[b][/b][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]Autumn of 1756[/h2][/center]

[img]https://i.ibb.co/RyXVT7S/Labelled-Map-2-1.png[/img]

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

The commander of [color=FFD700][b]The Empire of Khazaria[/b][/color] ships, the man simply known as 'Barjik', is a deeply unsettling figure. Something about his presence sends shivers down the spine of even the hardiest sailors under his command, but despite this, Barjik seems to ooze an almost animalistic charisma, some deeper calling driving his men on, even if the 'Admiral' seems to have little grasp of naval strategy. Before now, Khazaria's fleet has used his size and weight to batter and bludgeon the smaller fleet of [color=#018c85][b]The Kingdom of Komentiolos[/b][/color] with a brutal effectiveness. Now that the ships of [b]The Kingdom of Paranas[/b] have joined the fray, another commander has come to the fore. The Paranas admiral, Alis Macrelis, has none of the raw charm that Barjik possesses, but he understands strategy, and he can see that Komentiolos is on the ropes, and it is always important to push the advantage. While the fleet of Komentiolos has retreated to lick it's wounds, Admiral Macrelis gathers the joint fleet of Paranas and Khazaria, and prepares to sail to war once more. 

[b][u]2nd of September[/u][/b]

The west of Europe has been largely untroubled by the strife of war, and almost as if to represent this, the marriage between Princess Juliette Dervaux of [color=87CEEB][b]The Empire of Grimhout[/b][/color] and Prince Alexandre Asmont of [b]The Principality of Asmont[/b] draws closer by the day. While the nations of the east wage bloody war, the love-struck couple deliberates over who to invite to their wedding. Perhaps it is that same warring that stops the couple from sending invitations to the great families of Europe, and for now, the wedding stands to be a modest, if still lavish, affair, with the two families coming together in the Asmont capital of Aarborn in the coming days. 

[b][u]5th of September[/u][/b]

The joyful day arrives at last, and the two dynasties of [color=87CEEB][b]The Empire of Grimhout[/b][/color] and [b]The Principality of Asmont[/b] are officially joined in marriage. The day itself passes without a hitch, the two families celebrating together, and there is even time for the two rulers, Arch-Duke Jean-Baptise Dervau and Prince William Asmont, to share a quiet drink and discuss grander matters. When the marriage finally draws to a close, the two families go their separate ways, but they are now bonded closer than ever, and it is clear that from this day forward, the two nations paths will be intrinsically linked. Perhaps inspired by the joyous occasion, or perhaps simply looking to continue strengthening their position, a diplomatic party of Grimhout is sent to both [b]The Kingdom of Arhan[/b] and [b][color=ed1c24]The Kingdom of Hispalis[/color][/b]. 

[b][u]6th of September[/u][/b] 

Where there is joy and new beginnings, there is also sorrow and death. Fridrik Sidorov, named after his uncle, Grand Prince Fridrik Sidorov of [b]The Kingdom of Teclav[/b], has always been a sickly child, and he finally succumbs to the consumption that has plagued him for much of his short life. Although Fridrik was sickly, he was well-loved in the capital of Lebin, and his death prompts mourning all across the city, as well as Teclav as a whole. It does not only bring sadness to Teclav, but also to [b]The Kingdom of Orvag[/b], his mother's nation. Perhaps the death will bring the two nations closer, but for now, both countries are draped in black for a boy who never grew into a man. 

[b][u]7th of September[/u][/b]

The rebellion that has gripped [color=BA55D3][b]The Republic of Kalseran[/b][/color] for months seems to be grinding to a stalemate. General Bettino Gianni, armed with the olive branch of peace, has done impressive work in weakening the rebellion, drawing the power and support away until it is only the iron will of Maria Toleas that remains. In a move that surprises some, the Grand Lady Luisa A'Dera accepts the offer of an audience with the other woman, and while she declines the invitation of travelling to the city of Calassa itself, the two women agree to meet in the city of Palysos, the provincial capital of Helensa, and the only city in the region which has not been blighted by rebellion. Maria accepts the suggestion, and finally leaves the city of Calassa behind her, travelling to the north, just as Luisa A'Dera travels south. 

