Lone Wanderer

The Age of Imperialism (Early 20th Century Nation RP)

The Republic of Deltora
May 1907

---

Southern Front

6th Infantry Division
Occupied Murenheidtan Serranthia
Late May

The shifting sands settled as Lieutenant Colonel Delacroix peered out over the parapet at the tan landscape beyond. From this position he overlooked the two trench lines running parallel to one another that made up the front lines, he was however closer to the Survaekom trenches than his own. In his hands, a folded and creased sheet of paper remained as a breathless runner, a rather young man by his looks, slumped against the trench wall besides him.
"Orders... From HQ." The young man wheezed.

Two days prior, the division had crossed the border hugging the western bank of the river Eerkhad in an attempt to avoid the two Survaekom army groups in the region, both of which were believed to have been delayed, however as the Division made their way across the border they found themselves under-fire from Survaekom forces on a manned border. Caught in open ground, the Division had assaulted the enemy position rather than pull back to avoid the entire Divisions demise. Nevertheless, casualties had been high but the position had been taken, hastily trenches facing Survaekom positions had been dug by the beleaguered division.

The Lieutenant Colonel turned around to face what was once 20,000 souls, now 5,000 wary ones, all dirtied and bloodied.
"Orders are, to defend and hold the forward position with remaining forces until relief can arrive." The Colonel spoke aloud.
"All soldiers of the 6th Deltoran Infantry Division are to be awarded, upon return to Deltora the Gallant Cross in recognition for their service to the country, and its people... You heard the paper men! It is up to us, to defend this breach for our country. Here, we fight a foe which would see our children put in chains! We fight for the common good, and it is demanded of us to defend this position and by the saints will we do it!" His voice booming now as the men steadily rose with their rifles.
"I want machine guns positioned along here, and here, and a spotter overlooking the Survaek trench-line, get me a report on their firepower so we have something to show for this damned nightmare." Delacroix continued as he returned to looking over the parapet. The 6th Infantry Division would be ready.

Trench position of the 6th Infantry Division.

---

The Butchers Bill

Within 23 days, 38,275 men had lost their lives in Serranthia. 21,076 Deltorans had been recovered and identified as deceased. 17,199 Survaekom had likewise been reported dead by sources on both sides. The result of three engagements.

On may 25th, during a lull of the fighting along the Eerkhad River. Deltorans, helms marked with the red cross and bearing stretches crossed the front carrying the Survaekom's fallen to deliver them to the opposing force, and in doing so allow the dead to finally rest.

Time's a Changing - a Steampunk NRP set in a Psuedo-Earth

Interested and subbed!

The Age of Imperialism (Early 20th Century Nation RP)

The Republic of Deltora
1907

---

The Precipice

The Peoples Palace
March 4th, 6:05 AM

As a similar scene played out within the Palace of Sovereigns in Anvegad. Prime Minister Geiger set down the scrap of paper so called the Ultimatum upon his desk as he stood before the assembly of Generals, Admirals and ministers, some bedraggled at being risen at such an early hour of the morn following the Imperial Restoration's ultimatum. To note a few, among them stood Secretary of State for War, Marshal Alfred Daucourt and Admiral of the fleet, Rodolphe Vigouroux still beaming at the success of his Battlecruiser on its trial runs.

"This ultimatum stands as an insult to us all. They claim the existence of a Greater Anvegad which would see our borders and our allies diminished in the name of false history, written by some Survaekom scrooge no doubt last week! We should give no quarter to these warmongers, for if we do, we will have played as much a part as the Zellonians and Athonians in allowing their tyranny to spread." Stated General Leroux, whom had quickly been transported from his command in Serranthia to attend, even at his station he had insisted on receiving the latest changes in foreign affairs. Needless to say, it was well known that the neutrality of said nations angered him greatly, while the Deltorans, Kalpians and Soroyans would bleed for their independence they would stand back and criticize. Despite the Athonians pledge to support the Sociatatem, they had gone back on their word. Many a Deltoran shared a similar sentiment on the betrayal of the Athonians and the reclusive nature of the Zellonians.

