SuperKeziak

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rqi9YTfiY9ztswwO5AE-AnrcTrlTVG5xCxDJftXm_2w/edit

The United Kingdom Colonization of Africa As the world’s largest and greatest colonial empire, Britain’s interest in Africa has been longstanding. With small trading posts having existed along the West coast of Africa for centuries. However, starting in the 19th century with the passing of the Slave Trade Act, British Colonial interests in West Africa have expanded tremendously. Where the interests of British trade, and abolitionism intersect, the British government has made full use, with the colonies of Lagos, The Gold Coast, and the infant National African Company in Nigeria born from abolitionist bloodshed and trade treaties. These colonies act as conduits for British commercial power in Africa, and form the stepping stones to deeper colonization towards Lake Chad and beyond. Further along the coast towards India lies the Cape Colony. The crown jewel of British Africa, taken from the Dutch during the Napoleonic Wars. Though beleaguered by wars against local tribes, such as the recent embarrassing defeat against the Zulu’s at Isandlwana, the Cape Colony is the most prosperous colony in Africa. It’s diamonds, extensive trading, European settlement, and agriculture has made the Cape Colony rich. The British colonial administrator continues an overall policy of expansion in the region, possibly hoping to create a more unified Cape Colony with the addition of the ever resentful Boers. However, simmering tensions between the Boers and British threaten to disrupt the Colony. Lastly, across the vast jungles and deserts of the interior, in Egypt, Britain’s increasingly extensive commercial interests find themselves at risk. The anti-European Urabi revolt has begun to spring, and the local British administrators, diplomats, and businessmen are panicked. Sir John Bolles has decided that he must take action if the revolt continues. Sir John Bolles Born in Doncaster, England, John Bolles has worked in the Colonial Office all his life, recently serving as Undersecretary of State for Colonial Affairs, helping organize the invasion of Zululand. Known for his strong expansionist views, he has been appointed High Commissioner of African Affairs, joining together British administration of Africa under one office. Splitting his time between London and the colonies, he plans to push through with plans to expand in West Africa, South Africa, and deal with the crisis in Egypt.

The Duchy of Arintar --------------- Winter of 1381 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFkYD9WAuOI) THE NEW KING Peering out from the parapet on a cold windy morning, a lone watchman catches a glimpse of upheaval past the gates of the city. There, a boisterous young knight with flowing golden hair and a white stallion charges down a hill. Behind him, several dozen other young knights, and a few old, eagerly chase him down. As the horses catch their breath, a pair of exhausted standard bearers appear at the hilltop. They bear the banner of the Duke of Arintar. Soon, the knights and their courtiers enter the city, waving excitedly to the commoners. But they are just the head of a much larger procession. Trailing behind are three thousand men and women who emerge from the hill and make their way into the city. The first amongst them are the Duchess and her father Count Havron. But each section of the mighty caravan contains several carriages, wagons, and banners in themselves. The nobility of Arintar arrive into the city of Klagenfurt to pay their respects to the old and welcome the new. Jean departs from most of his escort, who themselves proceed to the Duke’s large capital residence or their own accommodations. Jean instead gallops directly to the Keep, whereby he hands off his sword and horse, and makes his way to the throne room early. Entering into a largely empty room Jean approaches the throne. Stopping twelve paces before the dais, Jean bows. Stepping three paces, he bows again. Stepping another three paces, the Duke kneels before Thomas II Di Scema. The five year old Boy-King sits complacently on his throne, looking down at the Duke with a smile. The Queen Regent, standing at the base of the throne, moves forward and takes out a scroll in a choreographed fashion. She reads the text. “I, Thomas II, of the house of Di Scema, Duke of the Duchy of Kathelia and King of Klagenfurt, do confirm before those assembled here, the rights of Lord Jean III of the house of Tyzenhaus, to the Duchy of Arintar. I hereby pledge all my power to the preservation of his freedoms, his properties, and his titles. I swear to accept his counsel in the governance of the realm. I swear to be his champion in peace, and his brother in war. This I swear on behalf of myself, and the rightful heirs of my bloodline. This I swear by God, and my Sacred Honour." “Upon this oath, swear your loyalty to me.” The Duke responds with all courtly etiquette. “I, Lord Jean III of House Tyzenhaus, do hereby swear fealty to Thomas II, of the house of Di Scema. I acknowledge him as my liege and rightful King of Klagenfurt. I hereby pledge all my power to the defence of his realm, to the enforcement of his laws, and the protection of his honour. I swear to offer him wise counsel in the governance of the realm. I swear to be his brother in peace, and his champion in war. This I swear to him, and to all the rightful heirs of his bloodline. This I swear, before all assembled here, by God, and by my sacred Honour. The Queen responds, “Then by my right as sovereign and the authority vested in me by God, I welcome you as Duke of Tyzenhaus, as your father was before you. Rise, Lord Tyzenhaus and take your rightful place in this court.” The Duke of Arintar rises, looking towards the boy sitting on the throne. “My liege, I am here to kill your enemies and secure your rule! Let no one question the rule of Thomas II or dare rebel against this new and strong King! I hope that you will grant and maintain the power of the Duchy of Arintar to accomplish my goals.” With that simple comment the Duke turns to the stands where he will move to meet the incoming Dukes, Counts, Barons, and dignitaries of the land over the coming days and weeks. THE DUCHY As all the great nobles of the land depart, they leave behind a wintery Duchy of Arintar. It has only been one year since the last of the Great Plague are said to have left the Duchy. The harvest this year has been much lower than in previous, the Duchy is thought to have lost over two hundred thousand in the Great Plague. But the weather has been fine and the population resilient, winter celebrations are able to occur uninterrupted. However, a great hole has been left in the society of the Duchy. Many estates now lie empty, and certain villages lie desolate. The great walled towers that separate barons in some places serve as a mere facade for grassy fields littered with small shrubbery. The towns of Arintar have been hit perhaps most of all, with craftsmen and nobility dying in droves. The city of Colonia strong as ever, is thought to have lost over twenty thousand itself, with peasants fleeing the countryside and spreading their ills onto the grand city. Sections of the city, especially in the poor south now lie empty and littered with squatters. But, craftsmen still hammer away, the centre of Cologne is still is refuge to many a guild and trader. Some areas have even managed to prosper. Notably the iron mines in the North which have taken to selling their goods further afield in Styria. Overall, the Duchy is recovering and will be for many a decade. New graveyards within the city of Colonia. THE INSTITUTIONS Amongst the large stone walled Council building, behind the rows of gold rimmed chairs and hard oak sits Eugen Sendler, in the Chamberlain’s office. While the Duke has gone off to Klagenfurt and expects to stay for some time he has been left to administator the Duchy. With the overwhelming task falling solely on himself he takes it upon himself to fully acquaint himself with every institution of the Duchy. First he pours over the Order of the Golden Star. The Knightly Order onto which every Knight in Arintar is a part. They are highly prestigious and influential, own a large members hall in Colonia, and can be regularly seen leading the Duchies military. Once a Knight has been knighted, five blades are melted down to form large and sharp stars on the back of the Knight. The stars represent God watching over the Order of the Golden Star. They are heavily affiliated with the Church. He pours over their ranks. GRANDMASTER - The undisputed leader of the Knights, the Duchies very own Duke of Arintar. The legitimate successor to the House of Tyzenhaus exclusively holds this office. LORD MASTER - The second in command of the order, this title is given to an important noble in the Duchy of Arintar. He leads the order when the Grandmaster is otherwise indisposed. An extremely heavy commission GRANDMASTER ERRANT - At no cost, this title is often given to a professional Knight in the retinue of the Duke of Arintar. He is expected to take on the administrative command and lead the Knights when both the Grandmaster and Lord Master are indisposed. MASTER - At a hefty commission, one leads a column of Knights when on campaign. MASTER ERRANT - Only a handful of these positions exist, they lead Knight Errants and occasionally Knights. They are expected to serve off campaign. KNIGHT - At a regular commission, contains the vast majority of Arintari Knights. KNIGHT ERRANT - At a cheap price. Mostly nobility with a few rich merchant sons. Around three hundred such titles exist. They are expected to be in the Duke’s service on campaign and off campaign. LAYBROTHER - Various administrators, stewards, and squires. The rank carries some small level of prestige but costs no commission. Secondly he sifts through the records on the University of Colonia. Founded a hundred years after the founding of Colonia, it sits in the more affluent section of Colonia on a slight hill. Near the city’s large Cathedral, the University is home to over a thousand students. Professors there teach such classes as Styrian, Philosophy, Etiquette, Rhetoric, and Cursive amongst others. Most professors in the University serve at the behest of the Privy Council or are in the Privy Council themselves. Much of the Duchy is administered through this institution. Lastly he looks over the Privy Council. Containing all commoners, it has a Chamberlain, Chancellor, Marshall, Steward, Justiciar, Constable, and Spymaster. The privy council, seated where the Dukes of Arintar once sat several hundred years ago sit daily to discuss affairs in the Kingdom, now administers the day to day affairs of the Duchy. While the Duke lives in Klagenfurt with his Chamberlain, the Steward is put in charge of the Privy Council. He sifts through the current office holders. CHAMBERLAIN - Thijman Volkherd is an old professor for the University of Colonia. He was appointed by Alaric Tyzenhaus, Jean III’s father. He is considered by many to be a bitter and greedy man, but nonetheless he is trusted to assist the Duke in his duties. STEWARD - Eugen Sendlar, a graduate from the University of Colonia. He was put up for the job by his predecessor who passed away in the recent surge of plague. He is still youthful and hopeful, a good friend of the trade guilds. MARSHAL (Different from the current Marshall of the Duchy Jean III) - Manfeld Johanson, current Errant Grandmaster of the Order of the Golden Star. He is large, muscular, and wroth. CHANCELLOR-JUSTICIAR - Bishop Nicolo, a rather decadent man, he is a fervent supporter of the expansion of the Church justice within Arintar. He is a popular figure, giving weekly sermons that he claims ward the plague off from returning to Colonia. CONSTABLE - Erikk Haggard. An old veteran of the city watch and the Duke’s pike retinue. He nominally falls under the command of the Grandmaster Errant of the Order of the Golden Star He maintains a calm demeanour and a sense of serenity. SPYMASTER - Landolf Castilli, a friendly professor from the University of Colonia. He teaches Philosophy and Rhetoric. Finally, Eugen finishes his reading in time for his first session of Privy Council. First on the agenda, counting the dead.

