|
Post by puppyavenger on May 2, 2010 18:03:03 GMT 1
Okay, here's a place to post all the faction write-ups for ease of reference for review and reading, and if everyone would please do so, it would be appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by Sayn on May 2, 2010 18:44:13 GMT 1
Nation Name: Empire of Japan Form of Government: Monarchy Territory: Japan, political influence over Korea due to proximity. Strengths: Strong army. While certainly not the most modern in the world, Japan nonetheless possess a sizable army and navy. Good internal security. Thanks to a long-running distrust of outsiders the Japanese have developed rather effective means of keeping an eye on things inside their own nation. Weaknesses: Weak morale. Having just gotten out of a civil war, the population is naturally not very happy. Empty coffers. Needless to say, war is costly. And Japan wasn't all that rich to begin with. The economy is in dire need of improvement. History: Japan was isolated from the rest of the world for a long time. However, that was about to change. Commodore Matthew C. Perry arrived and managed to convince the Japanese government to open its borders. He did so by delivering three Japanese sailors who had been shipwrecked outside Washington in 1837, traveling the Uraga Channel to Tokyo Bay and after a small show of force (firing his cannons out into the water simply to shock and awe) he was allowed an audience with the Japanese officials. It took him over a month but he finally convinced them of opening up trade to the rest of the world.
This brought about a quick change in how the Shogun and the shogunate worked. Firstly, they were very afraid of foreigners attaining too much power and influence inside their own nation, such as the case was with China and several other Asian countries. Secondly, they had been more than a little impressed by the display of the Commodore's weapons. And they wanted some for themselves. They quickly begun to buy up foreign weaponry, hired western experts and teachers and generally began to westernize their nation. However, the Shogun began to doubt this course of action. He felt that Japan was losing itself in western technology and thinking, and proposed to hold back on the modernization of the nation. The Emperor Ninkou, having initially been rather distasteful of the westerners but having seen the possibility of regaining power thanks to them, opposed him and gained the support of many daimyo. The other daimyo supported the Shogun, and things got tense quickly. The Shogun, fearful that the Emperor might gain the support of yet more daimyo, assembled his forces and marched on the Emperor, who responded by assembling his own forces.
The war lasted for over a year, but was mostly small and fairly unbloody battles up until the last few weeks of the war. The Emperor was tiring of the drawn-out fight, as he felt that Japan needed all the time it could get to secure its power in Asia and the world, and he proposed an all-out attack upon the Shogun's most powerful daimyo. His argument was that if they won, the rest of the Shogun's followers would quickly lose their will to fight. Initially they refused the proposal, but when the Shogun was getting bolder and more aggressive, they then allowed the plan. The resulting battle was the largest of the war, and by far the most bloody. But Emperor Ninkou won. And indeed, the other daimyo behind the Shogun lost the will to continue the fight when even the strongest of them clearly could not not survive the war.
The Shogun formally resigned and gave all power to the Emperor in January 29th, 1839. The Emperor quickly secured his new-found power by removing the Han system (the system where daimyo ruled large sections of the nation) and introducing the Prefecture system. While many daimyo refused to begin with, the Emperor showed them the new Imperial Army, which was much bigger than anything any one daimyo could field. Fear led to them surrendering their power one after another. As a final move to secure power for the throne before the year 1840 the Emperor Ninkou changed the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo. He has also begun extending some political tendrils into Korea, wishing to establish a hold on it.
VIP's: Emperor Ninkou: Current head of state in Japan. Is nearly obsessed with the idea of "bringing Japan into the future" and making his nation a recognized power in the world. Abe Masahiro: The Chief Advisor to the Emperor. Earned the position for being one of the officials striving to open Japan to the world.
I might change a thing or two, and I've taken a couple of historical liberties, but this is the general idea of my nation regardless.
|
|
thefalcon
Squad Officer
Corrupt Corporate Executive in the Warzone
Posts: 51
|
Post by thefalcon on May 2, 2010 19:19:03 GMT 1
The British East India Trading CompanyForm of Government: Colony ( de facto independent, Corporate State) Territory: India, parts of Pakistan, Bangladesh, parts of Burma Strengths: -The East India Company enjoys a good reputation in Europe, being seen as an embodiment of European power and ideas. -They have a strong technological advantage over their neighbors and would-be revolutionaries. The Company pays good money to stay ahead technologically. -They're the East India Company. They have a trade monopoly over an entire country. This means they are very, very rich. -India's upper classes support Company rule, as the Company supports their standard of living and keeps them in power. Weaknesses:-India's lower classes generally resent Company rule. -Company sepoys are religiously against (literally) traveling overseas, leaving them to rely on European Regulars for battles abroad. So the Company only has limited offensive power. -The Company has no organized espionage, outside of what they can dish out in bribes. History:The British East India Trading Company first arrived in India in 1601. They set up a small trading post in the city of Bantam. A lot has happened since then. They expanded gradually, methodically. By 1763, the East India Company had driven out all of its rivals. Then what started as trading posts slowly became fortresses. They started supplying local rulers with European arms, in exchange for alliances. Then they started shipping in their own troops. To put it simply, by 1818, the Company controlled almost all of the subcontinent. The rest was simple. After numerous displays of force, the Company began creating alliances with the remainder of India's free states. In return for full allegiance to the Company's Viceroy, they would be allowed to remain in place as rulers, and would have a degree of autonomy. Most agreed. Those that did not were subsequently crushed. The British East India Trading Company has been ruling in the subcontinent in its entirety for about twenty years now. In that time, the Company Raj has become one of the Empire's most important colonies. And ever since the loss of North America, the British government has come to increasingly rely on the Company's established presence in India as the medium for their rule. Company troops, company factories, company administrators, and company ships. Even in Britain itself, a lot of goods come from India. And as a result, the relationship of ruler and colony is starting to shift. There's definitely still a leash between London and Calcutta-but no one's quite sure how much longer London will be the one holding it. Characters:Viceroy Lord Zadkiel MooreAs Governor-General of India and Viceroy of the Indian territories, Lord Zadkiel Moore has a grand design for the Company: an empire of trade, a great nation built on commerce and prosperity. He is a man with excellent business acumen, and under his leadership the Company has expanded its markets and grown more autonomous from the Crown. He finds war distasteful, generally eschewing raw force for more…subtle methods. Sir Bahadur KhanA power representative of India's princes, Sir Bahadur Khan is of the old Mughal aristocracy, and very popular among the local Indian rulers and upper class. A student of Western philosophies, he feels that the Company provides India with a much-needed stability. While the Viceroy directs the Company's overall heading, Khan deals with the implementation of policy and the day-to-day management of the EIC's empire. Lionel KingsleyA lead lobbyist in the British government, Kingsley is also responsible for the Company's numerous dealings with foreign powers. He negotiates trade deals, manages the E.I.C.'s European operations, etc. Kingsley is an excellent orator, and is one of the Company's greatest assets, with an esteemed place in Parliament and quite a few political cronies, contacts, and pawns. Other Information/Miscellanea -An important note about the Company's land armies: it basically has three. The Company Regulars, the Sepoys, and the Indian Princes' armies. The Regulars are recruited exclusively from the British and other European settlers in India. They are the smallest of the three, but are also the best led, equipped, and maintained. The Sepoys are native Indians, recruited into their own regiments by the Company. They are separated into regiments by origin, ethnicity, caste, etc., so as to avoid inefficiency or potential infighting. Training and equipment varies, but is generally slightly below that of the Regulars. They are the Company's main fighting force. Lastly are the Princely armies, maintained by the local rulers. Together they outnumber both the Regulars and Sepoys, but their equipment and training is inferior and any individual army is fairly small. Usually used to tackle revolts and other interior problems, but occasionally used as auxiliaries.
