Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
I will post a story within 24 hours.
NES2 V - The Great Game.
- Thread starter das
- Start date
- Status
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
OOC: @das, can I write a story about some poor Turks capturing Karamurad and turning him in for the bounty now? 
ThomAnder
Deity
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2004
- Messages
- 2,237
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
Such was the noise that accompanied Josef as he worked on the plot of land his family has been farming for many years. This land has been the only home he ever had, even if it wasnt even their home to begin with, in a legal sense. Many a times he had argued with his father over this, but it was all for naught. To his father, they were born as serfs and they will live as serfs, for that was the law. The one time he dared spoke ill of this law, he had earned himself a day filled with berating about the consequences of treason. As a result, Josef never shared with others what he truly felt and believed in. To others, he was like any other serf. He worked hard on his plot of land without complaints. No one knew that on the occasions he visited the nearby towns to trade, he would also pay a visit to some of the more educated residents. In exchange for some goods, services and flattering, those scholars (usually old) are often willing to share/flaunt their knowledge and/or books. Josefs favourite book as of late is none other than those of Adam Asnyk. He was fascinated by the concept of nationalism, for even lowly serfs like him can be proud of being a pole like any one else.
As he continued to plow the farm and plant the seeds, however, he shook his head at the silliness of that feeling. What use is it if he believed in the idea of nationalism? What use is it if he alone claims his loyalty to the nation? As long as serfdom continues to be the law, how can those writers expect the peasants to be loyal to the nation and not the land they work??? Josef gave a sigh at this point. More needs to be done than just reading novels if the population was to become nationalistic.
***
This year had not been a good year for Josef, and no doubt all other serfs in the land. It wasnt that they had a bad harvest. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. This year had provided them with one of the richest harvest they had in years. Its not the notion of the soon to come winter that worries them either. They had more than enough food to survive. The true cause was the news he had overheard from merchants as he was conducting his usual business in the town. Rumours have it that the landowners were planning to raise the tax.
Normally, this is understandable since a greater yield usually means a greater profit for the serfs, so the tax is raised. But the last few years have been quite the opposite. Fact is that the value of grain, once a very profitable trade, has been and is still on the decline. If this trend continues, even Josefs stubborn and conservative father will see that serfdom is a doomed cause. Their inability to pay the tax and to make a living is more than enough proof. Something will need to be done sooner rather than later, Josef thought grimly.
Thud!
Thud!
Such was the noise that accompanied Josef as he worked on the plot of land his family has been farming for many years. This land has been the only home he ever had, even if it wasnt even their home to begin with, in a legal sense. Many a times he had argued with his father over this, but it was all for naught. To his father, they were born as serfs and they will live as serfs, for that was the law. The one time he dared spoke ill of this law, he had earned himself a day filled with berating about the consequences of treason. As a result, Josef never shared with others what he truly felt and believed in. To others, he was like any other serf. He worked hard on his plot of land without complaints. No one knew that on the occasions he visited the nearby towns to trade, he would also pay a visit to some of the more educated residents. In exchange for some goods, services and flattering, those scholars (usually old) are often willing to share/flaunt their knowledge and/or books. Josefs favourite book as of late is none other than those of Adam Asnyk. He was fascinated by the concept of nationalism, for even lowly serfs like him can be proud of being a pole like any one else.
As he continued to plow the farm and plant the seeds, however, he shook his head at the silliness of that feeling. What use is it if he believed in the idea of nationalism? What use is it if he alone claims his loyalty to the nation? As long as serfdom continues to be the law, how can those writers expect the peasants to be loyal to the nation and not the land they work??? Josef gave a sigh at this point. More needs to be done than just reading novels if the population was to become nationalistic.
***
This year had not been a good year for Josef, and no doubt all other serfs in the land. It wasnt that they had a bad harvest. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. This year had provided them with one of the richest harvest they had in years. Its not the notion of the soon to come winter that worries them either. They had more than enough food to survive. The true cause was the news he had overheard from merchants as he was conducting his usual business in the town. Rumours have it that the landowners were planning to raise the tax.
Normally, this is understandable since a greater yield usually means a greater profit for the serfs, so the tax is raised. But the last few years have been quite the opposite. Fact is that the value of grain, once a very profitable trade, has been and is still on the decline. If this trend continues, even Josefs stubborn and conservative father will see that serfdom is a doomed cause. Their inability to pay the tax and to make a living is more than enough proof. Something will need to be done sooner rather than later, Josef thought grimly.
Harleqin
Hippo Power
das, when did the war of Spanish Succession happen in this timeline? Or more to the point... exactly how many years has Peru been independent?
And did Macchiavelli write his masterpiece in this timeline as well or hs nothing like it been made?
I'm planning some kind of story.
And did Macchiavelli write his masterpiece in this timeline as well or hs nothing like it been made?
I'm planning some kind of story.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
OOC:
@alex: I think Karamurad is in Persia, as he was "on the way to Shiraz" when he escaped. So...feel free to look for him, but you can't just have your side capture him...I think das will decide. It was already prearranged with the FK that we would execute him, however.
