TW: Chimerical Antagonism II (IC)

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 1

January 1st, 1990
The dawn of a new decade brings with it a time of great change. In the past seven years the discovery of magic has revolutionized the way that every day life is conducted and redrawn the political maps of the worlds. There has been great turmoil in recent times as various groups debated the best way to approach magic, and more than one war has been fought using new weapons and magical spells.

Now the world has grown used to magic. Many colleges teach it alongside their more mundane course. But the wide spread usage of arcane energy has not lead to peace and stability. Instead countries have spent long years preparing, expanding their arsenals, and integrating magic into their plans. Now they once more seek to garner control of the world from those who would oppose them.

[ForzaFiori]

((I'll go ahead and make the first post. :P Get this show on the road))

Pope Luke knew that there were several major threats facing the Catholic church. Some he was already working on fixing. Others he couldn't effect. One, he knew he would have to take action in order to fix, but he was not, in any way, looking forward to. Still, it was his responsibility, so he sat down and began writing. An hour (and several drafts) later, he handed the missive to a monsignor, with orders to find a way to get it to whoever is in charge of Greece.

to - Hydros

This war between our states needs to stop. It is beneficial to no one, and wastes time, lives, and money. I am not my predecessor, obsessed over destroying anything magic, and I would like to have better relations with those near the lands of the Church and it's people. At the very least, I would like to not have any overtly hostile neighbors. What do we need to do in order to have peace between us?

[thekazooist]

After many hours of pacing and deliberation Commander DuPond could not afford to let any more time pass before finding a defensive agreement of some sort for any longer. Wallonia must not be allowed to be defenseless while sharing a border with Belgium to the north. He finally sent out cables and letters.

To France:
To Whom it may concern:
Wallonia is very interested in seeking some sort of defensive agreement with France in the event of attack. We hope that this in addition to our pre-existing cultural ties can strengthen us and bring our nations closer together.

To Luxembourg
On behalf of the Walloons we humbly ask of you to agree to a mutual defensive pact with our nation. Thank you.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Many hours the group sat in their council chamber. A look at the assembly offered stuffy old men with robes that smelled like the summer of 1653 in oaken thrones that had withstood the test of time about as well as their users, marketing executives with rolled up sleeves in their ultra contemporary egg chairs, and murmuring strangers of wildly varying sizes sitting in literal eggs.
The walls too were eclectic in their adornment. Above the archway two tapestries, one of ancient dyed wool and the other of even older bead work, which after much pettiness had been regulated at the last meeting to stand at exactly the same height. Across two walls were spreadsheets and ad campaigns covered in a mass of scotch tape where the first dozen layers were insufficient and no stronger adhesive was allowed to touch and maybe damage the sacred wall behind. And centered on the last wall, where attention was often fastened but now was not, was a window onto another continent half a world away. Through it the impromptu government could glimpse what to some was an imprisoned family, others an untapped asset, and still others the result of courtesy and debatable political timing.
Still, these hours had another track, and still shaken by the products of the slightest tangent, everyone was hellbent to stay on it.
It was past time to send out a message to the world. Each sect knew the contents they wished to convey, formatting the thing had proved tense. The Niktverhandens of course wanted to follow the old forms of diplomatic correspondence which, since they had not sent any missive externally for a number of centuries, were rather dusty. Amita was of course all business. At least an hour and a half of the time spent so far had been to talk them out of several pages of info-graphics. The refugee representatives had cleared the language barrier without difficulty, having spoken English in their last place of residence there was no language barrier. On the whole, they were either shy or in shock with the exception of their elected leader. Kangar 00 had been a writer of children's books in his past life and now his influence prevailed in a dense but irremovable short poem.
On a dead line set only by their faded optimism and dwindling supply of preferred beverage, they cranked out what they could.

To The World

The year of our lord 1|23|90 on behalf of all gathered parties, firstly the high council of Niktverhandentm nextly on behalf of the newly annexed economic identity initial bulletin for project

Bring Other People In Through Political Unity and Synergistic Help from Innovative Technologies
(BOP IT PUSH IT) These are the mentioned people and thank you for your listening and help resources.

We have of late decided to rejoin the world that since time long cataloged had been removed from the geographical tumult of Europe. In this regard we have taken on the needy as any moral society would in giving shelter to those coming forth from tyranny in Australia. In a measure of brotherly compassion that may prove more trying still, we have allowed the "biotechnology innovators" in the mercantile cult of Amita to neighbor us and overlap their hierarchy with our own.
For any kingdom, municipality, or "people's republic" that still sustains the practice of civilized discourse, there can be some measure of assurance. After long negotiation, it has been decided that we shall oversee any letter pertaining to our affairs that is not more relevant to business trading or Maatinat culture and relocation. These two latter categories will be taken over for better or worse by our new additions.

Did you know 1990 is the year of feelings? Here at Amita, it is. For these twelve months starting now, starting yesterday, whenever, we are committed to doing what we feel is right and what we know will make you feel better with this world we have. In honor of this special year, we've made a list of some of the things our latest projects should make you feel.

Get excited!
What's out there?
We can do it, with your help
Take a break!
Rest easy
We care
Enjoy yourself!

Of course, the feelings you get from doing good, hard work are some of the best. Of course, bad hard work makes you feel not great which is why we try to make your life a smoother experience. Of course, if you want to tell us how you are going to feel this year, we're listening. Go onto our newly opened website or write in for a chance to win a lot of money and the feeling of accomplishment.

Hello international community! This is Kangar 00 speaking for the Maatinat. Yes, that's right! As you may have guessed from the previous statements, we have made our official name pronounceable in an alphabet near you! Whoo, that was business talk. I must have learned that from our friends at Amita. You can learn a lot from taking a real close listen to your friends.
This name will hopefully be adopted just like we were into the hearts and minds of the world at large. Names are important, and it would make our adventure just a little bit easier if you could use ours. We sure have gone through a lot recently, but I find rhyming can make you feel much better. I have a poem about new names and places that I would like to share with you

People, stay the same?
Games to play where rules are lame
Why go through the board
Not end direct and claim reward?
These we must maintain
Purple hearts and greyish brain.
Names can beat the clock
And compass when we are the rock.


End Missive

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

Papers piled up all over his desk, Prime Speaker Tiberius flitted through a handful of the dozens that had found their way to him.

Reports of Vuurkoekje warships spotted off the coast of California. Soviet convoy on the way to Cuba carrying arms and troops. The Worker's Union engaging in increasingly violent activity as they are slowly hemmed in. A mind-blanking fog still hanging over Africa. It had only been a year since the asteroid had been shot down, and still there was so much to be dealt with... But there was no time for that now. The meeting with Alvaro was in a few minutes, and he had to review the collation of equipment and mystical support for the First Division the High Commander was asking for. Again, after dumping millions into the former Mexican Chief of Staffs' new war doctrine.

To the Cabal, Algiers Consortium
I do apologize for my lack of communication in this past year. The ousting and persecution of my order in Brazil took my attention. We have only just resettled in the new Commonwealth.

Despite the trials suffered by the alchemists, we still stand by our goals of keeping the world safe from the darker things in the world. As such, I propose we reform the Wardens. This time, with much more stringent entrance requirements.

[ArcaneStomper]

France to Wallonia
Such an alliance could be of great benefit to both our nations. Let us arrange a meeting for our representatives to discuss such an alliance.

Luxembourg to Wallonia
We are willing to discuss the terms of a defensive pact. What did you have in mind.

[Mabn]

Algiers Consortium

We are skeptical that stringent entry requirements will prevent another incident like Texas. Nations are nations, and most have something to hide. We, at least could not hope to investigate each applicant.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Patriots
Well it seems like we have a good opportunity here to push out the remaining rebels quickly. I advise that we attack the Worker's Union strongly, before they can receive reinforcements from the Soviets.

[thekazooist]

Wallonia

to France
Yes, we should begin working on this alliance right away.

to Luxembourg
We were thinking that something along the lines, of an agreement where we would assure that neither of the two parties will attack each other, and will come to each others aid upon being attacked. We were also considering an open boarders agreement.

to France [PM]
Hello, our dearest neighbor. In regards to the alliance, which would deeply benefit both our nations. I was thinking that we might have a mutual defensive pact, wherein we would come to each others aid when attacked, not attack each other, demilitarize our shared border, and have an open borders agreement. We also had other ideas on how to further our friendship and foster cooperation between our two nations. ~Frits DuPond

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To the Cabal, Algiers
Then what if we are the only official members? Other nations can aid us in endeavors as associates, but the three of us are the only Wardens and therefore the only ones who conduct independent investigations under that name. Would that be acceptable?

To the Kobolds, Patriots
Greetings.

I would like to discuss some manner of pact between the three of us where we will defend the North American continent from foreign interference. Namely, this is in preparation for aggression undertaken by the USSR or the Vuurkoekje, but will apply to any other power attempting similar actions. Would the two of you be interested?

[Mabn]

Algerian Consortium


that would be acceptable. We can change things later if it would be advantageous.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

I would be interested, though I can't speak for the others. I would recommend adding Canada to the nations you extend this offer to, however.

[ArcaneStomper]

Patriots to the Kobolds!
We agree and thank you for your continued support. Hopefully we will manage to finally put the Worker's Union to rest.

France to Wallonia [PM]
We are willing to agree to a mutual defensive agreement and to step down the defenses along the borders. But we feel that opening our borders completely is not advisable at this time.

Luxembourg to Wallonia
We are will to agree to a nonaggression treaty. We will have to consider the benefits of a mutual defensive treaty more closely before we are willing to commit to that however.

Patriots to the Kobolds and Commonwealth
We would be willing to sign an accord of that nation. We would however like to bring up the topic of the Mylira. They may not be foreign exactly. But they are extremely new and have taken over the northeast of the continent in a worryingly short span of time.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To Kobolds, Patriots
Yes, I was unsure what to do about them...

Patriots, I have worked with you on stopping the asteroid and, by extension, I trust the Kobolds. The Mylira are an unknown. I would rather not assume they are a threat, but I also want to consider the possibility. So I would say we wait on designating them as such until we can gauge their actions in the coming years.

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 2

July 1st, 1990

Fog Creep
The biggest news in Africa is the continued expansion of the mind clouding fog. Large portions of the continent are now covered in a dense shroud. No one has ever come out after prolonged exposure, and those few people who have managed to wander out after just a short while report having no memories of their time in the fog.

The only safe bastion is Algeria which has developed an extensive network of shields to keep the fog at bay. Refugees from all over the rest of Africa are fleeing to the safety of this new shield net.

European Dragons
There have already been sightings of dragons in Europe. In fact several major corporations have been bought out with the wealth of centuries of hoarding. But those sightings have been on the rise. Of major concern are reports of a monstrous white dragon. Aa true leviathan of the sky larger than most hills. It has reportedly been flying around Central Europe and no one knows what it's after.

Mana Rupture
China and Japan have long waged a quiet cold war over the control of several islands in the sea of Japan that are nexuses of magical energy. Niether nation have managed to claim full control and have instead been building covert siphoning installations. Apparently one of those installations had a breakdown and opened a rift on its attendant mana node. This caused a chain reaction down the nearby leylines and all the nodes in the Sea of Japan have ruptured.

The sea is now engulfed in a giant magical flux zone. On the one hand it is now remarkably easy for both countries to gather magical energy. On the other hand the zone is now generating harmful magical anomalies, mutating creatures into monsters, and generally being an ecological hazard. Both Japan and China blame the problem on one of the other country's siphoning stations.

Americas at War
In a move that many have been expecting the Vuurkokje Empire has launched an invasion of Chile in the hopes of gaining a foothold in South America. The current outlook is grim for Chile as with the dissolution of the Commonwealth it lacks strong allies. Currently it is still holding out and there are reports of Venezuelan power armor divisions entering the fray. But currently it looks like only a matter of time before Chile falls.

North America is also in conflict. The Patriots have launched a major offensive from the Pacific strongholds. Backed by Kobold troops they are pushing back the Worker's Union all along the midwest. The Worker's Union has responded by calling for aid from their Soviet allies. Reports are that the Soviet Union plans to deploy tank divisions from it's Cuban forces. All signs point to the long standing guerrilla war between the Worker's Union and Patriots evolving into a more traditional conflict.

