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"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." -Wilfred Owen

Summer of 1756




2nd of May

With war looming on the horizon, the shipyards of The Empire of Khazaria come to life. Under the close tutelage of The Kingdom of Paranas, the shipwrights of Khazaria have advanced leaps and bounds in recent years, and it is the coastal cities of the empire that have seen the greatest modernisation. Designs are drawn out for more than two dozen new Frigates for the empires navy, and work quickly gets underway. Although it will be months before any of these ships can set sail, it is still a clear sign of intent from Khazaria, as any increase in naval power puts them even more at odds with The Kingdom of Komentiolos to the south.

5th of May

The border between The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist is still a powder keg, and it quickly becomes clear that Dorist has no intentions of apologising for the civilian attacks along the border, or even taking responsibility. King Freud Thumer finally breaks the tense silence, and issues a declaration of his own. The Kingdom of Dorist is greatly offended by the accusation levied against them, and when this response reaches the Stevata capital of Ravoza, it causes outrage. The Stevata king is still a young man, but he is not naive. With a heavy heart, he gathers his most trusted advisors around him, and rumours quickly begin circling. War, the horseman of the apocalypse, has mounted it's fiery steed.

6th of May

Before news of the declaration from The Kingdom of Dorist can even spread across Europe, The Empire of Khazaria seems to react. Perhaps it is a lucky coincidence, or perhaps the old trickster, Fate, has taken an interest in events. Whatever the reason, Khazaria echoes with the sound of marching feet as the empires armies prepare for war. A vast host marches west to the border with The Kingdom of Stevata, establishing a logistical headquarters as they prepare to cross the border and march to the aid of their ally. Rumours begin to swirl that none other than Alp Tarkhan marches at the head of this host, a near-mythical commander of men that embodies the wild savagery of the Khazarian tribes. Perhaps history will see this as a poetic irony, that it is a savage that leads the armies that Dorist has dubbed as 'uncivilised', but Alp has no time for poetry, and he will not waver from his task.

7th of May

Even as soldiers of The Empire of Khazaria march to the west, the empires young ruler is clearly still wary of the ancient enemy to the south, The Kingdom of Komentiolos. Field guns are deployed along the already heavily fortified border between the two nations, and on a clear day, the two forces can glimpse each other across the border, seemingly locked in a standoff as both nations watch for the other to act. All the while, news continues to filter out from the border between The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist. All of Europe seems to be holding their breath as they wait for the seemingly inevitable, as the Royal Palace of Stevata continues to be a hive of frenzied activity.

9th of May

"Cry 'Havoc!,' and let slip the dogs of war." With no choice before them, The Kingdom of Stevata officially declares war against The Kingdom of Dorist. Orders are quickly dispatched all across Stevata, and with their flanks largely protected, Stevata is free to bring the vast bulk of it's army to the border with Dorist. Although they do not cross the border yet, it quickly becomes clear that Stevata intends to reclaim their territory of Shardvul, a move that would seriously dent the morale of Dorist, as well as shrinking the border they need to defend. On the other side of the border, Dorist is also quick to prepare itself for war.

11th of May

Even while other nation's of Europe march to war, The Kingdom of Hispalis continues to be more interested in strengthening their already impressive economy. To encourage the masses to make use of their still burgeoning stock exchange, Hispalis announces a series of loans and grants. The process of bringing the lower and middle class into this evolving economic structure is a slow one, but it is happening, and as the shadow of war continues to spread across the rest of Europe, there are already those who are being drawn to the shining light of Hispalis.

12th of May

As war is made official between The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist, more nations are drawn into the conflict. The first to announce their allegiance is The Kingdom of Teclav, unsurprisingly joining Stevata in declaring war against Dorist. The forces of Teclav that had already gathered on the Stevata border now cross into their allies territory, and begins the march towards Dorist. Few doubt that The Empire of Khazaria will also lend it's strength Stevata, a considerable force of Khazaria gathered on the border already, but for Dorist, the landscape is looking more bleak. As rumours continue to swirl regarding the dark riders that attacked the civilians of Stevata, The Kingdom of Altenten is noticeably hesitant in pledging it's support for Dorist.

14th of May

Perhaps drawn to the growing strength of The Kingdom of Hispalis, or perhaps simply looking for new allies, The Kingdom of Komentiolos sends a delegation across the Mediterranean. The move is seen by many as a sign that Komentiolos is starting to turn it's attentions further afield. If ships of Komentiolos are to venture beyond the Mediterranean, then it certainly makes sense to curry favour with the gatekeepers.

17th of May

Even as one diplomatic mission continues it's journey, The Kingdom of Komentiolos does not rest idle. The youngest brother of King Nikolaos Andreas Koromelas II, Arcadius, has served well as ruler of the Komentiolos colony of Aegyptus, and he has been working to strengthen further the ties between Komentiolos and the colony. With his brother's blessing, Arcadius marries the daughter of the colonies most powerful noble family, Salma Al Sadat. The marriage is an important gesture, and Aegyptus is welcomed back into the fold, recognised as a part of the kingdom proper, rather than a colony. The news is tentatively accepted by most, largely the rich that will no doubt benefit from this move, but in the further reaches of the colony, there are discernible murmurings of discontent.

