Update 3
4182 AF-4183 AF
This year is filled with sabotage, rebellion and revolution. It seems a wave of unrest and violence is spreading across the globe.
Meanwhile the conflict in and around the former territory of Mexico now has gathered pace, and now involves no less than 7 major factions (Free Mexico, Aztec Empire, France, USA, Spain, Nemausus and Germany).
Non-Random Events:
France and the USA expedition force consolidate their hold on the provinces of Besancon and Tenochtitlan. The 3 NOD armies almost trap the crumbling ‘Mexican Defence Army’ once again, and force the army into a desperate retreat into Huacan province, which it just about manages to achieve without collapsing. Mistakes in the Aztec command and various other mishaps once again prevent the Aztec militia from making the most of the difficult terrain.
Battle at Besancon/Tenochtitlan
NOD - Very Strong firepower advantage, Strong Manoeuvre Advantage
land units: 4 lost, 3 damaged
France – 1st army and 2nd army:
1 Standard Cavalry lost,
1 Riflemen (conscripts) lost
2 other units damaged
USA – Expedition Force:
1 Standard Infantry lost,
1 other unit damaged
Aztec Empire – Strong Terrain Advantage
land units: 12 lost, 4 damaged
Mexican Defence Army:
1 Riflemen lost,
2 Riflemen (conscripts) lost,
5 Tlecahuatl Militia UU lost,
3 Tlecahuatl Militia UU (conscripts) lost,
1 Old Cannon captured by USA.
4 other land units damaged
Spain also makes an entry into the conflict, sending in Scorpion Striker army as ‘peacekeepers’, assisted by the army of Nemausus. By now, Spain and Nemausus have considerably improved their relations. Nemausus seems unwilling to become part of Celtonia, instead the government takes this opportunity to join Spain on military adventure into Mexico.
(Former Celtic armoured car, belonging to the Nemasus army)
The two armies rush to the aid of the ‘Free Mexico’ uprising, and join up with the rebel forces in the north against the Aztec ‘Maxtla’ Army. The Maxtla army is in good shape, and also contains the elite ‘jaguar warriors’ division.
Free Mexican uprising is taking losses to the Aztecs and is on the verge of collapse. The allied Spanish and Nemausus forces arrive just in time. Spanish forces take the lead, advancing on Aztec positions with concentrated artillery.
(Spanish armoured forces advance)
The fighting is tough, but the Aztecs are once again outnumbered by better-equipped forces. And the rebel Mexicans share knowledge about the terrain to their allies, leaving the Aztecs with little in the way of advantages. The unique Spanish Cavalry play an important role, and make good use of their small horses in the mountains and the less dense parts of the jungle. Biplanes from Nemausus provide air cover. Although not really suited to ground support, the Spanish airships also help out where they can, inspiring the troops on the ground.
The ‘Jaguar Warriors’ make a brave stand, tying down large numbers of the enemy troops, and encouraging the rest of the Aztec forces. The last of Mexico’s tanks were also fighting here. But as German troops enter the scene in the south, the Maxtla army is surrounded and fights to the death…. Scattered Aztec units manage to break out and make it south into Huacan.
Battle in Mexico Province
Anti-Aztec allies - Strong Firepower Advantage, Manoeuvre Advantage
land units : 11 lost, 12 damaged
Nemausus Army
1 Riflemen lost
1 Standard Infantry lost
1 Armoured Car lost
4 other units damaged
Scorpion Striker Army (Spain)
1 Riflemen lost
1 Standard Infantry lost
1 Spanish Cavalry lost
1 Armoured Car lost
6 other units damaged
Free Mexican Army
1 Riflemen lost
1 Tlecuahuitl Militia lost
1 Militia lost
1 Old Cannon lost
2 other units damaged
Aztec Empire – Small Terrain Advantage
land units : 12 lost, 4 damaged
‘Jaguar Infantry’ elite unit lost
1 Riflemen lost
1 Riflemen (Conscript) lost
5 Tlecuahuitl Militia (UU) lost
2 Tlecuahuitl Militia (UU, Conscripts) lost
1 Improved Cannons lost
1 Basic Tank lost
4 other units damaged
Maxtla army disintegrates, and is no more.
