Alternate Timeline Building Experiment, v1.0

Poneb-Sezvyr war, 1907-1914

First automobile, 1911, Yanshi [Korea]

Great North Polar Expedition, 1911, Imperial Aarut Republic

Nadzavosk-Poneb war, 1913-1914

Great Sarvonian Revolution, 1913-1917

First powered aircraft, 1918, Yanshi [Korea]

First radio communication, 1921, Varakan Empire

Great South Polar Expedition, 1920, Holy Empire of Tezan / Zanac Kingdom

Aarut-Tezan war, 1921-22

Hom revolution, 1921-29

Varakan-Yansalan war, 1922

Tiandishi-Shyin war, 1925-27

Kronahar civil war, 1926-29

Tripartite Accord of Nawazu [Australia], 1929

Great Furotocan Union, 1935

First radar, 1938, United Furotoca

Aarut-Panto war, ongoing

Varakan-Grajaj war, ongoing

Garak [south Arabian] insurgency, ongoing

NORTH AMERICA:

With the aid of the latest weapons (including armed aircraft), the Suraji [north Japanese] invade the Americas and forcibly set up 'protectorates' along the Pacific coast, supposedly to protect natives from the colonial ambitions of other powers (ironically, it is a concept that is copied by other powers as an internationally-acceptable way of creating new colonies). The western native states are often busy fighting each other and can offer little resistance. But, as with the Aarut in the east, the Suraji soon get entangled in guerrilla warfare against skilled opponents armed with powerful rifles.

The sovereignty of the northern Lanataw Kingdom (an old offshoot of the Xante Lantanists) is respected, mainly because it forms a convenient buffer zone.

The Suraji are officially neutral towards the Xanto and the Aarut. There are rumours of the Suraji conspiring with the natives against their colonial rivals. But on the other hand, the Suraji have just as much to gain from cooperating with the Aarut to carve up the Americas. In any case, relations remain tense between three sides.

The native Xanto and Panto make notable achievements in terms of industry and science, but ultimately cannot close the gap between them and the Eurasian technology - in fact the gap begins to widen again at a fast pace.

The conflict between the Panto and Aarut drags on without end. The Panto Confedercy draws more support from the neighbouring Xanto Empire and other native powers. But the Aarut's arsenal of modern weapons grows to include armoured cars and aircraft by the late 1920's. The Imperial Aarut Republic also enacts various reforms, granting more freedoms to territories both in Europe and overseas. More of the northern natives and mixed-race peoples are won over to the Aarut cause, especially with access to the Aarut industrial economy and trade network. Meanwhile the Aarut fleet, undoubtedly the largest and heavily armed in the world at this time, continues to make it very difficult for outside powers to trade with the Panto or Xanto, at least from the Atlantic coast.

The number of foreign immigrants arriving in the Aarut colonies rises sharply - the numbers arriving in 1940 are roughly ten times more than in 1910. Ongoing economic and social problems in Europe play a part in this, while at the same time the northern colonies are becoming more peaceful, and industrialised.

An influx of Argines, Geldut, Amestrians, Marish, Nemarthians, Kronahars, and Rithlanders begins to change the demographics of the Aarut territories. The natives are alarmed, and the Aarut authorities struggle to prevent the earlier diplomatic success being undone. There are also tensions with the older, established colonial populations of ethnic Aarut/Olan. More immigrants are directed westwards, away from Panto and New Aarut territories, or are enticed to join the local Aarut armies.

In the face of all this, Panto confederacy dissolves into smaller confederacies centred on the [Mississippi], which by 1940 are basically parts of the greater Xanto empire. The Xanto attract exiles and refugees from other native states, and gain greater influence as they are seen as the centre of political resistance against the colonialists. In the Xante states, the revered figureheads of Latanism (a religion which is followed by natives all across the Americas in one form or another) lend their support for peaceful and dignified resistance - this allows the Xanto leaders to hold back from declaring an official war with the Aarut or Suraji, without being accused of weakness.

Panto culture is still alive and well, and anti-Aarut guerrillas roam from the [Mississippi] to the [Appalachians]. The Panto cause is romanticised in foreign writings (overlooking the atrocities carried out by both sides) and helps to attract a core of non-native volunteers from all corners of the world (but particularly the Furotocan parts of Europe) to fight against the Aarut.

The gains against the Panto are not seen as a glorious victory in the Aarut homelands - the century of fighting has been very costly, and morally questionable. Still, with such hatred built up on both sides, it seems the only other alternative to end the fighting would be to abandon the North American continent altogether, something that is unacceptable to the Aarut people.

