Lost Skies - IC

[seannie 6832]

 

Aurigan Heavy Cruiser Patrol, 

Mountains of Advar, 1891

 

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Turn 3 - NEW YEAR

1891 - Spring - Summer

 

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THE JENA PACT EXPANDS

THE BANTU KINGDOM HAS ADDED ITS SIGNATURE TO THE ALLIANCE

CONSEQUENCES TO GEOPOLITICS UNKNOWN

 

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THE GREAT KHANATE OF TANN EXPANDS

AIRSHIPS SPOTTED THROUGHOUT THE SHATTERED PLAINS

TYREL, AADRENSVELD, MIRAAB, JENA ALL REPORT SIGHTINGS

WARS IMMINENT

 

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RELATIONS SOUR BETWEEN THE DOMAIN AND THE PRINCIPALITIES

CAUSE: EXPANSION

THE HIGH HEGEMON HAS DEMANDED A CESSATION OF COLONIZATION

 

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NEW TRADE MECHANICS ADDED

 

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The Holy Empire of Seschsia

Warlord Aralov, following some months of Seschsian inactivity in the region, has become more apparent once more, with his forces rumored to have been deployed. The borderlands have yet to report any attacks.

 

Event: Orbital Defense Facility

The ruins of the facility have long been pilfered endlessly by the nearby population of Sechsians for years now. There’s nothing much else to offer other than being a site of tourism for those interested in the lost arts of the First Era.

 

Event: Ruined Spaceport

The same holds true for this Spaceport, with every nook and cranny so far explored to their fullest. The Shturmoviki Commander in charge does mention that the Spaceport could be a good site for an aeroport if they refurbish it.

 

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The Miraabi Confederation

The Khan sizes up the Great Miraab - raiding airships are spotted constantly upon the horizon, but the plateau remains strong.

 

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The Duchy of Charalais

 

Event: The Bridge

Re-construction of the Bridge continues without fault, along with the new legalities and such. The New World, without need for the mobilization of vast fleets of colonizing airships, is soon to be reached. [1 turn left]

 

Event: The Rising Threat of the Shard of Sarram

The pirates that had been ambushed earlier last year have long since disappeared entirely from the region - though a rising rumour emerges further east - something about Sky Clans. The Naresian Cities of Al-Alad and Al-Nare are accepting of the Duke’s assistance, their fleets mobilized for defensive measures. The Naresians have nothing much else to report, only stating that the pirates have fled north towards Sarradon - though they do share their concerns with the reavers of the Shard of Sarram, their convoys raided before by these new organized pirates, a potential new strike may be imminent. 

 

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The Koninkrijk Aadrensveld-Rhynsland

The Kingdom is bustling with activity upon the formal discovery of the New World. Images are plastered throughout the newspapers of the realm, presenting potential new life in this foreign continent. A great surge of colonialism has begun.

 

Event: The New World

The Second Expedition to the New World, under command of ZMS Osterhoudt meets with significant successes, documenting and detailing the foreign lands in line with their mission expectations. The land itself is mostly arid, with strange formations of localized plateaus rising from the ground as if they were mountains. The natives, black-skinned in appearance, have been seen living upon these plateaus, utilizing extremely rudimentary gliding crafts and the likes to get back and forth. The presence of the Osterhoudt causes a great commotion as it looms high above in the skies, though nothing much occurs as the Koninkrijk maintains its lofty height above these indigenous peoples. It becomes quickly apparent that the plateaus are home to a great amount of life other than human, with water plentiful, among other indiscernible things. Further expeditions will no doubt establish a foothold in the new world, as these natives are entirely backwards compared to the Koninkrijk

 

Event: The Union of Kassadan and Aadrensveld

The proposals are met with resounding applause throughout the Archduchy of Tyrel, for Duke Terah’s daughter, Mariam Kassadan, had become of age for marriage. Tyrel accepts the proposal, with the marriage between Lady Mariam and Prince Franz to be held within Coenstaad - the Union has effectively solidified relations between the two realms, an alliance is formed through blood.

