Even then, though, it was fringe (and is even more today, since no one recognizes ISIS). This seems like a more mainstream idea.
To be fair what would you do with nearly a dozen different races, though? It's one thing to advocate cultural freedoms between fellow humans but I feel it's a miracle that our nations can have members of different races cooperating in a decent way. And that miracle is often called religion. Before the birth of modern nations the one things which mattered was religion. National identity was negligible compared to one's religious standing. That being said the nations calling "heathens" or messing with people out of religious motivation are scarce even in this game. It just happens that the Nazis of our setting use the state religion to their cause while the other big player Ceresia just reinstated their empire from roughly the middle ages. I can't call either as "mainstream".
- Gwydr 1908 Carbine - Standard issue bolt-action rifle shooting the then-new 9.65x9mm bullets. They are accurate and popular for their reliability. They're gradually being phased out by the new Gwyder P40 semi-automatic rifle. - Gwydr P40 Rifle - Semi-automatic gas-operated rifle shooting the same 9.65x49 bullets. It has a 12-bullet box magazine which unlike its contemporary equivalents is inserted from right. This supposedly allows the soldiers to reload better while in prone position. - Deyrith DP-36 machinegun - Submachinegun shooting 7.65x24mm bullets. It has an unusually long barrel which allows the bullet to reach full power and adjustable bolt mechanism which allows to set the rate of fire to 300,600 or 1200 rounds per minute. The newer models can also allow semi-automatic mode. DP-39 has an unique highly curved magazine capable of holding 50 bullets. The gun itself has the effective range of 250 meters. DP-39 is well-designed weapon cursed with the weak power behind the 7.65mm mithril cartridge. Due to its inability to penetrate armors the military prefers to field soldiers with rifles. - Gwydr Ymesd-38 Heavy Rifle - Large gun designed to fire the powerfull 16.25x130mm bullet. The barrel is over 2 meters long but thanks to its mithril composition the weapon is still light enough to be carried by one person. The weapon has great range and some capacity to penetrate tank armors. - VP-39 Light Machinegun - Belt-fed 9.65mm machinegun which was light enough to be carried by a single infantryman. To eliminate the need for a loader the 90-round belt was run through a box container which worked like a magazine. Thanks to the mithril cartridges the VP-39 can fire 1800 rounds per minute, albeit this made the weapon highly uncontrollable at full auto. Thus later models have adjustable bolt mechanism between 300,900 and 1800 rounds per minute. - MB-36 Hand Grenade: Third-generation hand grenade developed from combining the variations from other countries. It's fragmentation grenade with 180g RDX explosive and a perforated mithril casing to allow more even distribution of fragments. The grenade was usually fixed to a stick to allow it to be thrown further but it was also possibly to separate the two and use the warhead alone. MB-36 has the typical fuse timer of 10 seconds. - Ruxathand-40DV-2: Anti-tank grenade projector using recoilless gun mechanism to allow infantry to fight tanks. Its 160mm warhead has a 0.8kg RDX shaped charge and in skilled hands this can be projected for the effective range of 150 meters. The original version was designed to be a disposable launcher but the second variant was soon introduced with the capability to reload and the tube got reinforced to bear at least 10 shots. - 84mm Mortar: Compared to actual artillery the mortars are short-barreled and light enough to be carried by a single infantryman. Maximum range is 4km.
Infantry:
Dŷrdg is an old elfish world and means "soldiers of the land". This used to be a honorable title but over thousand years its meaning changed into the synonym of "common soldier" or "infantry". They are the standard footsoldiers of Yllendthyr which makes them anything but properly standardized. Soldiers can belong to the Drefgiad, Brascad, Thandli, Aramegyr or can be just plain mercenaries. Each type has their own unique uniform and selection of equipment. Elven Dŷrdg tend to be unarmored and carry lighter equipment while humans and physically stronger races often issued to wear mithril armors to offer some protection against bullets.
The name meant warrior, as in soldiers at the frontlines. In its modern sense they are storm troopers trained to assault the enemy's line of defense. They wear full body mithril armors as a standard, have higher quality equipment and overall better training than the usual Dyrdg. Yllendthyr generally employs them in mechanized infantry units and most of them can be found in divisions specialized for assaults. The above are the Eithron as defined by the Brascads, the other four military systems often draw parallel with this but especially in case of the Aramegyr their definition of Eithron could mean something completely different.
Meaning shooter, they are riflemen that were the backbone of Yllendthr's military in the 18-19th century. After the new developments in technology as well as the increased reliance on human soldiers the Seathwyr was completely reorganized. Using the Ceidwad (Rangers) as a basis they became an elite light infantry unit asigned for reconaissance and skirmishes. They are excellent shots and when assigned to Dŷrdg platoons they are the designated marksman. Other units of Seathwyr are outright snipers operating in groups of two. Yet the majority of seathwyr are just light infantry with rifles and equipment to act as forward observers. Seathwyr are experienced and well-trained but when matched against a Dŷrdg in open combat their light equipment is a disadvantage.
Special unit of Seathwyr trained to use various anti-tank rifles in combat. The latest model is the Gwydr Ymesd-38 Heavy Rifle which can be a threat to light armored devices and even the side skirts of medium tanks. As such their role is not as much sniping people but to cripple armor from great distances.
Ceidwad, otherwise called the Rangers. They are veteran soldiers with over a hundred years of experience, specializing in stealth and skirmishes. Their skils, accuracy and especially their ability to blend into their surroundings defies all reason. Ambushes made by rangers on numerically superior forces are one of the most popular stories in Yllendthyr and they're rarely an exaggeration. Rangers are feared by the enemy and well sought after by nobles into their Armegyr. On the other hand while effective without a doubt Rangers are also bound by traditions and use equipment which is downright archaic in the battlefield.
