Against All Odds: The Struggles of the Noyyau

[Noyyau]

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

The first contingent of Noyyau mercenaries disembarked in Samut Prakan during the night, their weapons covered, without attracting too much attention. At sunrise, they were already on their way towards Khon Kaen, to bolster the Siamese defenders against an expected renewed Lithuanian offensive.

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The first units to benefit from the knowledge gained from the Mongolians were the Noyyau Noble Knights, receiving firearms specifically designed for cavalry use and experimenting with new tactical maneuvers, as part of the larger reorganization and upgrading of the Noyyau Military.

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Viking cities fell to the Hurrians one after the other, the curtain of history closing on the Viking Kingdom as an independent nation.

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Ende, the last Viking stronghold, fell to popular disorders as the ethnic Majapahit population (themselves conquered by the Vikings long ago) revolted against the Vikings, wanting an immediate surrender to spare the city the horrors of a doomed battle.

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The Security and Intelligence Service mission in Mongolia brought to Noyyau even more samples of advanced weaponry, in this case Mongolian Muskets copied from the Hurrian ones. The operation was deemed a success, despite “regrettable losses in manpower assets”.
The Mongolian diplomats never mentioned any incidents, leading the Noyyau to think the unfortunate Spy had been loyal and never revealed his identity.

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***

To better understand the current situation, here is an overview of the foreign Civics.
Refer to this post for the overview of the foreign diplomatic relations.

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Notable cases:

Pakistan is a nation divided between the cities and the countryside: it is ruled by a progressive Monarchy whose power is kept in check by an active Senate, it was the first nation to adopt a Volunteer Army and its Free Churches are a model of religious tolerance. Yet outside the major cities, the land is still worked by peasants according to Feudal concessions and traditions that are centuries old.

India is somewhat more backwards, still relying on a massive Standing Army that has started to show its shortcomings in the two-front war against Siam and the Ottomans. Maybe the sudden ceasefire with Siam has been more necessary to the Indians than the Siamese.
Despite the presence of most of the world's major religions in its cities, the Indian Kingdom is quite Intolerant of any faith other that the State-approved Zoroastrianism, leading to some tensions both internal and diplomatic.

The Siamese Kingdom, while being attentive to the needs of its Proletariat, enforces a somewhat anachronistic Divine Cult of the Royal Family, the current wars only reinforcing the perceived need of national unity and obedience.
Ironically enough, they share the same Judaistic faith as their Lithuanian foes, having so far refused all Noyyau diplomatic attempts to accept Shintoism as a State Religion. Maybe this war will finally convince them to change their minds?

The Hurrians and their Canadian vassals are oligarchic Republics, where only the upper Castes of their society have any say in politics. The Bureaucratic Caste controls virtually all aspects of day-to-day governance. Their Standing Army is vast, commanded by officers from the upper Castes, though the majority of their troops are either conscripted lower-Caste subjects or Slaves, the backbone of their economy still relying on forced labor (probably the reason the Hurrians managed to field such a vast army).

 

[Noyyau]

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

The first shipments of the new Muskets were delivered to the most elite Noyyau warriors.
During a demonstration of the new weapons by the Greek Raiders, King Felix expressed his pleasure for the recent peaceful resolution of the issue of city guards in House Greek-held lands, praising both involved Houses for their pragmatic decisions.

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While personally overseeing the implementation of the military reforms by visiting the major Garrisons across the Kingdom, King Felix was surprised to find a woman commanding Tehran's military school. As it turned out, Lady Pantea was the scion of an ancient Iranian noble family, tracing its lineage back to the pre-Noyyau era. King Felix was impressed by the Lady Pantea's firm authority and effective leadership, and invited her to have a greater role in shaping the new Noyyau military.
It did not take long for rumors to spread about the King having fallen in love with the beautiful Iranian warlady.
In what was becoming tradition for the Royal family, the Noyyau Kings seemed keen on looking for their Queens among the many nationalities that formed the great Noyyau Kingdom.

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Noyyau ships docked almost daily in Samut Prakan, the presence of the Noyyau mercenaries hardly a secret anymore, though the Siamese certainly did not complain. The locals even began calling the route linking Samut Prakan with Khon Kaen as “mercenary road”.

