SuperKeziak

Holy Roman Dominion Spain Joins the Holy Roman Dominion! Little less than two years ago it was Papal diplomatic will that caused the Spanish Republic to open up the churches and reject the immoral ban on religion. But in little time at all since, relations have increased steadily and after prolonged armament negotiations, Spain has accepted the Papal offer to join the Holy Roman Dominion. Spain is welcomed in loud applause at the Vatican where it is announced, the second communist nation to join the Dominion. This is sure to have a profound effect not only on the geopolitics of Europe but also the very makeup of the Holy Nation. Development Loan As part of the Dominion's annexation of Spain, a bill comes before The Council of Rome. This will allow each member of the Council to borrow slightly in excess of twenty-five billion dollars in the upcoming fiscal year. After being rubber-stamped by the Kingdoms, Spain and Yugoslavia also approve after little debate. The "Unity Grants" as they are known in English begin. Italy borrows 18 billion dollars to pay for the year’s projects. The Papacy begins the construction of several new railroads. The north sees three new railroads constructed in a circular like fashion and connecting to Rome, this means that supplies will no longer be constricted to just two major rail hubs in northern Italy. The south sees another two railroads constructed along the coastline. The American government graciously buys a 25% stock in the new railroad developments. (Mod for railroads). Along with the newfound railroad construction, the shipping industry is injected with money. The Ports in Reggio Calabria, Genoa and Taranto are expanded with Room for production of many a multitude of ships at a time. Even more importantly, naval facilities are upgraded for faster and more extensive repairs to damaged ships. The Port of Taranto is even expanded for carrier maintenance facilities. (Mod for Ports). Two new oil pipelines begin construction. To begin, the Trieste-Vienna pipeline begins construction to more efficiently export the Papacy's vast oil reserves to hungry buyers such as the ferocious German tank reserves. Secondly, an oil pipeline is constructed between Tirana and Belgrade to better supply the Papacy's Balkan market. (Mod for Pipelines). Lastly, the Papacy buys several thousand German anti-aircraft guns and installs them across Italy, Albania and Spain. Some additional installations remain hidden and ready to shoot down potential aggressors. Particular care is placed on the defence of ports and cities. (Mod for Air Defence). Spain in The Dominion With Spain joining the Dominion, many terms had to be agreed upon first. The sharing of intelligence, intense military cooperation, mostly open borders, no deficit spending, etc. But the most important and key of which is Spain now mandating weekly religious attendance to it's twenty-seven million citizens. This means that the Church benches are once again full and that morality has re-emerged in Spain. Large lines now line the confession booths and the Church accounts for this. Tens of thousands of "Black Nobility" are sent from Rome to the Church administration in Spain where a massive logistical operation takes place to integrate the Church into the life of the Spanish. Catholic schools and hospitals pop up in the hundreds. (Mod for the Church in Spain). The Papacy, doing its own part, sends billions of dollars to Spain in efforts to modernize the country. RADAR, port construction, subsidized oil export and other measures are used to boost the Spanish government as it joins the HRD and incorporates itself into the economy of the HRD. (Mod for Improvement in Spain). The Italian Federation for Chariot Racing (IFCR), a crown corporation, begins the construction of new Hippodromes across Spain, and even some new ones in Italy. The sport, trying to appeal further to the Spanish people, adds "bullfights" to the equation where two charioteers armed with Javelins must kill the bulls released into the Hippodrome, or be killed. (Mod for Chariot Racing). Ferrari, subsidized by Italy, opens up a factory in Barcelona. (Mod). Italy commits itself to help pay for the long-term improvement of the Spanish navy and port facilities. This being a longer deal, it is not paid for with the Unity Grant money. Lastly, a large military parade is delivered at Valencia, where the multi-nation army marches through its streets and the Spanish and Papal navies give salutes by the harbour. The day is marked in celebration. Papal Diplomatic Tour Involvement in Spain has not deterred the Pope from going on a worldwide diplomatic tour in which the Papacy promotes faith, peace and goodwill. The Pope visits every major city in Italy, the Balkans and Spain before heading over to the Roman Empire to inspect Constantinople and the remaining Papal soldiers in Central Anatolian bases. While the Pope is in Constantinople the Papacy issues an official statement of support, encouraging investments in “our brothers”. Not done just yet, the Pope visits France, the UK and Germany heavily promoting Catholicism and a de-escalation of conflict. (Mod). The Papal Carrier Plane sits in a Parisian airport by July, the Pope plans on an Americas tour. Holy Roman Dominion Military The Holy Roman Dominion’s Armed Forces announce “Vision 1955” for the Federation. It imagines Alpine and Pyrenees forts protecting the north, a large reserve with plenty of stockpiled equipment, a navy capable of dominating the Mediterranean and an air force large enough to establish air superiority and launch attacks with a large bomber force. The vision imagines sparing use of Jet Aircraft and new, expensive equipment, but extremely large stockpiles of second-rate equipment. Although progress on this plan has yet to begin for the most part, and more acts as a blueprint for future actions, construction on Alpine forts begin. (Mod). The Papal Navy, as part of vision 1955, announces the construction of 2 New Carriers and 4 New Battleships. (Mod). The Papacy begins a large program of selling equipment to the Spanish Military, providing income and improving the HRD’s self-defence capability. Annexation of Greenland After much negotiation, the Papacy agrees to buy the territory of Greenland and incorporate it as both an overseas autonomous region of Italy and as a veto-less member of the Council of Rome. The Papacy agrees to pay Denmark 2 million rifles, several thousand machine guns, AT guns and AA guns. Additionally, 50 million dollars are provided. Agreements are made barring development on sacred sites across 50% of Greenland. Additionally: Greenlanders must be trained up and represent 40% of the workforce on any mineral exploitation project, Greenland elects its own Prime Minister, Greenland sets its own taxes, foreign troops in the country may not exceed ten thousand and Greenland can control its own immigrant intake. Papal Research Naval research takes precedence this turn, research is put into a new model destroyer, heavy cruiser and light cruiser. Emphasis is put onto extensive torpedo firing abilities, sensors and room for future installations. New model ships are shared with the GPP. (Mod).

Holy Roman Dominion The 5th Council of Berlin Italy continues holding councils that no one goes to ? Diplomatic Relations Italy talks to no man. Internal Affairs Everything in Italy is perfect. Papal Research The Papacy begins trying to increase the amount of research done in Papal Institutions by the rural population. (Mod for Research Slot). Research is put into a new and modern carrier to serve as a large capital ship. (Mod and shared with the Pacific Alliance). Research is put into a new an large battleship to serve in carrier groups. (Mod and shared with the Pacific Alliance). Italy rushes a post in 5 minutes. (Mod).