Artillery:
Hadron an-Varnad 1934 (Anti-Armor Cannon 1934) was developed as a response to the increasing number of tanks employed by foreign nations. The purpose was to neutralize any armor from the range of 1000 meters or greater. For this purpose the HaV-34 mounts a 99mm L/30 cannon which was previously suggested for anti-airship defense. At first it used Drambor I shells that are made more massive with leaden core, later it got upgraded to the tungsten-core Drambor II shells. It can defeat anything but the latest heavy tanks from ranges of 750-2500 meters. HaV-34 weighs around 320 kilograms without the angled 25mm shield and 400 kg with it. Due to its lightness it could be pushed by the manpower of a few soldiers alone but for longer ranges it was usually carried by trucks or other motorized vehicles. Its light mithril construction has the drawback of giving it considerable recoil and it needs special measures to be fixed in place.
Hadron an-Lindcair 1938 was introduced as a much-awaited upgrade over the HaL-32 artillery. With more and more countries fielding airships and numerous heavy aircrafts Yllendthyr realized the need for a better anti-air defense. HaL-38 used the same 99mm shell as its predecessor but the similarities ended there. Its L/77 barrel was maximizing the power within the shell and it was equipped with a whole new auto-loader system allowing it to fire in bursts at 60 RPM. War experiences and test showed that at average fixed anti-air defenses only have 20 seconds to aim and fire on incoming aircraft. As such the HaL-38 has a 10-round magazine which was also determined the limit of weight which a 2-man loading crew can insert. For ease later variations also included cranes to lift up the ammunition-magazines but even with that reloading the HaV-38 would take anywhere from 30 to 45 seconds.
Name: Norollé en'Varnad 1924 Arqwyen I Vista H (NoeV.24 Vi. H, Argwyen IH) Classification: Assault Tank (formerly), Self-Propelled Artillery Rollout Date: 1935 Dimensions: length: 7.8m (12.7m w/ barrel), width: 3.2m, height: 2m Armor: 30mm on the front and the sides, 10mm on the top Weight: 9.86 tons Engine: Biodiesel-electric Hybrid (300 horsepower) Suspension: Rumabar Suspension (torsion bar suspension using Mithril) Top Speed: 68 km/h, 30km/h off-road Range: 900 km Main Armament: 175mm L/45 Artillery Gun (0/+65 degree vertical and -3/+3 degree horizontal traverse) Secondary Armament: VP-37 machinegun (that can be moved and quickly fit to 6 potential ports around the tank) Crew: 6
Arqwyen was Yllendthyr's very first tank fielded in combat. It was inspired by the first generation tanks then used by Moravia thus the result was a relatively boxy design, had multiple machinegun ports and carried a field gun for support purposes. It was slow and relatively prone to mechanical failure thus the army never fully grew accustomed to them. After the introduction of the Arqwyen II the previous type of tank practically became obsolete. This sprang the modernization project to retrofit the existing hundreds of Arqwyen I tanks for a new role. Several new designs were made under less than a year but eventually the "variation H (Hadryn)" became the victor. Thus the Norollé en'Varnad 1924 Arqwyen I Vista H was born. It had new engines, improved tracks and suspensions and its main gun became the standard 175mm artillery fitted with a new electrical traverse. The old sluggish tank was reborn into a mobile artillery, giving the highly mobile forces of Yllendthyr the well-needed support. This extended the lifetime of the Arqwyen tanks considerably albeit its replacement as the Empire's new and even more mobile artillery is already in the works.
Ground Vehicles:
Name: Norollé en'Varnad 1928 Rhuiwe (NoeV.28 Rhuiwe) Classification: Armored Car, Scout Vehicle Rollout Date: 1928 Dimensions: length: 4.4m, width: 1.9m, height: 2.0m Armor: 6-15mm Mithril Weight: 825 kg Engine: Biodiesel-electric Hybrid (50 horsepower) Suspension: 4x4 Top Speed: 120 km/h, 50 km/h off-road Range: 900 km on roads, 300 km off-road Armament: DVP-28 16.25mm heavy machinegun Crew: 2 (driver and a gunner)
Cheap and lightweight scout vehicle developed as an alternative to tanks during the interwar period. Seeing the cumbersome nature of tanks Yllendthyr decided to invest in light, fast and (at the time) decently armed vehicles. The result was the Rhuiwe, a four-wheeled armored vehicle equipped with a DVP-28 heavy machinegun. While old and close to outdated with Yllendthyr's cavalry tanks, it still serves a role as scout and patrol vehicle. Its DVP-28 machinegun also has decent power and can even penetrate the side armor of medium tanks.
Name: Norollé en'Varnad 1931 Brogh (NoeV.31 Brogh) Classification: Armored Personnel Carrier Rollout Date: 1931 Dimensions: length: 5.91m, width: 2.33 m, height: 1.75m Armor: 10-15mm Mithril Weight: 2.54 tons Engine: Biodiesel-electric Hybrid (100 horsepower) Suspension: Lyncap Suspension (akin to the Christie Suspension) Top Speed: 150 km/h w/ rubber wheels, 100 km/h on tracks, max off-road speed is 70 km/h Range: 720 km on tracks on level terrain, 440 km cross-country Armament: VP-36 or DVP-38 machineguns Crew: 2 (driver and gunner) Passengers: 11
Designed for the Brascad's competition to choose the army's newest assault carrier vehicle the winner was a surprising design. A tracked vehicle which could compete with its peers on wheels. Rychell Voron's Lyncap Suspension quickly changed Brascad's impression on tracked vehicles. With each wheel having its own suspension the APC could easily traverse difficult terrain and if required the crew could replace the tracks and coat the wheels in rubber in roughly half a hour so they could travel on roads. Overall the Brogh is a versatile vehicle and aside from its intended troop carrier function it's also the workhorse to tow guns, carry mortars or even function as a mobile anti-aircraft battery. The possibilities are great and the Lyncap suspension made the foundation for Yllendthr's next generation of tanks.