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Once Noyyau metallurgy improved enough for Muskets to be mass produced, the step to upgrading the ancient Bombards was relatively short.
The study of the ballistics of the new Cannons led to the formalization of another fundamental Science: Physics.

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Samples of Dutch Galleons were acquired for study. The East Indiamen, as the Dutch called them, were the ideal combination of the firepower of a Frigate with the cargo hold of a Galleon. Unfortunately, these vessels owed their superior qualities to a specific timber, able to grow only in the Dutch Republic, and reproducing them with Noyyau materials was deemed not feasible.

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The Lithuanians established their frontline just outside of Nakhom Pathom, making good use of the defensive opportunities provided by the Siamese riverlands. Once their position was secure, though, no further movement was spotted, probably owing to their recent defeat at the walls of Khon Kaen.

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The Viking Kingdom met its demise with the inevitable fall of Ende, the Hurrian hordes unstoppable in their numbers. Only a scarce few Viking ships remained of the once proud nation, going into hiding in the most remote parts of the ocean they could find.

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What had started as a mere training mission in infiltration and information gathering for new SIS agents spiralled out of control, in repeated attempts to cover up previous mistakes and unlucky accidents. When an agent was eventually captured, the SIS resorted to stirring up an improptu revolt, using the ensuing chaos to destroy all evidence and finally leave the Ottoman colony.

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Not long after the Florentanius Watch left London, tension flared up again in the city, the rebels possibly having awaited the departure of the Noyyau peacekeepers before attempting a new revolt.

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With the Peace Treaty between Siam and India having returned south-western Siam to relative tranquility, the Noyyau observers moved further south, to report on the Ottoman-Indian war raging in the deserts of the Catfish continent.

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Pirate expeditions were always fraught with risk, and once again some captains ventured too close to the Roman coast, and despite their initial victories, were ultimately overwhelmed by the determined Roman navy.
Their defeat was later avenged by another pirate flotilla, having arrived too late to save their sunken comrades.

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The Siamese launched a counterattack to recapture the fortified ruins of Saxon, meeting fierce resistance from the entrenched Lithuanians.

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An aspect often neglected in the unregulated growth of the Noyyau cities, it took intense efforts from the local governors to include sewer and public baths building in the Public Works plans, and even more to have them actually built in the increasingly unsanitary major cities.

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While the Noyyau armed forces were still reorganizing, the extremist Pict expatriates hiding in Sofia attempted one last rebellion, initially even obtaining some victories, like the destruction of Sofia's Town Hall, and the massacre of one of the defending units, torching their barracks while they were sleeping.
What they did not predict, however, was that the expedition led by the Foreign Mercenary Warlords had just returned to the mainland, disembarking on the mainland less than a day's march from Sofia.

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As it had happened countless times before, so it had happened again: the might of the Noyyau military crushed into dust any attempt at resistance.
The Noyyau Noble Knights demonstrated the unstoppable power of a Cuirassier charge, supported by the artillery bombardments of the Foreign Warlords.
The Noyyau Department of Investigations passed their own test, hunting down those rebels that attempted to hide from Noyyau retribution.
It was widely believed that this would probably be the Last Pict Rebellion.

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On the Catfish Continent, the Siamese attack on the Saxon desert fort failed miserably. Despite inflicting serious casualties on the defending Lithuanians, the Siamese simply did not have enough reserves to keep charging.

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On the southeastern front, the Siamese sent their recently “acquired” Mercenaries to conquer the fort built on the ruins of Rayong, conquered by the Lithuanians at the beginning of the war.
After a prolonged siege, the Siamese finally retook control of the area, though for how long would remain a question, as a sizeable Lithuanian force was spotted approaching from the desert.

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Further south, the Ottomans advanced aggressively towards the Indian capital of Delhi. Would the Indians be able to defend their threatened capital?

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[CaterpillarKing]

Okay, so I'm lost again. Is there a brief synopsis I can access in regards to my house and other houses? I'll figure out the rest later.

 

[Niccolo Edwards]

There is. It should be on the front page under the "Houses" spoiler.

Found it, right here

 

[Niccolo Edwards]

Spoiler :

OOC: I just got out of another meeting. I’m doing this, then going straight to bed.

