The Nexerus

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

@TommyToledo Come to the Chatzy if you can. A lot to talk about.

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

Kingdom of Aontas

The 'Første' in the early stages of construction

Heigen Marine had been the obvious choice for the project. The illustrious Aontan ship-building enterprise had the expertise and the facilities required for such a grand project, and, as a bonus, had nothing at all to do with one Sigmund Stryka. The white-haired old industrial tycoon that so loathed Aontas' monarchy had always found himself uneasy when at sea, curbing his desire to invest his world-renowned fortune in anything that might require him to fare the open ocean. This kept Aontas' shipyards free of Stryka crowns, and thereby prevented King Matthias from inadvertently giving any assistance to the man who sought to replace him when he requested designs for the newest battleships of the Royal Navy. Most of the designs submitted had been lacklustre, at best. They fit the bill, sure, but were only a faint improvement over the ageing warships Elve and Evle, the current flagships of the Aontan fleet. Aontas needed, and Matthias therefore demanded, something better. Something with a bit more punch, that would signify to both his people and the world at large that Aontas was a formidable force on the seas, not to be reckoned with. Heigen's design, fearsome as it was, perfectly encapsulated Matthias' ambitions. It had pleased him so much, in fact, that he decided not only to hire them to build the ships, but to take a tour of their docks as well. Unannounced, of course, to maximize the impact. Never spoil an arrival with a warning!

When the King arrived, his presence was at first not immediately accepted. The Heigen workers weren't republicans, of course, refusing to acknowledge Matthias' authority. No, they just simply couldn't believe their eyes; it was not every day that a King strolled by, after all, let alone one's own. Accompanied, as usual, in a minimalist entourage, and dressed in a double-breasted jacket with a few medals for flair, Matthias decided to skip over meeting the site owner and site manager and proceed directly to shaking hands with the workers. The flash of the cameras glimmered off of his white smile the second his hand made contact with the surprised and amazed labourer, and the flashes of light kept on coming as he engaged in small talk with the welders and engineers, their eyes unaccustomed to the attack. The conversation wasn't about anything substantial. "Cold enough for ya?" and other such nonsense between strangers. Typical Aontan fare. It mattered less what the King was talking about, after all, and more that he could be seen to be talking, the backdrop of an immense, intimidating warship in construction behind him. Stryka, for all of his wealth and prestige, was never one to forget about the little man, and Matthias needed to keep up if he wanted to snip the businessman's political career in the bud. Thankfully, as a King, Matthias had just as many resources at his disposal as Sigmund did. The White Lion Post had written about nothing but colonial wars in this run-down island and that one for far too long. It was far overdue for a character piece about the people's beloved monarch. Maybe tomorrow they could report on the casualty rate in one of the Stryka factories. Hell, perhaps more stringent safety procedures were in order! If there was anything Matthias cared more about than making sure the words "President Stryka" never left anyone's lips, it was the people's welfare. Maybe the crown had to go eventually, but King Matthias would not be its last wearer.

#SasketchawanLyf

^ I now have a communist as both my MLA AND my MP. :(

All of the funniest parts of the video are the inside jokes, though, really. "The Children's Festival got rained out again" made me laugh my ass off first time I heard it.

#SasketchawanLyf

Good video, @8. Seen it before, but good.

#SasketchawanLyf

Snow's only on the ground down south, fortunately. Up here the sheep are still visible.

Whoa

I have no idea how many days I've been on RPG. 659 on New Guild, but I was on Old Guild for years. Maybe two thousand days?

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

Kingdom of Aontas

White Lion Post: Aaltsen Armaments begins testing in Utover

A new development in the rise of Aaltsen Armaments, the Chatara-based weapons technology company which recently secured a lucrative contract with military officials, beating out juggernaut Stryka Corporation in the bid to design the newest artillery pieces for the Royal Army. Aaltsen's light (A-05) and heavy (Aaltssen 305 mm) artillery pieces began testing in northern Utover today, being test-fired within a purpose cleared testing site, located along the eastern shores of the Malatar. Access to the site, as well as the report on the weapons' performances, are classified, but sources within the Royal Army claim that the weapons performed above and beyond the military's strict standards. The weapons are set to replace the North Wind AU, the heavy artillery pieces currently in the service of the Royal Army, developed ten years ago by Stryka Corporation as their first foray into military technology. Stryka's research division is not being entirely cut off from government procurement contracts, however. The second model of the dependable STA rifle, in service across the kingdom's armed forces, is set to begin production next year. Sources from both Stryka and Aaltsen claim that the competition between the two companies is entirely friendly, and beneficial to the military research industry in Aontas as a whole. The innovations of both enterprises have come at the time of great conflict in the world stage. The recent aggression on the part of the Grand Survaek Empire in Serranthia has pushed the government to make firm commitments to military renewal, to ensure His Majesty's Forces are ready for any threats to Aontan sovereignty in the coming years. These new deployments seem to be the first step in the government's plan to reorient focus towards defence.

