[i]"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." [/i] -Wilfred Owen

[center][h2]Winter of 1801[/h2][/center]

[img]https://i.ibb.co/SV4xN5b/Country-Labelled.png[/img]

[b][i][u]1st of November[/u][/i][/b]

While Europe seems to be descending into chaos and war, at least in the far reaches of the world peace still appears to reign. A colonist party embarks from Toubrian Coviria, sailing along the coastline until it until they reach the very southern tip of the continent, founding the colony of Toubrian Tavira. As is becoming expected, [color=f26522][b]The Republic of Toubres[/b][/color] announces the formation of a new self sustaining group of colonies, the South-Western Territories of Toubres. With it's capital in the oldest colony of the region, Toubrian Bravas, the South-Western Territories serves as a middle ground between the established South Territories and West Territories, and trade is good. 

[b][i][u]2nd of November[/u][/i][/b]

It becomes clear that [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] will not be fighting it's war against [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b] alone. Quick to stay true to the promise they made with the Continental Alliance, [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Aontas[/color][/b] officially declares war on Ubren. And they also make it clear that this is no empty threat. The majority of the Aontas fleet sails from the successful siege of Rogosz and begins patrolling the northern coast of Ubren, the territory that belonged to Aontas just years earlier. They are a deterrent more than anything, as Ubren still commands no fleet of their own, but it is still a clear sign of intent. 

[b][i][u]4th of November[/u][/i][/b]

While [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Aontas[/color][/b] is quick to come to it's allies aid, [color=9e0b0f][b]The Hastel Dominions[/b][/color] is slow to come to theirs, in fact they seem resolved to leave [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b] standing alone. Unsurprisingly, this delay is met by uproar within the Dominions. A mere glance at the history books show that the two nations have been brothers in arms for centuries, and yet now that Ubren finds itself at war again, the Hastel Dominions sits idly by? Protests become a common sight across all of the major cities in the Dominions, demanding that Hastel honours their pledge to Ubren, and joins the war. Although the war does not seem to be a pressing concern for Emperor Erhard Hastel, warfare still is. The Dominions pours money into the development of military technologies, hoping to develop new artillery, even if it means throwing money at the problem until it goes away. 

[b][i][u]7th of November[/u][/i][/b]

[b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] makes its first move in the war. General Joel Keskitalo is a man that will no doubt find himself often on the front line of the coming war. A grizzled man with the stubbornness of a mule, Keskitalo has earned his rank through decades of service to the Empire. While he is a far cry from the tactical flair of most of Europe's generals, there are few men who can be better trusted to hold the line. For now, he has been tasked with mustering Attolia's armies. From Calae, he summons soldiers of the Empire to him, and thousands march to his call. 

[b][i][u]9th of November[/u][/i][/b]

Protests continue to rage across [color=9e0b0f][b]The Hastel Dominions[/b][/color], clamouring for the Dominions to march to the aid of [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b], and again, the actions of the Emperor serves to both appease, and further inflame the protesters. A recruitment effort is launched, the recruiters travelling all across the Dominions, calling on the sons of Hastel to sign up and fight the nation's wars. And yet the Dominions continue to sit idle, not moving to their allies side. 

[b][i][u]10th of November[/u][/i][/b]

[b][color=007236]The Three City's Republic of Ianian[/color][/b] is clearly keen to continue building relations, despite the war that's spreading through other nation's of Europe. Continuing to strengthen the bonds in the European Trading League, the Republic proposes an idea to [b]The Redcliff Empire[/b], that officers of the Empire's armies 'exchange' with officers of the Republic's navies. The Redcliff Empire, still vying to improve their still burgeoning navy, open their arms to the proposal. Not only do the officers represent a respective strengthening of the two nations weaknesses, it also represents a new and growing friendship, the officers immersing themselves into the culture they now find themselves in, helping break down the stereotypes and labels that had previously marred relations. 

[b][i][u]12th of November[/u][/i][/b]

[b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b] marches to war. But it is not the province of Belgae that trembles before an advancing Ubren army, not this time. General Fritz Hecker is a man better known for his defensive exploits, but that is not to say that he has only one use. As with all of Ubren's generals, he is a leader almost without equal, and he cannot ignore the opportunity presented before him. With twenty thousand men at his back, he crosses into [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] province of Centrix. The province he finds is woefully under defended. A solitary division of Light Infantry are tasked with defending three Attolian cities against an army that outnumbers them almost seven to one. Unsurprisingly, this is an impossible task. Commander Pierre Leclère, the man who has found himself the impromptu commander of the province's defence, decides that his best chance is to hole himself into the provincial capital, Centrix itself, and hope they can prevail until relief arrives. The province's other two cities, Vilset and Avirault, are taken without resistance, and the Siege of Centrix begins, the Ubren forces keen for a quick victory. 