1. House Florentanius would like to express its continued support of the Northern Training Expedition.
2. House Florentanius is interested in the Hurrian strategy and would urge Noyyau military commanders and scholars to look into and further develop these for possible use by the Noyyau military in the event that they are needed.
3. House Florentanius would like to express its most sincere condolences for the lives of all those lost in the tragic earthquake and mine collapse. In order to prevent future incidents House Florentanius would urge that the MEDC explore options for minimum safety standards in mines and quarries.
4. House Florentanius is pleased with the advances made by Felix Hoffman.
5. House Florentanius would like to congratulate the NDI on its successes. The leadership of The Watch of House Florentanius would like to note that they have a vested interest in working with the NDI.
6. House Florentanius would urge Noyyau military commanders to adopt a more unified approach to training, perhaps reforming all training programs to have similar standards before training soldiers in their specialized tasks and roles. The Watch of House Florentanius is willing to work with military commanders if they wish to emulate some of the parts of the (admittedly long) training of the WHF. Of course, the WHF training can last up to four years so it is recommended that the training be more limited than the WHF’s.
7. House Florentanius is pleased with the trades made between the Noyyau and the Dutch. House Florentanius looks forward to future business between the two nations and hopes that both nations may prosper from this arrangement.
8. The Watch of House Florentanius would like to express its distaste for the rebels, but remains confident that those who trained under the WHF will be more than capable of handling this infestation.
9. House Florentanius would like to congratulate the cities whose mayors and governors are implementing sanitation systems. It is the hope of House Florentanius that this will be spread to every city and town in the kingdom.
10. House Florentanius is pleased with the removal of the Pict rebels. House Florentanius would urge these rebels to at least lay down arms, if not surrender themselves. As it was in Former Iran, concessions will be made to those who surrender themselves and deals can be negotiated.
11. House Florentanius is pleased with the results of the rebellion, however, House Florentanius and the WHF hope that the Noyyau do not grow complacent as that will certainly lead to casualties.

 

[Noyyau]

Okay, so I'm lost again. Is there a brief synopsis I can access in regards to my house and other houses? I'll figure out the rest later.

There is. It should be on the front page under the "Houses" spoiler.

Found it, right here

The first post has links to a review of the Houses, as well as current Civics and (relatively) up-to-date world maps.

The current situation in brief:

The Noyyau Kingdom has been at peace for a long time now (the last conflict has been the Conquest of Venice, which is now our Vassal).
However there have been constant Pict rebellions in former Pict territories, but dedicated efforts have relegated the rebels to former Northern Pictland, and the Golden Age is further helping in pacifying the whole region for good.

Meanwhile, while nominally at peace, the Noyyau are waging an intense proxy naval war against the rest of the world, by (secretly) sponsoring corsairs to attack other nations' ships.

Recently, two major wars have erupted on the other continents:
-a minor border conflict between Siam and India had a domino effect on the Catfish continent, where the Noyyau have intervened by helping the Siamese with units and espionage against Lithuania (ironically, the original combatants Siam and India have meanwhile signed peace)
-on the Lower continent, the Hurrian Republic surprised everyone by having the most advanced units and a very large army, using it to great effect: they invaded and effectively annihilated the Vikings, conquering all their cities, without too much trouble.

 

[Noyyau]

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

Noyyau intervention in Siam included covert operations by the Security and Intelligence Service. Siamese prisoners in Lithuanian-conquered Nakhon Pathom were freed in a night attack on the Lithuanian military prison, under cover of popular unrest in the city. Ignorant of the true identity of their saviors, the Siamese prisoners promised that retaliation would soon come to the Lithuanian conquerors.

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The Indians desperately counterattacked the Ottoman force marching on their capital of Delhi. Despite their inferior numbers, the Indians managed to inflict enough casualties to make the Ottoman army retreat.

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Meanwhile, the Ottomans launched a surprise attack on the southern Indian city of Pataliputra, the Ottoman army suddenly emerging from the jungles and surprising the few Indian defenders.

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While House Florentanius sponsored a Kingdom-wide renovation of military Garrisons across the Kingdom, the entirety of the active Noyyau military (all units not on garrison duty) made camp in the Pictish Plains, to receive modern Muskets and Cannons, and to be reorganized into effective formations adequate for the modern battlefields, after too many years of garrison and counter-insurgency duties.