[HerbieRAI]

Highsmark to Soviet Union

While we are not part of the union, that does not mean we cannot be allies. We hear rumors that you are going to be aiding the workers union in america. If you are, we are willing to ramp up production to help your efforts, although we do not wish to be directly involved in the affair.


To GM(PM)

I'm not an expert on hisotry, but is China a communist country currently or not?

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To Kobolds, Patriots
I move for the three of us signing the pact and publicly announcing it to attempt to ward off Soviet interference on the continent. I doubt it'll work, but since their tanks will be deployed anyways, we might as well make our intentions clear. I would rather not have to deploy my military forces against Cuba at this moment, as I'd rather attempt to ward off the Vuurkoekje invasion, but the USSR is acting a bit closer to home.

[OOC: Pact amounts to saying any hostile actions undertaken on the continent by a non-North American power (with the obvious stipulation that Cuba, and by extension, the USSR are counted as foreign) will be interpreted as a declaration of war against all of the undersigned. Tiberius signs and awaits the reply from y'all.]

To Chile
We would like to assist you in fighting off the Vuurkeokje. Unfortunately, the Soviet aggression in North America is closer to home and may require our military forces. Is there anything else we can do to aid you?

To Algiers, Cabal [Wardens]
The fog and the magical flux zone are of concern. I need to tend to affairs closer to home so I am unavailable for investigations. Either of you willing to undertake them?

Ah. And to inform you of the even more pressing threat... In our work with Project Jupiter, my order discovered an alien invasion fleet out in the Oort cloud. The asteroid was intended as their first strike, I suspect, as it was a self-adjusting and guided craft. This is the reason I have built one of the most capable armies on the planet. We must be prepared. I do not know when they will attack, but they will.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Cabal

To Algiers, Commonwealth (Wardens)

On the matter of the fog, we've begun development on special shielding for equipment. Everything else met with failure, so we are hoping this works. We are of course prepared to forward our research to Algier, as you are the closest.

The extraterrestrial invaders situation, the cabal has begun work on a Moon base. We should be able to set up a long range warning system from there.

But, we are prepared to handle to flux zone, if Algiers handles the fog. Both situations are problematic.


To Chile

The Vuurkeokje ave made claims of dominating the Pacific, and the cabal spans the south pole, so they will come after us sometime. So, if you wish, The Cabal of the Frozen Depths will assist you. We will of course take their bodies, to replace our fallen.

[Mabn]

Algiers

We do now have a working counter to the fog, expensive and labor intensive though it is. We would welcome the Cabal's research on the matter, but we will attempt to deal with the issue. Our abilities can only protect from the effects of the fog, not control its spread, so we will ultimately have to find the root of the problem.

We are of course wholly unable to contribute anything to an alien invasion or a naval power dispute.

[thekazooist]

To France
Brilliant, we hope that our new agreements bring our people closer together.
To Luxembourg
That is acceptable
On the Fog
The Walloons with our brilliant weather balloons have vested great interest in the african fog, If there's any organized effort we would be willing to help.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Commonwealth
Agreed.

To European Dragons
Hello cousins,

I'd like to invite any and all of you to our territory here in North America. The Kobolds! are quite devoted to dragons and I wish to expand our influence to Europe. Perhaps we can come to a mutually agreeable decision here.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

From the friends at Amita,
Continuing our year of feelings, we want to know what our neighbors around the world feel like having in their magic biological tool belt. Maybe the mutations from the siphon leak can be reversed. Maybe you can have a dog that doubles up as a leg warmer. Maybe we are talking out of the wrong end. Nothing is wrong, it is just ultramodern. Everything is possible with teamwork and technology.

Second off on our continued feeling time checklist, we have some responses from people out there!

From Miles Thompson out around Saint Louis, in the USA: "Civil war got me down. Leg wound festering. If note to you is my dying action, there is no justice."
To Miles, we say cheer up! Things will get better! Have you ever considered the quadrupedal life style? If so, call in for our business hours.

From Staggering Willow in the HRT: "Life is like this big elephant. It's all gray an stuff but when it's right there an you're like with it it's all anybody ever opens their mouth about. An like the world is on an elephant, but life depends on the world. It's all circles, man. Too bad our leader was a jerkwad."
Too true, Staggering! Have you ever considered the elephant life style? If so, call in for our business hours.

From Sera Dober on the Isle of the Wilds, the Cabal's unofficial coldsore: "Why do I have to live here? These people are like totally psycho and they think that just because it's -30 they don't need deoderant. Wild Mike is a piece of work. I think I would do better with the skeletons. Kill me now."
We are just as confused as you are Sera. Have you ever considered hanging out with a cooler group of scientists? If so, call in for our business hours.

Our last point, we heard that tonight hell on wings in snow and eggshell would be circling around without a nest egg to come home to. All the other dragons have gotten a slice of the modern economy, but you are a creature of standards, of distinction. That is why we have left the dragon's share for you. After rigorous debate and a little chemical enticing, the High Council of Niktverhanden has agreed that Amita is the perfect match for you. As we always say: no matter how many legs you already have, we're ready to give you a leg up.


Hello,
I would like to thank my marketing friends for giving me this time with you. We are often told that dragons are scary, or evil. Each day take some time to look beyond appearances and see what everyone has to offer as a person. That said, I have heard that dragons have the gift of tongues. I am no multimillenial master of meanings and meters, but if any winged wanderers want to drop in some time, a rollicking contest of words may ensue.
Looking forward to everything,
Kangar 00

[ArcaneStomper]

The Soviet Union to the Highsmark
What exactly are you offering. Military supplies, tanks, logistical aid?

To HerbieRAI
China is communist at this point.


Patriots to the Kobolds, Commonwealth
We agree. The pact should be made official and announced as soon as possible.

Chile to the Commonwealth
We would appreciate anything you could send. If you are strapped for material supplies you could always help our intelligence departments or our research divisions.

Chile to the Cabal
We accept your offer of assistance.

To the Kobolds!
There is no response from the European Dragons.

Public Note:
The European dragons do not have access to standard forms of communication. Or if they do they aren't giving out their contact information. If you want to meet them you'll have to send a VIP.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds


European Dragons (PM)
Karathenolias shows up, tracking down dragons and inviting them to her territory back home.

[ArcaneStomper]

Kobolds! (PM)
Most of the dragons Karathenolias comes across claim to defer to the decision of the Ancient, who they claim is pretty close to the ancestor of their entire subrace if not most dragons entirely. It takes some searching, but eventually Karathenolias finds the Ancient, this proves to be the great white dragon that has been reported in the news.

Although it appears that the rumor were inaccurate about the size. Rather than being the size of a hill the Ancient is far larger. Indeed it's miles of bulk could make a decent claim to being the size of a mountain.

Karathenolias finds it lazing on a set of Hungarian hills. Other much smaller dragons circle around it. It turns eyes the size of buildings onto Karathenolias when she lands. And then asks a single word ins response to her invitation.

"Why?"

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

Public
The Commonwealth, Kobolds, and Patriots announce the signing of the North American Defense Pact, a treaty binding the three to declare war upon any foreign power taking hostile actions within the territorial bounds of the continent. Officials claim this has been in the works for a few years, but it is clear recent events have prompted a quick resolution to talks.

To Algiers, Cabal [Wardens]
You could ask the Walloons for support with the fog if you'd like. I would be wary of their intentions, based upon our past experience with outside investigators.

To the Kobolds, Patriots
Then it is agreed. If the USSR deploy tanks, the Commonwealth will declare war and join the conflict. And if any other power does so in the future, all of us will join together in defense of the continent.

To Chile
I will do whatever I can, however it may take me a year to provide substantial aid.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

Why did I invite you? Or why do I want to help? The answer to the former is because my kobolds love dragons and I want allies who aren't human. I want to help because I think dragons should work together in becoming the dominant power of this planet.

[HerbieRAI]

Highsmark

to the Commonwealth (public)

Does this pact also mean if a member takes hostile action against a foreign power, then the other members will also join in against the unfortunate victim, or is this purely a defensive pact? My reason for asking is the patriots and Kobolds are currently in an offensive war against the Workers Union. In a defensive pact you would not get involved, but I cannot think of another "current event" you could be talking about.

To USSR

Military equipment currently. We believe adding our military will complicate the matter.


To China

We are looking to strengthen our communist brothers across the world, is there something you can use to help with the current problems with Japan?

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Highsmark
The alliance is continental based. We are in no obligation to help if say the Commonwealth was invaded by Canada. It is only if a foreign power from outside the continent decides to intervene in our affairs that we will unite.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

Public:
It is a Mutual Defense Pact solely. There are no stipulations pertaining to joining with offensive action undertaken by any individual member. So if a power external to the continent were to attack any of the undersigned, it is a declaration of war upon the three of us.

[ArcaneStomper]

Soviet Announcement
The Soviets denounce the pact as being a flimsy excuse to go to war. They announce their attention to defend their allies in the Worker's Union against the Patriot offensive. And if the Commonwealth somehow views this defensive act as an attack, then they should just declare war right now.

Interestingly Canada also voices it's disagreement with the treaty, as it would prevent their greatest ally, the United Kingdom, from coming to their defense. Canada feels that simply declaring the entire continent off bounds is not only somewhat arrogant, but also somewhat worrying as the three countries did this without consulting any of the other residents of North America.

Chile to the Commonwealth
We will try to hold out, but we may not be here in a year's time.

Dragon Talks (PM)
"What can you give me that I can't get here. Why should I help you? Why should I even care about dragon supremacy. Races that try to conquer the world have a way of dying off."

"I could easily do so of course. But what would be the point of ruling the world?"

The USSR to the Highsmark
We will await your shipments then.

China to the Highsmark
Right now we would appreciate the help of mages to contain the affects of the new flux zone.

[Nyna]

Mylira

The first international broadcast from Mylira would begin without commotion, as young First Princess Iona appeared on screen, staring at the camera. Her demeanor was perhaps a bit awkward by modern standards, and her accent strange and lilting, but then, she had only learned modern language recently and had never before been on camera, so it could only be expected. “Greetings. My apologies for our relative silence to our fellow neighbors, but it is difficult to talk when one does not know the language. I have made efforts to learn this ‘English’ over the last several seasons in order to communicate with all of you. I pray my words are correct.

“Our people are peaceful and have no desire for conflict with our new neighbors. However, it is an unfortunate reality that our ancestral lands were and are in the hands of humans now, and the Mother cries due to the mistreatment she has suffered over these many long years. We have no wish to fight and cause loss of life over these issues, but we do request that, at the least, our neighbors take it upon themselves to consider the damage these constant battles cause to the land, and the lasting effects their exploitation of our Mother causes for us all. We would hope that these considerations would be enough to at least slow the damage being caused to Mother, until such a time that she can be healed. It is my greatest wish for us all to live in harmony, but my last memories before awakening in this new world is of humans fighting one another, and with recent events across this land between these Patriots and Workers being what they are, I have little reason to believe that things are different in this modern era.

“We here in Mylira look upon this new treaty with some worry. If it is merely a defensive pact, then there is little we are concerned about, but these sorts of agreements are often the prelude to an aggressive war by the members of the pact when these members represent some of the most powerful groups around, especially when there is little evident threat to their well-being. Our worries are emphasized by the participation of some of these groups in the same war against the Workers, which clearly indicates to us that this is no mere defensive pact. We would ask that the members of this pact clarify their intentions to the world, and prove the defensive nature of this pact by de-escalating the war with the Workers. In particular, we are concerned with Kobold involvement in these battles, as the Workers are a power on this continent, and thus should not provoke involvement from members of this pact not directly related to this war.”

To the European Dragons (PM)
First Princess Iona would depart from Mylira with a small escort of Warsingers at her side, the group traveling to Europe via one of these strange new aerocraft that the humans had created, and the Mylirans had acquired during their initial expansion. Her objective was to find the leader of these dragons, and if there was one, it was likely the big white that had been mentioned in rumor. She would use the Song to help divine her way, and the Mylirans would approach on foot, using the magic of the Warsingers to speed them along to their destination once they were close.