18th of May

The Kingdom of Fosbak officially expels the diplomats of The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist. Queen Marta condemns the war that has broken out between the two nations, vowing that Fosbak will play no part in the conflict, and issuing a stark warning towards any that might think of bringing war into the waters of Fosbak. With Fosbak controlling the straits, it quickly becomes apparent that the Baltic Sea is effectively sealed off. Neither Dorist or Stevata will see any aid arriving by sea, unless someone can present a convincing argument to the young queen.

20th of May

Under the guidance of shipwrights from The Republic of Kalseran, the shipyards of The Kingdom of Hispalis officially begin their work. Orders are officially placed for two Ships of the Line, and the craftsman take to their tasks with a relish. Although the ships will likely not set sail for months, it is still an important sign of the kingdom's intent of strengthening their naval power. With war already erupting in Europe, this news is greeted warmly by the people of Hispalis. Who knows how soon war could darken the kingdoms own shores?

22nd of May

The Grand State Dinner of The Kingdom of Dorist has morphed into something else entirely. The dinner was symbolically attended by The Kingdom of Altenten, The Kingdom of Komentiolos and The Republic of Kalseran, and signified the solidification of the burgeoning alliance between the four nations, but before any ink could be put to paper, war came. The dinner has now morphed into a thinly-veiled attempt by Dorist to convince the other nations to join them in war. Whether these attempts will be successful, still stands to be seen, but it is becoming increasingly crucial for Dorist to re-balance the scales that are quickly tilting against them. With The Kingdom of Teclav and The Empire of Khazaria already standing shoulder-to-shoulder, Dorist is in desperate need of friends.

23rd of May

Even as their shipyards continue their work, The Kingdom of Hispalis also looks to strengthen their natural assets. The coastal defences and batteries that line the Strait of Gibraltar are largely outdated, some of them not having seen service since the conquest of Duarte. General Fernandez de Malaca is a man who hears music in the roar of cannon fire, and he takes to this task with a relish, modernising the existing defences as well as drawing out designs for new ones, the strait becoming a deadly maze of crossfire for any fleet that may attempt to pass through the strait without permission from Hispalis. The kingdom has long held the strategic position of the strait, and it is clear that they are not willing to relax that grip.

25th of May

There have long been murmurings of discontent in the heart of The Republic of Kalseran, powerful nobles who believe that the A'Dera family has held power for too long. Unsurprisingly, Luisa A'Dera is not willing to allow these murmurings to continue, and she has already begun work in the shadows to purge the rot before it can take root. Gathering the noble families before her, Luisa issues a stark warning, and it is quickly clear that Kalseran is a republic in name alone. To drive her point home, agents move in the shadows to attack the nobles where they are most vulnerable, their coin-purses. Sweeping new trade measures come in that chip away at the assets of the nobles, weakening their source of strength and funnelling more gold into the A'Dera families own purses. The action works to quell the moderate rebels, but it stokes a fire within the heart of the more extreme families, and the ones that are bold enough to risk the wrath of the A'Dera murmur even louder.

26th of May

Wary of war, or perhaps simply looking for new trade avenues, The Kingdom of Hispalis sends out a diplomatic delegation. Led by the king's own brother, Philip, the delegation is ordered to travel to The Kingdom of Genstadt and The Kingdom of Fosbak, looking to potentially establish a defensive coalition, or simply improve relations. Philip's wife, Kristien, is the sister of Queen Margriet, and it is clearly hoped that this well help to grease the wheels of diplomacy, but it seems as if the bird has flown before they even arrive. Rumours swirl of a letter sent from Queen Margriet to the east looking to cement a friendship with The Kingdom of Dorist. If the rumours are true, then any attempt to align Hispalis with Genstadt could well drag Hispalis into war. Philip urgently writes back to his brother, requesting guidance before he presents any treaties to Genstadt, and before he pushes onto Fosbak.

27th of May

Even with the threat of war almost literally at the gates, word begins to spread across The Republic of Kalseran of a festival, intended to celebrate the Republic, and the A'Dera family. Tensions in Europe are more volatile than ever, and the state dinner of The Kingdom of Dorist that this festival was set to follow is quickly descending into a war council, so news of this festival is unexpected. Whether or not such a celebration goes ahead, the message is clear. It is the A'Dera family that is the strength behind the republic, and despite the discontent amongst some of the noble families, the A'Dera still wield the biggest stick.