Bit ******* cheeky to go making a shitty mechanics (board game with a chatbox) “Forum Role-Play” when there's a Free-form Fallout FRP in play. Shame on you!

Klagenfurt is coming back! For real this time.

Nation Application Discord Name and # [PM if needed]: You have it **** off Nation Choice: THE GREAT NATION OF ITALY Character/Party name: DOMENICO MOROSINI CATHOLIC PARTY OF ITALY Have you played a modern nation frp before?: Yes, TBF, and SOV were both in the Modern Era. Will you be able to post regularly?: Of course.

Application Nation applying for: “REPUBLIC” OF VENICE BREIF History of your Nation: THE VENETIAN “REPUBLIC” BEGAN FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AGO BY AN ENGINEER NAMED “ARETHMETICE”. HE LEARNED FROM BOARDGAMES AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, AND MANAGED TO CREATE A BASIC ARITHMETIC MACHINE. EVENTUALLY, OUTCAST BY THE DECLINING EMPIRE AND DISGUSTED BY CONSTANT CIVIL WAR, HE FORMED A COMMUNE ON THE WATERS OF THE VENETIAN LAGOON. HE ATTRACTED OTHERS TO THE ISLANDS, CLAIMING THEY WERE A “REPUBLIC”, BUT ACTUALLY THE ISLANDS WERE A THEOCRATIC MERITOCRACY. THE VENETIAN “REPUBLIC” HAS GROWN IN THE BAY WITH IT’S EFFICIENT FORM OF GOVERNMENT TO HAVE SLIGHTLY OVER A MILLION PEOPLE IN THE CITY ITSELF, WITH SHIPS COMING IN AND OUT THROUGH EVERYDAY, IT IS THE TRADING CAPITAL OF ALL HUMANOIDS. LASTLY, THE VENETIAN “REPUBLIC” HAS GONE TO WAR WITH NEIGHBOURING LANDS AND EXTERMINATED THE POPULATIONS, REPLACING THEM WITH ROBOTIC VENETIAN CITIZENS. TODAY THE CITY OF VENICE IS A SPRAWLING METROPOLIS CENTRED ON A GREATLY ENLARGED ARITHMETIC MACHINE, HELPING TO CONTROL AND REGULATE ALL VENETIANS. Leader(s): HEAD MATHEMATICIAN, CALCULATROS IS THE LATEST ADDITION OF VENETIAN TO COME OUT. HIS BRAIN IS CAPABLE OF ADVANCED MATHEMATICAL ABILITY, NECESSARY TO RUN AN EMPIRE IN THIS AGE. PASING ALL STATE EXAMINATIONS WITH FLYING COLOURS, HE WILL BE EXPECTED TO REPLICATE HIMSELF TO INCREASE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF VENICE. Discord: THIS IS WITHIN YOUR KNOWLEDGE, HUMAN.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice 1685 Background The year of 1685 is another bountiful year for the Venetian Republic. Successful news reaches the lagoon regarding the surrender of Modena and the continued march of the Republic’s army in terra firma. Two months later boatloads of riches enter the city and celebrations erupt. In this time of splendour a new reform commission headed by senator Rocco de Benetto stirs the city with questions over naval and administrative decline. Meanwhile, economically the City of Venice begins to suffer from an acute labour shortage due to war and shipping requirements; Labour costs increase accordingly. Military Francesco Morosini, in grand spectacle, accepts the surrender of the Duke of Modena outside the city walls. In the coming days many of the city’s greatest works are spirited away back to Venice to be installed in various churches and government buildings. With the achievements of the campaign so far Morosini winters in Modena. The populace spends the winter with the Venetians and their condotierre whom they loathe. The winter is one of animosity as petty thievery and fights break out between the populace and the Venetian soldiers. Finally, as spring arrives and the Venetian new year begins the citizens of Modena riot in the streets demanding some Hanoverian soldiers be brought to justice over the murder of a tavern keep. This eventually turns into general disapproval over the high taxes which were raised to provision the Venetian force. Francesco II d’Este, the Duke of Modena, appeals to Morosini for help and Morosini orders his soldiers to clear the streets. At the end of a march day hundreds of Modenese citizens lie dead but no sacking takes place. The next day the Venetian army of 22,000 break from their quarters and move south towards the borders of Lucca and Tuscany in fright of the populace. Lundardo di Mazi sets up a second supply point with 2,000 soldiers in central Modena. From here he gathers provisions from the countryside and cities to supply the army, including the seizure of Modenese gunpowder where possible. Once again demands are sent out; Both to the city-state of Lucca and the Duchy of Tuscany. 200,000 and 5,000,000 gold sequins to be paid in fifteen years respectively, and promises not to take up arms against Venice. Demands are also made specifically to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany: Exclusion of taxes and free movement of Venetian merchants, Venetian monopoly on grain import and export, and a ban on foreign merchants from outside of Italy. Meanwhile in Crete discontent bubbles to the surface. Muslims and Greeks complain against the return of extensive Venetian taxation and bureaucracy. Several local clans are also outraged by newfound segregationist and restrictive policies instituted by Venice putting all political power in the hands of returning Venetian colonists. Senator Geronimo Renier requests new Venetian soldiers to bolster the ranks. The doge acquiesces and 1,000 soldiers are sent in a fleet of 5 sailing ships and 10 galleys to Candia to reinforce those already on the island. Administration Statistics The Venetian Republic, with the bringing in of Crete and Negroponte stands at just under two million citizens. Only around five percent of the country lives inside of Venice as of now, however. Meanwhile the Republic of Venice brings in over 2,400,000 in revenue and army expenses are dropping drastically due to payment and provision from Modena. At the same time the Ottomans provide payment for shipment across the Black Sea. Government Affairs In the summer of last year the Ottomans came to Venice with an intent to procure a hundred ships for the purpose of the transportation of their forces into Crimea. With some hassle the Republic was able to draw up one hundred ships modified for the transport of cannons, horses, and large quantities of men. These ships are mostly government owned but a fourth are drawn from merchant ships. This leads to a stark decrease in merchant shipping as 12,000 sailors are sent to Crimea for eight months. Venice profits handsomely over this, making 300,000 gold sequins and a large profit after payments are made to captains and crew. Senator Rocco de Benetto, previously a merchant, heads yet another reform commission in the Senate. Demanding that new money pouring in is spent on new improvements in Venice and that old restrictions are repealed. The reformers propose the following: – The construction of a proper training ground and large barracks in the city of Venice. – The repeal of many old restrictive commercial laws. – The extensive refurbishment of the arsenal and private shipyards. – The gift of more rights and privileges to the Senate. – The expansion and redoubling of maintenance in the colonies. Particularly in Corfu and the Aegean. The Council of Ten opposes many of these changes and runs it’s own parallel discussions on improvements that could be made to Venice with the incoming gold from Italy and the Ottomans. Discussions are made over the improvement of estate infrastructure and defences in terra firma. Additionally the Council of Ten looks to support a larger Arsenal. These two groups are looking to come to loggerheads in the coming year. Senators and the Doge meet to discuss reforms. Members of the Council of Ten watch. Citizenry Art and celebration in Venice are on an uptick. Paintings from Morosini and his army are in high demand amongst the patrician class and are sold at a pretty penny. Celebratory beads and jewelry are sold on the Rialto by resolute