Name: Norollé en'Varnad 1934 Arqwyen II Vista C (NoeV.34 Vi. C, Argwyen IIC) Classification: Light Tank, Cavalry Tank Rollout Date: 1935 Dimensions: length: 5.58m, width: 2.1 m, height: 2.35m Armor: 10-32mm Mithril Weight: 5.76 tons Engine: Biodiesel-electric Hybrid (250 horsepower) Suspension: Lyncap Suspension (akin to the Christie Suspension) Top Speed: 150 km/h w/ rubber wheels, 100 km/h on tracks, max off-road speed is 70 km/h Range: 560 km on tracks on level terrain, 400 km cross-country Turret: EGH-11 33mm L/35 chaingun (using variants of the 33x99mm shells, 3x120 ammo, up to 600 RPM) Turret Drive: Electric (assisted by the vehicle's motor) Secondary Armament: None Crew: 2-3 (commander/gunner/loader and driver/radio operator, for better efficiency they need the third crew)
Second domestic production tank type built from the experiences and tests on the Arqwyen I. The predecessor was based on Moravia's first tanks from decades prior, a lumbering fortress-like vehicle designed to break through trenches. The elven nobility was never satisfied with the Arqwyen I and even doubted the utility of tanks in warfare. After over a decade of development and observing the tanks of other nations Yllendthyr created the Arqwyen II, a cavalry tank. It was partially based on their new armored carrier the Noev. 31 Brogh and its revolutionary Lyncap Suspension. The first model was equipped with a pair of water-cooled machineguns from the Arqwyen I but they soon upgraded it to the new 33mm anti-airship cannon. The basic idea was to allow the Arqwyen II to assist air forces in bringing down enemy airships which were often quite resilient in combat. The C variant further improved this by replacing the struggling gas-operated mechanism with an electrically driven chaingun, improving both reliability and firing rate. Although the lack of visibility and usually limited crew effectively hinders the tank in this role and can only be relied on in case of emergencies. The Arqwyen II is a cavalry tank as in it focuses on sheer speed to advance deep within the enemy lines. It's lightly armored and ill-equipped to handle any but the lightest tanks. Although reports indicate that repeated hits from the chaingun can sometimes have unexpected effect on armors of lower material quality.
Name: Norollé en'Varnad 1934 Arqwyen II Vista F "Feredyr" Shortnames: NoeV.34 Vi. F, Arqwyen IIF, Arqwyen II Feredyr Classification: Light Tank, Tank Destroyer Rollout Date: 1936 Dimensions: length: 5.58m, width: 2.1 m, height: 2.35m Armor: 10-50mm Mithril Weight: 6.22 tons Engine: Biodiesel-electric Hybrid (300 horsepower) Suspension: Lyncap Suspension (akin to the Christie Suspension) Top Speed: 150 km/h on wheels, 104 km/h on tracks, max off-road speed is 78 km/h Range: 500 km on level terrain w/ tracks, 400km cross-country Turret: SH-39 99mm L/24 Gun (30 ammo) Turret Drive: Electric (assisted by the vehicle's motor) Secondary Armament: VP-37 Co-Axial 9.65mm machinegun (4x90 ammo) Crew: 3 (commander/loader/radio operator, driver, loader)
As tank on tank battle grew to be an increasing concern, Yllendthyr began to convert some of their Arqwyen IIs into the new F variant, dubbed Feredyr (Hunter). Equipped with a 99mm L/24 Gun (the same as anti-tank artillery) it gave the tank the so-required punch to deal with armor. The tradeback was that without the mighty 33mm chaingun the Feredyr could not engage bunkers and entrenched infantry like its predecessor. To compensate Arqwyen II Cs and Fs are usually traveling in platoons in a 3:2 ratio.
Name: Norollé en'Varnad 1934 Arqwyen II Vista G "Gwarbilin" (NoeV.34 Vi. G, Argwyen IIG Gwarbilin) Classification: Light Tank, Self-Propelled Anti-Air Gun Rollout Date: 1937 Dimensions: length: 5.58m, width: 2.1 m, height: 2.35m Armor: 10-32mm Mithril Weight: 5.25 tons Engine: Biodiesel-electric Hybrid (250 horsepower) Suspension: Lyncap Suspension (akin to the Christie Suspension) Top Speed: 150 km/h on wheels, 93 km/h on tracks, 72 km/h max off-road Range: 600 km on tracks, 410 km cross-country Turret: EGH-12H2 33mm L/45 twin chainguns (using the 33x99mm shells, 6x120 ammo, up to 1800 RPM) Turret Drive: Electric (assisted by the vehicle's motor) Secondary Armament: None Crew: 3 (commander/radio operator, driver and gunner)
Based on the Arqwyen II's hull this vehicle was designed to finally fulfill the original's other intended role. It's an open-topped anti-aircraft gun carrier which sports the then new EGH-12H2 twin chaingun system. Due to having more room and less heating issues both cannons operate at a higher rate of fire upping it to 1800 RPM total. In addition it has fire control systems designed to better engage airborne targets. The Gwarbilin is relatively expensive compared to other mobile light AA conversions but the vehicle offers nearly complete protection for its crew.
Aircraft:
Name: Gryffn (elven spelling), Griffin, Gryphon (foreign variant) Length: 2.7-3.5m Wingspan: 6.7-8.5 m Weight: 380-550 kg Carrying Capacity: 75-110 kg Flight Speed: 71-90 MPH (114-145 km/h) Diving Speed: Up to 190 MPH (306 km/h)
Griffs are unique creatures bridging the gap between birds and mammals. They are majestic animals with characteristics similar to a mixture between lions and eagles but with size comparable to horses.It has the wingspan of 7-8 meters and could travel at speeds above 80 MPH (130 km/h). Compared to that their body is surprisingly light with the average male Griffin weighing around 1000 lbs (~ 450kg). Griffins are traditionally bred and trained by elven nobles from Yllendthyr. This tradition exists for thousands of years. Similarly it's well-known fact that Yllendthyr elves can ride their Griffins into battles. These creatures were used to be fearsome air cavalries. Unfortunatelly advances in technology and weapons made this tactic far less effective. Notably during the 1648 uprising when human rebels used imported muskets to devastate the 1st Imperial Gryffn Cavalry in a single well-coordinated volley. Regardless, griffin riders are still serving the Empire, even if their importance dwindled severely. For various reasons (especially the griffs' limited weight capacity) only elves are able to effectively ride Griffins into battle. Modern Griffin Riders carry rifles, handguns and other infantry weapons to battle. There are also overconfident squadrons which carry Ruxathand-40DV anti-tank grenade launchers to defeat airships, even though they need to get dangerously close in order to use any of these.
