December World - game thread

[Crezth]

We invite the other nations of the world to kindly stay out of our business, lest they support Burmese military aggression against Boer shipping. We absolutely cannot tolerate this war against our commerce and the dignity of the Boer nation demands justice.

 

[JohannaK]

We firnly believe this situation has a diplomatic solution and urge both sides to deescalate by rescinding their declaration of war and lifting their blockade and stopping attacks on EASTC shipping respectively.

Armed conflict cannot give a favourable way out for either side.

 

[Crezth]

Armed conflict is upon the Boer state whether we wish it or not. Such is the desire of the Burmese Empire. We are merely enacting the political and legal tools to defend ourselves against such unprincipled privateering. We will try the EAST-C officers on our own terms for public endangerment and misappropriation of funds, but we will not allow ourselves to be bullied by that fat king of Burma.

 

[JohannaK]

We only ask that both sides agree to deescalate and try proper diplomatic channels before heading down a trail of destruction that threatens not just either nation but also international commerce and safety in the Indian Ocean.

 

[Crezth]

If Sikh wants to mediate, then mediate. We will not cuccold ourselves to Burmese interests in the name of appealing to "many sides," however. They are already at war with us. We are simply meeting them with civilized delicacy.

 

[JohannaK]

Those who seek destruction will only destroy themselves.

 

[Crezth]

We thank the Sikh ambassador for their time.

 

[Ahigin]

From Third Burmese Empire
To Sikh Empire
We appreciate your wise attempts to mediate, but we were attacked this year by Boer raiders, for whose actions their government refused to take responsibility. Same happened around the Cape of Good Hope. Unlike the Portobrazilians, we will not remain willingly blind to a robber breaking into their house and killing their dog, just because they are scared of the robber.

From Third Burmese Empire
To British Royal Commonwealth
We were enemies in the past, but now we seem to be united by a common foe. We invite you to an anti-Boer coalition, aimed at ridding the Indian and Atlantic Oceans of their foul warmongering presence. We have no territorial claims on their lands.

From Gran Paraguay
To Union of North America
The Monroe Doctrine has always been and remains to be your attempt to remain the strongest bully in Americas. We see what you did there, and we admire your style. But next time you extend your offers to "all American nations," make sure to first check with us. That will be all.

From Chile-Patagonia
To Union of North America
We heavily sympathize with the Monroe Doctrine's message, but were instructed by the Gran-Paraguayan ambassador to withstand from any formal affiliations with that treaty. We hope you understand our position.

From Gran Colombia
To Union of North America
The newly elected government, in full alignment with a ruling Social And Political Front party, wishes to be added to the list of the signatories.

From Iron Confederacy
To Union of North America
All of you are strangers from another continent for us. Just leave us be, all of you. That would be enough.

From Deseret
To Union of North America
We do not have a strong opinion about your proposed new doctrine. All of us are walking under one God. But we acknowledge your message.

 

[Crezth]

For years now the Boer nation has been gulled, cullied, and diddled by the British who have refused our every attempt to negotiate with them and have not extended any effort to normalize diplomatic relations. Hence it is clear to us that, in the British perception, the Boer State is an enemy of war. Boer efforts to defend ourselves against this aggression, and indeed against the savage piracy of filthy Burmese wogs, have no cause for apology. If the Burmese do not desire war they should not attack Boer ships. We have given the Third Burmese Empire terms and received nothing in kind by way of return.

It is clear that a lesson in civilization is necessary.

 

[Ahigin]

Update update:
Thanks to @Terran Empress , I found several geographic errors in my update on the Franco-Austrobavarian war. Basically, in my first draft, I had the geographic names more or less right, but then I, for some reason, decided that Mosel is Rhine and shifted the entire campaign farther east than I intended. In the corrected version, the French are still struggling to cross the Mosel and the Vosges into the Grand Reid and their right flank is stuck in the Jura Mountains and the Jurassic Forest, not in the Black Forest. High-level, the campaign went the same way, I just originally messed up with names of geographic features. Thank you, @Terran Empress , I'm going to give you some resource bonus for staying vigilant.

