Capto Iugulum: Empires and Nations

I am too busy right now to send orders... but I can tonight (roughly 4-5 hours from now), if that is past your deadline, then consider me still in this. Thanks.

27/34 possible sets of orders have been received. For those still lingering behind the crowd, I am still accepting any orders that are:

1. Confirming diplomatic actions with other players
2. Spending of GSP

No independent foreign actions will be accepted beyond this point. If even the above is too much for you, I will continue to accept "I'm sorry but I can't make it" PMs or posts until the update is actually posted. I will post again when no orders at all will be accepted.

EQandcivfanatic said:

This is the four day warning for the update

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EQandcivfanatic said:

All right, this is the 72 hour warning for the update[/b

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EQandcivfanatic said:

All right, this'd be the 37 hour warning

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EQandcivfanatic said:

This is the 22 hour warning till the deadline.

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EQandcivfanatic said:

19/32 sets of orders in now, at the 7 hour warning.

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EQandcivfanatic said:

All right, I am beginning the process of updating now. I have 26/32 orders, and I will still accept orders until otherwise stated.

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EQandcivfanatic said:

27/34 possible sets of orders have been received.

Click to expand...

@EQandcivfanatic:
Sorry- it wasn’t really clear to me when orders were due. Do you want them now?

27 orders in for the first update? I'm impressed.

I'd like to propose a toast (wholly figurative) to EQ, to NESing, and to NESers. Let's make Capto Iugulum really awesome, guys.

*cheers*

*cheers*

Cheers, Crezth. Now, let's just hope Abaddon doesn't join and kill the NES.

Good luck with the update! That's a lot of orders to interpret!

Sorry I couldn't make the deadline. This week is my busist of the summer, even more so than average school week.

I will not be accepting any orders beyond this point, only frail, feeble excuses.

MAJOR FAMINE IN RUSSIA STRAINS EUROPEAN FOOD SUPPLIES. Moscow, Moscowy. A blight has spread through the crops of Russia, in particular Moscowy. Many farms have simply failed from thanks to the blight, extinguishing much of the year's production of various grains. To make matters worse, fires broke out in the largest granaries of Moscow, setting a large portion of stockpiled food to waste. Other granaries found themselves afflicted as well, as the blight seems to have contaminated stockpiles of food as well as the farms. Kiev and Novgorod have been similarly plagued by this famine, and food shortages are creating a major problem of stability in all three Russian nations. Peasants are starving and becoming increasingly frustrated and angry, and occasionally out of work as well. In Moscowy, some of these serfs have abandoned their lands and begun marauding through the countryside in search of food. Similar scenes have taken place in the lands of Kiev and Novgorod, though mostly in the more rural regions. The shortage of grains has been felt elsewhere in Europe, particularly Sweden, where the prices of food have been driven up by the recent failure of Russian crops.
Novgorod: -2 Stability, -5 Manpower
Moscowy: -4 Stability, -10 Manpower
Kiev: -2 Stability, -5 Manpower

DENMARK ANNOUNCES ABOLITION OF SLAVERY. Copenhagen, Denmark. The Danish government has abruptly ended slavery in all of its colonial possessions, though the institution was moribund at best even in the Caribbean. Regardless, the ideals of slavery have led to resistance among the plantation owners of the Danish West Indies, particularly due to the barbarity of the blacks and their traditions. The whites of the colonies have begun assembling militias to make sure that the emancipated blacks know their place, and although they are technically free, the governors of the islands have passed legislation forbidding blacks to leave the islands or to search for new employment without permission from their employers. While they do now pay their workers, they charge them for room and board, and the former slaves now found themselves bonded by unrepayable debt to their masters. The passing of emancipation has been noticed by the other European powers and within these nations the act has threatened to destabilize the various colonies which rely on slavery for their lifeblood and economy. In the United States, the act has helped give birth to a new emancipation movement, as the rhetoric there grows ever more heated. (-1 Stability in all countries and colonies with slavery; -2 Stability in Danish West Indies)

CATHOLIC LEAGUE ESTABLISHED. Rome, Papal States. A collection of Catholic nations, led by the Papal States and Spain have established a combined alliance and defensive pact between several nations adhering to the faith of the Catholic Church. Calling for a unified approach to the dealing with heathens, heretics, and other miscreants on the global political stage, the Pope and King of Spain have summoned all they could to join the ranks of the League. The Papal States, Spain, Portugal, Flanders, Languedoc, Provence, Poland, and the Republic of New Granada have all joined this new organization. Though the majority of Catholic nations continue to remain aloof of the Catholic League, citing the fear of Spanish dominion over the alliance, this still represents a considerable bloc of military, economic, and political power. Needless to say, the establishment of the League has raised international tensions between Spain and the other great powers of the United Kingdom and Sweden. Others across the world have taken note, particularly the Mamluk Caliphate, which has begun taking measures to even the odds with what they call the "Frankish powers."


BRITISH INVENTOR DEVELOPS SEWING MACHINE. Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain. A British inventor, Arthur Cunningham has developed a revolutionary new machine which promises to transform the production of clothes. Using modern machinery and know-how fabric can now be transformed into clothing at great speed, and demand has never been higher for cotton and other goods. The new sewing machine has entered into service in a few British factories, creating more jobs and employment throughout the nation.

PRUSSIAN NAVY REPORTS IMPROVEMENT. Konigsberg, Prussia. Though it is a miniscule part of the Prussian military, the crew of their single ship seems to be more skilled and able than past crews. Furthermore, they have managed to purchase several newer cannon, further improving their forces. For whatever the true cause, the efforts have not gone unnoticed by the global community, recognizing the marginal improvement of the Prussian navy. (+1 Navy Quality)

POPULATION BOOM IN BURGUNDY. Dijon, Burgundy. Local lords and merchants have begun to report in Burgundy that the lower classes seem to have developed a particular craze for birthing children this year. Even more miraculously, a larger amount of children than normal have survived the typically fatal illnesses which emerge. God's miracle of these children's survival has suggested the Burgundy may have a truly great destiny awaiting it, as the population surges with this new influx of people. (+24 Manpower)

STUDENTS STORM BUILDINGS IN COLOGNE. Cologne, Burgundy. German students in Cologne stormed a government building this year in a protest calling for a free state breaking away from French-dominated Burgundy. The protestors were unruly, but overall contained. Property damage was minimal and eventually, when no signs of any confrontation emerge, the protestors returned to the bars and homes rather quietly. The effects are clear however, as it seems a growing movement exists within Cologne for a German state free from the Burgundians.