@alex: I think Karamurad is in Persia, as he was "on the way to Shiraz" when he escaped. So...feel free to look for him, but you can't just have your side capture him...I think das will decide. It was already prearranged with the FK that we would execute him, however.
das
Regeneration In Process
You'll have to send your troops to look for him first, though...
1787-1795, in 1795 Peru gained official independence, but was de facto controlled by Incan rebels since 1791.
The PoD was well after Macchiavelli's death.
Harleqin
Hippo Power
Treaty of Buenos Aires
art.1 The Kingdom of Portugal and the Incan Empire of Peru will immediately cease all hostilities between the two nations.
art.2 The Kingdom of Portugal will pay the Incan Empire of Peru 1m nuevo sol (1 eco point) in compensation for damage done during the invasion.
art. 3 The Kingdom of Portugal will send skilled engineers and military officers to aid the Incan Empire of Peru in updating their industrial capabilities.
art. 4 The Incan Empire of Peru will allow Portugal access to the port of Chiclayo for resupplying.
art. 5 The Incan Empire of Peru will send a royal emissary to Lisbon to make a personal apology for the misunderstanding leading to war.
art. 6 The Incan Empire of Peru will sign a defensive alliance valid from 1864-1869. From 1870-1874 a NAP will be in effect.
art. 7 All prisoners of war held by the Incan Empire of Peru and the Kingdom of Portugal will be released and given safe passage to the nearest friendly city. The Incan Empire will supply Black Ghost troops to aid the Portuguese soldiers to safely leave Peru without entering trapped areas.
art. 8 The Kingdom of Portugal will cede control of the Amazonian regions in the map below to the Incan Empire of Peru in order to create a more natural border that is also more defensible for both nations. This will work to secure peace in the region.
We hope that His Highness, the King of Portugal, finds this document agreeable and in line with our negotiations. We hope that His Highness will sign it just as we have. Furthermore, we hope that you will accept our gift of two royal llamas.
Document is signed by the Sapa-Inca of Peru.
Harleqin
Hippo Power
das said:
Ah, dzienki
MjM
Deity
From Portugal
It all looks good except for giving the FK use of our ports; if we dont get the exact same from them, we want this stricken from the treaty.
And this would be a more suitable map.
It all looks good except for giving the FK use of our ports; if we dont get the exact same from them, we want this stricken from the treaty.
And this would be a more suitable map.
Harleqin
Hippo Power
To: Portugal
From: Peru
Very well, we will strike it from the treaty. We will allow them access to one of our ports instead.
OOC: i'll just edit the post above
IC:
*SECRET*
To: FK
From: Peru
We thank His Highness for his support to bring peace to our land. The Portuguese did not want to let you use Recife, but rather than argue over the point we accepted as it seemed to be a better prospect than continued war.
We would like to offer your navy full access to all Incan ports for resupplying for the next five years and would also like to sign a NAP with you.
Once again, we thank Your Grace for your wisdom and help.
*SECRET*
From: Peru
Very well, we will strike it from the treaty. We will allow them access to one of our ports instead.
OOC: i'll just edit the post above
IC:
*SECRET*
To: FK
From: Peru
We thank His Highness for his support to bring peace to our land. The Portuguese did not want to let you use Recife, but rather than argue over the point we accepted as it seemed to be a better prospect than continued war.
We would like to offer your navy full access to all Incan ports for resupplying for the next five years and would also like to sign a NAP with you.
Once again, we thank Your Grace for your wisdom and help.
*SECRET*
ThomAnder
Deity
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2004
- Messages
- 2,237
Boleslav Stanislov was (and still is) a rich man. Not just rich, as a matter of fact. A very strange man too. Then again, those two almost always go hand in hand. If youre rich, chances are that youve done some out of the ordinary things to become rich. Very few people, however, knew the truth of how it was that this particular man became rich. All that was known by the public was that this man had appeared out of nowhere (some claim Muscovy) and staked out a territory for himself. There was no arguing that he was a successful man though. When no others were willing to invest in the industrial plans drawn up by the government, he alone was willing to take the risk. Sure enough, the venture had and will continue to pay off. Seeing his success, other landowners and traders soon followed suit.
Of course, his willingness to take these kinds of risks wasnt what made him strange. After all, all successful businessman are willing risk takers when profit can be found. Boleslav take other risks as well, risks that the general populace cant find an equally profitable reason to attribute to. In addition to being a wealthy man, he is also known to openly invite certain government officials, philosophers and scholars to his manor for dinner and discussion that cause his servants to worry for their lives, as well as scratch their head in confusion. Why in the world is this man inviting liberalist to his home? Why would this man be a liberal supporter? Where is the profit in being that? He is a businessman, and as such his success relies on remaining on the good side of the government. Stranger yet, however, his open friendliness toward the liberalists have yet to cause him any trouble from the government. Then again, people like him can get away with almost anything. After all, theyre rich.