merchants to bureaucrats going home for the day. Senator Rocco de Benetto remarks to his friend Antonio Foscari in a letter that, “Moral in our city remains steadfast. The city has had to release grain from it’s stores to accommodate celebration by the common people”. Paintings and sculptures from Modena are also a welcome sight into the city. Many of the most prized pieces are hung in the entrance of the Ducal Palace while others are placed in Church’s and state buildings. One Greek-styled sculpture is notably placed atop the entrance to the Arsenal inviting workers into the shipyard. More sculptures and artworks are also sent overseas to Crete to adorn the future Governor’s room. Others are sold to Patricians in auctions raising more than ten thousand gold sequins for the state. Unanimously approved by the Senate, and at not insignificant cost to the state, St. Mark’s Square is slowly repaved with flagstones. Diplomatic Diplomatically Venice does little in 1685. Discussions with France, Portugal, and the Ottomans take place. The only event of important yielded was the receivement of payments and return of Venetian ships through the Bosphorus with the Ottoman Empire. !Must Mod! Labour shortage fuels migration. Long-Term reaction of the Modenese towards the Venetian occupation. Unrest in Crete. Florentine and Luccan response. The conflict between the reform faction and both other senators and the Council of Ten. (You don’t have to do the entire thing, just maybe setup some elements or part of the conflict). Comment on the general prosperity of Venice between now and two years ago and maybe the affect this has on the population and Venetian exceptionalism.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice Late 1684 Background The City of Venice is a hive of activity in August. Soldiers can be seen sharpening their swords, and large galleys row men ashore from assembly points in the center squares. In more industrious areas men not going off to war are rushing construction of several new convoys of galleys newly commissioned for trade with the Ottomans. Moving through the city streets towards the capital buildings Senators and common folk can be seen intermingling and politicking as news of a plot against the Ottomans has reached the common folk. The summer of 1684 is a buzz of activity and political machinations. Military Disaster strikes Francesco Morosini as he heads the Venetian army encamped near Mantua. Word arrives at the camp that Louis XIV has personally ordered the withdrawal of the French mercenaries provided. The very next day an entire third of the camp packs up and begins marching home, despite the desperate pleas of Morosini. This withdrawal comes at the same time as the letter of reply from Modena, aptly refusing the demands made by the Venetian government. Although the mood in the camp is worrisome, the people remain jingoistic and no major plagues have broken out. Morosini waves off delegations from his militia commanders, stating that it is critical to Venice that this mainland foe is defeated. Morosini orders Lundardo di Mazi, his second in command, to hold the camp with 2,000 citizen militia and muster more supplies and soldiers to replace the French. di Mazi proceeds to use the army’s war chest to send news to the Germanic states that there is a need for 6,000 additional mercenaries. Meanwhile, di Mazi sends riders city to city to muster citizen militia for the war. Before the beginning of autumn, di Mazi also moves his force to the fortress town of Peschiera del Garda to better organize the raising of troops. While di Mazi organizes and supplies, Morosini leads his host of 14,000 soldiers over the border of Mantua into Modena and declares war. The soldiers maintain themselves in close formation while fore riders and spies are sent forth to discover the intentions of the Modenese. Morosini would encamp in Modenese territory before deciding whether to attack, siege, or wait for reinforcements depending on the number of men Modena has raised. Administration Statistics The Venetian Republic, with the bringing in of Crete and Negroponte stands at just under two million citizens. Only around five percent of the country lives inside of Venice as of now, however. Meanwhile the Republic of Venice brings in well over two million gold sequins, but state expenses has risen drastically. By next year Venice will have to begin taking out loans to pay for the war effort. Government Affairs The Doge, upon hearing rumors of a Venetian intent to attack the Ottomans, thoroughly denies the scandalous rumors. Venice was simply carrying out a transaction with French mercenaries, no more and no less. With the Patrician class fearing a costly war without the support of French mercenaries, a great debate in sues. Through the fall months, stretching all the way into winter the Senate debates the continuation of the war with Modena. After three and a half months of arguing, with different sessions coming and going the Senate comes to a decision to send a delegation led by Senator Augistino Domenico to oversee the war in Modena and report back to the Senate with a recommendation. It is ultimately deemed necessary to continue the war due to the honour of Venice. For their part the Council of Ten also remains divided and twice assigns more money to spies attempting to ascertain the positions of Tuscany and others in the conflict. Multiple members complain that the war seems to have been thrust on too fast by Morosini’s aggressive behavior. The Capello family however, in a reversal to their previous complaints, has come to head the war effort. They demand that other members of the Council contribute and equal amount to the war effort and encourage new fortifications near Mantua. For this the Council of Ten raised 100,000 gold sequins for the start of construction of a large star fort. Citizenry The citizenry of Venice currently remain optimistic about the war against Modena. Unemployment in Venice and it’s nearby lands are at an all time low as both soldiery and shipping begin to take off, while the manufacture and organization of goods for the army continues unabated. In terra firma and the colonies, approval for Venice also continues to be higher than average. The shipping sector see’s a continued boom which might seriously increase immigration to Venice long term should it continue. For now, wages are on the up across the Republic. Diplomatic Venetian diplomats including the already famous Antonio Foscari score an amazing sets of treaties collectively known as the Anti-Piracy Accords. These accords have barred citizens from Venice, the Ottomans, England, and Spain from partaking in barbarous activity on the high seas in the Mediterranean against Venetian ships and their own respectively. Antonio Foscari particularly has put pressure on the Ottoman Sultan to once and for all end the Barbary Pirates attack on Venetian shipping. This treaty leads to widespread appraise from the export oriented sectors of the Venetian economy. Particularly, it leads to renewed pressure from the mercantile sector to abolish the strangling regulation requiring all merchant ships in Venice to travel by convoy with protection. !Must Mod! The raising of new mercenaries and militiamen and their morale. The war against Modena. Modena’s troop composition ascertained through spying to both the Council of Ten and Morosini. The diplomatic leanings of Italian states towards the war with Modena. The construction of a new star fort near the border with Mantua. The effect of the Anti-Piracy Accords.