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As promised by the liberated Siamese prisoners, Nakhon Pathom, despite being under Lithuanian military control, became a battlefield once again, every street corner and window hiding dangers for the Lithuanian garrison.
The Lithuanians were forced to spread out into the countryside as well, to stop Siamese fighters from disrupting all supply caravans to the contested city.

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To further harass the Lithuanians, a corsair fleet was sent to raid their coastal waters.

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Near both Delhi and Pataliputra, the Ottomans retreated, surprising the Noyyau observers. While near Delhi the Indians put up a fierce resistance, Pataliputra had merely a token garrison, which the attacking Ottoman force could have easily overwhelmed. What was going on in the upper echelons of the Ottoman military?

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Despite repeated defeats in the past, Noyyau pirates insisted yet again in attempting to fight the Roman Navy, with predictable results.

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The Siamese island colonies in the Catfish Whiskers staged public demonstrations against the increasing taxes and conscription caused by the ongoing war.

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While the Indians sent what few troops they could spare to Pataliputra, the Ottomans once again approached the city.

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The Ottomans advanced again on the Delhi plains as well, constantly harassed by the Indians.

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Indian-conquered Pak Kret, a shadow of its former Siamese self, was visited by the Giacola Rogues and the Security and Intelligence Service, there to “suggest” to the few remaining Siamese inhabitants to return to the Siamese Kingdom, no matter what that might require.

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The recent corsair defeats at the hands of the Roman Navy prompted discussions about the current (non-existent) requirements to became a sanctioned corsair. Taking inspiration from the current reforms of the military, successful retired captains were called to teach would be corsairs what they had learned in their years at sea, the Royal Treasury funding Naval Academies in the major shipbuilding ports in the Kingdom.

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Following a heated academic disagreement over his recent publications about the laws of motion and gravity, controversial Noyyau physicist Isaac Newton emigrated to Xadhoom, where he opened his own teaching institution.

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Pirates roaming the Western Ocean met the growing Assyrian Fleet, unhappy about their presence so close to the Assyrian capital.

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The first graduation of the Robertian Naval Academy coincided with the launching of the first of a new class of warship, the Man'o'War, more compact and somewhat slower than the traditional Noyyau Frigate, though sporting a significant increase in armament.

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The Security and Intelligence Service began laying the groundwork for future operations in Canada, with the final objective of destabilizing the vassal of the Hurrians, and possibly have the Mongolians annex their territory.

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The Siam-Lithuania war continued to be fought over the same territories, Rayong Fort being retaken by the Lithuanians not long after the recent Siamese takeover.
This movement of Lithuanian forces allowed the Siamese to finally succeed in their attacks on Saxon Fort in the desert.

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The Assyrian Fleet proved to be quite determined as well as having plentiful reserves, forcing the Noyyau Privateers to retreat after a lenghty battle off the coast of Nineveh.

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The ongoing Ottoman-Indian war on the Delhi Plains continued to baffle the Noyyau observers, unable to understand what was either side's strategic plan, or if there even was one at all.

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Through unsanctioned information channels, some Noyyau corsairs understood that Canada had become a “preferential target”, and sailed to investigate possible gains, discovering a thriving Canadian merchant navy just waiting to be plundered.

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Venetian London once again was shaken by popular uprisings, the Venetians at least having learned to quell such uprisings, if not to prevent them.
Though no official request for help arrived from the Venetians, Noyyau commanders discussed the possibility of sending another peacekeeping mission to London, pending approval by the House of Nobles and the King.

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Pirate raids against Canadian shipping escalated quickly, with corsair reinforcements arriving from Incan waters.

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SIS agents on their way to Diyarbakir reported that the Roman Republic dared settle a colony on rightful Noyyau soil, in the Moroccan Peninsula.
When Noyyau diplomats politely requested the handover of the unlawful settlement, even in exchange for compensation, the Romans adamantly refused.

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Questions for the House of Nobles:

1) What (if anything) should be done about the unrest in Venetian London?
2) What (if anything) should be done about the Roman colony (Neapolis) in the Moroccan Peninsula?

 

[Niccolo Edwards]

1. House Florentanius is pleased with the successful actions taken by the SIS and would urge them to continue on their course.
2. House Florentanius is pleased with the advances being made in naval warfare and hopes to see more success by the Noyyau corsairs.
3. House Florentanius would urge the rebels in Venetian London to cease their activities.
4. House Florentanius is pleased with the successes of the corsairs in Canadian waters.