“I wish to introduce our people to you once more, noble ones. I am First Princess Iona of Mylira, and our people once enjoyed a positive relationship in the past with your own. It is my hope that we can re-establish our good relations after all this time, now that we exist once more in the same time period.”

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

A man stops his writing. His wrist is sore, the desk is yet unfamiliar to him, and there is much on his shoulders. A shawl once given to him in secret by his mother, never to be worn lest the humans see, a token of the past. A whole race's torment half a world away, perhaps not only his to address but impossible to set down, a battle of the present. Back in the physical world, a girl who will never need any face other than the one she was born with, the fondest symbol of the future.
The girl clambers off his shoulders and onto the desk. She departs through a window that will lead her half a mile through the desert and then back out through the Surae Courtyard. A million times she has been told it is too dangerous, but the young ones have no caution with the windows. Perhaps the desert is safer for her than the little garden where the High Council attempts to look stern and historical while eating sandwiches. The man suspects the desert might be safer for him.
Today at least there is no meeting. He signed out the office. Normally he would let the three children from Amita who like to play manufacturing executive here have their run, but every so often a leader must be seen putting in hours. Besides, his home is for his writing. Within these walls his pen moves for the Maatinat.
Still, a little of this "diplomacy" can't hurt and he finds it such a joyous game. Through the window, the girl is gone. Once more rubbing his wrist the man unsheathes the sword of justice and freedom, a rotary telephone.

We do not live next to each other, but that doesn't mean we can't be neighbors. Many brave quotations and too simple explanations I could give you for the things you face, but I don't think you need them. While from birth I knew English, it has never been "my" language. You know what I mean. The homes of my people have also been withheld from us and I am trying to get us back. Distant as we are, my people also have a deep bond with the nature of our home and the spirits within it.
I don't know your course. Your war is a world from me as mine is a world from you. Maybe it is just a flaw we share, our old ideals. Where I'm from, everyone is a princess and princesses are not abandoned to distress. If there is any suffering I can prevent, my door is open, but you may find the window easier.

Kangar 00

I to those who raze raise praise. A ways away my early days were surely still exposed to those whose prose rose clear to nearest mountain. Hear that fountain? In its youth the truth each line divine divines. If thee and thine consign for me and mine to wine you, dine you, line for line till after nine you, it would good do. You decline freely, really. Still a match of quill and will Will would that he could see is free to thee from three unto eternity, your intent sent to me, I await our spate of first rate chatter.

To curtail the latter,
Kangar 00

Public
If anyone else wants to explore their own self through spoken word, I will be holding a "poetry slam" at a later date still to be determined. Poetry and other forms of verbal art are great ways to get closer to yourself, the earth, and other people. Some people don't want to be close to other people all the time. That is absolutely alright. Poetry also lets us get away. Isn't that the coolest thing? I don't know why that is, I'm not a scientist. Maybe you can be the one to find out. Figure out the science of art. It shows that both sides of the brain working together is not only possible and already happening in everyone on the planet, it can also show us new and exciting things any time we are willing to open our eyes and look inside.

[ArcaneStomper]

The European Dragons to Princess Iona(PM)
The princess and her escorts eventually find ancient White dragon curled around a large hill. The ancient wyrm is a true behemoth easily larger than the very hill it sits on. It regards the princess with eyes as large as the tree of life in it's current state of growth and speaks with a maw that could devour buildings.

"You speak true little one. For I too remember that time. I was younger then and did not cross the seas to visit, but I remember hearing of your court from my comrades long departed. What do you wish to establish by way of old relations resumed princess?"

The European Dragons to Kangar(PM)
We decline your offer of feasting. For we dine on the magic of the world itself, not mere material flesh.

But I am opening to continuing this discussion.

(OOC: The next turn will be up tomorrow. Today depending on what time zone your read this in.)

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 3

January 1st, 1991

War Never Changes
The Americas are engulfed in war in both the north and the south. On the great plains of North America the valiant patriots peacekeepers and their monstrous kobold allies struggle to push the lines of battle out from the increasingly fortified Rockies. Opposing them are hordes of Union tanks produced by the industrious People's Republic of America and their allies abroad. So far neither side has had much success. The Worker's Union cannot push through the impressively fortified mountain passes to reach the Pacific coast. But any forays by the patriots are cut off by highly mobile tank squadrons.

In contrast to the maneuvering and highly mobile battles of the North the war in Chile is almost static. The Vuurkoekje controls the oceans and they have used that control to funnel unending waves of troops against the defiant walls of the Chilean Federation. Alone the defenders of Chile would quickly fall. But they are not alone. The massive forms of Venezuelan Commandos int their specialized armor fight toe to toe with Vuurkoekje pyromancers. While the walls of Santiago have been reinforced with the Commonwealth First Earth Division to withstand the assault of Vuurkoekje marines and long range bombardment from the Vuurkoekje fleet.

The Dragon's Feast
The White Wyrm has apparently settled in a remote part of Romania. That however does not stop a steady stream of visitors from reaching the ancient leviathan. Some are supplicants offering tribute to the mighty dragons. They are usually turned away, but the occasional boon keeps their hopes alive. Some are adventurers hoping to prove their worth by slaying such a grand beast. None of them survive. And some are powers in their own right hoping to lure the venerable dragon to their cause. So far no reports have appeared of their success or failure.

The Walled Fog
Great strides have been made by the Algiers Consortium in their fight against the encroaching fog. They developed radical new shielding technology which keeps the fog at bay, and by their efforts many of the threatened countries have become noticeably safer from the mysterious weather. Unfortunately while most of the fog has at least been held at bay, there are still no advances in the field of actually penetrating the fog and seeing what it might hide.

The Asian Maelstrom
The sea of Japan has become a source of rumors and wonders. The mana rupture still makes long term inhabitation too dangerous. But adventurers have sailed into the depths and returned safely. They bring back exotic goods and wondrous animals created by the raw mana leaking into the world. And what's more they tell tales of new lands. They say that the sea is now bigger than it should be. That entire islands and continents exist in it's depths. Some have even reported meeting native civilizations, although no one knows if this meas the maelstrom has somehow manifested actual civilizations, if there are portals to other worlds there, or if the adventurers in question are just crazy.

Rumblings from a Land Down Under
Strange rumors abound from the inner reaches of Asutralia. Tales of people going missing in the night. Of trees appearing and disappearing out of nowhere. Of strange lights and noises in the desert. No one knows what is causing these strange tidings and rumors. And few care to find out with how dangerous other magical anomalies have proven to be.

[ForzaFiori]

The Papacy

To: Chile

Greatings to our brothers in Faith. The Holy Father wishes to assist you in your fight against the heathen Vuurkoekje. We are prepared to have the Swiss Guard sent to help hold the line with you and your Venezuelan allies, and were wondering if there is anything else we can do to assist you in your defensive Crusade.


To: Any Catholic nation/person

The bastion of Catholicism, South America, is at risk from a heathens who seek to invade and devastate the continent. His Holiness is calling upon all good Catholics to assist the faithful in repelling the attack by any means they can. Donations of money and supplies, soldiers who can go and fight, anything that you feel God calling you to send.

[Artorias]

A man sitting in the dark of the night writing, "take this message, copy it and send it to all the nations that might support our cause " he says when out of the shadows appears a feminine figure. She replies with only a nod as she takes the piece of paper and vanishes the same way she appeared, without a sound. He then stands up from his chair and moves to the window looking out into the rainy night of Berlin whispering "You will fix this, won't you? " with a relaxed smile as if he was about to be relieved of all the weight he had been carrying for years, as if he was one step closer to reaching a heaven no heaven conceived could match.



I am the president of the red pentagon, an organization created to help and protect the returning races by giving them support and protection from the world. I do not ask for your support though it would be much appreciated since it would be faster and we would be able to help even more than we would on our own. What I ask is for you to allow my company to create branch offices and hospitals in your nations, It would help our cause greatly allowing us to reach those who need our help.
~Sigfried

[ForzaFiori]

The Papacy:

Red Pentagon:

the Holy Office supports any and all humanitarian efforts (We may need to invent a new word to replace that, now that we humans are not the only sentient species, though that is a matter for another time), though we would wish to speak to you more in depth about the scope of your activities, and how they are carried out.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 27

To Chile, Venezeula (27?)
I am glad we together could hold the line. But the Vuurkoekje are nothing if not relentless. They will fight to the death if they think it serves their empire. If we can convince them that this war will not benefit them, they may fall back. Are there any other nations we can call on for assistance, Chile? We should probably discuss battle plans, in private, with all involved.

To the Papacy (27)
Thank you for your call to arms for the Chilean conflict. I hope myself, Chile, and Venezuela can push back the Empire's assault.

To the Wardens (23.5)
Well done with containing the fog. Looking into what it hides may be a prudent course of action, though, as we still know nothing of what is inside.

There is also the matter of the Sino-Japanese flux zone. And the new issue of whatever in the world is going on with Australia.

My people are still busy with the Vuurkoekje. As we are spread a bit thin, calling on Wallonia to aid with the fog may free up some resources for the other matters at hand.

To the Patriots, Kobolds! (15.5)
Strange. There were absolutely no military shipments to Cuba this past year. Either they are finding another route, or our treaty has served its purpose well. Alternately, I know Highsmark has pledged to produce military equipment for the Soviets. They may have found alternative shipping routes, though I think there were no forces sent over.

I assume you will be continuing this war until the Worker's Union is no more, correct?

To the Red Pentagon (27)
Greetings,

I am Prime Speaker Tiberius of the Commonwealth. I was wondering if you could elaborate on the nature of your company and its offer. I myself have spent years trying to integrate the mystical realm into society again, though I have certainly stumbled along the way. Depending on the exact nature of the deal, I would be inclined to begin working towards it in my nation. What are the terms?

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

Commonwealth
There were shipments that went through. However they arrived though, no actual troops were sent.

To Patriots
I'm going to have my navy patrol the West Coast in the hopes of intercepting any more equipment transfers from Russia. Way I see it we have two options. We cut off their supplies and starve them out, or we root them out quickly before they can master their new weapons.

[Artorias]

The Commonwealth (PM)
My name is Sigfried, head of the red pentagon. My wish is to help the mystical races or as I call us ,"Returners". My company exists for that exact reason and the first step to achieving my goal is to reach out to every Returner that needs my help and to do that I need your approval to build a branch office in your country. If what you ask is what you would gain then allow me to explain, though it is obvious helping our cause would show your greatness not only in war but in peace as well, it would also win you the approval of many Returners making your reign stronger than it was.

[Mabn]

Algierian Consortium


The Walloon's help may indeed prove helpful, but perhaps not immediately. We think we have a way to find the source of the fog, magically speaking, but it involves top state secrets and we will not collaborate on it. We will ask them if they wish to work in parallel or collaborate after that point.

Has the Cabal made any inroads on the flux or the Oort fleet?



We heard you had offered to collaborate on eradicating the fog. What could you bring to bear in that effort?

[ArcaneStomper]

Chile to The Papacy
Chile welcomes any and all forms of aid. Military support is of course the most vital, but anything can be used to help support the crusade.

To the Papacy
Your effort to inspire Catholics would require you to use your reputation or morale.

To Raven's Ark
There is some response to the offer of supporting returning races. However most of it is not very enthusiastic. The vast majority of people are still pure human, and that means the government are too. They'll allow you to set up your organizations, but they won't really support them.

Chile to the Commonwealth
We are not close allies with many other nations on the continent. And most of them are not in a good position to support a military campaign in any case.

Patriots to the Commonwealth
The Worker's Union are still American citizens. Totally misguided ones, but still our former comrades and in some cases family. We wish to convince them that their ideologies are unsound not wipe them out.

Patriots to the Kobolds!
We agree that the war needs to take a turn or the stalemate will only worsen. However we see no way to accomplish this. The Worker's Union holds large supplies of material and some of the most fertile land in the continent. So they are unlikely to be starved out, even if we could cut them off from outside trade, which we probably can't.

And as it stands we lack the forces to make a decisive attacks on them. We can certainly defend against any offensives they might launch, but our tactical situation is poor when considering taking their territory.