29th of May

The border between The Kingdom of Komentiolos and The Empire of Khazaria is teetering on the brink of outright war, but that tension is no longer limited simply to the border. Squadrons of Khazaria frigates set sail and begin to patrol the Black Sea like packs of wolves, watchful and wary of Komentiolos launching a naval action of their own. The shadow of war continues to spread, and it quickly becoming clear that this conflict is unlikely to sputter out, the great powers already whipping it into an inferno that threatens to consume all of Europe.

30th of May

Following the relative success of their missionaries, The Kingdom of Hispalis looks to capitalise on it's gains. The missionaries continue their work of integrating the natives into the colony, but now they do it with a renewed purpose. These religious men are visionaries, and they see the task of bringing these savages into the light as their calling. With the backing of Hispalis behind them, the missionaries begin bringing the natives into the fold. The colonies influence continues to grow without a hitch, but while the natives that have witnessed the strength of Hispalis first-hand are keen to fall in line, there are still those deeper into Africa who still remember a time when the Caliphate looked down upon Hispalis.

31st of May

The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist both boast formidable war machines, but they are war machines that are slow to fire. It is almost a month after the declaration of war before the two nations are ready for open battle, but now that they are ready, conflict seems inevitable. The Siege of Kronik, the bloody battle that saw Shardvul fall into Dorist hands, is still in living memory for the veterans of both armies, and both sides are looking for vengeance. With the armies of The Kingdom of Teclav already marching to the aid of Stevata, and a formidable force of The Empire of Khazaria also standing by, and the potential allies of Dorist still hesitating to commit, perhaps it is time for Dorist to draw first blood, while Stevata waits for it's own numbers to swell?



Just as a note to any lurkers, as most of the action is happening behind the scenes at the moment, if anyone else wants to jump in and take over an NPC nation, just let me know!
"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." -Wilfred Owen

Summer of 1756




1st of April

Following in the footsteps of The Kingdom of Paranas, The Principality of Asmont is the second nation to declare it's intended neutrality, if war should break out between The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist, as many believe it will. Asmont shares a cultural history with Dorist, but in more recent history, their attentions have instead turned towards the west, and there are already rumours that perhaps the neutrality of Asmont is a symbol of how their neighbours, The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Arhan, will react to this coming war.

3rd of April

In a move that very few saw coming, a delegation is sent across the narrow channel between The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Kehsi. The delegation travels under the official seal of Arch-Duke Jean-Baptise Dervau, and seem to take Kehsi as much by surprise as anyone else. Regardless of their past hostilities, and the tension that has been steadily growing between the nations, there are still diplomatic etiquette to be observed, and the delegation is given lodgings in the Kehsi capital of Sabica. An audience with the young king is requested, but what is discussed remains a closely guarded secret.

4th of April

While one pair of ancient enemies appear to be potentially looking to build bridges, across Europe another pair seem to have no such intentions. The Kingdom of Komentiolos move a sizeable force of field guns to re-enforce the already heavily fortified border with The Empire of Khazaria, heating tensions that have not cooled for generations. While those within Komentiolos itself see this as a defensive move, looking to protect themselves from the war-hawks of the empire, Khazaria could well see this as a sign of intent. Khazaria now finds its attention split between their enemy to the west and their enemy to the south. Focus too much on one, and the other will no doubt seize the opportunity.

6th of April

Perhaps in reaction to the recent actions of The Kingdom of Komentiolos, or perhaps simply as a part of routine improvements, the The Empire of Khazaria begins a series of improvements. Large areas of the empire are still sparsely populated, and should war come to the borders of Khazaria itself, supply lines can easily become overstretched and vulnerable. With this thought no doubt in mind, Khazaria begins improving the supply of it's troops, as well as drawing up grand logistical plans for the armies operation. It is a slow and laborious process, but it is a start, and just another step towards modernising the traditional practices of the empires forces.

9th of April

Ever since the effective closing of their court in the ensuing chaos of the conspiracy allegations, The Kingdom of Arhan has been a closed book to even their closest neighbours. The great noble families have come together in the capital, and there has been an apparent changing of the guard. Still no news has escaped the kingdom's borders on the fate of Lord Favre, but some rumours still escape. Arhan has long had a rivalry with The Empire of Reria, and it seems that the rivalry is only continuing. Reria merchants are reporting that they have been turned away from Arhan ports, and the narrow border between the two nations has been all but closed.

11th of April

With their neutrality loosely secured, and their relations with The Kingdom of Altenten and The Empire of Khazaria still intact, it appears as if The Kingdom of Paranas hes developed a taste for diplomacy. A delegation is sent to The Republic of Kalseran, looking to improve their relations with their neighbours. While some nations in Europe are collecting enemies, Paranas seems to be doing quite the opposite.

14th of April

Perhaps spooked by the prospect of war elsewhere in Europe, or perhaps simply looking to make use of their impressive coffers, The Kingdom of Hispalis begin rewriting their logistical plans, and working to improve their armies access to supplies. Fresh equipment is distributed amongst the troops, and it is readily welcomed. All across Europe, war seems to be hanging in the air, and nations are beginning to move pieces into place.