[b][i][u]13th of November[/u][/i][/b]

While war threatens to consume their heartland, further afield [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] still seems to have it's focus elsewhere. From the colony of Antilla a heavily defended and well protected colonisation fleet sets off, the colonisers defended by no less than six thousand Attolian soldiers as they embark. The journey ahead of them is formidable one, their intended destination on the west coast of the north-western continent. The man tasked with steering the fleet, Commander Renaud Fournier, had liberated for a long time over the course to take, whether to risk the northern passages freezing around them, or brave a stretch of water that strikes fear into the hearts of all sailors. Eventually, the weather forces his hand. A biting cold has latched its icy fingers onto the north, and so the colonising fleet turns south. The voyage ahead is immense, and will take months to complete, but they are on their way. 

[b][i][u]15th of November[/u][/i][/b]

While one fleet of [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] is just beginning their journey, another is, thankfully, coming to the end of theirs. The fleet of Admiral Topi Valtonen, in truth the majority of Attolia's naval strength, even if it has been badly battered in it's fleeing from [b]The Shuren Dynasty[/b], approaches uncharted land. The string of islands they encounter clearly share a cultural bond with the Shuren Dynasty, but they are also something entirely new. The language barrier is of course inescapable, but the Attolian fleet is cautiously accepted into an impressive port, and their gold and silver are accepted as payment for supplies. Over time, they learn that this land is [b]The Tadahisa Shogunate[/b]. The Shogunate have enjoyed their isolation from the European powers until now, but they too are concerned about the strength that the Shuren Dynasty now wields, and there is certainly no love lost between the eastern powers. For now they agree to shelter the fleet, in return for continued payment of course. 

[b][i][u]16th of November[/u][/i][/b]

Across [color=f26522][b]The Republic of Toubres[/b][/color], there is a celebration of everything the nation represents. Across every province of the Republic's homeland and across every one of the formidable number of colonies that Toubres now rules. The Western Territories, the South-Western Territories and the Southern Territories all hold lavish and extensive celebrations that last for days, showcasing the best and brightest that the colonies can possess. And in Amzores, the Republic's capital, there is a Grand Expedition, a symbol of a vast wealth and power, followed by a city-wide celebration that seems to never end. The cost of this celebration was colossal, but in what is the two hundred and fiftieth year since the Republic was formed, it is a sign of wealth, and it does wonders in inspiring the people who call Toubres their home. 

Unsurprisingly, the other effect that this celebration has is on a colony of [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Aontas[/color][/b]. Separated by only a narrow strait of water, the people that are currently oppressed, butchered like animals if they so much as speak out against the conditions they have been forced into, are forced to watch their cultural brothers celebrate and laugh, respected subjects of a powerful nation. This seems to push them even further across the tipping point, any who can take up arms, do. The island becomes a war zone, the populace against the mercenaries. The garrison finds itself caught in the middle, resolving to simply bar themselves inside their own fortifications. Several, however, take up arms alongside the populace. The colony is a boiling pot that's been left to overflow. 

[b][i][u]18th of November[/u][/i][/b]

Admiral Kai Kauppinen is slightly surprised when he receives his orders. Rather than being ordered to sail out and bring fiery ruin to [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b], the officer of [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] is instead instructed to remain in the capital province, rallying the people and offering Letters of Marquis to any Attolian citizens who wish to take up arms against the advancing Ubren army. A variety of reasons combine to make this idea fall flat. The first is that Admiral Kauppinen is poorly suited to the task, a still young and impetuous man, he loathes being trapped on land for too long, yearning instead for the sea. The second is the fact that those who wish to fight Ubren have already largely joined the Empire's armies and navies, there are a few that do take the offer, quickly adapting their ships to vessels of war, and sailing off, but they are little more than common crooks and rogues already. The effort eventually fades into nothingness, and Admiral Kauppinen gratefully returns to his ship. 

[b][i][u]21st of November[/u][/i][/b]

Again, [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Aontas[/color][/b] shows that it is committed to supporting [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b], even if chaos is reigning in their territories further abroad. The army previously assigned to watching the Kingdom's border with [b]The Empire of Rubrus[/b], under the command of General Fastulf Arnisson, begins the long journey across the length of the Kingdom, moving towards the province of Kienne. It is a formidable journey, through the bitter winter, but when they arrive, they will almost be withing sight of the northern coast of [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b]. 

[b][i][u]22nd of November[/u][/i][/b]

The military campaign that [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b] has launched in the province of Belgae is an extensive one. The formidable army under General Janik Tillich divides into three prongs, each prong marching with the intent to capture one of the provinces three cities. The main force, commanded by General Tillich himself, moves to the provincial capital, Belgae itself. Even without almost fifty thousand men at his back, Tillich is a phenomenal general, undoubtedly one of the greatest strategists alive in Europe. But with an army at his back, he is the stuff of nightmares for [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] defenders. It is in Belgae that the majority of the survivors from Ubren's initial attack have retreated to, but they are still woefully outnumbered. More than eighty Ubren cannons open fire, and few think the garrison can hold out for long. 