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice Early 1684 Background Doge Marcantonio Giustinian looks before his city of Venice, impressed by the stunning visual achievements of the city over the past thousand years. Even today, the recent paving of the Merceria highlights the growth and lavish nature of the Republic. But underneath weakness plagues the state. The Doge prides himself as a pious virgin, but the problem runs deeper than that. Most Doges before him this past century have been virgins, the patricians can no longer afford the dowries and are forced to hold their sons as bachelors in the hopes of attaining one. Even worse, most poorer Patrician families now regularly take place in vote selling. Never the less, several houses go extinct each year. The decline of the Patrician class has been mirrored by other declines. Long gone are the days where the Venetian Republic dominated the Mediterranean with thousands of different ships. These days the English and Spanish do more trade in the Eastern Mediterranean individually than Venice does, and most Patricians spend more time supervising their agriculture than trading. Venice also still produces galleys and forces it’s merchants in convoys to counteract the problems of Spanish and English pirates. Sadly, this naval and mercantile inferiority is shown outside of Venice every week when another sly Spanish trade ship heading to Ravenna outmaneuvers a Venetian galley heading to tax it. Venice continuous to transition from a great mercantile power to just another Italian city state. Doge Marcantonio seeks to undo some of these woes but alas he is largely bound by decisions of the conservative Council of Ten. Diplomatic Throughout Early 1684 diplomats arrive back and forth between Venice and Constantinople. Furious negations occur between the Ottoman Sultan, and the Venetian delegation led by Antonio Foscari, most esteemed ambassador. By summer both sides hammer out an agreement and it is met by applause among members of the Senate and the public. The Treaty of Candia The Ottoman Empire cedes the islands of Crete and Negroponte to the Republic of Venice The Ottomans Empire grants merchants of Venice exemption from all taxes and tariffs in it’s lands Both the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire will act amicably with one another and defend each other in times of conflict This treaty acts as a catalyst for a bout of imperial pomp in Venice. Soldiers and administrators, bound to return to the island lost just over a decade ago rejoice and the name Antonio Foscari gains some reputation among the citizenry along with several accolades. As well as the Treaty of Candia, several other diplomatic movements are made by the Republic. Alvise Pisani, ambassador to France is seen talking with Louis XIV and his ministers and seems to have left a good impression on his court, the Council of Ten sends him a letter of gratitude. Additionally; Portugal, England, Austria, Poland-Lithuania, Russia, Spain, the Swiss Cantons, and the Holy See are called upon in a diplomatic fury that sees Venice hire two more ambassadors and spend thousands in travel expenses. In the course of this Venice manages to gain permission from the Emperor to pass armies through Imperial territory in Italy. Military After the signing of the Treaty of Candia, Doge Marcantonio Giustinian calls the attention of the people of Venice onto the wayward Duchy of Modena and Reggio which had so acted against Venice in the past century, proclaiming the existence of such a state “a serious threat” to Venice’s land holdings and the Republic itself. Francesco Morosini is called forth to lead the Venetian army which assembles near the borders of Mantua, which is offered the opportunity to let Venice through peacefully. Venice musters 4,000 soldiers, 12,000 mercenaries (8,000 French speaking and 4,000 Hanoverian and Saxon), and 8,000 citizen militia. Francesco Morosini presents demands to the Duke of Modena; Two million gold sequins to be paid over the course of fifteen years, a promise not to take up arms against Venice, and free passage and provision through the Duke’s territory for the course of fifty years. In smaller news, 2,000 soldiers are sent to Cyprus and 500 to Negroponte to take over Ottoman fortifications. Administration Statistics The population of the City of Venice currently stands at 130,000. The population of the rest of the Republic brings this up to well over 2,000,000 with the recent arrival of Cyprus. Population growth rate is normal, although plagues throughout the century have had lasting affects. The Republic of Venice currently brings in two million gold sequins yearly, although expected to rise with the return of Crete and new trade rights. The lions share ends up in the hands of the administration and the navy. However, due to mercenary payments and wartime the expense of the army is expected to raise. Government Affairs Throughout spring 1684 the Council of Ten and lower bodies in Venice consider and advise the Doge on various matters. Chiefly taking charge of the diplomatic actions and preparations for war. Being a highly secretive body, the Council of Ten’s workings remain a mystery to the common folk. Rumors do spread however, that the powerful Capello family is outraged by the sudden decision to start conflict in Italy, where their estates extend deep into border areas. Time will tell what will come of this. In other news, the Venetian government has put out notice that a new round of noble titles can be bought by the new wealthy. This is to raise funds for the war. The reoccupation of Crete and Negroponte are also a new and tremendous task for the Venetian administration. Giacomo Corner is appointed as Governor General of Crete and Negroponte. As part of a three year process, a committee of senators are sent to the new lands: Jeronimo Renier, Domenico Gritti, and Marino Michel. They are sent to launch a census, reorganize the provincial administration, revive local authorities, compile a cadaster, and settle land disputes. Additionally Crete is split into two administrative zones which are supplied with their own rectors, chamberlains, etc. By the end of their terms they will also compile a comprehensive list of recommendations that will aid in future development in the coming decades. Citizenry The citizens of Venice are overjoyed this Ascension Day. Aside from the usual celebrations a new 30 foot Venetian flag is painted and paraded around, to be hung in Crete. Of note, Venerio lo Grato launches his first Opera at Teatro San Cassiano about the return of Crete to the Republic. Among the wave of support and patriotism, even though the production is rushed, it turns out to be a smash hit and is widely seen by any men with means. Ascension Day in Venice after the diplomatic Victory After the popular aggrandizement of the return of Crete, the demands against Modena are made in a public speech. The populace is riled up with the potential for another great victory and throughout Venice there seems to be a temporary return to the Imperial zealousness of the previous century. !Must Mod! The success of raising 4,000 Saxons and Hanoverian's and consequences. Modena and Mantua’s response to the demands. Plus the regional reactions. The success of fundraising through selling noble titles. The success of the beginning of the occupation of Crete and Negroponte. Also how many Muslims left, etc. How happy the people are at the recent goings on. The success of Venerio lo Grato’s Opera internationally. How Venetian merchants (still pretty un-competitive) are doing with the extremely extensive privileges granted in Ottoman lands. How Europe reacts to the Ottoman-Venetian alliance.