15th of April

While The Kingdom of Hispalis begins work on one side of the Strait of Gibraltar, they are not resting idle across the strait either. Missionaries are dispatched to the far reaches of the colonies influence, spreading not only the faith, but also the language and culture of Hispalis. The missionaries find natives with their own rich culture and history, but they are also natives that have seen the riches that Hispalis can bring, and are willing to welcome the missionaries. It is a slow process, but the colonies influence is steadily growing through peaceful means, and that in itself is admirable.

17th of April

The diplomatic party of The Empire of Grimhout encounters remarkable success in The Empire of Stabuga. They are welcomed with open arms, and quickly find that the frozen north boasts great riches. The Imperial Palace of Monsk is a grand building, and the delegation is invited to feast with the ageing Tsar, Viktor Barinov, a man who they quickly find possesses an incredibly sharp mind. The Tsar is fascinated with the tales of the diplomats homeland, and invites them to stay as long as they wish. For now he avoids talk of possible treaties, but a man as sharp as the Tsar is no doubt aware of the coming war close to his borders. That is not to say that Stabuga is in need of help, for the Grimhout diplomats see no shortage of soldiers during their stay, and Stabuga boast impressive natural defences as well as military ones.

20th of April

As the power of The Viswan Empire continues to crumble, it is not only The Republic of Kalseran that is looking to strengthen their own hold. The colony of The Kingdom of Kehsi begins what can only be conceived as aggressive expansion. The colony is garrisoned by a militia force, but Kehsi begins training more soldiers, and improving the defences of their ports. This is an act o defiance against the Viswan Empire, and even though the Empire is starting to crumble, it is still immensely powerful. Cogs are beginning to turn, and even as Kehsi begin to prepare themselves, the slow beast of the Empire is starting to turn it's attention towards them.

22nd of April

The Kingdom of Genstadt is the third nation to declare it's effective neutrality should their neighbours to the east go to war. Although Genstadt shares a common history with The Kingdom of Dorist, much like The Principality of Asmont, the strength of Genstadt stems from it's navy, and while The Kingdom of Fosbak continues to look at the potential war between The Kingdom of Stevata and Dorist with barely disguised disdain, it is unlikely that Genstadt would be permitted to navigate their fleet into a position in which they could contribute to the war. Dorist seems to quickly be running out of friends.

23rd of April

While other nations look towards war, The Kingdom of Hispalis seems to have other things on mind. Hispalis already boasts an impressive treasury, largely drawn from trade across Europe, and their vice-like control of the vital Strait into the Mediterranean, but clearly the kingdom is not yet satisfied. They announce the founding of a rudimentary stock exchange in the capital, Toletum, intended to act as a tool to encourage ventures by the kingdom's businessmen. The news is greeted by the elite, but it is an enterprise largely lost on the masses. Hispalis, like the rest of Europe, is an agrarian economy, and it is only the rich that are currently looking to make themselves even richer.

26th of April

As tensions continue to rise with their ancient enemies, The Empire of Khazaria, the actions of The Kingdom of Komentiolos continue to do nothing to mend relations. Orders are issued to the soldiers of the kingdom's army, and training begins in earnest. Even the reserve forces are brought in and trained. The air seems to crackle in anticipation of... something, but whatever it is, Komentiolos obviously intends to be ready for it.

28th of April

Even while the two nations of The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist seem to be hurtling towards war, the border between the two nations had recently taken on an almost surreal air. Dorist has stationed soldiers along the border who can easily trace their ancestry to Stevata itself, and there are even cases of cousins standing on opposite sides of the border. Considering the two sides were effectively countrymen, there were numerous reports of soldiers crossing the border to share a fire and a drink on particularly cold nights. This sense of merriment is abruptly extinguished. The Dorist Infantry is pulled back from the border, and suddenly reports begin flooding in of dark riders crossing the border and harassing the people of Stevata. These riders wear no uniform, and disappear before Stevata can mount a response. They leave chaos and panic in their wake, knocking down men, women and children with the flats of their sabre. King Oswald IV is a young man still, but he summons his advisors, and war quickly seems all but a certainty.

29th of April

War is one wrong move away. The Kingdom of Stevata accuse The Kingdom of Dorist of sending their cavalry across the border and attacking the Stevata people. Civilians are move back from the border, and yet more soldiers take their place. Stevata demand a public apology from Dorist, or they will have no choice but declare war on their neighbours to protect their people. In the wake of this declaration, The Kingdom of Teclav echoes their ally, condemning the actions of Dorist as barbaric and preparing their own forces to march to the aid of Stevata. The news is still making it's way across Europe, but one way or another, this accusation will have serious consequences. Many are already looking towards the reactions of The Empire of Khazaria, and The Kingdom of Komentiolos. By chance, King Nikolaos II is a guest of King Freud, as part of the state banquet, and has been pushing for closer relations with Dorist. This recent development may well put those improving relations to the test.