*****
Szymon Nijmegen is also a rich man, of a different sort anyway. Szymon is rich in knowledge, not gold. He probably couldve become rich in the monetary sense too, if he werent so adamant in his principles and beliefs. Liberalists arent likely to become rich in a nation governed by absolutism. Boleslav Stanislov was an exception, though Szymon wasnt certain if that man can even be considered a liberalist. While hes certainly friendly to members of their cause, he had never made clear which side he supports. Numerous times he, along with his associates, have questioned him, but never had they received a clear answer.
Maybe hell finally give us an answer tonight Szymon thought as he dressed himself to attend another dinner set up by the same man, for tonight was going to be slightly different from previous dinners. In addition to inviting almost every member of the Liberal cause to a banquet in celebration of some special occasion, he had also indicated that he would like to make a formal announcement. For this matter, the location was changed from his manor to one of his countryside villas. So this man does know when to excise some discretion Szymon thought.
Within the horse carriage, Szymon began to wonder just how many fellow members will he find at the banquet tonight. When they first made their organization, so to speak, they had agreed on not allowing anyone except for a select few to know the identity of everyone in the cause, and Szymon wasnt one of those selected few. Looking outside the window, he was greeted with the sight of one of those new factories that was recently built by none other than Boleslav Stanislov. The land is changing, but so must the laws governing them. Szymon thought to himself.
When the carriage came to a stop, and Szymon got out, he was both surprised and not surprised by the number of people (and carriages) he was being surrounded by. He wasnt surprised that there were this many liberalists; as a matter of fact there were probably many more that didnt come or werent invited. But the fact that there were so many people who did come came as somewhat of a surprise to him. How did this man managed to convince so many of them to gather in one place? Szymon wondered. Everyone knew it was a dangerous thing to do. Perhaps the man specifically asked for a large audience so he can have a sense of just how serious and large a group he was joining. If that was so, they didnt really have a choice. The benefit is just too great to pass up. Finding knowledge-rich supporters was easy, whereas finding money-rich supporters wasnt.
Soon enough, everyone was seated and enjoying the luxurious food presented before them. Many of them had only dreamed of eating such foods, and Szymon couldnt help but wonder as well maybe that was why so many people chose to come. For the moment, most of the talking circulating the tables involved what else Boleslav is planning to announce aside from officially joining their ranks, as well as what the desert will be.
All talks ceased when the host of the banquet appeared before them. Szymon didnt really pay attention to what the man was saying, for it was getting harder and harder to even stay awake. Thats odd I used to be able to handle more alcohol than this. Just before the drowsiness enveloped him, he saw what appeared to be lines of men entering the room. Men wearing the uniforms of imperial soldiers.
OOC: not done yet, and no, this is not a plot to kill off all liberalists in the land i wish it was that easy 
Of course, his willingness to take these kinds of risks wasnt what made him strange. After all, all successful businessman are willing risk takers when profit can be found. Boleslav take other risks as well, risks that the general populace cant find an equally profitable reason to attribute to. In addition to being a wealthy man, he is also known to openly invite certain government officials, philosophers and scholars to his manor for dinner and discussion that cause his servants to worry for their lives, as well as scratch their head in confusion. Why in the world is this man inviting liberalist to his home? Why would this man be a liberal supporter? Where is the profit in being that? He is a businessman, and as such his success relies on remaining on the good side of the government. Stranger yet, however, his open friendliness toward the liberalists have yet to cause him any trouble from the government. Then again, people like him can get away with almost anything. After all, theyre rich.
*****
Szymon Nijmegen is also a rich man, of a different sort anyway. Szymon is rich in knowledge, not gold. He probably couldve become rich in the monetary sense too, if he werent so adamant in his principles and beliefs. Liberalists arent likely to become rich in a nation governed by absolutism. Boleslav Stanislov was an exception, though Szymon wasnt certain if that man can even be considered a liberalist. While hes certainly friendly to members of their cause, he had never made clear which side he supports. Numerous times he, along with his associates, have questioned him, but never had they received a clear answer.
Maybe hell finally give us an answer tonight Szymon thought as he dressed himself to attend another dinner set up by the same man, for tonight was going to be slightly different from previous dinners. In addition to inviting almost every member of the Liberal cause to a banquet in celebration of some special occasion, he had also indicated that he would like to make a formal announcement. For this matter, the location was changed from his manor to one of his countryside villas. So this man does know when to excise some discretion Szymon thought.
Within the horse carriage, Szymon began to wonder just how many fellow members will he find at the banquet tonight. When they first made their organization, so to speak, they had agreed on not allowing anyone except for a select few to know the identity of everyone in the cause, and Szymon wasnt one of those selected few. Looking outside the window, he was greeted with the sight of one of those new factories that was recently built by none other than Boleslav Stanislov. The land is changing, but so must the laws governing them. Szymon thought to himself.