Most Serene Republic of Venice Doge Marcantonio Giustinian is a pious man and great orator hailing from one of Venice’s premier families. Marcantonio spent his youth in France as an ambassador. Truly a cultured man, he speaks a multitude of languages and prior to becoming Doge served in several positions on the Council of Ten. Considered to be a weak ruler, most decisions are made by his advisors and most publicity during his reign is directed to Francesco Morosini, the leader of Venetian military, considered a brilliant leader. Long may he govern, Doge Marcantonio Giustinian

House Reed  [Happening near the beginning of the two month turn]. Howland Reed looks through the rain at the incoming messenger, a southern Crannogman from the looks of him. The messenger pilots his Crannogboat through a new stream. ”What news do you bring from the Freys, my friend?” ”I hail from the Causeway, m’lord. Robb Stark moves north with 10,000 men, but he has not called upon us.” Howland thanks and helps the man onto the castle as he hitches his small rowing vessel onto the side. Both of them walk into the southern armoury where a shaggy old man watches them enter. ”It is as we discussed, Creet, Robb Stark is moving north.” ”Does ‘e think e’ can assault those towers!? ‘Etting cocky from his time in the south. I’ll send our boats and men up to save him m’lord.” ”Very well, I will head to Moat Cailin, I have some issues I must speak to the Stark about. I will come along. Messenger, inform King Stark that I will be coming to Moat Cailin with my wife, and that we will be there to assist in his aims as of this moment.” ”I will inform King Stark, m’lord. Thank you.” The following day, still under heavy rain, the Reed’s own capital ship departs from Greywater Watch, coming in straight from the centre of the larger ship. The boat is as large as any Crannogmen freighter, but instead of only supplies, there is a modest bedroom, room for a horse, and other niceties that can fit above the shallow keel. Actions - The Crannogmen arrive with another 500 men and double that in boats. There are now 950 Crannogmen at Moat Cailin and enough boats to guide a comparable number of Northern-men to the Ironborn ships or to the other side of Moat Cailin. Command is still with Edric Peat in difference to King Stark.  - Lord Howland and his wife depart inside a massive ship by Crannog standards. Due to the nature of the ship and it only being able to navigate the deeper waters of at least 3 metres, they will arrive weeks after the other Crannogmen.

House Reed  [Happening near the end of the two month turn]. They stare off through the reeds into the distance, the four squatting men. Looking off into the distance. A man, an Ironborn nonetheless, stands atop the Children’s Tower, looking south and grimacing right over their heads towards the Causeway. Edric Peat points towards the man, maybe three hundred feet away. “That one, he is their Lord. Kill that one first.” “As you wish, mi-lord, I’ll shoot for his head.” In the months since Edric began his watch, reports had come to him that the Ironborn had seized Moat Cailin from the undefended north. Leaving one hundred and fifty men to guard the Causeway, Edric had to rallied the Greengoods, Quaggs, and Blackmyres. Now he squats in the mud with four hundred and fifty of his brothers. They craft small islands in the mud, sharpening their arrows, and painting their bodies. “Mandon, you will setup half the men on the west. Tyana, you will take the others on the east. The siege of Moat Cailin will begin. Day and night, fire your arrows, poison their wells, I shall travel to Quagg and request fresh poisons.” “Mi-lord, these ‘Ironborn’ will see their last days here in our castle, I’ll shoot their commanders myself.” “Hah! Mi-lord, I’ll tell my Lizard-Hunters to throw wastes over the walls at night, everyday they will grow weaker.” “Have no doubts, the sooner they run from this castle, the sooner our Northern brothers can return home for winter.” The three Crannogmen solemnly look to the water and mouth prayers long forgotten to those outside the Neck. The following days, which turn to weeks, turn to months, the Crannogmen begin a siege of Moat Cailin. Back in Greywater Watch, Howland sees these events unfolding, praying to his Godswood a swift end to the war, and to his children’s safety. Actions - One of the Crannogmen’s top marksmen crawls through the bog and attempts to the shoot the Ironborn leader who is staring out into the Neck.  - Four hundred and fifty Crannogmen lay siege to Moat Cailin, setting roadblocks and traps on the roads leading north and south during the nights. Additionally they constantly harass with poisoned arrows, especially looking for leaders. Finally, they throw waste, mostly human, over the walls at night. - Howland Reed and his wife pray to the Old Gods.