[thekazooist]

Wallonia

We have a highly trained department of Walloon Weather Balloons, who have already begun researching the phenomena.

[ArcaneStomper]

Midturn 3

March 1st, 1991

The Red Pentagon
A new symbol has emerged as a sign of aid and hope for a brighter future. The red pentagon has opened new branches world wide to help those on the fringes of the new magitek society to adapt and integrate with the wider world.

The Deep Expeditions
There are rumors that several large expeditions have been financed by the world's major powers to explore ancient ruins and catacombs buried deep within the earth. The rumors of the mysteries they have found range from long lost treasure to ancient horrors.

The Mystic Veil
The mages of the world have noted a distinct shift in the world's magic. It has become easier to create and maintain illusions which fool not only the human senses, but also technological devices. It is unknown if this is one more of the many vagaries of the shifting magical nature of the world or something more deliberate.

Siege Breakers
In a daring raid the Commonwealth has sent a force to break the siege of Santiago. Commonwealth forces hit the Vuurkoekje assault waves from the flanks taking them by surprise and forcing them back to the sea. The fighting has temporarily halted as the Vuurkoekje regroups from it's losses.

Algiers is the Place to Be
People from all over the globe flock to be the city of Algiers. In recent times the city has become a beacon of culture and a haven from the wars of the rest of the world. Immigrants from around the world come to the city to live out their lives without having to worry about regional conflicts and to enjoy the highest standard of living in the world.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To the Red Pentagon
I accept. I grant you permission to build a branch office and whatever facilities you wish. Just keep me informed of your operations within my territory.

-Prime Speaker Tiberius

[OOC: Nothing IC, just put a note in your EoT whenever you do anything that you're not trying to hide it from Tiberius.]

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Patriots
Well if conventional tactics have failed us then it's time to look into a magical solution. If we work together we might be able to devise a spell to neatly disarm them without too much trouble, or to give us a massive advantage in combat.

[Mabn]

Algieria


could our researchers have fog samples you have collected? We are looking to find the source of the fog's power and these samples would help our scientists trace it. Once we have a location we would share it with you.

[thekazooist]

Wallonia

Yes. Definitely We'll get that to you right away. We know that the fog isn't evenly spread, and some areas have much thicker fog, possibly the heavier areas are the origin? Also do you have any technology that we can use to increase our researchers productivity?

[Mabn]

Algieria


We were unaware and have no such tech unfortunately.

[ArcaneStomper]

Patriots to the Kobolds!
What sort of spell did you have in mind?

[Forum Explorer]

We had a couple of options in mind. We specialize in transformation magics, so we were we could transform our own army to be entirely airborn, thus bypassing their defenses. Or We could transform their new tanks into piles of rust and scrap.

[ArcaneStomper]

Patriots to the Kobolds!
If they have so many tanks they likely have anti air weapons as well. Turning their weapons into scrap would seem the solution most likely to succeed.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Patriots
Very well, we'll begin researching that spell immediately. I trust that you will be helping us in our research?

In fact we might want to invite the Commonwealth and Canada as well. It's a useful spell, and they are our allies. Plus we want to get this spell operation as fast as possible.

[ArcaneStomper]

Patriots to the Kobolds!
We are willing to work with them. And we thank you for your continued assistance.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Commonwealth
Hello,

Working with the patriots, we are planning on coming up with a spell that can transform an army's weaponry into scrap. Interested in contributing to creating the spell?

To Canada
We're working on a spell that should transform an armies weaponry into scrap. Are you interested in helping us create it, and thus get a copy of the spell for yourself?

[ArcaneStomper]

Canada to the Kobolds!
They are both interested in researching such a spell.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 27

To Kobolds (15.5)
Yes, I will have my alchemists work with you on this.

[ForzaFiori]

The Papacy

The Commonwealth:

While we have no doubt that yourself, Chile and Venezuela could surely push back these heathens, His Holiness has seen fit to send aid as well, which will be arriving this turn. I'm afraid currently all we can offer is a small amount of military aid, but we are working on more in the turns to come.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To the Papacy (27)
I will gladly accept any aid you seek to give. I have no intention of allowing the Americas to become any more of a battleground than they already are, and the Vuurkoekje must be shown that their warmongering is unacceptable.

Thank you for the assistance,
-Prime Speaker Tiberius

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Patriots, Commonwealth, Canada
Then we are all in agreement to work on said spell.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To the Kobolds, Patriots - North American Pact (PM)
I'd like to bring up a few points pertaining to the future of the North American continent and our current treaty.

First of all, should we invite Canada to this defense agreement? I would suspect their interests align with our own, and then all but the Worker's Union, Cuba, and the Mylira would be included, the first two being a large part of the reason for forming this group. Mylira haven't done anything aggressive but I would rather not include them unless they can actually aid this organization.

Second, I would like to better understand your intentions in the near future. You want to bring the Worker's Union back into the fold of the United States, correct? This spell is intended as a forced disarmament which will necessitate an end to the fighting? Do we have a guess as to the Soviet's reaction? They will certainly try to counter it in some manner.

Third brings us to the matter of Cuba. I'm sure all of us would like the current Soviet puppet regime to no longer be in power, but they're a lesser concern than the Union and the Vuurkoekje Empire at the moment. However I'd like to discuss our plans for the island. The Commonwealth would like control over Cuba and the greater Caribbean island chain. With the Vuurkoekje's dominion over the Pacific and the two of our nation's past relations, I have not pursued trade routes west in fear of being waylaid, tolled, or sunk. Kobolds, the Empire has made demands of tribute for safe passage to you in the past, so I'm sure you understand my wariness. Currently, the Soviet control of the Gulf has meant my economic endeavors have been rather stunted, but I hope to be capable of remedying that in the future. Having unrestricted access to the Atlantic would allow me to do so, in addition to being able to project force eastward if conflicts were to arise. Myself, the Cabal, and Algiers have re-established the Wardens and being able to send my investigative teams to aid with looking into the African fog as well as this new Australian phenomena would also be beneficial.

As of right now, my armies are still occupied in Chile fending off the Vuurkoekje assault. My fellow alchemists will be working together on your project, and I hope to be able to devote more against the Worker's Union after the Empire retreats. We will see how things go.

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 4

July 1st, 1991

Peace in Our Time.
In the Americas fighting has ceased as various factors come together to bring an end to the fighting.

In North America the stalemate continues as neither the Worker's Union nor the Patriots can come up with a decisive advantage over the other. As such the front lines are quiet as military units dig in and wait for the strategic planners to come up with a solution for victory.

In South America a coalition of Catholic volunteers have formed a defensive force to aid the Chileans in the Siege of Santiago. With these new found reinforcements the Allies have been able to repel the Vuurkoekje attacks more easily and eventually force the Imperial fleet to withdraw.

China Divided
Previously unknown internal differences in Communist China have led to a short civil war and finally a division of power as Southern China splits from their Northern counterparts. Although the fighting appears to have ended for now the world is still uncertain as to whether it has truly ended as both sides lay claim to being the successor of the former government. And indeed both still call themselves the People's Republic of China.

Japan meanwhile has taken advantage of wavering Chinese attention to make further claims on the sea of Japan and continue exploring it without Chinese interruptions.

Economic Boom
The global economy is in a state of growth as various corporations continue to reveal new fusions of magic and technology. Leading this growth are the new strains of biotechnology being released from the corporations of True Zealand as well as numerous new devices from the labs and factories of the Algiers Consortium. As a result both nations are seeing a steady increase in influence as their products flood the marketplaces of the world.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To Chile, Venezuela, the Papacy, and the Catholic Volunteers
Well done everyone. Let us hope that the Vuurkoekje stay licking their wounds and don't attempt to seize land holdings in the Americas again.

To Chile and Venezuela
I unfortunately doubt the Vuurkoekje will stay quiet for long. Would either of you be interested into entering a pact to defend each other in case of foreign aggression? I would like to take steps to form an alliance encompassing Latin America once more. We are not safe on our own. The empires of this world are vast and aggressive. Once the Soviets turn their eyes outward once more, or the Patriots retake the homeland, they will seek to return to their meddlings in our affairs. I will not permit that. Are you with me?

-Prime Speaker Tiberius

To Kobolds, Canada, Patriots
Are we planning on working on this ritual at [Midturn]? I am unsure if I will have the resources to be capable of doing so.

To Japan
Greetings,

Years ago, I contacted you when the mystic nodes appeared within your territories on behalf of the Wardens to investigate the nature and cause of the phenomenon. I would like to request permission to do so again. With China currently... Preoccupied, I feel there is potential for an official expedition to explore the depths of whatever the rupture is. These reports of native civilizations are intriguing to me. And concerning. If that is a gateway, it is possible for things to come out, and I'd rather know what to expect. What do you think?

If you'd prefer, this can remain a joint endeavor between our two nations, instead of involving Algiers or the Cabal. The both are more focused on the fog, at the moment, and it may be more prudent for these findings to remain secrets for the sake of security.

-Prime Speaker Tiberius

To the Wardens
If possible, I'd like to take advantage of China's shattering to send an expedition into the rupture to confirm these rumors of new lands sprouting up. If entire civilizations exist within it, we need to know whether it could spread or they could become a threat.

However, the fog is likely the more pressing matter. Aside from that, let's try to keep in mind Australia's magical happenings and the nature of illusions shifting. And, of course, the ever-looming threat of an alien invasion force preparing to attack our planet...

As well, I would like to open for discussion the possible inclusion of the Red Pentagon as a member of this coalition. I'm not entirely sure if the nature of their corporation would be of benefit to us, but their goals do align. Any opinions?

To ArcaneStomper [PM]
Just going to jot down some of my ideas as to what I want to do these coming turns:


I think continuing with the rusting spell is very useful to me, as time dilation magics have a plethora of applications.

Off the top of my head, if I can build a research base within the wild magic zone in the Sea of Japan, I can combine the natural mutating power of that with time acceleration to breed some very interesting creatures. An expedition can serve both as a cover to establish an outpost and to actually research the effects of the zone.

Doing something similar in, or at least looking into, Australia could also prove beneficial. I don't entirely know what's happening there, but it seems related to either illusion or teleportation, either of which would be of use.

Invading and conquering Texas is also a priority, primarily as a land grab, but also to secure their crops so I can make some profit and build economic connections in the international market. Also gives me a bit more justification to demand the Caribbean Isles if I actually have product to ship.

Which reminds me, Venezuela might have problems with me annexing those territories. All the more reason to get them into a political alliance so they're on my side instead of a potential enemy.

Starting down the path of a Latin American alliance network again, but this time it's going to be much more of a background thing. I hope it more of happens on its own as the Commonwealth expands its military and influence across the globe, and countries begin falling in step so as to not be their next targets.

I would also like to send the Stalwart out to kidnap a squad of Vuurkoekje pyromancers so the Cult of Tiber can vivisect them. Might not be able to tie that into my current project, but having another Military stat of battle mages could be helpful. I also like the idea of combining the firescreamer ritual's devotion with the Vuurkoekje's power to be able to spawn shock troopers from any batch of people. Could maybe be a way of rapidly arming a sleeper cell with deadly force. Or to form one in the first place...


So at Midturn... Well, wars tend to take a while so starting off with Texas may be smart. However, if I just start double spending my growth stats, I could probably get ahead in terms of stats... Hm. The Dragon's Teeth rituals (I'll just lump the firescreamers and Vuurkoekje's under that, based upon the myth of sowing the ground with dragon's teeth and brutal warriors sprouting up from it) can probably wait until my current projects are complete. So First Earth Division invades the Hippy Republic. So that it doesn't drag on too long, I could back that up with my Researches... Or the Stalwart and one of them could look into one of the Wardens' tasks. Or I could just research things...

I think I want to ransom my aid to the rust ritual at Midturn for an agreement from the other powers involved that they won't contest me taking the Caribbean. I could ask for Texas as well, but I don't really want to play my hand for that yet. And if I just take it by force, it thumbs my nose at them and shows the Commonwealth doesn't need their approval.

