Kozmos
Jew Detective
Alas I'm a poor technical student who was gipped on economy, urban planning and political subjects by a demented educational system.
Immaculate NES Five: Blood From A Stone
- Thread starter Immaculate
- Start date
It was hot for April, even considering how the world had changed. It was especially hot considering the sun had just risen over the flat, tree-dotted horizon. Jedediah wiped the sweat from his brow, paused briefly to gather his thoughts, and continued to milk the well-fed cow standing between him and the visiting bureaucrat from Canada. Jed hardly ever got a chance to get his hands dirty with the farm chores anymore, but he always seemed to find the opportunity when his friends from the North came to town.
“I’ve told you before, Stephen, we haven’t found them. You know I wouldn’t risk my people’s necks for a few runaway slaves.” He stood, stretched, and grabbed the bucket’s handle in his calloused hands. Jed carried the fresh milk towards the table, careful not to spill a drop. “Care for a glass?”
Stephen grimaced. “No, god no. I don’t know how you drink that stuff warm. Cold and pasteurized, or none at all. Some of us still remember the benefits of civilization.”
“Yes, well. Some of us still remember our roots. We were talking about your slave problem, I believe. The way I see it, there’s a lot of land ‘round here, not so many people. Not too many folk’d turn away a seasoned farmhand, brand or no. Our boys are out asking around, but you know how it is.” He looked up at the cloudless sky, the sun already baking the cracked earth. “It takes great strength to till the ground nowdays.”
“Save your excuses Jed. My mounties tracked the slaves past Eau Claire to the coolies, and then nothing. You really think 50 slaves, branded and hungry, can just vanish like that?”
“Well, if they can escape the Imperial Canadian Mounted Police, I don’t see what my boys can do better. After all, yours are the best trackers in the world, so they say.” Jed stopped to observe the man in front of him. He was sweating uncomfortably in the early day heat, his dark cotton suit (Cotton! In a world where half the children go to bed thirsty!) moistening at the pits. “You know, it’s funny. I never seem to come visit you asking your help tracking down a band of escaped sharecroppers. Ain’t no dirt-scrabble farmer runnin’ to the great wide North to make a new life.”
Stephen picked at his immaculately groomed fingernails and sighed. “Your point?”
“Oh, just talkin’ out loud, I suppose. Seems it’s really a difference in philosophy more than economy. Sure, I have to feed my ‘croppers, look out for them and that’s a real cost. But how much do you spend tracking these runaways down each year? Seems an awfully expensive way to run a farm.”
“I did not come here for a lecture. I came here in good faith. This has been a problem for several years, and there are some back in Calgary that want me to come back in force.”
Jed raised an eyebrow. “You really willing to start a shootin’ war over a few runaways?”
“It isn’t about the slaves anymore, Jed. It’s about respect. Your little country exists because of the continued good faith and credit of the nation of Canada. We could take every city from Detroit to St. Louis from you in under a year if we wanted.”
Jed looked to the ceiling and paused, as if he were calculating. After a few seconds, he spoke. “Yes, I reckon you could, though I reckon it would be a far sight harder than you think.” He looked Stephen in the eyes with a tight grin that not even a blind man could mistake for affection. “Though on the other hand, while your troops were down here beatin’ on my boys, who would stay home and make sure the slaves worked the fields? I heard about the riots in Winnipeg, rumor has it that took two divisions of seasoned troops a week to put down. And I know you must have killed the whole lot of slaves since we’re shipping so much more grain up that way. Who’s gonna grow your grain when you’re burning our fields, killing our farmers, eh? But I digress, and I apologize. Too much milk on a hot day - maybe I should try it pasteurized.” He seemed to think for a moment, then turned away, shading his eyes with his hand as he looked to the south. His broad shoulders slouched nearly imperceptibly as he carefully chose his next words. “It’s funny you mention St. Louis. I just heard the other day there’s a bit of a boom there - lots of farmhands lookin for work. Caravan of fifty or so was spotted floatin’ down the Big Muddy just yesterday. I reckon’ they’re probably just about to Davenport by now.”
“There, that wasn’t so hard was it Jed? Good to see you keeping the greater good in mind. And don’t worry, not even our Mounties will know where the tip came from.” Stephen turned and began the walk down the dusty path to his waiting car, and Jed turned back to his chores, the air above the parched ground already rippling from the morning heat. It was going to be a very hot summer.
