Blackened Skies

[Masada]

Are you shading me?

 

[Double A]

ooc: honestly I don't even know at this point

 

[tobiisagoodboy]

I hereby announce that I will no longer be playing The Kingdom of Italy. I have given the last orders for this turn and will, starting from now, play as Persia.

Math, if you want to I orderd my troops to leave mainland Greece, but the Islands are still Italian, so if you want to, much luck. Oh and of course any Russian ship that trys to reach you will still be shot on sight.

Italy will be NPCed again and I hope that it ends well for the Kingdom of italy, which fought so bravely for Democracy and Freedom.

ALso Tolni, my little present for you is on its way, don't worry guys its only some fertiliziers and plans on how to make more of them.


SO from now on I'll be playing as Persia.

 

[Mathalamus]

Math, if you want to I orderd my troops to leave mainland Greece, but the Islands are still Italian, so if you want to, much luck. Oh and of course any Russian ship that trys to reach you will still be shot on sight.

you could have just surrendered everything greek to me. all you are doing is prolonging the war for no good reason.

i will be playing as Greece, of course.

 

[Nuka-sama]

OOC: Please keep in mind the trash talking rules. Three posts max.

 

[Nuka-sama]

This is the 24 hour warning. Orders must be in by 9 PM PST. You have been warned.

This weekend and the coming week is the only time both Crezth and I have available and a lack of orders would mean an update on the 21st. That is not something that's going to happen

 

[tobiisagoodboy]

Persia officially declares that it demobilices its force to 40 %.
Right now we see no real threat to our security, so we rather like to used the money spend on our forces to build up our economy.

 

[Nuka-sama]

Four hour warning

 

[Tyo]

Sorry, I was out for longer than I thought I'd be. Writing things up now.

___

After discussion between the Democratic Republic of Brazil and the Grand Republic of Latin America, we are proud to announce...

The Treaty of Amazonas

• The GRLA will cede Amazonia to Brazil.
• Brazil and the GRLA promise to aid each other in the event of a foreign power infringing on their territory.
• Brazil and the GRLA promise to help build one another's economy. This will include sharing resources and collaborating on solving economic problems such as revaluing debt and so on.
• Brazil and the GRLA will collaborate on research and development of key technologies that would further benefit both nations.

Signed, President Adriano Túlio

ooc/PS: I don't know how to write formal treaties

 

[gay_Aleks]

~signed, President Jeanne Marco

 

[Ahigin]

Orders sent in google docs format. Because Fortschrittism.

 

[Nuka-sama]

Last few stragglers, be sure to get them in. No order revisions of any kind will be accepted

 

[gay_Aleks]

but Nuka you'll love my nuclear program

 

[Nuka-sama]

Good job guys Got alot of orders in and the update is underway. Crezth should make another post and then please refrain from posting until the update is up so it can have the top of page 55

 

[Crezth]

April 24th, 1938

A small radio sat on the table in the middle of the officer's club - a large, though utilitarian, tent embedded into the trenches. It was as comfortable a place as any here on the eastern front, the border between the German Union and the Russian Empire. Here in Silesia, the weather was cool, and made cold by a strong wind coming from the west.

Frederick Wissel - Hauptmann Fritz as he was known to the other officers - was listening to the radio. "Good evening comrades," said the radio, "this is Potsdam Publikradio. Potsdam Publikradio is a member of the German Public Radio Corporation and licensed by the All-Union Ministry Of Information to provide the German people with the latest news of the day.

"Today, we announce that the brave armies of the German Union have successfully won a great victory at Appeldoorn. Fifty-thousands of the enemy were outmaneuvered and forced to surrender, and the enemy scrambles to reply-"

Just then, a noise spilled over a hill, distant to the east. From their vantage point in the officers' club, Fritz and the others could see over the lip of the trench down to the valley below, and the hill directly opposite, 2-3 miles away - Russian territory. The noise sounded like a scraping of steel, a jingling of chain, loud as a thunderstorm but only for a moment. After a minute of no further noise, and no hint of movement, the other officers one-by-one began to look back to the radio.

"Fritz, was ist los?"

Fritz pointed lazily at the hill. "The noise. Sounded like tanks."

The other officers laughed. "Fritz!" they howled. "Es ist nur Ihre Phantasie."

Fritz didn't smile but remained staring at the hill. The others returned their attention fully to the radio. Of course, he knew that they were thinking this duty was a joke. He knew they wanted to be in the west. What good was a Panzerdivision that wasn't attacking? Or better yet, that wasn't even defending its country?

They were one of seventeen Divisions, total, stationed on the border with Russia. In this part of Prussia, there were only nine divisions, and the other eight were all DFA-Infanterie. And the rest were all French or Spanish divisions, placed there under the authority of the PCCC. So that was 17 total. In a worst-case scenario, which was routinely considered to be a comedically unlikely scenario, the Russian Empire could attack with over 100 divisions.

And then, again, the noise picked up, and all the officers looked out again. This time, it did not stop; and this time, the tempestuous roar of engines, the clatter of tracks, and the unmistakable sound of marching boots could not be ignored.

Each officer shot to his feet, and Fritz was outside and peering through his binoculars in an instant.

Crossing the valley - in fact, very nearly almost across it - were three columns of panzers, and a platoon of sprinting men.

They were charging.

Fritz jerked the binoculars off his face and turned around. "We're under attack!"

The officers were shocked. "Impossible," said one of them.

"See for yourself," Fritz handed him the binoculars. But he had not yet put them to his face before the signal lieutenant was already running.