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

Under the cover of night, dark shapes descend upon the city of Calassa. Even as the blockade of [color=BA55D3][b]The Republic of Kalseran[/b][/color] is relaxed around the coastal city, shadows move in the darkness. General Sotiris Manlio has sat impatiently for long enough, and now that the hounds have finally been unchained, he takes to his task with relish. The troops of the republic, the feared Seaguard, descend upon the forts of the rebellion all across the city. Some of the forts fall without a shot being fired, and those few that are able to put up a fight are quickly silenced by the far more experienced soldiers that they face. By the time dawn breaks over the city, the flag of the A'dera flies above the city once more, and the last pockets of rebellion are brought to heel as more troops land in the city. Without Maria Toleas to unite it, the city falls with little bloodshed, and even as news travels to the rest of the republic, the Grand Lady of the republic meets Maria, a leader who suddenly has nothing to lead. 

[b][u]10th of September[/u][/b]

War is not a craft known only to Europe. To the east, the vast beast of [b]The Viswan Empire[/b] has stirred, and it descends upon Fort Ivars, a trading port of [b]The Kingdom of Kehsi[/b]. The port is only defended by a few hundred men, drawn from the local population, as well as the more adventurous traders, but they are led by Stein Fehn, a man whose ruthlessness does not require translation. Although the soldiers of Viswan are experienced soldiers in their own right, and outnumber the men of Kehsi by more than four to one, Stein Fehn has not been sitting idle. Cannons, 'volunteered' by the frigates and sloops that patrol the waters around the port, line the fort's modest walls, and they unleash death and ruin against the approaching Viswan forces. Stein has thrust a musket into the hands of every man that can hold one, and takes his own position on the line, roaring out orders even above the cacophony of cannon fire. Although their ammunition is in scarce supply, Stein is careful to keep that fact from the Viswan, and the hail of cannon and musket fire sends the Viswan soldiers scurrying for safety. The paw of the great beast has been bloodied, and for now, the Viswan Empire pulls back. But the Kehsi fort has played it's ace, and although messengers are making all haste back to Kehsi proper, it will still be months before aid arrives. Word is quickly sent to [color=BA55D3][b]The Republic of Kalseran[/b][/color], the other power in the region, attempting to find help closer to home. 

[b][u]11th of September[/u][/b]

The diplomats of [b]The Kingdom of Altenten[/b] are given an audience with the young king, King Oswald IV, and are quick to implore peace between Stevata and [b]The Kingdom of Stevata[/b]. It is the dream of a new age that saw Altenten turn away from war, and it is this same dream that burns in the heart of Oswald. Perhaps there is still hope for peace in Europe after all... No blood has been spilt in the short war between the two, and Oswald agrees to the offer of peace. A slew of treaties follow, but Oswald is careful not to slap the hand of Altenten too harshly. After all, peace should not provide fuel for the flames of war, and when the diplomats return to Altenten, the peace is official. The war between Altenten and Stevata has drawn to a close, and [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Dorist[/color][/b] stands even more alone. 

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

It continues to be a fruitful season for [color=87CEEB][b]The Empire of Grimhout[/b][/color], as triumphant reports begin to return from their diplomats in [color=ed145b][b]The Empire of Stabuga[/b][/color]. The empires have found common ground, and an official declaration of friendship is made between the two nations, as well as a trade agreement. The two nations also agree to establishing embassies in the respective capitals of Monsk and Rivierberg, thereby opening the doors to further diplomatic activity. It appears that the gamble of the Arch-Duke has paid off, as another powerful nation aligns itself with Grimhout. While other nations march to war, Grimhout continues to strengthen itself with diplomacy, and Stabuga has begun to awaken, and take an interest in events beyond their own frozen borders. 

[b][u]15th of September[/u][/b]

There has always been a certain duality between life and death, and even while [b]The Kingdom of Orvag[/b] mourns the death of Fridrik Sidorov, a new life is brought into the world. Born to the second son of King Valterri IV, there is little debate over what the baby boy should be called. Fridrik Kotka is born a healthy child, and this small gesture resonates between the nations of Orvag and [b]The Kingdom of Teclav[/b]. Just as the death of a child brought the two nations closer together, this birth of another continues to strengthen that bond. This new connection represents a shift in the region, as the historical ally of [b]The Kingdom of Fosbak[/b] begins to learn east rather than west, and this new development will not have escaped the attention of the young Queen Marta II. 