-The East India Company has a lot of control over India. They're pretty much the government there. All of the Company's big, administrative things are in Calcutta; the only major offices they have in Britain are for recruitment and for their horde of lobbyists. The Company is based almost entirely in India. They pretty much are the Indian government.
For all intents and purposes, the Company is an independent power. They have their own army of Sepoys and Company Regulars, as well as the local armies of Indian princes. They definitely have their own navy, and a large one at that, with which they defend their merchant fleets and chase down pirates. Hell, I'm pretty sure they had their own currency IRL. And while they didn't actually have foreign embassies, I find it reasonable, for game purposes, that they have them.
I had put Colony as government because, currently, that's what it is. For all their power, they're willing to do what the government tells them. But the winds are changing, and Britain is starting to need the Company more than the Company needs them. So from there...well, who knows?
|
|
|
Post by The_JJ: Solaris Council on May 2, 2010 22:41:55 GMT 1
The Swiss Cantons:
The great age of Swiss independence and prowess has yet to end. In 1798 the French Revolutionary armies had attempted to 'liberate' the Canton's from their old, feudal ways. Quite content with their internal squabbles and none to pleased with the foriegn incursion, and in by 1799 the citizens of the Canton's launched a guerilla war, most in support of the Austrian and Russian forces fighting the French. By 1802 the Unitarian Republic was collapsing and all was well. Then Napoleon reoccupied the area, seeking to contain the instability. And here we break from history.
The Swiss fought back. Napoleon backed down, called a meeting and issued the Act of Mediation. Unfortunately, the other powers now saw the Swiss as a militant force aligned against the French. Come 1805, the British and Russians asked for Swiss support in the Batavian Republic. The Cantons, throughly fed up with the mess, refused, and in turn became a target. By the time the Swiss managed to disentangle themselves from the wars, (mostly via Napoleon's victory at Austerlizt redering Switzerland a moot point) the Swiss soldiers had traded their passion for professionalism, and grew on the idea of shooting at just about anyone, regardless of ideology. And soon they recovered and restored true glory to the tratition of Old Switzerland: Mercenary work. Swiss mercs helped Napoleon win at Austerlitz, and the arrival of those very same mercenaries on Napoleon's flank at Waterloo is credited with his defeat. (von Blücher's reaction to this glory stealing when he arrived a scant half hour later will be omitted for the sake of the children.)
Lately bussiess has been good. India, China, Japan, Africa, the New World, Eastern Europe, and anywhere a bourgeoisie revolution of the nouveau riche needs support or a prolitariat rebellion needs putting down.
Pros: Elite military forces, both conventional and skirmisher. Very strong national identity. Capital from the mercenary work has been channeled into the Swiss economy. Also, Swiss banks are most secure, and handle many, many transactions. Liquid capital and a drive to stay on the cutting edge has made the Swiss a contender in the military technology game, both homegrow and bought from other nations. Everyone knows that, no matter how much you dislike them, the Swiss will fufill their contracts to the letter, except when facing fellow Swiss. (Which has happened before. The Swiss commanders will meet before battle and arrange to fight on opposite flanks.) Also, they do bodyguards and secure vaults really well.
Cons: Their military is large for their population base... but they're still working off the Swiss population base. The Cantons remain mostly independent entities: the only real central government are the multi-Canton merc companys and an informal body that meets to hammer out a consistant foriegn policy. They are still mercenaries, and on top of that, they've been fighting everyone in some capacity or another over the last few decades. Neither the republican liberals nor the Ancien Regime conservatives like them a whole lot.