"Morals are all well and good, but we must face reason. The Imperial Restoration stands before us with forces much larger than our own. I have not to remind anyone, that it is us, on our land which will see the heaviest fighting of this war for we make up two fronts with the foe. It will be the Deltorans who will pay the highest price to preserve this freedom. This is not me condoning the war, but if we are to achieve victory it will be done so on the defensive, where we can bleed these cretins more so than they us. We should settle in for a long war, and begin preparations now." Spoke aloud Marshal Alfred Daucourt. "Railways should be closed down to the public. Reserving their use only for the transportation of supplies, military personnel and equipment while our industry is to be turned towards the war effort. I expect an excess of buttons, boots, uniforms and rifles for our armed forces."

The Prime Minister found himself nodding at the words of both men.
"This ultimatum, is something we can not accept. The Imperial Restoration will have their war... See that we are as prepared as we will ever be, gentlemen. You have 60 days and my full consent for everything you have said, Alfred." The planning for war, would be better left to those trained and experienced in such matters, while he would look to matters of politics and diplomacy.

---

Evemont Harbor

Bridge of the TPS Cyclone
March 7th

Admiral Chaveau looked out upon the harbor of Evemont from the conning tower of the Battlecruiser Cyclone. Several grey ships of the Deltoran Navy sat upon the waves, columns of smoke rising from their funnels as the mobilization of both the army and navy begun. Coal stores were being filled, as several deckhands labored to bring the black ore aboard in preparation for long days at sea to keep the 31 boilers running. While others brought large shells aboard to join the growing line of shells set already upon the deck, eventually to be taken below to arm the several gun turrets on the Battlecruiser. All across the ports and harbors along the Deltoran coast, a similar scene could be seen as the grey ships once more prepared for war.

Vile

I'd be up for this.
Consider me interested, and subbed.

The Age of Imperialism (Early 20th Century Nation RP)

The Republic of Deltora
1906

---

Government of Samgolan Act 1906

November 1st, the day that the Samgolan people were granted autonomy within the Republic of Deltora. Those loyal citizens of our most fair Republic, now rewarded their due with a new found independence granted through the passing of an Act within the confines of the People's Palace. The Government of Samgolan Act, put forth by Prime Minister Eduoard Geiger passed just narrowly in the face of opposition, many heralding the act as being the seed to spread dissent within the unified Republics. Eduoard countered stating that as a nation that heralds democracy and freedom within the known world, should it not also be present within itself too? No, the bills passing would in fact bring the nation's peoples together.

"It can not be said that we are not fair, and kind to those who stand under our banner, it can not be said that we are like those who oppose us. Those such as the Survaek Empire, or the Sumayans in distant Sarelia, who threaten the extinction of those not of their own preset creed, such ideas remain even within our own allies. But we are not among them, if we are to lead into a new world of peace, we must surely be among the most accepting and kindred of nations. If we do not do that which we herald, we are for naught."

The Act itself, providing not independence but autonomy for the Samgolan people, set forth the following terms:
- A bicameral Parliament for the Samgolan is to be established in Port Vail, with powers to deal with most national affairs such as health, education and agriculture. However international affairs such as matters involving the military, foreign affairs and diplomacy and taxes are to be concluded within the Deltoran Parliament at Evemont.
- Samgolan MPs are to be granted the ability to sit in Parliament.

---

Zellonia, the cause of unrest in Kalpia?

A joint investigation headed by Deltoran, Soroyan and Kalpian officials taking place in Mistburn, the capital of Kalpia in rooting out the cause of unrest spreading throughout Kalpian territory. Has traced the source to several newspaper printers within the city, the establishments were closed down immediately by the constabulary, found responsible for printing anti-Sociatatem, and false propaganda. Even more curiously, said establishments were found to have been funded by zellonian currency, Kalpia's old colonial rival.

In light of the recent findings, a telegraph from the Head of State's office to the Zellonia government, requesting that a meeting be held to discuss politics between Prime Minister Geiger himself and whomever the Zellonians saw fit to answer in either Evemont or Evanston, has been dispatched.

---

Our most Brave Allies

In response to Notles own speech, Eduoard Geiger, Prime Minister of Deltora rallied to his support with a speech of his own.
"Deltora will honour the pledge, we will stand with the Sociatatem until pain of death. For the maintenance of peace and liberty, there is no price too high, for if all nations gave way to warmongering crows or even support such ambitions consumed in their own manifest greed, the world would bore witness to the end of freedom, and to the rise of tyranny. I believe, dear Notles, that to call these cretins warmachines gives them far too much credit, but rather a child which sees no further than it's own ambition.
Naturally, for nations such as we that are passionate in our cause, cracks there are destined to be. For we are democratic, not at all like the so called Imperial Restoration, which stands at the beck and call of the Survaekom as nothing more than it's poodle.