Finally, Germany also enters the fighting, driving straight into the Huacan province, backed up by the majority of the German air force. The Aztec Empire had hoped to make a strong defence here, but with only scattered elements of the Maxtla army and the decimated remains ‘Mexican Defence Army’ available, there is little they can do. Neo-Aztec fanaticism increases to a level never seen before, as they struggle to defend the land of their sacred ancient temples. But morale, important as it is, can only count for so much. And so even with the difficulties of the terrain on their side, the Aztecs cannot stop the strong German 3rd Army making significant progress. German troops burn and blast their way through the jungle, as dive bombers, fighters and airships roam at will overhead.
(A German recon plane flies over the jungle)
The capitol of the ‘Aztec Empire’ has now been besieged at Teotehuacan, and several other temple-strongholds are holding out. The German forces have taken care not to destroy the sacred temples with artillery, although the Aztecs have not shied away from making battlefields out of such places. The Germans have taken minor losses, and their army now vastly outmatches and outnumbers the remnants of the Aztec military. Some of Huacan is still in Aztec hands, but the last strongholds of the Aztec Empire seem to have little chance of repelling the German army.
Battle in Tehuacan
Germany - Overwhelming Firepower Advantage, Strong Manoeuvre Advantage
3rd Army:
1 Riflemen lost
1 Storm Infantry(UU) lost
3 other units damaged
Aztec Empire – Strong Terrain Advantage, Strong Morale Advantage
Mexican Defence Army:
1 Riflemen (Conscripts) lost
3 Tlecuahuitl Militia (UU) lost
2 Tlecuahuitl Militia (UU, conscripts) lost
3 other units damaged
Aztec Volunteers have joined the last defence, though they are unlikely to make any real difference:
+4 Tlecuahuitl Militia (UU)
+1 Riflemen
Scandinavia has continued to take in NOD casualties. French, German and American officers have filed reports back to HQ, expressing concern that their troops are giving military information to the attractive and charming Scandinavian nurses (who seem surprisingly interested in military information
)
New Governments:
Republic of Mexico Declared!
With the Aztec forces defeated in the province of Mexico, the ‘Free Mexico’ uprising now declares itself the ‘Republic of Mexico’, and is setting up a republic government with the backing of Spain and Nemausus. The fate of the other former Mexican/Aztec lands now occupied by the NOD forces is not known.
Alaska Declares ‘Democratic Socialist Government’Alaska’s new government combines many Democratic/Republican and Communist principles. It is the first of its kind in the world, only time can tell whether this form of government will prosper, and perhaps spread to other nations.
Incan Republic Defeats a Rebellion!
Pro-fascist, anti-reform elements of the Inca army attempted a rebellion, starting in the western provinces of Andes and Manu. But the Inca government was pre-warned of the rebellion, and managed to capture most of the rebel leaders before it began. Scattered units still went ahead with the plan, and took over several important fortified positions. They are currently besieged by the loyal Incan 2nd army, and their long term prospects don’t look good. The Incan Empire’s fragile unity is holding together for now.
(Incan army artillery bombards rebel positions)
Incas take losses from defection and fighting: -2 riflemen, -1 militia
The Incan republic also announced the capture of General Van Stabel, formerly of the Arequipa army and resistance. The Incas have implicated him in the rebellion attempt. Although why the general would turn against the only nation that had showed Arequipa any kindness remains a mystery. Some have suggested the general was simply seeking refuge from the Mayans. Nonetheless, the Inca are using all this as propaganda to gain more popular support and stability. General Van Stabel’s fate remains unknown, for now he is a prisoner of the Incas.