|
|
|
Post by krennel on May 2, 2010 23:16:20 GMT 1
Name: Republic of Ireland Leadership: Dictatorship Territory: Ireland Strengths: -Drunken Patriots are usually happy no matter what -Ireland took Britain down a peg when it left, and it plays the rest of Europe like a little fiddle. -The Irish know how to drink, and how to get others to talk when drunk, as well as kill them afterworlds. Their espionage is extensive and effective. Weaknesses: -Their military are poorly armed guerrillas for the most part, there hasn't been time to outfit them properly. -The economy is still recovering from the British blockade. -Their technology is on par with the British, but as of now they have very little ability for new discoveries. History: After Hundreds of years of British rule the people of Ireland finally freed themselves two years ago. It was a great day, with rebel leaders getting drunk in the streets, they nearly burned Ireland to the ground. For another year the Leaders fought amongst themselves over who should control their new nation. Jimmy Burns squeezed out the last of the Warlords six months ago, and the country has improved since. He has set up schools and improved conditions in factories and orphanages. He has pushed for clean food a diversification from the popular potato. He currently has made wool a chief export, and it is shaping up to be the finest in Europe, though it hasn't been exported widely yet. He's has also set up training hospitals, where the poor can be seen by a doctor if they don't mind somebody who is a little wet behind the ears. He is trying to set up a more widely spread system, as he believes that all the world needs medical advances. This belief is spurred by the men who died due to poor battlefield conditions. VIP: Jimmy Burns: Dictator, he can be pushy, but he always has a winning smile and a gift for his allies. He usually has harsh words and some piss water(beer) for his enemies, but he treats everybody decently when he can.
|
|
johel
Common Soldier
Posts: 10
|
Post by johel on May 2, 2010 23:32:33 GMT 1
Benin EmpireForm of Government: Autocracy. The legislative power is concentrated into the Oda's hand.
The executive power is exercised by the Oda's delegates, mainly the descendants of the first adventurers, who each have a security corp of well-trained European mercenaries. They act as special authority figures wherever there's a need for it.
The judicial power is exercised by the traditional chiefs but their decision can be overwritten by the Oda or his delegates. Laws are strict but usually fair.
Administration of industrial infrastructure, such as transport or communication, is overlooked by foreigners while the collect of raw material is delegated to local chiefs. Territory: Most of the South-Western African coast. I'll produce a map soon. Strengths :Large access to exotic raw materials. Ivory, pepper, precious wood, gold, rubber, wax... you name it, we have it. Large plantation of cotton and tobacco have been set up and trade connection with the inland tribes are established in a gun-vs-wealth exchange. Most of it is then exported toward Europe. Cheap workforce The total population is hard to assess but these past three decades have seen a surge despite the wars of unification. Vaccination campaign against smallpox is on its way, which should even increase it in the years to come. And of course, slavery is still enforced, though not on the native population of the Empire. Weaknesses:Technologically weak While Nouveau Paris is as industrialized as any European capital, the know-how isn't mastered by the locals and necessitate much imports. Military forces, for local security reasons, have not been outfitted with artillery or with breech-loading rifles, though the elite units (made of foreigners) are equipped with such marvels. Popular support is weak No one likes the new ruler, whose unofficial surname among the people is "The Usurper". However, since the strength of weapons is in his side, nobody is foolish enough to try anything. Also, there's too much division among the locals to organize a successful rebellion. HistoryAt the eve of the 19th Century, Africa was largely ignored by Europe. A blank slate on the maps, with but a few trading outposts doting its coastline where Portuguese and Dutches traded Ivory, rare woods, rubber, pepper, gold and slaves.
In the same way, for the locals, Europe was nothing but a distant mythical land, whom inhabitants went through a great deal to get what any woman could produce in nine months. Wealth was flowing from Europe, allowing great dynasties to rose.
As the slavery business decreased, many of such dynasties weakened. Having dominated its neighbors for centuries, the Oba dynasty of Benin had capitalized on the slave trade for the last 100 years. With the diminution of that trade, the Kingdom of Benin now had to find a way to survive the unleashed wrath of its rivals. In 1803, the ruler, Oda Akengbuda, was in a dire position. Old and sick, he had too many sons to succeed him and too many enemies bashing the doors of his kingdom.
Hope came from the ocean, in the form of an European ship. While traders were common, mercenaries were less, especially in these years, since Benin had little to offer. Jean de Buxy, youngest son of an exiled noble family of France, was a veteran of the Revolutionary Wars. With the treaty of Amiens, he had deserted the Austrian army to find his luck elsewhere. Charismatic, smart and opportunistic, he had assembled a large group of like-minded adventurers. The Oda didn't question their motive when they offered to serve him in exchange for pepper, ivory and gold : such things had already happened in the past, after all...
A few battles later and the Kingdom of Benin was at least secured from external threats. When Akengbuda died in 1804, however, internal struggles started. Obanosa, the eldest son of Akengbuda, was supposed to get the title. And he would have, if not for a small rag-tag band of European adventurers and their cannons.
In the eve of 1805, Ewuare II, Oda of the Kingdom of Benin, elevated Jean de Buxy to the rank of Trusted Counselor. And so began a 5 years campaign along with several political changes and construction projects.
In 1810, Ewuare II grew distrustful of Jean de Buxy...with good reasons, since the latter staged a revolt, had the Oda imprisoned in his own palace "for his security", installed himself as temporary ruler "to resolve the crisis" and married Ewuare's eldest daughter "with the consent of his father". The girl had barely given birth to a child that her father "died of his illness", along with several key political figures who had opposed the "transitional rule" of Jean.
In 1811, the (very) young Ewuare III was crowned Oda of the Kingdom of Benin. He died at the tender age of 8. His mother had died even earlier, letting her "beloved" husband take care of the Kingdom. Jean was, of course, stricken with grief... and married a Portuguese woman the same year to bury his sadness.
Jean abdicated in 1835 in favor of Thomas, his 20-years-old son take up the crown. Oda Thomas inherited a very large kingdom, with a railroad and telegraph having been built to connect the most important locations. The city of Benin, renamed Nouveau Paris, was now filled with factories where the treasures of the inland were brought and processed for export toward the Old World, helping to purchase an ever-increasing amount of manufactured goods. -------- Current Time Line- 1792 : French Revolution
- 1792~1802 : wars all over the place
- 1802 : Treaty of Amiens
- 1803 : Jean de Buxy arrives at Benin City
- 1804 :
- Napoleon I becomes ruler of the French Empire
- Oda Akengbuda dies
- 1805 :
- Oda Ewuare II becomes ruler of the Benin Empire
- Austria starts war of Third Coaltion, including war with the Swiss.