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

Torrik Conference

Torrik was the southern port of Aontas, the first destination for northward international trade and commerce before Kienne. Unlike the smog-ridden streets of that capital city, clogged with bodies, Torrik had retained some of the features which had characterized it since ancient days. The sea along the coast was still clean enough for fish to survive, allowing for the presence of a relatively prosperous seafood industry. Of course, Torrik's domestic production was the David to international trade's Goliath. No city in all of Aontas, spare the capital, conducted more activity with foreign nations than Torrik. It was for this reason that the city's clean streets were decided to be the landing point for the heads of state of western Varius, for a meeting with King Matthias. They represented Aontas' connection to the region, a connection which Matthias hoped to greatly further.

In his own private residence in Kienne, Matthias' surroundings were decidely austere. He loathed the overly formal nature of his title, favouring as little pompousness as could be arranged for a monarch. Here in Torrik, however, the governor's residence that was host to the meeting was quite elegant. The conference room was precisely what one would expect of a locale for foreign dignitaries; rare Sarelian carpets decorated the floor, gemstones from Feratsu were inlaid in the intricate features along the walls, and King Matthias Frederik was standing with a smile in his best suit. The gathered were finally all in the same room, and discussion of matters of substance could begin, pleasantries (blessingly) out of the way. Nonetheless, a certain amount of finesse was always required in such situations.

Matthias approached the joint monarchs of the largest of the foreign states in attendance, and spoke to them with some eagerness. "King Harrison and Queen Layna, the union of your two nations seems more stable than many more singular states. The relationship between the united kingdoms must be a strong one, of enormous mutual benefit."

Salardian President Cédric Poullain's bow tie stuck out like an unpopped zit; morbid and pale. He straightened it for the third time and yanked the cigar from his lips then settled it back between clenched teeth. "Need not forget the emissaries of these less significant nations, your lordship," Poullain quipped, drawing a stifled chuckle from Tramellian Foreign Minister Hackl, off in the corner. Poulain sat in a high backed chair, having grown tired of meandering about when the Aontan King had kept them waiting.

The Foreign Minister of Tramel, nearing his sixtieth birthday wore an overcoat that looked like a throwback to the Tramellian War of Independence, with a high fur collar and thick ribbings. Hackl turned back toward the window, watching Aontan snow continue to pile up in the courtyard below.

Both Harrison and Layna looked at each other before replying back to the King of Aontas, as they were sitting next to the King. "I agree with you, King Matthias. A union of kingdoms must be a perfect one in order to be the strongest out there. This union might be seem as a threat to many nations, as it had before in the 1500s. Now, we aren't a threat to many; however, we are still stronger than the other nations." Harrison said to Matthias as if he had said it to other people before. Layna then joined in as she said, "And we also have benefits to the union as the Athos provide the steel, while the Stules give us the oil for our ships. This union is one of the best, if not the best benefit in this world.". She stopped speaking as he grabbed to her cup of water and started to drink it. While Harrison kept on looking at President Cédric and King Matthias.

Matthias' attention turned all at once to Cédric after listening to Harrison and Layna's reply. "My words were intended to be of a demonstrative nature—and you can eschew formalities such as 'lordship' in my case, I've never deeply cared for titles." The King then turned again to the monarchs of the United Kingdoms, attempting to address all present at once. "As Athos and Stules are each individually better off for their union, so too are all our nations for their relationships with one another. The steel that fuels the industry of Salardia, for instance, comes from Aontan mines, just as the steel to fuel Stules comes from Athos. To be utterly concise and unmistakeably clear: we are better off close to one another than apart. This is immediately evident to all men in all our nations. My contention, however, is that our relationship need not be limited to steel. We ought be partners not only economically, but ideologically and politically. There is a place in Sociatatem for all nations, irrespective of how large they appear on a map. As the world becomes more violent and our further off neighbours less and less inclined to follow natural law, these places beckon to be seated in more heartily. The need to present a united front is stronger than it has ever been before, and all nations here assembled are best represented as a part of that front."