By 1940 the Aarut empire has expanded over much of the continent, but has lost some of its control in the process. There is now a patchwork of 'Territories', each with different levels of autonomy and representation in the Imperial Parliament, with different agendas, different ethnic mixes, and varying support from the natives.

Meanwhile, rogue states begin to appear on the edge of the [Great Plains]. Disgruntled immigrants move outside of Aarut's area of control, and fight against the Huomei and other natives, while attempting to set up their own free states. Some of the immigrants are able to get their hands on armoured cars, machine guns and even heavy artillery for this purpose. By 1940, both 'New Rithland' and 'Saargarat' gain semi-official status. But the immigrants do not have it all own way, as rifle-armed Huomei cavalry slaughter entire settlements on several occasions. The Aarut authorities come under pressure to do something, but are unwilling to divert troops from the eastern war against the Panto guerrillas.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA:

The Aarut and Suraji spheres compete to claim the most valuable parts of the southern continent. By 1940 all the major native states, apart from the Anukarac Kingdoms of the deep [Amazon], are under some level of foreign influence.

The Suraji establish very-profitable gold and silver mines in the [Andes], although there are accusations of atrocities committed against natives. The ancient Timu and Colmassa cultures are among the least prepared to resist the 'protection' of the modern Suraji weapons.

The Matac kingdom, now stretching from the Pacific coast to the central [Amazon], is able to purchase more modern weapons and hire Aarut/native adventurers from the Amasa lands of the south, who help to keep out Suraji 'explorers'.

During the Aarut-Tezan war, yet another revolution occurs in the colonies of [northern Brazil], an area with tangled history of Taretaran [Spanish], Argine, Aarut, Kronahar and Tezanian immigration. This time the revolution succeeds and the 'Hygura Republic' is declared. This is arguably the first colony to gain independence in the Americas (though there are precedents in Africa dating back centuries).

The Hygura government soon proves to be unstable (not helped by Aarut hostility) and the country has unsettled relations with the neighbouring Zamarac kingdom. Zamarac already has a large population of non-natives, many of them descendents of refugees from all the previous failed revolutions on the coast, although it retains a native monarchy. There are discussions on uniting the two countries, but there is also unease about the recent waves of west European and African immigrants, as well as the use of agricultural chemicals on the Hyguran plantations (a practice begun by the Aarut) which is feared to damage the fertile soils of the [Amazon] (which the natives have spent centuries improving upon through their own innovation and careful land management).

The Amasa Empire becomes an unofficial territory of the Aarut empire, but retains its own monarchy and considerable freedom. There is unrest over foreign influence and immigration, but farming and industry grow at a fast rate.

The Zanac kingdom of the far south doesn't quite fit into the categories of colony or native power. As an off-shoot of a failed Tezanian colony, it keeps close relations with Tezan, but is otherwise independent and is one of the more modernised powers on the continent.

In 1920, a combined Zanac-Tezanian scientific expedition sets out from Zanac territory and maps large parts of the [Antarctic] coast, with the help of airships and a number of Furotocan explorers (whose role is later downplayed by Tezan propagandists). However, the ultimate goal of reaching the south pole proves out of reach for now.

Unfortunately, the glory of these achievements is soon overshadowed. Zanac fights a border war with Aarut during the Aarut-Tezan war which results in the loss of some eastern territory, and recognition of Aarut's claims to the 'Ahaia Territory'.

EUROPE:

Following the end of the 'Great War' and the Peace of [Zurich] in 1895, Europe enjoys a period of relative peace and calm. Although standards of living are often behind those in the Far East, or in the wealthy parts of the Varakan Empire, there is steady improvement and technological progress. The inventions of the east are swiftly copied. By 1940 the Furotocans are experimenting with the concept of radar, and the Aarut are building electronic calculation machines, partly to ease the burden of governing their enlarged empire.

Apart from the Nadzavosk-Poneb conflicts on the edge of Europe, there is only one major war, which takes place on the island of Graelund [Britain]. Elsewhere, there are few restrictions on travel between different countries, especially for celebrities and the upper classes. Anti-war movements are popular - some are tied to obscure spiritualism such as the Suloist movement (influenced by Lantanism and other foreign religions), while others are tied to radical social theories (influenced by the works of Krashenist philosophers, which are brought back to Europe by aristocrats and collectors travelling overseas). Modern philosophers promote the concept of a shared European identity.