- 1806 : Invasion of Britain by Napoleon
- 1808 : Kingdom of Avalonia
- 1811 :
- Oda Ewuare II dies
- Oda Ewuare III becomes ruler of the Benin Empire
- 1813 : Yohannes II unifies Abyssinia, declares himself emperor
- 1818 :
- East India Company dominates the Indian subcontinent
- Oda Ewuare III dies
- Oda Jean becomes ruler of the Benin Empire
- Benin is renamed Nouveau Paris
- 1925 : Menelik II ascends to the throne of Abyssinia
- 1827 : Birth of the Shadow of Samael in London
- 1835 :
- Empress Makeda II ascends to the throne of Abyssinia
- Oda Thomas becomes ruler of the Benin Empire
- 1837 : Nippo-American treaty for Trade
- 1838: Irish revolution ends, Irish Civil war begins.
- 1839 : End of feudal Japan
- 1840 : TODAY
|
|
|
Post by Crazed Banana on May 2, 2010 23:57:29 GMT 1
Name: Union di Italia Ovest(Until I find a better one.) Form of Government: Heirarchal Monarchy, bordering on Republic. Territory: Sardinia, Corsica, and the territory inside a connect the dots of Genova, Firenze, Foligno, L'Aquilla, Foggia, and Napoli, with the coast as the western edge. (Hooray for Google Maps) History: During the time of the Revolutionary wars, Italy was fractured and weak, and the small nation states that weren't subjugated by the Holy Roman Empire were constantly squabbling over territory control. War, and the unchecked conquest of Napoleon did nothing to help. When the Empire was dissolved by Napoleon, its Italian holdings broke up and starting infighting once more, unable to unite themselves. A few small states around Genova banded together. The Count of Genova, Emilio Basso, strengthened his small nation, growing its army. Over time, either through violence or diplomacy, united much of Italy, as well as Sardinia and Corsica. They left the Vatican alone, only a fool would try to invade the religious center of Europe. Rome, however, chose to go along with the movement of unity, and is one of the biggest cities in the Union. Peace settled over the fledgeling nation, though its leaders did not grow complacent. They continued to slowly absorb small pieces of surrounding territory. The army continued to grow. Some rival noble, upset with the way the Count had 'annexed' his small state, had him assassinated. His son, Lucio Basso, took up the throne. He now continues to rule with the same vision his father had: an united Italy, perhaps even a united Europe. Strengths: -The Union has a fairly strong military, which it needs to capture resisting city states, as well as leftover from the Revolutionary wars, and the subsequent uniting of western Italy. -Italy has a rich heritage of artists and inventors, and so has a fair level of technological understanding. -Also helpful in the absorption of the city states was a good spy/assassin network. Weaknesses: -Though the Bassos, and much of the other nobility enjoy the idea of one Italy, many don't and wish to seize power. (Bad Morale amongst nobility) -The rest of Europe isn't entirely sure of the new, progressive Union. -Though the Revolutionary war and the conquest of West Italy drained funds, the rich trade cities almost make up for this. (Slightly below average economy) Important People -Lucio Basso, Conte di Genova. The son of the late Emilio Basso, he shares the same fervour as his sire. He constantly strives to bring Italy together, but some within what he does control seek to undo his plans, and so his attention is divided. He believes that science will win the future, and donates hefty sums to budding inventors. He is in his late thirties, and was the picture of health, though the trials of rule have begun to take a toll on him.
|
|
|
Post by dargon on May 3, 2010 0:25:37 GMT 1
The Military State of Iceland form of goverment: Military Dictatorship territory: Iceland, parts of Greenland and the artic circle.
History: After a volcanic eruption followed by a potato blight devestated the populace they turned to their leaders in Denmark for aid. However since Denmark had little intrest in maintaining a large populace on the island it only offered to evacuate a few hundred people.
Some took the offer but most were enraged by the callous decision. Feeling they had nothing to lose the majority of people rose up in revolution lead by Captain Rangar Livvson. The few loyal troops on the island were butchered before the rebel forces launched an attack on the Denmark controlled Greenland. The counterattack was bloody but Rangar's forces prevailed. Denmark not wanting to get involved in a costly war decided to grant Iceland independence along with the conqured territory in Greenland.
Happy that they are now free the Icelandic people do face some serious challanges, thus Rangar stepped up to leadership taking the title Governor General. He immediatly established military discipline to keep control. Everyone is required to be part of the military for some time before moving to a profession of their choice, anyone who commits a crime is assigned to a military unit known as the Expendebles for a period of time. Finally any orphans were taken in to the military to be raised as soilders.
In order to help solve the other problems in the new country, Rangar began selling his military units as mercernies in other conflicts in exchange for tech, food, money, or other needed resources.
Strengths: Large and loyal military, Tight Security, Some info brought back for soilders, no gender bias
Weakness: Little tech growth, Little trade beyond military units, Harsh enviroment slows growth and development, little good can be said about Iceland on the international scene.
VIP Governor General Rangar Livvson: Hardened commander of the military and now entire country he does best to lead his country in areas that he never expected to ever have to deal with. A true revolutionary he doesn't want to establish the same old system in Iceland but rather a new system that anyone can advance in.
Captain of Logistics: Tired, worn out, battered, are all used to describe this 76 year old vetrean. Has a knack for getting supplies and getting them to where their needed. Though having the most frustrating job in the country, he loves his job because he know its important, though he worries who will take over after his death.
Navy Commander Natatlie Conasine: A stoyaway onboard one of the ships during the naval battle against Iceland, she managed to rally her ship after the captain was killed by a stray bullet. After sinking five ships in that one battle no one could argue that her natrual genuis on a boat was an amazing asset. Gaining the respect of the troops she eventrually rose to her current command and has paved the way for many other young women to join the military.
Lieutenant Governor Alvic Cussian: an ex-thief who served in the Expendables, he found the military life to his liking and joined properly after his time was served. Very ambitious and quick thinking, Alvic slowly rose the ranks until he was declared Lieutenant Governor of Greenland. Well loved by his troops, many see him as Rangar's heir. Wishes to expand Iceland's territory to the rest of Greenland and to Northren Canada.