[b][i][u]23rd of November[/u][/i][/b]

While one prong of [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b] army has descended upon the city of Belgae, the second prong find themselves with a far easier task. Marching north, a force of more than thirty thousand soldiers makes for the city of Houte. The closest city to the Ubren border, it is unsurprisingly not only one of the centers of the rebellion in the province, but also [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] city who's garrison was most brutally effected by the Ubren cavalry. Only a few hundred Attolia soldiers made it back to the city, and with the approaching Ubren army, the people rise up, throwing open the gates, and throwing the Attolian soldiers out before the conquerors. In a surprisingly merciful move, the Ubren soldiers spare the Attolians, even going so far as to ensuring their safety from the angry mob that has gathered. However it happened, Houte is firmly under Ubren control. 

[b][i][u]24th of November[/u][/i][/b]

The largest of the three [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b] prongs is the one that marches furthest to the west. All to aware that it is the city of Nartoise that will likely receive reinforcements from [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b], the Kingdom of Ubren looks to break the city as quickly as possible. More than sixty thousand men, and nearly one hundred guns, race to the walls of the city, and begin the siege. Although only a few thousand Attolian soldiers stand to defend the city, the city is the one least troubled by the rebels, and the garrison need only worry about threats outside their walls. Even so, they are heavily outnumbered, and can only hope that that relief arrives before the city crumbles around them. 

[b][i][u]26th of November[/u][/i][/b]

The fratenising of [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] soldiers in [b]The Kingdom of Sescos[/b] is drawn to an abrupt halt. General Ilppo Rehn rallies his forces together, and then marches. Although it is not back to Attolian territory that the nearly fifty thousand strong army marches, it is instead to the north, to the border that Sescos shares with [b]The Kingdom of Vendsyssel[/b]. There, they deliver an ultimatum, that Vendsyssel agrees to a white peace with [b]The Empire of Rubrus[/b] and [b]The kingdom of Claidor[/b], or else risk Attolia joining the war against them. The letter they receive in answer, written by King Casimir Henryk Augustus III himself, is a masterpiece of diplomatic speech. But reading between the lines, the message is clear. The Empire of Attolia is in no position to be making threats. The men at Rehn's back cannot be spared for a second war, not in the face of the formidable strength of [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b]. Peace will not be announced, not unless it is dictated by Vendsyssel and their allies. 

[b][i][u]27th of November[/u][/i][/b]

The defence of the city of Centrix by Commander Pierre Leclère is undeniably heroic and valiant, the heavily outnumbered soldiers of [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] fighting like lions, and Leclère proves himself a brilliant leader, no doubt worthy of a rapid climbing of the ranks. If he had survived. But he didn't. He is cut down, holding a breach in the wall alone, musket clutched in his hands, a warcry on his lips and a fire burning in his heart. The fire is still in his heart as he falls, but as he dies, so does the spirit of his men. Overwhelmed, and with no leader, the Attolian soldiers surrender in their droves, and their surrender is accepted by the force of [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b]. The province is entirely under the control of Ubren, but it is not destined to be for long. Almost as soon as the last Attolian soldier has surrendered, the Kingdom of Ubren sends word to [b]The Redcliff Empire[/b]. Centrix is to be intended to it's original owners, and Redcliff joyfully takes Ubren up on their offer. Redcliff's involvement in the war is quickly swinging in favour of Ubren, as debates spring up afresh for Redcliff to fight alongside Ubren. 

[b][i][u]29th of November[/u][/i][/b]

Despite clearly being on the back foot in it's war against [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b], [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b] continues to muster it's armies. This time, it is the turn of General Eerikki Klemetti to rally troops, leaving his post on the border with [b]The Holy Territories of Edoniras[/b] to call on a force to gather in the province of Bergen. While still a young man, General Klemetti is undoubtedly a people's champion. A handsome nobleman, Klemetti has become the poster boy of the Attolian army, and he is disarmingly charming. In truth, he is a better poster boy than he is an actual general, but his men will still die for him without question. And this will no doubt be tested, as the city of Belgae falls. Although it boasted the best defences of the province, against the sheer brilliance of General Janik Tillich, it never stood a chance. Now it is only the ragtag defenders in the city of Nartoise that prevents Ubren from claiming the province. 

[b][i][u]30th of November[/u][/i][/b]

Whether it was bureaucratic incompetence, weather delays or something more malicious, it is almost a month after the orders are given that the fleet of [b][color=00aeef]The Empire of Attolia[/color][/b], under the command of Admiral Antti Erkkilä. The fleet launches a highly destructive attack on all of the coastal dykes, sea walls and dams along the north coast of the province of Belgae, and it has more than the desired effect. The rivers of the province swell, spilling over their banks, washing away bridges, and flooding the lowlands. Unsurprisingly, this hardly helps the loyalty of the provinces inhabitants, their own nation's navy seemingly attacking them, but it is not them that the flooding it intended to affect, it is the army of [b][color=708090]The Kingdom of Ubren[/color][/b]. Their supply lines back to their homeland are hit hard, but the supply lines will repair themselves in time, and the Ubren armies have no need to advance, the province almost within their grasp. The bitter irony is that if this attack had only happened a few weeks earlier, it would have crippled the Ubren attack, rather than simply inconvenience them.