When the carriage came to a stop, and Szymon got out, he was both surprised and not surprised by the number of people (and carriages) he was being surrounded by. He wasnt surprised that there were this many liberalists; as a matter of fact there were probably many more that didnt come or werent invited. But the fact that there were so many people who did come came as somewhat of a surprise to him. How did this man managed to convince so many of them to gather in one place? Szymon wondered. Everyone knew it was a dangerous thing to do. Perhaps the man specifically asked for a large audience so he can have a sense of just how serious and large a group he was joining. If that was so, they didnt really have a choice. The benefit is just too great to pass up. Finding knowledge-rich supporters was easy, whereas finding money-rich supporters wasnt.
Soon enough, everyone was seated and enjoying the luxurious food presented before them. Many of them had only dreamed of eating such foods, and Szymon couldnt help but wonder as well maybe that was why so many people chose to come. For the moment, most of the talking circulating the tables involved what else Boleslav is planning to announce aside from officially joining their ranks, as well as what the desert will be.
All talks ceased when the host of the banquet appeared before them. Szymon didnt really pay attention to what the man was saying, for it was getting harder and harder to even stay awake. Thats odd I used to be able to handle more alcohol than this. Just before the drowsiness enveloped him, he saw what appeared to be lines of men entering the room. Men wearing the uniforms of imperial soldiers.
OOC: not done yet, and no, this is not a plot to kill off all liberalists in the land
i wish it was that easy MjM
Deity
Add the map we put foward and we will sign the treaty.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Scattered Conversations in Shiraz
“Your unit has been scheduled for immediate decommissioning. This does not reflect upon your performance as a soldier, but cutbacks are necessary in order to reduce the strain on the economy. Your unit has been awarded three Medallions for Meritorious Conduct, as can be seen here…”
“Damn those fishermen…at least ten of my best sailors have left to join that ridiculous Navy that’s starting up. Now where am I going to get the eel for the Commissioner’s wedding? And I have an order for twenty pounds of mackerel, due on Tuesday!”
“Yes, that’s my plan. If we start this business on schedule, we’ll be in a prime position to dominate the market in Isfahan. All we need is…this much. Really it’s not a difficult investment to make.”
“Yes, Commissioner. I know the system may seem strange, but the Shah and his Council do have a point. A system of provinces is far more efficient than complete direct rule from Shiraz…and it has the benefit of making the people think they have more autonomy. At least allow it to be implemented before voicing your disapproval.”
“Ah, Minister Ibrahim! I have the reports that you asked for, and it would seem that the Palace should be finished on schedule! Personally, I’m incredibly thankful for the administrative section…this “office” is practically a stable!”
“What do you mean, the gilt peeled off on the middle minaret? Those idiots at the Ministry pointed me to some swindling contractor again, didn’t they? Oh well, I will definitely not take the blame for this one. Put the cost of the extra gilt in next week’s report, would you? I’m afraid that the entire staff will have to pull extra hours tonight to finish the East Wing.”
“Y…you m…misunderstand me, Hakim! I swear, it isn’t me! I have no idea where Ka…where he could be hiding. Well…at least, not until you give me twice what you’ve offered so far. You call that a bribe? No, wait, wait, don’t touch that!”
“Hmm, he’s in Shiraz now? A bit of a risky move, all things considered. Very well, he does have the money, doesn’t he? Federate currency? Good. Notify the police. Of course I’m going to betray him, what kind of criminal would I be if I let him go? My business may not be legal, but I’m still a Persian.”
“A government loan, you say? Oh, how wonderful! I always knew that the Shah cared about us normal citizens. My nephew and grandchildren will be so pleased! Of course, tell my wife we can leave for Isfahan this evening. I’ll finally be able to open my shop again, praise Allah.”
“Yes. Three hundred pounds of sailcloth, two hundred fifty pounds of rope…yes, the good rope, not that garbage that those Armenians sell. Ah of course, resin, I almost forgot! Also seventy-five pounds of resin, please. Have the warehouses send it directly to Bandar-e’ Abbas. I’m a government contractor now, of course I can afford to pay the extra costs.”
“All these developments are leading me to one conclusion. India was proposed to be his final destination…but we’re getting scattered reports of offers from Japan, and even Mexico. The market for mercenaries is always good, I suppose. At any rate, tell Minister Qadaalik of our suspicions, and make sure that he doubles his inspections of outgoing cargo.”
“Allahu Akbar! I’ve been given the promotion! Oh this is just wonderful, the Shah really does appreciate my efforts! Or someone does, at least. I can go back to my family in Yazd at last. There’s nothing like going back home, but going back to serve as Governor? Marvelous! The first Governor of Yazd Province. I really do like the sound of that.”
“The cleric in Mecca we were speaking of earlier sent us an interesting communiqué. Apparently he wants an official investment to build a Shiite mosque in the holy city. The Ottomans have been…a little hostile to anything not Sunni in their provinces, but a sizable…“motivation” could change all that.”
“Oui. C'est une petite librairie dans Isfahan. Mais faire attention, la route est très dangereuse. Bonne chance, mon ami.”
“Here it is, sire. Touch it with caution. This book, as you know, is over ten centuries old. Thankfully, Major General van Derhuyt himself took it from Samarkand, and Karamurad didn’t have it when he made his escape. As you can see, the back cover is quite torn, but apparently there is a monastery in Kalat that specializes in repairing ancient works of this type.”