 

Event: The Kantoor van de Nationaal Veiligheid

The Office of National Security is formed without fault, bolstered by able personnel from throughout the Koninkrijk. Though untested on the international stage, their capabilities are unpar in regards to the homefront - often compared to the Acadian Consulate’s own counterinsurgency departments. It is theorized that the KNV may be able to ward off espionage attempts, but simulations still detail them lacking when compared to more… deceitful powers.

 

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The Republic of Lannion

 

Event: The Emissary’s Travel Eastward

The envoy’s travel proceeds without fault towards the New World - there are no armed forces meeting his small civilian airships as he touches down onto these foreign beaches. The surrounding area seems heavily rural, almost reminiscent of the Republic’s peasantry back home - though the crowds that have gathered are significantly different in their appearance, from even their ways of dress to their visage. Most peculiarly, their eyes are slanted, almost like those of the Tann Khanate. Frustratingly, the languages spoken are entirely incomprehensible to both parties, but discussions are easily continued with general gestures and images. After some time, some individuals that appear to be like soldiers, escort the Emissary away, deeper into the New World.

 

Event: The Spire, year 2

Luckily for the expedition, the Republic’s constant providing of resources has allowed them to go further beyond, avoiding obstacles and maintaining proper pace upward. Following Station V, only four more inhabited Stations remain, with Station Z expected to be reached within the next few months. The next station the expedition passes will put them fully above the range of most airships, where even though the Spire insulates the weather, the cold bites deep nonetheless. 

 

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The Sky Clans

The hunting grounds are set, the prey await their fate. 
 

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The Bantu baseZulwini

 

Event: Bantu Colonization

The Kingdom’s expansion goes without fault, with much of the surrounding stateless population themselves consisting of Bantu ethnicities - they fold easily into the centralized control of Langa.

 

Event: Westward Expedition

The travels of the UWW Langa and her detachment go forth without any complications, making quick travel to their destination. It seems there is nothing to threaten the Bantu in this voyage. New discoveries are made, with the island found to be hospitable, like the mainland. Strange formations are spotted by UWW Langa’s fighter patrols, soon realized to be some sort of constructs, First Era in make, just like those found at home. Their purpose, however, remains entirely unknown, as more detailed investigations will need to take place. For now, the Naval Officers theorize the site to be some sort of ancient facility for whatever use deemed important at the time - its interiors offering not much insight - though a large painted inscription on some buildings have hence dubbed it as ‘Installation 0078’.

 

Event: The Pastoral Visit of 1890

The Pontiff’s arrival in the Bantu Kingdom is met with tremendous acclaim by those still adhering strongly to the Hieoromic Faith - the allowance of this Holy Voyage has bolstered their fervour, at the cost of an increasingly dissatisfied opposition.

 

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The Protectorate of Contamrol

 

Event: A Khan Scorned

The Khanate is quick to take advantage of the situation that had occurred in Parlamann, deploying several Noyans to the area to provide… ‘assistance’. For better or worse, the presence of Tannic Warriors within the Proctorate has increased significantly. However, the presence of their airships cannot be understated, as a fleet of 20 destroyers, 2 Topmarines  and 4 Light Cruisers appear to defend the Protectorate - deployed in patrol formations. They begin their own investigation into the attack, but simply outright state that the cursed Great Miraab, a den of Tannic traitors, is the perpetrator, most likely. They assure the Protectorate that the Miraab shall be destroyed for their slight and provide Parlamaan with an immense amount of material support and funds.

[20,000c from Khanate investment and rebuilding efforts in Parlamaan]

 

Event: Expedition into the Depths

Further excavations into the ruined undercity of Parlamann provides nothing much of use, as an unfortunate wrong turn ends up collapsing an entire section of the undercity being excavated - most likely disturbed by the reverberations of explosions in the Crater-City above earlier in the year. Water permeates throughout these sections of ruins, as it seems an aquifer has breached the undercity.