Explosions in Paris
Paris is rocked by a series of explosions in and around government buildings. Damage is low, as the explosives used were not very powerful, and were not placed very carefully. Many buildings are still empty from the street fighting over a year ago anyway.
An ugly mix of pro-fascists, organised criminals, and pro-Aztec saboteurs now inhabits Paris’s underworld. French government forces are continuing to battle with these elements, with the general backing of the people. They are making many arrests, and it seems it wont be long before the saboteurs are hunted down.
It seems unlikely that the Aztecs have managed to get agents into France, but there are Aztec sympathisers especially amongst people of mixed French and Mexican background.
France: -2 PP due to bomb attacks
Fascist coup in Acadia
Acadia, the small nation east of the USA, has been thrown into chaos. An alliance of pro-fascist army generals and ambitious politicians have conspired to overthrow the democratic government. There is armed unrest in both the main provinces.
Pro-German people are rioting in Heidelberg, an ancient German colony. They are asking for German intervention to make Heidelberg into a German protectorate.
Meanwhile, pro-Celtic people are rioting in the province of Acadia itself, which has large Celtic settlement.
Acadia may be about to fall apart... But the new fascist government is trying to take control, and is asking for support from other fascist nations (the Iroquois and the Mayans).
Fascist Unrest Spreads!
Due to the situation in Acadia, unrest has begun elsewhere in the peninsular. Pro-Fascist riots have begun in Chicago. Fascist supporters are continuing to arrive from all over the USA, and local law enforcement is struggling to cope. It is feared a major overthrow of local government may soon happen there.
The mainland territory of Stavanger has also been hit by a pro-fascist uprising, and the republic government is beginning to looking unstable there. Stavanger fascists have been quietly growing in strength for some time, with an ideology partly based on Scandinavian mythology, and this now gaining support from the people. There are signs that these Norse/fascist philosophies are beginning to take root in Scandinavia itself.
Piracy on Hold?
Despite extensive searches by many of the worlds naval forces, no sign of the pirate ships could be found this year. After one period of attacks on Japanese shipping, and one against Hittite shipping in previous years, there have been no more attacks have been reported on merchant ships.
It is suspected the pirates must have a base of operations somewhere near both the Japanese and the Hittites, but no real evidence has been found to link the piracy to any nation.
Unrest in Hittite Empire
The apparent failure of the Hittite government to deal with the recent piracy, combined with long term criticism of the democratic system as failing to sufficiently modernise the nation, has led to a large amount of anger and unrest in certain parts of the nation. A pro-tartar movement is gaining strength, claiming that life would be better under a new nation, united with Tartarus. The histories of the Hittite and Tartar nations are intertwined. The King of Tartarus is still technically king of the whole Hittite nation, while Tartarus is still technically Hittite territory.
Hittite industry and economy are being affected by this unrest. In the provinces of Tyrana and Uguarit, it is feared the unrest may soon increase to full-scale rebellion.
Disorder in Crete
The island has seen another year of violent disorder and pro-Byzantine, pro-Romanoi protests. The presence of Venetian military forces has so far prevented the rioters from taking over government buildings or police stations.
The Venetian government has promised a referendum will take place, but says the current violence and logistical difficulties make it impossible at present. Meanwhile, the Venetians have been emphasising the benefits of their diverse and democratic society. The actual proportion of Byzantine supporters on the island is unknown, but it does not seem too encouraging for the Venetians.
Cultural Conflict Continues
Venice has fought back against the Byzantines ‘Romanoi; policy. The government has taken steps to emphasize Venetian culture, both at home and abroad. It seems a cultural divide is forming between the once close-nit nations of Byzantium, Venice and Rome.
Byzantine ‘fanatic’ in Rome bombing
A prominent Senate leader was apparently targeted by a pro-Byzantine expatriate after making several anti-‘Romanoi’ speeches. A bomb went off inside a building where the senator was due to make a speech. Fortunately, the speech was delayed and there was no loss of life.