"Get HQ," he said, "I'll be after you."

"Orders, sir?" said the man who just lowered the binoculars from his face.

"Rally the defense. Hold the line. Aim - aim those artillery guns at their panzers." And he took off, after the signal lieutenant, who burst through the door of the radio hut.

"17th Panzer to Command," he shouted at the radio. "Do you read?"

"Copy, 17th Panzer," said command.

"We are under attack; repeat, we are under attack."

"Did not copy, 17th Panzer," said command, "did you say 'Under attack?'"

"Affirmative."

"Do you have reason to suspect Russian Imperial Army forces?"

The lieutenant hesitated for a brief moment, and a stern look from Fritz reassured him. "Affirmative."

There was a moment of silence. "Standby 17th Panzer," it said.

The signal lieutenant turned around to face Fritz. "Captain?"

"Let me talk to them."

The radio crackled to life again. "17th Panzer, do you copy?"

"Copy loud and clear," said Fritz, "this is Hauptmann Frederick Wissel."

"Hauptmann. Good," said the radio. "This is Chairman-General Johann Reyher."

"Sir." Fritz automatically saluted the radio.

"Hauptmann," continued Reyher, "can you confirm the belligerent party is Russian Imperial Army?"

Fritz blinked. "I don't understand, sir."

"Is it not possible," said Reyher, "that you have mistaken some defectors or - or some Polish partisans for Russian forces?"

Fritz hesitated. For a moment, he was unsure of the best way to respond. Polish partisans seemed less likely than anything. And when had they ever got defectors?

"Sir," said Fritz, "my strong intuition is that the enemy is Russian. They have been amassing in this area-"

"Was that not to crush the Poles?" interrupted Reyher sharply.

Fritz took a deep breath and forged on. "Sir, Polish activity was never lower than before the Russians redeployed."

There was a long silence. "Scheisse," said Reyher softly. Then his voice sounded very distant, as if he was shouting at someone else in the room. "Who else is awake? Did Oskar go home? Marie! Get me Wolfgang Jager. Now!" And then he was speaking through the radio directly again. "Hauptmann?"

"Jawohl, mein Kommandant?"

"Execute Unternehmen Adalbert. Good work." And with that, the connection was severed.

The signal lieutenant sighed. "What now?" he said to Fritz.

Fritz smiled. Maybe he'd get to go home after all. "Leutnant, have you ever been to Warsaw?"

"No, sir. Have you?"

"Once," said Fritz. "Been meaning to go back, though."

---

(Do not post yet. Update will drop in [TIMER="08/12/2016 4:00:00 GMT"][/TIMER])

 

[Nuka-sama]

Link to video.

1938​

EUROPE​

RUSSIAN EMPIRE LAUNCHES FULL-SCALE INVASION OF GERMAN UNION: “WE SHALL RESTORE THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE”

Perhaps it was inevitable that once the heir to both the German and Russian thrones was born that the Russians would move to ensure their Tsar’s birthright was restored. Still, with over seven years of friendly trading relations, the Germans were caught off guard as Russian troops rushed into Silesia. Prince Trautmann himself was the commander of the grand offensive, nicknamed Operation Barbarossa, facing off against the Prussian Marshal Wilhelm Reinhardt. Interestingly, the two had both come from Prussian nobility, attended the same military academy, and had served in the same division during the Second Franco-Prussian War. All of these past ties were thrown aside though, with fierce fighting all across the front. Russian troops successfully surrounded Berlin, which held out for two weeks and bleed the Russians before falling. However, their effort was not in vain, as it allowed the Eastern Front to stabilize with the addition of key Panzer divisions. The Russians had begun a battle for Leipzig, the new GFA capital, but the Russians aborted the operation as the supply situation became tenuous due to the rebels in Poland. While the front is stretched wide from Pomerania down through Bohemia and Austria, Marshal Reinhardt is confident that not only is the front stable, but also that a counter-attack can be launched. There are even rumors that Reinhardt is lobbying to put General Ackerman and the retooled First Panzer Division under his command.

BRITISH FORCES TAKE CONTROL OF HANOVER WHILE BELGIUM FALL

The British military, fresh from their victories the previous season, were eager to continue on. British High Command had hoped to have Marshal Bradley and General Raven link up their forces for a deep push into the Rhineland. General Raven’s initial push was successful, taking Bremen. However, his offensive was stalled as the Socialist forces launched their surprise offensive into the Lowlands and expected relief failed to materialize.

The Frisian Front, lead by the Ruhr’s Field Marshal Dennis Eibringer, had perhaps one of the most impressive military accomplishments in his career by duping Marshal Bradley. Bradley had expected a push on his northern flank, but instead, Eibringer moved south through Munster to advance into the Netherlands. A surprised Bradley sent a strong force to reinforce the Dutch lines, but the British were caught off guard when attacked at Arnhem. A battle ensued, and Eibringer’s numbers carried the day, despite a spirited defense in the Kleefsche Waard, where the British defenders held out for three days in a crayon factory. The British retreated to Appledoorn where the British attempted to use the river to their advantage. Eibringer failed to cross the river three times, until the 4th Panzer Division led by General Arlert was sent as a diversion towards Deventer, forcing Bradley’s troops to again retreat.