House Reed Howland Reed stands aloft on the edge of Greywater Watch, inch by inch the castle drifts through the shifting streams before it. Howland contemplates the battles to come, and the defence of the Causeway. Jyana strolls to Howland and he puts his arm around her. “The time has come, my love. The Peat, Fenn, and Cray have arrived and are conversing with the Greenseers. Ned’s boy will be expecting the Causeway secure.” “Of course, we mustn't let the boy down.” Howland and Jyana walk through spiraling paths and in towards the inner chamber of the small castle and take their seats. Before them are arrayed seven Houses, Greenseers, and others. These Crannogmen are small with gamely figures and hunched backs, but these men and women are some of the finest warriors in the Neck. Not knights, but hunters. The crowd kneels before the couple. "To Greywater we pledge our faith. Hearth and harvest and we yield up to you, my lord. Our swords and spears and arrows are yours to command. Grant mercy to our weak, help to our helpless, and justice to all, and we shall never fail you." "We swear it by earth and water" The Greenseers and healers recite. "We swear it by bronze and iron" The Houses recite. "We swear it by ice and fire." “Thank you, you may sit. As you all know, tomorrow, the men of the swamp will make way in seven parties to different locations along the Causeway. Each shall carry with them caches of arrows and poisons to be stored for later. Preparations and traps shall be made and set along the Causeway. At the passing of three moons, you should all return to your hearths and continue preparation for winter as you have been. Only Edric Peat, and his two hundred volunteers shall stalk the Causeway and act quickly shall an invader set foot on our road. Are there any questions?” The men of the room blast into long conversations, having not seen one another in years, this lasts through a modest feast of Lizard Lions and into the wee hours of the morning. The host of nearly two thousand Crannogmen slithers into the undergrowth, hopping over mud pits and rowing through bogs. The Crannogmen, unbeknownst to any traveler or foreign King, line the narrow Road with arrows and spears, as Ravens watch from above. Actions - The Crannogmen are sent forth to trap the Causeway and store weapons for later use, then return home. - Two hundred volunteers under Edric Peat are sent to watch over the Causeway until further notice, ensuring that no enemy goes through unmolested.

Application House Name: House Reed. Holdings: The Neck. Lord: Howland Reed. Who do they bend the knee to?: House Stark. Religion: The Old Gods. Brief History (1-2 Paragraphs): The Crannogmen, the people who inhabit the Neck, originate from the First Men who allied themselves with the children of the forest back in the days before the Hammer of the Waters was used to split the land into water. House Reed, or their predecessor houses, originally swore loyalty to the Starks after the last Marsh King died defending Moat Cailin from the Starks. After this event, the Stark King wed the Marsh King’s daughter and the Crannogmen have been loyal vassals ever since. More recently, House Reed has been marred in border disputes with House Frey and been ordered by Rob Stark to guard the Neck from intruders. Discord: You have it.

ROMANIA DISCORD NAME? You know it, babe. NATIONAL HISTORY THUS FAR? Who we know today as the Romanians first began forming their ethnicity in the fertile valley between the Carpathians and the Black Sea around the 3rd Century, due to a mixture of Roman colonisation and indigenous culture. Over a thousand years of cultural development for the Romanian people has since happened, with the Romanian people eventually breaking free of their last oppressors, the Ottoman Empire, formally in 1878. The Romanian state, independent at last, was ruled until 1918 by the Hohenzollern dynasty, their long reign ending to a Fascist overthrow. During this time they were known for their fierce neutrality and escalating conflict with Austria over border trespassing in the first world war. After the fateful overthrow the fascists began a militarization of society and a solidification of the state under their control, along with rampant racist anti-gypsy policies. But despite the seeming control, in early 1919 the modern United Labour Party of Romania grew to oppose the new regime. Given that Romania had faced no serious hardships, many citizens were skeptical of taking such deep cuts in quality of life for the furtherment of the military. Additionally, many were frightened by new racial laws and mandatory conscription. Under progressive opposition leadership and continuous mass strikes and protests, the Iron Guards were forced to retire to official opposition (under the agreement that they would not be prosecuted). The Iron Guards for now return to opposition, while the United Labour Party takes reigns of the country. The ULP has already begun expanding democratic ties and sending for foreign election monitors and advisors. GOVERNMENT TYPE & LEADER? The Kingdom of Romania is now, most recently, a Parliamentary Democracy led by prominent Romanian figure Nicolae Iorga as Prime Minister. The Monarchy has also been brought back and King Fredrick serves in a symbolic role to further legitimize the government. ANY CHARACTERS TO INTRODUCE? Not yet, babe. MILITARY? You tell me, babe. (South Dakota, babe).

Dutchy of Arintar History The Duchy of Arintar has existed in some form since at least the late 9th century and is considered to be the most illustrious of the Nine Duchies in the Kingdom of Klagenfurt. Originally, under the Tyzenhaus family, the entire region was called not the Kingdom of Klagenfurt, but instead the Kingdom of Arintar as a testament to the Conquerer-Kings of old Arintar who conquered the fertile valley and founded the capital, Colonia. Legend has it that the first member of the Tyzenhaus family clan was a distant noble hailing from further north, arriving in the strange land that would soon be his domain with one hundred heavily armoured knights. His name was Leopold Tyzenhaus, “The Conqueror”. Starting off in the north, he would make his way south demanding tribute and subjugation of every village along his path, burning those who opposed him. Eventually he would stop after weeks of looting and fighting at the spot of Colonia. There he would equitably distribute his lands amongst his knights and feast for the entirety of the harvest season. The following year he would start construction of his magnificent castle and his loyal retinue would start construction of their own at various parts around the river, dividing their farmlands with large wooden towers seen to this day. The following decades Leopold, “The Conqueror”, would tear down the local petty kings with their large peasant levies and light cavalry with his massed knights, growing to nearly two thousand foreign knights by the end of his reign, with more men coming down to his Kingdom of plenty from the north every year. By the time of his grandson’s death in the 10th century, his grandson Antonio Tyzenhaus, had grown his domain to reach from the Northern Durrus all the way to the river Selle. The following years brought trouble to the dynasty. Years of administrative stagnation and several reoccurring plagues robbed the region of much of it’s wealth and a nearly successful peasant revolt almost breached the walls of Colonia. A Morrean colony even managed to crop up along the delta and secure favourable trading rights with the Kingdom of Arintar, further crippling the Kingdom. During this time the court culture diverged from it’s northern culture as nobility from the eastern forests and southern Durrus intermarried with the Arintari and the previous nobility of the delta region were restored titles. The Knights of the Arintari would develop unique “Antler” charge formations and they would come to wear long and pointy blades on their backs in the shape of shining, golden stars. Even the old Catholic religion was beginning to wane under assault from the traditional religion of the Peninsula. One hundred years after the troubled times for the Kingdom and right before the coming of the rightful King, Prince Rupert, the Arintari Kingdom was at it’s height. Under King Jean Tyzenhaus the realm boasted five thousand “Bladed Knights”, ten thousand lighter cavalry, sixty thousand spear and bow levy, numerous siege machines, and hundreds of castles. The coming of Prince Rupert was a shock to the ruling Arintari family, now considering itself to be a local Kingdom with local routes and traditions. King Jean mustered his massive force against the Styrian invaders. Assembling along the Tiber pass after hearing news of a massive coming army, the grand army positioned itself wide along the mountain pass, with tens of thousands of peasants armed with slingshots and crude weaponry jeering the coming Styrians. The Great Battle of the Tiber was a week long affair. Both sides, composed of similar armies, at least forty thousand men on each side faced off daily in a large melee where cavalry would charge the field. On the seventh day, in the rain, the Arintari army would camp, thinking it too rainy for any large fighting that muddy spring day, but alas it was not so. The Styrian army under Prince Rupert would assemble and charge, forcing the Arintari to reply in kind. Finally, once all of the Arintari cavalry was committed including King Jean himself, half the Styrian knights under Prince Rupert would sneak along a hidden mountain pass and slam into the mass of peasant levy, leading to a general route. In the chaos, King Jean would be killed and so would the vast majority of the Arintari nobility. In the year following the successor, King Jean II would raise the remaining forces that his father decided not to bring, but alas King Jean II’s Bannerman would desert him and Colonia would come under siege in a rapid advance by Prince Rupert. In order to spare the city, King Jean II bent the knee to Prince Rupert. For his father’s defiance, King Jean II was reduced to owning only the Hinterlands around Colonia, rather than his once great Kingdom. Ever since then Colonia has prospered and maintained it’s status as the largest city in the new Kingdom, slightly winning out over Klagenfurt. King Jean II married Prince Rupert’s daughter five years exactly after the battle and ever since the Duchy of Arintar have been the King’s strongest Bannerman. Even so, with only a boy on the throne of Klagenfurt after a frightful plague, the Duchy has grown restless once again. Colonia Colonia is the largest city in Klagenfurt and a testament to the wealth of the region around it. The city is home to a marketplace with capacity for sixty thousand people, several cathedrals and a large keep in the centre. The docks are filled to the brim with boats coming and leaving and going, and the city is surrounded by large walls, not the largest in Klagenfurt, but definitely enough to keep the city safe for years on end. The city is home to one university of some reputation and the Tyzenhaus family crypts. Every day between dawn and dusk the city is alive with farmers coming from all around to sell their goods in the grand city. Perhaps the greatest monument to the city’s greatness is the large privy council building located by the keep and protected by a second set of walls like the keep, even maintaining an overland bridge to the Duke’s own office. The council building consists of massive gold-rimmed chairs once made for the Dukes of Arintar. Outside of the council chamber lies the numerous trade guilds, smiths, fletchers, and more and is the beating heart of industry for hundreds of kilometres around. To the outskirts of the city lies a massive stable, the Duke’s stable, one of the largest in Klagenfurt it contains the Duke’s stallions and a place for tourneys to be held where the knights of the Kingdom can meet and Arintar can maintain it’s most prized corps of bladed knights. Colonia is truly the prized jewel of the central valley. Jean III Jean III is the current head of the Tyzenhaus family. He is a dashing young knight known to have won a recent tourney held in Colonia. The fortunes of his family, even after the most recent plague, seem to be doing fine. He is a Styrian Duke proud and true and considered most pious. He is however, yet to make his mark on this world and has so far spent his reign throwing lavish tourneys and travelling to Klagenfurt when the King demands it. Jean III has married the daughter to the Count of Havron, the Count whose castle rests on a small tributary to the Selle and whose mines produce most of the steel to be made into horse shoes and sickles further south. This man is the richest Count in Arintar. With Havron’s daughter Jean III has had one son and one daughter. The son is being trained and taught in Colonia’s university while also spending a fair amount per week practicing riding and combat in the royal stables. The daughter focus herself on etiquette and administration in Colonia University, additionally they are both renowned for their horse racing. The Duke, while eager to further his family’s loyal reputation, also has ambitions to once again further the extent of his dukedom and his wealth.