Holy Roman Dominion The 4th Council of Berlin Protestant support for Church unification has so far been stagnant, with the Protestants still clearly against a "corrupt" Church. So, to make the Protestants open up to their Catholic brothers and sisters, the pope offers concessions. The Pope offers to end Papal indulgences and continue to ban the sale of them, as well the Pope is willing to let a group of Protestant Ministers in to investigate the inner workings of the Church and determine how to fix it and remove corruption in the eyes of God. (Mod for unification). Diplomatic Relations The Papacy, after being approached by the Americans, decides to join the Pacific Alliance (despite not having any land in the Pacific). The Papacy agrees to a defensive pact, economic support form the Americans and spearheads a technology sharing program. Papal Officials actively support the idea of an American Union State, stating that it would help form Catholic community. (Mod). Being a part of the Eastern Block, the Papacy opens up its own shops and factories in the area at the cost of a few million dollars. Combined with these is a small mission that offers religious guidance as part of the business (Mod for the profitability and religious effect). Internal Affairs Football has recently shown a rather poor fortune for the Italians, to focus away from such defeats a new Global Chariot Racing Commision is formed to host an International Chariot Racing game every year in a city that has applied to host it, starting with Rome. (Mod). The new prison system is immediately rolled back and an apology is issued for the mishandling of the whole issue. Prisoners released early during this time are given back their original sentences and taken back in. Following investment from the Americans, the Papacy begins working on lifting poor agricultural areas of Italy out of poverty and into the 20th century. (Mod). The Papacy begins a renewed push towards the mining and oil industry now that the initial craze over oil in Libya and Somalia has hopefully died down. (Mod). Papal Research The Papacy begins trying to increase the amount of research done in Papal Institutions. (Mod). Research is put into new electrical appliances to help consumers in prosperous Italy, specifically, the "microwave". (Mod and shared with the Pacific Alliance). Research is put into a new and modern fighter-bomber. The Papacy plans for this to be the last mass produced plane before the age of the Jet fully hits. (Mod and shared with the Pacific Alliance).

Holy Roman Dominion The First Councils of Berlin With the Schisms of East and West mended the Pope and his new right-hand man, the Arbiter of the Eastern Rite, begin looking to Germany where religious tension recently began boiling. The Pope and his archbishops begin regular movements towards Berlin to look towards mending the Catholic and Protestant religions into a new religion, named, "Christianity". The rapidly emerging priesthood in Germany is asked to help their fellow brothers into the united faith under god and with the rest of Europe and the world. (Mod for unification). Diplomatic Relations After multiple efforts at diplomatic wrangling, the Pope successfully meets with and obliges the Spanish Government into allowing the people of Spain to practice Catholicism freely. The Pope is purported to have even called up Stalin in his dispute with the Spanish Communists. This is hailed as a major public victory for the Papacy to prove to Catholics that the Papacy stands behind them. (Mod for public relations). The Papacy begins sending priests to missionize both India and America. In India, the small Assyrian community is where the firsts priest land and begin on their journey to missionize the subcontinent. Surveys are made to question the conditions of India, and where the Church can specifically provide aid and work their way into the communities. In America, the Church focuses on the broad appeal of Christian unification. (Mod). Lucie, the now famous young Italian orphan who started a global Catholic Charity for Orphans, makes a world tour, heading from Japan and Brazil to across the rest of the world. The Church and Papal State begin working with Lucie to raise global orphanage standards and general education standards. (Mod for increased standards and Papal/Lucie's Image). Barring no substantial protests are made by the Papacy's friends, the Holy Roman Dominion accepts the invitation and joins the Eastern Block. (Mod for the economic effect). The Papacy buys and continues buying and standardising foreign equipment. Notably the AK-47, and some French anti-aircraft guns. The Papal Military now looks towards the aquisition of new Soviet APC's. Internal Affairs The Holy Roman Dominion is in a Golden Age. Catholicism expands across the globe meaning more and more tourists arrive each year to visit the holy sights. Low tax rates and aggressive decentralization have led to rapidly increasing prosperity and Italian factories have blossomed. The unification of the East and West has led in part to Papal troops departing long stays overseas to return home, the Pope has been known to call Italy "the heaven before heaven". With the increasing wealth of the HRD, the Pope is known to take long vacations and he now encourages the people to do the same. Pending approval from the council, the number of holidays is increased and the people of Italy begin to adopt more hobbies to take up the time. (Mod). The Papacy, with its Greek compatriots, moves forward with a joint museum in Bari on their joint histories, starting from before the birth of Christ in less enlightened times to the paradise that we now live in. (Mod). The Papacy encourages a new relaxed and rehabilitation centre'd prison system. Less time in prison is emphasized in exchange for higher quality of life and more attempts at getting prisoners into programs that will help them get a job and prepare them for the outside world. (Mod and get Tito's approval). With the success of the beautification of Rome, beautification is expanded throughout Italy and Yugoslavia to turn the streets around the country into real scenic and enjoyable areas. Beautification comes not just down to better maintenance and parks, but also down to the industries in the cities. Factories and grain mills are gradually moved outside in favour of beauty shops and flower stores. (Mod). Papal Research The Papacy begins researching two new technologies this turn. One new model submachine gun: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FNAB-43. (Mod). And one new model rifle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fucile_Armaguerra_Mod._39. (Mod). The Papacy begins researching a new model bayonet. With the latest one in production developed in 1893, it is in need of a revamp and this one is planned to be light, small and effective. The age of the automatic weapon may be upon us, but the age of the bayonet will never end. (Mod).

Holy Roman Dominion The Last Council of Rome Archbishops and Bishops and Priests from the Catholic and the Orthodox meet one final time in Rome to discuss the finalities on mending the schism. The schism, with all things going according to plan, will be officially mended in Rome on Orthodox Easter, 1946. The finalities are worked out, with some of the minor details favouring the Orthodox, but ultimately the Archbishop of Constantinople shall rejoin the Catholic Church subordinate to the Pope, but higher than other Archbishops, being closer to God. (Mod). With the Borroni surrender being a fake, Papal snipers continue to hunt the mountains for the fascist menace that is Luigi Borroni. (Mod). Diplomatic Relations Celebrating friendly relations with the Americans, the Pope cuts the ribbon on a new park in Outer Rome called "Long Park". The park is very long and winding with multiple fountains, managed forests and a large statue of Huey Long in the centre. Throughout the park, benches and busts are transcribed with the words "Every man is a king" as per Huey Long's famous saying. Internal Affairs To help with the mission to civilize Libya, a new railway line is built from either end of the colony, with connecting lines to important oil centres and towns. With the opening up of the "Wild West" of Italy, missionary's are sent to convert the local Muslim and Berber populations. (Mod). Building on previous experience with marine biology, the Papal Antarctic Expedition is launched to research Arctic biology and others such things that can be gleaned for the coldest reaches of the earth. The expedition includes 10 full-time members including 2 Nuns which swells to 85 in the summer months. (Mod). Papal Research The Papacy begins researching two new technologies this turn. One new model flamethrower and a 1945 infantry grenade kit. (Mod).