“Hot fresh kebabs! Get your lamb kebabs here, only ten rials! What’s that, you say? The vendor in the Holy Quarter sells them for eight rials? Thank you, sir. Hot fresh kebabs! Get your lamb kebabs here, only seven rials!”
“Yes, I have just returned from the port. Inform the Commissioner and the Minister of Naval Affairs that we’ve had no success thus far. We have searched twenty-five large cargo vessels, thirteen fishing ships, and 3 warships, as well as…Hey, hey you! Stop, come back here this instant! Someone stop that man! Guards, follow him! We may have found our man, gentlemen, after him!
“Your unit has been scheduled for immediate decommissioning. This does not reflect upon your performance as a soldier, but cutbacks are necessary in order to reduce the strain on the economy. Your unit has been awarded three Medallions for Meritorious Conduct, as can be seen here…”
“Damn those fishermen…at least ten of my best sailors have left to join that ridiculous Navy that’s starting up. Now where am I going to get the eel for the Commissioner’s wedding? And I have an order for twenty pounds of mackerel, due on Tuesday!”
“Yes, that’s my plan. If we start this business on schedule, we’ll be in a prime position to dominate the market in Isfahan. All we need is…this much. Really it’s not a difficult investment to make.”
“Yes, Commissioner. I know the system may seem strange, but the Shah and his Council do have a point. A system of provinces is far more efficient than complete direct rule from Shiraz…and it has the benefit of making the people think they have more autonomy. At least allow it to be implemented before voicing your disapproval.”
“Ah, Minister Ibrahim! I have the reports that you asked for, and it would seem that the Palace should be finished on schedule! Personally, I’m incredibly thankful for the administrative section…this “office” is practically a stable!”
“What do you mean, the gilt peeled off on the middle minaret? Those idiots at the Ministry pointed me to some swindling contractor again, didn’t they? Oh well, I will definitely not take the blame for this one. Put the cost of the extra gilt in next week’s report, would you? I’m afraid that the entire staff will have to pull extra hours tonight to finish the East Wing.”
“Y…you m…misunderstand me, Hakim! I swear, it isn’t me! I have no idea where Ka…where he could be hiding. Well…at least, not until you give me twice what you’ve offered so far. You call that a bribe? No, wait, wait, don’t touch that!”
“Hmm, he’s in Shiraz now? A bit of a risky move, all things considered. Very well, he does have the money, doesn’t he? Federate currency? Good. Notify the police. Of course I’m going to betray him, what kind of criminal would I be if I let him go? My business may not be legal, but I’m still a Persian.”
“A government loan, you say? Oh, how wonderful! I always knew that the Shah cared about us normal citizens. My nephew and grandchildren will be so pleased! Of course, tell my wife we can leave for Isfahan this evening. I’ll finally be able to open my shop again, praise Allah.”
“Yes. Three hundred pounds of sailcloth, two hundred fifty pounds of rope…yes, the good rope, not that garbage that those Armenians sell. Ah of course, resin, I almost forgot! Also seventy-five pounds of resin, please. Have the warehouses send it directly to Bandar-e’ Abbas. I’m a government contractor now, of course I can afford to pay the extra costs.”
“All these developments are leading me to one conclusion. India was proposed to be his final destination…but we’re getting scattered reports of offers from Japan, and even Mexico. The market for mercenaries is always good, I suppose. At any rate, tell Minister Qadaalik of our suspicions, and make sure that he doubles his inspections of outgoing cargo.”
“Allahu Akbar! I’ve been given the promotion! Oh this is just wonderful, the Shah really does appreciate my efforts! Or someone does, at least. I can go back to my family in Yazd at last. There’s nothing like going back home, but going back to serve as Governor? Marvelous! The first Governor of Yazd Province. I really do like the sound of that.”
“The cleric in Mecca we were speaking of earlier sent us an interesting communiqué. Apparently he wants an official investment to build a Shiite mosque in the holy city. The Ottomans have been…a little hostile to anything not Sunni in their provinces, but a sizable…“motivation” could change all that.”
“Oui. C'est une petite librairie dans Isfahan. Mais faire attention, la route est très dangereuse. Bonne chance, mon ami.”
“Here it is, sire. Touch it with caution. This book, as you know, is over ten centuries old. Thankfully, Major General van Derhuyt himself took it from Samarkand, and Karamurad didn’t have it when he made his escape. As you can see, the back cover is quite torn, but apparently there is a monastery in Kalat that specializes in repairing ancient works of this type.”
“Hot fresh kebabs! Get your lamb kebabs here, only ten rials! What’s that, you say? The vendor in the Holy Quarter sells them for eight rials? Thank you, sir. Hot fresh kebabs! Get your lamb kebabs here, only seven rials!”
“Yes, I have just returned from the port. Inform the Commissioner and the Minister of Naval Affairs that we’ve had no success thus far. We have searched twenty-five large cargo vessels, thirteen fishing ships, and 3 warships, as well as…Hey, hey you! Stop, come back here this instant! Someone stop that man! Guards, follow him! We may have found our man, gentlemen, after him!