Following the defeat at Appledoorn, Marshal Bradley ordered several British divisions to reinforce his lines, lest the Third Army become surrounded. With that move, the Belgian front was reduced to mostly Belgian and Dutch troops, and the Socialist commanders agreed that an offensive should be launched. After six days of fighting across the border, a breakthrough was found at Ypres, with Prussian tanks under General Ackerman cutting through the defenders. The Socialist forces advanced, meeting the main force of the British Fourth Army under General Armstrong at Ghent. Ackerman’s 1st Panzer Division found it difficult to maneuver in the urban areas, with the British able to use the buildings as cover to their advantage. British artillery made the Socialist advance difficult, and after four days, the battle ended in a stalemate, with both sides withdrawing. Ruhr infantry under General Arlert used the salient created by the advance to Ghent to swing east, taking Brussels with minimal resistance. The British Fourth Army completely withdrew to the Netherlands, and within two weeks, Belgium had fallen, aside from the last few fortresses in the south-east, which were soon taken by the French.

Further advances by Eibringer in the Netherlands, or by the Socialist combined forces in Belgium though were made impossible with the Russian assault in the east. As forces were withdrawn, Bradley saw an opening to cut the supply lines of Eibringer’s forces, throwing the entire Frisian front in disarray. Eibringer expected Bradley to take a broad approach to push them out of the Netherlands, but instead, Bradley focused on linking up with General Raven’s forces, catching both Eibringer and General Pixis by surprise. Pixis, who had already retaken Bremen at this time, opted to instead gather his forces at Hannover. However, he was defeated, and has reestablished a defensive line with Marshal Eibrenger, stretching from Munster to Magdeburg.

BATTLE FOR GIBRALTAR

With the entry of Spain into the European War, it was only natural that Gibraltar would be the first target of their operations. A patriotic fervor had been whipped into the Spaniards, with the stylish and charismatic General Vega Tavarés rallying both the troops and the Spanish people to what he called “the reversal of centuries of humiliation”. A combined offensive with the Ruhr forces was more than enough to punch through the fortifications, and for the first time since 1713, the Spanish flag was raised upon the Rock.

SKIES ABOVE CENTRAL EUROPE FILLED WITH STEEL AND FIRE

While the war rages across northern Germany and the Lowlands in Europe below, the skies above have also been the site of a massive air war. At first, the British Royal Wing Force had a clear match in the combined wings of the PCCC, but with the addition of the Holy Roman Imperial Airwing, based out of Warsaw, Gdansk, and Pest, the skies of Germany have been laid bare to their assault. Currently neither side has been successful in knocking out the other, with extremely high casualties on both sides. However, the Ruhr and Bohemia have made the air war a much higher priority than their enemies, and look to enter 1939 with a numerical edge.

POLISH-HUNGARIAN CONGRESS ANNOUNCES “REBEL ALLIANCE” AGAINST RUSSIAN EMPIRE: “WE SHALL NOT YIELD”
Krakow, Free Poland

With Russia’s resources stretched further than ever, the anti-Russian rebel factions have created a new “Rebel Alliance”, dedicated to freeing oppressed peoples everywhere. While Polish and Hungarian units currently make up almost all of the Rebel Alliance’s forces, representatives of resistance leaders from Finland, Georgia, Ukraine, and the Baltic states have met in Krakow to declare that the Russian Empire’s days are numbered. To truly highlight what was at stake, the Polish delegation showed film and photos of the Russian death camps in Eastern Poland, saying that this is the fate of any man who does not bow to the Tsar and the Orthodox church unless they fight back. A group of three hundred Poles, who either escaped the camps themselves, or the trains that were headed there, have formed the Order of Saint Andrew, and have become known to attack the towns around the camps and assist in escape attempts.

Russia has continued its brutal campaign, destroying the Prussian Legion’s secret headquarters in Memel and hanging thirty of its commanders. Evidence of the GFA’s involvement with the Prussian Legion has been shown, hardening the hearts of the Russian people towards those who would jump in bed with the socialists.

However, the Rebel Alliance would not simply fight with propaganda. Polish units have successfully attacked Russian positions, taking Katowice, Kielce, and Radom, forcing the Russians to transport the supplies to the German campaign solely through Warsaw. Prince Trautmann has ordered the garrison commander to not retreat, saying “If you lose the city, you alone are responsible for the deaths of a million Russian soldiers”

DEMOCRACY SUSPENDED IN ITALY; KING SIDELINED IN MILITARY TAKEOVER
Palermo, Kingdom of Italy

While defeated on the mainland, the entry of Britain and Russia into war against Germany has many in the Italian military hopeful for a triumphant return to Rome. Seeking to get the most of their limited resources, Italy has opted to retreat from both Greece and Albania, and to focus on using its naval supremacy to help defend Sicily . As the King lays despondent, and the Italian Senate in disarray, Italy’s top generals and admirals have created “The Savior’s Council” to make all decisions, be they political, economic, or strategic. Led by two Consuls, one from the Army and one from the Navy, the Council has abandoned many of the values Italy entered the war fighting for, even seeing the Russians as useful allies. The Crown Prince, the future King Victor Amadeus, seems to tactfully approve not only their approach, but also the exclusion of the royal family from current affairs; when no longer in crisis, the crown can help Italy transition back into its democracy. For now though, the Crown Prince has concerned himself with giving speeches, raising morale, and helping his father stay strong amidst his declining health.