"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." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1756




2nd of March

The news of the weakening grip that The Viswan Empire has over the Indian subcontinent has still only freshly arrived in Europe, but already there is a reaction. The Empire of Grimhout already has colonial holdings in the Americas, but perhaps their attention now turn towards the east. A trade delegation is assembled and sent on their way, and many believe that if this delegation finds safe harbour, more will surely follow. While this move may well be seen as a threat by The Republic of Kalseran, it also does little to sweeten the sour relations between Grimhout and The Kingdom of Kehsi.

6th of March

As war becomes increasingly likely, The Empire of Khazaria begins swelling it's army. Not only does the empire begin raising more soldiers of the line, Khazaria also begins drafting the nomadic tribes into their ranks. These nomads are a callback to the hordes of Khazaria that were once the scourge of eastern Europe, and although they are perhaps relics of a bygone age now that powder and cannon-fire rule the battlefield, they are still a frightening sight, and they are more than willing to achieve a glorious death for Khazaria.

7th of March

The Kingdom of Arhan has been the staging ground for a complex wrestle for influence between The Kingdom of Hispalis and The Empire of Grimhout, and for the last few weeks, the air has felt electric, like the calm before the storm. Just after dawn, the storm finally breaks. The Hispalis diplomat in Arhan, Julio Cotilla, requests an audience with Queen Ameline, and reports on a plot that threatens to plunge Arhan into a civil war. Julio claims that a group of nobles, led by a 'Lord Favre', are planning to place a usurper on the Arhan throne. Even while this announcement causes shock waves to roll through the Arhan court, Julio continues. The diplomat lays clear the intent of Hispalis to form a dynastic union with Arhan, marrying Prince Adrian to Princess Marie. Despite the chaos already ensuing through the rest of the court, Queen Ameline remains calm, thanking Julio for his report, and retreating to meet with her most important advisors.

8th of March

The Kingdom of Arhan issues orders for the arrest of Lord Favre and a number of other prominent nobles from the southern province of Colveil. Rumours are already swirling that Lord Favre has fled back to Colveil, others claim he has retreated to sympathisers in The Empire of Reria, while some even suggest that he has raised an army in Colveil and prepared for war. As is often the case, reality is far more bland than fiction. Lord Favre walks to the gates of the palace and surrenders himself. He is dragged before the inner court, and while the diplomats of both The Kingdom of Hispalis and The Empire of Grimhout attempt to be present for what follows, their requests are politely but firmly denied.

11th of March

While the dramatic events within The Kingdom of Arhan continue to unfold, the rest of Europe does not sit idle. The Kingdom of Paranas has been internally struggling, caught between The Kingdom of Altenten and The Empire of Khazaria, but finally they find some respite. All too aware of their allies quandary, Khazaria officially announce that they will honour the neutrality of Paranas. No doubt inspired by this, Altenten make a similar declaration, and for now at least, Paranas can relax. However this move also favours The Kingdom of Stevata, at least temporarily, as their potential front-line narrows yet further.

13th of March

The trial of Lord Favre and his companions in The Kingdom of Arhan has dragged on, and despite the best efforts of The Kingdom of Hispalis and The Empire of Grimhout, their representatives have largely been kept in the dark regarding the proceedings. In fact, both delegations report back to their superiors that they have been carefully and subtly restricted to certain areas of the palace and its ground, and it is becoming increasingly obvious that while their presence is not yet unwelcome, it is also no longer 'required'. Rumours also continue to swirl that the kingdom's forces in Colveil have been mobilised, ensuring that their presence is felt by the local population. All throughout this, The Empire of Reria is watching warily on. Reria and Arhan have rarely seen eye-to-eye, and this potential weakness may encourage the empire to be more bold.

17th of March

Even while relations deteriorate to the west, an attempt is made to perhaps mend the relations of the east. The Kingdom of Dorist announces the holding of an elaborate state dinner. Invites are sent to the nations of The Kingdom of Fosbak , The Kingdom of Altenten, The Kingdom of Stevata, The Kingdom of Teclav, The Kingdom of Paranas, The Republic of Kalseran and The Kingdom of Komentiolos. With the attempts of Fosbak to steer Dorist and Stevata towards peace largely grinding to a halt, this is clearly a state dinner that is intended to act as a staging ground to resolve the conflict. However The Empire of Khazaria is a noticeable exception, and behind the hope that the news of this summit brings, there rides a darker rumour. Reports tell of King Freud himself describing Khazaria as 'a land of savages', and in one fell swoop, all the good intentions falls apart. Stevata refuse to attend unless an apology is issued, and Khazaria are invited to any future summits. Teclav unsurprisingly follows the example of their ally, as Paranas also refuse, citing their self-imposed neutrality, although few believe that they take the words of the Dorist king lightly. The state dinner may well still go ahead, but it will be without Stevata, and so little progress will be made towards resolving the tensions. In fact, this seems to reignite the conflict, as Stevata resume the heavy patrolling of their border.