FOOD RIOTS IN KIEV. Kiev, Kiev. The worsening famine in the Russian states has led to food riots in the city of Kiev. A shortage of food became obvious to the local population and when they failed to be able to afford the massively rising food costs, a mob stormed the local granaries, stealing what they could. Local noble guardsmen attempted to contain the riots but failed in their efforts, mainly being killed or seriously injured. Though no organized rebellion or revolt emerged, the city was in a state of constant high crime and anarchy, until the army eventually restored some order to the masses. (-1 Stability)

DEMONSTRATORS ARRESTED IN MILAN. Milan, Milan. Students from the University of Milan launched a major protest calling for the end of religious interference in the government of the nation. They called for the end of Papal control in the Italian nation, and the more radical called for reform of the monarchy as well. Calling for representation and greater voice for the people, they were clearly a dangerous group of radical. The army was called in and fortunately no one was killed in the process of restoring order, though some students were injured by the cavalry. (-1 Stability)

AUTHOR ARRESTED IN POITOU. Poitiers, Poitou. A noted French cultural author was arrested by the king's forces in Poitou this year and thrown into the local dungeon. It was claimed that he was a destabilizing influence for the community and was fermenting rebellion against the crown. As an author he has been noted for French nationalist literature and the ideals of establishing a single French state. As a Catholic, the author has been constantly under suspicion but has struck a nerve with the nation's Catholic community. Many Catholic citizens of the nation have been calling for his release, and the end result has been the rounding up and arrests of many of these papists.

INCIDENT IN SARDINIA SPARKS PAPAL REMOVAL FROM GOVERNMENT. Cagliari, Sardinia. An outrageous incident occurred in Sardinia this year as it was revealed that several members of the Catholic clergy in Sardinia were involved in a chain of blackmail and other foul schemes throughout the island. As it became more and more apparent of the scope of the ring, anti-clerical behavior began growing at an exponential rate. Catholic clergy in most towns found themselves barricaded within their churches, fearful to go out among the masses. The King of Sardinia has sided with the protestors relieving the papal advisor to his crown and sending him back to Rome. The king has announced that no more advisors will be accepted by Rome, and that all clergy within Sardinia will have to be confirmed by the royal secular authority.

DEATH OF THE KING OF POLAND. Krakow, Poland. The nation of Poland mourned the passing this year of King August III. He was a fairly popular monarch during his reign and will be greatly missed by both the aristocracy and commons. His son has been crowned the new Stanislaw II. While more moderate than his father on social issues and the military, he is still a known conservative and the aristocracy and upper classes are quite comfortable with his rise to power. While not as much of a Catholic reactionary as his father was, he has vowed to retain Polish religious ties with the Papacy. (+1 Stability)

KING HENRY XII PASSES ON IN BRITAIN. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. King Henry XII of England, Scotland, and Ireland died this year of old age, ending an era of stability. Having recovered his family from the stain of the loss of the American colonies, he led the empire to new heights, expanding British control in Australia, India, and Africa. He also furthered the cause of the Church of England with great fervor and was known as a very religious man. His son, the new King John IX, has been known for his university education and much more liberal tendencies than his father. John IX is a confessed liberal, and is known to enjoy sports with shockingly middle class individuals, holding nothing but scorn for the upper classes. Not as devout of a man as his father, John IX has talked often about reform and establishing a more free society from the empire that is Britain's as well as building its strength abroad. Loved by the middle and merchant classes and despised by the aristocracy, John IX is truly a divisive figure in British politics. (-1 Stability)

SCHISM IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. Novgorod, Novgorod. The king of Novgorod has proclaimed himself the head of the new Russian Orthodox Church, splitting them from Constantinople and the patriarch there. The king has cited the corruption within the Orthodox Church and that they have allowed themselves to become too close and influenced by the degenerate Pope and his minions in Spain and Italy. Though the king has bought the loyalty of the aristocracy with the schism, he has faced significant resistance towards the policy. Much of the clergy resigned in protest, and have since been preaching to the population, denouncing the king's plan and departure from the holy Church. They view the act as a transparent attempt to increase the king's power at the expense of the Church and Russian people. The clergy have been fairly successfully in riling the people's opinion against the king and it appears to have further destabilize the nation. (-1 Stability)

FORTIFICATION RACE IN EUROPE. Hannover, Brandenburg. As tensions build in Europe with the establishment of the Catholic League, the king of Brandenburg has initiated the construction of a series of fortifications along the border with Burgundy. The new defensive line is slated to take several years to complete, but will act as protection against any Catholic aggression. The project is said to be fairly expensive, but most of the upper classes believe the added security to be well worth the cost of construction. Brandenburg's new fortified line was responded to by Bavaria, another Catholic power. The fortifications built by Brandenburg were seen as a long-term threat to Bavaria's own security. Thus emulating their northern neighbors, the Bavarians have begun construction of their own similar line of forts on their mutual border.

SWEDISH SPIES EXECUTED IN POLAND. Warsaw, Poland. Alert citizenry in Poland turned in two Swedish spies attempting to rile up Orthodox dissent against the monarchy. Further investigation by the military led to almost twenty more Swedish agitators being rounded up by the government. The Swedes were caught with munitions, pamphlets and many other tools of rabble rousing and outrage has emerged in Poland against the Swedes to a surprising level. Resentment at Swedish meddling has grown, and the Polish people have called for some sort of retaliation against them. Meanwhile, they have been mostly placated with the execution of the Swedish agents by the government.

MOSCOW'S EXPANDED MILITARY MARCHES EAST. Suzdal, Moscowy. The Muscovite army was expanded by nearly twenty-five percent this year as the King made preparations to begin the conquest of the eastern tribes. Though the famine threatened to destabilize the effort, the king made sure to buy the loyalty of the army with plenty of food and even increased rations at the expense of the peasantry. Well fed and prepared for war, the army paved a path of conquest to the east, forcing the tribes and settlements into civilization. While a few attempted to resist, a few displays of the firepower of modern cannon and weaponry soon brought any resistance to its knees. After the brutal and merciless destruction of some settlements, others soon fell into line. Only winter brought an end to the onslaught against the tribes and the march of Moscowy's borders to the east.

KING OF TWO SICILIES ANNOUNCES NAVAL EXPANSION. Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. As tensions continue to mount between the Catholic League and much of the rest of the world, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies has begun preparing for its own security. Ten new ships were added to the nation's navy this year, as an added measure to protect the nation against invasion or attack. Other Italian states have viewed this move with trepidation, fearing that it could mean a Sicilian attempt to gain power over the others.

POPE BEGINS FORTIFICATION OF CORSICA. Corte, Papal States. The Papal States announced and unveiled a new project to build modern and well stocked coastal fortifications on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. Long a possession of the Papacy, the island has represented a gap in the defenses of the Papal States. The current efforts hope to rectify this, providing security for all the possessions of the Pope in Europe.