ITALIAN GENERAL STAFF ABANDONS ALBANIA AND GREECE; GREEK MONARCH’S RETURN FORESTALLED BY SOCIALIST UPRISING
Athens, Spartan League

With the Italians opting to continue their fight from Sicily, it was decided that Greece would simply be a waste of resources to occupy. Instead, the invaders opted to take anything of value that could be moved to Sicily, and destroyed everything else before leaving, leaving hundreds of thousands without any food or water. Initial death tolls estimate approximately 200,000 Greek civilians dead due to starvation. The former Greek government had hoped to return to Athens without further trouble, but a major socialist alliance, the Spartan League, had already seized control of most of the country. As an alliance between Democratic Socialists and Collectivists, the Spartan League has won wide support by distributing its hoarded food and playing to nationalistic feelings. The Greek government holds power only in Epirus, still declaring the Russian Tsar as their King. The position is quite unpopular with the Greek people, many of whom are displaced and destitute, and the former Greek government may very well need Russian assistance if their vision is to be realized.

RUSSIAN INVASION HITS WALL IN AUSTRIA; SWARMS SERBIA, BOSNIA, CROATIA

The newly-established Collective Republics of Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia had a short-lived tenure as, first the Turkish general refused to cede control of Serbia to the Germans. Before the matter could be investigated, as the Germans had received Turkey’s assurance that Serbia would be de-occupied, the Russian invasion of Germany had begun full-swing. The sudden appearance of Russian divisions in Serbia forced the German divisions to go on the defensive and retreat northwest or risk being cut-off. The result was the loss of the entire region before a stable defensive line could be established in Austria, with many soldiers formerly occupying Italy moving to the Vienna district. Marshal Reinhardt has fortified the region as a part of his wider frontline, and is confident about holding against the Russians.

IRISH REBELLION UNDER SUPPRESSION; BRITAIN MAINTAINS UNSURPRISINGLY BRUTAL OCCUPATION AMIDST RAMPANT VIOLENCE
Dublin, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

Barely a decade has gone by, and the Emerald Isle is up in rebellion once more! What many are calling a socialist plot has seen the Irish people fight back against the British once more. Munster in particular has been a hotspot, and the rebels briefly seized Cork in a moment of triumph. A division of British regulars though were able to crush the Irish though and restored Fascist rule to the region after sporadic fighting. British casualties were relatively light, but the fact that an entire division had to be called in to suppress the rebellion has annoyed policymakers in London. Black and Tan auxiliaries have been called in as well, but they alone would likely be unable to suppress a second rising. Some moderates from North’s portion of the coalition have discussed some strategies of divide and rule, while other Fascist hardliners have called for concentration camps similar to those in the Boer War. Some wonder if the British may even turn to eliminate these rebels with “Russian efficiency”.

PEACE IN IBERIA; PORTUGAL CROWNS KING PEDRO VII!
Lisbon, Kingdom of Portugal

The overwhelming victory over Portugal by Socialist forces was quite unexpected by international observers, but perhaps even more surprising was the following peace treaty. The Portuguese were allowed to reestablish their own government, with a new King being selected from among the noble families, and American soldiers are helping reestablish order in the nation. While the outcome is not seen as a total victory for the Socialists, they have forced the establishment of a demilitarized zone, and the new King Pedro VII has declared he hopes for peaceful relations with Spain, his main focus being the rebuilding of Lisbon. With the European War continuing to heat up, avoiding a costly occupation may have been the best option, and the Spanish people seem satisfied with their victory.

TURKISH GENERAL REFUSES WITHDRAWAL ORDER; COUP IMMINENT?
Istanbul, Turkey

It seems that Turkey is experiencing yet another crisis between its military and government. In Turkish occupied Serbia, General Hulusi Ilik refused orders from Istanbul to withdraw from Serbia, declaring he would not let Turkey take one step back. Supported by many in the military establishment, Ilik was vindicated with the Russian invasion of German Serbia, noting that if he had obeyed orders, the Russians would be surrounding Turkey on nearly all sides. Whether or not it was strategically sound, the Grand Vizier seems to have forgotten the lessons of his predecessor, who was killed after negotiating a withdrawal from the Bulgarian conquest. The Grand Vizier’s days may be numbered, as the Turkish military establishment continues to make aggressive noise about their role as “the protectors of the Turkish identity” and “the Guardians of the Fascist movement”.

HELSINKI SEIZED BY FINNISH NATIONALISTS; “FINNISH REPUBLIC” DECLARED
Helsinki, Finnish Republic

The Russian regime was dealt another blow to its ambitions with the rising of the Finnish nationalists. Fearful for their Protestant church and unwilling to die in the Tsar’s unending wars, the Finnish people have declared independence, seizing the city of Helsinki. Russian troops were immediately redeployed to defend the capital and contain the rebels. For now, the fighting has only been minor skirmishes, but the Russians are likely to launch a major offensive to take their nation back.

GEORGIAN ANARCHISTS RUSH MAGISTRATE’S MANOR IN TBILISI; “GEORGIAN REPUBLIC” DECLARED
Tbilisi, Georgian Republic

Continuing the trend of rebellion, the Georgian territory has risen up against heavy handed rule from St. Petersburg. Russian cultural and economic domination being too much to bear, the rebellion began as a protest against rising food and fuel prices. After four days of relatively peaceful protestors, a Russian soldier took an ill-advised shot into the crowd, and the protesters became furious, clawing at the soldiers and toppling the gates that protected the Magistrate. Seizing the arsenal of the local garrison, the protestors took down the Russian flag and a new “Georgian Republic” has been declared. In further actions, Georgian units have moved to take Makhachkala, cutting off the Russians from the vital oil fields of Baku.