19th of March

While their attempts to improve relations to the south appear to have been scuppered by the conspiracy unearthed within The Kingdom of Arhan, there is more success to be found elsewhere for The Empire of Grimhout. The empire has long enjoyed good relations with The Principality of Asmont, and the charm of Princess Juliette is only helping their cause. But it is not only to the near east that Grimhout are looking. In a somewhat rogue move that few expected, a diplomatic delegation is sent on the long journey to The Empire of Stabuga. The two empires have little history with each other, but Grimhout clearly hope to find some middle ground. Perhaps it is reading too much into it, but Stabuga have strong cultural ties with Teclav, and therefore with Stevata. Is another nation announcing which side of the line they stand upon, or is Grimhout simply looking for a potential new opportunity in the cold north?

22nd of March

The Kingdom of Arhan finally breaks their silence. The official declaration is intentionally vague on the results of the trial, but the message is still clear. Arhan has been caught in a rug-of-war for too long, and Queen Ameline is tired of other nations treating her kingdom like a plaything. The nobility of Arhan closes ranks, and the delegates of the various nations that currently hold residence in the royal palace, The Kingdom of Hispalis and The Empire of Grimhout among them, are quickly left with the distinct impression that they would be advised to return to their respective nations sooner rather than later. For now, the kingdom of Arhan is closing it's doors, and rumours are already swirling of a purge amongst the ruling class, and perhaps even a drastic change in the nation's direction.

23rd of March

Even as the trade ships of The Empire of Grimhout make the long journey towards India to capitalise on the crumbling of The Viswan Empire, those who are already there are not laying idle either. The Republic of Kalseran begins a wide-scale project on improving their colonies in the region, expanding their already impressive trade routes and looking to improve relations with the locals. The colonists have no way of knowing that other European powers have turned their attention towards the subcontinent, but they are already working to accommodate the shift of power in the region.

26th of March

While the feast of The Kingdom of Dorist seems to be falling apart, the feast of The Empire of Khazaria is a roaring success. Intended to bring the major tribes together in one place, the feast last days and nights, many great stories being shared between the tribes. It is rare for these nomadic tribes to gather together, and it has served as a reminder of how much they have in common with one another. There is violence, but it is largely brawls over 'honour', whether it is the honour of a woman, a man, a tribe or a horse, and the brawls all end in laughter and shared merriment. Not only does this feast unite the tribes, it also unites them behind Khazaria, and even more fresh recruits flock to the recruiting call of the empire's army.

28th of March

Far to the west, the tension in the Americas between the colonies of The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Kehsi refuses to dissipate. The colonies of Grimhout begin a public display of training procedures for their militia units, no doubt intended to serve as both a display of strength, and a sign of intent. While few think Grimhout will be bold enough to launch any direct action against Kehsi, the various tribes that populate the un-colonised reaches of America may be wise to keep a wary eye on their European neighbours.
"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." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1756




1st of February

Perhaps in preparation for a coming war, or perhaps simply the beginning of a long-planned project, but The Kingdom of Hispalis begins a wide-scale refitting of it's shipyards in the province of Malaca. The docks there have long been the heart of the kingdom's navy, due in no small part to it's close proximity to the vital strait into the Mediterranean. This new project will take time, but it is a crucial sign of intent. For years, Hispalis has relied on other nations for it's naval strength, but control over the strait has seen bountiful gold flow into the kingdom's coffers, and it is clearly high time for Hispalis to claim it's own place as a naval power.

3rd of February

While the news of The Kingdom of Hispalis looking to expand their shipyards is still making it's way across Europe, Hispalis does not rest on its laurels. Envoys are dispatched to The Kingdom of Komentiolos and The Republic of Kalseran, two nations that have established themselves as naval powers in their own right. The envoys carry with them a proposed deal, as well as not insubstantial payment. The negotiations are short, and when the envoys return to Hispalis, they are not alone. Not only are they accompanied by shipwrights of Komentiolos, they are also carry with them the promise of warships from Kalseran. This is another clear sign of intent, and the Hispalis navy is beginning to benefit from the kingdom's wealth.

7th of February

While the heir of The Empire of Grimhout works on 'diplomatic' relations to the south, the other child of Arch-Duke Jean-Baptise Dervau is also not sitting idle. Travelling east to The Principality of Asmont, Juliette is welcomed into the palace of her uncle's father-in-law, Prince William Asmont. The rumours quickly begin to circulate through the court's of Europe that it is not William that Juliette has arrived to spend time with, but rather his son and heir, Alexandre. The young prince is recently widowed, with no children, and it is thought that Grimhout are looking to further strengthen their ties with their neighbours to the east. Whether Juliette is able to mend a broken heart, only time will tell.