Holy Roman Dominion Ministry of War The Ministry of War decides on January 1st to begin pulling Papal troops and crusaders out of Anatolia in a fazed withdrawal plan, with the last Papal division planning to leave mid-1949. The Papacy, in a cost-saving measure, cuts half a million soldiers from the Papal army, this follows a general trend in military reduction as the communists in Turkey has been repulsed. The Templars, long forgotten, are reinstated as a small order occupying parts of Anatolia. The last fascist sniper in the Alps, having survived for years raiding local villages and hunting, has finally surrendered. Delfino Borroni, with over one hundred and forty-eight kills, has decided to give up the fascist cause and join the Papal Army, seeking to amend his sins. This is heavily espoused by Italian press and this is seen as a major propaganda victory for Italians, seen as the end to the overthrow of Mussolini and the Papacy's subsequent military ventures. (Mod). Repairing of Relations With the tarnishment of Papal influence in Greece and Germany with widespread distrust in the Holy Roman Dominion, the Papacy begins to take matters into its own hands by increasing the amount of charity work done and releasing streams of propaganda. This propaganda focuses around heavily promoting "miracles" and other such kind events done by Catholic Priests throughout both nations media. (Mod). In Greece, it is hoped the fazed withdrawal will calm tensions and the Papacy also begins small-scale funding to rebuild Christian churches throughout Thrace and Anatolia. Papal fanatics also begin settling down in Anatolia, a gesture of good faith and likely to create an elite class of armed Catholic farmers in the rugged countryside of Anatolia. (Mod). Diplomatic Relations Several thousand tons of food and humanitarian aid are sent monthly to Bulgaria by the Catholic Church, the Papacy, and it's supporters. Along with the aid, priests are sent to offer moral and religious guidance in these times of war for both sides. (Mod). Missionizing in the middle east increases in a new push by the Catholic church to spread the Catholic faith to the Nile. Thousands are dispersed to begin the conversions. (Mod). The Papacy pushes for chariot racing to be added as an Olympic Sport. (Mod). Britain is given a base near Taranto in Italy to aid in their current and future endeavours in the Mediterranean. Internal Affairs To help existing legislation on tax shelters and because of heavy corporate lobbying, foreign nationals who spend more than five hundred thousand dollars in the HRD are offered citizenship while their previous tax-friendly policies are still allowed as first generation wealthy immigrants. (Mod). The Papal Nuclear Fallout Shelter Program now equips all civilian class fallout shelters with maps to the nearby army storage facility. These storage facilities will come equipped with more food to handle a nuclear winter, and water filtration systems. (Mod). Ecclesiastical Latin is made the new primary official language of the HRD (on Tito's approval, otherwise just Italy) and all school children are given courses. (Mod). Papal Research The Papacy begins researching a new model of anti-aircraft gun according to specifications provided: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannone-Mitragliera_da_37/54_(Breda) (Mod). The Pope personally orders research to begin on "Miracles". With science leading progress forward, the Papacy would like to see some link between science and the faith. This research aims to create "magic". (Mod).

Holy Roman Dominion Crusade in Anatolia Critical Song: youtube.com/watch?v=_FdnA4SyYzE Pope Pius XII calls for a crusade for Anatolia among all Christians, to finish driving the invading infidel from the lands of the pious and holy, citing the genocide and massacre of the peaceful Greek populace. Famously, Pope Pius quotes Pope Urban II. "What shall I say of the abominable rape of the women? To speak of it is worse than to be silent. The kingdom of the Greeks is now dismembered by them and deprived of a vast territory. On whom therefore is the labour of avenging these wrongs and of recovering this territory incumbent, if not upon you? You, upon whom above other nations God has conferred remarkable glory in arms, great courage, bodily activity, and strength to humble the hairy scalp of those who resist you." "Therefore I say to you that God, who implanted this in your breasts, has drawn it forth from you. Let this then be your war-cry in combats, because this word is given to you by God. When an armed attack is made upon the enemy, let this one cry be raised by all the soldiers of God: It is the will of God! It is the will of God!" With the call for a crusade, the Papacy calls for fanatical and loyal fighters to join a new armada being assembled to head to Anatolia. With a strict personality check and rigorous training, not all will be accepted on the critical journey, but the Papacy still hopes to recruit some 200,000 fanatical soldiers to send into Anatolia to drive off the invaders. (Mod). The Papacy denies allegations of any atrocities or "Satanism" within the Papal intervention. The Papacy prints an official statement describing this in all major HRD newspapers and the priest that fled to Switzerland is excommunicated. (Mod on public image). Diplomatic Relations The American Embassy in Rome is restored by the Papal Government. The Papacy, upon invitation, visits Washington. The Papacy funds the construction of a new, and massively enlarged hippodrome in Constantinople. With the surrounding streets covered in rubble, there is newfound room to expand the stadium and it is hoped that this will raise the morale of the Greek citizens in their time of need. (Mod). Chariot Racing booms as the winner of the "The Great Contest" turns in a tense win for the small Italian, Angelo after his strong posture and tight turns consistently beat Robert's tired horses. Inspired by the competition, the Papacy offers to help fund a new Hippodrome in Nigeria with Robert being asked to assemble a new team for next year to hopefully put up strong competition to the well funded Italian racers. (Mod for sponsorships helping turn the sport big and Robert's team). Germany is given a 15% reduction in chromite and oil prices for the next 6 years. This being given in return for the use of military equipment. (Mod affect on Germany). Internal Affairs Slowly but surely the Papal Government, with lots of help from the municipalities and companies that want a hippodrome, begin building them across Greece. Tito is even encouraged to help build them throughout the Balkans if they find popular, as a way to unite the HRD in the sport. (Mod). The Papal Government slowly amasses large reserves, preparing for future financial difficulties that might arise. With it being thought that oil in the Papacy is basically tapped for the moment, natural resource experts move into different fields like iron, copper and gold mining and begin exploration. (Mod). Making a deal with Germany, the Papal Army makes 6.3-inch mortar standard issue with a mixture of licensing and imports coming from Germany helping their industry reap large profits. It is to be noted though, that Germany only sells them on a harsh no-reselling policy. (Mod). The Councils of Rome For the duration of the ongoing crusade into Anatolia, the remaining councils of Rome and are put on hold. Ministry of Research The Papacy begins research on an industrial crop and wildlife killer. (Based on: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_Orange - Ahead of time). (Mod) The Papacy begins research on a new model medium tank, not to replace the Italian model Tiger held in high regard by the Pope. (Based on: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_M16/43). (Mod)