AUSTRIA AND VENICE AT WAR. Vienna, Austria. Citing Austria's historical claims to the city of Venice and its possessions the Austrian army was sent to end the city state's independence and secure its holdings for Austria. The Venetians mustered their army in an attempt to stop the Austrian invasion. The battle was fought north of Venice itself, as the Venetians attempt to prevent a siege. After a pitched battle, the Austrian numbers ultimately won the day, and the Venetians were thoroughly routed. In a matter of days the Austrian army marched into Venice. With little choice and no real power left, the captive Doge of Venice signed an agreement annexing the city into the nation of Austria.
Casualty List
Austria: 2 Infantry Brigades (+1 Army Quality)
Republic of Venice: 2 Infantry Brigades

POLAND LOWERS TAXES AMID CONSTRUCTION. Krakow, Poland. The new king of Poland has begun his reign with the always popular move of cutting taxes upon merchants and the upper classes. Furthermore, he has increased his popularity among the Polish population by cutting taxes for them and not for non-Polish residents of the nation, particularly in Belorussia and the former Lithuanian lands. The program of tax reform has proven highly popular and has acted as a base of support for the king. The effort was combined with a program to pave and develop the interior of most Polish cities, providing improved infrastructure and possibly sanitation as well. (+1 Stability)

KING INSTITUTES REFORM IN POLAND. Krakow, Poland. King Stanislaw II has instituted a program of allowing cities and provinces to vote and elect representatives to advise him from among the literate citizens of the said communities. Fortunately, since this qualification rules out all but the upper class in most cases, the representatives are more or less a rubber stamp for all his decisions. On the other hand, this has made nepotism and corruption the norm among Polish leaders, and the entire system has become corrupt very quickly. The king himself has had little will to change the situation, as the new elected officials make themselves very rich at the expense of the Polish people. Needless to say, this has angered quite a few individuals while having a detrimental effect upon the economy and government (-2 Stability)

BURGUNDY BEGINS SPONSORING FRENCH ARTS. Dijon, Burgundy. The King of Burgundy has embraced the nation's French heritage this year, by offering patronage to the most noted and preeminent writers, artists, and scholars tied to French unity. Many such talented intellectuals have flocked to the court of Burgundy from across France, scribbling and painting to their hearts' content. The efforts of these folk have not gone unnoticed by the considerable minorities within the boundaries of Burgundy. German, Walloon, and Flemish intellectuals have all taken note, and worry about the possibility of living under French tyranny.

ROYAL MARRIAGE BUILDS TIES BETWEEN PARIS AND BURGUNDY. Paris, Paris. The royal families of Burgundy and Paris celebrated this year as a marriage took place to unite the lines and establish a common relationship. The relationship between the two nations has been frequently worn down between wars and border disputes and both King Conrad VII of Burgundy and Louis XII of Paris look forward to the chance for at least a temporary peace. The marriage was set to take place between a niece of King Louis XII and King Conrad VII's son, Louis. Though Louis is very young, barely a man, the marriage went forward regardless and went forward as a great success. Much luck is wished upon the happy couple and for new, peaceful relations between Burgundy and Paris.

KIEV BEGINS CATHEDRAL RENOVATIONS. Kiev, Kiev. The famine and disorder caused by it have not stopped the religious devotion of the monarch of Kiev. With significant funds from the government treasury, a major renovation of St. Andrews Cathedral took place this year. The finest of all possible goods were showered upon the effort and donations were rounded up from the city's aristocracy. Some suggest that some of the funds may have gone array into the coffers of the wrong people, but such stories are said to be only gossip.

BRITTANY ENACTS UNPOPULAR TAX HIKE. Nantes, Brittany. The Breton government has enacted a twenty-five percent tax increase upon its businesses and people. The increased taxes were brought to bear for no obvious reason and have outraged the nation's merchant and working classes. Muttering has grown against the crown, as the population becomes convinced the money is solely for the king's own enrichment. (-1 Stability)

PRINCE OF CHINA VISITS BRITAIN. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. Prince Yiwei of China visited the city of London this year, spending much of the year touring the sights of the island, even attending the funeral of King Henry XII and inauguration of his son to the throne. The prince struck up a fast friendship with King John IX, discussing affairs of state and finding much in common in the burdens of the throne. To the British, the prince was treated as a novelty in high society, as a silly barbarian interested in the ways of true civilization.

CHURCH OF LATTER DAY SAINTS ESTABLISHED. Manchester, United States of America. A strange group of individuals, organized by a man named Joseph Smith have established a new church in upper New York. Though the organization was established over the past couple of years, they have set up an official Church structure. The event was said to have taken place amid great supernatural hubbub as the attendees experienced visions and divine visitations. The Church continues to rapidly grow in strength, alienating most of their neighbors throughout the state.

HAVANA IN FLAMES. Havana, Empire of Holy Spain. Rioting took place in Havana this year, and barricades were thrown up in the city streets after the arrests and execution of various hostages following the assassination of a Spanish administrator. The whole city rocked with rebellion, but the army eventually managed to restore order after a vicious fight storming the barricades. The mobs were dispersed after rioting and fighting which dragged out over a month, wrecking the local economy and resulting in the deaths of over a hundred Spanish soldiers. The assassination which sparked it all is believed to have been caused by a rogue masked vigilante attempting to oust the corrupt Spanish authorities for a free Cuba. (-2 Stability in Cuba)

JACKSONVILLE INCIDENT SPARKS GREAT TENSION BETWEEN SPAIN AND UNITED STATES. Saint Augustine, Empire of Holy Spain. Throughout Spanish Florida tensions mounted throughout the year as the American majority in most regions began refusing to recognize Spanish law or authority. The American settlers have been actively undermining Spanish control, establishing their own towns and elected governments. This has been partially sparked by Spanish remarks calling for the emancipation of slaves, the lifeblood of American commerce and prosperity in Florida. Furthermore, they yearn to bring the lands under the rule of the United States of America. Most have even begun actively trading with the United States, regardless of tariffs and other trade legislation by the Spanish government. Most of these towns have had American names, as a deliberate snub of the Spanish. Attempts to regulate or contain the American settlers have met with failure, as the borders are too long and the terrain too diverse to keep them out. The final straw was the establishment of a new American town at a place known as Cow's Ford only a few miles away from Saint Augustine. When the Americans refused an administrator appointed by the governor, the local Spanish military was sent in. The Americans rallied their militia and fought back, holding off for a surprising amount of time until the Spanish broke through the defenses. In the heat of battle, the Spanish proceeded to slaughter every man, woman, and child found within the community, known as Jacksonville to its new inhabitants. Throughout Spanish Florida and the United States of America the event has been viewed with horror by the Americans. Shouts of "Remember Jacksonville" have resounded throughout the American settlers in Florida, as militias are mobilized to fight any Spanish attempts to reestablish authority. In the United States, newspapers and crowds have been actively demonstrating for aid to the American settlers in Florida, calling for President to "free Florida from Spanish tyranny." (-3 Stability in Grand Florida)

RIOTS IN PARAGUAY AGAINST SWEDISH INFLUENCE. Asuncion, Paraguay. The ferociously independent people of Paraguay have become agitated by yet another European imperial power. Though Spain seems to have left the region alone, the Swedes have begun investing and providing funds to the Paraguayan government. This seems to have derided the legitimacy of the government in the eyes of the Paraguayan people, and a military coup was launched against the regime. President de Francia managed to repulse the rebels and the loyalists in the military were called in to restore order in Asuncion. Hundreds were left dead in the process and tracks of the city were looted and burned. (-1 Stability)