8th of February

In recent history, The Empire of Khazaria has been a nation struggling to find an identity for itself. While it's close relationship with The Kingdom of Paranas has seen the nation take great leaps of progress forwards, large parts of the empire still cling to their nomadic and tribal roots. It is in the rich and quickly expanding coastal cities that these tensions threaten to flare up. The young emperor is not oblivious to the plight of his people, and he announces a great feast in the province of Kumbag, with the intention of bringing the great tribes of his empire together, and of finding a solution to this growing problem. Some of the most powerful chieftains still live as nomads in the eastern reaches of the empire, but sure enough, the great tribes begin to gather.

11th of February

Not satisfied with simply signing a treaty with The Kingdom of Kehsi, and perhaps spurned on by the growing influence of The Empire of Grimhout in The Kingdom of Arhan, The Kingdom of Hispalis sends a military envoy to Kehsi, led by one of the kingdom's most important admirals. Although their role appears to simply be one of observation, learning the art of naval warfare from a nation with a long and decorated history of it, it is still a symbol that the relationship between the two nations is growing, and that inevitably steers Hispalis towards more conflict with Grimhout, even if the tensions between the two still leans more towards a war fought in the shadows than on the battlefield.

13th of February

While one conflict continues to gain momentum to the east, the war further west threatens to reach terminal velocity. Perhaps realising that the balance of the coming war is not quite as in their favour as it once was, The Kingdom of Dorist appears to be a nation that is attempting to move all it's pieces onto the board. Emissaries are dispatched to The Kingdom of Komentiolos, The Kingdom of Fosbak and The Republic of Kalseran, treaties in hand. Whether any of those treaties bear fruition is yet to be seen, for now, as negotiations are understandably prolonged.

17th of February

The Kingdom of Stevata is also a nation that is preparing for war. With an ally to the east, a potential ally to the south, and an enemy to the west, it is unsurprising that they look to the north. Their own envoy to The Kingdom of Fosbak arrives mere days after that of The Kingdom of Dorist, and it creates a tense situation within the Royal Palace of Elhavn. Many believe that as Queen Marta is the sister-in-law of King Freud, Fosbak will lean towards Dorist, but no queen wants to lead her people to war, and for now, the negotiations continue back-and-forth, often running long into the night.

18th of February

While other nations consider which side of the line they stand upon, some nations do not have that luxury. The Kingdom of Paranas not only has a close alliance with The Empire of Khazaria, but also a connection with The Kingdom of Altenten through marriage. They find themselves torn between two sides that seem hell-bent on driving towards war, and all across the kingdom, the debate is raging regarding what action Paranas should take if that war arrives. For now, King Markus is silent on the matter, but it is very difficult for a nation to remain truly impartial in war, and there are supporters of both side within his nation's borders. A decision will have to be made, even if that decision is to make no decision at all.

21st of February

Finally, the heir of The Kingdom of Hispalis arrives at the Royal Palace of The Kingdom of Arhan to attempt to court some favour in the northern neighbours. It is unfortunate that he arrives more than a month after the heir of The Empire of Grimhout, but he still takes to his task with enthusiasm. While the rest of Europe seems to be hurtling towards war, in the luxurious surroundings of the palace, two young men compete for the affection of a young woman. It is a tale as old as time, in perhaps slightly unorthodox surroundings.

25th of February

The two nations of The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist are truly teetering on the brink. With armies amassed on their shared border, it would only take a spark to ignite the powder-keg, as the saying goes. The problem with this gathering of soldiers, and this whipping up of patriotic fervour, is that the spark does not always come with orders, sometimes it comes from a man wanting to be a hero, and then war can begin before it is called for by either side. Perhaps wary of this, Queen Marta begins taking a personal hand. While the negotiations within her palace are aimed towards ultimately bringing The Kingdom of Fosbak into the war, Marta begins pushing the talks instead towards preventing war entirely. Whether this can be achieved, or whether the tensions between the two nations have already turned too sour, only time will tell.

28th of February

War is not a commodity unique to Europe, and far to the east, India is a nation that has seen it's fair share of bloodshed. While the exceedingly powerful Viswan Empire has ruled over much of the sub-continent for centuries, their grip is beginning to weaken. The nations that already have colonies in the region, The Kingdom of Kehsi and The Republic of Kalseran, are already beginning to flex their muscles more than before, an opportunity to increase their influence in their area seeming to present itself. The steady crumbling of Viswan Empire also opens the door to other European powers who may be casting their gaze towards the riches that the sub-continent promise.
The 0th OOC post now contains the Major Events, and the Family Tree of each European power. Some are more complex than others, and if anyone has any serious complaints about their nation's family tree, just let me know, but this should give you an idea of who is who.
"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." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1756




7th of January

The tensions between The Kingdom of Dorist and The Kingdom of Stevata only continue to intensify. Like moths to the flame, other nations find themselves drawn to this seemingly inevitable conflict. Perhaps emboldened by their recent bond with The Kingdom of Komentiolos, persuaded by their neighbours to the north, or simply looking to settle old scores, few are surprised when The Kingdom of Altenten begins moving it's own forces to the border with Stevata. But the development that will be most concerning to the Dorist ruler, King Freud, is the rumours that The Empire of Khazaria is keeping a watchful eye over the developing tensions. There is no love lost between the nations of Dorist and Khazaria, and Khazaria enjoys a close relationship with Stevata. This re-ignition of old rivalries is already threatening to consume Europe, and other nations will no doubt have to decide which side of the line they stand on.

