other SIS operations were more successful, however, like the destruction of Rayong Fort on the Siam-Lithuania frontline, and the ongoing destabilization operations in the Ottoman colony of Diyarbakir, on the Moroccan peninsula.

Spoiler :

Military aid was sent to Rome, to show some token support to their war effort against the Holy Romans.

Spoiler :

At the same time, even more Noyyau mercenaries joined the Siamese in the defense of Khon Kaen, while the Lithuanian army circled the city in search of a good attack position.

1. House Florentanius is pleased with the negotiated sales between both the Dutch and Mongolians and the Noyyau Kingdom.
2. House Florentanius is pleased with the successes of diplomacy in building relations with Rome.
3. House Florentanius is worried about the fallout in relations between the Noyyau and Hittites. However, House Florentanius is willing to accept this and move on.
4. House Florentanius is worried about the sudden increase in crime across Noyyau.
5. The Watch of House Florentanius would urge all law enforcement organizations to share information and cooperate in the fight against all crime, especially organized crime.
6. House Florentanius is pleased with the successes of the corsairs off the coast of Canada.
7. House Florentanius and The Watch of House Florentanius are outraged at the events in Robertia. This is a senseless killing and should not be tolerated. If House von Caterpillar cannot control their men then they should not have them. House Florentanius and The Watch of House Florentanius request that the King and his Justices prosecute this attack to the fullest extent of the law. All those who were killed during this event, guards and liaising personnel alike, will be given an honourable funeral and their families compensation.
8. The Watch of House Florentanius is requesting that House von Caterpillar permit a team of WHF investigators into enter the city and conduct an independent investigation. As well The Watch of House Florentanius has requested that House von Caterpillar and the Shinto Guard surrender the murders so that they might be tried in an unbiased location without the interference of a mob. Another liaison of The Watch of House Florentanius shall, with additional guards, travel to Robertia in order to resume the duties of the previous one with minimal interruption due to this tragic event.
9. The Watch of House Florentanius would urge all parties to the violence and crime in the Noyyau Kingdom to cease their activities at once.
10. House Florentanius is pleased with the successes of the SIS.