URUGUAYAN ELECTIONS. Montevideo, Uruguay. Elections were held in Uruguay this year for control of the nation's Congress and presidency. The dispute between the liberal Blancos and conservative Colorados seems to have at least avoided actual violence this year, and the electoral process has been fairly tame by South American standards. Though intimidation and arrests did occur, they were mostly subdued and relatively evenly distributed. The end result was an overwhelming Blanco victory at the polling stations and a handy victory over the conservatives. Surprisingly the Colorados ceded the victory to the Blancos peacefully as President Rivera continues a new term of office. (+1 Stability)

NEW POLICY TOWARDS NATIVES IN PERU MEETS SUCCESS. Lima, Empire of Holy Spain. The Spanish governor in Peru has announced a new policy towards natives in Peru. Choosing to end the settlers' wars against the natives, the governor has instead signed a treaty with the tribes, and begun establishing missions throughout the area. Though some settlers have been angered by the policy, having desired to acquire new lands, the recent hiring of native guides to find resources and the resulting wealth has more than made up for the loss of land. Overall, the settlers seem surprisingly well on their way to accepting the natives' existence, even if the middle class continues to rail for their annihilation. (+1 Stability in Peru)

VINLAND HOMESTEAD ACT PROVOKES WAR WITH NATIVES. Eriklinda, Sweden. The Swedish governors of Vinland have opened new doors for immigrants in the region. They have provided succor and aid for any willing to expand and settle Vinland's boundaries to the west. While ambitiously followed by citizens of Sweden and immigrants from its subordinate countries, the policies have proven less than popular with the Cree and other tribes in the area. The Swedish government attempted to appoint superintendents to negotiate and make deals with the natives, but they seemed to have met a deadlock. The Cree have refused to recognize any Swedish control over their lands and have begun a vicious guerilla war throughout Vinland. They have ruthlessly attacked settlements and homesteads, burning them and slaughtering their inhabitants. Swedish military movements and actions have been hampered by the superintendents who have proven unwilling to start a full-fledged war, even though one is clearly already underway. Furthermore, thanks to a slip by a superintendent, a full Swedish brigade was ambushed and wiped out by a major native attack in the night. In the confusion the Swedes were easily routed and hunted like animals through the woods. The Cree have clearly been united an rallied in a full war against the Swedes and have used their local knowledge and abilities to their greatest advantage in the effort. (-1 Infantry Brigade, -3 Stability in Vinland)

SWEDEN BUILDS INFLUENCE IN SOUTH AMERICA. Stockholm, Sweden. New Swedish policies have been passed as the Swedish government begins financing and supporting various regimes throughout South America. Substantial government funds have been shifted to these countries, providing them with money to purchase weapons and other goods for their development in a clear challenge to Spanish influence on the continent. Though this has sparked some tensions in various countries, it has helped provide stability and strength to the regimes currently in power. Furthermore, it has given aid to Swedish merchants, and an advantage in the local markets as they are viewed with some favor by the locals. Among the nations which have received some of this substantial aid are Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, and Uruguay.

SWEDEN AND UNITED STATES SIGN TRADE AGREEMENT. New York City, United States of America. The Swedish government has opened new trading doors between Vinland and the United States. Tariffs have been reduced and the Americans have opened the doors to Swedish goods as well in their own nation. This has mostly benefited the Americans more the Swedes as Americans have begun to migrate into the southern regions of Vinland, despite official policy discouraging such actions. The open doors have made it significantly easier for any settlement to the north as well as to the south and west. Regardless, the new markets have allowed for the amicable growth of economy in both nations.

SHAM ELECTIONS RAISE ANGER IN NEW GRANADA. Bogota, Republic of New Granada. Simon Bolivar, hero of the war of independence against Spain, was ousted in what many believe to be rigged elections by his conservative opponent, Miguel Angel Moreno. The great popularity of Bolivar and the obvious support for him made the election results all the more unpopular among the people of New Granada. Regardless, President Moreno immediately announced the movement of the nation to a "war footing," seizing businesses, many of which were frequently owned by political opponents of his faction, and raising taxes to pay for an increase of the military. He has called for the reclamation of the provinces of Venezuela to the larger Republic. Regardless, his actions have led to an effective dictatorship of the presidency, and ending a true republic in New Granada as a war begins to rise. (-2 Stability)

NEW GRANADA LAUNCHES WAR AGAINST VENEZUELA. Caracas, Venezuela. The Republic of New Granada has launched a naval and land war against what President Moreno calls "the wayward and rebel provinces of Venezuela." At sea the New Granadans have attempted to strangle Venezuelan trade but have been unable to win a decisive victory against them. The Venezuelan fleet has managed to catch various New Granadan ships off guard and preserve their own fleet's integrity. Therefore the war at sea is still very much in dispute. On land, the New Granadan army managed to fairly bloodlessly take Maracaibo, with the Venezuelan garrison escaping on ferries across the bay, despite attempts to prevent it. The Venezuelan army managed to regroup before a further push took place and a New Granadan attempt to set up position in the Andean foothills, though successful, suffered heavy casualties driving the Venezuelans back. Following their victory there, the New Granadans attempted to begin raiding in the open provinces of Venezuela. Unfortunately, the Venezuelan cavalry managed to catch them in an open battle, and devastate their ranks, sending most fleeing back to Maracaibo. Domestically, the New Granadan invasion has united the disparate caudillos of Venezuela, as the major leaders all through their weight behind the central government. It appears to many that a truly united Venezuela could be born of this war.
Casualty List
Republic of New Granada: 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade, 1 Fifth Rate Warship
Venezuela: 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Fourth Rate Warship (+2 Stability)

ARGENTINA AND BRITAIN OPEN EXCLUSIVE TRADE. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentine government sealed a deal with the British Parliament, agreeing to an exclusive favored trade status, as well as allowing in British missionaries to the Argentinean interior. Though the more conservative members of the government have been uneasy about the possible rise of Protestantism, the material benefits offered by alignment with the United Kingdom proved to be too appealing to pass up. Material wealth in the form of aid and bribes have quickly bought the loyalty of most administrators to this scheme, particularly as the President uses the new funds to expand Buenos Aires' power over the interior of the nation.

UNITED STATES LAUNCHES WESTWARD EXPANSION WITH OUTBREAK OF NATIVE WAR. Chicago, United States of America. Tales from explorers to the West Coast of North America tell of a land called Oregon filled with chances for wealth and a new life. This, along with the existence of ample good farming land right across the Mississippi River, have spurred a craze for pushing America's boundaries to the west as well as to the south and north. The government has established new forts in the region as settlers carve out great chunks of land for their own, in the hopes of starting a prosperous new life. Unfortunately for these settlers, the United States' policy of expansion sparked the unification of several tribes into the Kaw Nation. Under a council of various chiefs from the tribes they have united to fight back against American expansion. They have rallied what forces they can, burning outlying American forts and settlements. The settlers have called for the immediate involvement of the military to crush the native uprising.