FAQ - Part 8:
What are those battles? How do they work? I prefer to call them battle quests. They act vaguely like regional quests, meaning that players play a game of tug of war, using military units and, maybe, sometimes non-military units as well (for sabotage, recon, and logistic support). If a nation wins over a battle quest, it would not only impact the region, but it could do direct damage to the losing side, costing the loser some units, extra resources (besides direct losses) and hell knows what, plus giving the winner extra regional influence. Think of them as strategic focal points of entire campaigns, like Stalingrad, Verdun, or the Battle of Britain. Also, you'll see that large naval campaigns aiming to establish a nation's domination over a body of water, will also work like battle quests, impacting economies and even unit counts of entire nations. Have fun with them!

 

[J.K. Stockholme]

From the Union of North-America
To the World
CC Portugal-Brazil, Pacific Directory, Gran Colombia

With the unanimous agreement of all existing signatories, the Union gladly invites your nations to sign the Monroe Declaration and become formal parties to the agreement, with the caveat that section 6 can still be invoked by consensus of American nations that are not Portugal-Brazil and the Pacific Directory (i.e. Mexico, Gran Colombia, Centroamerican Federation, Andes, the Confederacy, the Union).

 

[Nuka-sama]

Portugal-Brazil affirms.

 

[Ahigin]

Centroamerican Federation and Gran Colombia affirm their commitment to the Monroe Doctrine.

 

[Kyzarc Fotjage]

From the Northern Union
To the World
CC CSA, Mexico, Centroamerica, Andes

After two years of discussion, we the free and independent American nations of the Union of North-America, the Confederacy, Mexico, Centroamerican Federation, and the United Andean Communes, proudly proclaim a new era of stability and co-operation in the Americas.

Monroe Declaration​

Since the turmoil of the Atlantic War the western hemisphere has been yet again the subject of attempts at European domination. European expansion to any portion of the Americas poses a threat to the peace and security of all American nations. Recalling the noble aims of the Monroe Doctrine that guaranteed all American nations freedom and independence from European colonization and domination for half a century, the undersigned parties hereby agree:

1. To reject and condemn all European territorial claims in the Americas beyond the borders of existing European colonies.

2. That military attacks in the Americas against independent American nations shall be treated as a threat to all undersigned parties.

3. To co-operate vigorously against European attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of independent American nations.

4. To pursue the eventual independence of the entire western hemisphere from European rule.

5. That an international commission shall be arranged from time to time to issue statements on behalf of the undersigned parties by consensus.

6. That in light of the special circumstances of the Pacific Directory and Portugal-Brazil, they shall be be considered "American nations" for the purposes of this declaration, unless the undersigned parties choose to declare otherwise in a statement of the international commission.

Spoiler :

Northern Union:
Confederacy:
Andes:

Mexico:Portugal-Brazil:Gran Colombia and Centroamerican Federation:

Signed,
Chief Director Vice-Admiral Volya of the Pacific Directory

 

[Nuka-sama]

Gerald Gideon's Guide to Brazil
Chapter 5: Exotic pets

Now that we have covered the ins and outs of property purchasing, shopping, and the etiquette of the use of amorous serving girls, we can talk about pets! While your friends in Brighton and Bavaria might be content with a dog or a horse, you, dear reader, will have access to some of the most colorful and exciting animals on this planet! And these are not just to be admired from a zoo. Far from it! Can you imagine yourself, strolling down Caminho Real, alligator boots on while you walk your leopard? Well in Brazil, you can make that dream into a reality!​

Parrots are an easily acquirable exotic pet in Brazil, and one of the most popular. It is on the back of the One Escudo note, and the Empress herself has 1,000 parrots on the grounds of her palace. It will often be one of your first purchases for your home, as it is a quick way to signify wealth and status, but it has none of the hassles of the other major pets Brazil offers. Some Gideon Guidance, you ask? It's more expensive, but a licensed animal dealer is your best bet. If a young street child approaches you with a bird on their arm, keep walking past (lest they try to intimidate you!) They will only ask for a few escudo, but their birds often have some sort of sickness and can be dead within a fortnight! If you're looking for something a bit different but still want a low maintenance pet? A toucan is also a reasonable choice. Whichever you choose, they work wonders on European women! Invite her for a night of drinks, music, conversation, and feeding your bird; she can hardly refuse!