The Rosk-Amestrian war gradually fades into a small-scale conflict against partisans and guerrillas. The Rosk Empire faces waves of unrest at home, partly due to the ongoing fighting. Roskian forces gradually retreat to more secure territory, while the Amestrian Union is itself overtaken by reformists and anti-war movements, giving rise to the 'Republic of Serezyl' with its ideology of modernisation and peaceful Olan-Amestrian-Savisian coexistance. Only the isolated, semi-official state known as the 'Patriotic Union of Amestria' continues to support guerrillas against the Rosk, and is subject to Roskian reprisals including air bombardments in later years.

In 1911 the Great North Polar Expedition, commissioned by the Imperial Aarut Republic, successfully reaches the north pole. This achievement is reliant on Lanverg and Asuat expertise, and helps gain public favour towards granting more autonomy and freedoms to the northern territories of the empire.

A series of referendums sees more states break away from the Argine Union, and leads to the return of an independent Amarilse kingdom led by ambitious industrialists.

Moderate reforms are carried out across Europe. Constitutional monarchies become the norm outside the Furotocan sphere. The Rosk Empire is left as the only hard-line authoritarian power. At same time, there is disillusionment with Furotocan ideals, as the new liberalist states struggle with the same old social/economic problems. Things are made worse by the hundreds of thousands of displaced peoples left over from the Great War. There are several deadly outbreaks of disease, and several banking crises between 1910 and 1930 that affect all of Europe. The Furotocan countries also prove susceptible to corrupt leaders and rigged elections. Emigration to Aarut colonies and elsewhere becomes a more appealing option.

In many ways, there is now little real difference between the two spheres of Europe. But tensions remain. Fundamentally, each side blames the other for the majority of its problems. While the upper classes openly debate the merits of Furotocanism vs Authoritarianism, behind closed doors the battle plans are constantly being drawn and re-drawn for the imagined Second Great War. The advent of new technology (automobiles and aircraft) creates a deep sense of unease and insecurity, convincing many governments to greatly increase military spending, even if it causes more economic problems.

---

It is against this backdrop that the Kronahar Civil War takes place, between 1926-29 (although by no means the first civil war on that island, it is certainly the most noteworthy). Since the end of the Great War, a pro-Furotocan liberalist movement had been clashing with the conservative monarchist government. Kronahar is then hit hard by the banking crises of the early 1920's, which allows a hard-line nationalist movement to gain strength as a major third party. By 1924, this is led by Aerath Jurance, a charismatic leader and self-styled philosopher who introduces elements of both Furotocanism and Krashenist theory from India, advocating a classless society and 'strength through unity', in what becomes known as 'Jurancism'. In 1926, Jurance's followers take advantage of a crisis in government, and take control of the capitol, [Reading]. Loyal government forces are soon dealing with army mutinies and uprisings in other cities, most of which are actually unrelated to Jurance's rebellion to begin with.

Aarut industrialists had established profitable metalworking enterprises across Kronahar, thanks to the island's abundant coal and iron ore, and they are eager to protect their investments. A swift donation to the Aarut Imperial Parliament ensures they vote in favour of an armed expedition to restore order in Kronahar, even before it is clear that the Jurancist rebellion will succeed. Indeed, the arrival of Aarut troops and ships allows Jurance to turn the war into a fight for sovereignty, and a chance for Kronahar to finally its rightful place in the world.

After forcibly uniting the rebel factions, the Jurancists find themselves fighting against loyalists and the Aarut expedition (with veteran troops from all across their dominions), as well as troops from Rithland and the Argine Union. Most of the northern states of Europe are hostile to the Jurancists - the Aarut in particular do not wish to see such a 'rogue state' appear on their doorstep, and their desire to avoid 'another Nemarthia [Spain]' ensures their expedition remains committed to the fight. In contrast, the Jurancists are only able to call upon a handful of foreign volunteers, mostly from Nemarthia. As with the Panto in north America, the Jurancists also face a naval blockade, and numerous aircraft and motor vehicles, of which the rebels have very few themselves - although, a handful of captured 'groundships' [basic tanks], built for the Kronahar government before the war, are used to good effect by the Jurancists in several battles, and convince the Aarut and others to put more effort into developing armoured vehicles in the following years.

Inevitably, the Jurancist forces are worn down and defeated. Most of the country is retaken for the monarchy by the end of 1926, but it takes another two years to put down the last uprisings and crush the last rebel strongholds in the remote mountains of [Wales] (there are rumours that the Aarut use poison gas against the last rebel strongholds, but this is never proven). Aerath Jurance is killed in a shoot-out in a remote farm in 1929.

The war is a disaster for Kronahar's economy, and ends with the country (and its remaining overseas colonies) placed firmly in the Aarut sphere, along with the northern kingdom of Rithland where many of the Aarut industrialists have transferred their operations (speeding the growth of [Glasgow] as an industrial centre). But it is a shock to the northern states of Europe, and to their dismay the ideology of Jurancism spreads to the mainland and begins to slowly gain popularity among the disenchanted masses. The war also brings out a new generation of talented generals and leaders in the Kronahar kingdom.