SWEDISH ANTI-BRITISH PARTISANS RISE UP
Stockholm, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

While quite popular when they first arrived, the British Occupation Force of Sweden has worn out some of its welcome. Socialist Swedes, who had been dealt a major blow from the defeat of the Red Army, have begun reorganizing into partisan units, attacking British outposts and patrols. While the British have been able to ensure both Malmo and Stockholm remain firmly under their control, Swedish partisans are taking a toll. In response, the British military governor has called for “patriotic Swedes, who refuse to bow to international socialism” to join the new “Blue and Gold Division”, aimed at preventing the red banner from flying over Sweden once more. The Blue and Golds have proven popular with conservatives, and they have vowed to fight against backsliding into socialism once more.

 

[Nuka-sama]

Link to video.

ASIA
​

BATTLES OF QUANZHOU & CHONGQING

In the continuation of the Chinese Civil War, the Zhao forces have surprised international observers by diverting their offensive into Tibet. The Tibetans were quickly overwhelmed, and Lhasa surrendered within fifteen minutes of fighting. From there, the Zhao intended to attack deep within Han territory, however the overstretched supply lines and the presence of minor Tibetan partisan units, it became more difficult for the Zhao to conduct offensive operations than they initially anticipated.

With the invasion of Tibet and the preparation of the campaign for Qinghai, the Han Field Marshal Fong realized the Zhao lines were thinning to the point that he could launch two key offensives. The first offensive took place as an advance along the coast. While Zhao ships attempted to help stem the tide against the Han, Han forces simply had the numerical advantage and were able to press on to victory in Quanzhou with human wave tactics.

A second NRC offensive materialized to attack Chengdu, easily taking the city from the Zhao forces. With victory in hand, the NRC marched on to Chongqing, where Field Marshal Shu was waiting with some of the best divisions in the entire Zhao army. The Zhao gave the Han a bloody nose in their first assaults, and the Han opted to instead pummel the city with artillery and aircraft. A brutal clash of steel raged in the sky as the artillery pounded the city at all hours, destroying the ancient city and causing over 200,000 civilian casualties. After a three month battle, a mass NRC assault forced the Zhao from the city, which had been reduced completely to rubble. While the loss of the city has been demoralizing, Han casualties were extensive in both lost lives and material. Marshal Shu has begged the Emperor for reinforcements, fearing that he cannot hold back the Han for much longer.

BATTLES OF CHENGDE & YINGKOU

Field Marshal Ludwig von Wolff, an officer formerly of the Kaiser’s Army, and now commander of “Military District China”, had ambitions both of surpassing his mentor Trautmann, and of wrapping up the war quickly so he might participate in the liberation of Germany. With speed and overwhelming force in mind, von Wolff launched a wide front offensive named “Operation Hellstorm”. With judicious use of Bolivian gas, von Wolff was able to take Inner Mongolia as Field Marshal Hao made a fighting retreat to the Great Wall. While the wall was not a substitute for fortifications, Hao put soldiers in the watchtowers and had them light beacons when they saw Russian forces. Von Wolff had hoped to overrun the Han forces quickly, but his supply lines were rather overstretched. As 1938 went on, von Wolff was running low on fuel, ammunition, and nerve gas, while Hao’s forces were receiving anti-gas protective equipment. Unwilling to let his forces whither on the frontline, von Wolff gathered his forces and forced a breakthrough Han lines, and then launched an attack on the city of Chengde. Shelling the city with near everything he had, von Wolff sent wave after wave of soldiers into the city, but the Han forces defended for a week before the Russians withdrew, with von Wolff fearing the entire military district would fall if he did not withdraw.

With victory at Chengde, Hao turned his attention to the stalled offensive on Port Arthur. The war in Northern China had a surprise new entrant, as the Kingdom of Korea sent seven volunteer divisions to aid the Russian Empire. With von Wolff in disarray, Hao’s prized subordinate, General Sung, launched an offensive against the Russo-Korean forces in Manchuria. The Korean troops, using outdated weapons and having never seen real combat before this adventure, were overwhelmed by battle-hardened Han troops. Han forces completely outmaneuvered the Russo-Korean forces at Yingkou, leaving Port Arthur wide open. What remained of the Russian Pacific Fleet has set sail to Vladivostok, preventing its total destruction, but its use as a fighting force has been more or less destroyed. And while von Wolff did receive new supplies, his supply lines are incredibly strained due to the overstretched forces and may need to pull back to prevent the Han from destroying his force in detail.

THE QINGHAI CAMPAIGN

With the Zhao victory in Tibet, a joint Russo-Zhao force was able to launch an assault into Qinghai. Initially, the Han and Zhao fought one another in cavalry duels, however the arrival of Russian tanks into the campaign completely tipped the balance and the NRC forces vacated the region. At this point, experts are divided on whether the Zhao should push to the east, move south to entrap the Han forces at Chongqing, or if they should simply abandon the campaign.

THE DANCE OF TWO DRAGONS AND THE BEAR

With far more air to cover than planes available, the air war in Northern China resembled quick hit and run raids as opposed to pitched battles. The Russians had both the numerical advantage and superior aircraft, however fuel supplies would limit their effectiveness. In the south, the battle at Chongqing saw both the Zhao and NRC air forces poured into the battle, and the Zhao were victorious. The NRC air force is now completely on the defensive and is in need of reinforcements.

RUSSO-HAN NAVAL CLASH!

