Total War: Apocalypse (IC)

[Mashimoto]

Evelyn was trapped between two seemingly conflicting thoughts as she walked in the slush-filled shadows of skyscrapers down 42nd street. First, she was amazed how massive her world was. How wide it's horizons seemed to sweep and how little of it she had seen. Also, she was struck by how miniscule it was. Her world, after all, was only the three-dimensional shadow of ten-dimensional speck in a universe that might very well be only one of trillions upon trillions. The thoughts buzzed in her head, but she abandoned them as she stepped off the sidewalk and locked eyes with an attractive thirtysomething man shoveling away the slush outside of his coffee shop. She smiled, and he smiled back, and then they both vanished in sudden a flash of gold.

Things were getting weird.


Welcome to Total War: Apocalypse
Part One: Rapture
October 2012 - December 2012

News

United States of America

United States troops return from Afghanistan, Libya, and Pakistan.

Barack Obama loses the election by a landslide. In a bizarre twist, the incoming president belongs to a minority party conspiracy theorists have begun calling "The Sword."


Peoples Republic of China

The People's Liberation Army is amassing troops along it's coastline, threatening Taiwan.

China has signed a long term energy contract with the Russian Federation, further tightening the energy belt of Western Europe and the United States.

China has begun a crackdown on the group of hackers belonging to the so-called "Underground," promising harsh penalties to anyone found to be a member. So far, no known arrests have been made.


Israel

Mossad, Israel's central intelligence authority has issued a semi-public official document to it's allies: The Sword, The European Union, Commonwealth of Nations, and China. The untitled document is a scientific analysis of anomalies (see below) listing quantum fields and tachyon waves as among their possible sources. Israel warns to take preemptive measures and, as always, put security first.


The Underground (private)

Obtaining a copy of the Israeli report, you realize much of it's information matches the bizarre theories accrued over the last few months by members of your group. If anything, the Israeli report lacks some of the most widely accepted theories within your group, including numerous theories that allegedly trace anomaly activity to the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland.


Atlantic

A massive earthquake at the bottom of the Atlantic ocean, beneath a rift (see below), triggers tsunami warnings along the Atlantic coasts of Europe, North America, and Africa. thankfully, the earthquake was relatively far away and the wave strength was only moderate upon reaching landfall.


Anomalies

Rapture
Over these two months, approximately 10,000 people have vanished from the surface of the Earth, from all nationalities, religions, and statuses. Strangely, no major religious or political leaders have vanished. Rapture according to revelation, spontaneous human combustion, whatever you call it--it's unprecedented. Evelyn Carter, a 28-year-old nurse from New York City first seized the worlds attention, as her combustion was caught on high-resolution camera. In the background, another man vanishes. For approximately 2 frames of the footage, the gold shroud that surrounds the pair resembles sets of wings and halos.

Rifts
Across the world over a period of about 100 hours, distinct portions of the sky shifted to a bizarre red that included strange doughnut-shaped cloud formations and high winds. Eight of these have been noted so far in the following locations:

two over the south Pacific Ocean
one over the Atlantic Ocean
one over Kansas City, Missouri
one very close to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
one over the western Australian desert
one in the Siberian tundra
one over the Himalayan mountains

Land Formation
After the earthquake and Atlantic tsunamis, a large island rises from the sea. It's ascent is not photographed or recorded by satillite, because its presence was blocked by a rift, which seals as soon as the island is secure.

Map
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/1971/mapwithrifts.jpg

Diplomacy

Taiwan to The Sword, Commonwealth of Nations and The European Union
Chinese forces threaten our sovereign lands, we request a strong military presence to discourage Chinese invasion.

Peoples Republic of China to The Sword, Commonwealth of Nations, and The European Union
The Taiwanese have illegally been occupying PRC land for decades. If we were to move against them, it would be a perfectly legal move. We do not want to act violently against any nation, but, if pressed, we would be forced to.

Factions

Human
Commonwealth of Nations - Imperial Psycho
UK, British Island territories, Gibraltar, Canada (sans Quebec), South Africa, India, Various islands in Micronesia, Melanesia & Polynesia, British Antarctic Territory, Cyprus.

Limpeza Chama "Cleansing Flame" - ArcaneStomper
Brazil, Paraguay, Uraguay, Argentina, Venezuela

The Underground - Murska
Territory in central-northern United States, global NGO

African Coalition - razovor
Central, western, and southern Africa

Solaris Alliance
North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula

Camaradas de Armas - Forum Explorer
Central and Latin America

Empire of the Rising Sun
Japan, Korean Peninsula

The Imperium of Europe (currently European Union) - Turalisj
Continental Europe

Peoples Republic of China - nanobot_swarm
China

Anomaly
Grand Hunt - IcemanJRC
Northern Siberia

Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti - Exthalion
Atlantis

The Renegades - distant_quasar
Himalayan Mountains

Gaia - NPC
South America

The Legion - NPC
South America, Central America

Naga - NPC
Atlantic Ocean

Fourth Reich - NPC
Europe

Union of Soviet Socialist Lycanthropes - NPC
Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia

Followers of Anubis - NPC
Egypt and Sudan

Followers of Set - NPC
Egypt

Z-Virus - Thelonius
Global

Locusts - NPC
Southeast Asia

[Turalisj]

At the EU building in Warsaw, Poland, Chancellor Mengsk calls for a conference, "My fellow Europeans, a new time is upon us. Entities that we do not understand, and might never understand. But by staying united and focusing our efforts towards countering these beings, we can have hope that we will stay strong. In this time of darkness, the nations of Europe can stand as a united front and as a shining beacon to others."

Somewhere in the Atlantic....

A dozen small to medium sized ships make their way towards the new island.
"This is Task Force Alpha. We are approaching target vector codename Avalon. ETA is half an hour. All military personal are advised to prepare for possible offensives entering our perimeter."

Actions

- Military and + Research are headed to 'Avalon', the new island in the Atlantic.
++++ Research and ++ Economy are dedicated towards Project: Phantom (the use of cybernetics to enhance the psychic potential in human canidates and control them)
++ Research and + Economy to researching more efficient cybernetics.
+++ Espionage to act as counter-intelligence

[IcemanJRC]

Across the world over a period of about 100 hours, distinct portions of the sky shifted to a bizarre red that included strange doughnut-shaped cloud formations and high winds. Two over the south Pacific Ocean. These "rifts", as they have been called, have become incredibly volatile. Throwing of any and all types of environmental measurements. Quickly the situation escalated, hundreds of small lights began to rain down, bursting in the sky above the islands of Hawaii, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, and the rest of the South Pacific. From these aerial microrifts came a hellish eruption of freakish avian beasts. They spread their gigantic wings, wider than any bird on Earth, at the scale of a pterodactyl, and swooped down. They swept across the islands, wrecking trees and buildings, plucking people and animals from were they stood and crushing them in their massive talons. The repto-avian creatures shriek with a penetrating, grating, echoing, sound that calls more beads of light to fall from the sky. These land on the ground and burst into more micro rifts. From these rush large animals, viscous mammalian demons that rip through jungles, and slash cars in half. They roar as they conquer the people of Indonesia and the Philippines and rip them limb from limb. They devour their prey and then move on to the next, hunting aggressively. Behind them follow a swarm of humanoid insects, ripping and dismantling anything they come across. They swarmed buildings and cars, ripping them apart and then began to move onto the people and animals. The three beasts work in a vicious concert, devastating the site in which they landed.

The Grand Hunt is under way.

[Exthalion]

Behold the land abundant and fair, behold the place of promise. Long did men dream of things afar and to those dreams they gave power. By rationed discourse and heartfelt yearning they expended energy and effort. Now their exertion has borne fruit. Behold the fantasy made real; the myth become truth. Behold Atlantis; island of power.

In a single day and night of glory the isle of Atlantis was born from the depths of the sea. In a single day and night of wonder were born the golden race of men and their children of silver. In a single day of night of majesty they made of their island a place for their inhabitation. Amid the vast oceans they established firm ground and built their palaces and monuments.

In a single day and night a place became a nation.

In the midst of the frenzy of their labors others came to their island. Fragren, the darkening night, whose form was like a great wolf. His body was massive, and elephantine would be the prey of his kind had the world furnished such. He was king and master of a mighty pack, all made in lessor imitation of his shape. Six legged, and each paw adorned with claws of black iron. Their fur was harder than steel and there was strength in them so abundant that they could not disguise it. Their eyes were like red suns and their maws and gullets were full of fire.

Such as these Fragren brought to the Isle, into the light of the holy mountain of Dharma. From her work Terpsichore, of the Silver race born of Golden Apollo, came to them. She was dressed in splendid finery and in her hand was a large sword. At her coming the ground sang its joy to be trodden by such as she.

She walked boldly, without fear of death or pain, before Fragren and said to him, “Who are you who comes to our island and for what purpose?”

Fragren was cunning like no other of the great black wolves. He saw far off the mighty workings of the golden and silver race; his keen ears hear the echoes of the songs of power. In his heart he lusted after these things, and he swore to himself that he would possess them. With his cruel cunning he replied, “Heed my not over much splendid one, for such as you is to worthy to associate with one of my low birth. But I pray you hear me out before you send me away, for my heart is heavy and you have power to lift my burdens with but a finger.”

He saw she did not speak or move so he continued on, thinking her awed by his vastness. “I see you have a beautiful island and I am moved with love for it. I would not that such as you be stained with the cares of the outer world. I pray you give me and mine leave to patrol your lands and delight in them. Let us set ourselves up your mighty swords and we will bring the world into your hands. All we ask for such a duty is that at some not infrequent time one or a few together of your like come and comfort us, for we shall grow lonely in our endless vigil and would that our memory of our charge be renewed. Surely…”

“Yes…” He half-finished the word he was about to begin at the suddenness of her judgment. Her sword, which had hung half limply at her side, she brought forth and its tip was scarcely an inch from Fragren’s great black muzzle. In the distance, back the direction she had come, an defensive emplacement received her call. Its orrery-like arrangement of floating crystals and rings of gold shifted at once into a long and tapering arrangement. It let loose a great discharge like thunder without sound. From it a great light burst forth over the land. That which sang without its own voice, exposing the hymns of the living crystal, was untouched. Not two second after her command it struck the ground behind Terpsichore. There was a sound like a rushing wind and the pack of Fragren dissolved like statues of dust, blow away without any resistance. Though their bodies passed away something like the flapping of sheets in the wind remained and the grass of the field began to consume these.

That Terpsichore stood before him shielded Fragren for a time, though his pain was very great. With a voice full of bile and fire he cried, “Wench! I rip your heart still beating from your breast! How dare you reject my offer I…”

For the second and final time she interrupted him. “… but not as you are. Even could you deliver on such a promise we would not accept. You are vile, and your heart full of lust and hate.” As she spoke she pierced his breast with her sword and held him up with strength far greater than her size would belie. “We came to deliver mankind from such as you and from such as you they will be delivered.” With a flick of her wrist he flesh was exposed to the terrible wind and was gone as smoke. The billowing image that remained she cast to the ground as if to free her blade of blood. Into the ground it went and the ground drank it gladly.

Terpsichore returned to her work and there at her side was a crystal all green and blue and with a heart of flame. In it ran shapes like wolves all of flame and they ran ever in twisting paths through the crystal facets till they knew not where they began and any other end. “When the time is ready, you shall have your wish, and be our swords. You will delight in your duty and be happy, though as you are now you would loath yourselves. When you have been made new you will be glad of this.” With no other word she resumed her toil while the impotent strivings of the trapped spirits began to consume their minds.

[Mashimoto]

Before the Anomalies began, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, a south Korean, resigned in protest of continued Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula. The Security Council (Russia, China, United States, Britain, and France) is due to submit candidates for the General Assembly to vote on.

The Peoples Republic of China and the Russian Federation both submit nominations for former Chinese defense secretary, Kai Nu-Tang.

[The_JJ]

El Tabib Time, Al Aferyeqya, broadcast live every weekday at 7:00 pm Cairo time

"I think it's a bad idea. We can't afford to divert resources like this."

"What the hell else would the Atlantic fleet be doing right now? By all reports the Admirals were the first to request Operation Carthaginian Legacy."

"Well, they would, wouldn't they. All this glory to the other Alliance armies, no love for the navy. Of course they'd want to have a go at it."

"I think it's really important. We need to establish our legitimacy, we need to cooperate with other powers-"

"By sticking our noses into their business?"

"-while still clearly delineating the roles we mean to take."

"I think this doesn't concern us."

"I think this concerns us as much as the Europeans and that if they have a problem with our cooperation then that is their problem. I think this concerns everybody. Have you seen the reports from the Pacific?"

"Yes I have and- ah, your producer's waving at us."

"Bloody taskmaster. Alright, that's all for tonight folks. Always a pleasure to have you on Professor."

"The pleasure's all mine."

The Alliance Atlantic Fleet (a ramshakle affair cobbled together from three different nations) makes it's way out to Atlantis, carrying the elite 5th Revolutionary Combat Group (in the area training for amphibious attacks) and a team of investigators and diplomats. (- mil, -research, and a negotiator sent to Atlantis)

To Israel:
Greetings, friends. These are dark times. I would like to arrange with you a conference on a matter dear to our heart. We would discuss, a long, true peace with Israel, and the nature of our Iranian problem.

To the Underground:

HiddenByHijab posted: @admin Hey, I got a line to the Council. Swap encrypt keys for verification/private conversation? Talk to me.

To African Coalition:

Hello, just sending a diplomatic missive here. Now, while we are not... entirely satisfied with some of the more draconian political structures you have, the Council is sympathetic to the pressures of necessity. We would like to propose a defensive pact and assurances of mutual assistance in times of need.

To European Union:

We would like to extend our cooperation in the handling of the Atlantic affair.

To the Sword:
The Council's current short term priority is to establish a long and lasting peace with Israel. We invite you to assist us with our negotiations, but would also ask that you place the cessation of military aid on the table as a possible negotiating peace. We intend to offer what we believe to be a very fair deal, and should you agree that our terms are reasonable, we would ask that you lay a cut off of aid on the table. Should you not... well, the Council considers the deal very fair, and we can not afford to have to many knifes at our backs in these times of trouble.

To the Commonwealth:

These are dangerous times. The Alliance and the Commonwealth share borders or regional interests in many area's threatened by others. Though we seek no aggression against the European Union or the African Coalition- quite the opposite- the Council considers it prudent to discuss early mutual protection in the case of rampant aggression on the part of either of those powers.

To Iraq:

Either you are Iranian running dogs or you fear such an outcome. If there first, be warned, for we will end your masters soon enough. If the second, then rest assured that we will defend you to the last.

[nolispe]

The Fivescore Fellowship

The White Tower stood high, looking out on a spectacular view of a major city. Far below, the deep blue waters splashed on the beaches. None of the Enlightened sitting in the room at the top of the tower had any eyes for this, however. Each an every one of them were staring at 08, who was finishing his assessment of the situation.
' It's happening alll over the world. It's exactly what 11 said the Rose was talking about. The fact of the matter is, the populace is going insane... We need to call a full meeting.'
A woman rose to reply.
'Are you suggesting that we call together the Fellowship?We haven't done that since, well, 1943. Is that really a good idea?'
'We don't have much of a choice. The Siennese wars are over now, anyway. We should be alright. And there have been certain... Other events that would nessistate an assembly, even if it wasn't for the current crisis.'
She nodded.
'Ah... That would be the person sitting next to you?'
She sat down, awaiting a response.
08 smiled.
'That's right. Now, everyone in this room already knows the basics of it, right? If not, get up to speed now.'
A few people closed their eyes for a second, then opened them.
'Now, to begin... '


*****

In response to the recent events, a collection of universities have formed
The Raven Initiative for the Study and Containment of Anomolies - RISCA
RISCA is a collection of research companies and universities without major government backing. It has been set up to study the effects of the anomolies , dertermine how it might be used, and contain it with an eye to pushing it back. It's headed by Simon Blanchfield, an accomplished biologist at the university of Oxford.


A RISCA team heads out to Atlantis.

[Turalisj]

The fleet reached the island, finally. Anchoring a bit off shore, far enough away that personal arms could not touch them, the task force launched half a dozen light boats. Eight of them held twelve man fire teams. The remaining four carried equipment and scientists, some of the brightest minds in the EU.

"This is Captain Raynor. Beach head appears secure. All units set up a perimeter and help those eggheads. Let's get this done quick and clean." The leader of the landing group said, looking over this new island. The rifts created this... And then vanished.

An ageing man walked up to Raynor. "It appears that this island interferes with radio communication past a certain distance. I hope you brought those signal flares..."

Meanwhile, one of the 12-man teams was moving deeper into the island.


To Solaris Alliance
Your help would be appreciated. However, we are still awaiting word from our first-contact team.

[The_JJ]

The lead elements of the 5th Revolutionary hit the beach with all the professionalism of their European counter parts, albeit, on the southern coast of the island instead of the north. An Al-A cameraman and a serious man in a now slightly damp and salt encrusted business suit rather ruin the moment.

EU
Aye. We'll send a diplomat and an observer to your landing, and you do the same for us?

[ArcaneStomper]

Father Hjalmar watched his flock with concern. The entire village had taken to spending the nights huddled within the walls of his church. He could not blame them. Ever since the great rift had opened in the sky overhead strange things had been happening. First there had been the noises, eerie screams and bestial howls that echoed throughout the night. And then animals had started disappearing, first just dogs and cats, then entire cows, and finally people had started to vanish.

But even so he felt that the time had come for something more. He had been called to protect his flock not simply watch as they huddled in fear. Turning he looked over the men he had picked out. They were not military men simply farmers, and they had a variety of weapons, some shotguns, some rifles, and a few with only their tools, but they were all stout hardworking men, and they agreed with him that the time had come to end this nightmare. For once they would not huddle inside the walls and wait for morning. For once they would take the fight to whatever it was that had come to plague them. Picking up his shotgun Father Hjalmar nodded to his men once more and led them into the night.

==========

The next morning father Hjalmar sat on small boulder and contemplated everything that had happened. At his feet lay the demon that had come very close to killing him. He shuddered at how close the things claws had gotten before he had been able to pump enough shotgun blasts into it to take it down. Looking around he could see several more dead demons in the early morning light, and sadly the many corpses of his militia that had not been as lucky as him. He would have them properly buried, but for now they had more pressing matters to attend to.

Clearing his throat he called the remaining members of his impromptu militia over. "Prepare yourselves my brothers, for though these demons have fallen they were not the only ones. I have received word that many more villages than ours are plagued with these creatures, and we cannot leave them in need. Nor can we leave it to others for the government has abandoned us. It has pulled the military back to protect the cities. If our brethren are to be saved we must do it ourselves. But do not fear, we have proven that demons can die, and we are blessed for God is on our side. So come there is much work to be done.”

[Exthalion]

A curtain of lapis and gold, a mighty shimmering aurora wraps around the island in a complete circuit. On the island every mile or so there is a raised platform on which is floating a strange collection of crystals and what appears to be gold metal components. They are in a roughly spherical arrangement.

The curtain obscures vision, making it hard to see within, but an almost impossibly tall mountain with a golden summit can be clearly seen in the center is the island. Stranger still, the mountain peak is glowing a warm golden light.

Once you get on shore things are different. There is an ever present singing that seems to come from everywhere. It is in no language anyone knows, but it always seems familiar, as if you picked up a few expressions when you were a kid or the neighbor family spoke it. It is joyful, but restrained; like it was meant as background, not the focus of attention itself.

The island is incredibly cultivated. The beaches are pristine, fine grained white sand. Larger grains that look like diamonds are scattered all over, as are large pearls. The sand is soft and feels warm or cool, whatever is more comfortable. (They are actually always the same temperature, it just happens to be comfortable.)

The beach gives way to a gentle rise with lush green grass. There are well paved roads of gleaming white stone. Scattered all over the country are artful stands of trees. The roads wind all over the country and the view is always spectacular (it was engineered to be). There are gold veined white marble benches in places you would not expect to allow people to sit and take in the beauty around them. Also, achingly beautiful statues of the same material are tucked away so that you might stumble upon one. The are doing things like holding vases that spill water into a quite pool. Even then, there is no slash since the speed of the water is carefully controlled.

Africans
The African team was near to a structure of some kind. It sat in a sculpted valley that appeared to be an immense garden. It looked like a temple made of yellow marble and adorned with a great dome of lapis lazuli and blue marble. Smaller half and quasi domes adorned its sides. Six tall slender towers were spaced equidistantly around its base. It seemed smallish, around the size of the Hagai Sophia. If they decided to approach closer it would appear much larger, the footprint of the building being nearly two kilometers in diameter.

If they cared to, the scientists would also observe that each wave raised the level of the sand just a little. But that would take weeks of testing.

OOC: I know you said port, but your post didn't indicate that. And you don't know where the ports are so... I will change it if you like.

Europeans
A river met the sea not far from where they landed. It appeared to flow out of a rather spectacular cliff a few miles distant in the form of two large waterfalls and several smaller ones. Some rather irregular looking hills stood on either side and between the two larger falls. On closer examination the hills resolved into something else... A massive structure had been carved out of the living rock. Tall towers rose from them and long columnades linked the various groupings. Details were hard to make out from this distance, but some of those features had to be massive to be visible from this distance.

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations

To Taiwan
We will have the naval forces in NZ on standby in the event of the PROC attacking. We are prepared to stand beside you.

To PROC
If you attempt to make aggressive actions against Taiwan, sanctions will be invoked, and we will be prepared to defend our allies.

To Solaris Alliance
Indeed, we would be willing to sign a defensive pact.

To The Sword and EU
Might we ask you to join us in acting swiftly and decisively against the PROCs planned assault on Taiwan?

[Thelonius]

Australia

Queen’s Birthday Celebration

The celebration of Queen’s Birthday remains an awkward affair in Australia, due to the recent diplomatic issues with the Commonwealth and Prime Minister’s Thomas Glatt’s rough statements. Despite this, many Australians just want to have good time, without mixing politics with the good outdoors fun.

Drill, Drill, Drill

The Parliament is discussing the government subsidies to the Petroleum industry to expand production and exports of oil and natural gas.

Australian Prime Minister dubbed ''Rabbit Killer''

Prime Minister Thomas Glatt has confirmed his commitment to the campaign promises of ridding the Australia of the rabbit infestation. The population of rabbits has increased to over 700 million, after the animals have developed immunity to the RHD virus, that was used to bring their population down in 1996. The Australian Government has subcontracted the Liir Pharmaceuticals and FFRAS (Foundation for Removal of Alien Species) to develop an efficient way to bring the Australian rabbit infestation to the acceptable level.

The Weather Channel

The temperature in Australia remains unusually cold for the season, but this hasn’t deterred tourists from visiting resorts in Cairns and Gold Sands. The summer heat is expected to finally arrive in the late December.

Animal Attacks in Indonesia

The towns in the north Australia were warned about possibility of animal attacks, caused by migrating birds in Indonesia. The reasons for the sudden outbreak of animal violence remain unexplained. The internet rumors speculate ''Bird Rabies''.

Prime Minister’s Cabinet

''This doesn’t look good Tom. First, was the radiation Scare. Then the weather and now we have those rabid animals in Indonesia. I had to pull some strings in the media to downplay the reports or we’d have a situation right now.''

''Those were all out of my control. You need to be a god to be responsible for weather and animals. As for Tsunami in Japan, that was during the previous administration.''

''That’s not what the voters will think and you know it. We are facing mass cancelations in the hotels. Our tourism industry is about to take a big hit and I don’t need to remind you, names of our prominent contributors.''

''Okay, I will increase expenditures on the tourism promotion, but this goes against my promise of austerity measures.''

''Now, now, Tom. You are a politician, not a boy scout. Some promises are meant to be broken.''

[The_JJ]

Atlantis

"It's pretty," says the cameraman.

"It's not natural," says the diplomat.

"Look sharp squad 2," said the corporal, who then shoots a look at the diplomat. "You're the Council out here boss," she says "what's the plan?"

"Meet and greet, shake hands, figure out what's going on. Maybe try to sell them some petrochemicals."

"Riiiight. Look, I'll have the boys set up a beachhead, then we can start walking, okay."

The soldiers work quickly, without much banter. Perhaps it's the island looming over their head, perhaps they want to look good for the camera man. The rubber rafts are pulled in above the tide line and camouflaged, a cache of supplies laid out nearby, and then the group sets off inland, to see what they will find.

Atlantis-there are two African nations, I'm the Solaris Alliance:
Re port: That was in response to the OOC. If they'd seen one, they would've headed for it. Part of the fleet is circling around the island, another over to the Europe Union delegation so they're seeing a lot of the coastline, another section waiting offshore for the initial landing team.

The team approaches the building, and knocks. If no one answers, they will try the doors (if any). Should this fail, they will discharge one round into the air. Should this fail, they will continue walking.

Also, the cameraman is taking film and, if possible, relaying it to the ships offshore and through them news outlets. How does this interact with Magicland(TM)?

To the Commonwealth:

Agreed. Shall we make this public then? The Council believes deterrence is preferable to surprise attacks.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Commonwealth of Nations
To Solaris Alliance
By all means.

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

((Will post fluff once able.))

To Solaris:

V00ren: kk sec
/V00ren pokes RaniX.
RaniX: Oh, sorry.

~Ranix to HiddenByHijab
Ranix: All right, what's up then?

To Commonwealth:

Anonymous: Hey. We like your style with the Chinese. Any help you need, we'll provide - they're at their human rights breaking business again.

Various webpages are spreading videos of the Hunt attack in Indonesia. They're calling for an armed intervention by the United States Navy. Other videos of Chinese police killing protesters are also around.

Wikileaks publishes to media outlets the Israeli document about the anomalies. A number of sites spring up documenting anomaly data and activities, some more legit than others.

An Anomaly-wiki is also started.

[Thelonius]

Reaction to Indonesian Situation

There is a growing unease in the Australia over the situation in Indonesia as the public begins to grasp, something odd is going on.

''This doesn't look like normal animals. And there are so many of them. Are that people dressed like giant insects?''

''No way. They are actually flying. This can't be real, maybe a massive viral campaign, you know, CGI images.''

''No way that's CGI. The evening news showed the same stuff as internet, it's legit.''

''The quality wasn't very good. But yeah, something freaky is going on.''

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

25T5: Hey where's Toga? ain't been around lately?
SunZi1994: Haven't you heard? He had to flee the cops. No idea if he's still out there.
25T5: Oh right, China. Damn man they cracking down hard.
SunZi1994: Yeah. I heard there was some guys who were going to be hitting their Gov sites in response.
25T5: Well I'm in. They'd better leave my mates alone. What'd he ever do?
SunZi1994: Chatted with Americans, I guess.

Operation Payback is on again, targeting several Chinese government websites. The timetables and such are around, but there are rumours of some of the real scene groups intending to do something bigger than just LOIC DDoS hits. However, the amount of people posting interest and intention to participate is at a record high after the Chinese crackdown.

[Mashimoto]

Israel to Solaris Alliance
Talk. We would like to see action. As we have iterated before, we would require violence against Israeli settlements in Israeli Palestine before we could consider peace. Our diplomats refuse to negotiate while our citizens are under siege.

The_JJ

Many of your people hold long-held deep hatreds of Israel and it's people. If negotiations with them appear to put them at an advantage, you can expect a loss in order, with a possible rise in world opinion.


Indonesia and the Philippines
Tens of thousands are dead. The government is in shambles. Millions more flee the country as refugees while terror and chaos overtake the streets by the hour. Vietnam has outright refused to take in refugees, promising to "shoot on sight" any unauthorized naval vessel. China has promised to take in refugees, although their treatment will almost uncertainly be horrible.

The government of Indonesia sends one last desperate plea to Australia, Empire of the Rising Sun, and the Commonwealth of Nations (India and New Zealand) to allow refugee settlement. If denied, refugees will desperately seek China for resettlement. The government is also requesting a fleet of refugee ships and/or foreign military intervention.

Peoples Republic of China
The Chinese government announces the official formation of the Ministry of Digital State Security to battle The Underground.

The Sword
Within a few hours of the rift above Kansas City, thousands of people began to disappear. Search parties were able to trace paths of the missing into cornfields and forests. The tracks suggest people were dragged. If The Sword is unable to contain the situation soon, it can expect widespread panic.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun (2 Esp)

"Heika, I believe that you have heard about what has transpired in South East Asia."

"Yes I have Minister. We will provide aid for our friends from the Philippines and Indonesia. Also, send word to certain elements about our propositions."

"Understood. We will mobilize whatever ships and escorts that are not used for Peacekeeping operations to move to South East Asia and aid the refugees."

For Russian Federation
We have a business proposition. As you already know, we are improving our military. From the records of the performance of the Sukhoi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-47) Su-47 (http://acecombat.wikia.com/wiki/Su-47_Berkut), despite it being only one of a kind, we have decided to adopt it into our new airforce. We are requesting 16 to be build and shipped to us. Payment is to be negotiated should you accept the offer.

For Anonymous... er.... Underground
Chrysanthemum_Chair: The Emperor and the Diet have agreed to offer political asylum to those under threat by China. More information will be provided later.

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

To Japan:

Sensei: I knew our government wouldn't just ignore this stuff. You have our thanks, we'll pass the word to our Chinese friends.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth offers to take limited numbers of refugees from Indonesia into New Zealand and India. Additionally, it releases the PROCs message to the Commonwealth to the public, asking other governments to take action.

To Anonymous
Depending on what kind of help you are offering, we may be able to accept.

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

To Commonwealth:

Anonymous: We have data. Military movements, preparations. Technology. Nuclear capabilities, locations, security details. We don't really have assets, if we get some support we can deal some havoc in their comms/logistics.

[Thelonius]

Australia

Australian government hastily gathers two fleets of ships to ferry the refugees from the Indonesia and Philippines. They sail without delay with a military escort.

A series of refugee camps are being prepared along the Australia's northern coast to accept the people from Indonesia and Philippines.

To GM Only

I'm sending a light military escort with refugee fleet. They have orders to avoid engagements, if possible.

The fleet has orders to prioritize evacuation of woman, children, injured and old.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Commonwealth of Nations
To Anonymous
That is a somewhat worrying response from what I assume is a non-national organisation. Will you be requiring anything in exchange for this information?

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

To Commonwealth:

Anonymous: That you act upon it and do what you can to stop the Chinese from sabotaging humanity. We're on the brink of something big, if the data we're getting from all over is correct. We need the Chinese working with everyone else, but at least not invading other countries or repressing freedom of speech right now.

We are just ordinary people. We have no power, no influence in global politics. You do, among many others. You must gather everyone together so we can withstand the coming storm.

[UncleWolf]

The Sword

To Taiwan

We will back you as we have always done. These are dark times and whatever honor is left, will be fought for. You have our word.

To PROC

We will not stand idly by as you attack Taiwan. The news of our weakness has been...greatly exaggerated.


To JJ

While we will not interfere with your attempts at peace with Isreal, and even approve of them, we will not abandon our long time ally. We have given too much ground these past years.

To General Assembly

We would like to nominate American General Edmund Duke to fill the position.

Kansas City, Missouri

"Alright men, this is it." The sergeant tells the others in the back of the halftrack, just one of a massive assault convoy headed into Kansas City. "We don't know what this thing is, but from the reports, there's only one thing they're here to do, and that's to kill us. Thousands missing, presumed dead." He looks over his rifle and kicks the slide, loading it. "I don't know what they look like, or their capabilities, but I know us, and we're the Ultimate Badasses." The men grin up at him as he stands. "We have knives, sharp sticks, assault rifles, bazookas, sonic-electronics, and our own bare fists which we will use to beat in these ET faces until they're on their knees begging for mercy!! And then? We'll beat them again!"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

"Damn right." He says with a nod. "Whatever they're here for, they aren't gonna get it. I don't care if it's God's own anti-son-of-a-bitch machine, or a giant hula hoop, we're not gonna let 'em have it! What we will let 'em have is a belly full of lead, and a pool of their own blood to drown in! Am I right, soldiers?!?"