Imperial Russia Russian Imperial Budget Overall Population: 21,500,000 (Increasing at 210,000~ yearly) Bellow in Rubles Total State Revenue: 20,514,285 (Increasing at 442,857 yearly) British Subsbidy: 1,500,000 Total Revenue: 22,014,285 Total Expenses: 22,870,600 (Increasing at 160,000~ yearly) Debt: 10,000,000 Expenses Breakdown Government Economic Activities: 4,572,000 (Increasing at 100,000 yearly) Imperial Army: 7,360,920 Imperial Navy: 3,154,680 Administration: 2,743,200 (Increaing at 60,000 yearly) Imperial Court: 2,971,800 (Increasing at 65,000 yearly) Debt Payments: 500,000 St. Petersbrug University Unnual Costs: 10,000 St. Petersburg University Startup: 60,000 (One time payment this year) Road Construction: 1,100,000 (One time payment for ten years) Ball Costs: 70,000 (One time payment this year) Novaya Rossiya: 320,000 (One time payment this year) 5,000 More men: 175,000 (Permenant upkeep) 5,000 More men startup: 200,000 (One time payment this year) The Great Ball From atop her throne, the Empress reads out a new Imperial Decree to a group of assembled men and women of court and numerous couriers. "To all whom it may concern, to celebrate the coming of the New Year, the great nation of Russia shall be hosting a splendid ball from the city of St. Petersburg. This should be one most luxurious event and it is hoped that our allies, and rivals, and other great families will come to celebrate and form marital ties with the illustrious Russian nobility." This announcement is puffed up by couriers who promise, rightly so, tens of thousands of bottles of exotic Spanish wines, along with mandarins and other such delicacies. The Russia nobility are given a strict dress code for this event to be of an especially high quality. Their dresses are to embroidered with diamond and gold and silver to match the wealth of the event. It is hoped by the Empress that this ball will attract significant amounts of foreigners to come to Russia, with an invitation being sent to every minor and major Christian nobility and royalty in Europe. Besides the great wealth of enlightenment they could bring, she hopes that marital ties and friendships developed could keep the correspondence with the Russian Nobility and westerners up for many a year to come. (Mod for minor nobility and royalty attending). Est Cost: 70,000 Rubles The Great Road The road is to be constructed from St. Petersburg to Moscow to the lands of the Don. The second road is to be constructed to Courland and Livonia. It is to be fully cobbled and four lanes wide. There are to be road maintenance posts manned by the army every ten miles. This is the decree set by the Empress and tens of thousands of troops and 1,500 conscripted stonemasons are sent to begin construction from St. Petersburg onwards. The project is thought by the Empress's top architect to take in excess of ten years. The stonemasons and the soldiers are sourced evenly from across Russia so as to not put too much strain on the nobility. (Mod). Est Cost: 11,000,000 Rubles Novaya Rossiya Empress Elizabeth, long annoyed by the lack of Russian colonies, sends dignitaries to Madrid to negotiate a colonial deal. After several intense months of negotiations, the Empress's Chancellor reports back to the Empress in front of the court. "Empress, the Spanish have agreed to help us settle the West Coast of North America and accept our claim on the land.", The Empress is delighted and applauds the success of her Chancellor. The Senate spends a month preparing the ships and men for the voyage, but they organise 20,000 Imperial Serfs and 5,000 soldiers (to be replaced in Russia by 5,000 raised). When the Colonists arrive, in the summer, they will land at Fort Ross (modern-day Seattle) and settle areas slightly to the south and all the way North so as to stretch over the entire area of the coast. They will quickly begin farming and getting food aid from the Spanish so as to survive the winter. But for now, a flotilla of 30 ships and 25,000 people set off through Western Europe and across Mexico to proclaim new land for the Russian Empire. (Mod). Est Cost: 320,000 (One-time payment this year for the ships and colonies) Est Cost: 175,000 (Permanent upkeep on troops) Est Cost: 200,000 (One-time payment this year for troops) Beginnings of Enlightenment To prepare for the upcoming ball, the Empress announces the creation of three new "Curraiser" regiments amidst heavy spectacle. These three regiments shall be made entirely out of the male nobility attending court for the season. Although some nobles are already increasingly annoyed at the cost of going to court amidst the strict dress codes and elaborate party requirements. The Empress pays no mind to such trivial complaints, and the three regiments are given parade grounds to march on and some Imperial Horses, although for the vast majority of nobility, they are required to pay for the horses and elaborate French amour themselves. Before important events, such as the New Years Ball, the Regiments shall parade through the streets of St. Petersburg to the sound of cannons and the Imperial Marching Band. The ranks of these new units shall be based on the wealth and nobility of said house. With the Colonels being of royal or very high noble connection. These new units shall train twice a year excluding parading in events. (Mod). With the new road comes new benefits and responsibilities, for provinces that take the most advantage of the road, excluding St. Petersburg, one 200,000 ruble subsidy is offered to start next year, for those that can make the most use of the road (Proportionally of course). Once the provinces begin seeing significant economic benefit from the road, they are required to pay for the maintenance of their section of road. Additionally, a new 10% tax on goods travelling on the road is unveiled. For passengers it is free, but they must give priority to the caravans, that is if the spacious room on the cobbled highway ever fills. (Mod). Est Cost: 200,000 Rubles The University of St. Petersburg is announced as the 3rd Academic building in the city. Foreign experts from abroad are offered large sums of money to make their home in St. Petersburg and teach. The University itself is large, constructed in elegant style with large arches and grandiose chambers for higher education to be discussed. (Mod). Est Cost: 10,000 (Permanent upkeep) Est Cost: 60,000 (One-time payment this year) Imperial Armed Forces To start off the years' important military events. Aleksey Bestuzhv-Ryumin, the Vice-Chancellor, went to Austria and conducted ceremonial visits and negotiations with the state. Upon his conclusion of affairs in Austria, and even Prussia, the Vice-Chancellor is sent with 8,000 line infantry and 2,000 Hussars to "oversee" Russian affairs in Warsaw and to make preparations for a Sejm to be held at his behest. Augustus III of Poland is asked to make a quick return to the capital shall he be in Saxony. (Mod). The Russian Naval Board makes a request for new ships to shore up the Russian Navy with rising naval power across Europe, however the budget for the year is already in deficit and they are told to wait for the next year. Diplomatic Activities Russia signs a border agreement with Spain in Madrid, stating the border between each other's American colonies is on the southern border of Oregon (modern day). For Polish letter see Imperial Armed Forces One Secret is signed between Russia, Prussia and Austria.