Captain of Trade: A mysterious man who arranges the contracts to hire out troops to various nations. Seems to have a nose for which side can offer the best deal. Hated for his ruthlessness and felt to be the worst thing about Iceland, the Captain of Trade is nonthless very patriotic and keeps his identity a secret to keep himself safe and to allow himself a normal life.
|
|
|
Post by Sambucus on May 3, 2010 0:42:16 GMT 1
Name of Nation: Argentina.
Form of Government: Mixed democracy and monarchy. (See History)
Territory: Argentina, Chile.
Strengths: Great income. Argentina has overflowing resources, including gold, copper, and lots of areas for farming. Trusting people. The current government has greatly improved the life-standard in the nation. Naturally the people are happy and loyal.
Weaknesses: Average military. Their army isn’t large, but it isn’t small either… It’s in the middle. Lacking in tech. Because of a lack of trade with Europe their tech has suffered the last few decades. They are catching up, but are still somewhat behind.
History: After the end of the Spanish American wars of independence in 1826 Argentina got stuck with a poorly working government. As a consequence the nation suffered both economically and politically. One man, however, had a vision for Argentina’s future. He saw the rich lands that weren’t properly used, the opportunities thrown aside. Quirino Augusto, as the man was named, decided to go against the government.
With his promise of a better future for the people, his influence over Argentina grew. His name spread like wildfire, and the possibility of a better life seemed clearer now than ever before. When the military, also tired of the poor government, took the side of Quirino the government started to realize their quickly dwindling power.
One warm August evening, the government had set a time for them to speak with Quirino. They wanted to put a stop to the “madness” that this man had dragged in to their doorstep, but instead of having their will put through – all they heard was the words that finally united Argentina once again;
“If you want to speak with me, you will speak with the whole nation. Today, we have decided that you’re not welcome here anymore. Leave.”
With the people behind him Quirino Augusto was became something along the lines of The Merchant King. He established provinces throughout Argentina, and set well respected people in the lead for those areas. The areas in question then have their own representative within the government, to finally have a voice – which they hadn’t had for a very long time. After over a decade as king the aging Quirino also decided to open up Argentina, which had been isolated over the time of the last government.
VIP: Quirino Augusto. The leader and main spokesman for Argentina, highly valued by the people. Rosaria Augusto. Quirino’s daughter, in line for the throne.
|
|
|
Post by Mursk on May 3, 2010 0:42:19 GMT 1
Kingdom of Sweden
Territory: Sweden, Norway, Swedish Pomerania, most of Finland, Estonia, Latvia Form of Government: Monarchy, though it isn't very uncommon for a strong leader to take the power from an 'unworthy' king.
History: The Swedish Empire was lost back in the Great Northern War. However, the ambitions of it's leaders were not. The Swedish nation was kept efficient by a string of strong leaders, and as Europe fell into troubled times, Sweden always profited. They regained some of their territories in successful wars, some others via political maneuvering, marriages, assassinations and other means, and soon they grew to be a power in Europe once more.
King Gustav IV held a great hatred of Napoleon, a hatred that led to his dethroning by the new King Johan I as it was deemed to threaten the interests of Sweden. With a more moderate policy, Sweden came to the eventual odds with Russia in a better position and kept Finland.
Recently, the genius of the inventor family Nobel has helped the Swedish technology quite a lot. Their main focus militarily is on explosives, but the Nobels have helped the average worker's life aswell with a number of machines.
Strengths: The Swedish military is professional, well-trained, armed with good weaponry and explosives. The espionage of the kingdom is good, with their networks reaching all around Europe and the world. Multiple deaths, sudden changes of heart of important people and other such fortuitous events have helped Sweden re-establish it's dominion of northern Europe in the past years. The Nobels have founded an organization in service of the State where the highly-gifted individuals gather for Science.
Weaknesses: Sweden is a monarchy in a time where the people have heard the voice of liberalism. No particularly destructive unrest has happened yet, due to the leadership of the nation being competent, but there are some who want to limit the power of nobility among the people and some who want to limit the power of the king among nobility. The Swedish navy is strong enough to protect their Baltic shipping, but not much else. Professional troops don't help if they're sunk before they can get to land. The Russians don't like the Swedes. The Danish don't like the Swedes. Most German states don't like the Swedes.
VIPs: King Johan the Third - The current monarch of Sweden, a man whose talents lie in finding the right men for the right tasks and delegating said tasks to them. He is a skilled politician and can handle himself in a fight, but he tends to first discuss most matters with his advisors and then leave the actual tasks to them.
Petri 'The Hawk' Savola - A Finn without noble ancestry, Savola has risen far during his life after meeting the king by chance. Now one of the King's advisors, the Hawk is called such in part due to his facial features and in part because of it being such a fitting nickname to the man in charge of the many strings of the Swedish Intelligence. He has a reputation as a man who, if given a job, can and will get it done.
Immanuel Nobel - Very strongly connected to the State, the head of the Nobel family is one of the king's most trusted advisors in matters related to his field. He ensures all the newest inventions and applications are given to the State first.
Nils Torstensson - The head of Army, who advises the king on military matters. While the king has highest authority in military matters and actual military operations are planned mainly by a group of high army officers to be presented to him, Nils is the vital link between these two. He is also a very capable commander.
|
|
brc
Squad Officer
Total War, what is it good for?