Early in the year, Russian naval forces moved to meet with the Zhao in an effort to blockade the Han and prevent them from receiving outside assistance. With many of the Zhao and Han ships languishing while waiting for repair, the modern Russian ships were able to win a decisive naval victory, breaking what remained of the Han fleet. With harassment from Han aircraft though and their own numbers being too small to enforce a complete blockade, and the Russian efforts were routinely stymied by blockade runners. The Russians however were able to successfully shell the Chinese coast before returning to port, damaging many of the Han facilities. The Russians continued to do minor raids until the fall of Port Arthur forced a retreat to Vladivostok.

SAIGON FALLS! ZHAO FORCES STRUGGLING!
Saigon, People’s Republic of Vietnam

With the war in China taking the highest priority of the Zhao’s resources, the rebellion in Vietnam has been allowed to fester. Communist forces surprised the local garrisons with a well-coordinated assault against the city, and student risings allowed for the city to fall. In an effort to help win the hearts and minds of the people, the Communist Vietnamese have made conciliatory gestures to the Buddhists, and an uneasy truce has formed between the two factions. Zhao-backed forces are suffering from deserters, with their Hmong as the only fully reliable fighters. The Zhao general has requested reinforcements in hopes of stemming the tide, but has assured the Emperor he can hold onto Hanoi no matter the forces arrayed against him.

DISCONTENT GROWING AMONG THE SHAH’S OFFICERS?
Tehran, Persia

While the Shah started off his reign quite popular with the nation’s military officers, the events of the Turkish-Persian War had shaken the confidence in his reign. Now, with rumors of a dispute between the Shah and the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, the officers of the military are growing restless. Many officers of Persia’s best divisions and of its nascent navy were educated by the British, and are rumored to even be on APOC’s payroll. Many of the Shah’s advisors have recommended that the Shah should not provoke APOC and the United Kingdom, but a vocal minority has called for the full nationalization of the oil fields, and, if necessary, a purge of disloyal officers. If they do that, the advisors suggest, the Shah would be able to enjoy tremendous popular support, though most international observers feel even a distracted Britain would crush Persia.

NAGOYA SITE OF CLASH BETWEEN JAPANESE NATIONAL FRONT AND TOKYO CARTEL
Nagoya, Japanese National Front

JNF forces, confident after their seizure of Osaka, have begun their advance on Nagoya. Expecting to raise millions of brave Japanese to fight for them as they liberate one of Japan’s ancient cities, the JNF was surprised to find a 50,000 strong force from the Tokyo Cartel, who had quickly marshalled a defense. While the speed of deployment was impressive, the Tokyo Cartel forces arrived under equipped and undermanned against the far more numerous JNF forces. Despite these disadvantages, Tokyo’s General Kururugi was determined that the Japanese forces would give a good account of themselves. The JNF under General Todoh performed charge after charge against the Cartel lines that are initially ineffective, but the JNF’s superior firepower allows them to punch through the Cartel’s flanks to surround and destroy two whole Cartel divisions. Eventually the Cartel cuts its losses and retreats to Tokyo, where it intends to fight to the last man. The Cartel is raising 50,000 troops, drilling them day and night, and with the arrival of US forces, many in the Cartel are confident that God will give them victory. Meanwhile the JNF has been bolstered by the victory at Nagoya, with thousands of new volunteers flocking to join their army. The JNF has even inspired rebellions in Niigata and Sendai; though normally areas controlled by Tokyo, the defeat at Nagoya has stretched the Cartel’s resources thin and they were unable to stop the rebellion from spreading. The Kyoto Group is confident, and many hope to expel the Americans from Honshu before the cherry blossoms emerge.

PRINCE OF HYDERABAD TRIED AND EXECUTED; INDIA IN REBELLION!
Hyderabad, The Indian Federation

Even with the assignment of Governor-General Grumman, the British Raj continued its enforcement of the Education Act above all other priorities. In an effort to end the brutal assassination campaign against its teachers, the Raj made a move to cut off the problem at the source, arresting the Prince of Hyderabad. Finding him guilty of violating the Indian Education Act as well as conspiracy against the British Empire, the Prince was executed by hanging.

The Hindu Princes of India were outraged, and the True India movement rose up in widespread rebellion in the south and east. The Muslim heavy areas in Bengal and the north-west stayed loyal to the Raj, as did Kolkatta and New Delhi. The Princes do have a core of trained soldiers, however they are mostly relying on untrained conscripts, while the Raj has a majority of the professional Indian soldiers. While the crisis is worrying to those back in London, General Grumman has assured Black that the rebellion will end within the year. In areas not in rebellion, issues seem to have calmed down somewhat, as the guards deployed have significantly reduced the assassination campaign, though it is stretching Indian manpower and it may be difficult to continue while this rebellion is occurring.

FILIPINO REBELS GROW IN STRENGTH; MANILA STILL UNDER FIRM OCCUPATION
Manilla, United States of America

Despite the Filipino front being a very minor concern for the Americans, for the Filipinos, it is everything. In the countryside, the Filipino rebellion grows in strength each day, drilling soldiers, gathering munitions, and preparing defenses. The US Pacific Fleet has allocated a few destroyers to patrol the islands, helping intercept weapon shipments and prevent the enemy from concentrating forces on Luzon. At this stage, the Americans are only focused on holding Manilla, and have successfully fended off several attacks on the city, even as the independence movement grows stronger on Luzon. There is a bright spot though, as Mindanao and its majority Mohammedan populace remains aggressively pro-American.

SULTAN PASSES AWAY IN AFGHANISTAN
Kabul, Afghanistan

Sultan Ali Keshtmand, best known for expelling the British from his country, recently passed away at the age of 86. Well respected by the tribal chiefs in his country, the Sultan had attempted to modernize his country and even dreamed of a Russo-Afghan invasion of India. His grandson is much less of a reformer than Keshtmand though, and seems quite content to continue the domestic status quo while pursuing a neutral foreign policy.