 

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The Eastern Katsumore Clan

 

Event: The Emperor’s Tour of Tyrel

The people of Tyrel have come to be fascinated with the young Emperor of the West, often coming out in great droves to show their support. It seems the Archduchy is simply a lively place of boundless optimism - unusual in a world so wracked by ruinous devastation, but surprisingly wholesome, nonetheless. As for the union of marriage, Archduke Terah apologizes for the lack of a potential suitable suitor, for his only daughter was already promised to the Koninkrijk. His son, the Ducal Heir, also Terah, is available, along with his niece, Anna. Should this be acceptable, the Archduchy is most ready to assist the Daichi in their establishment of a Tyrellian form of government. 

 

Event: The Fleet Departs

Though the sudden punitive campaign against the Sky Beast is met with skepticism from the Priests of the Ways of Life, Drakers nevertheless take up on the offer by the dozen. Around 10 destroyers and 2 Light Cruisers are added to the Daichi’s fleet as they head northward to do away with the Sky Beasts. Though oddly enough, after thorough patrols during these months, the presence of sky beasts has been minimal, perhaps due to the occurrences in the west.

 

Event: The Kempeitai

Just as the Acadians and the Aadrensveld established their modern national defense agencies, so did the Daichi. The Eastern Katsumore, a Beacon of Ingenuity - with their tremendous works of technology, are no doubt prime targets for those who seek to uncover such secrets - perhaps the Kempeitai will be of assistance in warding off such attempts.

 

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The Acadian Consulate

 

Event: A Good Bug is a Dead Bug

The overwhelming Acadian response to the Klendathu Forest has effectively stifled the spread of these genetic freaks. Bugs die by the thousands as they are lured into killzones, blasted apart by artillery and airships, swept aside by the Infanterie follow ups. The ‘Deadzone’ is now mostly recovered under civilized control, with some fortunate pockets of Acadians rescued. The move onto Site 0004 begins, secrets soon to be uncovered.

 

Event: Eyes in the Hills

The Coastal Settlement of Yport is established without fault, quickly attracting a great boom of colonists from the inner cities to terraform the land to their desires. Here, the earth is plenty, and its forests bountiful, a good life to be had for any willing to brave the new world. Bizarre occurrences begin to be reported, one minor outpost even stating they saw an unidentifiable flying object, almost like an airship. It seems that the further west the Acadians go, the stranger things become.

 

Fort Frontenac is established, a forward operating base for exploration in the south-west. The island is similar to that of the Strait’s Administration, windswept with little life, mostly sky-fish herds stopping by for rest. 

 

Research Slot: EAM Modele A

The surprising revelation of the further sophistication of land vehicles is met with resounding success as the already established engineers of Acadia are gathered together to formalize the creation of the first personal-use automobile. The granship of the earth, so to say. A carriage on wheels with an engine, soon to be available for all in a short time following many bouts of trial and error. [2 Turns until automobiles are available]

 

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The Bound Constellation 

 

Achlys spews out another great billow of ash and smoke, the wind sweeping it away to terrorize another region in the Shattered Plains.

 

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The Crusaders of Jena

With the Behemothaur finally laid to rest, the Crusaders rejoice in prayers and other pious celebrations. The remaining Draker cruiser, now alone with the destruction of its sister ships, offers itself up to the Jenase Navy for a tremendously small price of 5000c. The Lydia Maria is also recovered, having been found crashed into the earth following a loss of control in the cyclonic winds - with the majority of its crew dead from impact, though the Captain survived due to being strapped to his seat. With the Behemothaur dead, an immense operation is underway to dissect the beast for its wealth of resources, providing the State with a tremendous economic boost from its carcass alone - wreckages of airships are found within its insides. [5000c for a Light Cruiser should offer be accepted, 1 Light Cruiser recovered/incapacitated for 1 turn, 30,000c in harvesting worth]

 

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Western Katsumore Clan

 

Event: The Sky Beasts Beyond

It seems the Daichi of the West have greatly underestimated the potency of the Sky Beast presence in the mountains, with the deployment of their fleets facing an increasing amount of resistance, and some airships simply outright incapacitated as they are brought down by swarms of sky beasts. The Hive, deep in the mountains, has been further rustled to liveliness. The Horde will soon be upon the Daichi for this disturbance. 