House Florentanius strongly condemns the actions taken by the rebel in Venetian London and would urge that the House of Nobles send forth a notice to the Venetians informing them that the Noyyau are more than happy to provide them with additional military aid if nessesary. If the situation escalates House Florentanius would request that an armed intervention force be allowed to sail for London to prevent the further spread of violence.

In regards to the Roman colony House Florentanius urges strong action be taken. This colony should be blockaded and Roman businesses boycotted until this colony is either removed or passed into the control of the Noyyau. If the Romans respond violently they should be put down like the dogs they are. The Noyyau must send a strong message and establish a precedent; we are not to be trifled with.

 

[Niccolo Edwards]

While House Florentanius is thankful for the support of House Greek in the matter of the Roman colony House Florentanius would like to ensure agreement among the noble houses that violence must be a last resort, war against the Romans would be costly at any time, however, when so many of our mercenary allies are overseas and our army is undergoing upgrades and improvements, this war may be more than we can safely handle. However, the Romans must be punished for their impudence, while a non-violent solution, or at least one that cannot fall back onto the Noyyau, would be preferred, if violence is nessesary, then so be it.

 

[jackelgull]

I'm sorry for not joining in like forever.

The house of Giacola suggests we fund rebels in the Roman city - they may have stolen the land from us, let's see them keep it. And I suggest we make our designs on our continent clear with a Noyyau Doctrine, in case foreign powers mistakenly think there is no consequence for such a breach of borders.

 

[Noyyau]

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

Distracted by the discovery of the Roman colony in Noyyau territory, the SIS agents fumbled their mission in Diyarbakir, discovered by the Ottoman garrison before they could even meet their local contacts.

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Unsurprisingly, the Lithuanians retook Saxon Fort, right in front of the Siamese troops that were to be its garrison.

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Adding to the chaos on the Delhi Plains, the Ottomans sent another army towards Delhi, though Noyyau analysts were skeptical about their chances to actually reach the Indian capital.

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While the rest of the Catfish continent was busy fighting each other (except the Incans, who were busy fighting Noyyau pirates), Pakistani society reformed itself, becoming a beacon of tolerance and freedom for the world.

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While the Noyyau Nobles discussed how to react to the Roman colony of Neapolis on the Moroccan Peninsula, the Roman Republic signed a defensive pact with the Dutch. It seemed that the Romans were aware of having angered the powerful Noyyau Kingdom, and sought to protect themselves by allying with the Dutch, a nation known to be friendly with the Noyyau.

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While naval battles raged off the Canadian coasts, the SIS began infiltrating its agents in Canada, encountering some difficulties on the way.
The Dutch meanwhile signed another defensive pact, this time with the Mongolians. Were the Dutch attempting to create an alliance to dissuade their Hurrian neighbours from having more expansionistic thoughts?

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The Nakhon Pathom rebels continued to fight the Lithuanian invaders, with some help from “foreign benefactors”.

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As was becoming usual, the second Ottoman expedition against Delhi was also repulsed by the tenacious Indians. The Noyyau observers wondered, however, about how long could each side keep up this war of attrition.

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The pirate naval war against the Canadians further escalated with the arrival of a squadron of Iranian Men-o'-war, on their maiden voyage directly from the Tehran shipyards.

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The SIS further attempted to destabilize Indian-conquered Pak Kret, their previous efforts not having caused any tangible result.

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On direct orders from King Felix himself, a contingent of House Florentanius Watchmen was sent to Venetian London, the Venetians self-evidently still needing Noyyau guidance in managing unruly minorities.

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* * *​

Here is an updated overview of foreign relations (the Romans highlighted for your convenience).
Important things to consider:
-The Dutch have Defensive Pacts with both Romans and Mongolians.
-The Hittites would be willing to sign a Defensive Pact with us.

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Now that the Romans are no longed at war with Pakistan, and indeed have neutral or positive relations with anyone that counts, it would be possible to start building better relations with them (and perhaps even stir up some trouble between them and their neighbouring Holy Romans). Of course, there is that whole “colonizing our continent” problem to be solved first...

Here also is the scoreboard, with number of cities (far right number) and known military power ratios (higher numbers mean we are stronger).

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The Hurrian Army is massive, with top of the line weapons, though most of their power is on land, while most of their navy has never left the Lower Continent South Sea.