KOREA SEIZES U.S., JAPANESE ASSETS
Seoul, Korea

In a move designed to further weaken the United States in Asia, the Korean government has seized vast amounts of Japanese and American assets in Korea. Property and machinery have been taken and put under Korean control, while the Japanese and American employees have been detained within Korea. The move has outraged American businessmen and the Tokyo Cartel, both of whom have significant assets within Korea, and they have lobbied President Wayne to take any action necessary to not only liberate American nationals, but also to recover their assets taken without compensation.

 

[Nuka-sama]

Link to video.

THE AMERICAS​

SECOND BATTLE OF GOTHAM; FEDERAL TROOPS PUSH INTO THE NORTHEAST

With the fall of the Enclave, the US put a major emphasis on the Northeastern front. With New Englander propaganda showing their troops destroying Wayne Manor though, for the President it became personal. There were even rumors that President Wayne summoned Donald Peak, commander of the Northeastern front, that if he didn’t take Gotham by the end of June, he would be commanding the coastal defenses in Tennessee. Not wanting to take any chances, Peak began his offensive with several probing attacks in February, though US armor fared poorly with the snow. The New Englanders were able to dig in effectively to prevent American advances. By late March, the US only had taken Newark, which had only been vacated by the New Englanders due to a strategic redeployment. Frustrated and looking for new solutions, Peak greenlighted an ambitious assault on Gotham City, declaring he would resign if this failed.

Launched on Good Friday Federal troops initially struck at Jersey City and Yonkers, with US Major General Raymond Rich expertly maneuvering his troops and artillery to take down the New Englander positions. The New England general Edward Carrey was convinced the Federal troops would try to take Yonkers and force an assault south, and reinforced his positions there.

Instead, the US Navy arrived in Gotham harbor to provide cover for Brigadier General Harvey Bullock and the 2nd “Gotham Blue” Division to land on Coney Island. Within a day, Bullock had retaken Long Island, and threatened Manhattan. Carrey opted to fight, determined to hold the city. However, a week after Easter Sunday, Federal troops launched a mass offensive on New Englander lines on the Hudson, and achieved a complete breakthrough. With the New Englander army completely in disarray, Carrey opted to reorganize his troops to defend Boston. Federal troops cut off the city, taking the Charleston Heights and began shelling the city, besieging it for four months before taking the city. New England is now limited to Northern Maine and Nova Scotia, and though it still holds air superiority, it is not enough to tip the balance. Some New Englander politicians are calling to surrender in exchange for a general pardon, and at this point it may be the best deal New England can expect barring divine intervention.

THE LONE STAR CAMPAIGN HEATS UP

With victory at the Great Plains, the American Restoration Movement sought to overwhelm the last bits of Texas and seize the strategically valuable oil wells. The Battle of Penwell is the first major engagement between ARM and USA. Though lacking full armored formations, the ARM is using many improvised trucks, civilian cars, and, what few tanks they have as a diesel-cavalry. At Penwell they successfully surround and destroy the U.S. force, seizing the wells there. Suffering almost no casualties at Penwell, the ARM then pushed on to Hendrick, expecting to take control of yet another major oil farm, but were caught off-guard when the U.S. 23rd Armored and the 25th Motorized arrive to fortify the area. The US forces under General Tintin Eisley anticipated the ARM attack and insteads rides out to meet it in the open field, winning a moderate victory. The ARM forces, broken by the defeat, retreat out of Texas, burning the abandoned oil fields behind. Following the victory in Texas, General Eisley successfully seizes most of West Texas and the Mexican border regions, though he has yet to move against the Rockies, fearing the regrouped and refortified ARM positions.

SIEGE OF DETROIT

Hoping to knock out the key tank producing center of the enemy, USSA forces pushed east towards Detroit, opting for it instead of the river-shipping city of Starlight. The First Red Guards, under General Bill Finger, would lay siege to the city with aid from the fighters of Canada, escapees from the prison city of Toronto. Socialist commanders anticipated that the city, which had just risen up but two years ago, would once again rally to the banner of Socialism and help deal a decisive blow against the Federalist tyrants. However, the U.S. Army, expecting this move by the Socialists, had already fortified Detroit. General Michael Akins had established an impressive ring of artillery around the city, but was forced to pull back after the Red Guards first assault, and instead retreated into the city. The resulting battle became a street-by-street endeavor between the USSA and limited numbers of sympathizers rising up in the city itself, and the U.S. Army and vigilante “do-gooders” attacking suspected socialists on their own initiative. While initially the battle held promise for the USSA, the arrival of the US Air Force gave the momentum to the Federal troops and the Red Guards were forced to retreat, with many sympathetic civilians in tow.

BATTLE FOR MEXICO CITY!