 

Event: The Western Sacred Tree

With the Eastern Daichi sharing their findings, the west also begins uncovering the secrets deep under their city, also finding a long lost laboratory seemingly dated back to the First Era. Their efforts begin earnestly in fully excavating the point of interest, though having started late, and needing to dig through the earth - it will take some time to get anything of use as the Daichi carefully commit to their archeological findings. 

[Krefarus 65]

Holy Sechsian Empire

“The Regent reaches his hand out to the East.”

- - -

 

 

“In Hieoromar’s name, Amen.”

The Blessed Regent’s eyes flicked open. He realized how cold he was, knelt here in the snow within the ruins of an abandoned church. He rose, brushing the snow from the shoulders of his heavy coat as he first looked to the icon of the immortal Hieoromar positioned near the altar at the rear of the church, and then to the sky through the large hole in the roof. Night had already fallen. The Regent felt a connection to his place, the holiest of places, where the true Bophanov line had worshipped in the years after their exile. He knew he would before his shuttle had even touched down. The visions had shown him this place. Hieoromar himself steered his path.

He ran his hand along the pew’s railing, gathering a handful of the deposited snow into his gloved hand, letting it filter through his fingers until they were empty. The path remains clear. The path remains clear. He could not have this place rebuilt. He could not have it touched. Only the Prince’s most faithful could know. Only him. Only the Blessed Regent.

As he turned toward the decaying church’s exit, he felt a strangeness enter the air. His stomach rose. His arms and legs tingled. This moment - He had foreseen it! Prophecy! A wave of sensation overcame the Regent’s mind, a vision from the Immortal himself! Visions of brilliant light. Roaring crowds. A hand reaching to the heavens. The Regent’s mind grew fuzzy. Before him laid a hundred springs, steam rising from their surface, and then there was black.


His eyes peeled open and revealed a great number of his escort huddled around their dear Regent. Their voices held confusion, fear, panic.  “Peace, friends.” Khrebtov commanded in a low tone, a grin gripped his face. “The Immortal has bestowed us with further wisdom. Come.”

The Shturmoviki pulled him to his feet. The Blessed Regent gave a final glance to the ruined chapel. He would return.

“There is much to be done.”

Actions:

-Two more cities are established throughout the Blessed Regent’s realm. Lucky citizens are notified of their relocation opportunity, and rushed into the nearest box car to arrive on time! [60,000 C + 20 M]
-The Trade Depot of Levogorod is expanded upon, as is the one in Bophanovopol [37,500 C + 6 M]
-4 Naval Yards are constructed in Bophanovopol [30,000 C + 12 M]
-6 Military Factories spring up across the realm [30,000 C + 6 M]
-2 Material Industries are slated for construction in Radonezh [15,000 C]
-A payment is made [10,000 C] [1/4]
-A substantial order is placed in Aardensveld’s ship yards [74,400 C]
-1 Unit (3) of Coal is imported from Lannion, to be used at a later date. [Repayment due next turn]

-The Guard receives their ‘bribes’ [10,000 C] [See Channel] [MOD]


24 TP

[The_Mad_Skylord 28]

KONINKRIJK AADRENSVELD-RHYNSLAND

Early 1891

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THE FIRES OF INDUSTRY! RJIKSTAAD'S IMPERIAL FLOATYARDS TAKES MAJOR CONTRACTS!