The Tramellian Foreign Minister huffed, though whether it was reactionary or intentional was not certain. He slid a fist across his mouth and coughed, then turned from the window to the Aontan monarch: "The Sociatatem knows a thing of partners, I say." He approached, his hand first falling to find the glass of whiskey on the nearby desk, per special request of the serving staff. Huckl sipped, then wafted a free hand about in the air. "So fortunate is Tramel to have forsaken her colonies many decades ago, lest the Sociatatem to sell them off to Survaekom dogs."

President Poullain attempted to conceal his grin, but the attempt was elementary. When Huckl had finished, Poullain again readjusted the unlit cigar clamped between his teeth. "No need to yell, dear Huckl. The man has a point. It's been Athosian and Stulian neutrality that's kept us alive and well in the last thirty years." Poullain stood, a free hand finding it's way to the pocket of his trouser. He pulled a time piece, glanced at it then returned it. "While you speak some truth, King Matthias, Foreign Minister Huckl does as well. Your track record.. as it seems, may be more in line with a Kalpian schoolboy than what the Sociatatem has alawys promised in ink."

Huckl had already turned away, meandering back toward the window. Poullain had more to say. "The open trade laws have never changed. Salardia has long flourished as a neutral party, and I see little that would change by joining the Sociatatem then being forced into some mess over some land in Faresia that I know nothing about!" He stomped his foot against the carpet, more for theatrics than anything.

Harrison looked interested at Matthias' way of speaking as he felt like he was speaking with a fine leader. He waited until he was done speaking to correct his lack of using the word, lordship. "Sorry about that, your lordship." Harrison said as he turned to Layna, which she had a couple of words to say to Matthias, "We agree that this partnership has to be more than economically for both sides. But, we need to be more peaceful at each other before we tear this world apart over greed. I believe that we are the nations that will protect the natural law of men and women. As others will fight each other over colonies and resources, we need to set up some kind of front from that. And I also believe that we can represented that part of the front."

Then, the King and Queen looked at President Poullain as he was getting more angry at this conference. Harrison turned to Poullain and said to him, "Your nation can benefit from this as much as my nation does. We both need to make our nations profitable and protect it for threats at the same time. Salardia could benefit from this conference in the long run, just hear him out before you decline." By the time he was done speaking, a serving staff member gave him a glass of water, which he drank as soon as he got it.

The eyes of the King of Aontas were placed firmly on Minister Huckl. "There is a war, a large one, larger than any other war in history, that will plague Varius and all foreign continents within our lifetime. It could very well be declared today. Whether or not any one nation joins any particular side in this war will not stop it from occurring. Instead, what will be changed is the likelihood of victory. Tramel and Salardia are two small nations whose fate, whether they care for the fact or not, is largely dictated by the whims of their larger neighbours, both regionally, across Varius, and abroad. As the representative of a nation which has only comparatively recently won its independence, I would imagine that you, sir, would be rather amiss to have your country turned into a province of this empire or that one, or to have its government turned into a rubber stamp for Serranthian rape and pillage. If the wrong side wins this war, and that may very well be the case if the correct side does not muster forth all the strength it can, the 'Survaekom dogs' you so loathe might very well decide over a hookah whether or not Tramel should exist. Salardia and Tramel cannot afford any option but to assist the men who are about to fight and die for their independence. If you honestly believe that when the Surv-Akur come marching through the capital cities of Varius, they will uphold the dignity and sovereignty of every nation-state they march atop, then I welcome you to continue your nation's neutrality and cross your fingers that it still exists when you're on your deathbed. If you have any informed opinion of the nature of Survaek or her allies, however, the wise decision at this venture seems fairly clear."

"There very well could be," Huckl agreed, turning his back to the window to face the king. "It is our neutrality that will protect Tramel, as it always has!" Huckl listened on, but seemed unimpressed by what Matthias was apparently selling. "Tramel has seen how the Sociatatem protects those in need."

President Poullain nodded. "Without claim, there exists little reason to entice your offer, King Matthias. You intend to start a bar fight and implore bystanders to join in, on what accord? You think Survaekom diplomats have not come pandering to me as well?" President Poullain mulled the cigar between his teeth, then pulled it free and wafted it around. "You come promising Survaekom hordes rolling through Varius, but you offer nothing in return!"