Name: YA-007 Gwalch Type: Scout Aircraft Length: 4.81 m Wingspan: 5.11 m Empty Weight: 225 kg Fuel Capacity: 200L +125L via droptank Standard Weight: ~ 450 kg (factoring in the pilot and other equipment, too) Max Takeoff Weight: 800 kg Powerplant: Turbojet Engine (3 kN) Cruising Speed: 405 MPH (650 km/h) Top Speed: ~ 600 MPH (966 km/h) Max Operational Range: 900km, 1500km w/ external fuel tank Armament: None Armament Options: - VP-39 Machinegun (900RPM, 90 rounds) - 50kg Bomb - SD-03AA 66mm Rockets x 4 (placed along the wings, carrying a 0.7kg TNT fragmentation warhead)
The tiniest aircraft in service of Yllendthyr's army. It's small, easy to make and extremely light which makes it ideal for scouting purposes. It has little to no avoionics aside from a radio, built on the assumption to be piloted by an elves whose natural senses can compensate. As a scouting plane it also has no weapons installed and even if it does the lack of gunsight makes these armaments unreliable. Still, as an airplane scout the Gwalch is invaluable in Yllendthyr's army.
Name: YA-109-T2 Tavr Ymesyd (the latest variant) Type: Interceptor Aircraft Length: 6.11 m Wingspan: 9.77 m Empty Weight: 575 kg Fuel Capacity: 300l+2x200l via droptanks Standard Weight: ~ 1060 kg (factoring in the pilot and other equipment, too) Max Takeoff Weight: 1550 kg Powerplant: Geared Axial Turbojet Engine (adjustable thrust, 6kN maximum, up to 12kN with afterburners) Cruising Speed: 404 MPH (650 km/h) Combat Speed: 575 MPH (925 km/h) Max Operational Range: 500 km (at cruising speed, 375km at max speed) Primary Armament: VH-133A anti-airship cannon (33x99mm, 60 rounds, maximum 600 RPM) Secondary Armament: VP-37-A machinegun x2 (9.65x49mm, 360 rounds, 2400 RPM) Hardpoint Options: - 50kg Bombs x 8 (4 per wing) - 200L External Fuel Tanks x 2 (using both effectively doubles the aircraft's range) - AD-03AA 66mm Rockets x 10 (placed along the wings, carrying a 0.7kg TNT fragmentation warhead) - AD-03AT 255mm Anti-Tank Rocket x 4 (likewise placed along the wings, has a 5.5kg hollow TNT charge warhead) - 720mm Aerial Torpedo x 1 - any combination of the above
One of the iconic fighters of Yllendthyr, this aircraft is quick and deceivingly powerful. Built on a lightweight yet enduring mithril frame and an engine which runs along its entire length, the tiny fighter has surprising load capacity which later variations are now putting into good use with various wing hardpoints. In comparison the Tavr's cockpit is only has a compass, gunsight and a container for maps. The Tavr is small and was designed for elves thus it puts more emphasis on the pilot's natural senses than anything else. Another tradeoff for the Tavr is its short range which makes it often rely on air motherships and that its overpowered engine requires an overhaul after every 50 hours of flight. Due to its top specs and demanding attributes the Tavr is especially popular with nobles. Tavr, alternatively spelled Tavor, is an elvish word for woodpecker.
Name: YA-220C2 Thorynn (the latest variant) Type: Fighter/Bomber Crew: 2 Length: 11.4 m Wingspan: 13.2 m Empty Weight: 1120 kg Fuel Capacity: 2000 Liters Standard Weight: 2700 kg (factoring in the pilot and other equipment, too) Max Takeoff Weight: 6000 kg Powerplant: Geared Axial Turbojet Engine x 2(adjustable thrust, 6kN maximum each, up to 12kN with afterburners) Top Speed: 530 MPH (850 km/h) Max Operational Range: 1250 km Primary Armament: VH-133A anti-airship cannon x3 (33x99mm, 300 rounds, maximum 600 RPM each) Secondary Armament: DVP-38 16.25mm machineguns x 2 (360 rounds, 2x600 RPM) Hardpoint Options: - 50kg bombs x 20 - 200kg armor-piercing bombs x 4 (2 per wing) - Cluster bombs x 2 (one per wing) - AD-03AA 66mm Rockets x 24 (placed along the wings, carrying a 0.7kg TNT fragmentation warhead) - AD-03AT 255mm Anti-Tank Rocket x 8 (likewise placed along the wings, has a 5.5kg hollow TNT charge warhead) - 720mm Aerial Torpedo x 3 (two wings and the fuselage) - 66mm gunpods x 2 (120RPM,12 round magazines, 6 spare magazines) - any combination of the above
Discounting airships the Thorynn is one of the largest aircraft used by Yllendthyr's military. Its main role is ground attack and to intercept airships for which it could employ a quite diverse range of arsenals. on the other hand the Thorynn is notably less mobile than the small Tavr fighters and engaging in dogfights is inadvisable with this craft.
Variant which sacrifices its speed and mobility as well most of its loadout options for a single 99mm autocannon firing at 60 rounds per minute. The weapon has nine 5-round magazines which can be loaded and unloaded by a small elevator mechanism. The cannon is aimed by the second crew member and it's known to be extremely effective on both airships and tanks. T3 is a new type of aircraft which just recently began produced. It's 50% more expensive than an average Thorynn which is another reason why they're such a rarity on the battlefield.
Rocket-propelled bomb guided by radio to reach a set coordinate from sufficient standoff distance. This is the third generation of flying bombs which cut back on the costs massively. In spite of that its cost is still considerably higher than a regular iron bomb thus ships only carry a full load of these when absolutely necessary. Another issue is that currently this design is simply not feasible or economical to adopt for smaller explosives which means in times of strategic bombardment they need to be picky with their targets. On the other hand that's exactly what the Brascad's airforce was aiming for as they believe in a cleaner, more civilized war. Ad-38 is a relatively small vehicle which combined with its speed makes the rocket difficult to intercept. On the other hand the rocket requires the distance of roughly 4 kilometers to reach maximum velocity so either there or preferably at the moment of launch these missiles could be easil intercepted. Another possible method is radio jamming which would hinder the rocket's guidance and perhaps even render it useless.