Comparing the Indian and Ottoman power ratios makes it easy to understand how desperate the Indians are, and why the signed peace with Siam in order to defend their heartland against the Ottomans (who, by the way, conquered several Indian cities in the distant past).
Why the Ottomans keep marching randomly without attacking the Indian cities, though, is beyond my understanding.

Finally, our Assyrian neighbours have an army larger than our own, though their units are outdated, and what we lack in numbers we make up in technology.
Relations have somewhat deteriorated in recent times, probably due to border tensions (the entirety of the Noyyau-Assyria border is held firm by a string of Forts on our side, preventing their expansion into what the Noyyau consider their own lands, despite not being currently used).

 

[Noyyau]

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

Review of the Royal Army of the Noyyau Kingdom

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

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

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

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

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Composition: (as a reminder, all former Vanguards have the Fury III promotion)
Cid Raynor's Warriors (elite General-led Muskets)
Giacola Misfits (Muskets, have all 3 ranks of Fury, Combat V, Fanatic, Woodsman III)
6x Muskets (Combat VI) (former Vanguards) + 2x Muskets (Combat VI)
10x Muskets (Combat V) (former Vanguards) + 1x Musket (Combat V, Fanatic)
3x Muskets (City Raider IV + assorted Combat levels) (former Vanguards)
4x Grenadiers
1x Musket (Medic II)
Viking Mercenary Warlord (Cannon, General-led)
2x Cannon (City Bombard focus)
2x Cannon (City Attack focus)
3x Cuirassier (Combat VI, flanks Siege)
3x Lancer (Combat VI, flanks Archery and Gunpowder)

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

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Composition:
Duke Michael Greek (elite General-led Muskets)
Greek Raiders (Muskets, Combat VI, Fanatic, Greek Fire)
7x Muskets (Combat VI) (former Vanguards) + 1x Musket (Combat VI)
10x Muskets (Combat V) (former Vanguards) + 1x Musket (Combat V, Fanatic)
3x Muskets (City Raider IV + assorted Combat levels) (former Vanguards)
4x Grenadiers (City Attack focus)
1x Musket (Medic II)
Hittite Mercenary Warlord (Cannon, General-led)
2x Cannon (City Bombard focus)
2x Cannon (City Attack focus)
3x Cuirassier (Combat VI, flanks Siege)
3x Lancer (Combat VI, flanks Archery and Gunpowder)

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

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Composition:
First Axes of Noyyau (elite General-led Muskets)
6x Muskets (Combat VI) (former Vanguards) + 1x Musket (Combat VI)
11x Muskets (Combat V) (former Vanguards) + 1x Musket (Combat V, Fanatic)
1x Muskets (City Raider IV + assorted Combat levels) (former Vanguards)
4x Grenadiers (City Attack focus)
1x Musket (Medic II)
2x Cannon (City Bombard focus)
2x Cannon (City Attack focus)
3x Cuirassier (Combat VI, flanks Siege)
3x Lancer (Combat VI, flanks Archery and Gunpowder)

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

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Composition: (all have 3)
5x elite Cuirassier (former Noble Knights, General-led)
2x Cuirassier (Combat focus)
7x Lancer (Withdraw focus)
1x Dragoon (Medic II)

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

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Composition: (all are Amphibious)
8x Musket (7 former Vanguards, Combat V and VI)
8x Grenadier (City Attack focus)

Transported by 4x East Indiaman (Dutch Galleon UU, 4 cargo, same as a Frigate)

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

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[Niccolo Edwards]

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

 

[Noyyau]

Spoiler :

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

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

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

 

[Niccolo Edwards]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Felix Doctrine for Diplomatic Procedures

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

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

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

 

[CaterpillarKing]

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

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

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

 

[Noyyau]

Spoiler :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spoiler :

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

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

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

Spoiler :

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


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

 

[Noyyau]

Author's suggestion: Play this in the background.

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

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

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

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

Spoiler :

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

Spoiler :

This map is slightly outdated, the Hurrians now have complete control over all former Viking territories, and the Vikings have been eliminated.

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

Spoiler :

This is an old map, but the landmasses haven't changed (yet). The Batavians are in the lower right corner, south of Pakistan.

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

 

[CaterpillarKing]

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Niccolo Edwards]

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