AMERICAN SLAVERY DISPUTE HEATS UP. Washington D.C., United States of America. The emancipation of the slaves of the Danish Empire, territorial expansion to the west, and the increasing important of cotton to the American economy, particularly the South have combined to further raise tensions within the United States of America. Members of Congress representing the northern "free states" have called for a committee to discuss the gradual emancipation of slaves. Southern congressmen from the "slave states" have refused to attend any such conference, flatly rejecting any agreement to weaken the institution of slavery. Vice President Calhoun has led the charge, stating that the federal government has no right to limit slavery or its practice in the individual states. Regardless people from both sides of the fence have admitted that the issue of slavery in the new territories would have be addressed and whether or not they would be considered free or slave territories. The issue has proven highly divisive and continues to erode at the stability of the nation. (-1 Stability)

UNITED STATES ESTABLISHES FORT ON AMERICA'S WESTERN COAST. Fort Jackson, United States of America. As the United States' focus shifts to the west, the first step to adding the western coast to the union has been taken. An expeditionary force was sent around South America to set up a fortified encampment on the western coastline. Choosing the area known as San Francisco Bay by Spanish explorers, the new fort has chosen a particularly empty area. Back home the area has been billed by the press as a paradise and ideal location for settlement. Regardless, as long as the Kaw War continues, settlers are likely to be few and far in between that far west.

CHILE PASSES NEW LEGISLATION AS TAXES ARE CUT. Santiago, Chile. The Chilean government has kicked off a year of reform an new laws with Congress passing legislation to cut taxes and government control over the nation's economy by half. This was followed by the construction of government sponsored schools in various areas around Santiago, to help provide an education for the population. While these elements of legislation proved to be fairly popular, the treatment of the nation's native population proved a far more divisive issue. In exchange for a pledge of allegiance to the President and Chile, the indigenous people could be granted the ability to work in Chilean businesses and to own small amounts of land. The program has proven moderately successful, being conservative enough that other Chileans are not too alienated. Unfortunately it has been limited in its efforts due to the lack of enthusiasm among the native population to admit Chilean control over the economy and their lands in the first place.

ARGENTINA BEGINS CAMPAIGNS FOR CONSOLIDATION. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since independence the caudillos of the central plains of Argentina have proven the main obstacle to centralization and development. Thanks to the funds provided from Britain and Sweden, the Argentine President launched a military campaign to bring these wayward cowboys to heel. The caudillos have fought back, but have been slowly losing ground against the force of the Argentine government. They have managed to keep up a supply of guns and munitions, and the fighting has proven bitter as Argentina does its best to establish a central authority. (-1 Stability)

EMPEROR OF BRAZIL MAKES PROCLAMATION ABOUT NATIVES. Rio de Janeiro, Empire of Brazil. After careful consideration Emperor Pedro of Brazil announced full citizenship for all natives within the borders of Brazil. Under the conditions that they must pay higher taxes if they do not grow agricultural crops, must learn Portuguese, and Christianity must be adopted. The tribes which have actually heard the population have immediately begun ignoring it and continuing with their lives as they always have. None have accepted the proposal and some have even prepared to actively resist it, should the Brazilian government attempt to enforce the proclamation.


EPIDEMIC IN YEMEN. Sana'a, Yemen. This year a particularly virulent disease broke out in Sana'a and spread quickly to the Yemeni countryside. Tens of thousands have been afflicted and many have died, leading many to have much cause for concern. Combined with the recent wave of revolts, many believe that Allah no longer favors the nation, and the epidemic, in addition to thousands of deaths, threatens the nation's stability. Fortunately the monarch has evaded affliction to the disease, as has most of his household, preserving his rule for now at least in the face of natural attacks. (-2 Manpower)

ISLAMIC CLERIC ARRESTED AND HUNG IN SPANISH ALGIERS. Algiers, Empire of Holy Spain. An Islamic Cleric was arrested for preaching against the Pope and the throne of Spain this year by Spanish forces. He was hung for his crimes against Spain, and during the hanging a crowd of his followers attempted to storm the platform. They were repulsed by the Spanish guards and over a dozen are believed to have perished in the attempt. The city seethes with unrest, as the Islamic population continues to enrage itself against the Spanish imperials. (-1 Stability in Algeria)

TURKS TURN TO BANDITRY IN ROMAN EMPIRE. Trebizond, Roman Empire. Roman authorities have reported a steep increase in banditry throughout the eastern Roman Empire, attributed to the rising cost of food caused by the famine in the Russian states. The poorer Turkish population has been shown to be least able to afford the steep increase in food prices, and have been struggling to make ends meet. Thus, many have turned to banditry and low key warfare against Roman authorities. The local Roman military has become tied down in attempting to contain this new bandit menace (-1 Stability)

TRIBAL UNREST IN BRITISH GHANA. Fort Henry, United Kingdom of Great Britain. British settlers in Ghana came under siege this year as various African tribes attacked settlements and forts throughout the region. These tribals have resisted British missionaries, and though no one is sure what sparked the uprising, the missionaries sent to convert them have failed to return. The unrest continues to grow throughout the region, making the interior of the colony unsafe for any white man. (-1 Stability)

ARABIC TRIBES RAID MAMLUKES FROM ARABIAN DESERT. Baghdad, Mamluk Caliphate. Various nomadic and not so nomadic tribes have begun minor raiding using the deserts to mask their approaches and attacks. So far evidence seems to suggest that the main forces behind the raids are various families and tribes trying for localized independence against the Caliphate. Many have a particular distaste for the Mamlukes, attempting to oust their control over their own regions. The local garrisons have so far been unable to contain the raids or tribal warfare. Fortunately, their presence seems to have deterred attacks upon larger villages and towns and the tribes seem just as happy to raid each other as the Mamlukes.