[b][u]18th of September[/u][/b]

Even while some nations innovate, there are still nations of Europe that are still deeply linked with their traditional roots. Just as [color=FFD700][b]The Empire of Khazaria[/b][/color] has turned to the nomadic horseman to bolster their armies, [color=ed145b][b]The Empire of Stabuga[/b][/color] has recalled the folklore of their own. The lands beyond Stabuga's eastern reaches has long been an uncharted wilderness, but Tsar Viktor Barinov has heard the stories of when Stabuga still held some sway there, and he is determined to restore that influence. Employing the services of those who still roam beyond the eastern frontier, the Tsar begins to explore the possibility of expanding to the east, reclaiming the wilderness that has been lost. 

[b][u]19th of September[/u][/b]

Admiral Alis Macrelis has poured over charts and strategy for long enough. It is time for [b]The Kingdom of Paranas[/b] and [color=FFD700][b]The Empire of Khazaria[/b][/color] to sail to war once more. In the previous two sprawling battles between the fleets of Khazaria, Paranas and [color=#018c85][b]The Kingdom of Komentiolos[/b][/color], it has been Komentiolos that has initiated the battle, but now, it is the turn of Komentiolos to have to react. There have been a handful of small skirmishes in the past weeks, but now, the full strength of Khazaria and Paranas sails forth. The shipyards of Komentiolos are the target, and with only a splintered fleet left to defend them, there are some who write the operation off as a victory before the ships have even set sail. However, King Nikolaos Andreas Koromelas II still has a few cards in his hand, and as the warships bear down on shipyards, an almost forgotten art is brought forth. 'Greek Fire' has been known by many names throughout the ages, it's very existence a closely guarded secret, but it is Greek Fire that pours forth from the Komentiolos defenders. In truth, the mastery of the art has perhaps been lost in time, the flames that dance across the water temperamental to say the least, but the sheer shock of this weapon sends ripples throughout the fleet of Paranas and Khazaria. Any ships that are touched by the flames are quickly engulfed, but the sheer charisma of Barjik drives his men into the fire, and warships still make it into the harbours. Once they are through the flames, the ships of Paranas and Khazaria waste no time in laying ruin. Any ships being constructed are turned to splinters, and the bedraggled surviving fleet of Komentiolos is dealt another heavy blow. The 'battle', if it can even be called that, is a whirlwind of chaos and flame, but as the ships of Khazaria and Paranas limp back to the safety of their own docks, they leave ruin and death in their wake, and the fleet of Komentiolos has been all but wiped out. Sifting through the chaos, there are some that will take note of the fact that some of the half-constructed ships that were destroyed were destined to fly under the flag of [b][color=ed1c24]The Kingdom of Hispalis[/color][/b]. 

[b][u]21st of September[/u][/b]

The city of Kronik still stands, but it's position grows more hopeless with every day that passes. The combined armies of [b]The Kingdom of Teclav[/b], [b]The Kingdom of Stevata[/b] and [color=FFD700][b]The Empire of Khazaria[/b][/color] still encircle the city, but they have ceased their bombardment of it's defences. After all, General Wolfgang has proven that he is still able to hold whatever breaches their artillery make in the walls, and as time becomes increasingly in their favour, the combined force does not deem it necessary to waste their ammunition. After all, fresh supplies arrive from the east every day, keeping the besieging armies well-fed and content, while the situation within the city for [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Dorist[/color][/b] is far from as secure. Supplies are running dangerously low, the wells are drying up, and it is only with an iron fist that General Wolfgang has been able to stop his men from deserting their posts. The Royal regiments within the city still maintain order, but the rest of the Dorist army has little morale remaining, and still no relief force marches. The remainder of the Dorist army, with no orders from their king, simply sit by and watch, waiting for the city to fall. With almost no allies, and facing overwhelming odds, it seems a certainty that Kronik will fall, and that the province of Shardvul will once again fly the flag of Stevata. It is only the dogged, almost suicidal, determination of General Wolfgang that is staving off the inevitable, and even he cannot defend a city with ghosts. 