His speech, broadcasted over the entire combat channel is met with cheers and the sound of loading guns.

The convoy of tanks, jeeps, half-tracks, and air support will close in on Kansas City from all directions.

[Mashimoto]

China

Chinese forces remain massed on the border. However, the date by which the Chinese were expected to invade passes without incident,. They might have been backed down.

Empire of the Rising Sun

Millions of Indonesian refugees arrive by the day in fishing junk's, rafts, decommissioned tankers, and whatever else will carry them. Many are psychologically scarred or physically wounded. Few have Japanese money. They require shelter and supplies. Many Japanese, especially nationalists, resent having to share their already limited space with so many refugees, though the United Nations commends Japan on their efforts.

Empire of the Rising Sun loses - economy and - order.
Empire of the Rising Sun gains + world opinion.

Australia
Coupled with their fear of their own Rift, Australians are fearful of refugees, who inhabit sprawling resettlement camps on the northern coast. The small Australian military is barely to keep order in the refugee-cities, which are on the brink of collapse at any moment.

Australia loses + order and - economy.
Australia gains + world opinion

The Sword
Missouri
U.S. troops hoof through thick Missouri cornfields. The harvest was delayed by the Rift, and many farmers refused to enter the fields after search parties revealed tracks leading into them. Soldiers search them, weapons loaded with live ammunition.

"Check fire if necessary..." a captain says to his men. "Can't see more than five feet in these stalks. Remember, loose fingers mean lives lost."

"What the hell do you expect to fire at out here? More of those...demons?" By now, everyone knew about the demons in Indonesia and Brazil, even if most people could hardly believe them.

"No such thing," the captain said. "just be careful and watch your--" The captain tripped and fell on the ground. His men, startled, raised their weapons and spun them round, pointing at nothing in particular.

"Easy boys. Just tripped on a...root?" He looks down, at his boots, a tree root spreads across the cornrow, hidden by fallen stalks. "What the hell is a root doing...?"

From the ground, he can see rows and rows of other roots stalking through the fields, and the beginnings of strange, white-barked trees poking through the corn, several feet high. The stalks had an uneasy quality about them, a glimmer that was unseen but felt. They seemed to shake, between the stalks. As if they were...moving...

The captain looked down and quietly drew his pistol, seeing the roots crawl across his legs like snakes, tightening around his ankles. He could barely hear the shaking stalks in the distance, as if straw-legged figures running towards them. He could barely hear his men as they started to shout about living scarecrows. He could barely hear the rattle of their guns as the poison in the roots seeped through his blood, freezing him in place. Pistol still held, harmlessly, in his immobile hand...

The Sword loses - economy due to missed grain and corn harvests in the breadbasket.

Thanks to swift military action, The Sword avoids loss in order.

New Anomaly Faction: "Gaia"
Moving vegetation that grows with super-speed, poisonous barbs and spores, living scarecrows and violent trees.

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

To GM:

I'll be trying to support Pirate Party International in all the countries I can, changing their image to be a group advocating human unity against the supernatural forces trying to kill us off, and saying that we all need to globally pool our knowledge, resources, weaponry and information on combating the threat.

The biggest Pirate Party is in Sweden, we're hoping for an aggressive campaign to bring them enough political influence to be a real factor there.

New information is put up daily on the Anomaly Wiki. Currently entries on Gaia are being sent by the American military and civilians who had the misfortune of meeting them. Gaia has been identified as a separate Anomaly class, such as the Hunt in Indonesia, Atlantis (of which little is known so far) and Demônio in Brazil.

[razovor]

The African Coalition

A new Beginning:

The African Coalition was officially born today, with the signing of the Coalition Charter. Africa is still trapped in economic depression, but with a little luck, things will only go up from here.

Researchers for Hire:

The African Coalition is currently not engaged in any research projects. As such the AC is willing to loan out their researchers to any nation that needs them, for free.

The war against crime:

With the civil war in Africa out of the way, things can start getting back to normal. Unfortunately there are still a large number of unseemly individuals remaining in Africa who are a threat to public order. Many of these are a threat not only to Africa, but all the world. The AC plans to begin operations aimed at finding and arresting these individuals in the immediate future. The AC requests the aid of any nation willing to assist them in this matter.

A safer future:

The AC announces plans to begin demilitarizing their armed forces in favor of economic and popular improvements. This demilitarization will take time. While it is in progress, the remains of the Armed Forces are available to assist in any just war across the planet. The AC requests that any nation requiring help send a message directly to the Coalition leaders.

to Solaris Alliance
We would like to believe we are an open-minded Coalition. If you think something about our system is flawed, we would appreciate you telling us exactly what we are doing wrong.

In the meanwhile we are willing to accept a diplomatic pact, and return your offer of assistance.

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

To African Coalition:

OOC: Some net-users in your scientific circles, after talking about the matter online, bring up a proposal to study the Anomalies with the scientists. Most important thing seems to be to figure out where they're coming from and how to stop them from arriving anywhere they like, so they'd like to study the Rifts.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun (2esp)

"Fellow brethren, in the past days, Southeast Asia has been attacked by unknown forces. Millions have died, and many more have been left traumatized. I, Tenno Heika Akihito, along with the National Diet, have decided to extend out hand in aid to those in need.

I understand that many are not pleased with out decision, but as fellow humans, we are obligated to aid our fellows in their times of need. We are known for our accepting and tolerant demeanor. If nothing else, we are honor bound to repay the debts of our grandfathers many years ago, we, the Japanese are known for our honorable nature.

What I ask may be too much, but we are hardy folk and we have endured much greater trials than this. To many, this is a sign of a setting sun. The night shall be long, dark and chaotic, but in the end, as sure as I am here speaking to you, the sun will rise again and continue on forever more."

- Speech of Emperor Akihito after the rescue of refugees from Southeast Asia

To GM
Any word on Russia agreeing for trade?

Also, if possible, I'm trying to impose order through propaganda by appealing to the people of Japan their duty, obligation, and sense of pride by pointing out our strengths.

And OOC: Only thing I'm waiting for is an unprovoked assassination attack by some other faction on the Imperial Family.

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

Amid the sounds of early morning life Father Hjalmar could hear another convoy trucks rolling out of the compound. He smiled he had come a long way from his militia of farmers. Of course most of them still were farmers, but with the defection of several military divisions unsatisfied with the government's handling of the demons he had been able to arm them with much better equipment. And the long nights of hunting had left them much more experienced in how to deal with these supernatural enemies. His reports indicated that most of the demon nests in Brazil had been cleared.

But he was not finished yet. The demons were cunning, once they had realized that their doom was at hand they had begun fleeing over the border to other countries less prepared to counter them. And Father Hjalmar knew that his forces wouldn't be able to follow them, not yet. The governments of the world did not see the true threat they were faced with. They would treat his forces as invaders or criminals. No to deal with this he needed legitimacy. This was why he was now based 50 miles outside of Rio de Janeiro. The government of Brazil had failed its people they remained huddled within their cities too afraid to do anything. Well now he needed them and if they refused to help. Well he knew what to do with the servants of evil.

========

Father Hjalmar looked out the window of his new office over the rubble filled streets of Rio de Janeiro. The government had responded as he knew they might, calling him a terrorist and a power monger, but the people had known who their true savior was. The fighting had been fierce, but short. Government forces loyal to the old regime hadn't been able to keep up their resistance when faced with mobs of the civilians they were supposed to be protecting. And with their forces abandoning them few of the leaders had been willing to resist, although the senator with a pistol had been unexpected. Hjalmar fingered the bullet hole in his sleeve; it was strange what people were willing to do to hold on to power, even when it was obviously the wrong decision.

Turning he walked over to the radio transmitter he had set up. It was time to let the people know all that had transpired and what was to come. "My people, I am Father Hjalmar. The government may have told you I was a terrorist, a criminal, or simply a man seeking power for his own gains with the false reports of demons that can't possibly be real, but I tell you those were lies. I have seen the demons with my own eyes. I have killed them with my own hands. They are very real and they are very much here on Earth.

But do not fear my people, for this is not the judgment day or a punishment for our sins. No this is a test. A test placed before us by God himself for the survival of ourselves and our souls. For though the demons can be killed, there will be those who seek to prevent us from doing so. They will seek to use them or appease them. There will be those whose hearts are too weak for what must be done. The old government was one of these. They stayed huddled behind their military cordons. Oh they tried to rationalize it. They said that they were protecting the people, that they couldn't do anything about the attacks and that they were false anyway. But the truth was they were afraid. Afraid to do what had to be done and afraid of what that meant about themselves. But we are not like them. We are strong and courageous. We shall purge the demons from this Earth and pass this test.

Oh it will not be an easy task. Here in South America the demons have fled to our neighbors, in the Pacific Ocean they have established a foothold to hell itself, and in North America a new type has begun to spread its taint. But we shall overcome them all. For we are the Limpeza Chama, we are the flame that shall cleanse this world and prove our worth to God at last."

[Mashimoto]

Russian Federation

to Empire of the Rising Sun
We would be very interested in supplying the Japanese with aircraft, specifically if you intend to use them against the abominations in the south pacific. We will offer - military worth of aircraft for - economy, or a full +- worth for + economy.

The Russian Federation army surrounds the Rift in Siberia. While nothing majorly abnormal is detected yet, the mood is tense. Soldiers, dressed in full NBC suits, contain the area in quarantine. The poor inhabitants of the rural villages in the area have been evacuated and are being processed for any unusual symptoms. Russian scientists have flocked to the area, and the Russian government is inviting scientists from Europe and Asia to investigate.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun (2 esp)

To the Russian Federation
OOC: Economy is going to take a hit... Must manage resources carefully.

We will take the +- Military for + Economy. Also, some of our scientists are volunteering to aid in your endeavors to understand the strange phenomena in Siberia and are ready to depart at a moments notice, should you need them.

[razovor]

African Coalition

To Limpeza Chama (++++-)
"Greetings. It is good to see another nation out there willing to battle this threat. Thankfully, we are short of any actual experiences with the beasts ourselves. Have your encounters with them taught you anything useful?

[Turalisj]

European Union

The European Union seconds the nomination for American General Edmund Duke to the position of Secretary General of the United Nations.

To Underground

We seek need of your services, in these dark and troubling times. We can offer asylum and safety in return for use of your information networks.

To Taiwan and the PRC
This is your affairs. Know that there will be eyes in the sky watching for any war crimes taking place.

To Commonwealth
We ask for your vote for the American candidate for Secretary General of the United Nations.

To African Coalition, Solaris Alliance, Russian Federation, and Commonwealth of Nations
We would like to propose an alliance for free trade of discoveries made from these alien and unknown things.

[UncleWolf]

The Sword


Kansas City, Missouri

After the first reports of attacks come in, the military pulls out, taking all civilians possible with them. Once they reach the edge of the area, they set up a strong perimeter.

A woman stands on top of a tank, looking over the plagued farmland before activating her radio. "This is Colonel Vasquez, plant based organisms have been found, and are extremely hostile. All farmland has been lost and to be considered Unfriendly territory. Requesting a Firestorm."

After a few minutes deliberation, the request is given, and a massive fleet of jets and copters are sent, loaded with napalm to destroy the infected farmland.


CNN Press Conference

General Edmund Duke steps up to the pedestal, looking grim. "I regret to inform you, that I have terrible news. I do not wish to give it, but I must, for it is my duty, and I will never shirk it, as unwanted as it may be." He says, looking at the cameras.

"We are under attack. Hostile forces have taken over Kansas City, Missouri and the surrounding area. We have it contained, and measures are being deployed already to destroy the threat. There will be no quarter given, as none is expected. Lives have already been lost, but we refuse to let any more innocents get harmed."

"We are The Sword, and our edge has been forced to be drawn. It will only be put away when blood is taken from our enemy."


GM Only:

(++++) Mil is being used to napalm all the lost territory.

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

To European Union and the World:

2F4U: We'll help anyone, no cost. There's just a couple conditions.
2F4U: One, human rights. Freedom of speech. The works.
2F4U: Two, we're in this for humanity as a whole - even if we're spared, it's our responsibility to help the Indonesians and Latin Americans and whoever else gets hit.
2F4U: Three, anything we find out about the Anomalies that might be helpful for anyone fighting them is freely distributed.
2F4U: This is a consensus from most of us worldwide. If you agree, stand up and say so to your governments. If you're a politician and agree, then stand up and do something about it.

To EU:

((OOC: If you have something specific you want our Esp for, feel free to ask. Operations are negotiable, but the above terms are the conditions upon which we're willing to agree to more permanent deals.))

[Mashimoto]

The Russian Federation thanks the Empire of the Rising Sun for the transaction, and delivers the aircraft as promised. Japanese scientists are welcomed to study the Rift in Siberia.

[razovor]

African Coalition

To Solaris Alliance, Russian Federation, Commonwealth of Nations, and European Union
We believe the idea proposed by the European Union to be a good one. It would be fruitless of us to repeat the same investigations five fold. Together we should come through this with less civilian casualties.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Commonwealth of Nations
To African Coalition, Solaris Alliance, Russian Federation, and the EU
We agree to this.

To the EU
You shall have it.

The Commonwealth votes in favour of the American General as candidate for Secretary General.

[The_JJ]

The Solaris Alliance

Alliance to Underground (on their encryption, so no with the peeking.):

~HiddenByHijaab to Ranix: One sec, Council's got this big wall o' text they want me to submit. Copypastaing now.

~HiddenByHijaab to Ranix:

We, the Council of the Solaris Alliance would like to thank you for the services you rendered over the past few years. We know, and appreciate, that you did not do this for the Alliance but for truth and freedom. However, our work is not done. Syria remains under the heel of a dictator, Iran has promised us revenge, and we fear may soon take it out on the Green supporters.

We intend to unseat these two regimes in the next few years, by sword if need be. If you can help us to arrange the networks to build the initial pressures on the regimes, coordinate and share information that might help the Revolutionary forces, anything at all, it would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, the Council fears reprisals. We, like you, find operation under anonymity safest. It keeps us safe, and prevents ego from taking hold. We must remember that the men we overthrew were, in many cases, once champions of freedom. If all decisions are made by the collective, then the collective and only the collective is accountable. Any force we authorize speaks with all our voices, and carries that burden of responsibility as our representative.

However, we are not some cabal holed up in a Cairo basement totally cut off from the world. The Council has at least one representative from each sub-state, and I assure you many more. We are businesspeople and politicians and priests and activists and we live out our lives, how else could we be secretive? In short, we know that you have the means to provide private conversations between people who are geographically disconnected, and we would request assistance in creating such an arrangement.

tl;dr: Thx for the save man. Now it's time for a 2v2 vs. [********s]Iran and [********s]Syria. Share scouting? 'ling rush? We'll go siege tanks and air, you work on Observers and raiding behind the lines, yeah.

Also, we can haz private chat room for to to with the cybering governing.



Alliance to Israel

Talk talk talk, yes. Because talking must be done. Our range of action that isn't talking is grim and unwelcome. Climactic war here, endless war here, to many dead either way. No, talking is the only action we see fit at this time.

The Alliance is dedicated to the freedom of selfdetermination of the peoples it believes oppressed. This includes the resistance in Syria, in Iran, and Palestine. We offer this.

First, a complete and total arms blockade going into the Holy Land. We control the Suez, the horns, and all but the Syrian and Lebanese borders.
Second, the West Bank and Gaza are to become sub-states of the Alliance. Any violence within them will be treat as would any other riot by the Alliance
Third, an end to further settlement in the West Bank and Gaza.
Fourth, a bilateral board to determine which of the existing settlements will be allowed to remain. We would consider legality of land acquisition, status of former residents, length of settlement, and reparations all as criteria for whether the settlement should stay or be moved elsewhere.
Fifth, Jerusalem will be made safe and open for all visitors and be governed by an elected council equal parts Muslim and Jewish.
Sixth, cooperation against Syria and Iran, namely, the mutual goal of the neutering of Iranian nuclear power through covert means and the toppling of the Ayatollah regime through a combined popular and, if need be, military action.

This is the carrot. There is also a stick. Help us, and we can be allies until the world tears itself apart, but we will need your help. For our sake and yours we need not only to cooperate but to be seen cooperating.

In addition, we would like to add that if you fear a large Muslim army with a jurisdiction that includes the West Bank, we are willing to allow peacekeeping and order restoring and border garrison to fall to the 10th Special Brigade currently training in Ethiopia. It's a brigade open to any non-Muslim, non-Jewish members of the Alliance.

The Solaris Alliance to the Sword:
Understood. Hopefully this will not need to become an issue. I wish you luck with this plant problem of yours.

The Solaris Alliance to the European Union:
The Council is currently negotiating with the State of Israel and the possibility of curtailing arms shipments has arisen. The Alliance can inspect ships going through the Suez Canal, but the Council would like to know if you would be willing to help us do the same at the Gibraltar Straights. We will be contacting the Commonwealth on similar issues.

To the Commonwealth:

Very well. On to another matter...

The Council is currently negotiating with the State of Israel and the possibility of curtailing arms shipments has arisen. The Alliance can inspect ships going through the Suez Canal, but the Council would like to know if you would be willing to help us do the same at the Gibraltar Straights.

In addition, we have presented the following offer to the Israelis. Please review it and, should you find it acceptable, impress upon your other ally the importance that this peace be assured:

First, a complete and total arms blockade going into the Holy Land. We control the Suez, the horns, and all but the Syrian and Lebanese borders.
Second, the West Bank and Gaza are to become sub-states of the Alliance. Any violence within them will be treat as would any other riot by the Alliance.
Third, an end to further settlement in the West Bank and Gaza.
Fourth, a bilateral board to determine which of the existing settlements will be allowed to remain. We would consider legality of land acquisition, status of former residents, length of settlement, and reparations all as criteria for whether the settlement should stay or be moved elsewhere.
Fifth, Jerusalem will be made safe and open for all visitors and be governed by an elected council equal parts Muslim and Jewish.
Sixth, [REDACTED FOR SECURITY REASONS]

To Russian Federation, Commonwealth of Nations, and European Union, African Coalition:
STOP POSTING WHILST I TYPE! :smallfurious:

:smalltongue:

Anyway... The Alliance has no major objections, though a clearer understanding of expectations might be of assistance. I have a list here from the scientists on the Council. Umm... mostly they'd like to study what they'd like to study, and not be directed by foreign powers. Also, the Council in general is leery about blanket promises to freedom of information when it comes to potential state secrets and possibly weaponized research.




To African Coalition:
NVM, I thought you still had dictators running your sub-states.

Al Aferyeqya, broadcasting live from London.

And I can confirm that Mr. Sufe is leaving the building now. Here, he's coming with his Commonwealth counterpart. Mr. Sufe! The news Mr. Sufe!

The tall Somalian proudly waves a paper aloft. The Solarian Alliance and the Commonwealth of Nations, seeing their interests aligned, have decided to pledge a defensive pact. We will treat an attack on one as an attack on the other, and caution others to do the same. Hopefully, this will lead to even more cooperation.

Mr. Sufe! Does this mean that an attack on new Zealand might see the Revolutionary Forces deployed to the Pacific?

Well, the security of our homeland remains a pressing concern, and the Council has yet to lift the state of semi-crisis, but we would certainly owe it to our allies to deploy what we can. They would do the same for us.

Mr. Sufe! Last week you signed a similar defensive alliance with the African Coalition. Is it the Rifts that are causing such concern? Will the Alliances treat hostile Anomalies as hostile nations?

The Solaris Alliance announces a Defensive Pact with the Commonwealth of Nations and a Defensive Pact with the African Coalition.

The Solaris Alliance also lets it be known that it is negotiating with the State of Israel about a peace plan for the Palestinians.

The Solaris Alliance remains silent on the matter of the Chinese crackdown, but many talk shows, spear headed by the vociferous Yasmine el Tabib have attacked their attack on free speech. The suited question mark has joined the solidarity wall, for now.

The Alliance extends its concern to those affected by the Rifts.

[Thelonius]

Australia

The ships continue to travel into Indonesia, bringing refugees. The majority of the Australian army is stationed near the camps to mantain order, while a reconissance force is sent to Hawaii to confirm the nature of the threat.

Prime Minister Glatt signs Information Control Act to calm the public down. All information related to the Anomalies is censored, processed by a special commission and then release in an edited format, that is aimed to minimize chances of panic and public disorder. All news about Anomalies around the world, except for edited reports about Indonesia/Hawaii, are suppressed.

Prime Minister Glatt adresses the public:

''My fellow Australians. We are working to take the recent developments under control and have already achieved significant success. At this point our main enemy, nay, our only enemy is panic. Australia remains at peace and our brave soldiers are standing vigilant, defending our safety and freedom. Please, the best we can do at this point is to carry out our business as usual.''

To GM Only

Sending ''-'' Mil of ships to check on the Hunt. They have orders to examine the situation and avoid confrontation.

The rift in Australia is put under aerial observation and a small contingent of forces is sent there (not a serious fighting force).

[Murska]

Underground to Alliance:

~RaniX to HiddenByHijaab:
Hoa. I'm never gonna be used to feeling like some sort of a diplomat. The Official Representative of the Anarchistic State of Internet? xD

~RaniX to HiddenByHijaab:
Anyway. Yeah. Tell 'em I play 'toss and got Observers and Dark Templars to share. But the agreed conditions are what TooFast posted earlier. Ofc that's just what people generally agree on, the guys who helped earlier will join up again if they're asked. We're really in a bit of a pinch here in India tho - we're trying to pull up supplies from anywhere we can for China and Indonesia but a donation drive is not such a big fundraiser nowadays.

~RaniX to HiddenByHijaab:
So, hate to ask, would they be willing to give us some minerals? Wires, bawxes, cash? We should chat direct about that in a secure room.
((OOC: PMs, I suppose? We're up for helping, but we've gotta spend some Esp in China this EoT.))

[Mashimoto]

Israel to Solaris Alliance
We require...time to consider your offer. At the moment, many within the right-wing of our civilian government are unsure if they can trust many of the Arab states within the Solaris Alliance. In particular, we are unsure of the intentions of the newly formed government of Egypt. The Libyan government is also troublesome. Perhaps...if you could prove your peaceful intentions, we could be swayed to the bargaining table.


Which reminds me, in your history, what happened in Libya? In the world backstory, I left it relatively ambiguous whether the civil war ever ended. All that's known is that the US is forced to pull out to deal with Pakistan.

[The_JJ]

to GM-
The resistance won after the Egyptian military put some boots on the ground and volunteer's flooded in. Libyan government is a grand mess, but democratic and the Alliance has made it clear that violent conflict resolution is not okay. It's basically gone to fractal decentralization.

To Israel:

Very well. For now, we turn our eyes to Syria. Should you have any ideas as to how we might prove ourselves, please, do not hesitate to inform the Council.

But do not wait over long; the Alliance can afford two nuclear tipped daggers waiting at its back only as much as you yourselves can.

To Underground:

HiddenByHijab: Yeah, yeah, I know, herding cats, but Council wants to coordinate. They're tired of getting shot at. I'm tired of getting shot at.

We'll see what kind of gratitude we can dig up. Alright, firing up some encrypt now...

[Mashimoto]

Israel

to Solaris Alliance
The repressive, Islamic government of Syria has long been the bane of freedom-loving Syrians. For forty years, it has reigned their lives in authoritarian tyranny. The transition out of "emergency" government they made during the 2011 election is merely a ruse.

Anti-government protestors are being arrested and detained illegally by the government. If you were to rally a majority of your nations against the Syrian government, it would prove that your commitment to democracy and freedom is more important than your religious affiliations. Furthermore, we would be willing to work alongside the Solaris Alliance in ensuring the Syrian people can overthrow their tyranny.

However, before any such action could be speculated on, you would have to win the support of NATO, including The Sword, The EU, and The Commonwealth.

If you can secure these alliances, and the support of your people, we would be willing to pursue further Palestinian peace negotiations.

United Nations Security Council

The Sword (USA) and The European Union (France) have nominated American General Edmund Duke for Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Russian Federation and Peoples Republic of China have nominated former Chinese defense minister Kai Nu-Tang.

The only member to have not voted us The Commonwealth of Nations (United Kingdom). This will be the deciding vote in the security council and, assuming neither Russia or China veto the decision (unprecedented) the candidate will almost certainly be ratified by the General Assembly.

United States - Gaia
Jets screech overhead, painting flaming lines of napalm into the scenic landscape. The bombardment began hours after the haphazard evacuation finished. The fringe of the so-called "infected" area is burnt into oblivion. Hundreds of miles of forest and farmland are devastated. However, aircraft flying at anything other than very low elevation near the anomaly experience mechanical failure, and are forced to veer away.

Reports trickle in from across the country reporting similar phenomenon, allegedly due to spores citizens have allegedly seen falling from ash clouds above the central United States. It is unsure if these rumors are true.

Gaia has suffered a blow, but not a mortal one.

[Fortuna]

The Holy Rose

In a small chapel, hidden from prying eyes, five men gather. Each one is old, perhaps in their late fifties or early sixties, and each one wears the vestments of a primate in the Catholic Church, with a crown of oven roses on their heads. As they enter, they kneel a moment and cross themselves, then converge on the altar. As the last approaches, a voice whispers through the chapel.
"You are late, James."
The man bows deeply. "My apologies, Your Eminence. I was receiving a report from Father Alexander."
"And what did he have to say?"
"The Fellowship are calling a gathering. A full gathering. I am certain that I need not remind Your Eminence of the last such gathering."
A hint of pain seeps into the whisper. "No. Inform Father Alexander that the Rose requests formal audience with the Fellowship, and proposes a meeting on neutral ground. You will represent us. Suggest London first, and when they refuse propose Canada."
The man bows again. "As Your Eminence wishes."
Another of the men stirs. "What of my flock? The reports that I have received are very worrying indeed. We cannot afford to stand by."
"Less can we afford to act until the situation is clear. For now, we do nothing."
A third, obviously the eldest of the five, now speaks. "What then of mine? This Father Hjalmar has potential. Shall we reveal ourselves to him?"
"Yes... He could be useful. Select three of your operatives and send them to him. Ensure that he does not mistake their intent or nature, lest we be forced to eliminate him before his time."
The second to last, short and squat, takes his turn.
"What position shall we take on this action by my flock to crush the Underground? They could yet be useful."
"Useful, or a deadly threat. No, I think before this game is quite played out, we shall stand over their broken corpses, pronouncing their final rites."
The last remains silent, and a short while later the whisper rises again in the Lord's Prayer. The five join with it, and proceed from the room as the last echoes die away.

The Fivescore Fellowship
After his daily prayers, Father Alexander approaches his 'handler'. "My superiors request audience with the Fellowship. His Grace James will represent the Rose. We suggest a meeting in London."

Limpeza Chama
In the wake of your succesful demon-hunt, you see three men approaching. They wear robes of simple white, and are surrounded by a faint glow. As they approach, a profound feeling of peace steals over you, and the three open their mouths and speak as one. "We would have speech with Father Hjalmar."

[nolispe]

The Fivescore Fellowship

To The Holy Rose
'We understand. We have needed to meet with you to, in time. The current waves of... something wracking our world may require unusual measures. However, may we suggest meeting in a different place than London? Some of our members still bear bad memories... Perhaps New York?''

[The_JJ]

Solaris Alliance to Israel:
Very well.

Solaris Alliance to Sword, EU, Commonwealth:
Negotiations have gone better than expected. In the unlikely event that, perhaps, the Syrian protesters can be convinced that, perhaps, their cause might be supported and they return to the streets and, well, the regime starts to stamp down, well, if that were to happen, could you offer your support in establishing a democratic government. It need not be a major commitment. It'd be far simpler to, say, use the forces locally available.

[Fortuna]

The Holy Rose

The Fivescore Fellowship
"I doubt that my superiors would agree to a meeting place so firmly under your control. I would suggest perhaps northern Canada, the Yukon perhaps, as very much neutral territory."

[nolispe]

The Fivescore Fellowship

To the Holy Rose
'That seems acceptable. We will send an operative. I presume you have someone in the area, or nearby. You always do.'
OOC: Your PM box is full and you're not answering your phone. Get in touch, damnit! :smalltongue:

[Forum Explorer]

Camaradas de Armas

Day 1

"Faimlies are distraught by the disapperance of their loved ones. Many are suspected of being one of those who 'ascended' according to relgious experts. The local police forces are reported to having given up on trying to find the individuals in question. Chief Alvarez is quoted to have said 'I haven't got a clue how to proceed with those cases. I mean they just vanished before the eyes of their faimlies. I've had my men do sweeps but they couldn't find any evidence of misdeeds. Quite frankly we're stumped.' Today the mayor has issued a statment asking anyone with information to please come forward. No one has yet to do so at this time" Guadalajara Reporter

Day 4
A group of small winged beasts terroize Mexico City. Several citizens are killed before the beasts are brought down by the combined gunfire from a local gang.

Day 5
I believe we should go public with our agreement now.

But that agreement was for the end of times. Surely things aren't that bad!

Look at the news reports! New islands, a monsterous horde, rifts in the sky! Somehow I doubt things are going to get better.

Yes of course. I'll begin the preperations.

Day 9
A ship claiming to be the Anglo Australian sailed out of the Bermuda triangle. A Captain Parslow and his crew of 34 are being detained at the Panama Canal.

Day 14
A decleration is released from the countries of Central America. Known as the Last Resort Decleration. In these troubled times it is clear that the world we knew has disapperaed. In the coming chaos in is without a doubt that many of the peoples of the world will die. It is critical that when the dust clear our people and our lives remain! So in order to support this goal I now declare that the nations of Central America and the Caribbean are now one! We shall shoulder this coming burden together along with the support of all our peoples! We shall be united under the banner of our new title Camaradas de Armas! Que Dios proteja a todos nosotros.

Besides the speech pardons are issued for the members of the local gangs, many of which are soon seen helping deal with the chaos shoulder to shoulder with police officers.

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

To the African Coalition
Yes, we have found several methods of killing them more easily. However it is easier to show than to tell. If you wish we can send you some of our most veteran demon hunter teams to instruct your troops in teh hopefully unlikely event that demons spread to your shores.

To the Holy Rose
The men are shown into a simple office where Father Hajlmar is looking over some reports, He looks up and speaks in a calm voice, "So who are you and why do you wish to see me?"

[Mashimoto]

New Anomaly Faction

The Legion
South America

After their crushing defeat by surprisingly organized guerrillas in Brazil, these intelligent, shapeshifting monsters scattered across South America, always moving and terrorizing local governments. While they may seem disorganized, they are capable of speech and have a very clear hierarchy. Their two strongest leaders, Baal and Beelzebub, answer to a third, unnamed power.


Military: +++++ ++
Economy: ++
Espionage: +++++
Research (Evolution): +++
Order: ++++
World Opinion: 0
Anomaly Opinion: +++

Abominations
Individual creatures so powerful they deserve stats. If they have an affiliated faction, destroying them will greatly weaken it.

Baal
The Demon-Prince

Strength: ++

Beezelbub
The Lord of Flies
Strength: ++

[Mashimoto]

Neither China nor Russia veto the decision for General Edmund Duke as Secretary-General. The General Assembly will convene [at the start of turn 2] to approve the candidate, who will then set the U.N. Agenda.

[razovor]

African Coalition

To Limpeza Chama
"We would be honoured to receive such help. However we do not want to deprive you of your own security. Is there anything we can offer you in exchange?

[Fortuna]

The Holy Rose

The Fivescore Fellowship
OOC: Shall we move this to IM, then?