Leaving me with the final stat unspent. I could send the Cult against Texas, but that seems a little wasteful. I think they can continue their project as they were. I would like to have it in the field as soon as I can, even if at a significantly diminished capability.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

to Algiers
Now that weve got the location what are our next steps?

[Mabn]

Algiers

Working with the Walloons we have found the source of the fog. with further intense effort on our part we have created vehicles capable of traveling through fog zones. We would like to send forces to the source and have a talk with the people behind this, but our military is incapable of battling a major power on their home territory.


We have developed vehicles that can safely travel through fog zones. At present we are working to gain international assistance to send an expedition to Central Congo.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China


To: all
Greetings,

With the signing of the Beijing Compact, China has officially split in two and fighting has ceased. I am delighted to announce that the People's Republic of China is now a member of the global community and will henceforth seek to encourage peace with all nations while pursuing social stability at home. As a token of our goodwill, we hope to ratify the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty pending our acknowledgement as a sovereign nation.

That said, the PRC maintains that its internal affairs are matters of state and shall not be infringed upon by external agents. China maintains its claim over the South China Sea as sovereign territory and will treat all breaches of its territory accordingly.

Recognized,
Li Bing
Premier

To: Soviet Union
Zdravstvujtye comrades,

We would like to engage with your illustrious nation on a range of issues and do away with the hostility of the past. Comrades should not fight against each other in such times. Both China and the USSR have much to offer to each other and can work together toward security across the continent.

As a sign of our interest in renewing relations, we propose the construction of a pan-Asian gas pipeline in order to strengthen ties between our nations and decrease the reliance upon regimes whose allegiances are questionable.

To: Highsmark
Greetings comrades!

We are delighted to see another nation with a Marxist-Leninist ideological base. During such times, comrades should navigate through stormy waters together, no?

In the interest of promoting pan-Asian unity, we would like permission to begin construction of a gas pipeline running across the continent and through Highsmark, pending Soviet approval. Doing so would strengthen our economies and decrease reliance upon shaky trade relations with foreign powers.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

Wardens
So you're telling me there is a nation within the fog that is intentionally spreading it? Presumably as a cover for military conquest?

So you need a expedition capable of winning a fight against them in order to stop it... I do not know if I have the people available at this point in time. Is there anything else you can talk to me?

ArcaneStomper [PM]
Or I could spend Mid-Turn sending my First Earth Battalion, The Stalwart, and Section 9 into the fog to stop and steal/copy the source... I could have a use for that. The mind-blanking effects could prove helpful with MKULTRA, and the actual thing could serve as a cover for any future wars I would like to pursue. I guess it depends on whether Japan accepts an expedition and if the North American Pact agrees with my annexation of the Caribbean.

[Mabn]

Algiers

We do not in fact know that the fog is being spread by a nation, nor why if so. We simply know where the magic that created the fog came from and that if said fog is not a natural phenomena it would take a major power to cause it. We are not eager to find out on our own when our forces are at the nexus of the fog zone.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

Wardens
So we should have an expedition to the source? At [Midturn]? My soldiers, spies, and scientists alongside whatever you can bring, so we are prepared for anything?

That would allow us to do any follow ups to the fog that we need to do so, or deal with the cause this year, if we can.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

It is the year of our lord one thousand nine hundred ninety-two and time has flown. One is reminded of certain airborne beings abounding in power that one wishes would acquire a taste for koala. On behalf of our union, no longer fractious, we confess our ineptitude. Not for everything, though it would give many pleasure, but for the task at hand. The high council of Niktverhanden, long beholden of rote, welcomes you to the future.
1990tm was the year of feeling.
1991 we gave no name, because the unfinished numeric feel focus grouped well.
1992 could be so many things. We here at Amita want it to be the year our playground sets start selling. The year Andrew finally goes to dinner with Sarah in accounting. The year we learn. The year when we remember. When we forgive. When the year is done, we can name it. Once all the feats have been accomplished and the pictures forwarded, we can analyze.
For now, there is so much to do. Continents are breathless awaiting innovation, but what will the new it thing be? Will it be another mine to blow a civilian's legs off? Will it be necklaces made out of severed legs? Will it be another pill that regenerates an unspecified* number of legs? Do you know how many legs we have to regenerate because of you people? Always with the legs.
Typically we'd give you a list, but the market is already over-saturated with bullets.
Hello, The Earth.
This is the prologue to tomorrow, I can feel it. Science books also state it clearly.
I am the prologue to the office of Kangar to the Maatinat race in the opened cocoon of ancient Niktverhanden. To those who have not stabbed me, thanks. To those who say I am playing at government, stop playing at self righteous mass murder. To those for whom there is an overlap, you deserve the emotional confusion. I have many books** on the subject at your reading level. No poem today. Happy New Year.

References:
There will be a 20,000 USD per plate luncheon in the famed Surae courtyard early in March. Proceeds will go towards updating the sixteenth century high council robes. RSVP by post via one of several approved small avians.
*Dose size could vary based on number of limbs before procedure. If Zygarmentium and related treatment leaves you with more than seven limbs, or less limbs than you began with and is normal for your species, ask your doctor if Zygarmentium is really the right choice for you.
A list of probably relevant charities we are almost sure aren't fake can be found on our website.
**A full collection of Kangar 00's illustrated children's books can be found at your library, but only if you live in Japan or that one town in Canada. The right people know which one.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

Alright. We can pledge troops to assist the expedition, but I'm unsure it will be enough for what you're looking for. When would the expedition be taking place?
OOC: It's a stat of 20.5

[Mabn]

Algiers


[midturn] was the commonwealth's suggestion. Hopefully the three of us will be sufficient.

[thekazooist]

Walloons
Sounds good. Would continuing research on the fog be beneficial to you, or should we divert resources to something else?

[Mabn]

Algieria


Rather that researching the fog, your weather divisions may be wiser to monitor it as we venture in and keep our forces in communication with with us through the fog's signal distortion.


[midturn] is fine with us and with the Walloons. Algierians will commit all our abilities to getting some answers on the fog once and for all.

[ArcaneStomper]

Wardens
Note: The Algerian crawlers are limited in the amount of vehicles they can safely cover as they go into the fog. Sending everything you all have is just going to end up with most of it left behind.


Soviet Union to the People's Republic of China
Comrades,

Such a project could provide ample benefits for both our peoples. Where do you propose it be built to and from.

Chile and Venezuela to the Commonwealth
Both countries express doubt as to the nature of the alliance. They agree with the basic concept. But they don't really want a permanent long term alliance with the Commonwealth, especially one that aims to eventually cover all of South America. They left the Commonwealth for a reason after all. They aren't keen on rebuilding it. They would rather make an alliance with their regional neighbors rather than get the Commonwealth involved.

Of course the Commonwealth has a lot of goodwill with Chile after their defense of Santiago. Tiberius could probably convince Chile to form a mutual defense pact, but Venezuela is much more likely to make it's own allies elsewhere.

Canada and the Patriots to the Commonwealth
We had not planned on continuing development of the rust ritual over the few months as we have other matters to attent to. We will return to it by the middle of the year though. (EoT)

Japan to the Commonwealth
We have already sent several expeditions into the anomaly. We are willing to allow you to use our outposts to resupply and base your own expeditions from if you wish.

[Mabn]

Algieria


I was planning to use econ to rush order a bigger fleet of them in my midturn, would doing so be effective in time to have the expedition as planned? Also if it was effective how large a force could we send?

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To Walloons and Wardens
Could you all share the information you've gathered on the fog with my research division so we can be better informed as to what we're going to do?

And if the logistics prevent a large expedition, we may wish to wait until we can build a larger fleet. Unfortunately we don't have the production capabilities to aid that...

To Japan
Thank you for the offer. We will take you up on that, when we have the people free.

To Chile
To ensure the Vuurkoekje do not attack again, would you be interested in a mutual defense pact? The Empire will only continue trying to secure a foothold on the continent, and I hope I can ward them off of targeting you once more.

[Mabn]

Algiers


The fog shorts out all electronics and tested magic (with the exception of our fog shields, which will also short if the fog reaches their generators) and blocks all tested forms of communication. Anyone exposed to the fog and withdrawn has no memories of their time in said fog. Hazmat suits don't protect from it. The fog has to reach a certain density to be effective. No known methods can see through it. We have engineered fog crawlers that can shield their surroundings, but if your espionage forces leave the crawlers they will be effected by the fog.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To Walloons and Wardens
Then it may be prudent to delay an expedition until we have a larger fleet or develop individual protective measures? If we're expecting the possibility of violence, then I think we may want to further investigate the nature of the fog, contain its spread, and build proper equipment to move against the source at a later date.

[ArcaneStomper]

To Algiers
Anything you built in the midturn would not be available until next turn. That applies to other stats too, not just the fog crawlers. The fog crawlers can protect as many points of stats as twice their level.

Chile to the Commonwealth
That would be acceptable to us.

[Mabn]

Algiers


It seems that we can't protect a large expedition until [EoT]. We apologize for the confusion.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

"The Soviets responded positively to the offer," an aide informed Li as the two moved down the steel walkway. Below them, the sound of muttering and machines whirring filled the warehouse air and lent a distraction from the gloomy weather outside.

"Good. What are the terms?" Li responded.

"Well they would like information concerning where exactly we intend to put it," he answered in return. "Would you like me to send back an outline from the engineering team?"

"Look below you," Li smiled and leaned over the railing. Countless rows of cloaked individuals sat on wooden chairs, leaning over conveyor belts that carried...bones?

"Each of those people is a shaman, predicting ideal locations for our pipeline. The conveyor belts feed them oracle bones to write on. Since divining is a... difficult art prone to error, we process these bones and use the resulting data to make confidence intervals concerning how 'good' a given path is," Li explained as he gestured toward the white-eyed men and women who sat inscribing pictographs with sharp instruments.

"So...we don't have a location yet?"

"Correct."

To: Soviet Union
Our engineering team has not yet drafted a proposal for the pipeline's route, but we envision it stretching through the eastern half of your country before dipping into Highsmark and then through Xinjiang and Tibet.

Ideally, it would begin near your territorial possessions on the Baltic Sea.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

Alright. So next [eot], we will send our forces. The Walloons are also willing and interested in becoming members of the Wardens.

[HerbieRAI]

Highsmark

Kiskan was relaxing in his chair after his year long vacation, and it was obvious he wouldn't be able to take another. While he was gone China had split in a civil war and Japan was expanding their influence, both unacceptable. The world was full of capitolist powers working to bring down the great communist paradise, and while they were flexing their muscles we seemed to be sitting on our hands.

His first step to action would be to send the interm ruler to the workcamps. The undeadicated man didn't seem to have any ability to manage, and getting this far means he lied about his abilities. The second step was to open talks with the People's Republic.

To People's Republic of China

That sounds like a great idea. We feel that many of the western dogs are getting ready for war, and a construction like this will help show the world of the communists resolve, unity, and strength.

I think we should work together on another front as well. The Japanese have been taking over the Sea of Japan where there has been some significant anomolies. I don't think Highsmark can get into this conflict since we are a landlocked nation, but we are willing to supply you with some military power if you'd push your claim and keep the capitolist japenese scum out of the area.

If you would agree, we will provide you with some military power to help fight off the japanese while we work to bring northern China back into the fold. Do you think this would be a good plan?

OOC: I'm assuming your the southern Chinese faction.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Highsmark
We agree wholeheartedly. For too long the Japanese have pushed themselves upon our territories and threatened the fragile peace in Asia. Not surprising coming from the dogs who committed atrocities against our people in Nanjing.

While we cannot at this time divert our forces between the North and potential escalations with Japan, we are considering less...direct approaches toward our northern neighbors. In addition, the Soviets still remember the border clashes along Manchuria with anger. Perhaps we could use this to our advantage.

We can begin stepping up naval patrols across the South China Sea with your assistance. Perhaps this will prevent further breaches of our maritime waters.

As far as the pipeline, we are delighted with your approval. We are awaiting a Soviet response on the matter still but are confident they will agree.

To: Japan

Greetings neighbors,

We are committed to a new era of Sino-Japanese relations even if our northern counterparts do not agree. In the spirit of this new desire, we would like to chart out a bilateral agreement concerning territorial boundaries in the South China Sea.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

Public
Prime Speaker Tiberius of the Commonwealth has signed a mutual defense pact with Chile, after their joint efforts in defending against a Vuurkoekje invasion force. Venezuela, another of the defenders, is notably absent from the talks.