[b][u]22nd of September[/u][/b]

Perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope for [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Dorist[/color][/b]. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and orders go out to rally a new force of soldiers, conscripted from every corner of the kingdom. These men receive little training, the majority armed with only basic muskets, and the rest forced to make do with whatever they can get their hands on, but the manpower of Dorist is still formidable, and nearly eighty thousand soldiers of Dorist are raised. With no orders beyond their raising, General Albert Riechsand takes de facto command of this new army, gathering them along the defensive lines he has already begun preparing for when Shardvul should fall to [b]The Kingdom of Stevata[/b]. Although simply having more bodies to hold the line is a welcome boost, the harvest is just around the corner, and the hands that now hold muskets will be missed from their scythes. Growing increasingly desperate for allies, the diplomatic party of Dorist finally reaches [color=ed145b][b]The Empire of Stabuga[/b][/color], but if they were expecting the same warm welcome that greeted the diplomats of [color=87CEEB][b]The Empire of Grimhout[/b][/color], they are bitterly disappointed. Tsar Viktor Barinov quickly makes it clear that Stabuga has no interest in joining the Dorist cause, and the diplomats begin their homeward journey with empty hands. 

[b][u]24th of September[/u][/b]

Not wanting to be outdone in diplomacy by [color=87CEEB][b]The Empire of Grimhout[/b][/color], the diplomats of [b][color=ed1c24]The Kingdom of Hispalis[/color][/b] have been hard at work, and as the month draws to a close, their efforts begin to grow fruit. The party of [color=#018c85][b]The Kingdom of Komentiolos[/b][/color] has been warmly hosted for some time, hushed conversations had between lavish banquets and functions, but the diplomats from the east finally begin their journey home. For now, Hispalis makes it clear that they have no interest in joining the wars of Komentiolos, but a friendship begins to blossom nonetheless, and a Hispalis observer travels with the Komentiolos party when they leave. Closer to home, the issues are less transparent. Tensions between [b]The Kingdom of Arhan[/b] and [b]The Empire of Reria[/b] have been escalating, and perhaps understandably wary of the accusations that Arhan have levelled against their neighbours, the Hispalis diplomats have attempted to glean the truth from the fiction, although with little success. Evidence is hard to come by, and the court of Arhan is still murky, but as war becomes increasingly likely, Queen Ameline I urges Hispalis to join her fight against Reria, doubling down on her accusations.

[b][u]26th of September[/u][/b]

The formidable strength of [b]The Kingdom of Fosbak[/b] has ensured that the war between [b]The Kingdom of Stevata[/b] and [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Dorist[/color][/b] does not spill out into the Baltic Sea, but that uneasy control has finally been broken. Perhaps out of sheer desperation, or perhaps simply out of impatience, but the navy of Dorist takes to the sea. Admiral Karl Young is far from the most capable commander, but he takes to his task with a disturbing relish. The warships of Stevata are largely in harbour, so it is the civilian trade ships and fishing vessels that the Dorist ships instead target. Unsurprisingly, it is a bloodbath, even for the little-experienced vessels of Dorist. Before Stevata can even respond with their own fleet, ships of Fosbak descend upon the scene. Although no shots are fired, it is quickly clear that Fosbak are unwilling to allow the Dorist fleet to continue, and although Karl is brash, he is not suicidal, and he does not attempt to challenge the far more powerful fleet of Fosbak, returning to harbour with his tail between his legs. The act of reckless defiance and violence sends shock-waves through the court of Fosbak, and Queen Ameline quickly finds herself surrounded by those that clamour for war... 