Limpeza Chama
One of the three speaks. "We come to you from our Holy Mother Church, as members of the Order of the Holy Rose. We have much to offer you, as you have much to offer us. The Rose has knowledge far surpassing any system that the Cleansing Flame could ever hope to put in place, but similarly the Cleansing Flame has certain assets that the Rose does not. We come, therefore, to extend the hand of alliance."

[distant quasar]

Renegades

Joint stood (or was?) somewhere beyond the rift, looking down at a cavernous peak below (above?) it. His perceptions where altering, slowly at first, but then more quickly, shifting to become more used to this limited dimensional view. Things came more into focus, and he began moving (or was it falling? yes, now it was), coming out of the rift and into this strange new world. Or was it normal?

No matter. He shifted, turning over. A curious sensation. He noticed something new on his back, something he'd forgotten were there. He'd just never needed them. Swooping out behind his back, the large wings stood there, slowing his fall. But in this place they didn't work. Curious. He was still coming down towards that peak. Massive. ...Everest... The name floated into his mind from somtwhere. He twisted up, his long, thick neck making it easy, and saw Yith coming behind him.

Yith smiled slightly at Joint's troubles, and then got to work. As his hands moved, he noticed that his powers seemed quite diminished here. That would be a problem. Nontheless, he would make it work, and Joints fall slowed into a spiral. Much like... a feather. That was it.

Later:
Yith stood in a circle near his fellow mages, near the top of Everest. The lack of Oxygen and temperature did not affect them in the slightest, and their voices carried despite the lack of atmosphere. Joint had long ago left with the other soldiers to secure postions on these mountains. With no violence, of course. And the workers were setting up the panels that would provide the energy they needed to survive.

Kyuint clapped his hands once, a loud burst of sound emerging, and everyone grew silent. It was time to attend to business. "As you know, we are beginning operations to secure our place in these mountains. Our territory must be claimed now, before we are driven out by fearful humans who do not understand why we are here. When we are finished here, we will join them." He pauses for a moment, looking around at the group of them. They had all come out from the portal differently, some of them looking like what these people would have called angels, and some closer to demons. There were a few who were even stranger, their forms in laughing defiance of these peoples theory of evolution, and all their religions, each only grasping part of the greater truth. They would need to deal with that later.
"Many of you likely experienced some disorientation as you entered this world, and loss of memory as well. This was to be expected; however things should have been sorted out by now. If you are still experiencing difficulties, our healers will see to you." Again a slight pause, but no one comes forward. Good. Everyone's memory and mental processed were intact.
"Moving onto our news. Both the Great Hunt and the Emanations appear to have come through before us. As for the Emanations of Sancrosti, we can hope that we will work out some form of alliance. For the Grand Hunt..." he grimaces, then moves on as though he had not begun that sentence. "But now we must begin work to announce ourselves to these humans. Those of you whose training focused on languages and communication, come forward. We need to get to work."

Yith and several others stepped forward, and the rest of the group began dispersing. On to business, then.

To All Human Nations
Greetings. We are the Renegades. Somewhere ago, we left the rest of the Anomalies, those who desire death and chaos, in favor of building life and order. That is our mission here; to help you as best we can, lest our former brethren destroy you. Already the Great Hunt, as they call themselves, have begun their killing spree, and it seems that others are making trouble in North America.
We have come here with a message and offering of peace. We hope you do not recieve it with a sword.

Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti
We hope that we can work together, to save as many of these people as we can.

Actions (anyone can read these if they want to. Nothing I do is secret)
1) ++++ Military begins working to secure the Mountain range, with no violence or bloodshed. Should they be attacked, they use fighting styles designed to disarm and KO, but not to kill or cause lasting harm.
2) +++/0 Espionage is working to ensure the Military forces are not caught off guard by violance from the military of China.
3) ++ (magic) of healers are beginning to spread out among the Military, helping both our forces and any humans who may be injured or already in suffering. They will be returning to the other mages soon, to join into magical research for better healing techniques. (by EoT time)
4) Workers (if I need a stat, perhaps ++ order?) begin setting up the solar panels that will provide us our energy and economy.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti
Solaris Alliance

There are no doors, the discharge of the round fails. However, as they continue on a man was waiting for them. He simply hadn't been there before and then he was, like it was the most natural thing in the world. He was dark skinned, in a way only someone with naturally tan skin can be after a long time in the sun. His hair was black and curly.

To say he was dressed elaborately would be doing a disservice to his outfit. He wore a chasuble and over that a maniple and over that several mantles. It was all of the strangest material, like cloth of gold or silver depending on how the light hit it. It looked... heavy. The man who was nearly seven feet tall bore it like it was as light as a feather. The way it hung down so noticeably said otherwise.

The embroidery work would have taken the best workmen years and it was absolutley everywhere. In a sense it looked like liturgical garments if the church had sunk its entire budget into them during the baroque period.

He smiles a little sheepishly and said, "I am sorry if this seems a bit much. There are still parts of me that value such things. I shouldn't take long till I grow weary of their burden and cast off this hindrance.

But you have come to this place set aside for me and it is my duty as your host to be gracious."

As he spoke six new towers shot out from the structure equidistant from each other and from the nearest of the previous.

"Don't be alarmed," he said at once, "construction is still on going. I haven't quite worked out all my ideas on the place so it does that as I try new things out. Now, where are my manners.

I am Solomon son of Metatron son of Dharma. Welcome to the isle of Atlantis, the place we made for ourselves in the midst of the world. This is our rock, and on it we shall build a monument before all men and gods of our faithfulness."

The courtyard around them transformed, as trees sprung up from the ground to provide shade and pleasant fountains made pleasant music. A massive marble table and simple but thronelike chairs grew out of the ground as if they had been plants and for Solomon a true throne carved out of a single sapphire(more massive then any nature had made) and adorned with gold.

"Now, I believe you have come to talk, so let us talk. It was on this assumption the defense system was not turned on our vessels and your persons as soon as you were within range. We are optimists, not idiots and there are mechanisms in place should your intentions prove harmful to my people."

EU
A women with raven black hair, pale skin, and a well made but simple white dress of a fine cut. She was first visible at a distance while they were still far from the structure and came closer faster then anyone had a right to on foot. Then she waited for the men to come closer. She was taller then most men and very beautiful.

OOC: Sorry to be so late; finals, tests, and papers oh my!

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

To South American Countries
Greetings,
I am Father Hjalmar and I have a proposition for you to help us get through these trying times. Conventional tactics fair poorly against the demons. Defeating them requires speed, coordination, and a knowledge of their weaknesses. So I propose that we work together in defeating them by pooling our resources and our intelligence. To start with I can send teams of demon hunters both to help train your own people and to work on tracking down and killing the demons.

To the African Coalition
Although we have gained much experience with the holy work of combating the demons, our ability to actually locate them after they have gone to grown is somewhat lacking. If you could use your superior intelligence gathering skills to help us track down the main demon nests, and especially the lairs of the demons Baal and Beezelbub. That would help us greatly.

To the Holy Rose
"I see no reason to refuse such an alliance. And I am grateful for any aid that you can provide. Unfortunately I am not sure how much support I can provide you in turn as the Limpeza Chama is currently heavily involved in cleansing South America of the demonic taint. But if you can help us free this land of the taint of the demons presence then I would be more than willing to help you elsewhere."

[Fortuna]

The Holy Rose

Limpeza Chama
Another of the three speaks. "We have both information and resources which we are willing to commit to the cause. We hope to have the location of the demonic leaders by the end of the day, and fully a third of the Rose will lend their might to your endeavour. We ask only that you likewise commit to the task."

[The_JJ]

The Solaris Alliance

The Landing at Atlantis:

The camera man, something of an amateur mythologist, raises an eyebrow at the odd mix of names, but keeps filming.

The diplomat examines his fingernails for a moment as he thinks of a response, while the soldiers carefully aim their rifles just shy of rude. The diplomat speaks once everyone has akwardly pulled up a chair. "I'm afraid similar motives dictated the armament of these men here. You speak, which is apparently an improvement, but you speak quickly of defenses and mechanisms. For a power not yet recognized as a sovereign national power, you perhaps speak of dangerous things.

"Then again, there's some, old precedent for 'first boot on the ground' right to any new land, though traditionally that's meant 'those with a flag' as opposed to natives. Do you have a flag? I suggest you get one, and after that I'm sure you'll have no troubles getting the formalities out of the way.

"Now, that aside, I was sent by the Council of the Solaris Alliance as part of an exploratory expedition, which you can see here," he waves his hand around the table "on the off chance that some one existed to negotiate with. At this juncture, unaware as the Council is of your position, purpose, and political system, the Council has authorized me to do little than extend formal greetings to our planet, and to rectify the gaps in our mutual understanding of each other. After such a point, more normalized diplomatic relations can begin."

ooc- any word on the camera working/broadcasting?



To Atlantis, the GM:
Just a note, Atlantis and the Alliance have equal military rating but according to his post firearms flat do not work on his island. This rather changes that dynamic. Can I get a GM ruling on that or am I really looking at my offensive/punitive options being limited to 'blockade the entirely self-sufficient island?'

Not that I'm planning on invading or anything, I'd just hate to let a fluff precedent get set that ends up horribly conflicting with actual stat relations.

Also, you're conjuring simply fabulous wealth out of thin air. Are we talking fairy gold that fades in a few days or some serious destabilization and inflation of gem and (!) gold markets? Again, it's awesome fluff but with some big implications for stat changes that could verge on godmoding if abused.

@EU:
As part of our cooperation I said I sent a representative to join your expedition. Any chance that means I can read your Atlantis met 'n greet spoilers? The Alliance would welcome an observer of your to come a long with us, and some coordination between our negotiations would be good.

[Mashimoto]

Himalayan Mountains
The stunned government of Nepal has issued it's will for cooperation and goodwill with the so-called "renegades." The Nepalese government has scheduled a conference between His Excellency, President Ram Baran Yadav, and whoever represents the Renegades in the Nepalese capitol. A military vehicle arrives to collect the representative.

Atlantis
Aboard the Solaris Alliance frigate, Mourad Rais

Commander Bassam leaned over the railing of his aging ship and smoked a cigarette as he listened to the 40 year old metal groan and bend with the waves. Behind him, the flag of the Solaris Alliance wove beside the national flag of Algeria. There had been a long debate in the Solaris Alliance which flag to fly on top. Like all politicians, Bassam mused, they had abandoned the issue altogether.

One of his young sailors approached the railing beside Bassam. Neither had yet recieved the new Solaris Alliance uniforms, and so they merely had Solaris patches sewn onto their Algerian ones.

For a moment, the sailor silently watched the island in the distance with his commander. It was unearthly. It's mountains were obscured by a gentle mist that was neither natural nor welcoming. The entire island seemed to spark and send chills up their spines. Indeed, there might be something electric about it. Compasses refused to work around it, and sonar too.

"I don't like this, Commander," the sailor eventually managed. Bassam took long drags on his cigarette and nodded without saying anything.

"There are demons on that island. Mohammad protect us..." The commander flicked the butt pf his cigarette into the gentle rocking water. In the distance, another ship was silhouetted against the setting western sun. The commander drew two cigarettes from his jacket pocket, and offered one to his sailor, who took it with glee.

The captain was lighting his own cigarette when he heard a crash in the distance, and the violent splashing of the frigid water beneath him. The cigarette dropped from his mouth as he scoured the deck for the source of the noise.

"Alaahaa minaakh..." The commander said. God be with us.

The ship in the distance was wrapped in a dozen writhing, eldritch tentacles. It rocked on its sides as if it were a toy. The shouts of horror managed to escape the scene above the creaking of metal and muted pops of gunfire.

Moments later, the water under the Mourad Rais was stirring. Something crashed into bottom, rattling the deck. A massive tentacle started to creep over port side, an ominous monstrosity with Atlantis as backdrop. And then another arm... and another...

Solaris Alliance loses - military worth of ships in the surprise attack. The rest of the fleet is yours to command.

New Anomaly Faction
"Naga"
Emanating from an unseen Rift deep in an Atlantic Ocean trench opened by the Earthquake that brought forth Atlantis, these monstrosities come in two varieties: semi-intelligent human/aquatic hybrids, and total monstrosities commanded by those hybrids. Kraken, ocean dragons, and every other thing 18th century sailors were afraid of are now real.
Military: ++++++
Economy: ++++
Research: ++
Espionage: 0/++++
World Opinion: 0
Anomaly Opinion: ++

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

A mobilization of the navy has been called by the National Diet. By order of the National Diet, with approval of the Emperor, Japanese Third Fleet have left the borders. Heading towards Southeast Asia, the sailors were ready for battle.

To Russian Federation
Our scientists have left and will arrive tomorrow to assist in your investigations of the incidents in Siberia.

+++ Research dedicated to the portal in Sibera

To Underground
Chrysanthemum_Chair to Sensei: Spread the word to have those who want out of China to go to the Japanese Embassy. Look for Ambassador Hiruzen.

For those who can't go to the Embassy, have them try to get to port cities. Once there, send us a message and wait for further instructions

To GM
+++ of Military is mobilized to form a naval fleet to attack Golden Hunt.

Remaining +++ Research developed for Nanotechnology and Energy Weapons

[Murska]

To Japan:

Sensei: They'll hear of it. You have saved lives here today, and we will not forget that.

To GM:

Anyone drawing too much flak in China will be utilizing the Japanese Embassy or port cities to escape, as per the agreement above.

[Mashimoto]

Peoples Republic of China
Japanese Embassy

Embassy workers have noticed an unmarked van parked across the street from the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. It, or a van like it, is present 24/7. [The Chinese smell something fishy, but are unsure what].

The Underground
Some of your east Asian leaders are reporting numerous Chinese probes into security. These probes have been described as "noob." So much so, that many agents would feel comfortable using these amateur attacks to feed the Chinese false information.

[Murska]

To Mashimoto:

Well, I'm not an unified organization.

I'm sure the following will happen:

Bator: lol
H1mmel: wut?
Bator: the gov tryin to spy on us
H1mmel: rly? what they doin?
Bator: they sent a trace probe 4 linksite
H1mmel: wait rly? hahaha
Bator: im quakin in my pants
TH0|N1X: Haha I know!
Bator: what?
TH0|N1X: lets put some fake ips. from gov websites?
Bator: Nooo... minister's wife!
TH0|N1X: Oo lol! Yes! Let's grab some dox for this

And so, some information begins to pop up in their probes that point to various government officials and their family members, a number of people deceased in Chinese police operations in the last decade as well as completely obscure stuff like Captain Falcon, Chuck Norris or MacGuyver being active members.

[IcemanJRC]

The Great Hunt

All is quiet in Southeast Asia as the attacks have died down, the creatures now roam freely amogst the abandoned cities, towns and villages. The insectoid creatures have begun sorting through the debris, compiling large piles of concrete and stone, metal, glass and ceramics, skin and organs, bones and sinew, and everything else.

[Thelonius]

Australia

Prime Minister Thomas Glatt addresses the nation:

''There is a lot of unexplained things going on around the world. Many alien life forms appearing and many conflicts. I will not assume at this point, that all alien beings are our enemies. We are dealing with something completely different from humanity. Something, that may not understand us and what we might not understand in turn. As you know, a race of beings, called ''Renegades'' has attempted to communicate with us. This is our chance to forge a bridge between human and alien, to find a way to understanding and make ourselves be understood. The first step we can make to bring peace to our planet.

I'm inviting Renegade representatives to Australia, so we can discuss possibilities for cooperation and ways we can establish communications with other, anomalous beings. I also hope that this will let us find a way to communicate with the creatures in the Indonesia and Hawaii to see, if there is a way to restore peace to the region.''

[razovor]

We are at war.

The people cheer as Goodluck Jonathan, the President of Nigeria steps up to the podium.

"Thank you, thank you all for attending" The presidents first few words are muffled by the crowd

I come before you today, with sorrow in my heart. Only six months ago, our people were thrown into war. Over a million life's were lost, our country was devastated, our people thrown into poverty. Though our enemy was strong, and though we suffered greatly, we were not defeated. We survived, and while we are weaker as a nation are strength of will has only grown. We are not a nation who will sit by idly while others suffer. We will recover, and ensure no people ever have to suffer as we did.

We have enjoyed peace for many months. We believed our land was safe. While many nations troubled us, war did not seem to be looming on the horizon. But in these last short weeks, the world has changed. More than ever before in history. Now we are faced with a threat beyond comprehension. Not only our people, but the entire world must fight for the survival of the human race.

Across the sea, a legion of the damned roams across the landscape, as mother earth herself rises up to strangle her own people. Across in the Pacific great beasts devour the populace of Indonesia without remorse or pity. We feel for the people of these troubled lands, but before we can help them, we must ensure our own survival.

The Atlantic coast has become alive with all manner of beasts. These creatures may seem overwhelming, truly it would be foolish to underestimate them, but they are not invincible. If we stand together as a nation we can defeat them.

That is why I am here today. To announce the African Coalition is at war. The war will not be short, nor will our loses be few, but we must not be intimidated. We do this not for ourselves, but the people of the earth.

For the People!"

Recruitment:

The African Coalition has begun a new recruitment drive. Every able-bodied African man is invited to stand up, and take part in the battle for Humanity's survival.

[The_JJ]

(Ow. 12.5% of my fighting force lost for being curious. This is a rough game.)

A Council Meeting. Location Unknown, Participants Unknown. Results also unknown, but, you know, fluff.

"The Alliance has been attacked. We must retaliate."

"Against what? We can't fight the ocean."

"Atlantis? Their waters, their rift, their fault."

"Their responsibility, perhaps. We need to focus people. These... 'Naga' can wait."

"For what? The Alliance has been attacked. We're a new power, we need to assert our authority."

"And avenge our dead."

"Not to mention the threat to trade. What? Someone had to say it."

"Agreed, but it can wait, wait until the problems in front of us have been solved, wait until we get solid results from this Atlantis, wait for a solid coalition with air dropped depth charges and sonar buoys. Agreed. Very well then."

"I'll send feelers out to our allies. We should call this one in."

To the Commonwealth, African Union:

According to the terms of our defensive pacts, we're requesting your assistance in a punitive expedition to these Nagas, which, as you may know, have attack the fleet we sent to Atlantis. We'll send you the data we have from that attack now.

For now we should plan, and seek out others with a stake in the matter. The America's, for instance, would certainly hate to be cut off from Middle Eastern and Nigeria oil, the Brazilian's have shown a willingness to fight these demons, though they seem a bit distracted. This Atlantis might feel obliged to clear its name of any involvement.

Contact who you can, and let's be ready to move soon.

To European Union:

Get your exploratory fleet to port or well reinforced ASAP.

[Turalisj]

Before any interaction can be done, the EU-Expeditionary Fleet is called back. They retreat from Atlantis and return back to their home ports in Europe.

Meanwhile, major shipping companies are given escorts of destroyers, and research is stepped up on how to defend, and fight back, against the creatures from the Rifts.

[Forum Explorer]

Camaradas de Armas

The problems of this world are accumulating at an massive rate. We need to take actions to make sure that the fallout does not affect us. One of the rifts over the Pacific seems quiet but I doubt that will remain so for long. However it may be better to try and do something about the more active rifts first. In any case our own defences come first.


News

The border between the Camaradas de Armas and South America have been sealed and no traffic is allowed to cross the border, period.

to Solaris
We are intrested in attempting to destroy one of these rifts. In order to find out how we are willing to aid whatever actions you plan against the Atlantic rift.

[Murska]

Global Stage

There's a drive in the scientific community to find out what the rifts are and how to stop them from spewing more and more monstrosities all over the Earth. Scientists are calling for the governments to fund international initiatives and expeditions for this purpose.

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations

Solaris Alliance
Indeed. The Ability to cross the sea without hamper is vital to almost every nation. We will deploy submarines, as well as anti-submarine forces to assist in any attack.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

Solaris Alliance/GM
Solomon had a sudden horrified look on his face. He glanced at the way his guest had come. All along the near coast the defense platforms were reconfiguring.

As the nearest Layline nexus the systems of Solomon's Sanctum were instantly commandeered by the defense grid. Strange lights composed of lines and glyphs floated in the air. The green grass took on an almost jewel like transparency as a vast rippling sheet of simulation formed over it. Columns of runes climbed up and down the trunks of trees. Under the surface of the table multiple layers of images flash and disappeared rapidly.

The arrays above the defensive emplacements shifted to form long lensing arrays. They let loos blue white beams that converged at a single point in the sky. This point expanded into a prismatic sphere, blazing like the sun. Something like spotlights fell upon the naga beasts near shore, and shimmering and refracting beams washed over them. A few instants after it had started the beast were no more.

Solomon looked sadly at his visitors while the various optical effect faded. "I am afraid a number of your ships have been destroyed. I... am sorry for your loss. There is still much work left for my people to do."

[razovor]

Anti-Expeditionary

Several scientists in the African Coalition are opposed to the idea of wasting valuable resources attempting to close the rifts. We have no way of knowing the rifts could not simply be reopened. Rather, our resources should be spend trying to deal with what comes out the rifts.

If we close the rifts, the dangerous monsters lurking behind them still remain. But if we kill the monsters, the rifts pose no threat.

[distant quasar]

Renegades

Nepal (spoilered for length)

Kyuinti stood tall (about 7ft/2m tall) near the slope of the mountain. He looked like the Christian image of an angel, powerful wings spread out behind his back, that allowed him to fly more through use of magic than through his body anatomy in this planet. Perhaps his figure would have served to comfort the soldiers arriving to pick up the vehicle, had Yith now been standing beside him, slightly shorter, but the fitting image of a demon. Both were smiling as best they could, attemtping to look normal. It didn't work out so well.

As the vehicle arrived to pick them up, one of the soldier's mouths dropped open. The General shouted something at him in Nepali, and it was closed quickly, and the soldiers assumed the image of being unfazeable and soldier-like, except for the fact that their eyes were glued on the two Anomalies. Now they knew why it was such a fitting word, or thought they did.

"They hadn't really seen anything yet," Kyuinti though sadly.

They greeted the General with a handshake and polite hello, Yith translating the two impossibley different languages. While the General was much less fazed than his soldiers, and doing his best to hide it, it was obvious to Yith that he was behaving ill at ease. He figured the best thing to do would be to wait until they met the President before doig any further talking, and relayed this to Kyuinti, who shook his head no in agreement.


The meeting in Ram Baran Yadav's office in the capitol building would've been entirly private, if not for the reporters in the room. Kyuinti looked around at them, who seemed more excited than firghtened by their unusual appearance, and then back at the President. He began to speak, and Yith translated his words into Nepali once more, for all the world to see and hear.

"Greetings. I am Kyuinti, head of the Renegade mages. We are glad to hear that you wish for goodwill and cooperation between our people. We are sure this will be of mutual benefit to the both of us."

The President looked a slight bit bewildered for a moment at the odd setup in his room. Then he shook his head slightly and blonked, and began speaking a reply. "We are also glad to hear from you. I am very thankful that my nation does nothave to deal with the violent Anomalies being reported around the world. But I have many questions to ask you, that I am sure all my country... no all the world, much desire to know the answers to. So first off: What can you tell us about yourself and your faction that you have not told us already?"

"To be truthful, not much. Our interest is in helping your people and spreading goodness and peace throughout the world. This is what makes us different from so many others of our kind, and why we broke away from them. This is why we call ourselves the Renegades."

"Then what can you do for us, and what can we do for you?"

"That depends on what you want. We have no interest in helping you if you wish to spread violence, our your own nation's power at the expense of others. But otherwise, we our own military can help to defend you from attackers. Our magical talent can achieve medical wonders for you. And We can provide you with details beyond what you have about the nature of the Anomalies. In return..." Kyuinti paused for a moment, then started again, "In return we ask that you allow us our post in these Himalayan Mountains; it is very suitable for us. We also ask that you speak favorably of us to other nations around the world. And perhaps you can also help us establish ourselves by allowing the trade of our energy for supplies your country can produce."

"That sounds very agreeable to me. ..."

The meeting went on, and into much more detail invlolving these matters and others as well.

Australia

We would be delighted to meet with you. Can you arrange transportation for one of our leaders, Thon, to your country to meet with your leader(s)?

[Thelonius]

Australia

A small fleet of warships is sent to pick up the Renegades leader. The official reception is prepared and the government has introduced several programs to get the population used to the idea of working with anomalies.

There are attempts made to establish communications with the ''Great Hunt'' anomaly, as the internet geeks have dubbed it. At the same time canisters with poison are assembled in the military airports. The Plan ''Toxic Blanket'' is formulated by the military. Its purpose is to spray a vast amount of toxins over the areas, currently occupied by the Great Hunt.

To GM

Sending (-) Military over to pick up Renegade’s leader and another (-) to patrol the Indonesian waters and try to get communications with Great Hunt going.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

Renegades
We have heard tell of your deeds, and if your intentions be as they appear we have much common interest.

As a show of good faith we have included a simple Leyline engineering schematic that should allow us to engage in instantaneous communication without the need for you to construct additional infrastructure.

Renegades/GM PM level
If they build this, it will be untraceable by humans unless they happen to gain a LOT of skill in my technology (Research focused on me perhaps) or have someone standing on either end. So all communications between us would be PM level.

Would that be acceptable?

[The_JJ]

Solaris to Commonwealth:
Soon then, but not too soon.

Solaris to Atlantis:
The soldier turns to the diplomat. "Sir? Last radio message got in, the Europeans are backing out." Remarkably professional, considering that many of her colleagues had died trapped on cargo vessels, very unequipped to deal with the problems they faced.

The diplomat sighs heavily. "It, ahem. Thank you for that assistance, belated though it was. Until that is dealt with," he inclines his head toward the shore, "or someone braves a helicopter flight out here, it seems we shall have to be your only contact with the outside world. Perhaps it would be best if you explain, clearly and explicitly, what or who you are, exactly how you are not in any way aligned with... whatever that was, and how you intend to help us deal with that problem."

Emergency repeat:



Solaris Alliance to Sword, EU, Commonwealth:
Negotiations have gone better than expected. In the unlikely event that, perhaps, the Syrian protesters can be convinced that, perhaps, their cause might be supported and they return to the streets and, well, the regime starts to stamp down, well, if that were to happen, could you offer your support in establishing a democratic government. It need not be a major commitment. It'd be far simpler to, say, use the forces locally available.

Trans; just say you're cool with it, and I'll start the party. Let Israel know that you're okaying it as well, and then maybe make positive noises at me once I've done your dirty work successfully brought democracy to another oppressed people!
If you want to send a few - of air power or cruise missiles or elite spec ops, or even some ++ of tank goodness, I won't object strenuously.

[nolispe]

RICSA

Warwick Gibbs, Head of RISCA
'Citizens of Earth, the world today is under siege. Every day, new Rifts open to strange and malevolent places, and we find ourselves under attack. Soon, every major landmass will be under assault. Millions of people are dying. In Indonesia, the abominations known as the Great Hunt are murdering civillians left and right. In America, it seems that the land itself has risen against humanity. In South America, demonic abominations from beyond the world are pouring from their homelands, leaving a trail of death and terror in their path. And, today, the very sea itself is filled with creatures the like of which have filled our nightmares for generations. Mankind is under attack, an attack of such magnitude that it seems we cannot help but fall. An attack of more danger than anything else the world has ever faced.

And yet.

We are still here. Even now, the forces of humanity are rallying to drive back the Hunt. Even now, the full might of the American military has moved against Gaia, and seems to push it back, driving it into oblivion. Even now, the heroism of ordinary people in South America has given the demons pause, and may, god willing, drive them from our planet. Even now - Even as we speak - plans are already in progress to destroy the sea monsters of Naga that beset the waters. Humanity is still alive, and it is fighting back.

Today many of you have spoken of our inevitable defeat. Many of you have claimed that as the creatures keep coming, we must eventually all fall. Many have declared that we cannot hope to survive, and the entire temple of humanity's artifice and civilisation, that treasure that we have built up over thousands of years and billions more of evolution, must now come crashing down.

Perhaps they are right. But I think I speak for everyone here when I say that it doesn't matter if they are. Even if we as a species, as a world, are doomed in the end, we will fight. We will not use our last few months cowering in terror in holes waiting for the end. We will not go quietly into that good night!

Ladies and gentlemen, I will be calling another general meeting one year hence. I do not expect everyone in the auidence to be there. I may not. But I do expect someone to be here. Ladies and Gentlement, we will overcome. If it takes us a thousand years to clear the planet of the invasions, we will overcome. Tommorow, the day after, in a hundred years. It doesn't matter. Our victory is assured. Thank you.'

To Australia
Are you planning to launch an attack on the Great Hunt? We would like to offer any assistance we can.

To the Regagades, Atlantis
We would like to clarify that we mean no harm to those of you that come in peace, We would like to integrate you into the international community, in fact. Would you be willing to assist us in clearing this planet of the invasions we are undergoing?

[Thelonius]

Australia

RICSA

''Unfortunatly, we don't have military assets to attempt such operation. Our forces are stretched thin as it is, mantaining order in Australia and watching over our own Rift. Our only option is to seek diplomatic solution the the current crisis.''

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

RICSA
"This is a much more acceptable channel. Thank you for using it. We are already engaged in operations against the Naga. We hope to clear them out completely soon. Any assistance would be welcome, but there may be tasks humanity could better direct its resources toward."

[Mashimoto]

Total War: Apocalypse
Part Two: Resurrection
Human Population: 97%


Pacific Rift Closes
Rift opens over South Sudan
Rift opens over English Channel

War on Naga
The African Coalition has joined the Solaris Alliance in an all-out war with the Naga. As African fleets patrol the Atlantic, no signs of the Naga can be seen. However, their presence allows international trade to continue with relative normalcy.

Riots Down Under
Violence is erupting in the Australian Indonesian resettlement camps. The sprawling tenements, miles wide in the unforgiving Australian desert with limited supplies have led to widespread violence. The Australian military has been called in to restore peace.

Crusade!
Pope Benedict XVI has called for the formation of an international "Crusade for Humanity" of humanitarian aid to the rapidly deteriorating South America (see below). Food, security forces, and whatever other aid possible is being requested to the struggling people there.

Japanese Fleet Defeated by Grand Hunt
An Imperial Warfleet moving into the South Pacific was overrun by hordes of the Grand Hunt. The Japanese were forced to turn around after suffering heavy casualties. Strangely, the Grand Hunt seemed to anticipate the attack pattern of the Japanese.

Last Hope for Man?
Edmund Duke has been named TIME magazine's person of the year for 2012. Throughout the year, he was a dark horse candidate, behind the Japanese Emperor for it's defeat of Korea and the Solaris Alliance leadership for it's commitment to Arab democracy. The Anomaly Crisis turned the tides for Edmund Duke, who TIME magazine seems to be a leader, not just of The Sword, but of all mankind. He assumes his duties as Secretary-General at the beginning of this turn.

South America
Since the startling Brazilian defeat of the Demons in south America, their mysterious disappearance has plagued the region in fear. As entire countries flee, national economics beyond Brazil have virtually been turned over to drug cartels and warlords. With farming all-but stopped, mass starvation has become the norm.

What governments still hold power only do because of strict, faith-based Martial law. In Peru, thieves, refugees, and dissidents are called witches and strung up in mass-crucifixions while the runaway military seizes all food in the country to sustain itself. The rest of the region does not fare much better, as malnourishment gives way to starvation, reports of mass cannibalism are being reported across the country. Civil wars have broken out between marxist rebels and fascist governments in Bolivia, Colombia, and Guyana already, with nearby countries on the brink.

The Camradas de Armas are fiercely defending their borders against refugees, who attempt to flood through Panama by the millions. The Pope's Humanitarian Crusade is perhaps the last hope for the region.

Siberian Rift
Very little information has been released from the Russian or Japanese scientists around the rift.