King Matthias interjected, "I come promising for those hordes to drown to their deaths in the Zellonian Sea, rather than to shell Caldwell until nought is left but smoke and murdered families. My offer is the continuation of the existence of your country. It might seem very stark for me to offer as little as the status quo, but it is the status quo that is at stake. I implore the onlookers in this barfight to join in, Mr. President, because if they don't, the bar won't exist tomorrow night, and every last drop of the booze will be pissed out of the Emperor of Survaek's pecker."

"For how long can neutrality protect us?" Layna said to the President, "You and I know that people get greedy with power and they will do anything to get more. A war, larger than any other in history, will be coming and it will be so large that it will reach the whole world. A world war, you could say.". She was done speaking as he kept on hearing what the others had to say. Both the King and Queen were impressed and amazed by the way that Matthias spoke to the President.

Harrison looked at both the President and Kings as they were going on until he decided to speak up. "We all are here for a reason and that reason is because we want to hear out the offer for protection against threats beyond us-beyond our thinking. But, we need to offer a way to protect each other as we would with our children as the threat of war with nations is likely to happen to one of us soon. We would increase our changes of winning a war by having allies on our side. Even known, there is a risk with this alliance and I would take the risk over any thing.". He was finished as he looked at the President for a responce.

Huckl would've put on his coat, had he not already been wearing it. "For too long, Tramel has watched nations war with one another, and Tramel has long stood on the sidelines. I would not bring word back to 'my' King that I have signed the death warrant of thousands of young Tramellians for the sake of the status quo." He pushed past President Poullain, who was too slow to move out of his way. He didn't slam the door, but it was most likely because of it's heavy Deltoran oak make rather than a conscious effort not to.

Poullain thumbed the tip of his cigar, his eyes stuck to the back of the door on the far wall. "About.. one million," he said. "About one million Salardians in Stuler territory. The ultimate inclusion of territory encompassing all Salardians may be what it takes for Salardian entry into the Sociatatem." He looked briefly at the King and Queen, but turned just as fast back to King Matthias, for that was whom he was propositioning.

Matthias was entirely unperturbed by Huckl's outburst. He found the more more insulting of the two dignitaries' statements to be Poullain's. "I am the King of Aontas, and I have respect for the institutions of state of all nations. I do not determine the boundaries of any kingdom but my own. If the border between Salardia and Athos-Stules is to be altered, it is entirely a matter for Salardia and Athos-Stules."

Their reaction to Huckl was nothing as they knew that soon or later he would leave with some kind of statement. But they were suprised by the demand of the Stuler territory, there were about one million Salardians in the space. The queen was the first one to speak about the offer for Poullain, "Well, that's a lot that you're asking about. Giving up a territory isn't easy and we would give it up; however, we wonder how this deal will benefit us as well. If we give up our land, then what will we get in return?" The queen was done speaking when she looked at the President carefully.

"The return of Salardians to Salardian rule would guarantee our friendship. An alliance," Poullain added. "Partitioning the province to encompass the expansion of Salardian territory to include all Salardians. With that guarantee, you would have Salardia's promise for a defensive alliance. If this war 'does' break out, the Salardian Royal Army, and Navy, will be at Athos' and Stuler's disposal."

The King and Queen looked at each other once more, with the King nodding his head at the Queen. The queen then turned back towards the President and said with a strong and powerful tone, "The United Kingdoms of Athos and Stuler will give the territory back to your country in return, you offer us an defensive alliance to protect our nation in the coming future. Even known it will take time to give the territory back to your people, Poullain, but you must do your part as well. If you don't and you send troop to the territory anyway, we will have no choice to fight back. I hope that it doesn't happen and we both do our parts.". Both the King and Queen were done speaking and the King wrote in some notes about this new deal and how they must give the territory back as soon as possible."

The King of Aontas raised a glass of wine, recently produced by an attending servant. "It is settled, then. Salardia will be whole after the partition, and all three of our nations will play their role in the war to come. Let us drink to the status quo!"

The clink of four glasses produced a relatively faint sound in the conference room, but one with far reaching implications. The Salardian Republic and United Kingdoms of Athos and Stules would join Sociatatem, and pledge their strength on the side of the status quo in the battles ahead. It was a victory for King Matthias and for his country, and in the eyes of the King himself, staring out after the toast into the gathering snow outside the window, a victory for all free men and all those who endear themselves to them. Victory, in the unfortunate but inevitable war to come, was now all the more likely.