To the People's Republic of China
Greetings,

I am Tiberius, the Prime Speaker of the Commonwealth. I was wondering if we could discuss some matters pertaining to the magical flux zone. As the founding member of the Wardens, I have a vested interest in investigating and monitoring magical phenomena that have the potential to be threats to the world. If these rumors of civilizations living within the rupture are true, that may be the case. Would you be willing to grant me access to the affected areas within your territory so I may mount an expedition?

To the Wardens
Alright, we'll head into the fog at [EoT]. Do we want to try to investigate the rupture, Australia, or the nature of illusion magic at [Midturn]?

Walloons, I grant you associate member status. Once this African business is complete, myself and Algiers will determine whether we wish to bring you aboard. Right now it's looking likely that we will, but I prefer a trial period before we go further.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire
Greetings to the Emperor,

I wished to make an inquiry as to your current association with the Kobolds, Worker's Union, and the Patriots. And myself, I would guess, but I feel that may be a bit obvious.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Commonwealth
Greetings,

We would be delighted to allow an expedition into this zone in the interest of global stability and as a sign of our commitment toward a new era of diplomacy and mutual development.

Due to the proximity of this region to our coastal assets and its location within our naval waters, we request that a Chinese delegation be sent alongside this expedition in order to ensure our national security is not compromised by new developments.

We also request that the Commonwealth issue a statement declaring its recognition of the PRC as a proper nation-state.

This arrangement may require further discussion. However, if the Commonwealth accepts the basic requests noted above then we will begin processing entry visas and notifying our naval forces.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Thirty four full people and an estimated eleven twentieths attended the gala in the Surae court. Kangar 00 was imposed upon not to improvise any speech and so read the menu. It was done in good taste and the greatest tradition of European literature. All knew the content, having eaten its implications. Perhaps it was that connection which brought the assembly to tears when being told of the light ale selection. They walked away richer souls.

It would seem that many of the suggested charities were in fact scams. While a few are still untried, there is little exploratory spirit on that front.

"The right people" apparently heard the call. A small village in Canada is filling out paperwork for annexation into True Zealand. They request anonymity until the process is complete.

Synergy.
The High Council of Niktverhanden feels specially qualified to open this diplomatic channel. We too haven't felt alive since before the invention of television. The past few years however have brought a spate of territorial developments. We know of your stellar pilgrimage.
When you have friendship, any space is big enough for two. Shoot for the moon; even if you miss you'll land among a horde of skeletons.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

Public:
The Commonwealth officially recognizes the People's Republic of China as a legitimate nation-state, and begins efforts to establish diplomatic relations with the power.

To the People's Republic of China
Splendid. The expedition will be deployed shortly. At [Midturn], we will send a team to go in and analyze readings. The Japanese have volunteered their own outposts as launching points, but as soon as I cross the border, I will accept your delegation. If you would like to send your own people to accompany us on this, we will gladly work together. Otherwise, if you wish to do so at a later point, we are always happy to compare notes.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

Public

Karathenolias is touring Europe recently, apparently on vacation. Meanwhile infanstructure projects and the like are started at home.


Midturn
We get three actions right?

1. Using Reputation to improve relations with European Dragons some more

2. Taking the opportunity to keep researching the monster transformation spell.

3. Finally spending dragon horde money to improve infrastructure (economy)

[Mabn]

Algeria

The craftsmanship of Algeria turned itself to create a vast fleet of shielded crawlers to lead a massive foray into the African fog.

[Nyna]

Mylira

The recent nationwide Festival of Life was a great success, helping to bolster the faith of many in the Priestesses that help guide the Myliran faithful. The first half of the new year looks to be quieter as the native creatures of the forest return to their homes, while the more traditional citizenry return to their normal lives. First Princess Iona and many of the leading Priestesses seem to be spending much of their time within the palace, and faint echoes of a beautiful song can often be heard from the outskirts of the palace grounds.

[HerbieRAI]

Highsmark

After taking a year off, Kiskan takes the first part of the year reorganizing and pushing production again. He also works on re-hiring someone to replace the last Grand Administrator, who is now working in a labor camp.
Mid Turn

Highsmark labs will continue working on the space program, now looking into magical sources to get into the atmosphere

Labor Camps will work to create propaganda for the Political Sensors (grow the stat)

The Secret Police will be looked through for a new Grand Administrator canidate (hire a new VIP)

[ForzaFiori]

The Papacy

Midturn

Ad Maiorem Dei gloriam (Morale) and Decimae (Economy) are used to form the Catholic volunteers into a permanent fighting force dedicated to the defense of Catholics throughout the world. Essentially, it's the Foreign Legion, but in the Papacy. The official name of the unit is the Catholic Defense Force (CDF).


Public:
Pope Luke I read over the document one more time before he signed it. He had already seen the reports of how the volunteer forces had fared in Chile. They had done incredibly well. With more training, they could become a force that could protect Catholics across the world from invasion and persecution. He let out a slight sigh as he signed the paper that officially created the Catholic Defense Force, a unit open to catholics of any nationality and dedicated to the protection of Catholic people everywhere. In his memoirs, the Pope would remember the sadness he felt that protecting the world would require bringing so many armed and dangerous men into it.

[ArcaneStomper]

News
The People's Republic of China protests the Commonwealth's recognition of what is clearly a rebellious internal faction of the Chinese government. It calls for the world to stay out China's domestic affairs.

Japan to the People's Republic of China
We are open to beginning talks. However we believe our position can be summed up quite simply. We have no territorial claims on the South China Sea and we don't foresee making any in the future.

The Vuurkoekje Empire to the Commonwealth
We have no quarrel with the the nations of North America. We wouldn't have any with you either, if you refrain from interfering in our affairs in the future.

Cabal to True Zealand
We agree that there is enough room in space for both of us. As such did you have anything more specific to discuss or was this simply the prelude to friendly future contacts.

[ArcaneStomper]

Midturn 4

October 1st, 1991
(Made a mistake in the date on the turn start. It was July not January.)

Dragon Symposium
Karathenolias, one of the leaders of the Kobolds continues talks with the European dragons. The increased presence of dragons and draconic species in your Europe has also begun to draw more dragons in from elsewhere around the world including the sinuous dragons of the East and the feathered dragons of south america.

Highsmark Science
Interest in Highsmark grows around the world as they begin to develop a functioning space program. This development marks a new turn in the progress of science after the unveiling of magic. Where the first few years were a race to develop a working unison of magic and technology now the goal seems to have shifted to which nation can begin reach and develop space first.

Catholic Foreign Legion
The formation of a new military order to protect Catholic interests comes as a surprise to the world and many of the Papacy's critics are quick to name it a callback to the Crusades. But the fact remains that Catholic volunteers, mainly from South America, are flocking to the banner of the Pope and the Catholic Defense Force is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Algerian Fog Reclamation
In a massive show of public support and economic will the Algerian Consortium has built a fleet of gargantuan vehicles to delve into the fog which now covers most of Africa. These specialized crawlers are able to deploy shields to cover other smaller units from the fog's adverse effects. Clearly the Algerians are planning a major expedition to find the source of the malevolent fog.

New True Zealand
Nowhere is the focus on the space race more obvious than True Zealand. In just a few short years they have gone from a newly emerged nation to one that has succesfully landed the first people, or something sentient anyway, on the moon since the old United States Apollo missions.

The Tree of Life
New developments have occurred in Mylira. Almost overnight a massive tree has grown out of the newly restored forests. Easily visible from outside Mylira itself, and even from space, it's presence has led to much speculation. It seems obvious that the Mylirans intended to grow such a gargantuan tree, but few can understand the motivations of the forest people and their leader, Princess Iona.

The Portal Sea
The Commonwealth has launched an expedition in the anomalous regions of the Sea of Japan that have come to be known as the Portal Sea. Rumors as to the outcome of the expedition abound of course, but the actual results are hard to determine between the nature of the area and the Commonwealth's secrecy.

The Commonwealth
Exploration into the anomalous zone yields some interesting results. Nothing of particular value or interest has been found, and the expedition mostly spent it's time surveying islands and establishing a base for future exploration. However their surveys produced valuable information on the nature of the anomalies. First of all is the fact that there is in fact more land in the area than there should be. In fact there are more islands than should even fit in the Sea of Japan. However this does not show up on satellite observations or high altitude reconnaissance flights. What does show up is that the area appears to be shifting. Islands observed one day are gone the next and replaced with new ones elsewhere.

From the ground the effects are more stable. Sometimes islands will shift position relative to each other, but usually navigation between them is more stable and charts can be made. This leads the expedition's leaders to believe that the land itself isn't disappearing and reappearing, but that they are traversing portals leading to other worlds which have different geography than the one they came from. This leads to the possibility that there are even more lands beyond the Sea of Japan, which could be accessed with further exploration.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

Okay, this winter we'll be sending all our troops to help with the fog. Additionally our keen weather balloons, being experts in their field, will monitor and research the fog. Weatherman Walter will be tasked with relaying information over towards you, and the troops. We hope this will be enough to make sure things go swimmingly.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Japan
Excellent. We simply would like to establish that excursions into our territory are understandably viewed with suspicion due to tensions with the North. Similarly, we understand that entry of our ships into the East Sea may cause undue alarm among your administrators.

If possible, we would like to work together on the issue of the anomalous region. Both nations value east Asian stability. In the pursuit of this ideal, mutual cooperation over a potential threat to harmony should be pursued at all costs. We propose limited information sharing between our nations on detected anomalies and fluctuations in energy detected by sensor networks as a way of safeguarding against any threats.

To: Commonwealth
We will be sending a team into the anomaly shortly [EoT] along with a security detail. The vessel is a Type 053H3 frigate (Jiangwei II as you call it in the West). Hailing frequency and code, alongside basic dossier, are as follows:

Frequency Tag: 179 kHz
Confirmation Code: F4S27
Research Party:
Li Jie - cell biology
Han Zhijeng - mechanical engineering
Wu Zhang - geology, shamanic studies
Sheng Zemin - Party representative, acting administrator


To: North China
Attempts to sabotage the peaceful development of east Asia will be frowned upon by the international community. With the end of the civil war, you implicitly acknowledge our status as a nation and should base your dialogue in this fact.

We would be happy to discuss closer economic ties and bilateral discussions on foreign intrusion into coastal waters. Such developments would have to be preceded by a show of goodwill however. Do not interfere with our affairs.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To Walloons
OOC: By the way, you now count as a Warden for all messaging purposes. You can read any of them since the start of the game, if you'd like. Nothing much interesting going on before this turn though.

To the Wardens
So the crawler fleet now numbers enough to shield all of us?

OOC: Unsure of the mechanics of it. If I were to send all my [Military], [Espionage], and [Research], I'd have around [220 stat points] going. I would gladly spend them elsewhere if they are not needed. However, as I do not really know what's going on in there or what our exact plan is for this operation, I'll leave it up to you to decide on what exactly we're sending and what to do, Mabn.

[Espionage] may not be that helpful, if all we are doing is marching to the source and trying to defuse it. If we're trying to take readings and gather information, it could be though.

To the People's Republic of China
If you share your findings with us, I will do the same. The Commonwealth will be deploying our people to Africa to try to find the source of the mindblanking fog, so we cannot accompany you at this time. However, in future years, we would gladly work alongside you investigating the phenomena.

To Japan
Thank you for offering the services of your bases. It was very useful in our operations.

I would gladly offer the information and data I acquired from my expedition in exchange for you sharing what you know.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire
And your goals are to spread your might and glory across the Pacific, correct? Build an ocean spanning empire?

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Amiable communication is not something to scoff at. Nor is earth. But what if we have the chance to do more. Teamwork can make two people better together than they would be apart. Our respiration and your own are... atypical. Those with special abilities have the special job of helping others. Why not make life that much more delicious for yourself along the way? It would be an honor and an endeavor to our mutual benefit to establish cohabitation of our most prominent satellite. This season, give yourself the gift you deserve. Get yourself a timeshare on the moon. Sometimes, ambition is what it takes to reach our goals.