Holy Roman Dominion Ministry of War To deal with upcoming news in Anatolia, the Papal Army buys more trucks and air supply planes, while at the same time transferring thousands of railroad and dock workers to Antalya to facilitate a quick advance. Additionally, more than two million gas masks are moved into Antalya. The Papacy really begins to lay down the groundwork for a large offensive. The Papal Navy, with its newfound ships, begins to build and integrate them into the Papal Navy. (Basically, after a few years my historical number of ships will be of the new design, for the most part). Diplomatic Relations Given there are no objections from the Brazillian government, the Catholic Church opens up APAC prisons in Brazil to help Brazillian convicts and improve the Brazillian prison system. (Mod). The Catholic Church attempts to expand in the East Asian sphere, specifically, missionaries are sent to China and Japan. (Mod). The Swiss Proposal in the League of Nations is vetoed by the Holy Roman Dominion. Working with the United States, the Papal States work to make a modern armoured car. This armoured car will be used as an all-terrain reconnaissance and patrol vehicle. Hopefully, with expertise from both countries, something exceptional might be made. (Based on: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoblinda_Fiat-Ansaldo). (Mod). Internal Affairs With the dawn of a new nuclear age, the Papacy unveils the new "Noah's Ark Shelter Program" to protect the Christian faithful against nuclear attack. The Ministry of Interior announces the secret construction of multiple state-of-the-art nuclear bunkers to safeguard critical areas, the exact locations and abilities of these are kept secret. But what isn't kept a secret is the new rules and regulations regarding fallout shelters. Every communal grounds and house is equipped with an appropriately sized nuclear shelter with three weeks of food, enough for nuclear radiation to sufficiently die out with minimal chance of death. The NASP Program will safeguard the Papal citizens against the tides that will erase sin from the earth. Along with the fallout shelters, a new system of nuclear alarms and early warning systems are set up. (Mod). Enrico Fermi is offered a fifty thousand dollar grant for his research and a tax rebate provided he returns to work in Italy now that the racial laws are long gone, as well as the men who set them up. (Mod). The Papacy invites foreign competition to attempt to race the Papal Chariot Racing teams, specifically the blue team. The Papacy attempts to encourage a new age of international Chariot Racing. (Mod). The Papacy opens up a prestigious sailing club and begins hosting major sailing events throughout the Mediterranian, the Papacy attempts to bring up some of the finest sailboat racers. (Mod). The search for oil continues in Lybia. Meanwhile, energy companies are let loose in Somaliland and it is wondered what percentage of Italy's oil demand can be met by Somalia. (Mod). The 5th Council of Rome On June 13, a fifth conference on the schism is called. The meeting is meant to continue to build on the past several years of discussion, but with both the Pope and Patriarch too busy to attend, it quickly turns into a non-event and the conference ends early with little discussed. Ministry of Research The Papacy begins research on a desert reconnaissance vehicle and they begin production once it is done for all desert divisions. (Based on: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPA-Viberti_AS.42). (Mod).

Holy Roman Dominion The 3rd Council of Rome On March 20th, Pope Pius XII and Benjamin I attend a third conference on the schism. This time it is more personal with close only certain representatives being sent from each branch of Christianity. This meeting focuses more on specifics on how a theoretical merger would work, like what calendar to use and when to celebrate Easter. (Mod on effect schism). Ministry of War With the fall of Constantinople, one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers are redeployed from Ethiopia and Europe to defend the Papacies Greek allies. An immediate offensive is declared towards the Constantinople pocket of Turks with one hundred thousand fresh troops. Meanwhile, Antalya is besieged by fifty thousand Yugoslav and Slovenians and Trebizond is attacked by existing anti-insurgent forces, quickly reassigned to more conventional fighting while still leaving some token soldiers to maintain the Hamlet program. Throughout this, some special directives are issued on behalf of the Greeks. All Turkish males in the Papal occupation zone are seized and sent to Greek forces, prisoners are executed for treason and European Turkey is cleared off all Turkish towns and villages. (Mod). Forces in Ethiopia seize Somalia as the Germans gratefully gift the colony back to the Papacy. The colony is remerged with Ethiopia and Italian administration begins. Additionally, forces in Ethiopia, including the ones previously posturing towards the Saudi's, dramatically reduce to an appropriate peacetime level as most head back to Europe or Anatolia. Posturing against the Saudi's stops. (Mod on Somalia administration). The Ministry of War begins with the purchasing of small numbers of American weapons and vehicles. They are compared to both German, Austrian and Italian made weapons and vehicles. The Ministry looks for a final determination on their relative quality. (Mod). Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Saudi's are sent an official apology by the Pope for the hasty ultimatum sent without prior consultation or enough justification. Two million dollars are sent to the Sultan himself as reparations for the diplomatic misstep. The French Republic is offered fifty million dollars to help with the Schools in Africa Program in exchange for an extensive Catholic education to be added to the program. Additionally, the church offers to send its own missions to help set up and teach schools and otherwise help improve infrastructure. The offer even guarantees that the Church will help impress upon the children a French nationalistic education. Administration Rome, once the pride and jewel of an empire and receiving massive growth through newfound government work and a booming economy is touched up to be more like the days of old. New plans are laid out on how future growth should be made for up to ten million new residents, the sewage, water and electrical systems are widened and expanded and new roads are cobbled. New wide main streets and wide side roads are planned out, planning for a large and mixed city with little to no future congestion. Train routes are built into this planning as well as parade grounds, gardens, etc. One Rome expands, it will truly be the model of a Papal Paradise. (Mod). In the city itself, serious attempts are made to beautify the city. Historical sites are maintained with newfound vigour, the cities cleaning staff are increased to give a shined look the streets, new parks are made and maintained. Even in the ministries and Vatican, new glistening red carpets and Papal flags are laid out. The centrepiece of this new beautification is the new Circus Maximus. The new Circus Maximus is as large and beautiful as the previous, provides a box for the Pope, free concessions for the crowds and more. Four new chariot racing teams are subsidized to provide free entertainment to the masses. (Mod, especially for chariot racing, new favoured team). The Yugoslavs are asked to come up with a plan to strengthen the union of the HRD. They are asked to submit such a plan to the council for a vote. (Mod). Test Drilling continues in Lybia and survey are also made in other African colonies. (Mod). Technology The Ministry of War researches three things: New model of a destroyer, new submarine model, new torpedo boat. (I basically just want the historical Italian version).