((Collaboration between The Grey Warden, Theodorable and myself.))

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

Sigmund Stryka, Founder and CEO of Stryka Corporation

Mr. Sigmund Stryka was simple and frank, entirely dissimilar from what one might naturally expect of the world's richest man. His demeanour was altogether pleasant, and he had an ability to explain things in terms that made sense to everyone and patronized no one. He was a figure famous for his approachability, in spite of his status; it was not uncommon for Sigmund to tour the many factories he owned in Kienne, shaking hands with workers and never appearing anything but cheery and optimistic. The only factor of Sigmund's persona more famous to Aontas than his wealth and his demeanour were his political views: Mr. Sigmund Stryka was a staunch republican, advocating the abolition of the monarchy and the installation of a capable president. Of course, he additionally mused that he'd make a fine candidate for president himself, should the monarchy indeed disappear. This underlying desire for political power tinted Sigmund's otherwise innocent appearance, putting him at odds with King Matthias' allies—and of course the King himself. For any other figure in Aontas this would be a debilitating disadvantage, but Sigmund was perhaps the only man able to withstand it. Such was his economic clout that he possessed power in Aontas' affairs second only to the King he intended to replace.

The Stryka Corporation, Aontas' largest private entity and arguably the largest company in the world, was Sigmund's creation. Sigmund's grandfather had established a small manufacturing company in the first few years of Kienne's industrial boom, which grew to become one of Kienne's largest towards the end of the life of Sigmund's father. Sigmund, however, after assuming control of the company following his father's demise, promptly sold it. He then used the capital acquired from its sale to place sizeable investments in many of his former competitors, but also in upstream enterprises. After a decade in finance had turned Sigmund into one of the wealthiest men in Aontas, his first outright purchase, and the beginning of the Stryka Corporation, was not in a factory, but an iron mine. From its onset, Stryka was a vertically integrated company, allowing it sizeable competitive advantage over Aontas' larger, more established enterprises, many of which were still partially owned by Mr. Stryka. The company's first years remained largely contained to the mining industry, maintaining only a minimalist presence in manufacturing, allowing its vertical integration to offer especially cheap products, which then forced the larger players to lower their costs (and their profitably). This artificial depression in Kienne's industrial sector would become Sigmund's opportunity to ascend to the level of wealth and prestige which he possesses today. In 1891, after eight straight financial quarters all bearing bad news for the city's two largest manufacturing companies, Mr. Sigmund Stryka, using his own personal fortune and partnering with dissenting businessmen from the companies themselves, purchased the companies outright. Their buildings were re-branded 'Stryka' to maximize the brand's breadth, their supply lines were diverted to draw from Stryka mines at severely discounted rates, and by the end of 1892, the Stryka Corporation had become larger than all of its biggest competitors combined, and Aontas' largest company by far.

Styrka Corporation - A Site, built in 1895 to serve as the company's main production headquarters

The owner of the largest company in Aontas did not end his ascent there, however. Sigmund knew that power was something that came and went, and if he wishes to prevail, he needed to ensure that the inevitable changes coming to Aontan society worked in his favour. The call for labour rights, and the empowerment of the worker, was a force that risked severely damaging Kienne's manufacturing industry in the late 1890's. Many predicted that the juggernaut Stryka Corporation would be the first to fall, becoming a victim of progress only a few years into its prime. However, it would not be so. Rather than fight against change, Sigmund embraced it. He became an ally of the unions, giving his workers generous raises and becoming one of the first businesses in the world to offer insurance to its employments in the event of on-site accidents. These increased costs severely hampered Stryka Corp., of course, but Sigmund also became an orator for the labour movement, turning the worker's frenzy against his anti-union opponents. Picket lines formed around the entrances of most factories not owned by Sigmund Stryka, and at the same time as his face became one widely praised, many of his enemies went out of business or faded into obscurity. Sigmund jumped at the chance to annex them, purchasing the most productive sites for his own company whilst at the same time selling off his own least productive sites to establish workers' co-operatives, again assuring his good reputation. Everyone's favourite billionaire surfed the same wave that put his competitors out of business, and within a decade of throwing his full force into Kienne's manufacturing industry, became the world's richest man off the proceeds.

I hope someone's got good news for me

The clicking at least is only noticed if I open the hood.

@Dinh AaronMk

Don't worry about it then, man, just don't open the hood any more and you're all set.