Stormbringer
The Brick and The Rose
The FK congratulates the Incas and the Portugees on having reached a peaceful resolution to the conflict and is very happy with the terms.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
OOC:
My orders were sent, but you know that das. So...a Tuesday update would be nice if you can find the time.
Panda, you need to clean your PM box please. Even though I'm basically agreeing with what we discussed.
My orders were sent, but you know that das.
So...a Tuesday update would be nice if you can find the time.Panda, you need to clean your PM box please. Even though I'm basically agreeing with what we discussed.
Stormbringer
The Brick and The Rose
The Village of Newtonmore, Scotland
A Story of Company B of the 12th Foot Regiment
When Company B, composed of volunteers, was ordered into Newtonmore they did not expect to remain there for long - afterall, there was still a lot of ground to gain against the Gaelic rebels, and almost all of Ireland was still in revolt. Their future turned out to be very different than they had anticipated, and they would play a more vital role in the war here, in Newtonmore, than they ever could on a grand battlefield against the Gaelic fighters.
Company B was now part of "the other war" that was going on in Scotland and throughout all other Gaelic provinces - the war for the hearts and minds of the population. It was obvious to the commanders of the Federated forces in Scotland that developmental aid was the key to making people more friendly to the Federates, but it was also obvious that it was a long time project. For now the most important job was protecting the population from Gaelic fighters who demanded food, shelter, intelligence, and draftees. This job was for soliders, and Company B was assigned to do it.
When Company B arrived in the village the 35 men were paired with around 50 men from the local militia. Together these forces were supposed to secure the village from the Gaelic fighters, with the Federates providing the skills and experience for fighting and the locals providing vital information about the surroundings. In practice, it was much harder.
When the Federate soldiers arrived in June the village was practically ran by the Gaelic fighters. They could come and go at will, taxing the inhabitants to support themselves, and killing any "English Sympathizers" who got in their way. The local militia that was supposed to prevent that was too scared to do anything.
Company B with its energentic commander quickly changed that. When they arrived to Newtonmore they lived no better and no worse than the militia there. The two forces slept side by side in a ramshackle fort, ate the same food, smoked the same tobacco, drew the same pool assignments.
By day the Federate forces and the militia interacted in a friendly manner with the villagers, winning their trust and confidence. By night, they patrolled aggressively, often clashing with the Gaelic fighters - over 70 engagements in the first couple of months of duty. As the Federates continued patrolling night after night their skills at small-scale warfare improved and their knowledge of the surroundings was soon as good as that of the Gaelics. Before long the Federates were moving as stealthily and as adept as setting ambushes as their enemies. The militia also experienced rapid improvement in their skills and confidence thanks to the training they received from the Federates. Together, they managed to drive the Gaelics out of Newtonmore.
Critics of this program in the military worried that the small force would be vulnerable to annihilation by the main forces of the Gaelic army, which could throw hundreds of soldiers against a couple of dozen of defenders. A valid concern. The Gaelics, seeing the success the Federates were having in Newtonmore, decided that if they did not want to be pushed out of the area althogether they would have to wipe out the Federates. To achieve this task the local Gaelic fighters were reinforced by two companies from the main Gaelic force.
On the night of September 14-15 the Gaelics struck at the combined forces compound at Newtonmore known as Fort Page. After midnight the Gaelic sappers masterfully plucked out the sharpened wooden stakes designed to discourage unwelcome visitors. Twenty of the Federates were not home that night; they were out patrolling with most of the militia. That left only 15 Federates and 20 militiamen to hold the fort. The defenders, grown complacent, were caught completely by surprise. Almost before they had time to react the Gaelic soldiers were inside the compound. Amid the chatter of weapons fire the Federates were cut down, one by one. Their desperate resistance gave some of the militiamen just enough time to huddle together and prevent the attackers from overrunning them too. Stymied, the Gaelic commander gave the order to retreat about an hour after the attack began. It was only then that a Federate comapny from a nearby base - supposed to act as Fort Page's emergency reserve - arrived, too late to do anything but succor the wounded and bury the dead. Fourteen Federates and 8 militiamen were killed on that grim night. Only one Federate survived the attack, and he was badly wounded.
"At first light," writes Leutenant Henry Evelyn Wood, "General Roberts, commander of the 12th Foot, entered the smoldering fort and called the 2 surviving Federates who had been out on patrol that night. Speaking softly, he said they had a choice. They could stay or they could go." Given teh chance to evacuate the remaining Federate soldiers refused. "We couldn't leae," one Federate later wrote, "what would we have said to the militiamen after the way we pushed them to fight the Gaelics? We had to stay. There wasn't one of us who wanted to leave. The only people we wanted out was that worthless reaction company that didn't get to the fort until after it was overrun."
How many other people would have volunteered to stay in a dangerous post if given the chance to leave? That the Federates wanted to stay was a testiment to their morale and esprit de corps. Their close involvement with the daily life of Newtonmore gave them a stake in the war.