8th of January

The two nations of The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Hispalis have long fought a battle of influence over The Kingdom of Arhan, and that battle has only grown more furious as time has passed. Queen Ameline I has ruled capably since the death of her husband, King Michel IV, but she has not remarried, and the pair only sired one child. That child, Marie, has not only grown into a charming and graceful young lady, but she stands as the sole heir of Arhan. It is perhaps no accident then that both nations have recently sent delegates to the Queen's Royal Palace. The Empire of Grimhout has drawn first blood though, as their delegate was accompanied by the Empire's own heir, the dashing young Christophe, and he has already made his introduction to both the Queen and her daughter. The Hispalis heir remains in the capital of Toletum, although it would not be surprising if his own journey to Arhan was not being quickly arranged.

14th of January

The conflicts that are growing between the European nations are not limited to the continent, and far to the west, in the Americas, the tension between The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Kehsi has spilled into their colonies. Grimhout sends a small fleet across the Atlantic, moving to re-enforce the already sizeable navy that currently resides in the empire's trading posts of the region. While it is not an outright move of an aggression, the Kehsi colonists are quickly uncomfortably aware of the fact that they are not outnumbered in the region, and that this shift of power does not bode well for Kehsi's own aspirations.

17th of January

Unsurprisingly, The Kingdom of Kehsi send's it's own fleet towards the Americas, no doubt in a direct reaction to The Empire of Grimhout. This increasing of tension is made even worse as the news breaks that Kehsi has signed a treaty with The Kingdom of Hispalis, including a defensive pact. Grimhout and Hispalis have long been rivals over The Kingdom of Arhan, but this symbolises the rivalry becoming something else entirely. Whether this treaty will prevent the outbreak of war, or whether it will instead accelerate it's arrival, still stands to be seen.

23rd of January

The fears of The Kingdom of Dorist are fanned yet further, as The Empire of Khazaria seemingly confirms it's support of The Kingdom of Stevata. A caravan of gifts, escorted by Khazaria's finest riders, begins the journey to the Stevata capital of Ravoza, but perhaps more concerning are the rumours that quickly begin to swirl, rumours that Khazaria has begun moving forces to the empire's border with Stevata, perhaps preparing to re-enforce Stevata in the case of war.

26th of January

More nations continue to be drawn into the conflict. The Kingdom of Stevata has few friends in Europe, but that does not mean that they are entirely without them. The treaty between Stevata and The Kingdom of Teclav has long been considered the crowning achievement of the young King Oswald IV, and indeed it was one of his first actions after his father's sudden death. Teclav do not stand idle, and issue an official declaration that they will honour the treaty, and that Teclav men will march to defend Stevata territory is war does come to Europe. The two sides are finally poised, but some begin to believe that now they they face the combined strength of Stevata, Teclav and The Empire of Khazaria, it may be time for The Kingdom of Dorist to start looking for more allies of their own.
"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." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1756




2nd of January

The new year dawns over a continent on edge, as across Europe, tensions continue to build. The border between The Kingdom of Dorist and The Kingdom of Stevata is heavily garrisoned by both sides, as it has been for months, the bloody events of the Siege of Kronik still fresh for the two proud nations, while The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Fosbak, those old enemies, warily watch each other from across the channel. Europe has known war for countless centuries, and despite all of the promise of these changing times, there are few that believe the continent will not see war again.

3rd of January

The recent marriage between King Nikolaos II and Princess Anna Rainer represents a new bond between The Kingdom of Komentiolos and The Kingdom of Altenten. A country who's history has long been tied more to Africa, and their immediate neighbours, than to the rest of Europe could this marriage represent Komentiolos turning it's attention elsewhere? Only time will tell, as delegates of half a dozen nations begin making their way to the city of Tarsus to witness the marriage.

@Lunamaria Hawke Unfortunately, the RP is shut at the moment, but once the RP gets underway (towards the end of this week hopefully), I intend on opening it up for people to take over NPC nations. I'll keep you posted.
Without further ado, here are the available characters that you can wed with your siblings/children. The list details the nation of origin, the relation that each character has to the current ruler, and their age. As a note, this list contains no current rulers or heirs, but this is a good opportunity to start building diplomatic connections. I'm working on somewhat of a first come first serve basis, but bear in mind that I still need to approve each claim. So even if you claim one, you don't necessarily have it. Happy hunting. And now I will stop talking about fictional characters like they are objects!


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