---

Although the Furotoca of Curias had given no real support to the failed Jurancist revolution, the crushing response of Aarut and its allies is seen by the Furotocans as a resurgence of authoritarian militarism. A hawkish faction led by the charismatic Firio Teselico, previously on the sidelines, is able to gain more support in the late 1920's and early 1930's, eventually being voted into power. There is an equal reaction from other side, as the Aarut and their allies begin to harden their stance towards the Furotocans. Attitudes shift back into mutual antagonism and paranoia, especially as a new generation, one not directly involved in the Great War, begins to take up positions of power on both sides.

Tensions soon reach such heights that some Furotocan leaders call for a pre-emptive strike against their northern neighbours - during the infamous 'Norgalik Bridge' incident, Furotocan troops under the command of Lukio Teselico (the hot-headed Furotocan general and the younger brother of Firio), are poised to invade the Argine Union, but the hastily-organised operation is called off at the last minute by a mutiny in the army high command and several members of the government. It is never made clear if Firio ever gave his personal support for the invasion plan, but his attempts to keep Lukio out of trouble leave both of them discredited.

The whole incident causes uproar in the Furotocan people and across Europe, and leads to a swift change of government in the Furotoca, brining moderates back into power, if only for a few years. This in turn leads to the Great Furotocan Union in 1935, as the moderate governments of Curias and Ormiduan Alliance finally negotiate a way through the obstacles that had stalled discussions for decades. The struggling Orimudan economy needs more direct help from the Curians, who in turn are glad to have a boost to their power and prestige.

The northern states react with a mix of fear, anger and apathy towards the expansion of the Furotoca. Firio Teselico never falls far from power and is able to regain prominent position in the Furotocan government by 1940, continuing to campaign for increased military spending, and overseeing the development of new aircraft and 'groundships'.

AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE-EAST:

The Tezan Empire expands rapidly into Africa, benefiting from modern firearms, central stability, a growing fleet (despite a hammering by the Aarut) and half-hearted efforts towards industrialisation. After spending centuries building up their empire in northern Africa, their area of control almost doubles between 1910 and 1940. The expansion is sometimes bloodless, but often involves brutal full-scale warfare.

As with the 'Territories' and 'Protectorates' seen elsewhere, Tezan's African empire is organised into the traditional Bahila system. Each Bahila is run differently, some as enlightened and fairly liberal states, while some are little more than protection rackets. Many of the Bahilas are given to the noble descendents of Sarvonian and Yeshegi tribes (which had migrated into Africa during the formation of the original Yansalan Empire), or to the loyal Yebeb tribes of the [Sahara] which had made the early expansion possible. There is growing resentment towards this system among the central-African populations and deposed local nobles.

Over-confidence, conflicts of interests in South America, and anger over harassment of trade by Aarut 'privateers' all combined to spark a short-lived war with the Aarut during 1922. Tezan again loses its colonies in South America, and has to accept Aarut presence in [South Africa] and the surrender some of the [Cape Verde] islands as naval bases for the Aarut. But although the Tezanians have nothing to match the modern Aarut dreadnaughts, their steam cruisers (some built by the Furotocans) are able to roam the open expanses of the Atlantic and cause havoc with vulnerable Aarut merchant shipping, which is what eventually brings about peace and forces the Aarut to agree to cut back on their own harassment of foreign shipping in the Atlantic.

In 1922, taking advantage of Tezan's war with Aarut, the Varakan Empire makes demands of territory from the Holy Yansala Kingdom. This is refused, and Varakan forces resort to force to take all land east of the [Sinai] (one of several unpopular moves made by Emperor Gavanael II). The remains of the ancient fortress at [Jedda], blasted into ruins by Varakan artillery, become a shrine for local Yansalans as they find themselves under Varakan rule.

This land-grab is seen as a cowardly and opportunistic act, and destroys relations between Varaka and Tezan-Yansala. Although Tezan doesn't go on the offensive, the Varakans are forced to withdraw all their interests from Yansalan [Egyptian] lands, under threat of facing a massive local uprising backed by Tezan and Yanaslan forces. Yansala now falls solely under Tezan's sphere of influence.

The Varakans also have to sacrifice their territories to the west of the [Nile] (which had never been officially-backed anyway). A union of Garabi tribes, displaced by the effects of Tezan's expansion into central Africa, takes over much of the former Varakan land and declares the 'Holy Garanul Kingdom'.