Name: Dagracairwilth-class Type: Military Airship, Transport, Aircraft Carrier, Bomber Length: 88.6 m Construction Material: Mithril Filling Gas: 44,000 cubic meters of Kavuria at 1 atm Armor Thickness: 30mm Mithril Standard Weight: 110 tons Engines: Central Ducted Turboshaft, Biodiesel-Electric Engine Cars+Propellers x 4 Top Speed: 150 MPH (240 km/h) when unloaded and above 5000m altitude Cruising Speed: 100 MPH (161 km/h) at above 5000m Carrying Capacity: 200 tons Aircraft Cranes: 24 Armament: VH-133 33mm chainguns x 6 (in armored turret cupolas, max 600 RPM) Typical Loadout: - 16 YA-109-T2 Tavr Ymesd Fighters - 8 YA-163-F Emelin Fighter/Bomber - 36 AD-38 Flying Bomb (640 MPH, 850 kg warhead, effective range is 200 km)
Military modification of the Cairwilth-class commercial airships, these are the the main type of airship for Yllendthyr. It served the Empire for decades and this is its latest retrofit. It's up-armed, up-armored and up-engined with most of its transport capability was changed to military uses like carrying aircrafts and bombs. Its latest weapon the AD-38 flying bomb is effectively a mini plane/rocket which is closer to an automated aircraft than something dropped from the cargo hold. Using the fighters as reconnaissance it tells the target's coordinates via radio designation to attack from safe distance which puts the expensive airship at far less risk.
Name: Lindrhyn-class (Sky Serpent) Type: Armored Airship, Air Escort and Destroyer Length: 127.5m Armor: 76-144mm spaced mithril armor Weight: 448 tons at standard load Filling: 32,000 cubic meters of Kavuria at 1 atm Powerplant: Turboshaft Engine, 6 auxiliary cars Top Speed: 300 MPH (483 km/h) Cruise Speed: 100-180 MPH (161-290 km/h) Armament: - GDC-39 133mm L/96 Quick-Firing Turrets x 5 (w/ autoloader, 30RPM) - VH-133Tu 33mm dual AA chainguns x 10 - DVP-38L Quad 16.25mm AA Gun x 4 Hangar: Up to 8 single-engine planes or 20 flying bombs
The Lindrhyn class is one of the newest type of airships designed with the capabilities of Kavuria in mind. Its shape was inspired by the airships from Avalia which almost resemble naval vessels. In addition the engineers developed a gigantic propeller engine giving the ship almost aircraft-like mobility. Unlike other airships the Lindrhyn is designed almost solely for air combat and its role is to protect other airships. As such its cargo, bombing or aircraft launching capacities are only minimal. On the other hand its armor can withstand all but the heaviest anti-aircraft fire and its fearsome six 133mm cannons can lay waste to almost anything in range.
Name: Ylweran-class (Emperor of the Skies) Type: Supreme Airship, Airborne Super Carrier/Battleship Length: 542.6 m Construction Material: Mithril Armor: 76-160mm Filling Gas: 4,000,000 cubic meters of Kavuria at 1 atm Standard Weight: 90,000 metric tons Engines: Large Scale Ducted Turbopropellers x 4, Biodiesel-Electric Engine Cars+Propellers x 32 Cruising Speed: 100 MPH (161 km/h) Carrying Capacity: 20,000 metric tons Aircraft Cranes: 368 (can carry even more bombs and planes within its internal hangar) Armament: - Belly-Mounted Quad-Barreled 288mm L/60 Gun Turrets x5 - Twin-barreled 133mm L/96 QF Gun Turrets x 6 - 133mm L/96 QF Gun Turrets x 12 - VH-133 33mm Chainguns x 48 - DVP-38L heavy quad machineguns x 80 (320 guns)
One of Yllendthyr's proudest creations the Ylweran is a gigantic class of military airships, effectively filling up the role of the battleship and mainline mothership within the empire. It's by far the largest vessel made in Yllendthyr and often used as the symbol of their greatness. They cost awesome amount of money, materials, Kavuria and manpower as such these colossal airships are only availible in limited quantities. Ylweran means "ruler of skies" and the shipdoes live up to this name. A single fully equipped airship of this class can perhaps fight a small war on its own. On the other hand they are rare, expensive and costly to maintain. Furthermore losing even a single ship of this class could be a major strike to Yllendthyr's morale.
Naval Force:
Name: VL-38 Vëandur III Type: Fast Gunboat, Speedboat, Patrol Torpedo Boat Length: 21.5 meters Beam: 4.75 meters Draft: 0.45 meters Crew: 14 Displacement: 8.5 tons (standard load) Engine: Biodiesel-electric hybrid x 2 (2x2000hp) Top Speed: 100 knots (185 km/h) Range: 1000 km Armament: - 720mm Tropedoes x 2 - VH-133 33mm Chaingun (600RPM) - DVP-38L Quad 16.25mm AA Gun (4x600RPM)
Third generation design of Yllendthyr's successful line of military speedboats. Vëandur are a class of fast gunships designed to counter destroyers and frigates attempting to flank the fleet or at times perform flanking maneuvers themselves. Their armament also doubles as light AA defense. They are small, cheap (by navy standards) and nimble enough to outmaneuver any other ship. On the other hand their armaments are limited and their armor is only good enough to stop rifles and shrapnel from injuring the crew. Vëandur III is the latest design made in 1938 and designed to look like a scaled up armed racing boat. Its trademark twin-engined catamaran hull pumpjet design was further refined to give it yet unparalleled speed on waters. Due to their low cost, little crew and high speed they are also preferred by the Drefgiad as coastal defense (albeit most of them still use the earlier models). Vëandur is an elfish word meaning "vigorous servant" but several hundred years before "vëa" meant the sea and the full word previously translated as "sea-servant".