Trouble in the Mid East
The Solaris Alliance, after declaring its intentions at peaceful resolution of Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, is beginning to mass troops against staunchly anti-semetic Syria. This culminates with large, anti-government protests in Syria. An Israeli representative was quoted as saying "The Syrian government is violent and cruel. It is the old model of Islam, it's people--like the people and governments of the Solaris Alliance--are part of the 'new wave' of peaceful Muslims who will gradually replace all of their oppressive masters."

Syria is calling for all Muslim nations to come to its aid, and for Arabs worldwide to oppose the conflict. The people of the Solaris Alliance are unresponsive.

Underground
One of your members posts 40 pages of scanned images he claimed were in a journal he received from a friend who was visiting his grandfather in Siberia. Leading the journal is this note:

"...I don't know what's going on, but the Russians are hiding something. Two nights ago, I heard distant gunfire and explosions coming from the Rift Quarantine Zone. This morning, I witnessed thirty military trucks covered in blue tarps traveling past my farmhouse, and now I can see smoke rising over the frozen horizon in the distance. It reeks...I think they're burning bodies. After the trucks passed, I found this diary in the street. I think it fell off the back of one, it might have belonged to an officer. My grandson is a university student in Copenhagen. He says he knows someone on the internet he can get this letter to. I guess that's you. I'm sending him the long route to avoid the Russian checkpoints. God help us all."

The Journal
Day One
Set Up quarantine zone. The troops are on edge, and we have live ammunition in our rifles. Staring into that "rift" sends the hairs on my neck up on edge. It's like an eye, up there, a flaming eye staring into me. We're moving the locals out of the area. The anomaly seems to be focused over this old town. A creaking, Soviet Oblast. Abandoned, of course. I tried to look it up, but it's not on any maps. Strange.

Day Three
High Command has approved executive orders to cut off communications in and out of the quarantine zone. Internet, cell phones, and even satellite phones are down. We only have short range radio, and I think even those are being watched.

Day Six
Still waiting on the scientists to get here. The government beat them here, I guess. We've set up four or five dozen camps in the quarantine zone, and each one has a little government man in a suit. I don't like ours. He looks like a rat, and he writes everything in a clip board.

Day Eleven
Scientists from the west arrived. I guess they were holding out to see if the devil himself would crawl from this rift and kill us all before they sent in their all-important intellectuals. Charming. None of that though, at least yet, except a lot of unnerved men and overworked animals. The animals especially, wolves howl every night. It really shakes a lot of the city kids. I try to tell them this is wolf country, but they won't listen.

Day Fifteen
Wolves are howling every day. Day and night. I don't like this. Scientists aren't making any headway. At least, so they say.

Day Seventeen
Some Japanese have arrived in the Quarantine zone. Maybe they'll have better luck. Those wolves won't go away. I can hear them when I close my eyes. I'm not sure what's real or not anymore.

Day Eighteen
One of the outer posts disappeared. The only radio message they got out was half-mad barking about wolves, and now they're not responding. My unit's being called out to investigate.

Day Nineteen
Wolves isn't the right word. They're not wolves... They're massive, one had to be three meters long and two high, with six-inch teeth... padded fur, almost bulletproof. They ran on two legs... devils that howl... Six of my men dead. One bit my arm, but I got the motherfu... oh god this hurts. G-man is by my bed every day, and scientists. I have to hide this journal.

Day Twenty-one
The howling won't stop. I close my eyes and smell blood. Mine...my men...does it matter? The wound closed already. Remarkably. I feel stronger...than ever. I eat my steaks rare. almost raw. What's happening to me?

Day Twenty-four
I hear...oh god...the howling! The howling! The wolves! The wolves!

[journal ends, page stained in blood]

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations
The British government urges it's citizens to remain calm, as the rift opens. The South coast of England is sealed off, and large contigents of troops, artillery pieces, and tanks begin to congregate near the rift.

To the EU
I suggest we co-operate fully in dealing with the Channel rift. Heavy ordance on both coasts should allow us to blast anything that comes through.

[Turalisj]

To the Commonwealth

We have developed technology that will allow us to pierce the EM distortion fields possessed by the Anomalies. If we work together, we can study and understand how to deal with the threat of these abominations. We are also working on a new weapon round, which should be able to destroy the structural integrity of an abomination's body. If you are willing to aide us, we can share the technology.

To Underground

Server Logging In..
JimmyBoy has entered the Room
JimmyBoy: I know you're there. Listen up kid, because here's how things are going to go.
JimmyBoy: We already know you're listening in on our comm lines. We also know that you are tapping our satellite images.
JimmyBoy: We're willing to help, but we want a face to face meeting. No hiding on the internet.
JimmyBoy: This isn't one of your ****ty little Starcraft games, this is real life. Either people start to cooperate and play ball, or everyone dies. Your choice. You know where to find us.
JimmyBoy has left the Room.

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations

To EU
Aid you, how precisely? If you simply mean aiding you in the development of said technology, then of course.

[razovor]

African Coalition

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Solaris Alliance for inviting us to assist in their operation against Naga. We are pleased to announce the monstrous beasts have not shown themselves. Trade may continue as normal.

It has come to our attention with the rift over South Sudan, that the Solaris Alliance may wish to withdraw their troops to defend their homeland. This is fine, in fact, we encourage it. We don't want any more unnecessary civilian casualties. We can assure the nations of the world we will be able to hold these waters until Solaris is safe once again.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun (Espionage 2)

South China Sea
Admiral Nagato calmly sat on the captain's chair of the Battleship Mitsurugi as he watched the chaos unfold. In the opening stages of the battle, he had ordered the carriers to launch the planes and begin bombing of the shorelines, followed by bombardment. Things didn't go according to plan.

In a matter of few hours, nearly half of the aircraft were shot down. Coupled with unknown attacks sinking the ships, it shifted the momentum. Admiral Nagato, veteran of the Korean Invasion, was defeated.

Admiral Nagato, to conserve their forces, ordered a retreat. Within the hearts of mind of everyone in the first act of war against the Grand Hunt was shame and failure, and most of all, a desire for payback.

To the People's Republic of China
I believe that you have some... political undesirables who you view a threat due to their activities on the Internet. Japan offers you aid to that. We are willing to accept some of your political undesirables, transferring the burden from you to us. Will you accept the proposal?

To the Russian Federation
Has there been any word from the research expedition regarding the Siberia Anomaly?

[distant quasar]

Renegades

Emanations of Sancrosti (PM-level, 'cause we're that awesome :smalltongue:)
Our interests do indeed lie in helping humanity. We mean no harm, only peace to them. We have recieved and built your leyline schematics; as you are undoubtedly aware, given that this communication is taking place through them.

Australia
Thon is escorted to your country by your military forces. In a conference between leaders, his proposition is as follows:
- Australia and the Renegades form a defensive military pact. Any faction attacking one is seen as attacking both.
- Australia and the Renegades open up good trade relationships. They offer clean, renewable energy in the form of Solar Power.
- Australia and the Renegades will share their magical and technological capabilities and advancements.

RICSA (using RISCA's esp, whatever that may be)
We are glad to hear you harbor no ill intent towards us, as we have none towards you or any human. We are interested in joining your efforts against the more violent Anomalies we have broken away from.

[Murska]

The Underground (7 Esp)

The Russian Rift
The Underground publicizes a journal (with all possible identification data removed) allegedly passed from the rift in Siberia, detailing a new werewolf threat.

Journal:

Day One
Set Up quarantine zone. The troops are on edge, and we have live ammunition in our rifles. Staring into that "rift" sends the hairs on my neck up on edge. It's like an eye, up there, a flaming eye staring into me. We're moving the locals out of the area. The anomaly seems to be focused over this old town. A creaking, Soviet Oblast. Abandoned, of course. I tried to look it up, but it's not on any maps. Strange.

Day Three
High Command has approved executive orders to cut off communications in and out of the quarantine zone. Internet, cell phones, and even satellite phones are down. We only have short range radio, and I think even those are being watched.

Day Six
Still waiting on the scientists to get here. The government beat them here, I guess. We've set up four or five dozen camps in the quarantine zone, and each one has a little government man in a suit. I don't like ours. He looks like a rat, and he writes everything in a clip board.

Day Eleven
Scientists from the west arrived. I guess they were holding out to see if the devil himself would crawl from this rift and kill us all before they sent in their all-important intellectuals. Charming. None of that though, at least yet, except a lot of unnerved men and overworked animals. The animals especially, wolves howl every night. It really shakes a lot of the city kids. I try to tell them this is wolf country, but they won't listen.

Day Fifteen
Wolves are howling every day. Day and night. I don't like this. Scientists aren't making any headway. At least, so they say.

Day Seventeen
Some Japanese have arrived in the Quarantine zone. Maybe they'll have better luck. Those wolves won't go away. I can hear them when I close my eyes. I'm not sure what's real or not anymore.

Day Eighteen
One of the outer posts disappeared. The only radio message they got out was half-mad barking about wolves, and now they're not responding. My unit's being called out to investigate.

Day Nineteen
Wolves isn't the right word. They're not wolves... They're massive, one had to be three meters long and two high, with six-inch teeth... padded fur, almost bulletproof. They ran on two legs... devils that howl... Six of my men dead. One bit my arm, but I got the motherfu... oh god this hurts. G-man is by my bed every day, and scientists. I have to hide this journal.

Day Twenty-one
The howling won't stop. I close my eyes and smell blood. Mine...my men...does it matter? The wound closed already. Remarkably. I feel stronger...than ever. I eat my steaks rare. almost raw. What's happening to me?

Day Twenty-four
I hear...oh god...the howling! The howling! The wolves! The wolves!

[journal ends, page stained in blood]



To EU:

Ten minutes later, JimmyBoy's cellphone rings. A man speaking English with a Nordic accent is on the other end.
"Anton Nordberg here. I was told you wanted to meet? As we've said before, we're willing to work with anyone who's trying to save humankind instead of messing around and trying to profit from the chaos. I actually believe we've done more than most nations so far."

[Mashimoto]

Peoples Republic of China to Empire of the Rising Sun
We are not in the business of granting dangerous criminals international amnesty where they will be rewarded and lionized for their terrorist attacks on Chinese security. We remain steadfast devotion to routing out and putting these hackers to justice.

Russian Federation to Empire of the Rising Sun
(the Russian diplomat you speak to sounds tired and nervous.) All valuable research we have ascertained is being processed and will be transmitted to you soon. The quarantine zone has had a minor...incident...and we are in the process of pacifying it. We will give you updates as we receive them.

The Russian Federation issues a short international statement that there has been an "incident" around the Siberian Rift, and that the situation is in complete control of the Russian Military.

[Thelonius]

Australia

Safe Oceans Operation

The Australian Navy is sent to secure the safe travel through the Pacific ocean (+ Mil), following the example of African Coalition-Solaris success.

Refugee Relocation Operation

A massive relocation effort is enacted to resettle the refugees among the cities of Australia. Prime Minister Glatt addresses the nation: ''In these dark times, one thing we must remember, is that we are all human. Any Indonesian and Hawaiian refugee will be granted Australian citizenship, if they chose to apply for one.''

South America

The Australia is donating ++ t. Economy to the Papacy's Crusade For Humanity. Prime Minister Thomas Glatt has called on the nations of South America to remain rational and act with calm. ''It is not time to succumb into mad religious fever. Christianity is the religion of tolerance, healing and peace. We urge for the military and militias to step away from violence and work on restoring democratic government and rule of law.''

In Support of Syria

''This isn't a time for war. What will invasion of Syria bring to the world, but more pain and misery? We must stand united and stop our violent ways, before it is too late.''

To Commonwealth

''We advise you against provoking, whatever creature may emerge from the Rift in the English Channel. There are benevolent Anomaly factions working alongside humans. Your military buildup near the Rift may provoke a pointless conflict.''

Negotiations with Renegades

''We would be interested in a defensive alliance, as long as neither side acts to prove aggression against itself. We would like to know more about you and your intentions before committing to trade and technological agreements.''

To GM

(-) Military watches portal.
(-) Assists with the relocation effort

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations

To Australia
"We thank you for your advice, but the matter has already been considered heavily. The protection of Commonwealth citizens comes first, and foremost, and this rift is close to many population centres. Additionally, we are skeptical of so-called 'benevolent' Anomalies. "

[Mashimoto]

Sudanese Rift
After the Rift appeared, the area was deserted in short order. In the days proceeding it's appearance, the surrounding area has noticed an increase in strange things. Whether hysteria or real, villagers claim to have seen transparent apparitions, heard laughing, and seen small objects and furniture move. Other claims include moving shadows, images in mirrors, and strange images appearing in photo negatives. No deaths or serious injuries yet reported.

[IcemanJRC]

The Great Hunt

The Japanese have fled the hunting grounds and some groups have been sent to scavenge. Across the beaches their are several bits of equipment and such. Two such groups converged on a peculiar object. It was a gun. The group of War Dogs sniffed at the device as the group of Shades poked at it. One brave Shade decided to pick up the device. Chatters and whimpers ran through the groups but they were hushed. The Shade turned the gun around in its claws, grabbing and pointing it blindly. Round and round it turned it, looking from all angles, when, by some freak happenstance, the gun discharged. A bullet flew from the barrel and landed in the flank of a War Dog. It growled and barked, and the Shade shot again. Then a third time before the gun ran out of ammo and it was dropped. The shots in the flank were strange, the first was rather deep and bled profusely, the second however was shallow and grazing. The third, well the third bullet wound wasn't a wound so much as a scuff on the newly formed scales beneath the Dogs fur. Further inspection revealed that bony plates and scales grew all over its body, and the others had begun to grow them as well. They were hard and tough, but moved with the Dogs muscles. The Hunt has developed bullet proofing.

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

To the Holy Rose
"My demon hunters are gathering as we speak to carry out the crusade and cleanse this continent. How have your efforts at locating the demon leaders fared."

To Australia
Father Hjalmar releases a short statement in regards to Australia's donation. "I thank for your efforts to aid the starving people of this continent. It is a welcome sight, and indeed I urge every other country that can spare it to do the same. Rest assured we of the Limeza Chama are not unfeeling. We work for the survival of all mankind and we only hunt the demons. However there are some who will oppose us. Even in Brazil there were those who did. We do not know why. Perhaps they have been corrupted by the demons, or perhaps they seek only their own gain. But for whatever reason there exists the very real chance that they will have to be put down for peace to be restored to South America."

The Vatican
Father Hjalmar sends a letter to the Pope. He regrets that he cannot come in person, but he is urgently required on the front lines.

"Your Holiness,

Let me start by expressing my deep and undying gratitude for your aid in this matter. Also I apologize for taking matters into my own hands rather consulting my superiors in the church. When the rift first opened it was a dark time for us, and there was little communication with the outside world. I felt that matters had to be dealt with immediately without waiting for instructions. Let me apprise you of our current status.

Brazil has been secured. My hunters continuously patrol the countryside and we are certain that no demons lie in waiting. As such I suggest you direct the crusade to use Brazilian ports to land supplies to avoid ambush. I have established a network of hunters throughout South America. The demons are too cunning for my forces to track entirely, but we do what is humanly possible. And even now I am on the border of Bolivia preparing additional forces. Simply give us your blessing and we will begin purging this unholy blight."

South America
Limpeza Chama forces begin marshaling on the southern border of Brazil. Meanwhile truck convoys begin moving throughout Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The people are urged to have hope as help will soon be arriving. The remaining government forces and any other armed factions are urged to join the Limpeza Chama in purging the demons from the area.

To Camaradas de Armas
We expect the demons to push against your border hard in effort to flee once our efforts begin to have effect. Would you be willing to accept our aid in reinforcing the border? We wish to ensure that not a single demon escapes the continent.

To the Commonwealth
Do you plan to address the situation in South America? We are about to start cleansing the continent of the demonic presence and would welcome additional support.

GM
++ mil into Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay to restore as much order as possible. They have orders to help the civilians as much as possible, but if they are attacked to strike back hard whether the attackers are demons or human.

[Mashimoto]

Russian Federation to Empire of the Rising Sun
Rifts

Vary in height, generally in cruising range of aircraft.
Between 1/2 a kilometer and 3 kilometers wide, up to half a kilometer tall. "Red Sky" effect stretches for dozens of miles.
Mildly radioactive. Not dangerous on ground, but in air radiation reaches dangerous levels if exposure is prolonged.
Cause electronic malfunctions for miles. The more sophisticated the device, the more it is effected by the rift.
Russian jets lobbed dummy rockets through the rift -- they vanished.
When the above experiment was repeated with tracers and cameras, both malfunctioned.
Strangely, Rifts have a mild gravitational pull, implying they have mass.
The center of Rifts evidently have very high gravity, with a very narrow event horizon. Experiments with very narrow lasers demonstrated the beam bending slightly towards the center of the rift.
Birds seem to naturally avoid the rift. Other animals are startled and uneasy by it.
Many soldiers and scientists in close vicinity to the rift reported having troubled sleep and disturbing dreams after extended exposure. It is unsure if this is the rift itself or stress associated with it.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

Solaris Alliance
Solomon looks sadly in the direction of the destroyed ships for a while before speaking. he seems unphased as six long cathedral like naves begin to grow out of the sides of his home. The courtyard they are in is between two so their discussion will not be interrupted.

"I... we are human. At least we were once. We are more now, but we lost nothing. Its hard to explain. I have in me many minds, many souls, all in one body. I remember growing a banana tree and being allowed to marry. I remember grinding grain in Rome. Each life continues in me, right were they left off. But, I am one person, not many. I and not we is the proper pronoun. All the rest of the silver race is like that.

The golden race is... more then that... different. They are to us what we are to you only more so. The sum total of experience and enlightenment has granted them powers beyond our comprehension. They know the names of the mountains and the songs of power to bid them move. We take our place in their choirs, but no more.

The discontinuities and what comes out of them are not related the way the nations of the world are. We became aware of the existence of the others only as were were passing from... beyond, back to Earth. Time is strange regarding the discontinuities, and for us especially. We came back for two reasons, to become complete and to offer what we have gained back to the people of this world. It is our goal that the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve should leave this the world of their birth and assume their place as Stewards of the Stars.

We wish you to experience what we have experienced, the song of the spheres, the voice of the Mighty in the silence between the stars. It will take much time and effort and we do not understand much more of the situation then you.

The silver race at least still remembers humanity. The number of souls who became us was completed at the end of this age, and we include savants and scholars from all ages. We know the lost books of Rome and Alexandria and the Yongle Didan in full and many other things besides.

As for these, "naga" we are already taking steps to destroy them. We have destroyed all of them within fifty miles of our coast. We are developing ways to reach them in their secret places, beneath the surface of the deep.

But what about you? What do you and yours feel toward us, the prodigals who return from the deeps of space and time and memory? Do you find us abhorrent or demons or full of wickedness? Will you turn your arms upon us?"

[nolispe]

RISCA (Espionage +++++++, stay out of my messages)

The Renegades
We thank you. We would also like to discuss a technology sharing session at some point - we are sure you have developed many things that we have not, and vice versa.
We are currently considering an attack on the Great Hunt. What would you think about this?

To Australia
In the case of a coaltion coming together to attack the Great Hunt, would you assist?

To Japan
Warning. Our spies have reason to belive the Hunt will soon move towards you.

[Forum Explorer]

Camaradas de Armas

to Limpeza Chama
We are more then willing to accept your offer. Furthermore we would like to offer our own help in destroying the Anbominations when you track them down.

[Murska]

Anomaly Database Entry - The Hunt
With the data from the Japanese battle added, the entries are gradually getting more detailed. Apparently the creatures have an extremely fast ability to adapt, as evidenced, for example, by them starting to grow bulletproof plates after just a short time in battle with the Japanese forces.

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations

To Limpeza Chama
Our forces are rather overstretched as they are, but we will lend what aid we can. The security of our own holdings comes first, however.

[Mashimoto]

The Sword

The United States Military pounds away at Gaia. After the rift and aerial spores grounded most aircraft, the fight became a brutal slow through the streets of southern towns which had rapidly become jungles. Flamethrowers and chemical weapons were deployed on the living plants and their armies of makeshift scarecrows. While the military succeeded in liberating most of the area once held by Gaia, by the end of the conflict the creatures seem to have developed immunities to fire, as the fibers of the plants simply refuse to burn.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

To Russia
We will let you handle the security of our scientists then.

To Underground
Chrysanthemum_Chair: The Chinese are being douches. They want you dead or incarcerated. Looks like this will be trickier then. Know somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody that can smuggle people onboard ships? We can't act very much due to China watching our movements, but if you can get those who want out on ships, and have them reach international waters, it will can provide you with protection.

If you can find connections, we can provide the distraction.

I have to warn you though that a reliable source has warned that the Grand Hunt is planning a retaliatory strike against us.

And Russia has provided information on the Siberian anomaly. I really don't want your people entering our very under-protected mainframes and take classified information. :smallbiggrin: Ask the GM to spill the info.

To RISCA
Thanks for the heads up. Know that if you need our assistance against the Hunt, we shall oblige.

New Law Passed
Today, Japanese lawmakers have passed the Honorary Citizenship Law. This law stipulates that for as long as Indonesian and Philippine refugees reside in the territories of Japan, they are given citizenship with all the privileges and responsibilities it entails. Once Southeast Asia has been liberated, the refugees are then given a choice to return to their homes or to remain as a citizen of Japan.

Offer to the Koreans
In the future, once the war for humanity's survival is over, we will return Korea's freedom to it's people. We will support all efforts of reconstruction and make proper reparations once everything is done, and will support a One Free United Korea.

For now though, we ask that you abide by the rules of the Japanese Government and to support in the war for humanity's survival.

Military Recruitment
Japan has decided to allow the recruitment of foreign nationals, Koreans, Indonesians, and Filipinos, into the armed forces. Those who are not able to speak the language will be taught during training.

[Murska]

The Underground (8 Esp)

To Japan (and GM):

Sensei: As long as we cooperate, we can get people off the country if the Chinese get too close for comfort. There's always ways - even over the land border in Korea, which is something you might want to look into.

We need to stop this futile battle, though. The Chinese aren't our enemies, they're just being misled. We need the strength of the Chinese navy and air force to fight the Naga and the Hunt. We don't want to antagonize them, despite the actions of a few individuals. A diplomatic solution will benefit us all.

GM, spill some info on the Russian rift please. :smalltongue:

The International Stage

A white room with a white table and white chairs. There are no windows, no ornaments, nothing that would catch the eye.

A disembodied voice.

"We have come to issue a call to reason."

A well-dressed man of North European descent, blonde and tall with blue eyes, faces the screen. "My name is Anton Nordberg. I come from Hammerfest, Norway, way up in the northernmost reaches of Europe. On my free time I hunt, fish and talk with my friends from all over the world. As of a few weeks ago, I have gradually become the person who represents a significant fraction of the European and Russian population online and off. I don't deserve such respect, but at times like these, we can't choose what we have to do."

Another man, a dark-haired, slim fellow with a guitar and casual clothing, arrives, shakes hands with Anton and faces the screen.

"I am Mat Kerison. I live in California, and spend time playing music with my band, the Overload. I wish to congratulate our new government for taking decisive action at a time when such action is needed. The fight isn't over, but America is still standing proud.

I represent those people in the States, Canada and nearby who believe in me and trust in me. I believe that our nation, like all nations, must work together internationally and help save our planet, starting with South America and the Pacific."

An Indian woman in a beautiful sari enters the room, smiles and nods to the two men and turns to the camera.

"I am Rani Saswata, an Indian security expert and businesswoman. I have worked as a link between my friends in the Middle East and others in Indochina and China itself. I'm not much of a representative, there are many others more well-known in India I'm sure, but I will do my best to do what is right.

I believe that humanity was on it's way to a better future before the Rifts appeared. I believe that humanity is strong enough to save itself now that they are here. But only if we work together. I want peace between humans, so we can wage war on those who would destroy us."

More people arrive, one by one. A Chinese man. A Japanese schoolgirl. A Swedish politician. A Mexican café-owner. An Italian policeman. An African factory supervisor. Each of them state their names openly and face the camera with their plea to the world.

"I am a human."
"I want to live."
"I want peace, stability and order."
"I wish mommy comes back from Hawaii."
"I want action."
"I want food."
"We deserve a chance."

The room fades from view, leaving a single unidentifiable silhouette.

"We are not the enemies of China. We are not the enemies of Syria. We are not the enemies of the EU. We are just ordinary people who have decided to stand up for themselves. And our only enemies are those who would deny us that right. Our enemies are war, famine, sickness, oppression, censorship. Our enemies are borders, secrets, people in power who seek wealth and power instead of helping their people. Our enemies are demons, serpents, living plants, dragons, werewolves, spirits and other mutated monsters.

The Earth is under siege. Humanity is under threat. We want unity and action. Every nation must stand together or fall alone. Every person must decide this for him- or herself.

Right now, people are suffering and dying in Indonesia and South America. Do the Chinese honestly believe their efforts are better spent hunting us down than helping these people? Even if you think you will be left alone, do you not have a responsibility as a human being to help those in need?

Is it not wrong that most of the truthful information the average citizen gets of the events happening all over the world comes not from governments and officials in charge of informing them but people who risk their lifes to smuggle that critical data out of the quarantine zones so that others have a chance to arm themselves and prepare, thereby saving lives?

Let old wars and grievances rest. Let humanity turn a new leaf and use our resourcefulness and ingenuity together instead of against each other. And to you, leaders of nations, I give a warning. If you do not do what is right, your people will see and know. In such a case, every single man and woman has the responsibility to do it themselves. If you are not worthy of your titles and powers, you shall be bypassed by those who are.

Underground, out."

[Forum Explorer]

To Underground
We are having trouble identifying the shapeshifting demons and thus we cannot risk allowing in any refugees. If you have any information that would allow us to be sure of our own citzens security then we can begin to let in refugees from South America

[Murska]

The Underground (8 esp)

to Camaradas de Armas:

Some of us have been working on a detector capable of identifying shapeshifters. But it is not ready yet. Any funding or lab space and equipment you could provide would help.

[Turalisj]

European Union

To Commonwealth
We agree that a defense of the English Channel would be prudent. We are sending what military we can spare to guard against anything coming through the Rift. We have also developed a method to break through the EM distortion field that the Rift produces, allowing our satellites to obtain images that would otherwise be blocked.

To Underground
"Stay at your house, I'll meet you there in person." Was the only reply.

An hour later, the rumbling of a motorcycle could be heard outside of Nordberg's house, a man in his mid-thirties stepping off of it. He had a military style vest on with black jeans, a revolver at his side. His face was obvious to recognize for anyone who stayed up to date on the EU military, he was Captain James Raynor. "Anton Nordberg, it's time to talk."

[Thelonius]

Australia

Order of St. Thomas

The Order of St. Thomas, a religious organization, with mostly Australian membership, has begun its work in the South America, mostly in the nations along the Pacific Coast. The order’s aim is to bring consolation and reaffirm conviction of the faithful. The members of the order are repairing old and building new churches, holding masses and bible readings as well as distributing humanitarian aid to those in need.

On Underground Announcement

Australia expresses support for the Chinese position. Prime Minister Thomas Glatt explains this position: ''The government should be in control of the information in the times of crisis. Can people without proper training and equipment gather reliable data? Can they remain objective, despite coming from all kinds of backgrounds and beliefs? Can they see the big picture and the consequences their use of information might bring about? I think Underground will do more harm than good, if it is allowed to run unchecked. Now isn’t the time to play hackers and wikileakers. We need to respect the law and rules, if we wish to prevail over these dark times.''

[Murska]

The Underground (8 Esp)

((I'd like to point out that I'm the only one who's been providing trustworthy information to everyone so far. :smalltongue:))

To EU:

((Nordberg's house is in Hammerfest, which is very far up north in Norway.))

A tall, blonde man waves at Raynor. "Hey there. I've heard of you. Come on in."

He leads the guest inside. The house is perfectly ordinary, if a bit more secure than normal against intruders of various technology levels from bears to satellites.

Anton offers James some coffee and sits down at the kitchen table. "So, what's the news?"

[Turalisj]

ooc: Since this is an RP part, I don't think anyone could use any Espionage to gather information....


"I don't drink coffee." Raynor said, not bothering to sit. "Here's the thing, these rifts are a danger to everyone right now. But there's also the problem of other governments taking advantage of the chaos. America and Britain are busy with Rifts in their own lands. Russia and China have turned their backs on sanity and are turning back to their Soviet era ways.

What I, we, are offering is a trade of interests. We have research capability, land, military power, and status as a union of nations. You have people spread throughout the world, some of them in hostile areas such as China.

We need people who can easily spread word and who will be listened to. People don't trust the government, they never have. They will trust you though. I have been authorized to offer the Underground status as members of a new European Union funded organization known as the Human-Anomaly Research Project, or HARP. What this means is that your people will be able to seek refuge at any European Embassy across the world, as well as access to what technology we can provide. In return, the EU wants the Underground to provide first hand details of the Anomalies."

[Murska]

((OOC: I suppose so, yeah.))

To EU:

Anton frowns, thinking. "Well. That's quite the offer."

He sips his own coffee and looks back up at James. "Okay, so we're interested but there's some problems.

First of all, we're not an unified organization. I and the other Faces can promise to tell our people to help you, but we can't guarantee everyone under the banner will listen. Not mincing words, though, we're pretty sure most will, so that's just a technicality.

The HARP is exactly what we've been looking for. We will help you at these terms, yes. But, as you said, the people won't trust the government. The people will lose their trust in us if we publically sign up on a nation's payroll.

My counteroffer is that we'll give you the data and everything we find out on both the anomalies and the Russians and the Chinese plus endorse the HARP as a step in the right direction, and some of our members will certainly sign up as part of universities and the like, but we as an organization remain unaligned. The benefits received stay the same. Is this okay?"

[Turalisj]

European Union

"You do understand that being unaligned will mean you cannot seek asylum in EU territory without being a citizen there. However, if you can agree to that, I believe we have ourselves a deal."

To GM

Going to have satellites focusing their attentions on the Rifts in the US, Channel, and Atlantis.

[distant quasar]

Renegades

Commonwealth of Nations
If you have doubts of our benelovence and goodwill, feel free to investigate us yourself.

RISCA
We will join this crusade against the violent Great Hunt. They are a disgrace to our kind.

We will devote our full (++++) Military to action against them. Our military is quite organized, and will perform beyond what its numbers would suggest. (Order applied in EoT; it gives me a significant bonus to Military actions)

As for technological trade, we would be greatly interested in it. There will likely be a few spells of ours that you cannot use without our help, but most of our magic can be placed into items for your use.

[Murska]

Underground

to EU:

"Yeah. We haven't had that much trouble saving our people so far, and if the Chinese come back to their senses, at least after the Hunt invades them, we'll hopefully resolve the situation.

On my part, it's a deal. I'll post the details to the folk and we'll get our side of things ready."

[Forum Explorer]

Camaradas de Armas


To Underground
We will provide + temp econ as well as whatever data we manage to collect ourselves in support of your efforts. We suggest cooperating with the Limpeza Chama if you aren't already

Donation to help South America
We will share + temp econ with our neighbours to the south in hopes that everyone's efforts will help stabilize the region and thus allow for the shapeshifting anomilies to be hunted down once and for all.

[Mashimoto]

English Channel
RAF RADAR stations equipped with Rift-penetrating technology detect movement in the air near the rift, moving up the channel slowly and now headed for the Cliffs of Dover. They're moving too slowly for aircraft, and too quickly to be anything else.

Russian Federation
Russian military units stationed overseas are being recalled, and reserve personnel are being pressed into regular duty. Russian media reports convoys of Russian military being sent east and none returning. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin insists that the military is participating in routine, low-casualty security around the quarantine perimeter, which is being extended almost daily to include most of Siberia.