Posts: 51
|
Post by brc on May 3, 2010 0:45:19 GMT 1
Wolves form packs, ships form fleets, Venetians form conspiracies. -Saying concerning Venetians. Cesar conquered with blades and sheilds, Bonaparte with cannons and muskets, we with smiles and coin. -Saying amongst the Venetian Nobility Nation Name: Republic of Venice Form of Government:Republic (limited, Doge is chosen from amongst the powerful merchant families, but everyday people can have a political say through guilds) Territory: North and North-west Italy, largely through indirect control. Dalmatia. Strengths: Trade hub, powerful defensive location, strong navy and amphibious troops, good technology due to the Academy. Weaknesses: Little territory directly under their control, reliant largely on trade for many necessary supplies, internal divisions and power struggles are common. Also, while the troops from Venice itself are very good, in any war they would have to call upon troops from Venice's "Allies", who would not be as well trained, equipped, or motivated. History: After the defeat of Napoleon, Venetian Bankers, which had fled from his armies, returned, and used their capital to rebuild their city and most of northern Italy, at the same time, Venetian Merchants tried hard to re-establish their city as a premier trade hub for Europe. One of the things that helped them do this was the invention of a new type of shipboard steam engine, known as the Basilica. The Basilica was highly efficient, allowing ships equipped with it to go long distance at high speeds with very little fuel. Basilica-engined ships became The choice for people getting too and from the east indies. However, these engines are difficult to maintain. A good shipboard engineman can keep one running for a voyage or two, but it dosn't take long before they need a proper refit, and Venice has made very sure that the only engineers skilled enough to do so stay in the city. So any Basilica-equipped ship needs to return to Venice for repairs every couple years, and while they're there, they may as well unload and take on Cargo. Since then Venice has realized that they got lucky with the Basilica, and that they will need to hold a technological edge if they hope to succeed. To this effect, they established the Academia de San Marco, and built it up into one of the finest institutions in Europe. In terms of foreign affairs, there are two crucial organizations in Venice: The Masked Knights: Always polite, courteous, well dressed, and wearing exquisite carnivale masks, these men and women serve as emissaries, diplomats, spies, and assassins (sometimes all four at once). They wear masks, and, when acting alone, do not give their names, instead only referring to themselves as "Venezia", and only answering to that name. If they are in a group, their leader will take the name "Venezia", and others will go by some name indicated by their masks. This has the effect of unnerving those they negotiate with, and their focus on secrecy makes them difficult to manipulate. The general opinion of the Masked Knights is that they are not to be trusted, but that you need to deal with them. The Knight's respond to this by, oddly enough, being very trustworthy. They keep their word, deal with you politely and professionally. Of course, some actually are spies and assassins, which is why they wear their masks. If a Knight is masked, they tend to be decently trustworthy. The Knights of the Lion: What the Masked Knights are for Diplomacy, the Lion Knights are for Venice’s military. They too wear masks, but theirs tend to be metal, rather than the ceramic or porcelain of their more diplomatic counterparts. Lion Knights are consummate soldiers, serving primarily as bodyguards and war leaders. Just as Masked Knights respond primarily to the name “venezia” Lion Knights respond to “Leon”. Usually Lion Knights are placed in charge of groups of other troops, but sometimes a group of Lion Knights will be deployed together, acting as an efficient and powerful unit that, in the right place, can change the course of a battle. Both the Lion and Masked knights are picked from orphans and the children of beggars throughout the lands Venice controls. They are taken to Venice and, their entire life, indoctrinated with loyalty and trained for their appointed calling. They are also taught a secret language which they use to communicate amongst themselves. Technically Venice only controls a small territory around the city itself and land in Dalmatia. Most “Venetian” territory is controlled by city states that belong to the "Alliance of Italian Republics", and they are all nominally independent. However, a careful observer in any of their governments will see a sizeable number of Masked Knights in the courts of these republics, and it’s an open secret that all these “republics” are venetian puppet states. They use Venetian currency, support Venetian policies, and pay their dues to the coffers of the Alliance, which are kept in Venice. The city of Venice itself is ruled by a Doge, who is chosen from amongst the powerful merchant families in the city. Actually assassinating a Doge is considered very bad form in Venetian politics. Instead, those seeking to take power generally do what they can to ensure victory in the next election, then make it clear that they could have killed the Doge. If the Doge does not then step down within a few days, allowing the next Doge to achieve victory in the already-decided election, he will likely find himself assassinated. Venetian law states that no man may be Doge twice, so a former Doge is rarely a political threat. Still, many are killed once they leave office. VIP's "Venezia": The name adopted by any of the Masked Knights who serve as the voices of the republic abroad. They are all trained using the same process, and so tend to be fairly similar where professional matters are concerned. Giovanni Gradenigo: Current Doge of Venice, and former head of the Acadamia Venezia. A well educated, professorial man, he firmly believes that Knowledge is Power, and has so far proven himself to be a wise ruler. He has encouraged the spread of Venetian diplomatic ties and advancing the sciences. He personally is popular, however the Gradenigo family has fallen from power during his time in office due to the BEAC taking over the trade routes they once owned, and so some families are wondering if it's time the professor went back to his books, or to his grave. Paolo Manin: Current head of the Bank of Venice. The Manin family are the current rising stars in Venice. Less than five years ago they were a slightly wealthy family from Murano, now they control the Murano glassworks, some of the best machine shops in the city, and the Bank. They don't have the support of the old guard yet, but some say it's only a matter of time until a Manin sits in the Doge's palace. Important Events 1805: Venice becomes independent of French control. 1810: Venetian Armies (largely consisting of mercenaries) begin "Liberating" Northern Italy from the French Empire, establishing a series of puppet governments. 1815: The first Basilica type engine is invented in Venice. 1816: The Academia Venezia is founded. 1831: Giovanni Gradenigo becomes Doge.
|
|
|
Post by greystone on May 3, 2010 0:56:19 GMT 1
Nation Name:The Kingdom of Avalonia Territory: Pre-Texas US, Canada (Though they consider most of the continent theirs, and are still expanding) Form of Government: Darwinist Monarchy (Ruled by a king with many heirs, each vying for the throne) History: History is a little different in this world. The revolutionary war was put down almost immediatly with extreme predjudice. A minor conflict that was merely a footnote for history. Britain expanded even farther, as the wealth from the Americas continued to fill their coffers and ran their technological expansion. Then the era of unrest began. Britain overextended itself. Troops and ships to many places and the country itself left exposed.
A Corsican had taken control of France. In a feat that would dazzle the world, Napolean defeated the British Navy protecting the channel in 1806 and began landing troops. For the first time in centuries, the British had to fight in England against a foreign power. Napoleonhad tremendous success and drove parliment and the British government away from London. Some ended up in the American colony.