Name: Halatir-class Type: Escort, Anti-Submarine/Multirole Small Vessel, Destroyer Length: 77.5 m Beam: 7.7 m Draft: 1.6 m (w/ standard load) Armor: 80mm Mithril on the hull, 25mm on the deck Displacement: 722 tons (w/ standard load) Speed: 60 knots Crew: 203 people Armament: - DC-32Ta 133mm L/55 Twin-barreled Gun Turrets x 2 - VH-133 33mm Chainguns x 4 (600RPM) - DVP-38L Quad 16.25mm AA Battery x 4 (4x600RPM firing rate per battery) - LDVP-33 16.25mm underwater machinegun x 3 (fitted in submerged ball turrets, 500 RPM, effective range is 120m) - 4-tube 720mm torpedo launcher x 2 (port & starboard sides, 12km range, 24 torpedoes) - Anti-Sub Mortars x 8 Compartment: - YA-007 Gwalch Jet Scouts x 2-3 - GH-2C5 Gybryed Patrol Subs x 0-4
Halatir-class is a lightweight destroyer design, popular in the seas owned by Yllendthyr. Dubbed "pocket warship" the Halatir is surprisingly well-armed and well-armored for its size and combined with their speed it gives them unusual level of survivability even if they still have no chance against proper warships in direct combat. The Halatir was designed to fulfill multiple roles, anti-air defense, anti-submarine warfare and to protect against torpedoes and small raiding vessels. They're the most numerous ships in the fleet and thus form the backbone of Yllendthyr's naval force. Halatir is an elven word meaning "fish-watcher" implying the ship's original anti-submarine role.
Name: Earráme-class (Sea Wing) Type: Fast Cruiser, Escort Semi-Carrier Length: 136.3 m Beam: 22.4 m Draft: 2.0 m (w/ standard load) Armor: 50-100mm Mithril on the hull, 70mm on the deck Displacement: ~ 1900 tons (w/ standard load) Speed: 60 knots Crew: 480 people Armament: - DC-29Ta 196mm L/60 Twin-barreled Gun Turrets x 2 - VH-133 33mm Chainguns x 4 (600RPM) - DVP-38L Quad 16.25mm AA Battery x 8 (4x600RPM firing rate per battery) - LDVP-33 16.25mm underwater machinegun x 4 (fitted in submerged ball turrets, 500 RPM, effective range is 120m) - Anti-Sub Mortars x 10 Compartment: - Single-engine Fighters x 8 (either YA-007 Gwalch Jet Scouts or YA-109 Tavr Fighters) - GH-2C5 Gybryed Patrol Subs x 0-4
Light cruisers are the workhorse of Yllenthyr's military which includes the relatively new Earráme-class. These ships are only moderately protected and their main job is to patrol and escort the seas. Fast Cruisers like the Earráme-class is distinct for being designed with "destroyer-like" agility and consistently high cruise speed. For this purpose like most of its type the Earráme-class has catamaran design which while ore vulnerable is a necessary tradeoff for its performance. In addition like an increasing number of cruisers it mounts twin 196mm turrets, used to be standard for older generation warships. In spite of that the new tandem-charge shells can penetrate most warship armor (albeit their reduced explosive content weakens their punch).
Name: Azrubêl (Friend of the Sea) Type: Mainline Warship, Superheavy Cruiser Length: 210 m Beam: 25.0 m Draft: 4.0 m Armor: 280mm belt, 160mm deck Displacement: ~ 7600 tons Speed: ~ 50 knots Crew: 1600 Armament: - DC-34ca 288mm L/60 Quad-Barrel Gun Turrets x 4 (16 barrels total) - DC-32ta 133mm L/70 Twin-Barreled General Purpose Gun Turrets x 10 (20 barrels total) - DVP-38L Quad 16.25mm AA Battery x 18 (4x600RPM firing rate per battery, 72 guns total) - LDVP-33 16.25mm underwater machineguns x 10 (fitted in submerged ball turrets, 500 RPM, effective range is 120m) - Anti-Sub Mortars x 20 (mounted at the front) - 720mm torpedo Tubes x 14 (7-7 on each side) Compartment: - Single-engine Fighters x 8 (either YA-007 Gwalch Jet Scouts or YA-109 Tavr Fighters) - GH-2C5 Gybryed Patrol Subs x 0-10
Representative class of Yllendthyr's latest mainline warships the Azrubel is a fast and well-protected vessel with firepower sufficient to challenge even battleships. While most nations met with failure Yllendthyr succeeded at producing true battlecruisers. The Azrubel-class in particular was built like a battleship with the impressive battery of 16 main guns combined with a forest of secondary batteries and anti-aircraft installments.
Name: Karphanto-class Carrier (meaning: crafty turtle) Type: Fleet Carrier Length: 244.4 m Width: 44.4 m Draft: 4.1 m (w/ standard load) Armor: 100mm Mithril for the belt and decks, overall 440mm on the twin underwater hulls Displacement: ~ 14200 tons (w/ standard load) Speed: 50 knots Crew: 2700 people Armament: - DC-32 133mm L/60 General Purpose Gun x 3 - VH-133 33mm Chainguns x 8 (600RPM) - DVP-38L Quad 16.25mm AA Battery x 12 (4x600RPM firing rate per battery) - LDVP-33 16.25mm underwater machinegun x 8 (fitted in submerged ball turrets, 500 RPM, effective range is 120m) - Anti-Sub Mortars x 8 Compartment: - GH-2C5 Gybryed Patrol Subs x 0-10 - 80-160 aircraft (depending on which variants it's carrying, usual loadout is 100 fighters)
The mainline aircraft carrier of Yllendthyr the Karphanto has catamaran design in order to keep up with the rest of the fleet and has limited armaments mostly used to ward off enemy aircraft, airship and submarine threats. Its belt armor is insufficient to resist even cruiser-grade firepower but it can reduce damage sufficiently to take some battering. in comparison the ship is borderline invulnerable to torpedo strikes thanks to its underwater portion being disproportionally reinforced (thus also act as a ballast). This is a must since its catamaran hull would be otherwise the favored target for every warship. Overall the designers manage the impossible and created a large aircraft carrier with sufficient speed to more than keep up with the rest of the fleet. Hence its name Karphanto (crafty whale) signifying its misleadingly balanced design.