Company B continued its mission in Newtonmore with 15 replacements, all volunteers, and they enjoyed increasing success. The two Gaelic companies that helped in the attack went back to join the main Gaelic force and the local Gaelic fighters have been too badly hurt to present much of a menace. As the Federates continued with their efforts to integrate into village life, they came to feel "that the five thousand villagers accepted them. They ate in their houses, went to their parties, and to their funerals." Their welcome was further improved when the Company's Leutenant ordered the soldiers to open a school and the medic in the Company treated the sick people from the village. The few skirmishes with the Gaelics that did continue took place outside the village and the villagers were not involved.
Good relations with the villagers paid off. By the time another main force attack was organized on Newtonmore by the Gaelics the defenders were ready, thanks to intelligence supplied by their informants. Knowing that an attack was on the way, their battalion commander ordered the Federates to evacuate before they were hit by some 600 enemy soldiers. The Federate soldiers gathered together and decided that they would not go - even if this meant risking a court-martial for disobeying orders. "I'm going to stay here, they are not getting this fort. They are not getting this ville." And they did not. After one of the Gaelic scouts was detected and killed by an alert militiaman, the rest of the main force scuttled away, knowing that the defenders were on their guard.
The Gaelics never again seriously threatened Newtonmore. The the time it was time for the Federates to leave the village, once a Gaelic haven, was completely secure. There were a few setbacks after the Federates left, but the militiamen managed to keep the Gaelics out. By the end of the year the village was so secure that General Roberts called it the 'R&R' (Rest and Recreation) center.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
OOC: Today, well at least for Southern California is Chinese New Years Eve. In around 2 hours and 55 minutes itll be Chinese New Year. So I just have this to say, Happy Chinese New Years!
After working for a few years in minor posts of the French East Indies Company in Siam, and Indonesia, I have finally clawed my way up enough to be sent to a meaningful and bright posting in Shanghai only to find out after I arrived in Shanghai in the middle of January that there would be nothing for me to do! My superior told me when I left the steamer that I should take a week off giving me a glare while saying it! I immediately went to complain to the head of Shanghai Branch only to have some clerk laugh in my face before telling me to get out! The indignity!
I, a scion of French Noble Family should not be thrown or laughed at by commoners! Much less ridiculed by these Chinamen! My father will have those accursed primitives be severely punished! They set off a terrible racket yesterday thousands upon thousands of their firecrackers being set off in broad daylight with the people celebrating in the streets! According to them this year is the Year of the Pig! Why they would celebrate the pig is beyond me. I do not believe that this primitive and superstitious people are actually allies of the Emperor Phillipe-Ferdinand!
Tonight there is a fireworks display over the citys central park absolutely blinding me. Ive been forced to close my curtains and still thats not enough. Theres so much fireworks being blown that my windows were shaking a while ago. A few hours earlier when I went into town to find a place to get a decent meal I learned that all the tables had been reserved weeks ago! There was absolutely no place to get food! Ill starve for the night. I already regret coming to China
-Journal Entries from unknown French Noblemen 1863.
Qing Dynasty Guangxu Exhibit, Beijing Imperial Chinese Musuem
Chinese New Year in 1863 was by all considerations a massive undertaking. It was estimated that a sum total to a week of the Empires revenue was spent the money coming from wealthy merchants, plantation owners, high ranking officials and even some from intelligent foreign merchants. This New Year Celebration was made in mind to celebrate the glorious Victory of the Empire over the Islamic and Barbaric Turkmens and the successful reconquest of Kyushu from the Japanese Rebels.
Normally Chinese New Years Eve would be celebrated by a family reunion (no small feat that is, with the huge Chinese families) and generally a day to appreciate. The reunion dinner is usually very large and traditionally includes chicken. Fish is also included but not completely eaten up due to a Chinese saying Nian nian you yu as the word yu, or fish is a homophone for phrases which could mean have something leftover every year.
A black hair like algae named fat choy in Cantonese is featured in mostly every dish as it sounds very similar to the Chinese word for prosperity. The Chinese believes that if you eat a food that sounds like something else, that having one will lead to the other.
The First Day of the New Year would be every childs favorite even if officially it was the day to welcome the Gods of Heaven and Earth. Many people also abstain from meat consumption that day as it is believed that this would insure long and happy lives for them. The part where children enjoy the most is during the morning where the large extended family usually gathers to give out Hong Bao (Mandarin) or Lai Si (Cantonese) Red envelopes were given to unmarried members of the family or to children depending on the area of where they lived.
Chinese New Year aside from being celebrated simply in Chinese Proper was also celebrated by the Mongols, Manchus, Tibetans, Annamese and Koreans (mostly everyone in the Chinese Empire) as well causing many to say Chinese New Year is the only New Years that matters in the Chinese Empire. Throughout Chinese settlements in the world mainly India, Indonesia, and Siam phrases such as Gong Xi Fa Chai could be heard as people wished each other to be prosperous in the coming year.