[Mabn]

Algieria


exactly how many points of crawlers do I have?


I am asking about the crawlers now, I'll balance out the expedition after I know more. I probably will only be sending 130 points myself (rushing specials has its price). At least With the Walloons part of our forces can be outside the fog. If we are short on crawlers I recommend each of us sending in part of our tech and having the rest working remotely from labs in communication with the expedition. Espionage may not be able to leave the convoy, but having some defensive espionage in the expedition would make me a lot less concerned about getting into an ambush.

[ForzaFiori]

The Papacy:

Public - it has come to His Holinesses attention, as all things do, that there are those in the world who worry about the creation of the Catholic Defense Force. The Holy Father would like to assure the world that the force is for defensive purposes only, such as the defense of Chile where it formed. It is not armed in order to make war, but to ensure there is peace.

[ArcaneStomper]

Japan to the People's Republic of China
We will respect your territorial boundaries. But we have no interest in working with a member of the communist bloc at this time.

People's Republic of China to the People's Republic of China
We have made no such acknowledgements. You started this civil war and it has not yet reached it's conclusions. As such you are only a rebellious faction of the true People's Republic of China. And we will not hesitate to let the world know it.

Japan to the Commonwealth
We know very little at this time. Most of our efforts have been spent establishing a secure base and ensuring the stability of it's region before moving further in.

Vuurkoekje Empire to the Commonwealth
Exactly, we are glad that at least one nation understands the manifest glory of the Vuurkoekje.

Cabal of the Frozen Eye to True Zealand
We have little interest in the moon. Not least because of the heavy Knight presence and their war with the Sssl. It's a warzone down there.

To Mabn
Right now you have 5. Next turn you will have 62 assuming you don't build more in the EoT.

[Mabn]

Algeria


so the crawlers I built in my midturn don't come on line until my next midturn and I could have grown my stats and made them in the EoT with the same result?

[ArcaneStomper]

Algeria
You could have. But those stat increases wouldn't have been available until the next turn either.

I did tell you that that would be the case.

[Mabn]

Algeria


I misinterpreted your comments


apparently stats created during a midturn cannot be used in that mid turn or the EoT after that midturn. It would seem the expedition must once again be unexpectedly postponed.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

"Sir...as you requested" an aide hands Li a portfolio.

"Excellent. The outer provinces are...unstable however. The engineering team will have to be accompanied by a military detachment."

To: Highsmark
With your blessing, we will begin construction of the pipeline shortly [EoT]. It would be in our mutual interest to convince the Soviets to chip in on the other end of the project.

We are sending the project's predicted path now.

A digital file, consisting of a red path stretching from the Baltic Sea through Highsmark and along the western edges of Chinese territory, is attached.

To: Soviet Union
Hello comrades,

We are beginning preparations for the construction of the pipeline within our territory. With your agreement, we will proceed with the plan.

We request that the stretch of pipeline from the Baltic to your territorial boundary with Highsmark be built with Soviet hands as a show of your interest in mutual cooperation and, more importantly, to expedite the construction process.

To: North China
So be it.

Do not interfere with our affairs. Transgressions will be dealt with accordingly.

[thekazooist]

Walloons
Should we continue to look into the fog then?

[Mabn]

Algieria


no, more research would be unlikely to end before we go in, and hopefully then we wont need it.

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 5

January 1st, 1992

Expedition to the Heart of Africa
Convoy after convoy of supplies have been sent to Kenya in recent months as the Algiers Consortium prepare to find the source of the fog. It is not entirely clear why they chose the smaller country instead of starting from their own country, but most observers agree that the Algiers are planning a major expedition given the huge numbers, and size of, the crawlers they are preparing to send into the fog.

North America at War! Again!
In a surprise move the Commonwealth has invaded the Hippie Republic of Texas. Commonwealth military divisions have struck deep into the heart of Texas. Despite heavy resistance from the Hippie militias the Commonwealth's invasion proved to be too much of a surprise and numerous ports along the coast have been seized by the Commonwealth.

Leaders of the Commonwealth claim to be acting in retaliation for the Hippie Republic raid on Venezuela. Most of the world regards this as a poor excuse given that the raid happened four years ago. In a rare show of unity both Patriots on both coasts as well as the Worker's Union have decried this invasion of their former countrymen. In addition Venezuela announces that the Commonwealth had no right to launch a war based on a grievance that happened to Venezuela alone, stating that this sort of imperialism was exactly why they left the Commonwealth in the first place.

European Economic Boom
Europe is experiencing a wave of economic growth due to the efforts of the states of Walloonia and True Zealand. Walloonia has begun a massive industrial expansion which has fueled furious trading around the continent as raw materials flow into the country and goods flow out to sate the markets of other countries. Meanwhile True Zealand has begun offering it's biotechnology to government organizations all across Europe. From medicines to new forms of clean energy these new bio technologies are helping revolutionize the continent and increasing the standard of living everywhere.

Asian Anomalies
Rumors have spread that the Southern People's Republic considers itself to have formed eight years ago and the civil war to be long over. Given that up until a year ago China was united with no signs of revolution this has spread rumors that the anomalies in the Sea of Japan are beginning to spread. And growing so that they don't just transport boats and plane, but transplant entire countries between worlds.

Mobilization for War
Massive convoys of freighters have been seen staging from the Soviet Union into Cuba. Analysts believe that the Soviet Union plans to step in fully to support it's Worker's Union allies now that the Commonwealth is engaged elsewhere and unlikely to be able to uphold the North American Pact.

In the Pacific there are further worries that the Vuurkoekje Empire will also take advantage to launch another invasion of Chile as the war has yet to officially end there. Chile itself has begun sending diplomats to surrounding countries to garner new allies in the event of a second stage of the conflict.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 41.5

To the Papacy (41.5)
[OOC: While I fluffed this as an in-person meeting, it is not a PM unless you want this conversation to be. I have no problem with that, I just don't want to spend one of my two without knowing.

Also, there's a wikihow article on how to address the Pope. :smalltongue:

If anything comes across as offensive, that's my fault. Alvaro is a good and proper Christian, so he knows the proper manners here.]

High Commander Alvaro, the man in charge of the sprawling Commonwealth military and espionage apparatus, steps from the craft, wearing the formal dresswear of his nation. Genuflecting before His Holiness, he speaks, "Santo Padre, I am High Commander Alvaro. I am here to explain my recent campaign against the Hippy Republic of Texas."

Upon recognition by the pope, he stands and continues,

"We're not asking for your approval. We're not asking for your blessing. I just want you to understand why the Commonwealth is doing what it is doing. And, after I've given you that, I'd like to discuss Chile if you would be willing."

Settling into wherever the discussion is to take place, Alvaro sighs heavily.

"It would be best to start at the beginning. Tiberius, when he presided over the Aurum Imperium, founded the Wardens, an international body to monitor and resolve mystical phenomenas that could prove to be dangerous. The Cabal and the Algiers Consortium were the other initial members, all having looked into the Maelstrom. The Hippy Republic of Texas was invited soon after as the fourth member. Through the years, the Wardens investigated what they could, aiding greatly in the destruction of the asteroid that would have led to Earth's extinction.

At the same time, a false flag attack was attempted and failed by the Texans upon Venezuela. Their operatives tried to frame the Cabal of some nefarious doings. Based upon the choice of nation to blame, as well as the perpetrator, it seems most likely this was intended to turn the Aurum Imperium, one of the core founders and backers of the Commonwealth of Latin America, against the necromancers, for unknown reasons.

However, the very fact that this is the only known act of espionage undertaken by the Texans makes it seem like this is only the first time they had been caught. Years of Warden work, and Tiberius had to question what their real intentions were. After the CLA fell, and this Commonwealth was stabilized, my spies probed them for the reason for the falseflag operation and found nothing. And this past year, I attempted to do so once more, but again came up with nothing. I cannot even find evidence it ever happened. My covert assets number [74], I'd like to think one of the most capable in the world. If a nation can keep things hidden after two investigations, I can't even imagine what other secrets they hold. We feared for what they may do as our northern neighbor. Their drugs are extremely potent and magically enhanced, increasing suggestibility of the user.

Considering those two factors, Tiberius deemed it too dangerous to allow an extremely capable mystical power, with an unknown but seemingly potent covert operations department, with literal tons of mind-altering drugs flowing across the globe, to be allowed to continue its operations."

Lost in the story, Alvaro snaps back to attention, centering his gaze on the Pope.

"I marched alongside Tiberius' legions to free my nation from the mad Aztec Emperor. He is a good man and wishes for the safety of the world. My deployment to Chile, defending against the Vuurkoekje, an endeavor you backed, should be evidence of that. But the Hippy Republic has ingrained itself in the good will of the world. Meanwhile, our own focus on improving our military for the sake of fighting off the empires of the world, has soured our relations. No court would have heard our claim. It would just be seen as us trying to lash out against a neighbor. And so be it. We will shoulder the burden of the world's enmity, if it means stopping a threat to the security of the world."

Not looking particularly hopeful as to the results of his explanation, Alvaro concludes, "Unless you wish to ask any questions, then I would request we talk about Chile? Obviously, my forces are occupied. Tiberius is attempting to convince the Vuurkoekje to back off, but if that fails, then it's quite possible our work there was all for naught. They don't have the army to hold off for more than a year, and even that is pushing it. I hope you can again rally support for their defense? And I would suggest you talk to Venezuela. I don't believe they particularly want to hear from Tiberius right now. North America will likely be occupied by the return to violence of their civil war, and I don't know if any other nations of the Americas particularly care. You might be able to convince the Pacific powers that the Vuurkoekje will target them next, but most are rather isolationist. There is a reason the CLA collapsed..."

To the Kobolds and the Patriots (15.5)
With the Soviets mobilizing for full martial support of the Worker's Union, the Commonwealth requests a war room meeting between the powers of the North American Pact.

[OOC: PM conversation]

To the Wardens (23.5)
So I believe the plan is to conduct the operation at [EoT]? I will do what I can, but there is much to deal with on the home front.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire (?)
Look, I have no issues with you building a Pacific empire, but Chile is my ally and therefore I am obligated to come to their defense. I will not interfere with any expansion of yours that does not go against either them, the Kobolds, or the Patriots. And possibly Canada, if they join the North American Pact. Or myself, obviously, but I doubt either of us truly want that. Those are my only ties to other powers as of this moment, and I will honor my agreements. If you agree to leave them alone, then I will give you my word, I will not try to stop you. If necessary, I may be convinced to aid you in some manner, if that means you don't target my allies.

-Prime Speaker Tiberius

To GM (PM)
I have come to the realization that Tiberius actually wants the Vuurkoekje to expand. He needs potent militaries across the world to fight off the alien's attack, and clashing with them repeatedly runs counter to that. Which is very interesting...

[Mabn]

Algieria


[EoT] or [Midturn] whichever. At this point I am ready to the point of overkill. Crawlers for 251 points + whatever the Walloons have airborn and 142.5 points of tech and mil specifically trained for the expedition.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

Our troops [around 25 points] aren't exactly airborn, but we do have weather balloon researchers [around 90 points] if that's what you were referring to. We're ready to roll at either as well though

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

Wardens (23.5)
I would suggest both then. At least on incursion at [Midturn] to gather samples from deeper within the clouds, plot a course, and lay the groundwork for the full endeavor at [EoT].

[ArcaneStomper]

Patriots to the Commonwealth and the Kobolds
The patriots agree to a meeting.

The Vuurkoekje Empire to the Commonwealth
Not so eager to defend the weak now that you are conquering them are you. Very well we can agree not to attack any of your allies if you agree not to send any aid to anyone else we go to war with.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

"It's spreading. State Security has been reporting a spike in...problems along the coastal regions."

"Can this be mitigated or stopped?"

"We're not sure. And our research isn't being helped by the Japanese or our friendly northern comrades."

"I foresee greater allocation of spending toward our navy."

"Truly a great seer you are."

"Speaking of which, how is the project coming along."

"We're still looking. This is a very large country."