It has also come to my attention, that upon the dawning of the new year. The Treaty of Evemont which keeps our bonds tied is to be ratified once more, however, this year I hereby invite the nation of Murenhedit to our side. To sign this testimony of paper, which will strengthen our nations. For there is no greater bond than the pledge to protect, and on that most dreadful day when war is upon us, it will be honoured."

The Age of Imperialism (Early 20th Century Nation RP)

The Republic of Deltora
1906

---

Reinforcements

In light of recent tensions with the Grand Empire of Survaek, it is seen fit by the War Office and Secretary of State for War, Marshal Alfred Daucourt to deploy the 2nd Deltoran Field Army to Deltoran Serranthia. A necessary step to maintain the peace and prevent a further breach of universally recognized law. Under the command of General Robert Vaugrenard, the 2nd Field Army is to reinforce the regions southern border now shared with the Empire of Survaek.

Deltoran soldiers disembarking from a train at Evemont to take ferries across the Rochefort Passage. Circa 1906.

The field army is to ferry across the Rochefort Passage under the watchful gaze of the Armoured Cruiser, TPS Dauntless and accompanying Destroyers TPS Storm and Thunder as the force traverses the 10 mile passage to Port Vail. Several observers have noted that the field army is accompanied by an usually large group of ponies bearing ammunition and their allotted guns.

---

Battlecruisers

With the invention, announcement and adoption of the Dreadnought by the Kingdoms of Aontas and Survaek. The Deltoran Admiralty had found themselves looking into a different kind of capital ship, that which would lead the Grand Deltoran Navy to victory on the oceans. That of the Battlecruiser, a ship which in theories put forth by Admiral of the fleet, Rodolphe Vigouroux could and would go toe to toe with a Pre-Dreadnought with it's firepower and yet boast a speed faster than any other cruiser on the seas.

This theory would come to life in the presented Horizon-class, an evolution of the armoured cruiser with a distinct increase in speed, firepower and displacement compared to any of the most recent armoured cruisers, it would become the first Battlecruiser class to grace the ocean, and perhaps more importantly, bear the Deltoran flag. The first of its kind, so named the TPS Tempest is expected to finish construction and pass its first sea trial runs within the next few years.

---

Scramble for Vakellia?
We have better things to do

As news of the scramble for the distant continent of Vakellia swept across Deltora, the government found itself receiving funds from capitalists and the rich alike, the two were the same, to fund an expedition to these exotic lands now the subject of talk for many. The possible riches to be found fueled ambitions, but not those of Deltora. To much exclaim, those whom had donated were thanked publicly for raising the required funding for several schools across the nation to be built and fully staffed. The matter was dropped.

The Age of Imperialism (Early 20th Century Nation RP)

The Republic of Deltora
1905

---

Unlawful Annexation

With the coming of the new year, the eastern region of Deltoran Serranthia and the town of Faris bore witness to a revolt instigated by the native Khaitis. Those whom the Republic have sheltered, educated and protected for years under the terms of the Treaty of Faris 1798. During these unfortunate events, the sickening sacking of the town of Faris took place as those previously loyal to Deltora turned against us, their protectors. Fed and frenzied on lies from those that we had pledged to protect them from.

The Empire of Survaek has illegally annexed legal Deltoran land, claiming us to be invaders and tyrants. For such famed scholars it is high convenient that the Treaty of Faris 1798 was not mentioned. This very treaty that has given legal rights to the land for over a 100 years has been illegally and unrightfully ignored, signed between the government of Deltora and the independent dukes of the regions now so called Deltoran Serranthia in the year 1798, which in return for citizenship and protection from the thrashing Empire of Survaek, would become rightful and lawful Deltoran land. For such an unabashed and unfounded breech of the treaty and rights, the empire reveals before the world it's expansionist ways and unabashed ignorance to world law.

As of the date, no Deltoran goods shall reach Survaekom shores. An embargo of the Empire of Survaek is now in effect in the face of unfounded, and illegal expansionism. Until such a time where eastern Deltoran Serranthia is returned to it's legal owner, the Republic of Deltora and it's peoples, the embargo will persist.

---

Partition of Kelric?