Holy Roman Dominion The 2nd Council of Rome On March 20th, Pope Pius XII and Benjamin I, Patriarch of Constantinople attended the second conference. Once again, both Benjamin and Pius will support and rouse the clergy to attend this council. This time, the Serbian Priest from the last meeting has been ejected under the request of Benjamin I. (Mod on effect schism). Ministry of War Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia are cleared of the remnants of the fascists and the fascists are either absorbed into the army or sent home. Many officers are given up to five years in prison. Top leaders are given life in prison in political prisons. Ethiopia begins the process of rebuilding, but more importantly, Christian missionary's are sent to convert Muslims. As well, the Ethiopian Oriental Orthodox Church is invited to Rome to discuss an additional mending of the schism. (Mod). The Strategic Hamlet program continues its effects, turning every village and town into a fortress completely changing the sight of rural Anatolia. These next few months the Papal army will work towards clearing other sectors and seeing the effectiveness they have had on Central Anatolia. As well, the Counter-Terrorist Special Group will continue to try and find major enemy groups to destroy. (Mod for Army and Counter Terrorist Group). The Papacy, at a meeting in Zagreb, requests that all nations increase the percentage of their national armies given to the Papacy to 20%. The Papal Army, with representatives from each nation controlling it, will take on more national responsibilities in return. The Papacy also recommends a general weakening of large-scale army formations, stating that the HRD must focus on "Naval, Colonial and Militant clearing operations instead of a general force to ward off neighbours." (Mod). Two hundred thousand Italian Army and Navy personal head to Eritrea in an offensive posture. Several task forces and many transport ships are sent down near Saudia Arabia. (Mod). Italy continues to buy German and Austrian weapons for it's military when needed. The Italian military also continues a constant stream of updates. Just this quarter, the Italian navy orders fifty new destroyers and scraps twenty-five older ones. Foreign Relations The United States of America is offered the chance to buy back their embassy grounds at a market rate after their seizure following illegal spy activities in Italy, this is widely seen as an olive branch being lifted back to the Papacy's American allies. Saudia Arabia is sent a diplomatic offer to join the Kingdom of Italy as a colony. The current rulers will be allowed to keep much of their positions and power, but colonial officials will be sent to administer the new colony. Otherwise, the Papal Government makes overtures that they may be inclined to provide support for the internal enemies of House Al Saud and put the nation back in the wars it just came out of. (Mod). The Papal Government makes large overtures to Switzerland and Austria, offering a one hundred year non-aggression pact and the demilitarization of borders. Additionally, work is started on the dismantling of tariffs and barriers to travel. Citizens of these two countries are given special permission to work in Italy with no barriers and are given a tax-free first year after moving. (Mod). One hundred and fifty Macchi C.205's are sold to the Byzantine Government for eight million dollars. Additionally, Italy licenses and provides technical support to the Byzantines for ten thousand dollars per aircraft. The Papacy, replacing Italy, reaffirms it's commitment to the LoN as a member with a veto. Administration The Papal Government, with approval from the council, offers a tax shelter to foreign businesses and money willing to invest in the HRD. This tax shelter is aimed to make Italy extremely competitive in a world where government specialization and taxation is increasing globally. Specifically, this tax will aim to target American entrepreneurs and retired magnates who might see Italy as a low tax alternative to the extremely high American tax rate. (Mod). The Papal Government begins surveying for Oil throughout Lybia after previous reports of oil found in water wells. The Expedition looks through places like Murzuk, Al Hamra and Sanir. (Mod). The Papal Government begins a project funded at ten million dollars a year to look for and discover creatures on the ocean floor. Academies in Italy rush for the grant money and all begin expeditions to catalogue and research new species. (Mod). The Papal Government attempts to increase the quality of its pensioners and veterans through increased funding. With the massive birthrate throughout Italy with the banning of contraceptives and abortion, it is thought the government can pay this off in a few years when the average age decreases. (Mod). One large push is made in Italy to improve consumer goods, hopefully, new products can be made instead of imported from abroad. (Mod). The HRD attempts to strengthen itself, with approval from the council, banning further future independent diplomatic overtures without permission from the council beforehand, this applies to all states. As well, it is proposed that the HRD should have no internal barriers aside from security checks, and instead, citizens of either country should carry both a national passport and an HRD passport. (Mod). The King of Italy is made Emperor of Ethiopia and his Royal Army settle down to rule.

Holy Roman Dominion The Council of Rome On November 7th, Pope Pius XII and Benjamin I, Patriarch of Constantinople attend a conference. Additionally, all archbishops and thousands of members of the clergy are invited worldwide to partake in an official session on mending the schism between east and west. Both Benjamin and Pius will support and rouse the clergy to attend this council and concessions are made on both sides. Hopefully, more conferences will follow, but this is hopefully the start of the mending of the schism. Outreach is also made to the Russian Orthodox Church to join in on the council. Other Christian sects such as the Lutherans are invited to observe. (Mod on effect schism). Ministry of War In Ethiopia, the four-hundred-thousand men advance from British Africa into Eritrea under the cover of two thousand aircraft and most of the Papal capital ship fleet, which provide cover to advancing columns of Papal soldiers. While local generals and the Pope cannot see how this offensive could possibly fail, numerous problems arrive in transporting an army and aircraft in a desert without rail support. Tankettes can also not hold out long enough by themselves to wait for infantry support, despite heavy motorization in general, much of the army still has to walk and suffers heatstroke among other things. Trench warfare tactics still dominate Italian military strategy. (Mod on the battle for Eritrea and Northern Ethiopia). The Papal Military begins a large licensing program, with only the Navy having decent amounts of equipment, deals are made with the Sobeski pact and both Germanies for licenses on various equipment. Anything from half-tracks to tanks, to artillery pieces, are made by Italian factories under foreign supervision and expertise. Twenty million dollars worth of Italian Army trucks are bought up by Grey Germany to help pay for this. The Italian navy along with the five Littoria-Class Battleships built, orders another five Nova Littoria-Class Battleships. Pope Pius remarks on the "Wonderful, Christian, technological innovation." Additionally, the Pope raises the amount of Swiss Guard massively to sixty-five thousand elite. The pay is high and prestige even higher, the region you must be born/live in to be a Swiss Guard expands to southern all regions within 100km of the Swiss Border in any direction. This means that northern Italians, Germans, Austrians, and French can now be recruited. (Mod for Swiss and other Volunteers). On the sun swept mountains of Eastern Anatolia, the Italian Sector located over a large region and near the Soviet Border institutes the "Amleto Strategico" Program. This new program by the Papal Military goes further than the previous methods of sweeping. The new plan calls for heavily fortified strategic hamlets to replace all current Turkish communities. "Each strategic village will be protected by a ditch and a fence of barbed wire. It will include one or more observation towers. The area immediately around the village will be cleared for fields of fire and the area approaching the clearing, including the ditch, will be strewn with booby-traps. And other personal obstacles. Also, military firebases will be stationed around clusters of Hamlets to ward off any attack." Says Vittoria Ambrosio, head of the Papal Military Expedition to Byzantium and backer of the plan. Ambrosio proposes that each strategic hamlet be protected by a self-defence group of seventy-five to one hundred armed men. The self-defence group would, in addition to defending the hamlet, be responsible for "Enforcing curfews, checking identity cards, and ferreting out hard-core Turkish nationalists." The objective is to separate, physically and politically, the Turkish guerrillas and supporters from the rural population. The first step in the establishment of a strategic hamlet is a census carried out by the Italian authorities. Next, villagers will be required to build fortifications and the members of the self-defence force identified and trained. The villagers will be registered and be given identity cards and their movements will be monitored. Outside the fortifications will be a free fire zone, especially after 8 pm curfews. To bring such a massive plan to fruition, Greeks, Italians and Yugoslavs are invited en masse to be mayors of these local communities. These settlers will not only directly rule over Turks and collect taxes, but they will make sure all Turks under their protection are complying with the new laws and curfew. Large and glamorous fortified sections are built in larger, Fortified Villages for foreign communities to stay and prosper. Turks are of course required to pay for this. Once the Amleto Strategico program is an underway, Papal forces are ordered to shoot or capture Turks found outside after curfew with no punishments whatsoever for civilian casualties. Large open pit quarries are built in parts of resource-rich Anatolia for Turkish prisoners. These camps will in the future house tens of thousands of Turks and the profits of the resources will be split in between the Papal Military, the soldier(s) who captured them and the generals. Eventually, these camps will be passed onto the Greek government after Papal forces have withdrawn. (Mod for Hamlet program for Turkish villagers, the effect on the insurgency, foreign settlers and labour camps). Administration Once again, budgets are cut in the Papal States where possible and profits are put into what will hopefully be a full Papal reserve. Onto this, as part of de-fascistization, all restrictions on the press are lifted, but articles or radio deemed "Sinful" must identify itself either by putting symbols of sin in front of the articles or by announcing this every forty-five minutes on the broadcast. This will hopefully appease traditionalist elements of the Italian press. (Mod). The universities halted by the civil war are repaired to their previous levels of prestige and funding. The University of Milan, among others, is rebuilt from the ruins to a more glamorous state than it was before the civil war. Hopefully, this will improve the research capabilities of Italy. (Mod). The Papacy researches two new technological innovations these next few months. First of all, work begins on an advanced computational device to manage bureaucracy more efficiently. Second of all, work begins on a new type of cargo ship to be used the world over. Hopefully, these will sell well and bring about expansion to Italian ports. (Mod).