In other news, Vladamir Putin has signed the order for Russia's state-run Petrolium company, Gazprom, to purchase the final privately run drilling operations in the North Sea. This final purchase all-but concludes the steady nationalization of Russian oil. While Gazprom executives claim the purchases were fair, private oil companies beg to differ.

One oil executive, forced to sell, has left the country. From Great Britain, he reports that he was forced to sell his shares after uniformed soldiers with weapons pounded on his door at 3 in the morning.

Peoples Republic of China
China has undergone a campaign to block the "Humanity together" video created by The Ungerground. While the Chinese government agrees with the message of the video, it has stated that it does not believe it is sincere. Rather than a humanist call to arms to protect Earth, the Chinese government believes it is a thinly-veiled call to arms against the nation-state, and an irresponsible rallying point for cyber terrorists.

The Chinese military has committed itself against the Grand Hunt. A massive fleet (+++ mil) is sent into the pacific ocean to tread water south of Japan, hoping to intercept a Grand Hunt counterattack.

[Murska]

To Mashimoto:

We'll be putting some of our espionage into work to see what the Hunt is doing with the counterattack. I wish to relay information to the Chinese.

[Mashimoto]

To Mashimoto:

We'll be putting some of our espionage into work to see what the Hunt is doing with the counterattack. I wish to relay information to the Chinese.

Nobodys even sure what the Grand Hunt are planning. The Chinese are just expecting a counterattack. I'll keep your operation in ind, though, for when I find out what they're planning.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun (esp 2)

To Underground
Chrysanthemum_Chair: The Border of North Korea is open for travel, though I think China has placed guards there. If people plan to use it, take care. We will station some border patrols to aid those who want to escape.

For sea escape, as I said, once in international waters the people should hurry to Japan's waters where we can provide aid.

I really think China's Party Leader has a few screws loose. Most of the members of the Diet agree with me. And the Imperial family agrees with that.

[razovor]

African Coalition to the Sword [++++-]
"The African Coalition has begun a study into the nature of anomalies. We would be grateful if you could provide us with samples of the anomaly known as 'Gaia' "

African Coalition to the Underground [+++++ +++]
"The African Coalition is willing to pay any person who can provide us with a sample of the anomaly known as 'The Grand Hunt'. We would like several bodies, preferably one of each of the subspecies of this anomaly."

African Coalition to the Cleansing Flame [++++-]
"The African Coalition has begun a study into the nature of anomalies. We would be grateful if you could provide us with a samples of the anomaly known as 'The Legion' "

African Coalition to the Renegades [++++-]
"Greetings. It has come to our attention your people have access to something you call 'magic'. We would be very grateful if you could send us a sample of your people's genetic code. We would like to study it to see if we can learn anything of this 'magic'

[distant quasar]

Renegades

African Coalition + GM (their esp)
GM: Do I have genetic codes?

African Coalition: We will be more than willing to help you (If I do)
or
We do not have this thing you refer to as a genetic code. (If I don't)

[Mashimoto]

Renegades
If your species grows and/or reproduces, then you have DNA.

[distant quasar]

Renegades
If your species grows and/or reproduces, then you have DNA.
GM
And ther are only 3 dimensions unless you count time, invisibility is impossible, wormholes require negative energy to create, time is an uncertainty, the theory of causality makes sense but won't work in practice with quantum mechanics.

This is Total War. I was just wondering, you know? Anything is possible here. It's like we were a singularity. :smalltongue:

So... I'm going to go the easy way and say my species does grow and reproduce. Reproduction is asexual, without the penalties associated with the process. The fabric of reality supplies the other side of the gene pool,hich may explain their magical abilities. Sound good?

[razovor]

African Coalition to the Renegades [++++-]
"Thank you. We'll send a team to pick up the sample. With any luck, this could help contribute to us all surviving this apocalypse."
The African Coalition sends a science team to the Himalayas to pick up a package.

[UncleWolf]

Press Conference

General Edmund Duke, looking as weary and stoic as ever, steps up to the podium. "Americans...no, strike that, humans, I stand before you as just one man among many, wishing to do what best serves all of the human race. Our world has been invaded in otherworldly beings that have shown their hostile intentions towards us. In the past, there have been disagreements and wars that divided us, forced us apart, struggling against each other for our turf and everyone else's, for the precious few resources that dot our planet." He tells the cameras, his charismatic voice carrying through the microphones.

"This is not a time, to stand divided. As I speak, The Sword, and America, has beaten back a direct invasion on our own soil. However, this is just one of many such incursions. We will be sending military forces to nations who request our help in defeating these creatures. Our scientists have started researching these Rifts, and all information found on them, will be released publicly in the hopes that those others researching the same, will find the information useful, and find a way to shut down these things permanently."

"On a personal level, I wish to applaud this...Underground, for their humanitarian efforts and bravery in coming out. I do not know about the rest of you, but we refuse to back down in the face of this threat. Those of you who belong to the Underground, you will find a safe haven here if you need it." Duke says with a nod.

"As for what will happen here, I beseech all those in the United States of America, to consider doing your duty to not just the US, but to Planet Earth and the Human Race, and enlist. It could have once been said that this was just a single battle against a new life, but it is no longer about only these Gaians or American Life, we must look at the bigger picture."

"The fate of Homo Sapiens as a whole could be said to be resting on the edge of a knife, but in reality, we are the edge. We are the ones who decide the fate of everything else, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am General Edmund Duke, and I humbly ask all those listening, to consider my words, and defend the human race. As it was once said, "United we stand, divided we fall"."

To African Coalition:

Sorry, but it is our policy to burn or otherwise destroy all organisms brought here by that rift.

To GM:

All research provided on the rift will be given out publicly to human nations.

[Exthalion]

The Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti

GM:
Would it be possible to build a satellite phone of some kind? I want to get into contact with a few major news stations. Appropriately phrased to let them know it is a big scoop so they don't spill too early.

[razovor]

African Coalition to the Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti
"Hello."

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

African Coalition
"What can we do for you?"
OOC: How are you contacting me?

The World (everyone) Transmitted simultaneously to several major news networks
An immaculately dressed woman in a simple but gorgeous white dress stands in front of a camera. The picture is fairly high quality, but small. She has tanned skin and dark hair, and her features are a blend of many ethnicities.

"We are the Illuminated Emanation of the Sancrosti. We were and are one flesh with you and we remain human in our hearts. We come in peace for all mankind.

Together, let us work to preserve this world. The flame of humanity's future flickers now, assailed by the tempest of rifts and anomalies and internal strife. We seek neither dominion over you nor subjugation by you. We pray for friendship and the beginnings of trust, and to take our place as part of humanity, in this the darkest hour of our species-kind.

We hope that we may share together in the difficulties of war so that we may all together enjoy the fruits of peace.

We are the Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti Dharma, and we are now come."

[razovor]

African Coalition to Emanations of the Sancrosti
"Ah, excellent, straight down to business. Firstly we would like a sample of your peoples DNA, so that we might study it and learn more about the nature of anomalies. Secondly we would like to establish trade between our nations, for the benefit of both of our people.

[Murska]

The Underground (8 Esp)

To African Coalition:

All right. We'll try.

To Empire of the Rising Sun:

Sensei: Yah. But what we gonna do? No time to go all Solaris on them /w Hunt and Nagas and whatever. Just try and live with what you can't change for now.

To Camaradas de Armas:

Thanks. Hope we can help. We'll have finished initial development soon enough.

To Limpeza Chama:

ManoPeace: You'd probably be interested in knowing that we're in the progress of building a detector capable of distinguishing anomalies. For the shapeshifters, ya know. We'll pass it along once it's done, if you want to test it out. We'd like some help with the production and distribution though, our finances aren't a nation-state's after all.

[razovor]

African Coalition to the Underground [+++++ +++]
Actually, someone else already supplied the samples. Sorry. We'll all out of money for this month.

Next month we'll be looking for more samples. It would be easiest if we could fit our requests around your work. What will you be investigating next month?"

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama (Espionage ++)


To Camaradas de Armas
We have no doubt in our eventual victory, but there is also no doubt that we are currently outnumbered by the demon horde so anything you can send us would be very helpful. However at the moment we have no firm location of the abominations. They appear to be constantly on the move.


To the Commonwealth of Nations
You have holdings in Guyana do you not. There is nothing to stop you from simply holding your own borders secure, but would it not be a better to fight with us rather than face the Legion alone.


To the African Coalition
Our name is not merely symbolic, we burn all the demons we kill to prevent them from using their foulness to revive themselves. If you want to collect samples we recommend that you send troops to help us cleanse the foulness from South America. Then you would be able to retrieve them yourselves.


To the Underground
We would indeed be interested. However we are not a nation either simply a group looking to reclaim the world for God and humanity. We are stretched to capacity as it is. Would it be possible to help you some other way in return for the detectors?

[Murska]

To Limpeza Chama:

ManoPeace: Well, it's not an exchange or anything. We're giving you the blueprints and some of the machines anyway, it's just that we can't manufacture or transport many with our current resources.

To African Coalition:
We will be continuing our study into the Rifts themselves.

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations
To Limpeza Chama
Indeed. We would gladly join an effort to deal with the Legion. However, we fear we many not be able to commit too many forces.

[Fortuna]

The Holy Rose

Limpeza Chama
The three men return, this time stepping from the corner of Hjalmar's eye as he does paperwork in his tent. "We have located Beelzebub. Our information suggests that he will leave if we do not act on this information immediately. We have a strike force prepared, but we will wait for you to be ready as well."

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

To the Holy Rose
Hjalmar looks up. "Where is he? I have forces throughout the region, but most of them are concentrated on Brazil's southern border so they may not be able to respond in time. And how large is your own strike force. This less men we use the better a chance we have of getting there before he realizes he has been found out and moves, but at the same time I wish to ensure enough force is on hand."

To Underground
We will do what we can to spread the detectors throughout South America of course.

To Commonwealth of Nations
Do you have a rough estimate of the forces you would be committing at this time? Any amount would be acceptable as we were prepared to cleanse this continent on our own if necessary.

To Camaradas de Armas
We have just received the location of one of the abominations. In order to destroy it before it relocates we must strike immediately. Can you dispatch a strike force quickly enough?

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations

To Limpeza Chama
We can currently only commit (- mil) but will endeavor to increase this to (+ mil) as the situation allows.

[Fortuna]

The Holy Rose

Limpeza Chama
"It lurks in an abandoned mine, in Chile. The precise coordinate are on this piece of paper, which I leave in your capable care. As to our force, you need not worry as to how we will arrive, and you would not believe me if I told you its size. Suffice it to say that based on our experience, this force should be more than sufficient to supplement whatever you may be able to muster. We plan to strike before the month is out: three weeks from today we shall meet whatever forces you have been able to muster. Do not worry about finding our force: our force will find you."

[IcemanJRC]

Peoples Republic of China
China has undergone a campaign to block the "Humanity together" video created by The Ungerground. While the Chinese government agrees with the message of the video, it has stated that it does not believe it is sincere. Rather than a humanist call to arms to protect Earth, the Chinese government believes it is a thinly-veiled call to arms against the nation-state, and an irresponsible rallying point for cyber terrorists.

The Chinese military has committed itself against the Grand Hunt. A massive fleet (+++ mil) is sent into the pacific ocean to tread water south of Japan, hoping to intercept a Grand Hunt counterattack.

The Grand Hunt
The Chinese fleet has encountered the Grand Hunt's attack. However, it wasn't targeting Japan, it was going straight for the Chinese fleet. Hundreds of flying beasts, the Hunt's Raptors, fly to the ships, in their giant talons they hold the lion sized War Dogs. As they maneuver and soar above the Chinese they drop the vicious "Dogs" onto the ships, the giant, bulletproof beasts run along the ships, ripping members of the crew in half. The Blitzkrieg like tactics and the large numbers are an overwhelming force and will be difficult to deal with. The War Dogs will root out every last Chinese soldier and rip them in half, not leaving a single soldier.

GM

Send +++++ Military to rip the Chinese fleet in half. Send large numbers of War Dogs in a Blitzkrieg style assault on the Chinese naval set up.

[Mashimoto]

South America
The call to unity spread by the Cleansing Flame is passed among every hamlet and street corner on the continent. It is in the whispers of frightened families and the chants of revolutionary crowds.

However, it is a rallying cry only in the parts of the continent untouched by chaos. Where there is hunger, the call to unity is ignored. Where there is fear, the call is ignored. Where there is war and oppression and superstition and unparallelled violence--it is ignored. Vestigial governments have pledged themselves to unity, but without the support of their people or the means to support their militaries, their words are hollow. Only Venezuela remains intact enough to pledge + of it's military to Brazillian direction.

South Pacific
Chinese ships burn on the horizon. Desecrated and twisted hulks of steel bob in the warm waters after thirty-six hours of nearly constant shelling and gunfire. The initial attack by the Hunt was unexpected, the Chinese had not yet met up with the Imperial Navy, and the main battleships were destroyed within hours. While damage was indeed inflicted upon the attackers, it was not nearly so great as that suffered by the fleet.

As the fleet attempted to retreat, the pursuing creatures were able to keep up, not stopping until every man was slaughtered.

Not only is a significant portion of the Chinese military cut off, it is a demoralizing blow. The Chinese are scrambling to manufacture more vessels, with shipyards up and down the coast working overtime. Meanwhile, the army is fortifying the entire coastline, digging in defenses and artillery placements, vowing not to lose one inch of land.
Make sure to include this in your EoT so I can do stats.

Vatican City
Pope Benedict XVI has been unable to respond officially to the Cleansing Flames cries of holy unity. For the last week, the Pope has been bedridden with a mysterious illness.

[The_JJ]

The Solaris Alliance

To Australia:
The Alliance politely invites the Australian government to not defend corrupt regimes that are in the midst of suppressing their people. Peace is no gift to the oppressed, unity through freedom now serves humanity far better than the whims of petty dictatorships.

The woman in front of the camera flashes a small smile at someone just off screen as the network graphic fades away. Alright, welcome back, we're going to wrap up with the news today.

With anti-government protests in Syria building, and with the government's reaction to the last such protests well in mind, the Council of Solaris Alliance has made it known through official channels that the Syrian government has one month to step down and relinquish control of the country to a provisional Alliance administration until democratic elections can be held, and that should it treat its citizens with anything less than the utmost dignity they deserve, than that deadline will not even start. The Council asks the world stage to join it in placing pressure upon the regime in Syria, for in these dark times we can ill afford to compromise freedom.

The woman shuffled her papers, indicating that she was no longer reading the Council's writ but speaking her own mind.

I for one welcome the development. Let the tyrants remember that freedom has it's teeth in now. Today the choice peace or war, that rests on their heads. But today the forces of humanity are ready to meet fire with flame. Today I say Hail the Alliance, Hail Freedom, Hail Humanity. Today I wish all those facing the monsters of the Pacific good luck. Today I pray that Allah bless Atlantis, the Underground, the African Coalition, the Israeli moderates and the Syrian freedom lovers. Today I leave my viewers with this thought; welcome peace, prepare for war.

This is Yasmine el Tabib, out.

To the African Coalition:
Mr. Sufe approaches the Coalition Embassy in Cairo and makes his way to the ambassador. Some support, even verbal, on the Syrian front might keep Iran from intervening, he says, but I didn't come here to bother you with that. Here, take this. He passes a sheaf of papers and a packet of flash drives. Our latest work on Anti-Nagan tech. It's not much, but if your scientists have been working on the same, it should do. Take it, a gift, and as soon as this Syrian crisis is resolved we'll see to it that the coasts of Africa stay safe for the free flow of goods and humanity upon which the world relies, in this globalized day and age.


To the Emanations of the Sancrosti:
The diplomat nods, slightly. "I think I understand the claims you make." He makes to stand, and surveys the ocean. "I'll need to contact the Council, but I can offer to officially recognize you as a sovereign power. This, I think, would be a good step forward for your relations. In exchange, I would as cooperation. The Council has other matters in hand, but I doubt those deaths out there will go unpunished long. I'm no expert in the ways of war, but some cooperation between your armed elements and ours would greatly increase our efficacy, and perhaps the Council's good will."

To the Commonwealth, the EU, The Sword:
Some acknowledgement of your support for the Alliance or at least an official clarification on your stance towards the Syrian tyrant would be appreciated.

[Mashimoto]

To Empire of the Rising Sun
THE DEAD WALK
Throughout Japanese provinces, more and more communities are reporting incidents of sick individuals dying and, just like in a movie, reanimating with an insatiable hunger for human flesh. This occurs after most of your military is outfitted in a fleet against the Grand Hunt.

Many seem to believe that these outbreaks originate with the Indonesian refugees of the Grand Hunt who, thanks to your citizen integration program, are spread throughout the island. Genetic structure of infected very similar to Grand Hunt.

You lose - military and - economy to the chaos.

Your government believes it is still possible to cover up these outbreaks, if desired.


Ecuador
A nation thrashed by starvation, civil war, and the utter chaos of hell itself disintegrates further as scattered reports circulate South America of the dead coming to life. With the Pope's Crusade of Peace and Order of Saint Thomas the only structures of peace in the country, the countless sick seem to be collapsing and returning to life with an insatiable desire to consume human flesh.

Venezuela
The Venezuelan government releases an incomplete report of Ecuador zombies, which incites a mass panic, due to the fact that much of Venezuelas military is off serving with the Limpeza Chama. Rumors of open-borders to the north spread, causing a mass exodus towards the Comradas de Armas.

Pressed outside the gates of the Comradas, facing a heavy military barricade, the tightly compacted crowd begins to writhe with the sudden horror that there are some of the infectious walking dead in the crowd. All at once, a hundred-thousand scared refugees storm the barricade.

[Comradas can take it from here]

Australia
Rumors of riots continue to circulate among the Indonesian refugee camps in Australia.

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations
To Solaris Alliance
We would rather not get involved. You have our tacit support, however.

Sussex, England
RAF RADAR Station

"Sir? We've got something on the radar, coming out of the rift."
"Well, what is it? Aircraft or....something else?"
"I dunno Sir. Too slow to be aircraft, but bloody fast all the same. Going straight for Dover."
"Right. I'll have them send the UAV out. Lets have a look at the bugger. And get on the radio to the bases in Suffolk and London. Have them be ready to intercept this thing...whatever it is."

GM
(+ mil) of Commonwealth land forces to be deployed to Guyana, to participate in peacekeeping efforts.

[razovor]

African Coalition to Underground [+++++ +++]
Researching the rifts you say? We would pay good money for some sort of technology that could predict the appearance of rifts above our lands in advance. Either that or something to detect the anomalies once they have arrived.

[Murska]

The Underground (8 esp)

To African Coalition:

We're actually working on both of those. The anomaly detector should be ready soon, but we would like some financial assistance to be able to manufacture and distribute it to those in need. In exchange, you'd get priority for our prototypes.

[razovor]

African Coalition to Underground [+++++ +++]
Those are terms we can agree to. We will provide you ++ temporary economy.

[Mashimoto]

Total War: Apocalypse
Part Three: Revelation
Human Population: 94%

Australia Rift Closes
Indonesia Rift Closes
Nepal Rift Closes
Rift Opens in Kazakhstan
Rift Opens in Canada
Rift Opens in Egypt
Rift Opens in North Vietnam

English Channel
A formation of English Jets zip across the channel, approaching the blinking red dots on semi-scrambled RADAR.

"Coming in--four kilometers."
"Can we get visual confirmation?"
"Closing in...they look like...aircraft, sir."
"Well it ain't the French or Germans. What else do you see?"
"They're aircraft, sir...V-formation...moving slow...I don't think they have jet engines."
"What the hell?"
"Wait a minute...I recognize one of these, from a museum. They're...they're bloody Stukas (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Ju_87D-1.jpg)! And they're closing in to the mainland..."
"Shoot them down."
"Roger."

The jets swooped in and lobbed hellfire rockets at the Nazi aircraft. The rockets slammed into the primitive planes, splintering the canvas and wood into a thousand pieces. The planes, despite not having wings in some cases, continued to veer towards their objective. They swerved and started unloading machine guns into the modern jets, the bullets striking with more force than they should have, almost destroying a plane. It took a second RAF sweep to destroy them.

"Targets neutralized," The RAF pilot muttered. "Whatever the bloody hell they were... Permission to return to base?"

"Permission denied," the suddenly horrified voice said. "We've got bogies coming in all across the channel...thousands..."

New Anomaly Faction
Fourth Reich
An ethereal reproduction of the Nazi military. Somewhere between zombie and ghost, fighting skeletons operating impossibly sturdy weapons and bent on re-conquering Europe and completing Operation: Sea Lion. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Sea_Lion) Unbound by the logistics of human beings, these undead warriors can truly dedicate themselves to the prospect of Total War.

Paraguay
The government of Paraguay has volunteered legal control of the nation temporarily to the Limpeza Chama.

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

South America
As the call to arms rolls out across South America it is largely ignored. But in Brazil itself it is answered as thousands of Brazilians rally to the cause of the Limpeza Chama, ready to fight both the Legion and the new zombie menace. At the same time Limpeza Chama troops begin stabilizing Paraguay working with the government and remaining soldiers who have chosen to side with the crusade to bring order and stability to the region.

Father Hjalmar also personally visits Venezuela. He urges the citizens to remain calm and not add to the chaos by fleeing. Theirs is the only government remaining in South America that is still doing anything and they should have faith in it.

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations

(GM)
Dispositions: +++++ mil to hold Britain. + mil in Guyana to be recalled to Canada, to join the - already present.
Troops in Britain are to form a defensive line, and attempt to hold the coast. Where feasible, WW2-era defensive positions built for such an invasion are to be reoccupied. and improved. Southern counties should be evacuated.

To Solaris Alliance
We believe this would be an apt time to call upon our defensive pact. We are under attack by what appear to be Nazi-era German armed forces pushing into Britain. Any assistance given will be gratefully received. I understand if you believe your own territory is at too great a risk.

To the EU
This new foe endangers France as much as Britain. They appear to be mobilising towards Britain, so a strike from behind would be of great service.

To African Coalition
We are under attack by what appear to be Nazi-era German armed forces pushing into Britain. Any assistance given will be gratefully received.

To the Sword
We are under attack by what appear to be Nazi-era German armed forces pushing into Britain. Any assistance given will be gratefully received.
Additionally, a rift has opened in Canada. Your assistance there would also be appreciated, as our troops will be tied up in Europe.

[Turalisj]

EU

(GM)
Directing the +++- military to engage any potential foes departing from the rift. Using my VS-Anomaly espionage to detect anything coming out and sending the information to the Commonwealth.

Across Europe, armed forces are mobilized quickly. Tanks are brought in from Germany, the FFL is called into service, and a boat makes it's way towards Atlantis.

To Atlantis
A moderately sized watercraft approaches the island. They seem unimpeded by an anti-electrical fields oddly enough. A landing craft detaches from the boat and is quickly enough on the shores. A man in a black suit and a heavy gray trenchcoat steps out. On the back of the coat is the word HARP in big bold black letters, with a black harp behind it.

To Commonwealth
We are dispatching our military to the site now. The world shall never again have to deal with the threat of Nazi bastards.

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

Rift Information
The Underground sciencey people have posted a lot of wild guesses, speculation, data and actual research onto various sites. The Anomaly wiki has gathered the following information:

Rifts

•Vary in height, generally in cruising range of aircraft.
•Between 1/2 a kilometer and 3 kilometers wide, up to half a kilometer tall. "Red Sky" effect stretches for dozens of miles.
•Mildly radioactive. Not dangerous on ground, but in air radiation reaches dangerous levels if exposure is prolonged.
•Cause electronic malfunctions for miles. The more sophisticated the device, the more it is effected by the rift.
•Russian jets lobbed dummy rockets through the rift -- they vanished.
•When the above experiment was repeated with tracers and cameras, both malfunctioned.
•Strangely, Rifts have a mild gravitational pull, implying they have mass.
•The center of Rifts evidently have very high gravity, with a very narrow event horizon. Experiments with very narrow lasers demonstrated the beam bending slightly towards the center of the rift.
•Birds seem to naturally avoid the rift. Other animals are startled and uneasy by it.
•Many soldiers and scientists in close vicinity to the rift reported having troubled sleep and disturbing dreams after extended exposure. It is unsure if this is the rift itself or stress associated with it.

Rifts are points not only in space and time, but in all of the other compressed dimensions. Not only do they manipulate space (as evidenced by their gravitational effect on lightwaves) but time, as they seem to ignore relativistic effects.

Anomaly Detector
A group of people with funding from various foreign nations have finished the prototypes of an Anomaly Detector.

The blueprints for the device are posted freely on the Internet, with the finished prototypes being sent to Limpeza Chama, Camaradas de Armas, the EU, the African Coalition, Japan and the Sword.

The people who built them are willing to construct more if given funding by anyone who wants them and is unable to build them. They call themselves the X-Com, after an old computer game.

Pirate Party International
Various nations are seeing a large boost in votes for their respective Pirate Parties. The PPI is calling for the unity of humans against the new threat, sharing of knowledge and resources. They state that the culture of secrecy developed during the Cold War is still hampering our progress as a species. They cite the Underground as being an organization of individuals from many nations, helping people everywhere.

They also condemn Chinese actions in prosecuting the Underground who, even after China unjustly attacked them, tried to warn their fleet about the Great Hunt and save innocent lives of soldiers just doing their duty for humanity.

[Exthalion]

Emanation of the Sancrosti

Solaris Alliance
We are already working on destroying the abominations. With any luck, it will not take long. We lack extensive surveillance networks. Any information about major clusters would be most appreciated in allowing us to prosecute a war against them.

African Coalition
A question if we may: Why do you want a sample? We know you think of us as foreign invaders of some sort. Do you perhaps wish to develop a plague to use against us? Or perhaps some other weapon? Would you offer the same?

We do accept trade though, and will begin work at once on an official port.

OOC: Again, what method are you using to contact me? Party on shore? Satellite phone?

EU
The same women the previous team had seen before departing was waiting on the beach.

"You know, you people have a bad habit of arriving at the most inconvenient places without warning or clearance. Most nations would have taken most these actions as acts of war.

Now, who are you, and what can we do for you?"

[razovor]

African Coalition to Sancrosti
Your people claimed an area of ocean outside any nations national borders. Thus we do not consider you an invader. We both know you have done nothing to harm us, so we don't consider you a threat. You just agreed to a trade deal, so damaging you would be harmful to us. Our scientists prefer to work on the more humane technologies, besides we have enough conventional weaponry as it is. We are willing to send you a sample of our DNA, if that is really necessary.

OOC: We have ships out in the atlantic. They are broadcasting by radio. If that doesn't work, we'll can have a runner deliver a letter by hand.
The African Coalition dispatches ++++- espionage to track the movement of the Fourth Reich armies. All gathered Intel is forwarded to the EU and the UK.

[distant quasar]

Renegades

RISCA (their esp)
We sought to deploy our Military to fight the threat of the Great Hunt, but were not allowed passage by the Chinese. Can you aid us in convincing them we mean no harm?

[Exthalion]

Emanations to African Coalition
It will not be necessary for you to reciprocate, however we have no DNA. Our bodies are no longer of the same sort as humans and we do not reproduce sexually. Our forms are a consensus of minds and memories contained in a vessel of matter. We are no more bound to them then you are to a suit of clothing.

However, we are willing to work jointly for the protection of humanity. Would you consider a joint program in geomantic engineering? With our technology you would be better able to effect anomalies and so better able to defend your people.

[Thelonius]

=====Z-Outbreak: Australia=====

The military units that were overseeing the refugee camps were at the limit of their mental endurance. The so-called riots were spreading like wildfire and the HQ couldn’t get it in their head, that something was dangerously wrong. Instead they covered the stories up and jailed the soldiers, who opened fire on ''unarmed civilians''. Civilians, who had to be shot again and again, just so they would stop getting up. The government censorship of the media had people cut off from the real situation around the world, but some bits and pieces about the dead coming alive were slipping through. They were being spread around by soldiers, even the officers were starting to take note. If the military had another week or two, they could have been prepared. They would have fully realized what they were facing. But their last day of still being in control, still being able to contain the situation, was over.

Thousands beings, that were no longer human, rushed the military check points. They run in an odd manner, gibbering disconnected words, rasping and gasping. Some were shot, but too few soldiers had the nerve and comprehension to fire. The tear gas was deployed, an efficient crowd control weapon, uselessly against creatures, that breathed by a force of habit, rather than necessity. They lunged and bit and chewed, adding the enemy numbers to their own. A soldier, who managed to drive away from the massacre, looked at his hand, where the creature that wore the body of a ten year old kid bit him. His shaking hand settled on a weapon as tears blurred his vision. He felt the cold barrel of the gun at his temple.

=====Infection=====

On a different continent, a man disembarked from a plane. He easily passed customs, walked briskly through the busy airport and caught a cab. The man checked the international news on his phone and sent a brief SMS, containing a string of meaningless numbers. His phone beeped and he read ''NQ Meeting, Location Zeta. NNZ List Compiled. Chances: Favorable.'' The man closed his phone and relaxed. When taxi arrived, he automatically spit on his fingertips, before drawing a banknote and passing it to the driver. ''Keep the change''. Doctor Jonathan Quisling smiled.

To GM

I guess I don’t get ++ Military from Australian Rift, since I wasn’t technically in control of it. Ah well, I’ve got to run my schemes unopposed for two turns.

If I’m reading my stats correctly, I should have ++ Military on the hand to start this outbreak. Half will come from the refugee camps, where, if I’m lucky the soldiers will hesitate to shoot. Another half will be spread around in the major cities around Australia.

Edited stuff out

[UncleWolf]

The Sword

To Commonwealth:

We will send what aid we can soon. However, we have been implementing other plans at the moment, so it may be delayed.

To Renegades:

We have heard your story, and would like to learn this so called "magic" from you.

[Mashimoto]

Abandoned Coal Mine, Chile
The Holy Flame task-force [+ mil] forms a perimeter around the outside of the cave, shadowed by a rocky mountain and the quiet jungle. They were interspersed with a heavily armed Limpeza special operations unit [+ mil] who stare into the mouth of the mine blankly.

Half a world away, a gathering of Holy Rose Archbishops watch the operation from an inner sanctum of the Vatican. Pope Benedict is there, watching the screen from half-open eyes on his deathbed. Midnight approaches with a full moon high over the mine.

At precisely midnight, the troops move in and the bishops pray.

Beezelbub was going down.

The helmet-mounted cameras carry the troops between the derelict miners shacks that hadn't been touched in years, through the worn-out extractors and looted refining facility. Nightvision filters led the Bishops troops down the narrow, winding halls of that ancient mine while Limpeza forces secure the entrance and head in from the rear.

In the antichamber, a massive, vaulted room, the flickering camera catches it's first glance of another figure in the mine. Beezelbub--the lord of flies himself--sits at a long dining table with two of his lieutenants, reading ancient scrolls and drinking wine.

Baal, a seven-foot tall horned demon looks into the camera and smiles wickedly. His body is covered in open sores that buzz with insects, and his long, rattling laugh over a chime of popping gunfire is the last thing the camera records before it flickers off.

"God help us," the Pope utters, before falling back and closing his eyes for the last time.

Neither the Holy Rose nor Limpeza Chama hear from their troops again.

United States of America
Huddled in their bunkers, generals give each other solemn nods before turning their tandem keys. Silo's buzz. Massive,. steel doors that haven't moved in thirty years slide open and the sheen of warheads streak through the sky.

The nuclear strike on the Grand Hunt went as The Sword had planned. Swift, fiery retribution for the millions slaughtered by those monsters. The Americans had taken the hand of God, and slapped it across the devil's monstrous cheek. The Indonesian sky was wrought in liquid gold and flaming reds for days as the mushroom clouds settled on the strangely alien horizon.