Name: Forgwynn-class (meaning dogfish), GH-200A Type: Light Submarine, Submarine Hunter Length: 42.7m Width: 4.8m Height: 4.8 m (8.2m with the sail) Crew: 33 Armor: 15mm/35mm double hull Weight: 176.5 tons at standard load Cargo Capacity: max 25,400 kg above the standard Engine: Biodiesel generator, electric motor operated screw (max 3200 horsepower) Top Speed: 50 knots Cruise Speed: 28 knots Armament: - 288mm torpedo tubes x 8 (mounted at the front, max 64 torpedoes, range is 9km) - VH-133 33mm Chaingun x 2 (ventral and dorsal ball turrets, max 600RPM)
Small, almost tiny submarine developed on the the Brascad's verdict that submarines are not adequate weapons for typical naval warfare. They're slow, costly and weak compared to their surface-floating peers. Still they had numerous practical uses in other areas as well as the fact their rivals use submarines at war, still. Thus the Shinya-Gaearhurin Project began to develop new classes of submarines specialized for different roles. One product is the Forgwynn-class, a compact and relatively cheap design made for raids and anti-submarine warfare. They are small compared to previous submarines and relatively fast, able to keep up with most ships of Yllendthyr for a sprint (and thus out-speed most if not all contemporary submarines), has relatively decent protection and its light torpedoes are just good enough to hit enemy submarines or other lightly or completely unarmored craft. Their small size allow the submarine to carry massive amount of torpedoes and there are enough space to shoot as many as eight of them at once in a volley. Its 33mm chainguns are turret-mounted and can be loaded with underwater use shells with the effective range of 200m or above depending on the target size. Overall the Forgwynn-class is a decent design and forms the backbone of the underwater forces. As said before their loadout is useless on any but the weakest warships but their design was explicitly to not fight any of these vessels. Forgwynn means "dogfish" in Elfish, a small type of shark which can live in the great depths of the ocean.
Name: GH-2C5 "Gybryed" (undersea bug) Type: Midget Subarine, Patrol/Scout Submarine Crew: 1 Standard Weight: 1120 kg Top Speed: 25 knots Range: 200 km Armament: LDVP-33 16.25mm underwater machinegun (500 RPM, effective range is 120m)
A ball turret cockpit with an engine and oxygen tanks, that's what the Gybyrfed really looks like. Designed as underwater scout and escort against frogmen, torpedoes and other light targets the Gyrbryed is tiny and only minimally armed. Its LVP-29 underwater machinegun fires flechette-like 16.25mm supercavitating bullets up to the accurate range of 120 meters (with there being some leeway against larger targets), It has searchlights, a simple sonar and longwave radio but more or less poor speed (by elvish standards), next to no protection and limited armament. Gybyrfed are usually carried at the belly of warships as parasite vessels prior to deployment.
At last I am more or less finished with my unit list. Phew, it did take a while. There are still blanks in my profile but the very least I have one less thing to fill.
@WernherOh great timing! BTW, did I write this right? I mean in relation to your nation or which ruler is technically a quarter-elf and Yllenthyrean noble?
Alright, may as well try my own hand in this:
- Galhonore Commonwealth: In personal union with the second largest elven country since the last few centuries, Galhonore is almost like a mirror image of Yllendthyr. Cooperations run deep between the two nations and sharing their industrial discoveries had mutual benefits. That being said Galhonore is still technically a different country with its own laws, political structure and even an army called the Thandli. If anything Galhonore should be considered a very close ally rather than part of Yllendthr.
- Kingdom of Setra: The fairy lands and former colony of Yllendthyr. Setra is closely aligned with Yllendthyr and almost economically dependent on it. The have a rare presence in Yllenthyr's parliament and all fairies are considered Setran citizens regardless of their home.
- Kingdom of Veluca: While technically llendthyr has no claim over Veluca or any other countries of Vinculi, for some time now their ruling dynasty has elven blood in them. This makes the Velucan King is also known as Hir Blanchi en'Veluca a noble of Yllendthyr. As such the Velucan Kingdom has subtle relations with Yllendthyr and the king must pay taxes like any noble would. On the other hand the elven roots of the roalty are kept as a tightly guarded secret.
Atheist: -- Disrespect to Traditions --- Xenophobia -- Protective of Their Culture: ++ Free Political Environment ++ Diplomatically Active ++ Technological Cooperation ++ Trade Relations ++ Possible Shared Ancestry ++++ (as fellow bird descendant humanoids) Proxy War -- (may be polarized to take PRK's side in a future war) Relations with PRK --
Overall: Strained Partnership (+3) Yllendthyr values its partnership with Avalia but as of late there are several sources which may strain this relationship in the future. Yllendthyr wishes to keep Avalia safe from either the sway of the PRK's communism or Moravia's fascist views. In the public eye Avalians are sometimes viewed as their distant brethen which for the haughty elves means a lot.
Historical Relations ++ Monarchic ++ Conservative +++ Diplomatic Activity + Trade Partners +++ Technological Exchange ++ (mechanical expertise in return for Ceresia's underwater/sea knowledge) Strategic Importance ++++ (they are far better as allies than turning the entire Ceresian Sea on themselves) Conflicting Religious Views -- Proxy War -- (may be polarized to take Moravia's side in a future war) Naval Rivalry - Racial Differences --- (both race considers the other inferior even if these are less prohibitive in politics nowadays) Too Many Mysteries: ---- (nobody saw the deeper realms of Ceresia)
Overall: Potential Ally (+5) Yllendthyr plants friendly relations with Ceresia ever since their restoration into an empire. hundreds of years ago the Yllenthyrean Emperor even visited Aepesopolis during the old Ceresian Empire's rule. Albeit Ceresians may only treat this as a myth while for Yllendthyr it only took place two generations ago.