Holy Roman Dominion A New Hope As the year of 1942 begins and passes on to the spring and summer, the Pope unveils grander plans to the people of Rome and the nation of Italy, still technically ruled by the King. The tax system of Italy shall be changed into a more local one. The federal tax rates take a decline across the board, but funding for government systems is moved mostly (85%+) onto local tax districts. Local governments, such as smaller provinces, municipalities and school districts now decide their own tax rate and funding. Albeit, there are still national standards and some level of national coordination in the fields of medical equipment and doctors. Subsequently, the government still funds the poorest districts who cannot afford to maintain services. This massive decrease in government responsibility is paired with an increase in government revenue. (Mod on effect on social welfare). Funding is cut across sectors if deemed possible, Italy is a Catholic country were noble men are free to do business and live with minimal government interference. The Papal government pockets 20% of all government profit directly into the Catholic Church to help it repair its finances from the disastrous war. The remaining profit is put into the new H.R.D. reserve (with a mandatory contribution rate of three percent) and the Italian reserve. The Pope hopes the Papacy will be the richest nation in Europe. (Mod on effect on finances). Along with the H.R.D. reserve fund, two other binding resolutions are approved by the governing council. First of all, and to the joy of all loyal and true believers, abortion and contraceptives are banned across the dominion. "One step closer to paradise." Pope Pius declares to cheering crowds. The last resolution to be passed by the council is a resolution for not a single member to run any sort of deficit unless an emergency is declared by three-fourths of the governing council. This will ensure that all states can trust each other financially. To help support states finances, the entire Italian reserve system and reserves are dismantled at the protest of generals. Ministry of War While the civil war is over, the ministry's obligations have continued to be high and it continues to be a global operation. To begin, while the war in Anatolia has winded down, the army still makes large sweeps of the insurgents day in and day out. There have even been rumours that the Papacy has deployed a new top secret force to weed out Turkish terrorists. Large, sudden, and armoured advances along the restless border regions have also been made to attempt to slow cross-border flow. (Mod on effect of new methods). Thanks to friendly relations with Britain, the great nation offers the Papacy use of British Africa as a staging point to invade Africa, and the Papacy quickly sets up a four-hundred-thousand man force to train in Sudan and eye up the last large group of fascist forces. (Mod on fascist reaction). In the Dominion, twenty thousand men are sent to northern Italy and Yugoslavia to hunt down remaining fascist insurgents. Finally, the military has decided to conduct a general census of its forces. The army itself consists of two-and-a-quarter million soldiers. With two million being Italian and the rest multinational. The remaining eight-hundred-thousand men are in the navy and the airforce. The Italian airforce consists of several thousand varied aircraft. The Italian navy consists of several hundred ships of highly varied nature. The Italian navy orders the construction of five Littoria-Class Battleships and scraps the construction of all aircraft carriers. (Mod if you want). Diplomatic Cross Roads The Papacy, situated in between western and eastern Europe has opened itself up as a friendly middle power in between the two sides. On March 18th, the Papacy signs an alliance and military access agreement with the United Kingdom. In the following months, the Papacy agrees to attend the peace conference with the USSR and afterwards an embassy is opened in Moscow. When it comes to the German question, both governments are recognised by the Papacy and the winner in the civil war will receive full diplomatic recognition for all past dealings with the Papacy. Other - The Catholic Church organizes one-hundred-and-fifty million dollars worth of food and blankets to be delivered to Germany as a whole. The Church pairs up with Catholic organizations and the red cross to fulfil this monumental task. (Mod on the effect of the aid, the perception of the Papacy and possible conversions). - The Papacy research, once again, a new battleship class. This battleship class will be designed to be the most modern possible. Big guns, radar, thick armour. (Mod). - The papacy researches a fix to the Pugliese torpedo system on the Littorio Class ships. (Mod). - The Italian military keeps itself in a modern shape and continuously purchases new equipment and improves itself, even if the equipment is generally second tier and based on bad doctrine. (Italian army/airforce = Irl Italian version).

Holy Roman Empire Dominion The War is Over! As the summer waned, news reached Rome, a peace had been signed! Intense negotiations between the Patriarch of Byzantium, Joseph Bronz Tito and Pope Pius. After concessions on the part of both sides, Italy and the Balkans have united again as one. Tito rules Yugoslavia, under him are the entire Balkans excluding Albania, Croat Croatia, Slovenia. This leaves five nations in the newly-named Holy Roman Dominion. Multiple laws are set up and the exact nature of the Dominion lies somewhere between a confederation and a state. Noticeably, almost immediately is signed the Intelligence Sharing Act. The Dominion now acts as one in the intelligence sphere, but notably, only ten percent of each nation's army is under the command of the Papal Army. That is, except in Italy, where tensions increasingly grow between the Pope and the Crown, some worry of a continuation of the civil war. But despite the conflict against the communists and nationalists ending, there still remains resistance. Milan surrendered on October 1st, with completely starved fascists being detained in camps until further notice. Additionally, sixty-five thousand men continue the fight. Whether in the hillsides of Milan, the Alpine War, or even in isolated Balkan villages refusing to pay tax. With the civil war practically over, volunteers are encouraged to leave or stay and gain citizenship in the country they fought. All soldiers who fought in the Papal Army are rotated back to Rome to receive medals, congratulations, and mass. Intervention in Anatolia As the Holy Roman Dominion's civil war ends off with the ceding of Greece to the Byzantines, fighting flares up in Anatolia. The Pope, appreciating the support in peace negotiations, and with the full backing of the council, lands one hundred and fifty thousand veterans in Izmir. These men, some of the Papacy's best equipped, are sent to help the stretched Greeks put down Turkish resistance. Care is taken to ensure professional soldiers are taken, not ex-Papist militias and those who joined to defend the Papacy. the war in Anatolia, the army is scaled down as farmers are returned to their fields and workers back to their factories. The army is professionalized and reduced to two million men. Part of this, still large, the army is sent to re-establish control in Libya, which fared well under the collapse of Italian authority. Libya forms a great training ground for prepared manoeuvres in Ethiopia. The Royal Army, and with it the King of Italy, is ordered to move to these training grounds. They are undersupplied in these new lodgings and the king is furious. Other - The Papacy increases war industrial capacity to be able to easily maintain two million men at full equipment. - Technology Sharing is proposed in the council. - Italy works on a new type of ship, an extremely powerful class of battleships for mass production, not at the levels of a super-heavy battleship. - Italy works on a new type of naval bomber, capable of providing cover for their fleets around the Italian peninsula and the central Mediterranean. The bomber trades fuel for bonuses in other areas. - The Catholic Church attempts to re-invigorate Catholic conversions across the world, especially in places like Germany. The Church hopes to see millions more joining the church year after year. - The economy is demobilized and the H.R.D. goes back to more or less a normal state of affairs, excluding reconstruction work. - The corporate tax rate is lowered to ten percent and corporations throughout Italy are completely set free from Mussolini's aggressive corporation and labour union laws. The economy is de-centralized and the Papacy is keen to see the effects of this.