The Nayir tribes of [Arabia] gain fresh support for their guerrilla war against the Varakans. Yansalans and Garakalians join the fight from various parts of [Arabia]. Led by their female leader Erzhia Satalskan, one group of these rebels achieves their greatest success in 1923 with the near-total destruction of an important Varakan oil refinery in [Yemen]. The Varakans and their allies are forced to commit tens of thousands of troops to an exhausting desert campaign. The appearance of Varakan military aircraft finally forces most of the rebels into hiding, but oil wells, pipelines and army garrisons are still being routinely attacked and sabotaged by 1940. Erzhia Satalskan's final capture and execution turns her into a martyr and an enduring symbol of resistance.

As a result of these wars, relations are improved between the Tezan Empire and the Furotocan sphere in Europe. There is even talk of an 'unholy alliance' against the common threats of Varaka and the Aarut - Furotocan leaders are prepared to forgive the Tezanians for their aggressive imperialism in Africa, as at least the Tezanians are native Africans themselves. There is recognition that Furotocan ideals have little place in Africa (at least not yet), and the Tezanians are seen as bringing progress to the continent and being 'the right people' to rule there.

Furotocan engineers travel to northern Yansala, to investigate the possibility of building the long-discussed canal between the Mediterranean and the [Red Sea].

---

Meanwhile, the Varakans gain influence in the Manzuru Empire. Varakan industrialists and entrepreneurs arrive in greater numbers (including many of those forced to flee from Yansala), bringing railroads and telegraph lines, and eventually aircraft and armoured cars. The Manzuru army is slowly modernised, and Manzuru control expanded westwards into central Africa, under the overall influence of the Varakan Empire.

The Hom Empire suffers another civil war as a result of an especially brutal and oppressive leadership. Disaster threatens the mainland territories as the Timuru armies close in - although still dismissed as 'primitives', the Timuru have acquired some modern rifles and also have numbers of their side, especially as the oppressed local natives flock to join them. They are also being motivated by their own version of the Mingdebuist religion, which has been transported along trade routes from south-east Asia.

The Saikarans [south Japanese], looking for opportunities to regain a foothold in Africa, arrive on the island of Hom and help one of the rebel factions take power after bitter fighting. The price is Saikaran control of Hom's former mainland territories, and eventually Hom itself becomes a 'protectorate' of Saikara. Hom's struggling colony in Australia is absorbed by the neighbouring Varakan settlements.

The Hom have faced no serious foreign invasion throughout history, and are now faced with aircraft and armoured cars. Most see no option but to accept the Saikaran presence. But, as with the Kronahar civil war, the events help the most talented commanders and leaders rise to the forefront. Some chose to fight on as guerrillas, but despite the loss of the old empire, the new situation also offers opportunities for involvement in other Saikaran colonies and 'protectorates'.

The Nacubian states of southern Africa have passed back-and-forth between Hom and Saikaran control in previous decades. During Hom's civil war and Aarut's war with Tezan, the Aarut empire arrives in force and agrees a reasonable treaty with the Nacubians. Although falling into the Aarut sphere and acting as a base for Aarut trade into the Indian Ocean, Nacubia is otherwise one of the most independent of all the Aarut territories.

Aarut adventurers later move out from Nacubia with a privately-funded army, and without official backing, to gain control of 'Aarut Turuland' - but come close to starting a colonial war with the Saikarans in the process. Relations between the two powers remain tense.

The Timuru Empire receives envoys from both the Aarut and Tezanians, and begins to lean in their favour. During the late 1930's, Timuru armies harass the frontiers with the Saikarans and Manzuru.

INDIA AND ASIA:

A deadly disease [Flu-like] spreads from northern India and kills at least ten million people across Asia between 1910 and 1940. The disease also spreads along overseas trade routes - outbreaks in other continents kill hundreds of thousands more. The death toll falls as the years pass, partly due to Varakan medical efforts.

The disease adds to the misery of the guerrilla war in northern India. The fighting drags on for decades, although by 1930 the Krashenists have largely defeated their rival factions and taken control of most of the Grajaj Alliance (the remainder form the Dharaj Alliance, under Tiandishi influence). Aircraft and armoured vehicles allow the Varakans and their allies to retake some ground, although they stay well clear of the swamps and jungles of the south-east. Holding ground still proves to be troublesome. Although the Grajaj-Krashenists hold back to recover their strength, the Varakans face fresh uprisings of Krashenists and pseudo-Krashenists within their own borders. Limited uprisings take place as far east as the mountains of [Iran].