“I’ve told you before, Stephen, we haven’t found them. You know I wouldn’t risk my people’s necks for a few runaway slaves.” He stood, stretched, and grabbed the bucket’s handle in his calloused hands. Jed carried the fresh milk towards the table, careful not to spill a drop. “Care for a glass?”
Stephen grimaced. “No, god no. I don’t know how you drink that stuff warm. Cold and pasteurized, or none at all. Some of us still remember the benefits of civilization.”
“Yes, well. Some of us still remember our roots. We were talking about your slave problem, I believe. The way I see it, there’s a lot of land ‘round here, not so many people. Not too many folk’d turn away a seasoned farmhand, brand or no. Our boys are out asking around, but you know how it is.” He looked up at the cloudless sky, the sun already baking the cracked earth. “It takes great strength to till the ground nowdays.”
“Save your excuses Jed. My mounties tracked the slaves past Eau Claire to the coolies, and then nothing. You really think 50 slaves, branded and hungry, can just vanish like that?”
“Well, if they can escape the Imperial Canadian Mounted Police, I don’t see what my boys can do better. After all, yours are the best trackers in the world, so they say.” Jed stopped to observe the man in front of him. He was sweating uncomfortably in the early day heat, his dark cotton suit (Cotton! In a world where half the children go to bed thirsty!) moistening at the pits. “You know, it’s funny. I never seem to come visit you asking your help tracking down a band of escaped sharecroppers. Ain’t no dirt-scrabble farmer runnin’ to the great wide North to make a new life.”
Stephen picked at his immaculately groomed fingernails and sighed. “Your point?”
“Oh, just talkin’ out loud, I suppose. Seems it’s really a difference in philosophy more than economy. Sure, I have to feed my ‘croppers, look out for them and that’s a real cost. But how much do you spend tracking these runaways down each year? Seems an awfully expensive way to run a farm.”
“I did not come here for a lecture. I came here in good faith. This has been a problem for several years, and there are some back in Calgary that want me to come back in force.”
Jed raised an eyebrow. “You really willing to start a shootin’ war over a few runaways?”
“It isn’t about the slaves anymore, Jed. It’s about respect. Your little country exists because of the continued good faith and credit of the nation of Canada. We could take every city from Detroit to St. Louis from you in under a year if we wanted.”
Jed looked to the ceiling and paused, as if he were calculating. After a few seconds, he spoke. “Yes, I reckon you could, though I reckon it would be a far sight harder than you think.” He looked Stephen in the eyes with a tight grin that not even a blind man could mistake for affection. “Though on the other hand, while your troops were down here beatin’ on my boys, who would stay home and make sure the slaves worked the fields? I heard about the riots in Winnipeg, rumor has it that took two divisions of seasoned troops a week to put down. And I know you must have killed the whole lot of slaves since we’re shipping so much more grain up that way. Who’s gonna grow your grain when you’re burning our fields, killing our farmers, eh? But I digress, and I apologize. Too much milk on a hot day - maybe I should try it pasteurized.” He seemed to think for a moment, then turned away, shading his eyes with his hand as he looked to the south. His broad shoulders slouched nearly imperceptibly as he carefully chose his next words. “It’s funny you mention St. Louis. I just heard the other day there’s a bit of a boom there - lots of farmhands lookin for work. Caravan of fifty or so was spotted floatin’ down the Big Muddy just yesterday. I reckon’ they’re probably just about to Davenport by now.”
“There, that wasn’t so hard was it Jed? Good to see you keeping the greater good in mind. And don’t worry, not even our Mounties will know where the tip came from.” Stephen turned and began the walk down the dusty path to his waiting car, and Jed turned back to his chores, the air above the parched ground already rippling from the morning heat. It was going to be a very hot summer.
Iberia mourns the loss of a dear leader.
All across the nation, candlelight vigils have been held as the nation mourns the loss of beloved President Danilo Consuelo. His death came as a surprise to the nation, he was in seemingly good health even up the the morning he died, but had an undetected brain aneurysm which eventually took his life. A massive funeral was held in the capital city, Barcelona, yesterday, where much of the central government and many foreign dignitaries were present. The nation will miss our beloved leader, who will be remembered for his vast public works projects and his masterful handling of the November Incident 3 years ago.