Holy Roman Empire Papal Bureaucracy The Papacy establishes new programs as the war in Italy and for the survival of the Empire dies down. To begin, the Pope calls upon the 23' boys. All able men born in 1923 are conscripted into the new Papal reserves. These hundreds of thousands of men are sent to begin work on reconstruction, their pay is only half what others in the loosely organized Papal Army make. However, they do not work for the middle two months of Spring or the harvest. Some are also picked as replacements for casualties and desertions. (Mod on reconstruction pl0x). The Papacy also fully establishes the Ministry of Research and Census. Regular censuses are to be conducted yearly, including this year. The census, in particular, notices a large number of Italian refugees coming back to Italy as the battles calm. With academics returning, new Research is conducted in two new designs. One, multiple new systems to be put on ships. This should include things like radar and engines and should make researching individual ship types/doctrines easier. Two, a modern large turret tank design based off of Germanies success with the Tiger mixed with Italian battle experience and incompetence. (Mod for research <3). The Pope orders a "Pius Railway" to be built from Sicily to Slovenian and the railway network of Italy is expanded to make way for the war. As has happened previously, the healthcare and welfare systems are put back on track throughout history. Churches are the place of all new expansions to the public service in Italy. From hospitals to unemployment services, they are added onto Church buildings. The railway should be completed in around 1.5 years. Italian industry should benefit from the war through demand for military equipment, as such, taxes are raised throughout Italy on everything from tea to oil. This keeps the state at a minimal deficit at massive unrest. This is declared as necessary and the Church tries to distance itself from the move, unwilling to continue spending so much from the church's own coffers to finanace the state. The Civil War The war in the north winds down. Not wanting to take further casualties or destroy their future city, Papal forces continue to siege the city of Milan. Facing starvation, it's soldiers have now been whittled down to just 20,000 and they are besieged by a force of just 40,000 professional and best equipped Papal soldiers. The war in the Alps continues to drag on, with the Papacy being much unaware. Vicious sniper battles continue to ring on through the entire Alps. Swiss skiers even find themselves being accidentally targetted. Snipers now find themselves hunting and for food and the enemy. With the Papal Army sufficiently wintered and relatively ready, the army sets off through the Balkans. The army now numbers, 2,000,000 in the Balkan Theatre, 500,000 in Dalmatia and the islands and 500,000 in mainland Italy. 2,000,000 soldiers set off in four distinct army groups. One heads south towards Greece (but no reaching Greece), two head towards and fortify on the border of Tito's Communists, the fourth deals with general occupation and logistics. During this march, the potentially hostile nationalistic governments and militia's are either absorbed into the Papal Army or fought to surrender. The Kingdoms (except Greece) are all fully reinstated with their nationalistic parliaments. Fighting, however, is deadly among some regions. The Bosnians, in particular, are extremely dangerous, shouting Muslim phrases as they form militia's in their "jihad" against the conquest of Bosnia. While most militia's and governments yield to the better and more numerous of two evils, some resist along with the still surviving fascist strongholds. Papal forces siege where possible. 15,000 men are killed and 30,000 wounded in the fighting. Volunteer forces parade and fight throughout the Balkans, proving to boost the morale of the Papal Army, making it a truly multinational and patriotic military operation. (Mod if you want for the successes or failures). The Handing over of Greece In an official ceremony in Athens, the ceremonial (Papal puppet) King of Greece is handed over to a Byzantine general as the small Papal delegation in Greece leaves the area. Greece is officially handed over to the Patriarch's men on Greek Easter to mass celebrations in the capital of Athens and elsewhere. Papal soldiers entirely withdraw from Greece except for an embassy guarded by some forty-two men. The Royal Army The King of Italy and Ethiopia after much counsel and discussion has decided to officially oppose the Papal Government's decisions in the realm of Italian governance. The Pope responds, reminding the King of the Italian Kingdom's past affronts of the Pope. The King of Italy decides to make an official expedition to reclaim Ethiopia. Easily raising 35,000 Italians and plenty of requisitioned ships. Diplomatic Affairs - The Pope responds to Brazil that "The wills of gods fighters will be respected in terms of what they ask for burial country. Those who ask to be sent back to Brazil are sent back. Those who are unmarked are buried in the battlefields to which they have died. Those who do not specify are sent to their family, having none they are sent to Brazil. - The Papal States request the opening of defensive alliances with Britain and France. Additionally, a free trade conference could be brought up. - The Pope opens up some negotiations with Germany over the further selling of North Africa.