When asked upon the matter of the partition of Kelric put forward by the Mille-Sessau government. Prime Minister Edouard Geiger responded with the following statement:

"We will not support any petition put forward that would threaten long standing allies within the Sociatatem. Kelric sovereignty will be secured against a power of whom we know little by their own designs. Our questioning into the militant actions of the nation against Etellia have yet to be answered and have been met with only silence, and as such we can afford to give no ground to those of who we know not their intentions."

---

Deltoran Makitori

Meanwhile, attempts to integrate the native Makitorian people into the Republic of Deltora have been met with success. Efforts are being taken to educate and provide shelters for the islands natural inhabitants as-well as the Deltoran colonists taking to the island for it's resources. Sharing the light of liberty with all, much as they had done in Deltoran Serranthia some many years before.

Deltoran missionary school in Makitori. Circa 1905.

The Age of Imperialism (Early 20th Century Nation RP)

The Republic of Deltora
1904

---

The Etellian Debate

With the invitation to join the Sociatatem, to stand by the ideals of freedom, balance and peace refused by the government of Etellia. This much was accepted, however the speech given by Etellian Prime Minister Gio Orsini, naming the Sociatatem as wolves posing as shepherds, would not go without rebuttal from popular Deltoran diplomat Eric Duclos.

"Your mistake, is in assuming us to be the shepherds. We do not control the flock, we protect the flock. We are the guard dogs that would see off those craven enough to try take that which they hold no rights to, those which prowl on those considered weaker than themselves. It is those who stand upon your borders now, that are the wolves."

Deltoran diplomat Eric Duclos. Circa 1904.

---

Mille-Sessau Aggression

Delegates from Deltora have been sent on their way to the capital city of Aville in order to find answers behind Mille-Sessau's clearly aggressive actions and potentially hostile intentions towards Etellia. The stationing of troops on foreign borders would not be tolerated, and could only mark the intentions of war or aggression, both of which were to be found unacceptable. Demands have been made that the government of Mille-Sessau explain themselves for such a course of action reminiscent of an expansionist.

---

The Crozier Expedition

1904 would be the year. The first year in a hundred years which would see a Deltoran set foot upon foreign soil with the sole intention of colonization and exploration. The expedition led by Evrard Crozier and his hardy crew have taken to the seas accompanied by the brave Destroyers TPS Deliverance and Fortitude in order to bring civilization to the far islands of Faresia. Their goal, the Makitori Islands of the Faresian coast.

From left: Kevin Moreau, Armel Fresnel, Evrard Crozier, Ludovic Vidal, Grégoire Bernier of the Crozier Expedition. Circa 1904.

Expectations are high for the expedition. With hopes of a colony for the people being founded upon the isles within the next few months of the expeditions return. In a world where nations were ever expanding their lands abroad and oversees. Deltora in order to keep up with the growing demand for resources, must too enter the race for colonization. The Makitori islands and it's people, would soon feel the welcoming embrace of civilization, education, liberty and civility.

---

Denouncement

The blatant expansionism and warmongering actions of those known as the Yamarno Shogunate, remains an a front to the civilized world. The Yamarno's attempted conquest into Basai land has warranted our allies the Soroyans and those of the Republic of Xian to intervene on the behalf of the defenders to quell the warmongering state. From this date, no trade shall reach the fiends who would see it's flag across the entirety of Faresia, lest it be used to fuel it's barbaric aims.

---

SUMMARY:
- Demanding the government of Mille-Sessau explain their clearly hostile intentions.
- Expedition to colonize the Makitori Islands.
- Denouncement and embargo of the Yamarno Shogunate.

The Age of Imperialism (Early 20th Century Nation RP)

The Republic of Deltora
1903

---

The Fields of Lestrad

The rolling plains of grass bore their scars well. These blades of grass, that bore witness to the newest weapons of war tested by the Deltoran Grand Army. Craters marred the large fields as the cries of men, the thump of artillery and the sharp crack of a rifle pervaded the field like an invading army. Infantry, donned in full regalia, shovels and helmets, with grenades at their sides and rifles in hands, threw themselves from the safety and protection of dirt trenches into the open plains as they stormed across the green grass, ready for battle.