IMAM OF YEMEN OVERTHROWN. Sana'a, Yemen. The outbreak of an epidemic and the recent onset of payment of tribute to the Mamlukes has caused an uprising from the military and tribes within Yemen. The tribes began the revolt, and though the military did what it could to stop it, most wound up joining the rebellion. One of the tribal leaders has since proclaimed himself King of Yemen, ousting the Mamluk advisors and establishing a new monarchy for the nation and a secular regime. The new king has pledged to establish new strength for Yemen and to preserve its independence from all foreign powers. (+1 Stability)

BANDITS ELUDE JUSTICE IN ABYSSINIA. Addis Ababa, Abyssinia. The Abyssinian monarchy has begun making attempts to reign in the recent rise of banditry throughout the countryside. Cavalry brigades have been deployed to expand Abyssinian control in the region and have been making what efforts they can to secure known bandit strongholds. They have met with occasional successes, but most of the time, the bandits continue to slip away from the royal patrols. The bandits have continued to increase in boldness, attacking larger and larger communities. Many have grown concerned that the monarch is incapable of reigning in these attacks. (-1 Stability)

SWEDES ESTABLISH SENEGAL SETTLEMENT. Fort Gustavus Adolph, Sweden. In a direct challenge to British rule over the area, which has long been uncontested, the Swedish Crown has sponsored the establishment of the Swedish Senegal Company. Providing them with funds, labor, ships, and soldiers the Swedish army was dispatched to ensure the success of the new settlement. Though the settlement has proven successful and has become fairly useful in the Atlantic slave trade, the sheer number of soldiers resulted in the quick and rapid spread of various tropical diseases through the army and population. Over eighty percent of the Swedish soldiers died from the diseases and unfamiliarity with the tropical climate. Most of those who remain are either very strong, or more likely, incredibly sick already with a plethora of tropical viruses. (-4 Infantry Brigades)

SWEDES REBUFFED AT MADAGASCAR. Antananarivo, Madagascar. Swedish emissaries approached Madagascar this year in the hopes of securing a treaty port on the island and some influence. The island, which was recently united under Queen Ranavolana, has been mostly ignored except for some minor participation in the slave trade. With the island unified under single rule for the first time in 1828, the Swedes now look to build influence there. Unfortunately for their interests, the Queen has determined to stand steadfast against the growth of any western influences, and has refused any agreements or treaties with the Swedish government.

DUTCH ESTABLISH FOOTHOLD IN WEST AFRICA. Fort Nassau, Republic of the Netherlands. Merchant leaders with ties to the Dutch government established the Dutch African Company this year, and in conjunction with the Dutch military began establishing a base in western Africa. Though in competition with the Swedish and British colonies along the Gold Coast, the settlement of Fort Nassau has been established and has begun making a healthy profit in the form of the slave trade. The export of slaves to the New World continues to be highly profitable for the Dutch and the settlement has had relatively few problems to date.

MAMLUKES GATHER TRIBUTE FROM NEIGHBORS. Cairo, Mamluk Caliphate. With the rise of the Catholic League and the fear of a modern crusade to the Holy Land growing, the Mamluk Caliphate has begun calling upon its neighbors to pay tribute for protection from invasion. Yemen, Oman, and Tunis have all readily agreed to the terms, made increasingly nervous by the Christian militarism. The effort has overall established Mamluk authority in the Middle East, reinforcing the claims of the government and its power. Unfortunately, due to the recent regime change in Yemen, that source of tribute has been lost almost as quickly as it began, and some leaders within the Caliphate believe that perhaps Yemen needs to be protected from itself.

POPULATION LARGER THAN THOUGHT IN ZUNGHAR KHANATE. Beijing, China. Chinese investigators have reported back that the Zunghar Khanate may actually possess more people than previous estimates believes. Some suggest that this reflects recently increased birthrates, but there is debate that the Khanate already had the population now "discovered," but a lack of communication and local government prevented the true numbers to enter common knowledge. Regardless, it now seems that there are more able bodied men in the Zunghar Khanate than previously believed (+6 Manpower)

MARATHA ARMY PROVING MORE EFFECTIVE. Delhi, Maratha Confederacy. A demonstration by the Maratha army this year has shown that the Indian state has managed to acquire more modern European weapons, as well as learning to use them. This has reflected the recent entry of enthusiastic, skilled, young leaders into the army, breathing some life into the decaying Confederacy. The Marathas have begun leveraging their new gains into a much improved military force, particularly with a probable confrontation with Europe on the horizon. (+1 Army Quality)

OPIUM RELATED VIOLENCE INCREASING DRAMATICALLY IN SOUTHERN CHINA. Guangzhou, China. Numerous murders and other drug related violence has been recorded throughout southern China. Reports claim that foreign smugglers have intensified their operations throughout the year, and the numbers of addicts continues to swell throughout the region. Some have killed others in pursuit of fulfilling their addictions. Still more have simply passed away in the throes of withdrawal. Several officials are believed to be implicated in the trade of opium and the region continues to destabilize as the legitimacy of the Chinese government in the region is called into question. The emperor and local governor have denounced the trade, but it continues regardless with most of the foreign smugglers scoffing at Chinese pretensions of control. (-1 Stability)

TRIBAL WARFARE ERUPTS IN DURRANI EMPIRE. Farah, Durrani Empire. Numerous tribes have arisen in the Durrani Empire, fighting and raiding each other throughout the region. They have been constantly turned against each other and the central government, attacking without bias throughout the region. The whole of the conflict has turned into a de facto civil war as the imperial government attempted to maintain control. The issue was further complicated with the invasion by Persian forces later in the year, as the Durrani were forced to use their armies to fight back the Persians rather than restoring order. Needless to say, the chaos has continued to intensify, some tribal leaders even happily fighting alongside the invading Persians. (-2 Stability)

CHRISTIANS EXECUTED IN KOREA. Seoul, Korea. Two dozen Catholic missionaries were arrested and executed in Korea this year, for allegedly spreading lies and misinformation, attempting to destabilize the government. They were reported to be spreading Christian dogma which was detrimentary towards the government. The missionaries were promptly and arrested and executed by the government. A few of their less verbose supporters and families were instead exiled from the peninsula and forced to return home, often without ever seeing their executed family members ever again.

MARATHA MERCHANTS LEAD MOBS AGAINST EUROPEANS. Nagpur, Maratha Confederacy. Europeans found themselves under attack by mobs led by Maratha merchants, decrying their influence in the Confederacy. The mobs seriously injured dozens of Europeans and some are believed to have been killed. Europeans have begun to shut their doors and leave the area, and eventually the anti-imperialist rhetoric would lead to the expulsion of the remaining European merchants later in the year. Meanwhile, the merchants have gained influence in their efforts, becoming local leaders among the population and standing more influential despite the disadvantages of their castes.

SWEDISH MISSIONS MET WITH INDIFFERENCE IN INDIA. Gandjam, Sweden. The Swedish government has taken an active interest in the religious enlightenment of India and have begun opening new missions throughout their holdings there. Unfortunately, the missionaries have reported a surprising indifference on behalf of the Indians, and most of their sermons are attended only by white merchants and are rarely frequented by any actual Indians. More or less the efforts have been reported as a failure, though at least they are not met with outright hostility.

DUTCH BEGIN ROAD EXPANSIONS IN JAVA. Merak, Republic of the Netherlands. The Dutch colonial authority in the Dutch East Indies has received considerable sponsoring from the home government to expand the road networks in the colony. The old Java Road has been used to act as a base for the expansions, as paving is on the schedule among other refined elements. Local labor has been recruited and well paid for the effort, and seems to be putting many locals to work. Unfortunately, the local tribes are less than enthusiastic about the labor, though no open resistance has occurred as of yet.