​

Are you in the market though for something a bit more fluffy? Well how about a nice, soft cat? Well you're in luck, because a fashionable accessory is a jaguar. The Jaguar is quite iconic in Brazil. It is on the back of the Ten Escudo note, is a pet held by many royals, and is even featured prominently in the uniform of the Empire's most feared troops; the Rangers. Now I must warn you: be careful. This pet is not for you if you’re only in Brazil for a month or two. Take a class or three on jaguar training and handling, and be sure to get it plenty of food and exercise. Trust me, you’ll thank me later! The spotted jaguar looks similar to a leopard and is the more common variety. The black jaguar is quite rare; less than 10% of jaguars are born black, and the ones that have the beautiful black fur are seen as the ultimate prize to Rangers who can track and kill one of the beasts. A Gideon Golden Nugget you ask though, in an effort to find these beasts? Skip the waiting list at the pet shop, you’ll never move up a spot. Instead, I’d recommend contacting one of the expedition companies that go into the Amazon. I’ve had good luck with Sabel’s Solutions and Los Conquistadors, though they are on the more expensive side; but in Brazil, you get what you pay for!

And for a small Gideon Gratuity, I have an extra piece of advice; you will find vendors, peddlers, and swindlers offering all sorts of tonics and perfumes made from the blood, sweat, fur, or unmentionables of the jaguar to enhance male virility. I have taken the time to personally test the three most popular products and I can assure you that only Don Juan’s Panther Excitante is worth your time and money.

I should take the time at this point to warn you about snakes, of all varieties. Are they exotic? Yes. Are they dangerous? Incredibly so. The main issue with snakes in Brazil is that very few licensed shops sell snakes, and they are in fact illegal in both Sao Paulo and Rio. That means you will need to find third-party vendors who are sometimes unsure of, or lying about, their variety of snake. Sometimes they sell you venomous snakes, but you must watch out for the anaconda. A massive beast that seems almost mythical in origin, the anaconda can grow to seemingly endless lengths and many an owner has died to their beloved pet. If you wish to see an anaconda, the zoos will be more than willing to accommodate you, and the same for both lizards and frogs. It's just a Gideon No-Go. If you are ever tempted though, one last phrase should keep you away. Among Europeans it's said that snakes are only owned by "Bastards and Boers". So please, stay away, and ladies, if a man approaches you about "feeding his snake", simply walk away; this is not the sort of company you should associate with.

I hope you enjoyed this segment, and have a good idea now of which pet is for you! No matter what you choose, use good sense, understand what you are capable of taking care of, and avoid those pesky scammers! And to help you with that last one, here's a parting Gideon Gift; a FREE 10% coupon for Evangelina's Exotic Emporium! If you turn to the next page, the coupon will be there for you to cut out. And with locations in Rio, Sao Paulo, and Salvador, she is Brazil's most trusted dealer in exotic animals. Get yours today, and tell her Gerald Gideon sent you!

​

 

[Seon]

Message to the Dominate of Romania

I’m afraid you have missed the memo—geographical boundary of Illyria is under the Federation’s guarantee. This applies regardless of whether or not there is an ongoing war.

Retreat from Illyria and make no further attempt to enter its borders or there will be consequences.

To the Kingdom of Illyria

We are dispatching a naval task force and its associated army units to enforce our guarantee within your territorial boundaries, if it proves necessary and if you will have us.

 

[tobiisagoodboy]

From : The Republic of Italy
To: The World

Italy hereby gives basing rights to the navy and army of the North German Federation in its Adriatic ports

 

[Shadowbound]

To the World
From Russia

The Directorial Assembly has decreed, as the supreme legislative authority in Russia, that all liquors describing themselves as vodka must be at least 40% alcohol by volume. Failure to meet this minimum requirement will result in the beverage being deemed water, and the producer will not be eligible for the generous state support and tax breaks associated with the production of this Russian staple.