General Damien Arceneaux stood, hands clasped behind his back, as the long trenchcoat over his military uniform danced in the slight winds running along the grassy knoll upon which he stood. Looking out over the field, the mass movement of an army bound by duty, honour and the ideal of liberty worked with a unity forged only through the threat of war. The main theorist behind the Deltoran adoption of indirect fire for it's artillery, he now stood upon the knoll watching his theory in action. Shells flew across the field from afar at targets out of sight, as infantry trudged across the grassy fields or fired at training targets from trenches dug deep into the earth. The successful theorist, who's theories had been adopted also by the Kalpians, while working on ever new theories for the military and always looking to the future, couldn't help but look on with pride at what Deltora had accomplished within the last few years.

General Damien Arceneaux, Commander of the Ipswich Garrison and successful military theorist. Circa 1903.

---

Liberty, Within and Without

The fifth nation to join the Sociatatem. Deltora, despite disagreements made clear in the Freedom Debates about the factions current approach to maintaining the status quo. Has recognized that while both nations differ in their approach, ultimately share the same goals and to stand together against the common foe than alone would be of benefit to both. When asked upon the matter, Prime Minister Geiger responded:

"Personally, I am a wholehearted advocate of all means which would lead to the settlement of international disputes through methods that would successfully end in peace.
But I am also bound to say this, that I believe it is essential in the highest interests, not just for the country, but of the world that the Sociatatem look beyond their own borders. I would make great sacrifices to preserve the peace. But if a situation were to be forced upon us in which peace could only be preserved through dreadful warfare, then I would not dally, but prepare. Man the borders, arm the men and build the guns to fight. Not wait until it is too late. The foes stand at our borders howling for war, how will receive them? With rounds and shells, not placations!"

Prime Minister Edouard Geiger, of the Republic of Deltora. Circa 1903.

This would not be the only speech Edouard Geiger would make during the month however, as he too would personally address the picketing workers on strike outside of the state owned munitions factory in which they worked in the Capital Evemont. The constables overseeing the strike stood aside to reveal the prime minister, donned in his black tailcoat and bowler hat of the middle class. For that is what he was, not a gentlemen of the upper-class born into power with their top hats lording over those with less, but a gentlemen of the middle class, not a step away from being rich or poor. Perhaps it was this neutrality that had allowed him into power in the first place.

"Gentlemen, thank you for demonstrating your rights by being here today. For we are a free and liberal society, no? Our society today was founded by actions such as this. However, this strike affects not just yourselves but the whole of Deltora, we lie upon the eve of war and you refuse to work. Every day that you stand by, we edge closer to losing our freedom to the wolves. Our grand republic, a beacon of democracy and freedom and you would lie responsible. You my friends remain a cog within the machine that keeps this country together, and you have been recognized. I will fight for your rights within the government, this new era will be one of reform for all. While I fight for you all in politics, will you not fight for us by working in the factories? To keep our grand nation afloat in this new age where we find ourselves threatened by expansionists and miscreants!?"

While many insulted the Prime Ministers speech, which effectively informed the strikers of how much their strike affected the governance of the land and how much their opinion mattered. Many argued that just that was a good thing, and representative of a Republic where the people, not we as civil servants controlled the country. How the people would react was unknown, with much hanging on the appeal to the nationalism of the Deltoran people for their land and it's democratic ways.

Shortly after, the Trade Unions Reform Bill (1903) was passed. Creating organisations of workers able to represent their trade in the country, and to protect and advance the interests of its members in the workplace. The representation of the common people within politics would become more prominent as a result, and this was promised as only the start of the reforms presented by the Prime Minister.

---

The Hafas Issue

With the sudden sinking of the Soroyan trade ship Hafas still a mystery. Efforts into the investigation have increased with more resources being spared to find the truth. Investigations are said to have stopped in the face of bad weather conditions but are set to begin once more.

---

TPS Dauntless

An Armoured Cruiser of the Chevalier Class has entered construction, heralded as surely the most advanced naval cruiser and class within the world. So named the The People's Ship Dauntless. It is slated to be sea worthy in 2 years featuring as the finest naval ship within the Grand Deltoran Fleet, perhaps even surpassing the fleets Pre-Dreadnought, TPS Valour with it's modernized technology.

---

SUMMARY:
- Introduction to General Damien Arceneaux
- Strike appealed to end. Stating nationalism and the threat of war with several reforms promised.
- Trade Unions created.
- Hafas Issue being investigated once more.
- TPS Dauntless under construction.

The Age of Imperialism (Early 20th Century Nation RP)

@The Nexerus Join us on the Chatzy.