Imperial Floatyards, a prominent, privately owned shipwright located in Rjikstaad, in the Fatherland, has accepted major contracts from the Imperial Sechsian Navy and the Marine Aeronautique d'Acadie. Though this turn of events is unsurprising - given Aadrensveld-Rhynish superiority in ship construction - it has brought huge profits and increased employment to the city of Rjikstaad, which has suffered greatly in light of recent economic hardships and grain shortages.

 

MARRIAGE! HIS HIGHNESS, CROWN PRINCE FRANZ-HEINRICH, TO WED LADY MARIAM OF TYREL!

His Royal Highness, Prince Franz-Heinrich van Aadrensveld, is to wed Lady Mariam Kassadan of Tyrel, daughter of the sitting Archduke, in an Autumn ceremony. The ceremony will take place in the Cathedral of Hieromar, built by Heinrich III and located within Coenstaad, and the traditional venue for Royal weddings. Lady Mariam shall spend the remaining time before her wedding in Aadrensveld-Rhynsland, coming to know the country she is eventually to be Queen of.

 

RIVALRY IN THE ADMIRALTY! THE FIRST AND SECOND SKYLORDS EMBROILED IN BITTER CONFLICT OVER STATE OF THE FLEET!

A bitter argument has taken hold of the Board of the Admiralty, as the First and Second Skylords bicker viciously over the future of De Koninkrijke Marine. The First Skylord's proposed doctrine of "Strength by Land and Skies" has met bitter opposition from the Second Skylord and his faction, bitter advocates of their own doctrine "Steel Horizon". Steel Horizon advocates the pursuit of total aerial supremacy, by means of the construction of a capital ship focused fleet, while Strength by Land and Skies calls for a mixed balance of power between the Navy and the Army, with the Koninkrijke Marine designed in a manner that will allow the provision of maximum support to Aadrensveld-Rhynish ground forces, in the theoretical scenario of a large scale Continental conflict.

 

MURDER INVESTIGATION UNCOVERS THIRD MURDER, NATION SHOCKED!

Officers investigating the murder of two prostitutes from the Reksville slums have recently uncovered the murder of a man known as Fredrik Djik, a known gambler and drunk. The Nationaal Politiebureau continues to investigate both crimes, though there are currently no indications that either murder case is linked.

 

NEW STOCK TRADER OPENS IN COENSTAAD! LADEMANN AND MANES, BROKERS, SEEKS NEW BUSINESS!

A new stock trader opens in Coenstaad. Though no governmental sponsorship has currently been offered, Lademann and Manes have already secured the business of major corporations, such as Imperial Floatyards and Slanker Heavy Manufacturing.

 

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Rain. Always rain. The heavy winter rains, filled with frigid snow and sleet, had given way to the spring rains, carrying with them the hope of a new year and new life. There was no promise of life in the air for Major Martin de Coninck, or his young aide, Lieutenant Olaf van Hee. The two officers of the Nationaal Politiebureau strode silently through the heavy streets of Reksville, fine uniforms and raincoats covered with mud, and worse, as they made for their destination. "Down here." Called van Hee, gesturing to an alley, which lead to a number of hovels that the wealthy factory owners who owned them called "tenements".

 

Both drew their revolvers, and the Braun & Jannsen Model 1882s glistened wetly in the endless sheets of water. They neared a door, and Major de Coninck rapped it smartly. They had been directed here by a pimp, known as Big Bjork, who owned a brothel down on the Diddler's Way. Two of Bjork's girls had been killed in what appeared to be the actions of a serial killer, and the man who lived here was a known regular of both girls - occasionally at the same time, when the thoroughbreds had been good to him. "Mr Djik?" Called de Coninck, rapping again "Please open the door, Mr Djik."