The great struggle of Mexico may have had its decisive engagement in the Battle of Mexico City. The forces of Ignacio Reyes, growing with each raid and recently combined with the Communist Mexicans, was stronger than ever, and eager to bring the empire crashing down. But perhaps the empire was to crash before the battle even started. A coup by the Imperial Army chief forced the Emperor to abdicate in favor of a new national unity government, this time termed “Frente de Salvación Nacional”. While perhaps disposing the Emperor was necessary, the move outraged some of the Empire’s most dedicated supporters and severely hurt morale among the Imperial forces. As Ignacio’s forces prepared for the assault, Imperial strength sapped away by the day, and only forces from Sonora and Rio Grande remained reliable. After only two days of fighting, the Front of National Salvation quickly realized it was a lost battle and retreated, giving Ignacio control of the city. While he had intended to immediately continue his campaign, Ignacio and his forces became engrossed in celebrating their victory, and it was not until a week later that the liberation of Central Mexico would begin and from there, the liberation of Northern Mexico. Rio Grande and Sonoran forces fought as hard as they could, but were simply outnumbered by Ignacio’s guerilla forces. By the end of November, Ignacio had liberated the entire country, sans Baja, and has become the celebrated toast for many people throughout the country. At this point, the Front of National Salvation only holds Baja with the aid of the US Navy, and it has more forces in the United States than it does in Mexico.

US NAVAL TASK FORCE STOPS LATIN AMERICAN SHIPS
Panama Canal Zone, United States of America

Seething over what he terms as the “illegal annexation of the territories of the Great Bolivian Empire”, President Wayne has ordered the interdiction of Latin American ships headed to Ecuadorian and Peruvian ports. With the infrastructure of the region still in disarray, this has drastically reduced the ability for Latin America to rebuild the area. Many in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian territories are calling for Buenos Aires to do something, lest the Americans return them to chains, and have put on pro-Latin America rallies, in hopes that the greater union will come to their aid. Many throughout the union support coming to their fellow countrymen’s aid, feeling that the American provocation is but the first test where the union must stand together to overwhelm its enemies.

SOUTH AMERICA ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Sao Paulo, Brazil

After a decade of rebellions, war, and blockade, the continent of South America seems ready to embrace economic growth. Free trade agreements have been established between Brazil and Latin America, spurring growth in both of the nations. The return of Amazonas has cemented the positive feelings between the two, and Brazil’s eschewing of European socialism seems to show a genuine desire to walk a more moderate path. Even as the Americans interdict Latin American ships, Colombia too has begun its own process of reconciliation with its Venezuelan population with the financing of new public schools throughout the country. While the courses may be biased towards Colombia and America, the schools are giving Venezuelans their first hope of a road to prosperity since the occupation began, and they are seizing the opportunity.

EXPLAINING THE US CIVIL WAR: THE DAWES REPORT
Philadelphia, United States

As the United States prepares for a new constitutional convention, government officials have prepared the “Dawes Report”. Written by the US Attorney General, Dawes goes into the details of why the American Civil War happened and how to best prevent future internal conflicts. In the report, Dawes notes the conflict pitted the Southern Democrats, who saw the status quo as desperately worth preserving, while Northern Democrats realized that the status quo was unsustainable, and sought to enact some reforms to ensure the system as a whole could still be sustained. The report also notes that continued one party rule has disenfranchised poorer voters in the West, and that economic and political concessions should be granted to ensure a return to a harmonious union. Dawes also outlines how the state governors have become de facto warlords, endorsing the creation of numerous smaller states, though granting a special exception to Texas due to political concerns. Perhaps its biggest controversy, Dawes champions the continued one party rule of the Democrats, noting that in the current political environment, the Democrats are the only party committed to the United States and federalism. The Socialists and Progressives, Dawes argues, should be shown leniency but should not be allowed to spread their rhetoric to the American people anymore. The report, acquired and leaked by the American press, has been controversial to some, particularly the old Democrat party bosses, but some privately noted that at this point, there was nothing they could really do to stop Wayne politically.

TOWNS EMPTY? SOMETHING STRANGE IN THE GREAT WHITE NORTH!
Barrow, United States of America

In a bit of stranger news, the town of Barrow in Alaska has become completely empty. A fisherman who normally makes camp in the town during summer months came to find the once vibrant town of over 1,500 people to be completely empty. The fisherman discovered that the other towns on the Beaufort Sea were similarly empty. The towns, all of which are in the Arctic Circle, used to hold US Navy bases and airfields, but have been abandoned since the start of the occupation of Canada. There are no traces of the inhabitants in any of the towns, and their current whereabouts are unknown, though the Governor of the Alaska Territory has promised an investigation.

 

[Nuka-sama]

ATTENTION | ATTENCION

PLEASE BE ADVISED, many elements of the stats are still WIP. For instance, no casualties have yet been calculated. They will be updated over the next few days, and then casualty reports in theaters of war will be reported too.

PLEASE BE ADVISED It was decided upon mutual agreement that the last map, based off of Victoria II, was simply unworkable any longer. You may feel free to reach out to me with questions, but the gist of it is we decided to make a stopgap map while we work on the implementation of a "permanent" map to use going forward. If you have any issues with this map, please feel free to reach out, but understand that this map is only a temporary measure.

>>>STATS (1938)<<<

>>>GOVT. & EXPERTISE

>>>ECONOMIC REPORTS<<<
​

Map

Spoiler :

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We just experienced 1938; please send orders for 1939.

Orders will be due August 27th.

Other news:

Australasia is NPC, please feel free to claim.

Communisto will be taking over Italy.

Tee Kay, your forces are currently inside the US for right now, we should chat about your options shortly

 

[gay_Aleks]

Sorry, I was out for longer than I thought I'd be. Writing things up now.

___

After discussion between the Democratic Republic of Brazil and the Grand Republic of Latin America, we are proud to announce...



Signed, President Adriano Túlio

ooc/PS: I don't know how to write formal treaties

This didn't create a new trade group. It merely made it easier to trade with Brazil *without* actually exiting the British TG, in order to circumvent the blockade that Masada has imposed upon Brazil.