Wrong Place

Holy Roman Dominion War in Anatolia March 1st, 1949, after a long 8 years in the mountains of Anatolia from Trebizond to Constantinople, the last police forces leave Anatolia. The last troops to leave were the 44th Infantry Division, previously garrisoning the last Italian base in Southern Galatia, the last place in Byzantium where insurgent activities are still a fact of life, but after 8 years of back-straining work by Italians and Greeks, it seems a true Golden Age has erupted for the people of Anatolia, free of Turkish murderers and rapists. But this is not the end of Italo-Greek relations, one million Italians have settled in Greece and Anatolia and even though the soldiers have left, Anatolia will always stay close to the people of Italy Papal Tour After taking a brief 6-month break due to illness, the Pope continues his world tour. First, the Pope visits Mexico, visiting many charitable societies and diligently giving out masses to the people of Mexico. After the Papal visit, the Pope makes his way to both sides of the American Civil War, talking in each nation's capitals about the value of peace and a "moral way forward". The Papacy dispatches millions of tons of food and care packages to North America and additionally mobilizes tens of thousands of missionaries from across the Catholic world to help the American people in their time of crisis. (Mod). Chariot Racing To increase the popularity of Chariot Racing, two new events are added to bring in larger audiences. First of all, acting schools are invited to act out chariot racing operas. These operas will contain plenty of drama and intrigue, splitting and dividing the audience and encouraging participation. One such opera is set in the Roman Civil War with two charioteers masquerading as Ceasar and Pompey. Secondly, Tzykanisterion is brought back to the Hippodromes and rural fields everywhere. The sport which consists of charioteers with nets trying to move a ball into the enemy net might help the sport compete with games such as football. (Mod). Debt Interest After taking out a very sizable loan to pay for improvements in Italy and Spain, the Italian government announces the creation of the new Italian Foreign Trade Corporation. This is planned to be a large state-owned and backed import-export corporation. The first order of business is to import large quantities of cheap Anatolian grain and begin exporting it to America where a failed harvest is expected. The Italian government hopes to make back quite a lot of money over the years. (Mod). Holy Roman Dominion Military The Holy Roman Dominion’s Armed Forces continue with “Vision 1955” for the Federation. While the Navy and Airforce are neglected, for now, the Army is given the budget to pay for (within five years) enough equipment to poorly equip five million men for a two month period. Guns and artillery made in the late nineteenth century are bought up and put into large warehouses. (Mod). Spanish Affairs The Papacy begins working with the Spanish Government to increase the popularity of Church and State, Communism with Religion. The Pope himself even makes a speech about the matter while visiting Mexico City. (Mod). Research and Technology Several new laboratories and archaeological sites are paid for in a new series of research grants. (Mod for Tech Slot).

R I P

As the Russian player, I'd love to have a lot of people play characters. If I could have the head of the Senate and the army that would be great. Or even someone to command the soon-to-be Russian colonies.

Country: FRENCH THIRD REPUBLIC Leader: JULES GREVY is the third President of the French Third Republic. He is the first true Republican leader of the Republic, known most prominently for his attempts at blocking the ascension of Napoleon III, he is a major figure in the Republican parties of France. As well as his obvious Republican leanings, Grevy has also served as Head of the Assembly and Chamber of Deputies. This leaves him as France's top politician and a man with a steady enough hand to lead his ship of state. So far Grevy has been known domestically for introducing free and secular education to France, as well as breaking up and selling France's crown jewels. In foreign policy, Grevy has pushed back against nationalistic revanchism and colonial expansion. Ultimately though, Grevy is most well known for his lax Presidential hand, vastly preferring a strong legislator. Recent History: HISTORY has recently treated France rather poorly. Defeated in the Franco-Prussian war, France finds itself economically recovered but weaker than it's German and British rivals. Having just recently dealt with an uprising in the form of the Paris Commune has not helped much either. But those issues are already fading into the background as France looks forward, domestically. Monarchist support in France has begun to die off and a Republican wave has struck the nation for the first time in several decades. Additionally, this is the age of modernization for the rural peasants of France: Standardised prices, department stores, investments, education, railroads and more. Another pressing domestic issue is the painfully slow separation of Church and State, which has caused a rift within France and with the Pope. This internal focus has led to a foreign policy generally dominated by a few key diplomats who are generally restrained. But still, General Anglophobia exists due to colonial and historical conflicts and at the same time, revanchism and worry towards the Germans is ever strong. France stands at a diplomatic crossroads, but for now, it looks inwards. Discord: PLEBIAN#7281

Reserving France