In cities and towns across Iberia, people have gathered to mourn the loss of the President, and many statues have been erected in his honor. Danilo Consuelo presided over a period of relative prosperity in Iberia. His 14 year rule was marked by a return to normalcy after the revolution overturned much of the nation. Towards the end of his term, the rains returned and the long drought that has plagued the nation ended, although we have entered into another period of drought. President Consuelo will be missed by many, but Iberia will move forward into a new era stronger because of his leadership.
Miguel Silva sworn in as Iberia's next president.
It's official, Miguel Silva is now the president of Iberia. Replacing Danilo Consuelo as the President of Iberia, he enters office with great ambitions for the nation. Selected by the Supreme Council, he was chosen with a mission to bring reforms to the nation to help improve the efficiency of the government and renew the revolution among the people. Though it is not entirely clear how these reforms will be achieved, there is much speculation that there will be more involvement throughout the party and that party membership will become easier to attain.
President Silva has said that he wishes to continue detente with the Mahgreb Union, and to reach out to other nations to improve the Iberian economy, and continue to work towards economic independence. Regarding other foreign affairs, it is no secret that Iberia looks towards the Frankish Principalities with great interest regarding the socialist movement spreading across their nation. Though the future is unclear, we can be sure in President Silva's strong leadership and charisma to lead us forward.
All across the nation, candlelight vigils have been held as the nation mourns the loss of beloved President Danilo Consuelo. His death came as a surprise to the nation, he was in seemingly good health even up the the morning he died, but had an undetected brain aneurysm which eventually took his life. A massive funeral was held in the capital city, Barcelona, yesterday, where much of the central government and many foreign dignitaries were present. The nation will miss our beloved leader, who will be remembered for his vast public works projects and his masterful handling of the November Incident 3 years ago.
In cities and towns across Iberia, people have gathered to mourn the loss of the President, and many statues have been erected in his honor. Danilo Consuelo presided over a period of relative prosperity in Iberia. His 14 year rule was marked by a return to normalcy after the revolution overturned much of the nation. Towards the end of his term, the rains returned and the long drought that has plagued the nation ended, although we have entered into another period of drought. President Consuelo will be missed by many, but Iberia will move forward into a new era stronger because of his leadership.
Miguel Silva sworn in as Iberia's next president.
It's official, Miguel Silva is now the president of Iberia. Replacing Danilo Consuelo as the President of Iberia, he enters office with great ambitions for the nation. Selected by the Supreme Council, he was chosen with a mission to bring reforms to the nation to help improve the efficiency of the government and renew the revolution among the people. Though it is not entirely clear how these reforms will be achieved, there is much speculation that there will be more involvement throughout the party and that party membership will become easier to attain.
President Silva has said that he wishes to continue detente with the Mahgreb Union, and to reach out to other nations to improve the Iberian economy, and continue to work towards economic independence. Regarding other foreign affairs, it is no secret that Iberia looks towards the Frankish Principalities with great interest regarding the socialist movement spreading across their nation. Though the future is unclear, we can be sure in President Silva's strong leadership and charisma to lead us forward.
ChiefDesigner
Sunset Emperor
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 761
Orders late tonight.
Orders to come today
Sorry for the delay
Sorry for the delay
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
Well...
Thank-you to everyone who sent orders so far. I would say we've successfully recovered this game from oblivion. (THREAD NECRO WORKED!)
I'm starting the update but will accept late orders for a bit.
I'm still looking for new players- in particular i would love to have an active Korea, an active Mongolia, and an active Colombia (beyond what we have currently). So if you are a lurker... jump in and take the helm of one of these three nations.
Thank-you to everyone who sent orders so far. I would say we've successfully recovered this game from oblivion. (THREAD NECRO WORKED!)
I'm starting the update but will accept late orders for a bit.
I'm still looking for new players- in particular i would love to have an active Korea, an active Mongolia, and an active Colombia (beyond what we have currently). So if you are a lurker... jump in and take the helm of one of these three nations.
SouthernKing
crickety cricket
Shamefully late orders sent.