The Grand Hunt loses +++ military and + order.
The Sword loses - military, - order, and + WO.

Clouds of fallout circulate across the pacific, ruining wide swaths of crops.

Australia loses + econ and + order.
China loses - econ.
Empire of the Rising Sun loses - econ.

Australian Civil War
With widespread zombie outbreaks reducing major cities to flame and chaos, and the ineffective war the government has dealt with the crisis, widespread massive riots have erupted against the prevailing political and military structures.

Hamburg, Germany
"Hans, Hans, must we linger? I do not like this place."

Hans hushed his wife, and continued the take the familiar walk between the countless rows of iron-cross bearing graves. He found the familiar gravestone with Stefan's name on it. Stefan--a bold man, a loyal soldier, and a good friend.

Hans stared into the woodwork of the Mauser in his hands, before finally kneeling to the fresh earth with it. Rifle in life, rifle in death. Hans took it upon himself to bring the rifle back to the grave at least once a year.

In silent meditation, Hans closed his eyes and held the rifle above the soil for a moment where he said a prayer. A prayer to God, perhaps, but also to great Germany...

He felt the rifle ripped from his hands. Startled, the ancient veteran stumbled backwards as he saw the slimy, unbleached bones of a hand grasping the rifle, held together by the barest amount of muscle and tissue. Hans' wife screamed, and Hans realized that all around him, in this cemetery and in thousands of others, hands...full beings in tattered uniforms...were clawing from the graves. Stumbling across the earth in rotting boots which hadn't moved since the Fuhrer was shouting and screaming...

[tens of thousands of dead German soldiers crawl from their graves and begin to terrorize Germany. They fight with summoned, ethereal versions of world war 2 weapons, and never stop to rest or eat, only marching, and killing.]

EU loses - military.
EU loses + order.

Great Britain
British Defenses scramble to the alert as squadrons of Fourth Reich bombers fill the sky, pummeling civilian and military target alike. Civil Defense stations put themselves into overdrive, screeching ancient sirens and ushering as many people as possible into shelters as ghostly V-2 rockets screech overhead.

The Battle of Britain, in hiatus for half a century, has resumed.

The Commonwealth loses + military and - econ.

Egypt and Sudan
Sandstorms, larger than had ever seen, dominate the entire Nile River valley as fertile lands are swept over by ancient shifting sands. For weeks this continues, pummeling Africa's most valuable farmland.

As many move to escape the natural disasters, others begin to report...strange creatures in the night. Men with heads like jackals. Scorpions larger than city buses. At the end of the storms, the desert is filled with many strange cities. Clay houses, large marketplaces, and massive temples appear overnight, and are gone by the morning. The cities move as often as the shifting sands. So far, they have done nothing violent.

New Anomaly Faction
Followers of Anubis
A magical people inhabiting mobile cities which can sink beneath the dunes and shift with the sand. They worship the ancient Egyptian god of Anubis, whom they claim exists in the physical world.

Russia
Vladamir Putin announces an official end to the Rift conflict as Russian troops return, scarred, to the west. Putin announces publicly that the conflict was a "misunderstanding" and that he hopes to share the land with a species he refers to as "The Noble Lycan."

Images of Vladamir Putin shaking the paw of a seven-foot fall wolf in a soviet trenchcoat and ushanka are surreal. They mirror Putin's signing of the "Treaty of Russian-Lycan Friendship" which promises the werewolf race sovereign rights to Siberia.

It should be noted that this includes several thousand nuclear missile silos in the region.

New Anomaly Faction
Union of Soviet Socialist Lycanthropes (USSL)
A race of intelligent Siberian werewolves. After discovering cold-war era soviet scientific and military installations during their brief war with the Russian Federation, the wolves found their cultural calling with dogmatic Communism.

If it isn't obvious, the Werewolves managed to capture Russian nuclear missile silos during the brief war and the Russians were forced to surrender.

[IcemanJRC]

The fallout amongst the larger islands in the Great Hunt's territory has proved a problem, killing many of the denizens of the island, however many of the creatures are slowly returning and incorporating the radiation into them, it is still a huge problem but the Hunt is adapting.

GM

Research will be used to develop Radiation Resistance(Tier 1).

[Exthalion]

Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti

"It is the akasa, out of which all these creatures proceed, and into which they are again received, the akasha is older than they all, the akasa is the ultimate end."

"What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate , so airy, so graceful! A very world of solid weight, and yet it seems ...a delusion of frostwork that might vanish with a breath!... "

Spoilered for length.

The Feasting Grounds, which had been laid down in accordance with a design none comprehend but all trusted. Such was the way of the Sacrosanct, both in body and in judgment.

All across the mighty island menhir of moonstone and opal rose from the ground ablaze with a fire that did not burn. In great circles then arcs these stones radiated from the Feasting Ground and directed to it power far beyond that any magitechnological artifact known to the Emanations could require.

Now part of that open question had been answered, though the full scope of the will of Dharma remained shrouded.

In the dark of night the sky of Earth shown bright and clear above them. The golden ones shone like stars fallen to earth and those of silver glittered like jewels in their reflected radiance.

Behold, a mighty song! How light and high it sounds, yet how deep. Their music echoed through the night and against the boundaries of the second heaven. The earth shook, but not with the violent convulsions of pressure released; it purred like some great beast in pleasure for the music of those with true understanding was like the flowing of water into parched ground.

The earth drank gladly their music, a gift they gave freely. The stars on high shown more brightly, straining near the earth to listen to those who had come from the Mighty. The song was a vision, a dream of a thing which was not yet. So rent were earth and sky by the beauty of the vision and the splendor and wonder it portended that they resolved to make of song a real thing, that in no way should this thing be lacking.

From Gaia's womb burst forth white stone, flowing like water. It burst from the ground like a spout of water and rose into the sky. There the beams of starlight caressed it and embraced it. What had been obscured became clear, a great leans in which to view the wonders of Galaxia and all beyond. In those infinite depths those there assembled looked and saw the spirals of distant island universes and sky and earth knew each other through the mediation of light.

How shapely the soft curves of that world egg, how magnificent its pregnant bulge. With a voice like thunder without sound it split, and up and down its magnificent length mighty seams opened through which poured an abundance of stars and nebula. In the majesty of that great birth it seemed encased into a living fire, alive with the life of ten thousand suns.

The distant deeps and sky bound themselves with chains of fate and awe to the great work and so long as its great beauty endured so would they dwell within the sky of Earth so that they might gaze upon it forever. The egg split open like a flower and the ground shrank away at first, afraid to mar the beauty of so wondrous a thing.

Eight petals it cast down into the great valley that had been born to cradle it. Where unsunken ground met petal a mighty tower rose. All the inner surfaces of the petals shone like mother of pearl in the light of a billion billion stars, in the light of of galaxies beyond number. Their boundaries were the curves of golden spirals, eight clockwise and eight counter clockwise, coming to eight points and the towers tapered up and curved up to add eight again spirals, all emerging from the center.

In the heart of the great work a single tower rose and none like it had ever been raised by man. Eight and eight golden spirals twisted up it as lines of gold and it tapered to a point as biter as a needle. At is untouchable heart was like the refraction of light upon water, a shimmering a wavering radiance that spun like a great cyclone; threads of molten gold, crystal stars with living hearts, and prismatic sheets of a thousand hues. This was a true rift, a rift as they should have been.

To it nothing was given, and from it nothing was obtained. Its presence alone was the function of the loom made possible

By its crystal structure does a prism break apart a beam of light, so that each color my travel its own path. So perfect was the living crystal structure of that tower that it also separated a thing which else would have been whole. The flow of all things from and to the akasha. For this reason the great rift, though still a small thing, had neither two ends nor one; a circle has no end. It was one thing in two places and and that was done in the world flowed to it and from it.

Mortal eyes, not just of living things; but all things which must view things through the mediation of light, could not view it. None upon Earth could save Dharma who slumbered.

In the reflected light of the perfect rainbow mirrors of the petals glistened gossamer filaments without number. The eight towers gathered them and like spindles spun them into thread of light and thoughts and dreams. phantasmal rings of light and mist spun around the towers and between them and above the petals and about them. These carried the woven threads hither and yon and the treads called to each other and wove themselves together. Down they went, from the heights of the outer towers, down the face of the petals and into and up the central spire. By that time the threads of individuals and nations and planets and star systems had become indistinguishable, all merging together to reveal the great pattern of the age.

This great tapestry contracted still till at last it again returned to wholeness as it was and had always been and the great perfect oneness of reality rose from the tower as a gift to the living universe, and acknowledgment of the oneness of all.

The song of its birth lingered in the air, and the wind would not be silent lest so beautiful a thing pass from the world. The song and the loom were one. For this thing was the first and only of its kind.

This was the Loom of Akasha. In from its workings the Emanations of the Sancrosti learned much.

All the world and the people therein:
We welcome you to or island, our paradise upon the earth. We ask neither fealty nor service. To all who come we offer shelter and bounty such as we are able to give.

However, not all who come are able to stay. Were we able we would allow everyone to remain to have not just life, but to have it abundantly. Yet few could linger long as they are.

The grass would become as sharp as knives, and the water as impenetrable as rock. The rain would be like the fall of bullets and the weight of even a single fruit would be beyond the strength of a grown man. This is not a diminishing of those who dwell there, but an increase in them. They begin to see past gross illusion to what true reality.

Else you be changed, to grow deeper in your understanding as you do in age, you cannot remain on our island and survive. Such is the way of things, a law we neither made nor could change.

Mourn not though, for none are alone upon Atlantis. Ask and we shall tell you the secrets we have gained, to life eternal and full of bliss. Seek to become strengthened enough to lift the fruit to your mouth and you shall taste of it a bounty beyond the strength of your flesh to convey.

Such we offer to all who would have it.

OOC: Think of it as fluff for them having to be loyal and all that. Other countries make you become a citizen; learn about the history and laws of the country. We make people learn about themselves and the laws of reality. Unlike mundane facts though, such knowledge changes people.

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

GM:

Kaala: More reports up north. Same as usual.
Vizard: They getting closer...
Kaala: How's the progress?
Vizard: I don't think we can manage it all. We're doing what we can but the Gov and the country is in chaos.
Kaala: Okay. I'll call who we can. We're getting out of here.

The Underground in Australia sends messages all over. We're organizing civilian (and Aussie military, if possible) ships to evacuate as many people as possible to locations still safe from the Zeds. Zombie Squads and X-Com have been called to defend critical operations centers. We're also trying to cooperate with the Australian government on saving the people.

We're feeding all information on the situation we get to world-wide news networks and the Internet. We're also checking if the Anomaly Detectors can detect Zombies, and if yes, we'll use those to help keep our strongpoints safe from infection.

Basically, using our Order and WO to try and save civilians in Australia and slow the spread of the virus.

To Japan:

Sensei: Seen the reports on the zombie virus in Australia? They're real. Our people out there are asking for help in organizing the evacuation of civilians into safer areas. The Government is on the brink of collapse there.

To EU/Commonwealth:

2F4U: Our people in Australia are calling for help with trying to evacuate as many of the people as they can. It seems the reports on the zombie virus are real. I know we've got our own Nazi troubles over here, but if there's anything we can do...

To the Sword:

M4tterH0rn: Damn. The stuff about zombies in Australia is real. Our people are trying to help the civilian population, but we don't have enough manpower or stuff. I know we're kinda busy out here but is there anything we could do?

To Solaris Alliance/African Coalition:

RaniX: Hey. Our people in Australia are asking for help with evacuating the civilians and stopping the zombies from ripping them to shreds. I know everyone's busy with their own problems, but is there anything we could do?

[Forum Explorer]

Camradas de Armas

Panama Barracade

The legion of refugees easily overwhelmed the first barrier, an eletric fence, though the charge killed several people and many more were trampled. The minefeild afterwards killed or maimed hundreds more but still the mob rampaged onward till they reached the next eletric fence, where they fell in range of the guns of the Camaradas de Armas.

They had their order and they executed them without hesitation firing into the mob mercilessly. The casualties were immense but to the trained eye of the commanders at the barracade it was clear that the sheer numbers of the refugees would prevail.

The commander in charge winced. Firing into unarmed refugees was bad enough but the contingency plan was even worse. Still he had faimliy of his own and these people were putting them at risk by carrying shapeshifters and a zombie plague into his homeland. "Codeword Hellfire is given" He radioed in to HQ. "Hellfire recived and understood." was the reply. Within minutes the plan took effect.

A wave of bombers set aside for dealing with emergencies flew over and dropped their deadly payload. A wave of napalm hit the ground and created a wall of fire cutting the refugees off from the line of troops stationed at the barracade. The screams were horrible for the troops to bear and many stopped firing. "Keep firing! Finish off those who were caught on this side of the blast and then prepare for any anomilies to attack us. These people not only run from their problems they seek to inflict them on us! Show them no mercy." The troops nodded and resumed fire, finishing off those who escaped the napalm.

On the other side of the wall of fire the refugees were turned back at last. They had to deal with the zombies or burn alive. Whoever was spreading rumours of an open border to the north had lead them all to their deaths.

[Thelonius]

Australia

Premier Minister Glatt has finished writing his dispatch. The troops that were stationed near the Anomaly have remained mostly loyal to the official government. It’s a pity they were less than one fourth of the nation’s military. He managed to evade the disaster of Bloody Wednesday and firing squad, when the rebels took over Canberra and executed most of official government. Glatt’s forces now held Western Australia or at least large chunks of it. He had a million and a half people depending on him for protection. Many in his newly appointed cabinet advised against it, but this was the only solution, the only hope for Australia to survive. He would have appealed to Commonwealth, but they were fighting, what was described as Resurrected Nazis.

To Renegades

''As per terms of our mutual defense treaty, I request immediate millitary and humanitarian assistance…''

=====Infection Beta=====

William Trent waited patiently, as the medical examination continued. He shot the nurse a smile, but didn’t get one in return. Two armed guards in the room were really killing the mood. The doctor walked to the phone and dialed a number. Trent couldn’t hear what was said, but he must have confirmed that Trent wasn’t a threat. And that would mean he was finally going to meet somebody in charge.

To GM Only (or investigate it)

I’m selling the Z-Virus to the Chinese. They have to be still reeling from the losses of their fleet to Great Hunt and those USSL don’t look too cuddly either (USSR and China never did get along). Considering the evolution of the Z-Virus, it will be an effective weapon against both of them. Or any nation, that tries to mess with China. Not sure just how ruthless they are, but with their population, there would be millions old people, ready to die anyway. Then why not serve their nation after death? Or it could be criminals and political prisoners…

[Mashimoto]

Thanks to the widely televised border defense--dubbed the Panama Massacre--the Camradas de Armas lose - World Opinion and - Order.

[Turalisj]

The man took out a tablet PC and showed the woman an image of a battalion of the nazi zombies. "This would be the reason we have paid a visit to your island. We need your help. We're willing to negotiate trades, information, technology, whatever. What we need, is what kind of energy could be powering these things. If we can know that, we can develop a way to counter them and beat them back before they do anything."

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

To Counter the Dead

Japan releases pertinent information about the dead. It confirms their existence and asks citizens to keep calm. To counter the threat of zombies, the gvernment has removed the ban of firearms.

Police forces are now being armed with firearms. To insure that civilians have a fighting chance, the government has allowed the citizen the right and privilege to the Right to keep and bear arms. Citizens who wish to own firearms must go to the nearest police station where they will be taught proper usage of firearms and given licences for ownership and usage.

Lastly, the government denies that the refugees are the cause of the infection. If that were the case then why would South America have zombies, and why is Australia being overrun with zombies when the refugees are located in camps?

Japan believes that there is a 3rd party involved in the zombie infections, somehow spreading it in various locations. The government urges caution and asks citizens to do their duties to not just their country, but to humanity as well.

Nuclear Attack
Japan applauds the Sword in dealing with the Hunt. However, with the fallout destroying our crops, we ask any nation able to help to provide emergency

New Armaments
Japan has developed a new weapon; the Tactical Laser System, which has been mounted on imperial navy ships and aircraft to counter the Hunt.

OOC: I now have beam weaponry. Now I need to miniaturize it for the infantry.

To the Sword
North Korea, as many of us already know, has a stockpile of nuclear weapons. Japan has a nuclear weapons taboo and ban it. However, we have preserved much of it. You can have it, if you like.

To the Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti
Japan is... in trouble. Our lands are being infested with the dead rising again. We require your aid. We cannot return the favor as it is now, but know that we the Japanese are Honorable. Any aid you give us will be repaid.

To Underground
Chrysanthemum_Chair: Good to know we aren't the only one being attacked by zombies. We really can't spare any to help the aussies given our own problems with the dead and the fallout by that damn nuke. We can however manufacture the anomaly detector which you sent us.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

"For he to-day that sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother"

Panama Situation (Spoilered for Length)
"We Emanations were once and remain human. We came from all places and times. In our minds lives the whole of the story of man. Our power is not yet sufficient to wipe away the evils and dangers of the world, but what power we do have shall not remain idle while the lives of human beings are being extinguished.

We ask the international community to open their hearts to these people. That some suffer and others remain save is for no reason other then unhappy chance. These are not refugees, these are cousins by blood and brothers and sisters in spirit to all people.

Some there are who are not yet ready to come to our isle to dwell for such as these we ask the nations of the world to accept them, and show them all due courtesy of family that has suffered a terrible tragedy."

------------------------------

The morning was unusually clear though the sun hadn't risen yet. But ominous clouds in the north; the smoke of a great burning. Children were crying, as were women, as were men. The stink of unwashed flesh and the sour smell of sweat and fear hung in the air. All about was hunger and sickness, and those who showed signs of disease were avoided by others.

The cries of those suffering from horrible burns rent the hearts of everyone there, but nothing could be done. Some cried out to God in anger or sorrow but the sky did not answer.

The first gray light of dawn broke over the horizon but as it did so did a distant sound. It was faint, and distant but it sounded to some like flutes. Many screamed and fled hoping to avoid whatever new horror was coming to them. Others didn't, lacking either ability or motivation.

As hour lengthened gleaming shapes appeared, like pieces of the sun that had broken off. When at last they came into view non- could believe their eyes.

Immense flying ships, over a mile long, came toward them. Wide flat cones that came to a point on the base they were. They slowly revolved a new face always forward.

This skin gleamed silver, nearly a perfect mirror to sky and land. Graven lines of gold spiraled about the hull and in them shapes sparkled like the sun was hitting some complex metal shapes.

As they came closer choral notes rose up to join the sounds of the flutes. The music was triumphant and joyful. They flew past the refugees to the south and there floated in the air.

Smaller ships, seemingly made of gold and glass, landed nearby and out of them came tall men and women beautiful in features and dress. Out of their vehicles strange equipment flew out, all rings and spheres and crystals orbiting each other in elaborate dances.

Some planted themselves in the ground. They were tiny mirrored spheres that grew into tall slender towers that were above the tree canopy. Faint lines of blue/white crisscrossed between them. Others sprang up circular enclosures and yet other structures besides. Some strange amalgamation of gothic and futuristic architecture presided though the structures had a temporary look to them. For some reason each placed so as to create easy lines of sight and transit between them and to appear in harmony with the land.

A few of the beautiful people approached the larger clusters of people and began to ask if they needed emergency help and offering them the shelter of the facilities already produced. Some wept at the beauty of their voices, thinking they had died and angels had come to minister to them.

OOC: Atlantis deploys several mobile fortresses (++- Off Mil) south of Panama. They are instructed to form a defensive line to protect refugees. Civilian grade transport and medical ships are also deployed (++ temp econ) to perform triage and provide supplies and medical care. Additionally, all who are willing to pass through quarantine are being offered the chance to go to Atlantis.

Mashimoto, how bad is the situation? Will that be enough mil to protect them and temp econ to support them? My magitechnology should help the econ to go farther. What with rapid fabrication, temporary geomantic power grid to remove the need for external electricity, and the ability of living crystal to integrate with the local flora to increase food production.

EU Situation (Spoilered for Length)

EU (Espionage +++++ +)
"We are not mercenaries to be bought."

There was a pause.

"But we agree to be your friends, and friends help each other. We will agree to work jointly with you in discovering how to stop this outbreak. In return, we request that when the Nazi's are dealt with that you aid us in a project of our own. Our knowledge of advanced human technology is lacking, as engineers and physicists were not very well represented in the souls that gave birth to us.

As a show of good faith, we will help alleviate your problem. Consider this a gift even if you do not accept our terms."

--------------------------

The nearby defense guns shifted configuration. They now resembled three tall and three short pylons, all curved on the outward edges but flat on the inward. A pulsating sphere grew at the base of the pylons and something like prismatic electricity arced between the flat faces. A column of light, thrumming with power began to rise from the sphere. This same process was repeated all across the island.

Near edge of the island, a large structure resembling one of the defense guns on a larger scale stood. It too began to thrum with life. This was the Mirror of Oblivion, a name which would soon become appropriate.

In the underground control facilities of the mirror nine silver and their parental gold operated the controls.

"All guns report geomantic power build up."

"Civilian structures report they have ceased tapping the ley lattice."

"Optimal power distribution roots calculated. Implementing power transfer to this facility."

"Beginning mirror formation."

"Our capacitors are spinning up. Full power in forty seconds."

"Deploying focusing array. Phase variance set to point-oh-oh three."

"Targeting confirmed, latitude and longitude entered, local ley networks accounted for."

"Weapon configuration set for wide area high precision. Efficiency estimated at thirty nine percent."

"All stations ready, activation sequence ready, authorization...?"

"May it be."

The surface of the mirror was like its namesake. Yet from it six towers which had lain flat beneath the surface rose up to an angle, each pointing toward a point in the sky. Despite the distortion in shape the surface was unbroken, like a skin of quicksilver covered all there.

In the sky a tiny point of light appeared as the columns began to hum, each at a different frequency. The center of the mirror lowered forming a parabolic arc directly under the point in the sky. Glowing blue lines spiderwebbed out from the center and up the sides; at each intersection they began to glow brighter.

Suddenly each intersection released a thin beam and all converged at the focus point of the parabola. A much thicker beam rose straight up and struck the point of light before disappearing. It continued up toward the point but beyond the light there was nothing...

--------------------------------------

English Chanel, French Side

A tiny point of light appeared in the midst of the Nazi forces in the air. Suddenly a great planar ring, parallel to the ground burst from it. Many Nazi planes were caught in the blast. As it widened it resolved into individual streams of energy that began to separate to hunt out and destroy the forces of the Fourth Reich within their reach.

OOC: Fired Superweapon. It should be much less destructive then a nuke but of similar scale. It is basically several hundred precision weapons firing at once as opposed to a single blast. I haven't developed the blast yet.

[razovor]

African Coalition to Emanations [++++-]
Your research capabilities are much greater than ours. If were to split the proceeds of such a project, you would receive much less than if you were to simply research it alone. We're not willing to do that to you.

African Coalition to Underground [+++++ +++]
We'll see what we can do.

African Coalition to the Papacy
We would like to offer our humble apologies for the loss of such a great individual. Truly the world is worse off without him.

Expedition to Sudan (GM)
The African Coalition dispatches an expedition to meet with the Followers of Anubis.
Since the military is occupied in the Atlantic, the African Coalition arranges a civilian task force (++ order) to assist in processing the large number of refugees fleeing from the zombie virus. All refugees from infected countries must pass a mandatory health inspection before entry into the country.

[Thelonius]

Professor Vladimir Volkoff, who managed to survive the outbreak in Australia gives an interview to the media:

''At this stage it is clear, that the Infection originated and is being spread by the contact with the Anomalies. All locations of the outbreaks correspond with the activity of Anomalies – Legion in South America, Great Hunt in Japan and Australia. The greater spread of the infected in Australia can be explained by the visit of the Renegade’s representatives, who I believe, unintentionally infected some of our citizens.

The Z-Virus must be something harmless to the Anomalies, but deadly to the humans. At this stage, before proper vaccine can be developed, we must limit contact with Anomalies and quarantine all people, who come into contact with them. Only these measures can help us stop further spread of the Infection. I hope that the world’s governments will take my advice to heart, for the sake of their citizens.''

To Underground

The blogs, forums and chats are full with similar messages. Government is lying about the refugees. The Infection did originate with them.


To GM Only!

There shouldn't be many Z-s near Panama. I've brought a small number of them with trucks, but the majority of people they could have bitten was gunned down by the Camrades.

I'm hoping my finger throwing at Anomalies as the source of Infection will affect attitude towards Emanations.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

Japan Situation

Empire of Greater Japan (Esp +++++ +)
We trust the honor of your people. We remember it, from the days of the Samurai and before. We will do what we can.

Several great fortresses flew over the pole to arrive at Japan in the morning. They began at once to bring their formidable weapons to bear against the zombie hoards. For the most part they did not persue the zombies actively, instead hovering over major cities. Any zombie, one alone or many together, that came within fifty miles was burned to a cinder.

OOC: Deploy +++ offensive military to Japan. Supplement the Japanese defenses, do not actively pursue them the zombies. That should keep me safe from zombie anti air. Also, inform the Japanese that there is a no fly zone of half a mile under the fortresses, a mile around and all the space above them. Anything that crosses this boundary will be shot down without question. Have them float high enough that helicopters and such in the cities being protected will be unmolested.

African Coalition
Perhaps an arrangement of mutually beneficial exchange? The fruits of our research in exchange for information about the naga. As you may know, we are currently engaged in a war with them but have so far been unable to locate their underwater strongholds.

Finally, don't sell your research short of overestimate ours. Such a deal benefits us far more then you think, because favorable geomancy improves the power and efficiency of our own arrays. Thus we both gain what we otherwise could not have.

Underground
TWGTCBC: I represent the Illuminated Emanations the Sancrosti. I used to be a college kid in Chicago before this all stated, I know what this kind of thing is like.

The Emanations are fighting a war with the Naga. The scaly /b/tards are hiding under water. There must be some information on where they are. So on behalf of the of the Emanations I am asking for any information that can be found.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

City of the Dead
With the threat of the dead escalating (not really, the government just thinks so), the government has postponed any and all punitive action against the Hunt and instead withdrawn all military presence back to the islands to quell the zombie problem. Armed civilian volunteers are organized into militia to aid the police and military.

(++- Order to basically maintain it. ++++ Military is used to quell the zombie outbreak)

To Underground
We think Australia is pulling our leg. Too much of a coincidence for everything to be happening in coordination with anomaly intervention. If what that interviewee is saying, then Commonwealth, EU, African Coalition, and the Sword should be experiencing zombie outbreaks, not counting the Undead Nazis which we believe are a different sort.

As a favor, could you investigate it?

To the Emanations of the Sancrosti
We thank you for your aid. There is another matter though which we wish to discuss.

Some of our citizens wish to obtain knowledge. While we would normally allow the pursuit of knowledge, we are hesitant because they are requesting it from Akasha. If this knowledge were given, would there be limits and controls? Would they be able to use it to spread the knowledge further?

We do not doubt the intentions which you have claimed, and proven. But understand that these are our citizens and we are responsible for them. Would you accept them?

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

To Emanations:

Sensei:
"Aight. Well, we'd like them gone as much as anyone, but we don't really have submarines or stuff. We have detectors, though, if you need some.

Oh, and plenty of our people would like to know how your things work, exactly. I mean, we realize we'll need to rewrite science as we know it quite a bit, but the sooner we start the better, no?"

To Japan:

Sensei:
"Well, right now we're just trying to save lives. If we can stabilize the situation a bit, we'll gather the data and try to figure out what happened."

[Exthalion]

Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti

Empire of the Rising Sun (+++++ +)
Studying the loom of Akasha is difficult. Additionally, it is not yet refined enough for very specific observations. We are working on that though and are not opposed in principle to the idea of your people coming to learn of it.

OOC: Do you want to buy the secrets of how to build a Loom of Akasha from me, or send scientists to investigate it? Sorry, but I didn't quite catch what you were asking for in our post.

Underground
We do not presently have mundane manufacturing technologies, but a few detectors for study would be most appreciated. Are you able to access any satellite maps? Thermal Oceanographic maps? Anything at all would be helpful.

As for studying our technology, we are not opposed in principle, but we are currently engaged in several operations around the world and our resources and population are stretched thin.

It pains us to ask for this, but would you be willing to consider cooperation and research and development projects in exchange? Your distributed individual projects and our large scale focused projects would compliment each other greatly.

[Mashimoto]

Atlantis
Atlantis takes on survivors of the Panama massacre, gaining - WO. Thanks to your extensive preparations for human habitation, you do not take an economic hit catering to this new large population.
You don't have the resources to take in all the refugees from South America, but you can take a large number.

African Coalition
The Coalition takes in refugees, gaining - WO and losing - econ. Because Coalition forces are stretched so thin and attempting to do so much, there is civil backlash against taking in the refugees. Sweeping poverty causes the coalition to lose - order. Several states, unwilling to partially support the incoming refugees, threaten to cede.

Sudanese Desert
The coalition caravan pushes steadily through the shifting dunes for hours before their APC's reached the South Sudan militia outpost. Sudanese militiamen salute the professional soldiers from the backs of machine-gun mounted pickups as the convoy grinds to a halt.

A hatch on one of the APC's opens, and a lieutenant general clamors out, saluting the militiamen back.

"Is he here?" The lieutenant general asks seriously.

"Yes," the militiamen nods. "He unnerves us. He's in the tent."

The lieutenant pulled the pistol from his holster and thrust it into the hands of the guard outside the solitary tent before entering.

The tent was empty, save a pile of books and a chair, upon which sat a very tall man with bronze skin and the head of a jackal.

"Ah yes," the creature said in nearly-perfect Arabic, looking up with a book in his lap. "I understand you wanted to see me?"

Second Battle of Britain
The Atlantean cannon streaked across the pale blue sky, a series of high-intensity concussive beams that splinter large numbers of Fourth Reich aircraft to ash and force the Luftwaffe to retreat to the Rift. V-2 rockets, however, continue to pummel British cities.

United States
A struggling economy has slowly been broiling tensions against The Sword since it's inauguration. The recent nuclear attack on Indonesia has left The Swords reputation in the world in question, and further cemented public opinion against The Sword. Approval ratings are at all-time lows, and if nothing is done soon it could mean trouble for the administration.

Australia
As the zombie cover-up becomes apparent and the civil war continues to rage, Australia loses ++ WO.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

To Emanations of the Sancrosti
OOC: Both actually. Sorry about the confusion.

To the Underground
Chrysanthemum_Chair: We developed lasers and I'm sure people would want them, especially EU, Commonwealth, and the Sword. We also have developed a more paranoid approach for dealing with information since we already know information agencies suck. If Sensei, or one of the Underground has free time, one of our representatives will meet you in a specified location and place and hand the plans. Name the place, time, and specifics.

Oh, don't forget about our request. Well, you can, but we'd like it if you investigate.

[Exthalion]

Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti

Commonwealth
A RAF pilot from among us has memories which may prove helpful against the V-2s. Aircraft of similar speed are able to 'flip them'. They have poor guidance systems, and if knocked to face up or down they will continue in that direction until stalling or hitting the ocean.

We hope this information helps.

Empire of the Rising Sun
We agree, however we would like to add one condition. In exchange for information on the Loom of Akasha, would would like you to develop something for us that our own facilities are ill equipped for.

We are having trouble integrating mundane human technology with our own. A way to convert geomantic power to electrical and a two way exchange between geomantic and mundane information networks would be most appreciated.

Additionally, we will provide geomantic knowledge required to power and operate any technology you develop based on the Loom. It is necessary for such devices.

OOC: Basic Geomancy and Loom Research for a Level 1 project: Ley/Mundane interface. I tried to do something that would help you also, since now you can use leyline powergrids which are perfectly environmentally friendly and Japan already has good geomancy.