Holy Roman Empire Papal Bureaucracy With a year of power under their belt, the Papal Bureaucracy based in the Vatican and Rome has increased even more tremendously. From only several hundred at the onset of Summer 1939 to more than a 100,000 by September 1940. This remarkable increase in manpower is led by large-scale influx from across the world, the Papal plea has been heard and 30,000 foreign administrators have joined the ranks of the ministries, now all functioning. With the government now strengthened the Papacy has started to work on re-administering programs previously abandoned. The logistics of Italy have been re-established and despite shortages, the trains now run on time throughout Italy. The newly solidified bureaucracy raises almost two million men for the war effort and starts mass imports of weapons. By October 1940, 90% of these forces, mostly from villages and towns, are armed with at least one gun and over 60% carry sufficient ammunition. They are quickly sent by train to join forces in Milan, and then to Slovenia. The Italian King, Victor Emmanuel has grown increasingly distressed at the enlargening Papal government with his own office being relegated to a staff of several hundred. Out of protest, the King has moved to Ravenna to organize his own Royal Army. The Milanese Offensive Papal soldiers, organized and armed last Spring, after months of bloody fighting, have pushed the fascist soldiers into small pockets, located mostly around Milan. The city itself still desperately clings to fascism, armed and equipped with seemingly endless amounts of ammunition and heavy armour, 270,000 Swiss Guard and Militia units besiege the city. Fighting was not easy, with the fascists pumping out almost 400 modified army vehicles a month and producing more ammunition, even loyal army units found themselves outgunned. However, when the ex-Italian miner's union joining the fighting, they brought explosive satchel charges which quickly became a mainstay of Papal forces. To top it off, Spanish, Brazillian, and Portuguese units arrived in force. By September fascist units began defecting due to lack of manpower and exhaustion. By November the remaining fascists 57,000 fascists were besieged. The Milan campaign has cost the lives of 180,000 Papists, wounded another 230,000. The fascists have taken casualties around 100,000 killed, wounded, or captured. Meanwhile, in the Alps, a whole different type of war has exploded. Loyal and fascist alpine units have met in the Italian Alps and have begun what is now known as the Alpine Wars. With a roughly equal number on either side and relatively unconnected from the chain of command, vicious sniper battles rage across an extremely large front. Fighting has gotten so wild that at least several hundred of these alpine snipers find themselves battling it out over the border in the Swiss Alps. The Slovenian Wintering As the Milan Front wound down, 1,500,000 Papist forces (1/2 of the Papal Army) including volunteers had made their way into Slovenia. The least chaotic of the Balkan states, Slovenia was quickly pacified and the monarchy fully established power. After more than a year of fighting fascists in the rolling hills of Italy, the Papal army was re-organized in December. Army units and Militia units merged to form a proper army, weapons and ammunition were fully distributed, weapons factories were repaired and generals were appointed to fully control these men. Over the coming winter, the rag-tag independent forces known for their pillaging and bad armament are formed into a half decent army. Problems still remain, however, equipment is still of poor quality and units are chronically undersupplied, defection is common, and many units are still unprofessional and unreliable. Balkan Wars Communist forces advance ruggedly into Macedonia and Thessaloniki. But despite their well equipped and organized nature. They still find themselves slowed by mountainous terrain and mountainous resistance from local militias and local armies. Croatian Nationalists officially request Papal support to fight off what they regard as an "Evil, Serbian, red, wave". The Pope promises to very soon enter the Balkans and once and for all end the extremist and heretical rebels occupying the Eastern HRE. So far, 20,000 Communists and 30,000 Nationalists have died in the fighting. However, fights breaking out in between Bosniaks and Croats have resulted in an additional 5,000 casualties as both sides begin to divert resources into a large scale fight between the two. (Mod Communist Serbs/Bulgars pl0x). Meanwhile, in Greece, nationalists fighting for Thessaloniki invite back Geroge II, asking him to end his ties with Greek communists and instead focus on helping raise money for weapons for the fight against communism and the Papacy. Unsure of whether the Patriarch of Constantinople has accepted their relatively unofficial deal, the Papacy holds off on helping their puppet King retain control of Athens. Athens finds itself swept with violence and riots about food shortages and George the II's provocation. Multiple different factions battle it out on the streets, including Papal supporters, looters, Greek resistance and otherwise. But after several days of rioting and fires, police and army units are able to retain order to the King's shaky government. Despite widespread violence throughout Greece, the farms and countryside along the Dalmatian coast remain relatively fine. Papal ships and marines regularly patrol and keep order on the coasts. International Relations - The Pope, more timidly than most might have expected, denounces the American government for smuggling out Hitler, a known extremist and protege of Mussolini. Denying justice from both God and the Italian people, President Huey Long is officially asked to explain his actions to Pope Pius personally. As the American embassy is expelled from Rome. (American consulates are also expelled). However, no other action is taken. - Pope Pius officially sells Somalia and Ogaden to Germany for increased rights for the Catholic church in Germany. Freedom of religion, freedom to preach and assemble, freedom from prosecution, and freedom of movement for priests is proclaimed in Germany. Pius announces this deal in Rome to great applause. However, the fascist remnants in Somalia argue that the Pope has no right to sell what he does not control. They denounce the deal and prepare to defend what they consider rightful Italian territory. - 300,000 Italians flee Italy as refugees due to fighting. Of these, most flee to France and Austria. Additionally, 500,000 people have fled fighting in the Balkans. Most of them to Hungary, Romania, Byzantium, and Cyprus (UK). (Nations listed can decide what to do).

Holy Roman Empire The Civil War in Italy With Mussolini gone from power just six months ago, the Holy Roman Empire, proclaimed in the Vatican, has fallen into the depths of starvation and civil war. The Papal Government, in Italy at least, made a well-executed coup when it seized all ports and raised militia in every Italian and Dalmatian village. With central institutions in Rome quickly taken over by Swiss Guard units, it was soon made clear to the entire country that the Holy Roman Empire now ruled in Italy in the Balkans. However, this was not the quick end Pope Pius XII had been looking for. Hundreds of thousands of Army men and Greyshirts raised in opposition as well as numerous small towns, notably, Bogota and Milan. The war quickly spiralled into near chaos for the Papists, lacking tanks, artillery, and even guns almost led to the fall of Rome in December 1939. Luckily for the Vatican, the seizure of ports early on worked to their favour, the near completely seizure of the Italian Navy has led to crippling shortages of fuel and food to major areas of resistance in Italy and the Balkans. Pope Pius was said to have remarked, “They ran out of fuel on the gates of Rome”. Since then, the Papacy has gone on to pacify small resistance in Southern Italy and hundreds of loyal brigades have swarmed back to Rome and are now undergoing a push on fascist Milan. Military successes though, have not saved Italy as much as hoped. With key industrial and agricultural sites captured or destroyed in the fighting, Italy has not produced half as much food as it made the previous year and almost no industrial goods are reaching the Papacy, with cars, steel, and grain reaching the loyal militia’s in the north first. Italy is on the verge of starvation the red cross is already sending container ships with aid. The Papacy is now sending billions of dollars out to import food for the populace. The Papal Bureaucracy has also increased tremendously since the coup, with tens of thousands of black nobility (good Catholics), filling up entire ministries purged of the previous fascist regime. The new ministry of defence has already implemented a policy of sending priests as moral advisors to brigades on equal footing to the commanders, leading to the Papacy pleading for priests from around the world to come help administer Italy. The Civil War in the Balkans The Balkans have fared far better than Italy, having already been in the depths of war, when supplies stopped coming to the Italians, the rebels seized the opportunity and mostly communist rebels have captured and/or killed most of the previous Balkan pacification force. While this may seem like good news to the Papacy, communists have taken charge in nearly all of Bulgaria and Serbia. The remaining six Kingdoms in the Balkans have gone bankrupt within several months of operation with the Pope too tied up to provide credit. Outside of the Dalmatian coast with some loyal army divisions stationed, the rest of the Balkans has turned into utter chaos. The communists have solidified their positions and are attempting an advance, the Kingdoms have degenerated into mostly bankrupt nationalist governments fiercely resisting both each other and the communists. Finally, surviving fascist units hold up in the mountains with large caches of weapons, a prize to all sides. Papal authority in the Balkans is mostly derelict. In return for an alliance and military help in the Balkans, the Patriarch of Constantinople is offered ownership of Greece. The Civil War Ethiopia The whole reason the coup could happen in the first place, was because the vast majority of loyal fascist soldiers were stuck in Ethiopia fighting and pacifying the Ethiopians. After the central government stopped supplying Italian Sub-Saharan Africa, and news reached of the coup, this colony fell into disarray. After some infighting and fleeing of Italian soldiers to nearby colonies, around four hundred thousand fascist soldiers remain in Ethiopia, slowly being picked off by the Ethiopians and requesting aid from European powers to get back to Italy. The navy in Italian Eritrea and Somaliland was destroyed in a surprise naval operation by the Holy Roman Navy. Other Mussolini and Hitler are put on trial in Rome, along with all captured enemy commanders and other ardent fascists. Research is put on hold for the near future as academies form militia’s and are sent to fight. Both the rebels in Milan and the Papal Government produces as many tanks, firearms, etc, as they can. Keeping in mind supply shortages and destruction from war. (Mod plz) Attendance of church is made mandatory in the Holy Roman Empire. Attendance of the Catholic Church is made mandatory in Italy. Volunteers arrive in Italy to both sides (Mod plz, and if anyone has any desire they can send soldiers to either side).