Politically Compatible +++ (both the democratic or authocratic portions in their own ways) Draconic Relations ++ (elves respect dragons for their age and majesty, also for being in the same cult of alchemy) Technological/Industrial Cooperation ++++ (Laslö makes a considerable portion of Yllendthyr's goods, for example) Trade relations +++ Distrust to both PRK and Moravia ++ (thus they are unlikely to join with either in war) Elven relations + (as explained for Veluca) Tolerance of Tourists + (and elves love to travel) Historical Enemies -- (in the past Vinculi nations raided/invaded Yllendthyr and in reverse) Chaotic Internal Politics --- (this is an understatement) Trade Rivals -
Overall: Tightly Knit Partnership (+10) In spite of past grievances Yllendthyr and Vinculi are now allies in all but the name. They didn't sign any military pact but their economical and industrial connections are massive.
Fascist -- (while fascist ideas are slightly closer to Yllendthyr's politics, its existence threatens all monarchies) Notoriety of Cruel Treatment --- (the yet unconfirmed stories of political executions and labor camps can hurt anyone's image who aligns with them) Racism - (slight issue because elves aren't among Moravia's "acceptable targets") Military Expansionist - (Yllendthr is not worried about Moravia invading them, they fear their trade income) Proxy War -- (aligning with Moravia has the risk of getting swept into war) Opposed to Avalia: -- Strategic Importance ++ (Moravia is the most powerful nation known, having it as an enemy may be unwise) Autocratic ++ (Moravia has an efficient government) Conservative ++ Technological/Industrial Powerhouse ++ (the benefits of establishing relations with Moravia are there) Religious + technical Religious Freedom +
Overall: Distant (-1) Yllendthyr kept their distance from Moravia for long and overall they have mixed feelings about aligning with them. On the other hand they certainly don't mind straight business-like partnership, even if it's temporary.
Communist --- (putting power in the hands of the unrefined proletariat is more dangerous than fascism) Anti-Imperialist -- Anti-Traditionalist --- Proxy War -- (aligning with them may also bring yllendthyr into a bigger war in the future) Strained Relations with Vinculi -- Allied with Avalia ++ Diplomatic + Market Socialist ++ Strategic Importance + Technological Importance ++ Historical Relations + (Yllendthyr knows the royal family and thus they still have some relations with Velikaya)
Overall: Cooling Off (-3) Ever since 10 years ago the relationship with Katabalynsk are becoming colder. Their anti-aristocratic, anti-imperialist views are a source of threat albeit not all hope is lost to restore these strained relations. in case of a major war PRK could be even an ally of necessity.
I'll detail the others once I get more time and perhaps I know more about the other nations and their stance regarding Yllendthyr.
Another thing, anyone wishes to be a co-GM? I need people to control the NPC factions. Aside from perhaps telling me prior you are free to come up with any faction you want. Whatever you feel it would fit. Alternatively you can use the locals and I can translate you sufficient info on them. Either way our duty would be two-fold. 1.) Control NPCs and interactions with them 2.) Decide on and write down the results of a player's actions (ie: how the battle is going, what kind of intelligence his spies recovered, etc)
I optimally can only take in 4 players. Maybe 8 if I really wish to strain my capacity. And there are potentially more than 8 people for sure.
Good news is that the game managed to garner a nice number of players and after fixing up a few things and wait for other profiles I'll be able to start the game.
That said, I have not posted it yet as I am waiting on Wernher to complete (or have accepted) his nationsheet, as my POV character is from his nation and I can't write about a character from a nation that doesn't officially exist yet.
Also, I will be going over the sheet to check it for mistakes and make sure it 'flows' better (As I didn't really like the start of it that much).
There are accepted profiles in this game that haven't been put in the characters sections yet. Don't worry, it's fine. Vinculi is pretty much part of the game now.
At times like this, I'm not sure if the Elves are unstably dangerous, insane geniuses, stuipidly jackass'd or high as fuck. I'm going to say High as Fuck. Elf 1: Duuuuddddeeee.... Imagine a giant jet engine, but UNDERWATER Elf 2: Yeeaahhhh.... it'd go Vroom vroom under da sea Elf 1: Awwww shhiiiittt, dis gonna b gud Elf 2: Ikr? Gimme sum mo dat weed, we gonna need to be stoned higher than elf jesus to get dis to work Elf 3: Umm... guys... this will not work. Elf 1&2: BITCH, Y'ALL JUST NEED MO WEED, DIS WILL WORK, DIS GONNA B GUD. HIGH COMMAND GONNA GIVE US ALL THE PREMISSIONS
You got it right. My basic idea is that when Ymheodr heard about this design he thought it's so crazy it might just work. Thus he allowed to dub this vessel Emperor-class in his glory and to show the superiority of elven engineering. ... I'll just roll a dice and decide if it'll blow up during the test run or not.
I have a very-VERY stupid and crazily expensive idea:
A battleship with submarine-like streamlined design, underwater cannons (against submarines of course ) and a FREAKIN' WATER-BOILING JET ENGINE! Yup, somebody had the SHINING IDEA to build jets on water. Not waterjets. Those are completely sane. It's a giant boiler which uses the steam for propulsion through the waters like a classic jet does! The engine needs 10 minutes of preparation but when ready by my minimalistic estimates it can accelerate the 20,000 ton warship at 1.5G and the top speed of 100 knots! This is the only warship in the world which requires seatbelts! FOR THE EMPEROR'S GLORY!
EDIT: Of course it has yet to be built but when it's done it'd possess the single most massive jet engine know with roughly 15 meters exhaust diameter. ...Given if it won't blow up during the test run.
We have a lot of nations that seem despotic at first but are actually constitutional monarchies/parliamentary countries.
Between Avalia, Ventium, the PRK, and Moravia (a one-party Fascist democracy, but democracy nontheless ) we seem to have a good mix.
Aside from having massive as fuck aristocracy and overall conservative views Yllendthyr is also pretty democratic. Well, it also depends on the state. Some of them are kingdoms/oligarchies in anything but the name while others are basically model republics. Yllendthyr's mainland is a federation and it shows.
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salamimike
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