The apparent perpetrator, a man born in Latium who later moved to live in Byzantium, was found guilty of attempted first degree murder. Charges of treason could not be applied as the man was no longer a roman citizen. However, the penalty was nonetheless death by firing squad.
There has already been a backlash against the Byzantines in Roman public opinion over this incident. Meanwhile, foreign observers have questioned some of the evidence at the trial.
Byzantine Trade Booming
As the new Imperial Capitalist regime scraps many trade tariffs, many new local trade companies are forming, and more foreign companies are establishing themselves in Byzantium. The economy of that nation has risen by two levels this year, and looks set to continue to rise at a fast rate.
Due to the scrapping of many tariffs, the Byzantine government is not getting much extra (PP) income from the expanded economy. But it is competing with foreign nations for trade and making it harder for them to expand their own economies.
Celtonian Production Boom
Celtonia now has the largest production rate in the world, overtaking the Iroquois. It seems the former giant of the Celtic industry has truly awoken from its time in slumber during the Druidist regime and its environmentalist laws. Celtonia has achieved a large rise in production in just a few years. But as capitalist production has now reaches its peak, it will be harder for the Celts to expand beyond this.
Celtonia has been investing a fair amount of its vast resources into repairing and improving the territories it has recently captured. The Government has also invested in the creation of a 'National Unity Day' to 'celebrate our Celtic and multinational heritage integrated into Celtonian society'. Pollution controls have received generous funding, and ancient temples and sacred sites have been repaired and rebuilt. With these measures the Celtic government has won over most of its critics, as it seems pro-capitalist politics really can be reconciled with the traditional values of Celtonia.
Druids seek Enclave on Coritan Island
Sensing that popular support is not going to swing back in their favour, the Druid hard-liners in Celtonia have given up trying to battle the new pro-capitalist regime. Instead, the Druids are asking that the island of Coritan (near the Dutch, Tartars and Hittites) be released as a protectorate/puppet state, where the old druid laws and practices can be carried on without interference .
The island is already home to a large Druidist community, and older Celtic traditions have survived there where they have been almost wiped out in the mainland nation... But it is not known how the nearby nations would react to this, as there is a chance that druid influence could spread further a field.
Economic Instablity across the western ocean!
The emerging Byzantine economy and the sudden flood of Celtic goods, combined with the recent piracy and civil unrest, is creating instability and economic problems across the western ocean. Byzantium and Celtonia has so far gained from this, but others (especially on the cost of the American continent) have struggled to maintain their economy at the current levels.
The small nation of Acadia has already suffered an economic collapse, which contributed to the fascist revolution there.
Scientific Competition
Scandinavian science is being recognised as the best in the world, overtaking even the ‘great powers’. It has opened its doors to foreign students and researchers, and received large government funding. Scandinavia also benefits from the democratic Allthing, and an open and diverse society.
Mayan scientific progress has also been developing rapidly and now equals the ‘great powers’. A large air display near the Mayan capitol was attended by tens of thousands of people (and many foreign observers), and featured many advanced aircraft. German science also remains a competitor with the ‘great powers’.
Spain also held an air display with its biplanes and airships. While not as grand as the Mayans, it shows the rapid advancement of other powers. The technology divide continues to shrink, as the importance of modern technology and air power becomes clear.
Dutch capitol moved
The Dutch have moved their capitol back to the province of Holland itself, after a long period in Geldre. This is partly due to the easing of tensions with the Mayans (who have announced the withdrawal of troops from the border) and also to the large fortification projects the Dutch have been investing in. Both have helped to increase the feeling of security in the central Dutch provinces.
Meanwhile, Copan expresses concern at this, and claims the Mayan withdrawal from other frontiers is a sign of an impending attack on their nation!
Alliance Update
No major diplomatic events have happened this year… But the NOD tightens its grip on the former territory of Mexico and the strategic central lands of that continent.