[b][u]27th of September[/u][/b]

Even with it's fleet crippled, [color=#018c85][b]The Kingdom of Komentiolos[/b][/color] do not sit idly by. Grand plans are put into play, and the next step is one that few saw coming. The border between Komentiolos and [color=FFD700][b]The Empire of Khazaria[/b][/color] has been teetering on the brink of open conflict for months, but it is not here that Komentiolos makes its play, it is instead to the west, towards [b]The Kingdom of Paranas[/b]. Known as 'Operation Vulcan', the invasion of Paranas is an impressive feat, and the army of Paranas is sent reeling. Komentiolos attempt to use their warships in tandem with their land invasion, but the shattered remains of their fleet are picked off by the still formidable fleet of Paranas before they can be brought to bear. Despite this, the soldiers of Komentiolos still push west, shattering the unprepared defenders of Paranas. General Makis Anastas commands the defence as best he can, but he is far outclassed by the commander of the Komentiolos forces, General Marcian Augustus, as well as heavily outnumbered, and the line continues to be pushed back. The province of Kavatsona is almost lost before Paranas can even fully react, and as Paranas scramble to respond, frenzied messengers sent to Khazaria, few believe that this invading army can be stopped before it has seized the province. Unsatisfied with this taste of victory, Komentiolos send diplomats ot [b]The Empire of Reria[/b], calling on them to join the war, as well as issuing orders of conscription from all across Komentiolos. The conscription will take time, but Komentiolos has already established an impressive foothold, salvaging some victory after the naval defeats they have suffered. 

[b][u]28th of September[/u][/b]

Even as the first news begins to reach [color=FFD700][b]The Empire of Khazaria[/b][/color] of the actions of [color=#018c85][b]The Kingdom of Komentiolos[/b][/color], the soldiers that the empire has raised over the past months begin to be put to use. Although a large portion of these new troops are sent to re-enforce the armies of Alp Tarkhan against [b][color=2e3192]The Kingdom of Dorist[/color][/b], several new regiments march to re-enforce the border with Komentiolos. Frenzied conversations are had in the court of Khazaria, but one fact seems to be raised more than any other. Komentiolos still boasts a formidable army, but in a matter of months, their fleet has been all but wiped out, leaving their ports exposed, and their trade routes undefended. Perhaps Khazaria will revisit their raiding roots once more... 

[b][u]29th of September[/u][/b]

[b][color=ed1c24]The Kingdom of Hispalis[/color][/b] sends a diplomatic party to [b]The Kingdom of Kehsi[/b], with orders to discuss the Americas, and the tensions between Kehsi and [color=87CEEB][b]The Empire of Grimhout[/b][/color], yet the diplomats quickly find that they have been caught cold. Not only has the tensions in the Americas cooled, but relations between Kehsi and Grimhout have reached an all-time high, and while Kehsi may have leapt at the opportunity of strengthening ties with Hispalis only a few months ago, that need has greatly diminished. The diplomats of Hispalis find that they are still graciously welcomed, but it is made clear that the ambitions of Hispalis to establish a colony in the Americas is now a matter to discuss with both Kehsi and Grimhout. Thankfully, for Hispalis at least, there is better news closer to home. Always looking to strengthen his nation, King Charles XII announces sweeping plans to improve both the meagre cavalry arm of the Hispalis army, as well as looking to stimulate the training and recruitment of engineers, fired up by the revolutionary 'Vera Engine'.

[b][u]30th of September[/u][/b]

Despite the chaos that has been gripping the rest of the Europe, in the city of Palysos there has been a remarkable level of civility. Luisa A'Dera, representing the strength of [color=BA55D3][b]The Republic of Kalseran[/b][/color], has played host to Maria Toleas for weeks. Despite news of the republic retaking the city of Calassa, and the rebellion losing the last of it's strength, neither of the two women have addressed this development, instead seeming to genuinely enjoy each other's company. Both women have accumulated power and influence for themselves in a mans world, but there is more than that bonding the pair. For now, the two seem content to spend their time conversing, with rumours already spiralling of the positions that Maria may be granted once their meeting does draw to a close, but even while the Grand Lady rests, the republic does not. A small fleet of Kalseran has been travelling east, passing into the Black Sea unchallenged as [color=#018c85][b]The Kingdom of Komentiolos[/b][/color] continues to strengthen their hold in the region. Although they travelled under the guise of securing trade routes, once this fleet has made harbour in the Black Sea, this ruse is dropped, the ships pledging themselves to the service of Komentiolos. The navy of Kalseran is formidable, the pride of the republic, and Komentiolos suddenly finds itself defended by a powerful ally, the combined fleet of [b]The Kingdom of Paranas[/b] and [color=FFD700][b]The Empire of Khazaria[/b][/color] suddenly seeing the balance in the region shift...