 

Silence. Coninck steps back, readying his weapon, and nods briskly to his young aide. With a flurry of soaking oilskins, van Hee kicks the door open, the lock bursting out of the light timbers, and the policemen step inside. Immediately, both are hit by a dreadful stench, and they choke on the scent of soaking, rotted purification. They proceed to the next room, where they find what remains of Djik, lying in a puddle of crusted, dry blood, a bloated, maggot infested and half eaten corpse. Coninck crouches down, and lifts a shell beside the corpse. "Not very professional." He tucks it into a pocket. "Run down the street, Mr van Hee, best call the Staadspolitie, have them lock down the street. We shall need to interview every neighbor we can lay our hands on."

 

Van Hee runs out the door, and de Coninck walks around the room, casting an eye around the meagre furnishings and the even more meagre possessions. With van Hee gone, he takes the shell out of his pocket again, feeling a chill as he does. He couldn't be sure, but the Major could almost swear that the shell was from a police issue revolver. He frowned, adjusted his hat, and stepped back out into the rain.

 

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ACTIONS

 

-A survey of the local habitants of Vriesia is undertaken. If possible, Aadrensveld-Rhynish agents are instructed to thoroughly map the area, and make contact with the local tribes.

 

-Celebrations across the country! With the establishment of Vriesstaad in Vriesia, the Government declares ownership in full of the new continent, and designates it as the Protectorate of Vriesia, to be administered by the newly appointed Kommandant-General, Rear-Admiral Rudolph Broeker.

 

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FINANCE

-2 new colonies are founded (8 M, 60’000 Kreuens)

--Vriesstaad in Vriesa

--Zoetveld in Middeiland

 

 

-2 new Civilian Districts are built in Coenstaad (2 M, 20’000 Kreuens)

 

-3 new Material Industry. (30’000 Kreuens)

 

- 6 Vitriol, 3 Coal sold

 

-12 Destroyers and 2 Light Cruisers are commissioned on behalf of Sechsia. (60’000 Kreuens Build Cost, compensated with 74’400 Kreuens.)

 

-3 Heavy Cruisers and 3 Destroyers are commissioned on behalf of Acadia. (67'500 Kreuens, paid by Acadia.)

Edited November 26, 2021 by The_Mad_Skylord

[Knightei 317]

Kingdom of the Heavens

Bantu baseZulwini

Spring/Summer 1791

umculo

The mood upon the streets is sombre as the people of Langa hear of the newest island discovered. Murmurs continue as the men and women of the Heavens begin to realise the King’s new mind. Expansion of the people of the Heavens so they could achieve their birthright. The mood turns jubilant as some other reports come to bear, the purchasing of arms to prevent their use by pirates on the open market. Other reports are willfully ignored.

 

 

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The building was plain and the people within hushed. Darkened windows and eyes upon passerbys. The King’s shield lay above the door but no other marking to show what it signified. The men within laboured over reports from the field. Perhaps the nation will be safe? That may or may not be true.

 

 

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Actions

 

The Southern Battle Groups are spread amongst the valleys to secure more lands. [Mod]

 

One Light Cruiser is send accompanying a scientific mission to explore ‘Installation 0078’.[Mod]

 

Fifteen Thousand Currency is invested into a new internal espionage organisation by order of King Bangizwe. [Mod]

 

Spoiler

 

Research

 

Project ‘Voice of Heavens’ commences. The project is centred around improving long-range communication for telegraphs to be something simply better. The new world requires long-range planning. [Radio] - Continuation, 2 turns remaining

 

Project ████████ - ████ ████████████████ ██████████ ███

██ ████████████████████ ██████ [██████] - Continuation, █ turns remaining

 

Economy

 

Construction of two new cities, Ceza and Zwide. [60,000 C, 20 M]

 

Construction of one Trade Depot, one Logistics District and five Materials Industries in each of Dayeni and Zungu. [145,000 C, 6 M]

 

Construction of a Government Seat in Langa. [20,000 C, 2 M]

 

Money invested into the Jena Pact. [5,000 C]

 

Purchasing 30 NP. [6TP]

 

Spoiler