Further, imports of any liquors branding themselves as vodka must also meet this requirement or be subject to the same customs restrictions as any other item.

That is all.

 

[Ahigin]

The stats are up to date. The map will be updated later during this week. Research options will be sent out, probably, tomorrow.

Expect to have the early deadline some time around November 16.

P.S. As pointed out by Shadowbound, I missed his Enterprise buildup. This is fixed in the update, and I added an associated entry in the update. He's been compensated for the inconvenience.

 

[Traveller76]

De Las Sombras

The newspapers report that changes have come to Mexico and that the government has moved away from dictatorship. Does this mean that the rule of law has been restored? Not really, all this means is that the ruling elite has simply modified the rules to enlarge the circle with the creation of a new political party, the Unity Party (Partido de la Unidad). With the creation of a legal framework for people to politically advance, the President and his advisors have cleared the field of much of the opposition.

The Porfiriato
Since 1877 President Porfirio Diaz has dominated the history of this country. Like Benito Juárez. Díaz was a poor Indian from Oaxaca, but he was of Mixtec rather than Zapotec heritage. Educated locally, he had chosen a military career and had become an outstanding general in the republican cause against the French intervention and empire. Although he vied for the presidency against Juárez in 1867 and again in 1871, their ideological differences were not great. When in 1875 Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada ran for reelection, Díaz led a successful revolt and assumed the presidency in November 1876.

Díaz took the blueprint for Mexico’s future that Juárez and Lerdo had elaborated and implemented it. After clearing out pockets of political resistance during his first term of office, he turned the presidency over to Manuel González, a companion in arms. Díaz won the election again in 1884 and 1888. During his regime, he scrupulously kept democratic and constitutional forms intact, partly in the conviction that it was the president’s duty to train the unready Mexican people to use them properly.

The Cientificos and the means of Control
Around him, Díaz gathered many intellectuals (the científicos). They were positivists who stress the need for rational planning and development. The emphasis was on economic development to assure social progress. How such development was to be achieved was translated into one of Díaz’s political slogans, “Pan o Palo” (“Bread or the stick”), meaning that acquiescence to official policies would ensure livelihood, even wealth, but failure to agree would bring sure reprisals—harassment, imprisonment, death. More significantly from a philosophical and practical point of view, liberty was dropped from the earlier positivist triad of liberty, order, and progress. It was the price the Mexican people were expected to pay for the benefits the científicos’ policies would provide.

A complex mechanism in which all major and most minor decisions rested in the hands of the president evolved. The success of the practice rested on self-interest; Díaz made it worthwhile for everyone to support the system. For the most part, the small body of intellectuals was absorbed into the expanding bureaucracy or the subsidized press. The army and the church were made handmaidens of the regime rather than its adversaries; generals were encouraged to become entrepreneurs. While retaining the laws of La Reforma on the books, Díaz was purposely conciliatory toward the church and allowed it to regain some of its former economic power without letting it develop significant political influence.

The regime also perfected instruments of repression and control, though for many years it used them sparingly. Wages remained embarrassingly low and working hours too long throughout the period, and urban workers enjoyed no rights that management was obliged to respect. The laborers on Mexico’s large estates fare no better as most are landless and subject to the arbitrary authority of resident bosses (mayordomos). Education remains a near monopoly of elites in the larger cities despite the improvement in rural education. Troublesome elements such as the Yaqui Indians are inducted en masse and shipped as cheap labour to the sisal plantations of Yucatán or the tobacco fields of Oaxaca. Although technically elected by the local citizenry, governors are in effect personal appointees of the president. Their actions were monitored by jefes políticos (“political chiefs”), who reported directly to the president and on his authorization intervened in municipal and state affairs. An elite constabulary, the Rurales, like the Texas Rangers, created a myth of ubiquity that eliminated the brigandage and banditry characteristic of the earlier 19th-century Mexican countryside. While pacification was welcomed, it was accompanied by fear and intimidation in rural areas as the Rurales seldom respected due process or civil liberties.