The Zhulhara face similar uprisings, but manage to remain officially neutral. The Saikarans gradually gain influence and trade rights, in return for some military assistance against the Krashenists. Ethnic-Zhul people continue to play a key role in the colonial efforts of both Saikara and Yanshi [Korea].

Krashenists are just one problem facing the Varakans. After 1910 there is another wave of unrest and abortive Furotocan uprisings. Liberal reforms are enacted, with free elections in many provinces, although this also serves to encourage localised nationalist and separatist feelings. The elections force the granting of more autonomy to some Katans (vassal states) and the creation of new ones from former centrally-controlled territory.

After Empress Taina IV's death in 1913, Emperor Gavanael II takes the throne and gains mixed support from his subjects. Gavanael II has a history of controversial decisions, such as cutbacks to the imperial navy and the war with Yansala that leads to loss of influence in North Africa (although influence is later gained in Manzuru instead). In 1925, the highest figures in government band together to force the Emperor to accept new status as a figurehead, with the power only to veto the parliament's decisions. This move is supported by most of the empire's aristocracy, however the new system cannot prevent economic turmoil in the following decade, which adds to the unrest among the lower classes.

Varakan science pushes forwards regardless, particularly in the fields of microbiology, electronics, chemistry and atomic theory (although the equivalence of energy and mass has not been put forward as a valid idea yet). The Varakans continue to pioneer the large-scale refining of oil, although the actions of [Arabian] rebels cause several expensive losses. The Varakans also pioneer the use of various synthetic materials and plastics.

The Varakans are somewhat hesitant to adopt the new types of military aircraft and ships. But the number of men (and women) registered in the army grows by over three million after 1930, partly a result of government efforts to crack down on the various rebellions. By 1940 the Varakan standing army dwarfs those of all its neighbours, in theory at least.

The Great Keyzad of Marzhung manages to stay largely independent, while becoming one of the more industrialised parts of the greater Varakan Empire and an important source of oil.

---

In 1910 the Poneb Empire is politically isolated (while European powers are still recovering from the Great War) and facing dismemberment at the hands of the Sezvyr Covenant. Marzhung arms smugglers supply the Sezvyr forces with Varakan-made weapons. Yet despite heavy losses in the eastern campaigns, Poneb still has a large advantage in terms of industry and manpower. A large Sezvyr offensive in 1913 grinds to a halt near [Kazan].

Then in 1913, the Keyzad of Nadzavosk-Savisia declares war on Poneb, officially to reclaim old border territories lost in previous wars. But the Nadzavosk government has miscalculated the remaining strength of revolutionary movements in the country - as soon as army troops move to the northern front, the revolutionaries rise again, this time under the talented politician and military commander Vasil Tsuverak. This time, the rebellion has been years in the planning. The first move of the rebels is to secure the allegiance of the Nadzavosk fleet, allowing weapons, supplies and volunteers to be brought in from other Furotocan states.

Meanwhile, Poneb's leaders manage to rally their people against the new enemy. The loyalists among the northern Nadzavosk army are themselves now caught between two enemies.

In early 1914, the fighting in the north is brought to a sudden halt. Internal division is threatening to split the Sezvyr Covenant. Krezyr Leksandsy, cousin of the legendary Varyk Leksandsy, seeks a peace with Poneb as the first priority in holding the Sezvyr coalition together.

This leads to a confused situation on the Poneb-Nadzavosk front, with some former enemies joining forces to combat the libertarian rebels. The 'Great Sarvonian Revolution' spreads northwards into former Poneb territory. The Marzhung and Varakans supply the loyalist forces with arms and equipment - the western Furotocans are obliged to send similar help to the revolutionaries. In effect, the revolution becomes the final act of the Great War. Despite early progress by the liberalists in 1913, they do not achieve final victory until 1917, and the great 'Thereska Sarvikova' is finally declared. The war ends too soon to witness aeroplanes and armoured cars, but still leaves at least a million dead in total, including civilian casualties.

In later years, the Thereska Sarvikova unites with the Thuratica of South Savisia [Georgia]. Neighbouring powers are alarmed by the appearance of this large new Furotocan state, none more so than the Varakans. However, none are prepared to involve themselves directly. The Thereska Sarvikova has greater social and economic problems than most at this time (especially unrest by ethnic Yeshegi and other minorities, unhappy at the pro-Sarvonian stance of the country), but as the decades pass it becomes a firm military ally of the western Furotocas.

EAST ASIA:

During this time, the peoples of Yanshi [Korea], Takaraji [Japan], and the wealthier parts of the Tiandishi Empire benefit from generally greater living standards and a more stable economy than elsewhere. Peace is nothing new here - the far east has been spared a major war for some time, and peace continues into 1940.