As the coalition forces warred in Europe, an ambitious man by the name of Alexander Hamilton took control of the colony. Naming the settlement Avalonia, he crowned himself as the rightful heir to the crown, and America was no longer. What happened in Britain, no matter the outcome, is history. A new power, one inheiriting much power from Britain had entered the game.
Soon Avalonia had equaled much of the world in power, but King Alexander died of a fever- leaving his son Martin to take the throne. Martin designed the current system of governership- and the nobles were happy.
He had queens, and had children, and Martin created a dynasty.
Strengths: Unmatched Naval force, consisting primarily of steam powered Ironclads Large Military force, few specific Elite units- but even the lowest ranked private is well-trained. ISA (Imperial Security Agency) is feared throughout the world. While most of this is just hype, they are very good at their job. Weaknesses: Lower than average tech in anything not military (and even then...) Must deal with hostile native tribes on western border, Mexico to the South, and Whoever is Russia to the Northwest. While the peasentry are happy, the aristocracy constantly is in-fighting to better their position
VIP's: King Martin Hamilton- In his fifties, the King has seen better years. Still, he is as cunning and canny as any a man. His once black hair now have streaks of grey, and he rarely leaves the capitol at New York. His word is law throughout the Kingdom.
Prince Roderick Hamilton- 1st prince of Avalonia, Roderick is his fathers son. Intelligent and strong, though he still rules a bit heavy-handed. He is a true gentleman, and is currently married to Ann Radcliff, now Ann Hamilton. He is a spitting image of Martin 20 years younger. He also has two children, a boy and a girl. His territory is from where the state of New York is, up through the northernmost border at Nova Scotia, with its eastern borders being the sea and the western borders being Montreal and Rochester.
Prince Alexander Hamilton- 2nd prince of Avalonia, and named after his grandfather. Hamilton is a very intelligent, if almost brittle youngman. He was always a wiz at economics, but lacked where his father looked, as a speaker, a leader, and a soldier. He has not married. His territory is from Pennsylvania and New Jersy, with Charlotte as his southern border and Cleveland is westernmost edge.
Princess Lianna Hamilton- Lianna is a good leader, and is well respected by her fellow generals. The nobilty dislike her in paticular- as the laws do not forbid women from holding important offices, but they frown upon such a high position even for the daughter of a king. She also tends to make risks, which sometimes pay off... and other times don't. She is attractive in a muscular, athletic way. Her territory is south of Charlotte, and all the way south the Florida. Her westernmost border is Louisiana.
Prince George Hamilton- An explorer at heart, he find his position as governor as hard to bear. Most of his duties are placed on his viceroy, Duke William Rathe- a paticularly cunning man who many whisper is somehow invloved in some sort of illicit dealings. If George hears such rumours, he doesn't care, merely content with mapping the unexplored continent. His territory is from Memphis to Toronto, with its western most border at Lake Michigan.
Prince Thomas Hamilton- The youngest of Martin's sons, Thomas is a ill-tempered and angry fellow, resentful of being shunted up north. Little is known about what he is plotting in the north. His territory is from Toronto up to Newfoundland.
Princess Anna Hamilton- only fourteen, Princess Hamilton is still at her fathers court learning the ladylike ways aas befitting her stature. She is shy and demure, but reads a little too much. Members of the court whisper, but Martin is secretly pleased that his second daughter breaks as much convention as his older one.
Count Edwin Mayors- the secretive count of Quebec, he is also the Kings spymaster, head of the ISA. His citizens are respectful, knowing that they are always watched in the place known as the iron city.
|
|
|
Post by xavierdawn on May 3, 2010 1:56:58 GMT 1
Nation Name: Shadow of Samael Form of Government: Heirarchy/Cult (Anti-Monarch Anarchists-ish)
Territory: Secret bases in Britain, Ingolstadt, and Rome
Strengths: Very good Espionage on the offense and even harder to track down. Small group devoted to their cause (high Morale) Funding provided by several mysterious lords in various cities (Britian, Ingolstadt (Barvaria, Germany), and Rome (average funding for a group their size)
Weaknesses: No military to speak of just agents who report to the Shadow Tech limited to stealth and weaponry Very very low FO due to the nature of what they do, they do intend to instill fear in the poeple of other countries
History:
Started some time during the year 1827 by a man named Johann Adams (the father of the current leader), who has heavy ties with the Illuminati. The group along with their Illuminati are very anti-Monarch. Many believe that the two groups are out to take over the European states and create some type of new world. The group can be likened to A group of mercenaries as they have be said to take contracts if it fits within their goals.
The group has continued mostly untouched by the outside world, other then a few unsuccesful raids.