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

Anomaly Wiki
Plenty of new data is being added constantly, with the veteran editors hard-pressed to study the information and see if it fits the criteria to be trustworthy enough to stay.

There's a high amount of articles written on the Fourth Reich, as gamers and WW2 history geeks from all over flood to the site.

To Emanations:

Sensei:
"Well, our research is all on the Web, fully shared to everyone. The problem is that we don't really have too much control over what individual people do in their basements or laboratories or wherever, nor do we want to. Of course we could ask some of our people to work on stuff you tell us to, but we can't give any solid promises on how things will go. It really depends on how interested people are about the project."

Message from X-Com

"Well, we spread the blueprints around so people could make their own and all. Our manufacturing capabilities are very limited, plus we needed to give out all our first products for free to get samples around, especially to those fighting in Latin America.

However, for the cost of manufacturing, we'd be willing to put you on the list for a few of the devices. Or you could ask one of the nations who have the capacity - Japan said they'd be willing to build some, at least."

To Japan:

Sensei:
"You want us to relay the plans to those you want to get them without leaking them outside, right? Technically we're all for free information, but, realizing that practical solutions are needed, I can get you into contact with a group who can be trusted to be discreet."

Message from X-Com

"I heard you had some data that needs to reach certain people and nobody else? We can do that."

The meeting details are enclosed. You detect a hint of the traditional Underground attitude from it, since it's wholly written in a pathetically easy-to-crack code to which they helpfully provide a key... that happens to be encoded with a cipher unbreachable to your best experts. Also, the meeting place has the exact location with some 'helpful' notes such as "You know, approximately a hundred and twenty-three kilometers three hundred and fifty meters west along the highway from that top-secret special forces training centre" and "It's a good spot since it's covered by at least four of the modern anti-aircraft installations you built during the war and upgraded two years ago".

If you put any people there during the meeting time, a small helicopter painted black with a red 'Skyranger 1' on the side, skull and crossbones on the cockpit and the symbol of the Underground on the tail arrives and lands nearby.

To GM:

Hows about my op in Indonesia?

[razovor]

Sudanese Desert:

The lieutenant had been briefed on what to expect, but he was still caught off guard by the creatures appearance. He tried not to look too surprised.

"The African Coalition would like to extend it's warmest welcome to the followers of Anubis. The leaders of the African Coalition would like to officially offer you an alliance. The terms of the alliance are as follows;


Trade will be opened between our people for the benefit of both nations.


A cultural exchange program will be begun between our people so that we might grow closer as people. The Followers of Anubis will assist the African Coalition in teaching their people of Anubis so that all might have the opportunity to come to their own conclusions as to their faith


The African Coalition will agree to do what it can to improve the worlds opinion of the followers of Anubis such that they will not be harassed by other global powers.


The African Coalition will offer the followers of Anubis a region of land to claim as their own. The followers of Anubis are advised to move their cities here, so they are no longer trespassing on Solaris Alliance soil.


The African Coalition and The Followers of Anubis will agree to co-operate in matters of espionage that concern both their nations.


The Followers of Anubis use their army to assist in the defense of the African Coalition against outside threats. The African Coalition agrees to do likewise."
Refugees:

The African Coalition allows some of it's member states not to participate in assisting the refugees.

To GM
It was my intention to have the military of the Followers of Anubis assist with the refugee's. Of course that depended on them accepting this alliance, But I do think I have deliberately biased it in their favor. They gain a lot, and only lose their military when I'm in danger. Which considering the territory I've offered them, would also mean they were in danger.

[Exthalion]

Emanations to Underground

TTWGCBC: Of course. We will make inquiries.

We have discovered that geomanticly powered technology can prove highly effective against anomalies. We know a great deal about how to reconfigure existing geomancy, but know very little about the geomantic potential of the rest of the world. If we provided you with the basics would you pass along the information?

Individuals with simple equipment could perform the studies. We would be glad if you made all the data public. Geomantic power is clean, no pollution generated at all unless done incorrectly, safe from disruption by much short of a nuke or similar destruction, and and we could then provide countries with geomantic technology to fight the anamalies.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

At the designated meeting place, five men stood waiting for the helicopter. Four of the men were trained soldiers, assigned to protect the mysterious man carrying a briefcase.

"Your Highness, it is time." One of the guards spoke.

The man, a prince, known as Chrysanthemum_Chair on the web, nods in acknowledgement as thy hear the sounds of rotor blades.

To Emanations of the Sancrosti
Agreed. We will begin the research once we receive the information necessary.

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

To Emanations:

Sensei:
"All right, that sounds like exactly the kind of job for us. We'll chart places for you if you give us the data on what we're looking for."


Empire of the Rising Sun 19:31 JST - Japan, Kyoto Prefecture

A small black helicopter descends on the empty field, flanked by a few equally empty buildings and a road on which vehicles pass speedily. Despite all the people, there are empty places even in Japan... at least when both several of the most influential people in the government and several of the most influential people among the nation's youth culture wish for there to be.

The chopper looks like an ordinary small civilian model, except for a few strange modifications. Of course, it's been painted black except for a bright red 'Skyranger 1' on the side, a slightly distorted green skull-and-crossbones symbol on the top of the cockpit and the Underground emblem on the tail.

It lands quickly, and three people hop out, looking at the welcoming committee. They're dressed cleanly, but not formally nor uniformly.

The first two people, man and woman, leave the chopper and take a couple steps towards the group of five. The man is obviously a foreigner, with blonde hair and blue eyes plus a hulking physique. He has a friendly smile, but seems a bit uncertain on how to act in such a situation. The woman is also foreign, looking by her features to be from somewhere in Indochina and acting more reserved.

The third person is wearing a hood and sunglasses. S/he is short and appears to be more relaxed about the situation than the other two. S/he stays near the chopper.

The man waves. "Hey. I see you got the note."

[distant quasar]

Renegades

Australia
We have no knowledge of this virus ourselves. However, we are sending (+) temp econ, (+) research, and (+++/+) esp to determine it's cause and how to stop it. Our Military is occupied in battle against the Great Hunt.

Wolfbane/Mashimoto
In exchange for the - perm econ, I will train Wolf's researchers in kowledge of magic. But will he be able to use the magic and forcefield spell?

Japan
We request that our troops (+++++) be able to move through your territory in order to combat the Great Hunt.

[Mashimoto]

African Coalition Refugees
It's more indirect. I assume all states contribute to the military and pay taxes to the entire coalition, some of which is being used to fund the refugees. It's not an issue of some states supporting refugees and some opposing them, everybody wants to be able to help, but when there's a limited amount of food, fresh water, and housing, seeing it go to refugees from the other side of the world is never a nice thing.

Followers of Anubis

The Jackal smiles and speaks pleasantly, laying out his counter-demands.

1.) We desire no trade. We are self sufficient. We reap our harvests from the desert, and need nothing from without. Nor, mind you, do we take anything from the lands we inhabit. From the sand, we weave bread and water.

2.) We agree to your ideas of cultural exchange. We look forward to demonstrating ourselves and our faith.

3.) We thank you for the offer, however we are not interested in how governments view us. There is no power in governments. All power is in the people and, ultimately, the gods.

4.) We desire only desert lands and shall disturb no tilled land. Our cities, however, shall never settle but rather, shall move as the sands.

5.) We will contribute what we can.

6.) We will defend the territories of our gracious hosts, and expect the same.

The Jackal-headed priest gazes into the lieutenant generals eyes.

"But before we can agree to anything, sir, there is a term we must discuss. In private...without that meddlesome microphone."

The lieutenant general kept a solid face. He had been unaware the priest knew about the small microphone in his jacket pocket. Slowly, he reached his hands to the box and disabled it.

African Coalition

"A tribute," the Priest says. "Five-thousand adults every moon-cycle. criminals, political undesirables, heretics, we do not care for their make. Bring them to the sands on your northern border and we shall take them. Fear not for their souls--eternal glory awaits them."

[feel free to answer in PM for additional privacy]

[Exthalion]

Underground
TTWGCBC: Hope you have a lot of bandwidth, otherwise this might take a while.

I added a bit more then was strictly necessary, as my way of saying thank you. Please pass along any data on the Naga if you get it.

What follows are several large PDFs containing information on Geomancy and Geomantic engineering. They read half like textbooks and half like mysticism. They go into the theory of geomancy and describe in detail the workings of certain geomantic artifacts. However, as strange and advanced as it all seems you get the feeling it is the equivalent of a high school physics book: All true but heavily lacking in advanced theory and application. Without more research, or help from the emanations, you couldn't get a geomantic engineer as good in his field as a normal engineer is in theirs.

One is devoted only to the requested task. It list the tools required and how to make them or produce them from simple components. It details the proper state of mind and signs to watch for along with the required techniques. Half dousing half surveying.

In coordination with the Underground the Emanations of the Sancrosti release a great deal of knowledge about geomancy into the public domain free of charge. When questioned about it a representative said, "We came in peace for all mankind, not only those blessed enough to be able to to compensate us for it.

We hope geomancy will provide a source of hope and prosperity for all mankind. A world free of pollution and want are desirable goals. Additionally we hope that in time geomantic power will help protect people from Rifts and Anomalies."

Empire of the Rising Sun
A small transport vessel descends from one of the fortresses. A hard back leather bound book with information on geomancy is provided. It seems incomplete, but you are assured that all the missing information should be available on the internet soon. The book is a precaution against espionage and data mining.

Your own scientists are ushered on board before the craft lifts off and begins moving at supersonic speed, slowing when over populated areas.

At Atlantis it descends next to a low building with a lot of floor space. The Loom of Akasha is visible a few miles away.

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

To Emanations:

Sensei:
"All right. Thanks. We'll pass these along - I'm sure plenty of people will want to try."


Anomaly Wiki

New topic - Geomancy. A ton of new information is added from large PDF-files, listing the Emanations of the Sancrosti as the source. There is a lot of data about geomantic engineering in particular, and the theory behind the science. However, more advanced information and practical applications are still lacking.

There is a call for anyone who wants to try this new 'Magic' - apparently the Emanations wish to know the Geomantic makeup of the planet so Geomancy can be used by human factions everywhere on Earth. There's detailed instructions on how to make such measurements, and pretty quickly a 'Geomantic Google Earth' (GGE) is being built by volunteers.

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

Meeting
"Of course. Wouldn't do well to be late to a meeting now." Chrysanthemum_Chair chuckles. He then hands the briefcase over to the man. "Everything about laser tech is in there. Next thing we know, we have schoolgirls befriending others with pink lasers of doom."

To the Emanations of the Sancrosti
Information from the internet has been provided. We will begin research. Take care of our citizens.

To GM
+++++ Research dedicated to Ley/Mundane Interface research


We agree, however we would like to add one condition. In exchange for information on the Loom of Akasha, would would like you to develop something for us that our own facilities are ill equipped for.

We are having trouble integrating mundane human technology with our own. A way to convert geomantic power to electrical and a two way exchange between geomantic and mundane information networks would be most appreciated.

Additionally, we will provide geomantic knowledge required to power and operate any technology you develop based on the Loom. It is necessary for such devices.

OOC: Basic Geomancy and Loom Research for a Level 1 project: Ley/Mundane interface. I tried to do something that would help you also, since now you can use leyline powergrids which are perfectly environmentally friendly and Japan already has good geomancy.

To Underground
Some of the missing information provided by the Emanations will be provided by us once we finish our research on making it compatible with mundane technology, making magitek stuff.

[Murska]

The Underground

Meeting

The woman chuckles, speaking with Asian-accented English. "You never know, in Japan."

The man takes the case carefully. His English has a German accent. "Thank you, sir."

Then he takes it to the figure near the chopper, who loads it in without a word and then walks back with the man. S/he places an odd-looking device at her throat and speaks without making any sound, the device producing an eletronically distorted voice from the movements of his throat. No English here, the Japanese is perfect and sounds upper-class. The figure bows and says: "Hello. I am Sensei. Sorry for the precautions, personal matters.

We thank you greatly for this gift and your help. We will be doing whatever we can to repay you. Rest assured that the case and it's contents will reach their intended recipients."

To EU, Commonwealth and The Sword:

Message from X-Com:


"Guess what folks? We have a little gift for you, courtesy Japanese government. So yeah, thank them, not us. We got some laser-based weaponry that should be able to overcome the bulletproof plating of the Hunt, and be generally useful against monsters of all sorts - you know, no travel time, no recoil, no bullet drop, the works.

We're supposed to deliver it safely and securely. So, tell me where you want the goods and we'll drop by, ok?"

[Exthalion]

Anomaly Wiki
Official posters acting on behalf of the Emanations add the following disclaimer to the top of the Geomancy section:

"The field of Geomancy, especially the kind practiced by the Emanations, is a young field even for them. They operate with the direct intervention of far more skilled sources.

As such, people should not expect the same level of results as they obtain. Not at first at least. Impurities in tools and equipment and lack of optimal materials will add errors and waste to most human geomantic projects. With the living crystal to act as a buffer and insulator there is bound to be energy leakage from the optimal levels predicted by the given equations. Even the Emanation suffer from this.

Unlike other infrastructure leylines interact with each other all over the world. A rock knocked rolling down a hill in Peru effect the geomancy in Siberia to some small extend. So don't be discouraged if initial results are not up to expectations. Keep up at it and they will come inline with predictions.

Most importantly, remember that geomancy is not a toy. Without proper care it is just as dangerous as other advanced technologies. Don't try to raise a Loom of Akasha in your back yard, you'll just end up blow up the neighborhood or cursing yourself to a life of bad luck."

OOC: Mashimoto told me via PM that non anomaly factions will not be able to get the full benefits of anomaly tech without further research even if they get it directly from the source. The converse is also true.

[Mashimoto]

Just One Bite...

The Union of Soviet Socialist Lycanthropes has created a propaganda video which has been circulating across the internet like wildfire. It's unoffical title, "Just One Bite..." has become synonymous with the campaign. The premise of the video is that the USSL is offering full citizenship to any "disenfranchised, disinterested, oppressed, or marginalized" human being who is willing to relocate to USSL territory and participate in "enforced evolution" to the lycanthrope way of life.

The USSL promises guaranteed housing, a guaranteed permanent job, and "the luxuries of a modern nation with the spirit of brotherhood of a clan." Additionally, perhaps the most enticing thing the lycanthropes offer is the supposed benefits of "enforced evolution."

"The strength of ten men," the commercial promises above video of a military parade of marching werewolves, rifles in arm. "the willpower of twenty. Keen senses of the wolf, and the cleverness of man." Moreover, the theme of the video is "A purpose. A destiny. Every man has his place. Every wolf has his, too."

Throughout Siberia, the USSL has established "enforced evolution camps" where young "converts" are kept for the first few weeks of conversion, during which converts have been known to be animalistic with their newfound power. In these camps, converts learn the ways of communism as well as the ways of the wolf. Training is Spartan, but upon successful conversion, converts are assigned families and cities in which to inhabit, and given one of thousands of empty jobs in industry.

Meanwhile, citizens of Siberia who refuse conversion are being taken forcefully to the Russian border where they are left, deprived of all property.

[Imperial Psycho]

Commonwealth of Nations
The Second Battle for Britain
The RAF begin bombing operations, to destroy the V-2 launchers, using their superior speed to their advantage.

Defensive lines begin springing up across the Southern coast, with concrete emplacements and barbed wire, ready to hold off a land invasion. Large scale production of simple incendiary weaponry is commenced, and given to front line troops.

All Counties south of London are evacuated, with a second line of defenses springing up to protect the capital.

To Underground
Due to the situation in Europe, we cannot provide military aircraft. A limited number of non-combat aircraft could be provided for evacuation purposes of Australia, if their safety could be guaranteed.

To X-Com
Drop the weapons in Scotland.You have our gratitude.

[Exthalion]

The Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti

Atlantis is willing to take in any refugees from Siberia who wish to come. In the future, our offer is open to everyone who desires it, without first asking for our permission.

Additionally, we are aware of the small size of our island and will soon begin extensions to allow more room for individual.

Finally, we have designated the small island of Tyre off our coast as the official landing location for foreign diplomats. We will begin building an ambassadorial palace there at once. We will be taking steps to insure all electronic devices function without any interference there.

Finally, we would like to request embassies in all nations which acknowledge our sovereignty. Along with this we request that any such embassy be sufficiently large a secure geomantic relay to be constructed through manipulation of local landforms. Besides the main embassy building we are willing to open these lands to the public as parks.

OOC: Might be good for a small order bonus. Central park is really popular in New York since it lets people escape city life. And people enjoy being around good geomancy. (like Feng Sui except mine is proven to work even to skeptics.)

I will take the Econ hit for the WO boost.

[Mashimoto]

Second Battle for Britain
The V-2's appear to be launching in ethereal form from numerous secluded sites in Germany and eastern France. British aircraft launched on raids are encountered by Luftwaffe fighters, who manage to match the modern jets' speed. However, after weeks of solid operations, the rocket attacks come to a halt. The Commonwealth loses - in the process, but the streets are safe again...for now.

Germany

The Chaos spreads, as Fourth Reich tank columns hammer deployed NATO forces and inhabited cities are subject to ghastly, skeleton-military parades. Berlin and many other major cities are under assault by Nazi Artillery and under siege by thousands of sig-heiling corpses. Streetcorners buzz with the shouts of the Fuhrer from loudspeakers that are simply not there.

More frighteningly, pro-nazi graffiti has begun to spring up around cities, not just in Germany but throughout Europe. Graffiti typically includes pro-Aryan messages, including the ubiquitous "Join the Reich!" While the actual skeletons of the Fourth Reich seem indifferent to this Nazi support, many fringe groups are already organizing themselves to help the Fourth Reich.

The prevailing thought among this insane fringe is that Hitler was so noble that not even death could stop him, and that God himself has sent his spirit back to Earth to save it from the End.

The European Union has lost logistical control of Germany. The Fourth Reich loses ++ military and the EU loses + military in the fighting.

With Germany out of the union, average order increases by +.

[UncleWolf]

Public Announcement

Edmund Duke steps back up to the podium. "This morning, we have committed the first Nuclear Strike on foreign soil, since the end of WWII. This act, was not thoughtless, nor was it without motivation. Yesterday, the Chinese moved to intercept a fleet of a monstrous faction named The Grand Hunt. The very same, that destroyed Hawaii. The fleet, was destroyed nearly to a man." He gives a nod off screen, and overhead footage from satellites shows the horrific battle in the Pacific. Once it's complete, it goes back to him. "We tracked the main concentrations of these...creatures to their main homes. Due to the durability of these...Gaians, we judged that a nuclear offensive was our best bet against them. We understand that our actions have hurt others, but we have resolved to aid those who have been hampered."

The General looks forlornly at the camera. "These are dark times, people, and dark decisions have to be made. Decisions, that we will regret in the future, but ones that we can't regret when we make them."

To Japan

We have plenty, but in the future, we would like to be able to co-operate on a strike together if we have to. In the mean time, we will be helping you repair the damage in other ways.

To the Renegades

Agreed.

[Forum Explorer]

Camaradas de Armas

To USSL
We would like to invite you to set up an embassy in Cuba in order to bring our nations together and to further communication

To Enemations
We would like to invite you to open up an embassy in a location of your choosing.

[Thelonius]

=====Infection Alpha=====

Colonel James Darling saluted to Doctor Quisling, as he entered the room.
''How is operation NQ proceeding?''
''Excellent, just excellent sir. About 50% of the NNZ were activated. I’m preparing to turn the pressure up for the rest. You are a bit late, Doctor.''
''Something unexpected came up... I'll tell you about it later.''For a second, Jonathan Quisling's eyes grew distant in recollection of the events, that morning. Than he continued ''Trent managed to secure us funding.’’ Doctor Quisling clicked the case open, revealing the banknotes. ''This is just a part of it. I’ll leave the instructions on how you can retrieve the rest''.
Colonel Darling whistled, ''That should certainly make things easier. I’ll need to get in touch with my contacts.''
''Be careful. The more dangerous of our adversaries, have begun to move.''
''I won’t stick around, when it gets too hot.’’ Colonel Darling’s eyes showed concern. ''How are our boys in Australia?’’
''Making us proud, Colonel. Making us proud.'', Doctor Quisling replied with an honest smile.

To GM

Yes, to GM. If you want to read, investigate it.

Okay, I should have about +++ Espionage on Fourth Reich operation, plus I add ++ t. Economy (Money), to finance the ''fringe'' groups, get them weapons, hire mercenaries to enforce new order. Plus construct the infection camps, I owe Fourth Reich its reinforcements and I intend to deliver.

[The_JJ]

ooc- No word from Syria? Well then, I guess they missed their deadline... much like my EoT. :smallredface:

Several hours after the deadline passed elements of the 5th Revolutionary Army stormed over the Syrian border today, right behind air-strikes made by the National Air Forces of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Alliance officially calls all freedom loving nations to join the fray, but concedes that 'other matters may take precedence,' essentially acknowledging the danger presented by the anomalies.

In other news, the Council has proffered provisional acceptance of the nation of Atlantis as a sovereign power. Diplomatic exchanges and the construction of embassies are pending.

Meanwhile, the Alliance has announced the creation of the All Alliance Volunteers. Open to military age men and women, each volunteer may bring with them to the Alliance one spouse and two children, receive living space and food in exchange for five years of dedicated service. Priority will be given to refugees, the Betrayed of Australia in particular. Also, we're calling the Australian's betrayed by the government the Betrayed because that sounds cool and the Alliance can empathize with the sentiment.

Additionally, the Council has set up a provisional Nonmilitary Volunteer Force for those with certain specialized skills, primarily scientists and engineers.

Also also, Alliance researchers are escorted to the Rift by a small bodyguard.

@ GM
They had their chance. Throwing the full weight of +++- prepared Alliance military at a Syrian nation facing disruption due to anti-government protests. Task my espionage corps with keeping an eye on potential Iranian interventions. I just need a little warning is all. (Remember, I purchased Underground help is arranging a better network out there...) If my spy corps thinks they can spare any manpower from that task, have the extra's help arrange attacks behind Syrian lines.

Using my WO score, offer amnesty to any Syrian unit willing to turn and join the Alliance. Make appeals to anti-anomaly feelings, human dignity, and not ending up on the wrong end of an Israeli-Alliance bullet sandwich. Carrot, stick.

Also, see below, on my response to the Underground.

To Atlantis:

Very well, we'll see what we can do.

To Commonwealth:

We'll join the fray as soon as we are able.

To Anubis:

What some in the Council are calling, with heaps of black irony the 'standard greeting party' is dispatched to the desert. One cameraman feeding live, one diplomat, one elite squad of soldiers.

To Underground:

HbH- We'll shelter what we can, but the Alliance must care for it's own as well. Send your ships, but tell them this. If they seek shelter with the Alliance, they are ours, and will do as we say.

The long voyage will serve as an effective quarantine, though god have mercy on those caught on board with the Infected...

GM Note, re the above:
Let the refugee's set up in a few isolated places along the coast. I'm assuming the voyage will give us time to prep a few camps. Surround 'em with barbed wire and minefields and machine guns, give them what we can spare them and not much more and minimize contact. What I said about the ocean voyage is true, but there's no need to take risks. Until we're better equipped to handle the potentially zombie virus carrying refugees, this is a quarantine zone. If that quarantine zone happens to be so harsh that some of the dead weight unfortunate pampered 1st world souls can't survive the conditions of any other third world refugee camp, we'll have to apologies. I'm sure the Red Cross, UN, and all the other humanitarian groups already have their hands full, but if they'll be invited to provide supplies.

Order in the camp will be kept with assurances that this is a temporary situation brought about purely through the need for a quarantine, pointed remarks about soft westerners unused to poor conditions, lengthy surveys for each refugee assessing their potential contribution to the Alliance, and machine guns left over tear gas seized from secret police. And the machine guns and mines and barbed wire. Carrot, stick. If at all possible we'll not bring out the stick, but I like to plan for contingencies.

All Alliance Volunteers will be escorted to a separate, less spartan camp where they can begin military training.

Also, any signs of outbreak? Napalm. And any boats that come in after we've reached the amount we can safely hold? Sink 'em if they ignore requests to find another port.


ooc- the AAV's are a total throwback to the first Total War game, BTW. I'm fairly sure no one else here gets that particular joke. The short version is that they were originally an elite pan-national force of All African* Volunteers put together to end western imperialist meddling.

*Started taking in African descended Caribbean islanders and Americans later, but that was mostly just to piss off Shona Han.

[Exthalion]

Emanations

Camaradas de Armas
Unless you would prefer it in a capital or major city the Yucatan peninsula is preferable for reasons of excellent geomancy.

Solaris Alliance
Where would you like our embassy?

[IcemanJRC]

The Grand Hunt

The recent bombings and the radiation on their main hunting grounds has made the whole Hunt restless. They decide that while they allow a small group to take in the radiation and adapt for the whole of the Hunt, the rest would go out for a bite. A bite of Australia. A large mass of forces invade Northern Australia, the War Dogs and Shades being carted in by Raptors as last time. Also like the attack on the Chinese fleet, they used the same tactics. A Blitkrieg style offensive, sending a massive force without any warning and dropping them in the middle of population centers. There they hunt out and dispatch all that they can, desperatly fighting to punish those that would harm them.

GM

+++++ - Military is sent to invade the single largest population center in Northern Auatralia, a region not a city, and will dispatch person after person, withdrawing once the Australians have gathered, organized and mobilized a cohesive oppositionary force. The attack is massive and swift, the only reason that the full six military wasn't sent was becuase the Hunt has no civilians so they need to leave some military behind to continue facilitating life there on the islands.:smallfrown:

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

Meeting

"Don't worry Sensei. I am not suppose to exist anyway given that I am one of the imperial family's greatest secret. No records of me exist save for our conversations online."

Chrysanthemum_Chair glances back at his guard who silently nods in return.

"It has been a pleasure doing business with all of you, but I must return to continue our researches, primarily on what the Emanations request, and a solution to the dead. I will notify you again when we need information delivered securely."

To the Sword
Japan is unable to use Nuclear Weapons due to our laws and the sentiments and memories of our people. What we can do is give them to others.

[Exthalion]

Emanations

GM
Since there are no more refugees near Panama, withdraw the fortresses back to Atlantis. I don't want a Naga attack.

[razovor]

Sudanese Desert

The lieutenant nodded his head.

"Those terms will suffice. The African Coalition agrees. We will deliver an official document for signing within the week.

You spoke about the power of the people. If you want the people to love you, and your god, you need to show them you love them back. Even now millions flock to the shores of Africa, fleeing devastation in the east. These people require sustenance, something we can not provide to all of them. Will you assist us?

African Coalition to the Followers of Anubis
We accept your extra term

African Coalition to the Underground [+++++ ++++]
We thought you would want to see this. For now we will accept the offer. We would appreciate if you could investigate this and find out what is being done with our people.



African Coalition
"A tribute," the Priest says. "Five-thousand adults every moon-cycle. criminals, political undesirables, heretics, we do not care for their make. Bring them to the sands on your northern border and we shall take them. Fear not for their souls--eternal glory awaits them."

[Mashimoto]

The USSL establishes embassies in Russia, China, Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela. It also requests permission to build an embassy in the former North Korea.

While the Lycan High Command has not declared war on Legion forces, Venezuela is pleased to announce that Lycan troops will be arriving on a peacekeeping mission.

Syria

Israel supports the Alliance offensive with ++ mil. Israeli troops operate in a support role, mostly reinforcing Solaris garrisons while they rearm and lending the Solaris army modern weapons, including ground-based rockets.

As Solaris troops storm the borders, the Syrians respond in kind, mountings sturdy guerrilla resistance. The two armies are caught in a stalemate, with Syrian cities changing hands almost daily. Food an energy shortages have most of the country in rolling blackouts within weeks.

In the Solaris Alliance, anti-war protests mount. On the moderate end, citizens argue that, while a noble cause, this is not the time to pit human armies against each other. On the extreme end, militant Islamists argue that the entire invasion is a Zionist plot, and that the government of the Alliance has become a slave to Israel.

Both the governments of Iran and the USSL are calling for a swift end to hostilities and a categorical return of Syrian territory to the rightful government.

Solaris loses - order to protests.

[as always, military damage calculated EoT]

Sudanese Desert
Followers of Anubis to African Coalition
"The High Priests will be...pleased, you have accepted." The Priest says. "As to your refugees...we will take as many of them as you will offer. We shall sustain them as easily as the Nile sustains its crops, and we shall even count them towards the tribute you owe to us." he pauses. "But I must tell you, that what we take...we keep. Their souls shall be indebted to us until we have finished our mission, and not a moment before. Should they desire, they will be unable to leave."

Commonwealth of Nations
A ship delivering supplies to a British scientific outpost in the antarctic has vanished.

[razovor]

To Mashimoto
All adult criminals found guilty of crimes punishable by death will be offered life, if they agree to serve the Followers of Anubis for the rest of it.

Any adult refugee whom we can't provide for will be given the option of joining the followers of Anubis. We make it very clear that they may never leave the followers of Anubis once they have joined.

We'll ask the followers of Anubis is they have an upper limit on the number of people they want. We don't want to send them too many. :smalltongue:

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

To USSL
Permission granted.

[Thelonius]

Battle for Australia

Colonel Darling studied the reports on the Great Hunt and situation in Australia. It appeared, that Great Hunt employed the same method, that was so effective against the Chinese – the shock and awe tactics, that were meant to disorganize and demoralize the opposing force, breaking their will to fight. They wouldn’t be effective against the Z-s, creatures that lacked the capacity to feel fear. ''They are just too dumb to surprise and fool'', mused Darling bitterly. The losses were still going to be horrendous. That was the nature of war.

But if Great Hunt expected an easy snack, they were going to face a nasty surprise. How soon would they realize their enemy’s devious strategy? The Sword’s nuclear strike must have taken out many of the older, smarter ones. Great Hunt’s hierarchy of strength was disrupted and there were reports of fights for dominance. Great Hunt was less cohesive, more prone to making mistakes. ''And that just might tip the scale of battle in our favor.''

Colonel Darling walked to the window, deep in thought. Would the Great Hunt relent? Will the Sword launch Nukes? What was Japan doing? There were so many questions. Outside of the windows, more people were being prepared for the next round of injections...

To GM

Okay, I believe you know my plan from the PMs. Great Hunt’s 0 Espionage should mean they won’t realize what’s happening for some time. Plus their Order is ++, so they are no better organized than my Z-s. I guess it’s up to you whether they get converted into Z-s or die from severe food poisoning.

[Mashimoto]

The Dead Walk!
Ecuador has been completely overrun by shambling hordes of the undead.

Grand Hunt
As the Grand Hunt engage their brutal assault on Australia, the last remnants of human civilization cave to anomaly assault . Many of the dead, already infected with the Z-Virus, return to semi-life and claim the island for the hordes of the undead.

As the Grand Hunt clash with the zombies, it is soon discovered that the rotting flesh of zombies is toxic to the Hunt, and many waves of Grand Hunt monstrosities are soon converted to the abominations themselves.

[Combat military damage calculated EoT. However, the Hunt loses - military to infection, and Z-virus gains - military.]

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

Uruguay
Pale moonlight illuminated the column of trucks as it rattled down the dusty road near the Brazilian border. In the back of the lead truck Captain Fernando was on alert. The demons were cunning and could strike at any time. Paraguay had been a nightmare of never ending demon attacks. Cleansing it had been a grueling experience and he doubted the demons were any more eager to let go of Uruguay. There were rumors that detectors were being produced to help spotting the demons, but until then he had to rely on his senses. And right now his senses were screaming ambush.