DC123456789
Deity
Claiming Armenia, if that's okay.
Orders sent. Sorry for the delay.
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
You are very welcome to claim this nation. It will be interesting to see where you take them!
DC123456789
Deity
Could you give me a brief rundown of their situation? They seem to be a rather isolationist theocracy that doesn't seem to be doing terribly badly economically, but could you give me a more detailed rundown of their situation and history? They aren't exactly detailed in the timeline or updates...
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
Its open to a lot of player interpretation (thats part of why we have a wiki) but effectively I had envisioned,
The fall of agriculture, deindustrialization, and deurbanization leads to chaos and eventually governmental failure (since it cannot provide government services or impose law). Enter decentralized civilian militias with stronger and stronger ties to the organizing and motivational influence of the church. As church begins to resume some sort of social governance- or at least influence over community, the militias eventually swear some sort of loyalty to the Catholicos (church leadership) directly.
Russia gets frisky in the 2040s and invades twice, expecting Armenia to be as disorganized and ripe for conquest as many of its neighbors and internal dissenters. They find the Armenian church leadership has retained a high degree of organization and social centralization and that its militias are well-equipped, motivated, and trained. Twice they turn back the invaders.
Over the decades the Armenian Apostolic Church assumes more and more direct responsibilities over society, effectively becoming the defacto government. In 2062 Armenia, who has been developing stronger and stronger links with Georgia sides with the break-away province when these declare their independence from Russia. Together they are able to make retaking Georgia too expensive for presently over-stretched russia and Georgia secedes to Albania.
And thus the identity is born.
There's room for a lot more in this and I invite you to change whatever you like to fit your tastes, but thats what I sort of had in mind.
Lord of Elves
Suede-Denim Secret Police
- Joined
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I don't have the time to write orders right now but writing orders is a thing that I intend to do and it will happen, you know, eventually.
DC123456789
Deity
I assume Georgia seceded to Armenia, and Albania (which no longer exists in TTL), right? 
Yeah, that was more or less what I envisioned for its history too. But what about its relationships with its neighbours? And how badly was it hit by climate change? I assume that territorially, it's just (modern-day) Armenia and Georgia, right?
Yeah, that was more or less what I envisioned for its history too. But what about its relationships with its neighbours? And how badly was it hit by climate change? I assume that territorially, it's just (modern-day) Armenia and Georgia, right?
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
I'd say thats accurate.
One of the effects of the rising water levels has been a greatly expanded Black Sea and an open waterway to the Caspian. Also greatly expanded. And both of these have significantly salinized.
Additionally, Armenia already has a history of localized droughts and poor water distribution. This would be exacerbated by the changes in climate. Some agricultural areas would probably have to be adapted to pasturage (due to soil erosion). Other pasturages would be desiccated, overgrazed, and also suffer from accelerated soil erosion.
A much more in-depth analysis can be found here.
One of the effects of the rising water levels has been a greatly expanded Black Sea and an open waterway to the Caspian. Also greatly expanded. And both of these have significantly salinized.
Additionally, Armenia already has a history of localized droughts and poor water distribution. This would be exacerbated by the changes in climate. Some agricultural areas would probably have to be adapted to pasturage (due to soil erosion). Other pasturages would be desiccated, overgrazed, and also suffer from accelerated soil erosion.
A much more in-depth analysis can be found here.
DC123456789
Deity
So basically Armenia is suffering from water shortages (like everywhere else, it seems), right?
Also, (last question, I promise, if you answer it) could you give me a quick rundown of Armenia's relationship with its neighbours (Russia, Turkey, and Umma Al-Mu'minim)?
Also, (last question, I promise, if you answer it
) could you give me a quick rundown of Armenia's relationship with its neighbours (Russia, Turkey, and Umma Al-Mu'minim)?
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
You've fought wars with the Russians in the 2040s and 2060s (three total). You were caught supporting hardline Christians in a bombing campaign in the Umma in the 2080s (? gotta check that date). Other than that, its like you said, fairly isolationist.
You could potentially develop good relations with your neighbors if you wanted- the violence and hard-feelings are almost 30-50 years ago.
You could potentially develop good relations with your neighbors if you wanted- the violence and hard-feelings are almost 30-50 years ago.