However, national rivalry between the Yanshi and Takaraji continues. Both sides encourage all forms of technological innovation. Initially the Yanshi lead the way, with the first commercial automobiles in 1911, followed swiftly by the first practical powered aeroplane in 1918. But the Takaraji are quick to catch up, especially with regard to air power. By 1930 the Saikarans [south Japanese] are building large multi-engine aircraft, capable of flying to mainland Asia. A new age of high-speed transport it promised, but the military potential of these aircraft is not ignored either.

Far-eastern companies make profits selling automobile and aircraft technology to Varaka and the European states.

The Takaraji factions resume their game of colonial competition. Neither side wishes to be seen as aggressive imperialists - 'Protectorates' are the fashion, as both sides claim to be acting in defence of natives, protecting them from other imperialists, even if 'stubborn' natives have to be beaten into submission first...

By the 1920's, the Saikara are employing latest weapons and vehicles in a revamped colonial drive across [Indonesia] and Nawazu [Australia], as well as a return to Africa, with involvement in the affairs of the Hom Empire. At the same time the Suraji are making similar gains in the Americas.

The Zuli peoples of the southern Pacific begin to rebel against Yanshi colonists, sometimes with the aid of the Takaraji factions. Partly because of this, popular opinion in Yanshi turns against further overseas expansion. Apart from building on their existing settlements in southern Nawazu, the Yanshi make no real effort to keep up with the Takaraji, although they do maintain diplomatic links with Ceyloni, Siyaga, Zayan and the Great Dagon Kingdom.

In 1929 the Tripartite Accord of Nawazu [Australia] is signed, dividing that small continent into three zones of influence (whether the natives like it or not), awarded to the Varakans, Yanshi and Saikara. This treaty avoids a potential area of conflict and is hailed as a triumph of enlightened eastern attitudes, although in following years there are numerous accusations of atrocities by the Varakans in particular, who are said to cruelly exploit natives and thousands of foreign workers in the mining and export of gold from their territory. Nonetheless the promise of gold helps lure thousands of immigrants away from the civilized Far East to the barren lands of Nawazu in search of a quick fortune. For the same reason, thousands of other immigrants make the daunting voyage across the pacific to the newly-claimed Suraji territories in the [Andes] mountains.

On the mainland, Yanshi and its Huiyan allies now have a huge advantage over the 'barbarian' northern kingdoms in terms of both manpower and firepower. During the 1920's, Yanshi armies are able to defeat the remaining Akuden forces and create the 'Lujin Protectorate' without much difficulty. The Suraji respond to this by securing the 'Chengin Protectorate' in Sregnib land, and later gain influence over the expanding Asalyat kingdom of the far north. Only the Tamen Kingdom remains neutral, acting as a buffer-zone between neighbouring powers.

---

The Tiandishi Empire remains largely settled. An attempt is made to expand further into south-west, with a campaign against the 'primitive' Tiandulong kingdoms and Muai peoples. The campaigns into the jungles and mountains ultimately cost tends of thousand lives, almost entirely through disease. The final 'victory' depends on diplomacy and the willing cooperation of some Muai tribes. This is one of several painful experiences that serves to dampen the fanatical Mingdebuist spirit that had been with the empire since its beginnings.

Nonetheless The Tiandishi gain greater influence in the south-west. The vassal kingdoms of Naga and Yeinvai are more closely bound to the Empire. The Dharaj Alliance (the remnants of the Grajaj who refuse to accept Krashenist ideology) eventually falls into the Tiandishi orbit also.

With a small fleet of not-so-modern warships, Tiandishi are able to claim a section of [Indonesia] for themselves, the so-called 'Juray Protectorate'. For now this remains the first and only Tiandishi colonial venture.

The spread of militarist Shynism into the northern territories leads to another war with the Holy Shyin Empire between 1925-27. Although Tiandishi is trailing behind the Yanshi and Takaraji in terms of industry, it still has a large advantage in manpower and resources over the Shyin, who have barely embraced any of the modern technology. After a few crippling defeats, the Shyin resort to guerrilla tactics, with some successes. Encouraged by the word of the Holy Shyin Emperor, many Shynists are only too eager to be martyred for their religion, in the hopes of spreading their faith and achieving a greater peace in the world... Nonetheless, by 1927 Tiandishi are able to lay claim to the Zui-Ko Protectorate, carved mostly out of former Shyin territory, although this fails to solve the problem of militant Shyinist unrest in the region.