PERSIA INVADES DURRANI EMPIRE. Kabul, Durrani Empire. As rebellion and tribal warfare consumed the western Durrani Empire, the army of Persia soon crossed the official border and began an attempt to conquer the main population centers of Afghanistan. The majority of the Durrani army was focused on keeping an eye upon the Maratha Confederacy and Khazaks and thus was not truly present on the western border. Therefore they were unable to oppose the Persian occupation of the border towns and cities, securing those areas with the help of the tribal leaders paid off to assist them. Eventually the Durrani managed to assemble their army and met the advancing main Persian army with a equal force near the town of Chagcharan. With some of the Persian brigades left in the rear to defend and patrol the occupied areas, the Durrani force was approximately the same size. Though their knowledge of the terrain assisted the Durrani, the Persians were guided by locals paid off to fight the Durrani. Thanks to their artillery train, the Persians thoroughly smashed the Durrani defense and the cavalry charge which followed destroyed the remaining resistance. The main Durrani army was routed back to Kabul and only a particularly harsh winter prevented the loss of the capital.
Casualty List
Durrani Empire: -8 Infantry Brigades, -2 Cavalry Brigades
Persia: -1 Infantry Brigade, -3 Cavalry Brigades

BRITISH DISPATCH EXPEDITION TO SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND. Bluff, United Kingdom of Great Britain. A British expedition has been dispatched to southern New Zealand in an attempt to win over the local Maori tribes and expand the settlement of the islands. Though the Maori have been politely rebuffed they have not outright refused a treaty similar to the one their brethren on the North Island had signed in the 1820s. A small British fort was established on the northern tip of the island, hoping to prepare the way for further colonization. The colony as a whole continues to suffer from a lack of interest as people are choosing to migrate to the United States or Australia instead.

VIETNAM LOOKS TOWARDS WESTERNIZATION. Hue, Vietnam. The King of Vietnam has begun a program of extensive westernization in the nation's military and culture. The military has been ordered to begin adopting the standard order of battle of most European armies. Elements of the military have even been disbanded to reduce the amount of resistance to the measure and to cheapen the overall expense of the effort. This alone has begun ringing many alarm bells among the upper classes as they believe that the king is directly damaging the unique Vietnamese culture and traditions. To make matters worse, the Vietnamese king has invested Western artists to sponsor and make art comparable to that of the Western masters. This alone seems to betray the very fabric of Vietnamese culture and identity. Regardless of his cause, the king's recent efforts have brought about an extreme rise of plotting against him both outside and inside his court. (-4 Stability)

DURRANI ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE MILITARY AMID WAR. Kabul, Durrani Empire. Even as the Persians threaten Kabul itself, the Durrani have viewed their failures and Persia's successes with awe. Hoping to be able to match the Persians, the Durrani have begun remodeling their army along the lines of an Islamic army. This has thrown some of their armed forces into confusion as they attempt to reorganize after several defeats and with many of their leaders in disgrace. They continue to be resisted by tribal leaders, who have brought the western regions of the empire into civil war.

CHINA BEGINS WESTERNIZATION OF MILITARY. Beijing, China. Under the influence of the prince of China, the Chinese army has begun reorganizing itself along the lines of a European typical army. This has been met with considerable resistance from within the ranks of the officer corps as well as within the nation's bureaucracy. Both elements of society are doing their best to sabotage the effort and delay change as long as possible. The efforts continue to destabilize the nation and erode the fabric of the Chinese army. (-1 Stability)

KHAZAK RAIDS PLAGUE NEIGHBORS. Mashhad, Persia. The eruption of war between the Durrani Empire and Persia has opened a door for Khazak raids into Persian territory. With the Persian army distracted by the ongoing war, there have been many chances for successful Khazak raids against Persian towns and communities. They have carried off much loot and what Persian patrols remain have failed to corral the raiders. In the north, the Khazaks have conducted several smaller raids against the forces of Moscowy, occasionally sacking the odd undefended community. As in the south, attempts to stop or protect against the raids have been mostly futile.

MARATHA CONFEDERACY EXPELS EUROPEANS. Pune, Maratha Confederacy. As anti-European sentiment swelled across the Confederacy, the rulers of the nation embraced the trend. In Pune, the leaders of the various European delegations were called together and told to leave the Confederacy immediately. The Maratha Confederacy has stated that all trading ties with Europe are closed and that no more access would be allowed for any European merchants or traders. Some have viewed the proclamation with despair as the declaration shut off a large market for Maratha goods. Regardless, the economic impact has had waves to Europe, outraging the merchants in London, Madrid, and Stockholm. All have called for immediate action to preserve the Indian market for their goods and purchasing ability. (+1 Stability)

Financial Section



Migrations and Population Movement

Top Locations for Immigrants:
1. United States of America
2. Vinland (Sweden)
3. Chile



Diplomatic Pouch

To: Empire of Holy Spain
From: Languedoc

We'd like to request Spanish military advisors to assist us in reforming our current army organization to help with our role in the Catholic League.

To: Empire of Holy Spain
From: Provence

We'd like to request Spanish military advisors in helping us to reform our current army organization to be more efficient like your own.

To: The Papacy
From: Sardinia

We no longer recognize your right to appoint bishops and other clergy in our lands. While we wish to remain part of the Catholic Church, the recent incidents of corruption lead us to suggest that you examine your own people and ideals. Such corruption does not spring from thin air.

To: United States of America
From: Kaw Nation

We immediately demand your settlers' and military's return across the Mississippi River. We will not cede a single bit of our territory to you without a fight.

OOC

I much prefer exact numbers when it comes to military campaigns and economic spending. While this may mean more work for you, it means significantly less work for me, and a major decrease of likelihood to disputes between us over what YOU meant by your orders and what I put in the update. If you are not specific I'll assume that ALL GSP was meant to be spent. Likewise, please be specific in WHAT units you want to build. Saying "brigades" without any qualifier will lead me to assume infantry only, not artillery or cavalry.

@Milarqui: If you could be a bit more specific with what exactly you want to do with agricultural development, it'll enable me to put a price on it for which to strive.

I wasn't joking earlier when I said I WILL kill entire armies from disease if you send them to places where it's unwise to send large armies. I'll probably even laugh when I do so. Like this: MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA.

@Immaculate: I had initially thought New Granada elections to be in 1831, but I have revised the elections per your orders. Are we still working with executive elections every 4 years?

Intelligence networks take money, knowledge, and most importantly time to create. DO NOT expect instant results from spending into intelligence gathering, especially not at this stage of technology and society.

I feel that I must state this again: Private companies are already actively pursuing various military technologies. Do not ask them for help. The spending into the tech tree is SOLELY your government's affair if you want the extra or early bonuses of a tech.

Another element of the rules which apparently must be repeated: If your colony does not have expansion as its issue of concern, it WILL NOT expand.

For the less observant of you, please note that ALL economic changes will always be listed in the "Financial Section" of the updates.