No one was immune from the spirit of Chinese New Year as shown by the observations of various European Dignitaries and businessmen. Normally cold and hard individuals during the New Years were as cheerful as children jumping with energy and a smile to boot. They were all ecstatic over their culture and their pride in being Chinese. China had never been stronger after all, and now China truly dominated the parts of the world that mattered.
In most, if not all of these family reunion dinners whether poor or rich, from simple rice wine to fine red wine with a simple fish to exquisite scallops and abalones there would come a time when the older members of the family would stand up to give a toast. It didnt matter whether it was a cup made of wood, or porcelain, or glass the toast was what you could expect. Toasting for a prosperous year, more children, and so on. But, filled with joy they would toast again after the initial round:
To the Emperor Guangxu! May He reign long and prosperously!
After working for a few years in minor posts of the French East Indies Company in Siam, and Indonesia, I have finally clawed my way up enough to be sent to a meaningful and bright posting in Shanghai only to find out after I arrived in Shanghai in the middle of January that there would be nothing for me to do! My superior told me when I left the steamer that I should take a week off giving me a glare while saying it! I immediately went to complain to the head of Shanghai Branch only to have some clerk laugh in my face before telling me to get out! The indignity!
I, a scion of French Noble Family should not be thrown or laughed at by commoners! Much less ridiculed by these Chinamen! My father will have those accursed primitives be severely punished! They set off a terrible racket yesterday thousands upon thousands of their firecrackers being set off in broad daylight with the people celebrating in the streets! According to them this year is the Year of the Pig! Why they would celebrate the pig is beyond me. I do not believe that this primitive and superstitious people are actually allies of the Emperor Phillipe-Ferdinand!
Tonight there is a fireworks display over the citys central park absolutely blinding me. Ive been forced to close my curtains and still thats not enough. Theres so much fireworks being blown that my windows were shaking a while ago. A few hours earlier when I went into town to find a place to get a decent meal I learned that all the tables had been reserved weeks ago! There was absolutely no place to get food! Ill starve for the night. I already regret coming to China
-Journal Entries from unknown French Noblemen 1863.
Qing Dynasty Guangxu Exhibit, Beijing Imperial Chinese Musuem
Chinese New Year in 1863 was by all considerations a massive undertaking. It was estimated that a sum total to a week of the Empires revenue was spent the money coming from wealthy merchants, plantation owners, high ranking officials and even some from intelligent foreign merchants. This New Year Celebration was made in mind to celebrate the glorious Victory of the Empire over the Islamic and Barbaric Turkmens and the successful reconquest of Kyushu from the Japanese Rebels.
Normally Chinese New Years Eve would be celebrated by a family reunion (no small feat that is, with the huge Chinese families) and generally a day to appreciate. The reunion dinner is usually very large and traditionally includes chicken. Fish is also included but not completely eaten up due to a Chinese saying Nian nian you yu as the word yu, or fish is a homophone for phrases which could mean have something leftover every year.
A black hair like algae named fat choy in Cantonese is featured in mostly every dish as it sounds very similar to the Chinese word for prosperity. The Chinese believes that if you eat a food that sounds like something else, that having one will lead to the other.
The First Day of the New Year would be every childs favorite even if officially it was the day to welcome the Gods of Heaven and Earth. Many people also abstain from meat consumption that day as it is believed that this would insure long and happy lives for them. The part where children enjoy the most is during the morning where the large extended family usually gathers to give out Hong Bao (Mandarin) or Lai Si (Cantonese) Red envelopes were given to unmarried members of the family or to children depending on the area of where they lived.
Chinese New Year aside from being celebrated simply in Chinese Proper was also celebrated by the Mongols, Manchus, Tibetans, Annamese and Koreans (mostly everyone in the Chinese Empire) as well causing many to say Chinese New Year is the only New Years that matters in the Chinese Empire. Throughout Chinese settlements in the world mainly India, Indonesia, and Siam phrases such as Gong Xi Fa Chai could be heard as people wished each other to be prosperous in the coming year.
No one was immune from the spirit of Chinese New Year as shown by the observations of various European Dignitaries and businessmen. Normally cold and hard individuals during the New Years were as cheerful as children jumping with energy and a smile to boot. They were all ecstatic over their culture and their pride in being Chinese. China had never been stronger after all, and now China truly dominated the parts of the world that mattered.
In most, if not all of these family reunion dinners whether poor or rich, from simple rice wine to fine red wine with a simple fish to exquisite scallops and abalones there would come a time when the older members of the family would stand up to give a toast. It didnt matter whether it was a cup made of wood, or porcelain, or glass the toast was what you could expect. Toasting for a prosperous year, more children, and so on. But, filled with joy they would toast again after the initial round:
To the Emperor Guangxu! May He reign long and prosperously!
das
Regeneration In Process
No, they're Druzian with elements of Ishmaelism, and also have introduced ritual human sacrifice.
Considering that the PoD is in early 17th century, and that by the time the Ottoman Empire begun to emerge in 14th century practically all the Turks in the region were Sunni...
- Status