---

After 1910, the Huiyan Alliance begins to emerge from behind the shadow of the Yanshi. Huivan leaders are quick to take advantage of Yanshi innovations. Supplied with abundant resources and manpower, several Huivan cities turn into rapidly-growing industrial centres. With the Yanshi taking the lead in foreign affairs and military defence, the Huivan are free to focus on mass production of 'consumer goods'.

By the 1930's the Huiyan are becoming the most prosperous part of the union, and only their lack of control over overseas trade prevents them from becoming the prosperous region in the world. There is now a slight, but growing rift in relations with the Yanshi. At the same time, there is a growing accord with the Tiandishi Empire in the south, which is showing a new reverence for Yueren traditions (partly as a counter to the spread of Krashenism and other 'dangerous' ideologies) and a desire to emulate the industrial successes of the north. Relations are further improved when the Yanshi cede the island of [Hainan] back to 'rightful' Tiandishi control.

By 1940, the Tiandishi Empire, Huivan and Yanshi form an unofficial alliance against potential threats from Takaraji and central Asia.

Please feel free to ignore stuff, and only send orders/input for anything you are interested in. For unclaimed cultures, please check the first post in this thread.

tuxedohamm: (Colmassa culture)
Major influence: Amasa Empire
Lesser influence: Colmassa protectorate, Matac Kingdom, Zanac Kingdom

Masada: (Marzhung culture)
Major influence: Great Keyzad of Marzhung
Lesser influence: Thereska Sarvikova

El Naranja: (Anucat culture)
Major influence: Zamarac Kingdom, Anukarac Kingdoms, Anucat Chiefdoms

qoou: (Olan culture)
Major influence: Imperial Aarut Republic, Rosk Empire, Poneb Empire
Lesser influence: Argine Union, Nacubia, Republic of Nemarthia

Warhead: (Bretoch culture)
Major influence: Kronahar Kingdom
Lesser influence: Rithland, Marith Union, New Rithland [northern USA]

Crezth: (Amestrian culture)
Major influence: Patriotic Union of Amestria, Thessen Union
Lesser influence: Rosk Empire, Ustri Kingdom, Imperial Aarut Republic, Sezvyr Covenant, Poneb Empire, Saargarat [northern USA]

Lord_Iggy: (Sarvonian culture)
Major influence: The United Furotoca, Thereska Sarvikova, Keyzad of Urgury.
Lesser influence: Holy Yansalan Kingdom, Garakal Katanates, Holy Tezan Empire, Great Keyzad of Marzhung, Thuratica of Zevon, Sezvyr Covenant, Zanac Kingdom, Keyzad of Sariv (Poneb vassal)

Ninja Dude: (Kramtob culture)
Major influence: Holy Shyin Empire, Grajaj Alliance,
Lesser influence: The United Furotoca, Furotoca of Cheguia, Kingdom of Tarechia, Varakan Empire, Argine Union, Keyzad of Urgury, Siyaga Kingdom, Dharaj Alliance

Charles Li: (Hsin-Yuan culture)
Major influence: Yanshi Republic
Lesser influence: Huiyan Allliance, Great Sarih Katanate, Zayan Kingdom

Luckymoose: (Agrian culture)
Major influence: Varakan Empire
Lesser influence: Zulhara Alliance, Great Keyzad of Marzhung

mythmonster2: (Zul cutlure)
Major influence: Hom Protectorate, Manzuru Empire, Saikara, Great Dagon Kingdom, Ulayasamat Kingdom, Zulyan/Zuli Tribes
Lesser influence: Garakal Katanates, Zulhara Alliance, Zayan Kingdom, Dai Gedeba, Ceyloni Kingdom

KrimzonStriker: (Toshion culture)
Major influence: Saikara, Suraji
Lesser influence: Waeluta Chiefdoms, Samaia Kingdom, Juray Protectorate, Zayan Kingdom, Ceyloni Kingdom

Bestshot9: (Washagon culture)
Major influence: Washagon Tribes, Tagon Protectorate, Hachago Kingdom, Asuat Tribes, Waeluta/Maeluta Protectorates/Tribes/Chiefdoms, Asalyat Kingdom
Lesser influence: Aarut Empire, Suraji

Nick014: (Xanto culture)
Major influence: Xante States, Xanto Empire, Panto Confederacies, Makantaw/Nayota/Nanhumei/Dahukat territories
Lesser influence: Lantamac Empire, Huomei States

human-slaughter: (Mavan culture)
Major influence: Kingdom of Pelonar
Lesser influence: The United Furotoca, Sumetche Katad, Varas Kingdom, Turun Republic

LightFang: (Tianshi culture)
Major influence: Tiandishi Empire
Lesser influence: Yienvai Kingdom, Siyaga Kingdom, Dai Gedeba