@TheLizardKing: While most of the traditional slave lands are under the control of the Spanish at this point, recall that the majority of the most populous and vocal slave states remain. With the inclusion of Halifax as a indisputable free state, you can bet that it's balanced out by an additional slave state elsewhere. The slavery dispute in America is just as intense as OTL, as you can tell by the update. Also, prior to this date, very few American settlers have ventured past the Mississippi except in Grand Floridian territories. This is due to prior agreements with Spain. Therefore until now, there have been no American settlements in OTL California or Oregon or indeed, any European settlements at all along the West Coast.

There are no railroads or trains yet, to all it may concern.

After further research I have modified Japan's religion to Secularism.

Though I thought it was implied, I suppose it must be mentioned that if you increase the size of your army while upgrading your quality, the price of said upgrading WILL go up.

@The Tyrant, costs and methods for designing a ship are on the front page. That is the set cost, and does not change, regardless of the ship you are designing. Your GSP have been banked.

The following nations have become available thanks to a lack of player contribution: Normandy, Paris.

I had to adjust the total economy of Spain at the last moment because I discovered that I had failed to give an economic rating to New Spain. Their economy has been substantially increased as a result.

VERY IMPORTANT: Upon reflection I may have to change the way I do the economies behind the scenes of the NES. I'll likely be experimenting something different next update. This will not affect changes caused by your policies or new trade agreements, but they will affect the "natural" growth of various nations. Because this occurred to me in the middle of finishing up the update's economic bits, I determined I may as well leave what I've done so far and just finish up the player-effected economic changes. I know things may be a bit sloppy with some nations' economies and things might have been missed, but I've been up all through the night finishing this update, so don't complain and give me a chance with the next one, as I think I know what I did wrong and a better way to do it than I did it this time. Once again I apologize for the lack or excess changes of economy here and there, and things will be much less sloppy next time. Manpower shifts may also get worked around if we have a smaller update next time.

World Map

Why did this happen:

SHAM ELECTIONS RAISE ANGER IN NEW GRANADA. Bogota, Republic of New Granada. Simon Bolivar, hero of the war of independence against Spain, was ousted in what many believe to be rigged elections by his conservative opponent, Miguel Angel Moreno. The great popularity of Bolivar and the obvious support for him made the election results all the more unpopular among the people of New Granada. Regardless, President Moreno immediately announced the movement of the nation to a "war footing," seizing businesses, many of which were frequently owned by political opponents of his faction, and raising taxes to pay for an increase of the military. He has called for the reclamation of the provinces of Venezuela to the larger Republic. Regardless, his actions have led to an effective dictatorship of the presidency, and ending a true republic in New Granada as a war begins to rise. (-2 Stability)

Click to expand...

I tried to add fluff about why the people would support a war and you turn it into a 'sham election' and the end of a republic.

Was I that bad? It was my sig, wasn't it? Actual Questions to be sent via PM.

To Persia
From the Durrani Empire
What do you want? Huh? If you don't say it carefully I would make sure you won't get it.

After further research I have modified Japan's religion to Secularism.

Click to expand...

Well, at least I was mentioned once in the update.

To: Languedoc, Provence
From: Empire of Holy Spain
Do not worry. Our advisors will travel to your lands so that you may be better able to contribute to the One True Faith of Catholicism.

To: United States
From: Empire of Holy Spain
We demand that you cease to intervene in affairs that you have no reason nor leg to stand on. The moment those people decided to live in Spanish lands, they became subject to Spanish law, and as such the people that lived in the so-called Jacksonville were guilty of rebellion against the Empire and Emperor. If your people wish to live in Florida, either they swear allegiance to the Emperor or stay in the United States.

To: Cuban people
From: Spanish government
It is to be known that the man that sparked the rebellion at Habana will be found, trialed and, if found guilty of rebellion against the Emperor, executed. We ask for the collaboration of all the people of Habana in the search of the rebel. Also, the claims of corruption among the administrators of Cuba shall be investigated.

Two Questions, probably already answered somewhere:

1) May we spend money to increase the quality of our army/navy; or does that only come "naturally"?

2) If we change the percent of economic control, does that affect spending for this turn?

To: The Empire of Spain
From: The United States of America

We find it laughable if you assume we have any direct contact with the settlers of those regions. Whatever rebellion rises from American citizens in your land, is primarily due to your governments failure to rule said territory- not from attempts by our own government to spur on revolt. No, this is a self-made matter. But let it be known, we aren't going to sit idly by, and watch you commit wrong doings to innocent American citizens.

Seeing as the lands are apparently American, in everything save for name, we'd be happy to buy the lands from you for a reasonable price, in order to prevent further tension and bloodshed.

To: The Kaw Nation
From: The United States of America

Your barbarian actions are a perfect representation as to why your people deserve nothing but a bullet in the head, and a shallow grave. We will end you.

To: Sweden
From: The United States

We appreciate the increased trade. May better relations follow.

OOC: Thanks EQ. Great, and timely update! So I feel the main purpose I'm going to have for the first 20 turns, is going to be to avoid a Civil War, huh? Did my economic team find even a slightly reasonable plan?

TheLizardKing said:

To: The Empire of Spain
From: The United States of America

We find it laughable if you assume we have any direct contact with the settlers of those regions. Whatever rebellion rises from American citizens in your land, is primarily due to your governments failure to rule said territory- not from attempts by our own government to spur on revolt. No, this is a self-made matter. But let it be known, we aren't going to sit idly by, and watch you commit wrong doings to innocent American citizens.

Seeing as the lands are apparently American, in everything save for name, we'd be happy to buy the lands from you for a reasonable price, in order to prevent further tension and bloodshed.

Click to expand...

To: United States
From: Empire of Holy Spain
The laws of the Empire clearly establish that town administrators are to be appointed from the government, and the moment the people living in the so-called Jacksonville rejected said administrator they committed a crime. They were given a chance to actually remain at peace within the Empire, and they rejected it. Thus, the guilt lays with those that broke the law, not those that tried to enforce it.

The lands of the colony of Grand Florida may be American in that they are in America, but they aren't American in the sense that they are part of your country. So, please, do not insult our intelligence.

If you want to prevent bloodshed, then there are only two ways this can be done: either renounce to Florida forever, thus telling those people that call themselves American that they will have to submit to the Emperor and its government, or have all those colonists go back into the United States. Florida is and will always be an integral part of the Empire of Holy Spain, no matter the opinion of the traitors that live in there but give their allegiance to a foreign government.

To: Spain
From: The United State of America

No. Our nation was founded on principles that apply to all men, regardless as to whether or not they are living in Florida, Pennsylvania or Vinland. We are not turning our backs on our nationals, who you very well will probably kill and abuse, as is the theme of Spanish rule in the Americas. We also refuse to force our people out of our lands. We assure you, if you attempt to do either, their will be bloodshed. Without the American military involving itself.

We must once again insist on buying the land for a more then reasonable price, in the hopes that we may forget this. We are not opposed as to letting the Pope mediate, so long as He acts fair in His judgments.