As if on cue the truck came to an abrupt halt even as terrifying demonic screeching came up from all around them. Spinning to face the back of the truck Fernando's eyes widened slightly a six foot tall monster leapt from the side of the road directly at him. Cursing Fernando brought his shotgun up and fired two slugs into the demon's chest, which punched it back out onto the road. Knowing that wouldn't be enough Fernando leapt down and fired another slug directly into its head. Then he smiled. Apparently the demons weren't quite clever enough to have wondered why the humans were traveling at night.

With loud clangs the sides of the trucks fell down to reveal soldiers waiting with machine guns and flamethrowers. As tracers and flames lit up the night to the accompaniment of demons screaming a much different tune, Fernando smiled again. Yes his senses screamed of ambush and death. But not of the humans. Calmly he clicked on his radio, "This is Bravo One. We've run into a small nest of demons. We'll clean up here then continue our sweep."

To GM
Move ++++ mil into Uruguay. Same orders as for Paraguay. They are to engage Legion forces only. However if human bandits make the mistake of starting something they are to respond in kind.

To the Camradas de Armas
How are your border defenses holding up? Remember that though the infected refugees may have come close to breaching your walls the real threat is still the legion. They have been relatively quiet of late and may be preparing for some large strike.

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

To Sword:
M4tterH0rn:
"Hey. You got tacnukes, right? We could strike a blow at the Legion by using our intel combined with your Mil to finish off one of them big guys."

To Limpeza Chama and the Holy Rose:

M4tterH0rn:
"We heard you had some trouble with that big demon boss. We suggest a retributive strike, this time with more firepower. We're pretty sure the Sword is willing to provide some tactical nuclear warheads plus troops, and we have enough esp to track it down again. Let's see how they like the God's light, human style!"


To GM:
Our full Order was used to save as many people from Australia as possible and help them move to those nations who agreed to take refugees.

To African Coalition:

Well, that sounds ominous.

We'll look into it if we have the resources. However, with the dead walking, we're having some trouble of our own...

[Exthalion]

Emanations

In light of the severity of the disease, the living crystal underlay of Atlantis will be tuned to emit an optimal 528 Hz frequency as a base of a complex healing vibration to prevent viral disruption of the fundamental oscillations of human genetic material. Using this repairitive tone to strengthen the DNA molecule the inclusion of foreign DNA will be suppressed or prevented entirely.

Additionally, we will be providing biofeedback crystals to each refugee and providing instruction in proper thinking processes and meditative states to use the crystals psionic resonance to insure a free flow of energy through the chakra. Each crystal was taken by permission from the mountain of Dharma.

Finally, the flora of the island has been instructed to temporarily emphasis growth of the proper flowering plants to produce metachemical aromatic particles to aid in re-balancing of internal energies.

Underground
Another series of PDFs with a similar writing style to the previous is transmitted with information on the healing techniques detailed above. As a note: these techniques work best in areas of good geomancy because they tap into the intrinsic energies of the planet.

TTWGCBC: Not a definite cure to the zombie problem, but we have noticed a definite positive correlation between practitioners and infection rates. Hope it helps.


GM
In short, use my order to cure the current crop of refugees of the virus.

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

To Emanations:

Sensei:
"Thank you. Even if the effects aren't so drastic, this in combination with the detectors we have should help with the widespread panic that is bound to follow any zombie invasion. People will think that something can be done."

Anomaly Wiki

-Geomantic Healing data added.

The Underground Zombie Squads set up fortified strongpoints to any area safe enough from the zombies in the countries that are being hit. Any refugees coming to this area are put through a quarantine where they're scanned, checked and let through to the main waiting area if proven clean. Of course, all their belongings are also checked just in case.

Those who fail are given special areas to wait in, with a few people per room, practicing the geomantic healing method described by the Emanations. Anyone who dies to the virus is taken away by people in full biowarfare gear and disposed of by burning. Any zombies are disposed of with flamethrowers and shotguns by said people.

The 'clean' people are given transports to various nations willing to take in refugees.

[Thelonius]

Breaking News: Emanations of Sancrosti Found Cure to Z-Virus, Check Anomaly Wiki for Details!

Professor Vladimir Volkoff:

''I feel sorrow, for the tragedy of Australia. The world has abandoned my nation, but who can I blame, when I have left it as well. As the reports of the outbreaks all around the world continue to multiply, I have fell into the dark depths of depression and despair. But this has changed. We have hope now, for the Z-Plague has a cure! Finally, we have a fighting chance in this war.

I plead the various militaries, currently dealing with the outbreaks to change their methods to capture and containment, until the perfected technology can return our fellow humans, brothers and sisters, to the Humanity. If there is even a small chance, we can cure victims of the Z-Virus, we must take it.

I and many other men have formed an organization, dedicated to the salvation of the victims of the Z-Virus. The Phalanx Foundation will work to save the world.’’

The Phalanx Foundation is calling for the nations of the world to donate money for the construction of the Emanations of Sancrosti’s curing crystals all around the world. The news of the cure is spread all around the world, so every person now knows that there is hope.

To GM Only

I’ve got only a measly + Espionage left to set this up, but I also have many factors working in my favor:
1. People need hope. They will believe anything that provides it.
2. Emanation’s of Sancrosti with their huge WO said it cures Virus.
3. Go Go Anomaly Wiki, it says so on Internet, so it must be true!
I don’t think I must elaborate, how people thinking there is an effective cure right now, work in my favor. And I’m tossing an idea, that the Z-s can be restored to humanity, so people start demand non-lethal methods of containing outbreaks (costly and more dangerous methods, I assume).

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

Large banners quickly appear on the Geomantic Healing page mentioning that, since those who have already been turned into Zombies by the virus are, in fact, dead (and nothing can cure death), there shouldn't be any attempted containment or curing of zombies themselves. Only the infected who are still alive might be able to be cured, and people who aren't yet infected can be made more resistant to infection.

[razovor]

African Coalition

To Phalanx
We require irrefutable proof of the effectiveness of these 'crystals' before we will contribute to their distribution. For now our methods will remain the same.

[Thelonius]

Phalanx to South Africa (open communication)

In response to:

We require irrefutable proof of the effectiveness of these 'crystals' before we will contribute to their distribution. For now our methods will remain the same.

''There are tens of thousands of refugees in your care and every day the cure isn’t provided to them, the risk of more of them succumbing to the Plague grows. If there was even a small chance, the cure can help them, would you really not take it?

The cure was presented by Emanations of Sankrosi and Underground, both factions known for their efforts in battling the threats to the Humanity and providing for the victims of Anomaly violence. If you can’t trust their word, then who can you trust?

Every second we hesitate, another needless death occurs. Phalanx Foundation is calling for a prompt and overwhelming response to the Z-Virus Crisis, before it is too late. The governments of the world mustn’t deny the cure to their people.''

[razovor]

African Coalition:

To Phalanx
"Distributing this cure to all our people is not a simple matter. It will require a vast amount of time and money. Every hour we waste another person fails to the virus. Every shilling we spend another person dies of starvation. It is simply more cost-effective to continue with our current methods. This way will save more lives.

We can trust ourselves. We can trust our allies, our friends, our associates and our family. We not are accusing these factions of lying. We know they would not claim the cure worked if they did not have proof. We simply wish them to send some of the proof to us.

This is all moot anyway. The African Coalition has already spent all it's money for this financial season. We can promise money in the future, once the cure has been proven.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

Open communication to the world.

"We would like to publicly state that the crystal and resonance information we provided is not the same as a cure to the zombie problem. The advanced materials and additional resources on Atlantis provide better results then what is generally available to the public.

We have switched our focus to finding a define cure, possibly for those already succumb as well, but at this time we are unable to offer it. This is no miracle cure, but it does help. In much the same what that diet and exercise help prevent seasonal colds.

We ask that all people at risk of infection practice due vigilance and urge all nations aiding refugees to practice the strictest quarantine. We will do all we can to help these people, but the living must come first."

GM
That aught to undermine the WO loss from people not getting the cure they desire. Since the order can't cure it, use my Order to prevent panic on Atlantis and keep the people calm while they are quarantined.

[distant quasar]

Renegades

Emanations of Sancrosti
We seek to work in joint with you developing this cure for the infection. We already have (++-) work done on a cure for the infection, and will be using another (+) this turn, as well as contributing funding of (+ t.) to the project. We hope that by working together we can accomplish more work, and more quickly.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

Renegades (PM)
Excellent... please send us all your data. We are going to contribute +++++ research this turn. That, together with your work means we should have at least a vaccine for the uninfected.

GM (PM)
Would this be a fair assessment?
Vaccine for uninfected (1)->Cure of the infected but not yet dead(2) ->Cure for the dead(3).

For research dealing with this problem I mean.

[distant quasar]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

Renegades (PM)
Excellent... please send us all your data. We are going to contribute +++++ research this turn. That, together with your work means we should have at least a vaccine for the uninfected.

GM (PM)
Would this be a fair assessment?
Vaccine for uninfected (1)->Cure of the infected but not yet dead(2) ->Cure for the dead(3).

For research dealing with this problem I mean.

Exthanlion (PM)
Actually, given the fact that the way I'm going about curing this is through use of Resurrection magic, it would be:
ritual that affects very few dead > spell affecting large numbers, but still rather hard to use > flexible enough to be used in battle

It also works to resurrect regular dead people as well, which I don't want anyone to know yet.

[Fortuna]

The Vatican

The Cardinal Protodeacon, but recently elevated to that post by the mysterious illness of his predecessor, steps out onto the balcony. He looks very old, very tired, and perhaps almost a little afraid. He walks to the edge, and in a wavering voice begins the announcement.

"Annuntiovobis gaudium magnum: habemus papam! Eminentissum ac Reverendissum Dominum, Dominum Iulius, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Gibbsus..."

He pauses, and for a moment glances behind him, then turns back.

Sanctae Rosae Fratrem...

Mutters, then shouts, sweep the square, turning it into a scene of chaos in moments. The speech, unchanged in so long, has been amended. For some few in the audience, the words hold a more sinister meaning, but for most it is simple an unthinkable change to the ceremony of centuries. The Protodeacon pauses a moment, but when it becomes clear that the chaos is not dying down he calls out at the top of his lungs:

"Qui sibi nomen imposuit... Petrus."

A profound hush falls, more profound even than when the Protodeacon stepped onto the balcony. Then the whispers start. Petrus? Dice Petrus? The unthinkable again! Not only are the old words changed, but the new pope has taken the name of Peter? In the chaos, many miss the beginning of the famous Urbi et Orbi, and by the time silence reigns again the prayer is almost over. As he concludes the prayer, the square remains strangely still. He turns and leaves.

Before the day is out, Pope Peter II has made an announcement. "My brothers, the world has suffered greatly. But there are some threats that loom larger than others. The one that gives me greatest pause is the demonic force that holds sway over much of South America at this time, and what disturbs me is that though Limpeza Chama fights bravely, the Cameradas de Armas wage only defensive war. It is my belief that together, they could stamp out the demonic menace for all time. Therefore, this is both urging and plea: take up arms, you who name yourselves by them, and fight forwards instead of backwards! Together, you could win this war forever."

[Forum Explorer]

Camarads de Armas

To Limpeza Chama
We are going to set up a strike force of +- strength in choppers, fighters and bombers. If you find a target of high enough strength to require aid feel free to ask us. Similarly if you need evac we will help save your troops.

[razovor]

African Coalition:

Given that Naga has not shown itself for two months, the African Coalition has decided that the Atlantic ocean no longer requires protecting. The full force of the African Coalitions army is being withdrawn back to the mainland.

[Turalisj]

EU

EU aircraft begin bombing runs into Germany from high altitude, escorted by the newest generation of Dassault fighter aircraft. Meanwhile, on the ground, a defensive line was being formed around Germany, with heavy artillery missiles in place, pounding into the antique Nazi weapons to dust.

"Sir, should we prepare for the Final Strike?"

"No.... No. Not yet. We don't want to turn Germany into a wasteland."


To Sancrosti
The HARP agent chuckled at the mention of mercenaries. "No ma'am, we aren't looking to use your as military muscle or even hire you at all. HARP is not a military organization, it is a scientific one. Our first and foremost goal is to study and understand the Anomalies coming out of the Rifts. To do that, we need to get our foot in the door of knowing what we are dealing with.

Your own technology... appears to be hyper-efficient energy relays. Could you share with us this technology? We can offer our own technology in return. However, there is a rush." He took out a tablet PC and showed a satellite view of Germany. "We have dubbed them the Fourth Reich. They appear to be... undead. Zombies. We can hit them, but normal ways of killing them do not work. We have to completely destroy one of their soldiers to stop it.

What I am asking, is cooperative research on a way to close the Rift. We are hoping that this will cut the Fourth Reich off from whatever it is that powers them. But we must hurry. Any more time taken to defeat them could mean the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people."

[Exthalion]

Emanations to EU/Harp

We are working on similar projects. However, we are also working on a solution to the Z-Virus problem, taking in refugees from Siberia and Latin America, and fighting our own war with the Naga.

The basics of Geomantic technology have been released to the public. However, if there is a specific item you desire we might be able to work with you on that.

As you can understand, we are stretched thin. We wish we could offer our help freely, but we do not have enough resources. Would you have anything to offer us? Technology of your own perhaps?

[Thelonius]

House of Cards

''Still nothing on the news?'', Trent took off his light jacket and put it in the wardrobe.

''Have patience Trent. We will see it soon.''replied Doctor Quisling, turning from a a tall house of cards, he just finished assembling. It was built on a pile of cards, spread on the table.

''It appears the world has finally noticed. Which is bad, since they still outnumber us.'' Trent's voice didn't betray concern, but the other man knew him well enough, to recognize Trent was troubled.

''Don’t worry. All is according to plan.'' Doctor Quisling smiled, ''Our advesaries will find themselves in a quite unenviable position, pretty soon. It should buy us enough time.''

''Time to do what?'' Trent inquired, sitting himself opposite the doctor.

''The world is like a giant house of cards. Pull one too many and it will collapse.'' Jonathan Quisling pulled one card from the base of the Card House. ''Australia''

''Ecuador'', Trent pulled a card from a side. It was unlikely to cause the collapse. ''So we just keep pulling the cards?''

''Indonesia'' Quisling pulled another risky card. ''Well, I have contingency plans for the ''cure''. But yes, our main goal at this point is to keep pulling cards. The next operation’s outline is on the table''

''Germany'' Trent pulled another card, this time taking a bit more risk. There weren't many safe cards left. Doctor Quisling raised an eyebrow. ''What? They are still a separate nation. I never thought EU would last long anyway'' Trent got up and walked to the table with several files on it, while Quisling contemplated his next move. ''Let me see.'' Trent flicked the file open. ''Huh. Really. This is what you calling it?’’

''I see you get the reference'' Quisling replied, hovering around the cards, spread on the table.

''Everybody would get the reference. Still. That’s a good one.'' Trent looked at Jonathan with suprise. ''Why are you pulling two cards? Did I miss something in the file?''

Doctor Quisling didn't reply, slowly pulling two cards from the foundation of the card house. He almost go them out, but his hand shook a bit in the last moment and the collapse began.

[Mashimoto]

Underground
Your agents, deep inside Syria on contract with the Solaris Alliance, manage to intercept information that a handful of terrorist groups with loose affiliations to the Syrian government are planning to carry out missile attacks against the Solaris troops on the border and against civilian targets in Israel, potentially Jerusalem. Specific details are shaky, but you are certain the warheads are weapons of mass destruction, possibly nuclear.

You intercept the locations of three long-range missile silos, but do not know when the launch date is. Time is running out.

[Murska]

The Underground (9 Esp)

To Solaris Alliance:

Read above spoiler to me by the GM.

[The_JJ]

@GM:
Forward this to the Israeli's and let them know that a joint Spec Ops strike to hit those launchers would be very good for each nation's PR. Have a few fighter's on stand by ready to hit the silo's in case the Spec Ops can't make it, but otherwise I want evidence. Syria is not, so far as I know, a big player in the WMD world.

I'm looking at Mr. Aren't I So Clever House of Cards over there, but that's OOC.

[Mashimoto]

@GM:
Forward this to the Israeli's and let them know that a joint Spec Ops strike to hit those launchers would be very good for each nation's PR. Have a few fighter's on stand by ready to hit the silo's in case the Spec Ops can't make it, but otherwise I want evidence. Syria is not, so far as I know, a big player in the WMD world.

I'm looking at Mr. Aren't I So Clever House of Cards over there, but that's OOC.

If these are WMD's, bombing them could cause the payloads to deliver on the launch platforms, couldn't they? (I have no idea how missiles work)

[The_JJ]

Not it they're nuclear. If it's fission, there might be some radioactive materiel lying around, but nothing a quick hazmat response can't handle. There will either be one very dense ball of plutonium or two chunks of uranium making themselves very easy to find (yay Geiger counters) and maybe a few people who decided to go check out the crater might get real sick.

If they're chemical it'd probably leak over the platform and maybe the immediate area. If it's something lighter then air, it might spread around but, hey, better at a launch site surrounded by enemies than Jerusalem.

If it's biological, heat sterilizes all things. Simple fact: proteins denature if they're not at the right temperature. Function follows shape, shape depends on molecules, given different levels of kinetic ambient kinetic energy (heat) the bonds between those molecules break. If it's meant to live in a human host it won't take kindly to the rocket fuel beneath it going up in smoke.

Even if there is a puncture of whatever chamber they were using to hold it and the explosion accidentally aerosolizes the payload, most viruses can't live very long outside an immediate host. Even the airborn nasties need a cocoon of mucus. If it's bacterial if might do better on it's own, but I'm less certain about exact numbers on that. So there might be a few people near the site who get infected, but faaaaar less than something at the target zone.

But good point, equip the Spec Ops teams with gas masks and have them stand by for a clean up/quarantine op if they're late things go pear shaped.

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

The Holy Rose
In a public statement today Father Hjalmar thanks the Pope Peter II for his support and mourns the loss of the old pope. Father Hjalmar vows that the Limpeza Chama will continue the fight and drive the demons from the Earth

To the Underground
Our last attempt at killing the abominations was a disaster. Our most veteran demon hunters were lost as well as the Holy Rose's strike force. Although we do want to see the abominations dead we feel that unless you have some way of getting our forces into position undetected a raid is not the answer.

Our plan is to sweep through South America in force. The abominations will be forced to flee or be overwhelmed. Eventually we will corner them, likely against the Camradas fortified border, and crush them. It may take more time than a swift raid, but it is the surer course of action.

To the Camaradas de Armas
Thank you for your support. We plan to cleanse Uruguay next. If you could send your force their in support that would be helpful. We doubt the demons are there in sufficient strength to be a threat, but any casualties we can save will be more force to use against the demon's strongholds, which we suspect are located in Chile.

[Mashimoto]

Part Four
Revolution
June-August 2013
Humans Alive: 92%

Brazil Rift Closes
United States Rift Closes
Rift Opens in Southern Peru
Rift Opens in Maine (United States)

Venezuela
Civil war erupts in Venezuela over whether or not the nation should join the rapidly expanding Limpeza Chama. The Union of Soviet Socialist Lycanthropes is monitoring the situation closely, although agrees not to intervene.

Syria
The Solaris Alliances races to destroy Syrian missile solo's before they can deliver their deadly payload.

[outcome calculated after their EoT]

Underground
Your agents manage to infiltrate the Followers of Anubis. In their ethereal, ever-shifting sand-cities, you discover that the thousands of prisoners and refugees interned with the Anubites are made to perform strange rituals and participate in the sacrifice of animals, food, and gold. Jackal-headed priests of Anubis lead the rituals, which seem to come from large, black-leather bound books they guard zealously.

Treatment is Spartan, but not necessarily inhumane, and perhaps better than they might receive in an African refugee camp. They are fed twice a day and given places to sleep and bathe. However, almost every waking hour is spent praying in strange tongues and participating in the rituals.,

Solaris Alliance
Outer villages in the desert report missing villagers, allegedly swallowed by the sands. Several have been reportedly dragged away in the night by hyenas and other wild animals. An exact count of the missing is incredibly difficult, due to limited census records in the tribal areas, however, it is likely thousands.

[distant quasar]

Renegades

Great Hunt Situation
Your spread of violence and destruction has gone on for too long. It will now b ended. Permanently. For the sake of order, peace, and humanity, we declare war on you. If you understand what that means, that is.

By the time this message was sent, the Renegades army had already recieved passage through Japan and was closing down upon the forces of the Great Hunt. The full force of the Renegades Military, awe inspiring and frightening in its scale, smashed into the Great Hunt. (+++++ Mil attack. effort is made to renedvous with Military forces from China and Japan before the attack is made) ((Mil will become +++++ + after EoT finalized; as that represents new magical developement, it will not require further deployment of troops. I'm not sure how Mashimoto wants to work that out though))

Joint flew across the front, looking down on the other Renegades troops. They were the picture of demons all human children were given at a young age, clad in natural exoskeletons, with wings and large claws and teeth. Joint had been told by a few of their mages that the fact that their wings still functioned flew (literally) in blatant mockery of the physical laws of this world. But there was no need to concern oneself with that.

The researchers were good for one thing though; their latest project made their old exoskeletons unnesscary and cumbersome. As they neared sight of Hunt, a subconsious command, no more difficult than signalling a finger to wiggle, triggered an invisible force around him, which would effectively the material blows of the Hunt. This ought to be easy.

The first troops in line raised their hands, and their infinitely ancient swords appeared, forged in the fires of creation, gleaming and not of this world, to slash through feeble armor of the Hunt...

[Murska]

To African Coalition, Solaris Alliance:

The Underground gives you the intel gained from the Anubis infiltration. (read spoiler above)

[IcemanJRC]

Grand Hunt

The Primal Voice watched from his throne of bodies, his human form quivering with anger.
THEY WOULD DARE DEFY ME?!?! I AM AGGRESSION, I AM RAGE, I AM THE HUNT!!!!! I AM PERFECTION, THE EPITOME OF EVOLUTION!!! THEY WILL FALL TO MY CLAW!!!!!
The Primal voice roared in rage, his body quaked in utter fury and his human form ripped itself apart. He took to the sky, a blur of rending claws and tearing teeth. The roar of anger rippled through the skies across the seas, the Hunt mobilizing into action. From across the sea all the way in Hawaii the call was heard. The gathering of beasts in the Pacific mobilized, moving immediately, as the Renegades crossed the sea to Hawaii, the Hunt was ready for them. They lie in wait, completely silent, unmoving, until the first of the Renegades beaches. Then, they will rip through their ranks with the tenacity of a cornered animal, nothing left to lose right?

Let's see, a counter attack of +++++ + Military lies in wait of the incoming Renegades forces. They would need to get all the way from Asia to Hawaii, where we regrouped, to attack, giving ample time for mobilization. The Hunt will lie in wait on various islands until the opposing forces can be ambushed with the same shock and awe style tactics we use on the offense. The Primal Voice will be participating in this fight, perhaps he should be given stats. He is the leader of the Hunt, the perfect being, the epitome of evolution. He is a house in combat, like an army in one person. It will rip through the forces as soon as the ambush is enacted.

[Exthalion]

Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti

To all the world:

Today is a day of days! The Sancrosti have found the proper combination of frequencies to provide immunity to the Z-virus. We have constructed crystal temples at all our embassies and on Atlantis. Meditation and mental focus in these temples will provide a days worth of protection. After that time impure vibrations and improper geomancy will dilute the effect.

We are making these areas available to everyone free of charge. We also extend our offer of embassies to all nations so that we may make these benefits available to more people.

[Thelonius]

The Phalanx Foundation

The Phalanx Foundation is doing its best to bring the news of the Cure to the people of the world and begins to mobilize people to put pressure on their governments to construct Emanations Temples all across the world.

''And you visited Resonance Temple? Meditation. Peace of Mind, Piece of Cure. Don't endanger your relatives and spend at least 2 hours at the Resonance Temples daily. Stop the Plague! Build a Temple!''

The Phalanx Foundation has called for a nomination of the leader of Emanations of Sancrosti for a noble peace prize.

To GM

I assume my WO (Anomalies) +++, also reflects, how human factions fear and hate me. So I can use it to further the Phalanx Foundation's goals.

And I'll PM a few secret orders regarding Australia and my latest operation.

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

A great crowd had gathered in the main square of Rio de Janeiro, the de facto headquarters of the Limpez Chama. Excited whispers ran through it as the people waited for Father Hjalmar to speak, for he had said that something of great import had come to pass. As Father Hjalmar made his way up to the small pavilion that had been erected for him a hush fell over the crowd. Turning he looked out over the sea of people.

"My children as you know we are faced with a great test. A test of our faith and of our purpose. The demons are a formidable foe, and many of us have lost loved ones to them. But I come now to tell you to REJOICE! For the first part of our test is complete. We have proven ourselves worthy and God has answered our prayers. And not just with words or some mundane thing that could be passed off by the unbeliever. No he has deigned to touch the world directly. He has sent his divine servants to aid us in our hour of need. Behold!"

On cue to fiery figures appeared in the air behind Father Hjalmar. Although they had wings they appeared to hover in the air without need of them. Radiating divine light they were immediately recognizable to the crowd as angels.

Waiting for a few moments to let the effect sink in Father Hjalmar continued. "My children the messengers of the lord have come to aid us. They have sealed the Hell Gate through which the demons desecrated our lands, and now they will lead us to victory over the abominations. Take heart that we have come so far and now go forth. For though we have passed the first test there are many more to come. We must spread the cleansing fire to the very corners of the earth. And with the angels to guide our steps nothing shall stop us."

Normally a crowd might start cheering at this, but in this case the people were still dazed in awe of what they could see and not a little afraid. Silently they began filing out to do as Father Hjalmar had said and continue their efforts. And just as Father Hjalmar had said more angels appeared to them. Some helped organize the aid convoys. Others led the militias in battle against the Legion. But wherever they appeared their divine light pushed back the darkness. And thus the Crusade of Fire truly began.

[Exthalion]

Emanations of the Sancrosti

Underground
Here is our data from the tests concerning the T-virus and the crystal frequency cure. (Inserted PDFs) It isn't a perfect solution, but it will work for now. With the research you and Japan did the argument for increased geomantic grids required for these temples should be a good one.

Would you mind forwarding us the data you collected?

Japan
Mind forwarding the data from the research you have been doing on Geomancy and the Loom?

[Murska]

To Emanations:

It's all there on the Internet. A Geomantic version of Google Earth. *address*

[Mashimoto]

Gaia Defeated!
The United States state department is pleased to report that the anomaly group known as Gaia has been purged from the land.

Renegade-Greand Hunt War
Renegade forces pour across the ocean in holy waves, only stopping when they crash into the pulsing waves of irradiated Huntsmen. The fighting is brutal on both sides. However, thanks to a combination of advanced magics and superior tactics, the Renegades carry away a minor victory at this battle.

Grand Hunt loses ++ military.
Renegades lose + military.
[Renegades rolled unnaturally well]

The USSL has denounced this recent attack, claiming that since their initial unfortunate "settling" of the Indonesian Islands, all of the Hunts military actions have been defensive in nature, or against anomalies. The Lycanthropes urge humanity not to regard the Anomalies in "racist" human/non-human terms.

Syrian Missile Crisis
Cracks on the horizon as sonic-aircraft flash onto the blue sky. Israeli strategic bombers and American-built Solaris jets. Instantly, they're surrounded by flak at outdated AA sites fill the sky with flashing bullets. Stinger missiles zip across the sky, lending hundreds of gray streaks to the oncoming jets.

Silo One: Successful.
Silo Two: Successful.
Silo Three: Successful.
Silo Four: Failure.

Solaris Alliance loses - military aircraft.

The Syrians scramble to load a payload onto their ancient Sovie SCUD missile, and launch the weapon into red western sky.

As the sun sets over Israel, the missile hurtles to the ground and spreads it's deadly payload over Tel Aviv. Noxious gases fill the street.

Z-Virus gains + military in Israel.
Israel loses + military.

[Exthalion]

The Illuminated Emanations of the Sancrosti

We offer the use of our transport fleets to move refugees from Israel and those known to be infected to Atlantis for resettlement and treatment. We will turn no one down on account of race, belief, gender, health, age, socioeconomic background, or infection status.

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama

Argentina
The rolling front of the Crusade, newly resupplied and invigorated by the presence of angels that confirm that God was truly on their side, begins moving south into the plains of Argentina. As it does so it calls for the any remaining fragments of order to rise up and join the crusade. The crusade was not after land or glory. They simply wished to purge the land of the Legion.

Venezuela
Meanwhile a much smaller strike force moves to reinforce the forces of the Limpeza Chama supporters in Venezuela. A declaration is issued that the Limpeza Chama is not a material nation, and that it hopes that the civil war will end peacefully. But on the other hand the forces opposing the Limpeza Chama supporters are veering perilously close to siding with the forces of darkness. They should think carefully lest they risk falling to the demons.

GM
++++ mil sent into Argentina. Any remaining semblance of government is contacted and asked for permission and requested to work with my forces. Propaganda is also being blasted at the civilians.

++ mil sent into Venezuela, but they have orders to avoid fighting. They are basically there to put a pointed reminder to the government about just what they are fighting to prevent.

Both forces will of course be accompanied by angels who will take the time to distribute supplies to the populace. And they'll make sure that everyone can see them so the populace knows just whose on the side of right and good here.

[Exthalion]

Rio de Janeiro

A man in a white hood and cloak walked quickly through the streets. A cowl covered his face and not a square inch of skin was visible. He was near the great statue when he noticed a sewer grate open. That was the sign.

Walking over to it he jumped down. As he approached the bottom the fowl water parted leaving a pillar of elaborately sculpted and pure ice for him to land on. The air around him was sweet as the reek of decay and filth sublimated in his presence. As he walked the pillar stretched out and more rose up to meet it leaving a flat platform of ice supported by gothic pillars.

He continued to walk, knowing he was being watched. At last he stood in a large junction. There was no light and he heard movement. With a flourish he threw off his cloak revealing perfect features and a body shown upon by a light beyond the world. One of the Golden Race!

In the scramble that followed there was one point of stillness and he watched it. When things at last fell silent a man in black leather stepped into the light without fear. He would be in pain from the presence of such holyness, but not enough to show on his face.

"You came, good. At least you still remember some manners."

"I doubt either of us observe such pleasantries. Why did you contact us?"

"Such check. I thought you considered yourselves above such things. But don't pretend ignorance. We want you gone. And soon. Your presence is too early, it is in violation of the treaty."

"The treaty? You dare speak of that to us? The line of succession was broken."

"And it was restored shortly there after. That is why we give you this opportunity make up for your own breach."

"No."

"No? What is this no? We had a binding contract."

"This is not the Apocalypse, but it is an Apocalypse. So long as it continues we have a right to be here."

"Don't play games. We made the offer in good faith and we have kept our end. You go too far."

"Is this going somewhere? Elpis will rise soon..."

"HISS! Escalation! You dare bring more of them into this! You know we will do the same. For your one we were due another. Now we shall have three. Will you face so many?"

"Put your fangs away. And clean them next time you call me. I do not care if you raise all thirteen, against the might of the Nine they are nothing."

"Nine! You dare too much. This is an outright breaking of the treaty. We swore not to destroy in in the deeps of time. How dare you break your oaths!"

"Did you think such as you are deserving of our respect? We came to help them, not you. You prey on them, drink them dry, and leave their bodies in ruin. You are just as much an abomination as the rest. We will destroy you, you must know this."

"Know it? We welcome you to try."

"Then our business is concluded here."

"Go then. Know though, this war has only just begun."

"It never ended."

[Kommisar Engel]

Empire of the Rising Sun

Updates on the Anomaly Wiki
Japanese Scientists have finished their research with the Ley/Mundane Interface for the Geomantic Energy graciously provided by both the Illuminated Emanations and the Underground. Posting on this site are the very scientists themselves, detailing everything that has been discovered.