Unlike their Illuminati and Mason brothers the Shadow are not bias on gender and acept both equally
VIP's:
Johann Adams is the leader of the group has made a point of not apearing in public, however he can be described as a man of about 5 feet and 11 inches tall, with black hair, blue eyes. It is said he is very cunning and a master of tricks
Walpurga Devon is the most know women in the Shadow and is considered the face of the Shadow. She is a tall slender young women about the age of 25 years of age. She has long black hair and amber colored eyes. Even as the face of the Shadow she has been at very few public gatherings and where she comes from is a mystery
|
|
|
Post by Rationalgoblin on May 3, 2010 3:01:55 GMT 1
The Brass Barony (Duchy) of EstorTerritory: Estor controls territory from the west edge of Westfallen to Hamburg in Hanover. Form of Government: Pseudo-Fuedal Duchy, with an element of council rule. Strengths:Under it's mercenary troops, and it's slowly created regiments of ever-stronger, ever more sophisticated Brass Men, the military of Estor is enormously strong for how small it is. Furthermore, Estor has a strong technological footing, due to Baron Augustine's allowance for anyone to build and improve the Barony's technological knowledge. Lastly, Estor has an average economy; they have seized valuable lands for their copper and tin, and grown rich because of it; but have used much of the resources to build the Brass Men. Weaknesses:The world has a very low opinion of Estor, owing to the fact that Augustine von Estor is little more then an egalitarian (the worst kind) warlord, even with his marriage into middling nobility. The British Empire is the most hostile towards him, due to his annexation of Hanover. Furthermore, the people of Estor are superstitious, and many decry the Brass Men as demonic monstrosities. Rebellions pop up yearly in the Barony, and some have hints that stronger powers then Estor are backing them. The spy network of Estor is only so-so for now, as despite his cunning murder of the Duke of Westfallen, Baron August is not used to espionage and the arts of the cloak and dagger. Finally, there are elements within Estor that wish to usurp August's rule, and they have control of many of the brass-smiths that create August's upcoming legions. Important PeopleAugustine von Estor, the "Brass Baron" of Estor: An ambitious young baron, Augustine has a dream: A united Europe (or at least Germany) under his rule, enlightened and free of hard labor, served by the Brass Men. Unlike his more normal counterparts, Augustine is a kind and generous man... to the peasants, merchants, and inventors. To the nobility he sees as "lazy and corrupt" he is mostly hostile, but to the gentlefolk that work and provide service in one way or another, he is polite. He looks remarkably average, with dirty blonde hair. He does have a suitable goatee, however. Felix Gwerder: The genius behind the Brass Men of Estor, Felix is a reclusive fellow, only emerging from his forges to unveil yet another mechanical marvel that will extend August's power. He is devoted to his friend, and sees their shared dream of a grand brass army sweeping across the land to be not only possible, but probable. He is a skinny fellow, resembling his creations slightly. Viscount Konrad von Wettin: A member of a cadet branch of the powerful Saxon House of Wettin, Viscount Konrad is the ruler of Hanoever, and Baron Augustine's most powerful servant. Loyal to a fault, Konrad nonetheless desires the throne of Prussia, and indeed, the entire throne of Germany, to himself. He serves August for now, but only time will tell what he will do in the future... Also, he is quite obese. History:In the wake of the wars of the old 18th century and fledgling 19th century, the whole of Europe had been devastated. The War of the Spanish Succession, the Jacobite Rebellions, the Seven Years War, the American Revolution, and the French Reign of Terror. All of these Wars left Europe ripe for the picking for any opportunist who wished to carve his own empire in it. Augustine (August) von Estor was that opportunist. Born as the son of a poor and minor nobleman, August was forced to apprentice to a maker of mechanical trinkets. August was disgusted and horrified at the filth, decay, and horrendous conditions in which most urban dwellers were forced to work. Adding to his disgust was the brutality and autocratic behavior which the high gentlefolk showed commoners and minor nobles alike. So, together, with the trinketmaker's son Felix, August swore an oath to cease the brutal conditions in which the common folk toiled. Felix, a mechanical genius, and August, a talented inventor in his own right, talked and worked day and night to create something that could both crush the hostile nobility and liberate the poor from death and pain. After several years, the two unveiled a curious invention in an audience with the nobles of the Duchy of Westfallen in which they worked. The invention was a walking man, made not of flesh but brass. Even more curiously, the brass man's hands were replaced with wicked-looking blades, of the kind that could take a mans head off. And so Felix demonstrated his wonderful invention to the Duke of Westfallen. Unfortunately, without his head, the Duke could not enjoy the marvelous creation. Neither could the high society present at the audience. With the killing of the lords and ladies of the Duchy, August was quickly made ruler of the lands of Westfallen, (especially after he bribed the brass-smiths to begin building more of his mechanical assassins), and re-named Estor, after his surname. While he did not choose a noble title at first, the papers called August the "Brass Baron", a moniker that August took a liking to, and adopted it as his title. The Brass Barony grew in the following years, using it's army of Brass Men to conquer and slaughter dozens of tiny German states within the ailing Holy Roman Empire. Estor soon controlled a large amount of Northern German land from Westfallen to Hamburg. And now it looks to it's neighbors for further expansion... August will achieve his dream or die. The Estorian army is made of up normal, Napoleonic-style soldiers augmented by tiny regiments of the Brass Men.
Baron Augustine is advised by village and city councils. Like the English Parliament, but answerable to him, and with the Baron holding the final vote.
|
|
|
Post by daelrog on May 3, 2010 3:32:01 GMT 1
Nation Name Singapore Form of Government: Recently installed monarchy Territory: Singapore, parts of modern-day Thailand, possibly Sumatra Strengths: Loyalty of the people (best government since they've been alive), central trade route, gunpowder Weaknesses: Bitter rivalries, undisciplined soldiers, yet to be fully accepted as a nation History: Singapore for the past couple centuries had been a growing trade port between China and Malaysia However it was a place also renowned for its lawlessness and piracy. However, roughly fifteen years ago this changed when a merciless and ruthless cartel run by a man known as Wangba Dan took over the city in a month long series of naval battles, assassinations, and bribes. As the victor, he naturally appointed himself King. Since then, Singapore has grown into a thriving port-city, and their territories have expanded a little as well. Though tariffs on the Malays and Chinese increased, Wangba Dan saw to it that the pirates in the area were either reformed into the newly established navy, or to be run off, trade in Singapore became more prosperous and certainly a much safer investment.
However, despite the prosperity the city is now having, t is clear that their King has ambitions too big for their small city. Though it has proven to be a nigh impossible task, the former pirate fleets are (very) slowly, but surely turning into a more traditional navy, and e growing army of mariners are being equipped with more and more gun provided by China to the north. What direction their conquest will take, no one is sure yet.
VIP's 王八蛋 (Wāngbā Dàn): King of Singapore, he is an ugly, ugly man in his mid-thirties. He is a boastful, arrogant, fattening man who is becoming lax in his high-up position. However, he still dreams as he once did, and he continues to seek stability within his own borders, and ways which to spread those very same borders.
Lady: Lady is said to have Russian and Chinese blood in her. Quite a beauty in her own right (of course, any self-respecting gentleman could never admit such a thing about a woman of such breeding) she is the one who enacts most of Wangba Dan's most important policies. Able to speak seven languages fluently, and a few more casually, she has been an invaluable asset in securing the rights of this newly found kingdom.
|
|