To: Highsmark, Soviet Union

Comrades,

We are delighted with the completion of the pan-Asian pipeline. This project is a testament to the industrial strength of our nations.

We wish to convey to you that our relations with our northern counterparts have deteriorated considerably. During a purely scientific research expedition, a PRC vessel was turned back by the Japanese and northern Chinese navies. Not only do such moves threaten stability across Asia but also halt any progress on a potentially dangerous anomaly developing in the East Sea.

Due to the variety of threats that surround the communist bloc, we offer the following terms in order to ensure security across the continent and prosperity for all of our nations.

1) Creation of the Eurasian Defensive Pact. All members would be required to come to the aid of any member who is engaged in a conflict defensively. This would exclude wars started by member nations.

2) Sharing of research information. As a token of our goodwill, we are attaching readings from the anomaly observed by our scientists.

3) Greater economic exchange.

We await your responses.

Attached are readings from the research team.

To: Commonwealth
Hello,

As promised, we are sending data gleamed by our scientists during an expedition into the anomaly. Unfortunately, we were unable to fully carry out the mission objectives due to the presence of the Japanese and north Chinese navies.

In the interest of understanding this potentially dangerous and destabilizing area in the East Sea, we would like to request that the Commonwealth issue a general statement that scientific expeditions should not be hampered by international politics.

Attached are readings from the research team.

[ForzaFiori]

the Papacy

The Commonwealth

The Pope greats High Commando Alveran, and allows him to kiss his ring before ushering him into the Vatican for their meeting. He listens carefully as he talks, and takes a moment to think before speaking. The tale you have told is... difficult to believe. And you admit urself that, other than ur word, you have no proof of ur accusations. However, you were a true ally to the Catholic Cause in Chile. That merits something. I cannot say i believe you fully at this point, but im willing to a least withhold condemnation. If u can bring us proof of ur accusations, we could be persuaded to give you our backing in your cause. For the time being, however, we will be seeking to gain a full knowledge of all sides, and will be in contact with both the Hippies and Venezuelans. he pauses, and then continues on the second subject. We will of course continue to help the Chileans. The volunteer forces have been turned into an official unit of the Papal Armed Forces, and would be offered in full to Chile, in addition with what else we can give. We will also talk to the rest of South America, and the other nations you mentioned.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To the Papacy (41.5)
One of Alvaro's staff interrupts the meeting, properly genuflecting before the Pope, and handing the High Commander a note. Glancing through it, his face darkens. "It would seem that Chile should not be a problem. However, Tiberius seems to have made a metaphorical deal with the devil... The Commonwealth shall not aid any nation against the Vuurkoekje, in exchange for the Empire leaving our allies alone. Which makes your role even more important. South America cast off the perceived yoke of the Commonwealth years ago, and we have little rapport with our former compatriots. But you have the good will and reputation to be able to organize multinational support. If you are willing, you could serve as the foil to the Vuurkoekje, as our own efforts must be focused more northward.

And, due to our own alliances within the continent I must ask, would you be willing to help the Patriots against the assault of the Soviets? They do not accept the one true God, and the Americas are one of the main bastions of Catholicism in the world. We cannot lose the former United States to heathens..."

To the Vuuurkoekje Empire
The HRT are cowards who hide behind whispers and shadows, but unfortunately not weak. It will take time to bring them to justice.

To more formalize our agreement... Neither of us shall send aid, martial or otherwise, to the nations the other is at war with, nor shall either of us attack any allies of the other, in case of the eventuality that you discover a nation that is actually worthy of that honor. I will agree to that if you do.

North American Pact (Patriots and Kobolds) (PM)
Prime Speaker Tiberius, wearing the typical rune-etched business suit the Commonwealth's elite find fashionable, exchanges typical pleasantries with the other delegates and launches straight to business. "It would seem it is in all of our best interests for this war of mine to end quickly. As I have no intention of falling back from a successful campaign, that would mean my forces must find success. I would greatly appreciate both of your assistance so that the First Earth Division is prepared to meet, and counter, the Soviet incursion."

To the People's Republic of China (?)
Thank you for your data. Unfortunately, our expedition amounted to an advance warning of the rumors that have spread this past year...

Nonetheless, we will provide you with everything we did. Would you be willing to conduct a joint venture into the Zone, at some point when my nation is not otherwise occupied which, ideally, will occur soon? It is possible that if we utilize my ships, as a Warden, Japan and North China may have less issues with accepting the expedition. I would rather not publicly make any claims to permit your own vessels into their waters, as world opinion has already soured upon my interference in other nation's affairs. Due to prior relations, I will contact Japan. North China... I do not expect they will be eager to hear from me, so I think it best to focus on the eastern portion of the anomaly.

Exploration into the anomalous zone yields some interesting results. Nothing of particular value or interest has been found, and the expedition mostly spent it's time surveying islands and establishing a base for future exploration. However their surveys produced valuable information on the nature of the anomalies. First of all is the fact that there is in fact more land in the area than there should be. In fact there are more islands than should even fit in the Sea of Japan. However this does not show up on satellite observations or high altitude reconnaissance flights. What does show up is that the area appears to be shifting. Islands observed one day are gone the next and replaced with new ones elsewhere.

From the ground the effects are more stable. Sometimes islands will shift position relative to each other, but usually navigation between them is more stable and charts can be made. This leads the expedition's leaders to believe that the land itself isn't disappearing and reappearing, but that they are traversing portals leading to other worlds which have different geography than the one they came from. This leads to the possibility that there are even more lands beyond the Sea of Japan, which could be accessed with further exploration.

[OOC: If possible, transfer all my data and recordings over to PRC. If it's going to take a joint action to share, maybe EoT will be less busy.]

To Japan
We were hoping to send another expedition into the anomaly this year. Would you still be open to allowing us access? In addition, we would like to host PRC scientists on our vessels as well. They may be able to provide additional view points our own alchemists cannot. In the interest of ensuring this phenomenon doesn't spread further, we'd like to do everything in our power to understand it. Pending your approval, of course.

[ArcaneStomper]

The Soviet Union to Highsmark and Southern China
We can agree to the formation of a Eurasian Defensive Pact. Such an alliance will do much to further the cause of the people. However we believe the other points are as yet premature. For one there are other matters we must turn our attention to first. Namely the various conflicts going on around the world.

The Vuurkoekje Empire to the Commonwealth
We can agree to such a treaty. Although we had not expected you to be so willing to formalize an agreement with us.

North American Pact Meeting
The Patriot's representative is visibly furious at Tiberius's words. "Absolutely not. We will not help you conquer the HRT. We may find their philosophies distasteful, but only a decade ago we were fellow citizens. Many of my people still have family in Texas. We do not like this war at all, and we will not help you conquer them."

"You are very lucky that both we and our counterparts on the east coast are in engaged in our own wars or we would be helping the HRT, not you. Bear in mind if the Soviet Union invades to support the Worker's Union, then we will be calling on you to fulfill your treaty obligations."

Japan to the Commonwealth
You are free to continue sending your expeditions. However we must insist that if you include chinese scientists in your expedition, then may only be scientists. We will not let the communists gain a foothold by sending in military personnel disguised as a research mission.

South China and Commonwealth (OOC)
Exchanging research data requires an action. Or more precisely you can exchange research data without spending an action, but it won't actually get the faction which is receiving the data anything concrete.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

North American Pact (PM)
We have no intention of aiding you in conquering Texas. It's simply not practical, as even if we helped you, the Soviets would still be able to launch their attack before we could conclude the campaign. Good news is that we've got the rusting spell completed and combat ready, so we should be able to attack the Worker's Union. Still they are dug in, and it wouldn't prevent a war with the Soviets. Paraodinix said, tapping one massive claw on the ground. However...I may have another solution. Our own research has developed a spell that is quite frankly an atrocity. If the Soviets invade, we could unleash the spell on them. But even if the spell only hit military targets, I'm sure that our international reputation would suffer greatly for bestowing such a horrific fate upon humans. On the other hand, it would almost certainly annihilate any attacking force.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Soviet Union
We understand your reserve and wish to focus upon emerging threats. Nevertheless, we are delighted with your approval of the Eurasian Defensive Pact.

To: Commonwealth
We thank you for the offer and agree to the proposal of a joint expedition. We will prepare a team at [midturn].

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 41.5

To Japan
Of course, I would not permit Warden actions to be tainted with national interests. Thank you for your offer.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire
Despite everything I did during my reign as Princeps of the Aurum Imperium, I don't have ill will towards your Empire. I may disagree with your threats to massacre civilians, but I think you have too much honor to actually follow through with that. You served as a useful foil in establishing my own reputation as a defender of Latin America and aided the formation of the Commonwealth of Latin America. But now... Things have changed. The world does not want me to serve as its protector, and yet I must. There are threats far worse than you that Earth must be prepared for. The Vuurkoekje spanning the Pacific, with a proper war machine, is in the best interests of the planet, and therefore myself.

Ah. And, as I'm sure you're aware, the Soviets are likely to be sending ships en masse across the Pacific. I would hope they pay the proper toll for your work in keeping the sea lanes open. Without that, they'd likely lose some of their war material to the sea monsters that used to prowl your waters.

To North China
Greetings,

I was wondering if you would permit me to send an expedition into the Rupture Zone? I am wary as to what exactly the nature of the phenomenon is, as well as whether anything may come out of it. May I have access through your waters with scientific vessels? And would you allow me to include your rebelling southern half's scientists on the ship? I will ensure they do nothing but investigate the anomaly. This is a potential threat to all parties bordering it, as well as possibly a much greater area. It must be dealt with.

I understand if the growing ties between the Soviets and the "People's Republic of China" prevent you from contributing material to the actual effort, but I will do what I can to deal with the Rupture. Unfortunately, I have my own conflicts to deal with as well.

To the People's Republic of China
Unfortunately I will be occupied at [Midturn]. And quite possibly at [EoT] as well, thanks to the Soviets. I would appreciate being kept in the loop about your operations, but I understand if you'd rather not aid me for nothing in return.

And, as a curiosity, if we wished for closer ties with the non-capitalistic powers of the world, how would we go about doing so?

North American Pact (PM)
Tiberius retorts with a scowl, "Your former citizens run an international drug empire that finances covert operations. I don't care whatever lies they've told to cover that, I am not fooled."

"But we have more important matters to attend to. Namely your war. If the rusting ritual is confined to a geographically bound area, then you should wait until the Soviets make landfall. Catching the entire force within its effects might disarm the entire invasion, and allow for a counter-offensive. As for the other ritual, the Commonwealth has no qualms with doing what is necessary for the safety of the world, opinions be damned. Did you alter the rusting ritual to affect people with the aging effect? Or another method?

And I have convinced the Vuurkoekje to not attack Chile, which means I do not have that potential war to deal with. It also places their fleets at home, in the way of the Soviet convoys. As is their way, I hope they'll exact a toll, or possibly raid the ships en route. But that's a distant hope. I have asked the Pope if he would be willing to aid against the godless communists, which he may be willing to do. Is there anyone else we can call upon? Canada, maybe?"

[OOC: "we and our counterparts on the east coast" Are the Patriots still divided up into regional powers? I was assuming that they were unified under a single government again.]

Internal (PM)
Trying to get closer ties to the Vuurkoekje so we can come to some agreement between nationalistic warmongers, possibly an alliance of rogue states. It would also be nice if they either raided the Soviets convoys, or charged some exorbitant fees for their passage. Up to them.

Sowing discord between North China and their neighbors in the hopes they come to me with some offers, as they are RAPIDLY being hemmed in. Dunno what I'd do with that, but no reason not to.

And trying to warn the Patriots I have no problems with switching to the communist's side if necessary. Admittedly wouldn't be that easy, but I want to float the idea, both to try to get concessions with Texas and to hopefully get the Warsaw Pact to give me some reason to turn. Mainly a bluff, but I'm not adamantly against it.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Commonwealth

We understand your preoccupations and hope for a peaceful resolution. Assuming the prior terms are still acceptable, we will transfer any findings from any future expeditions.

If your question is revealing of a desire to pursue diplomacy, we would be open to further dialogue.

Ideological differences aside, the global community shares several mutual interests that would be ideal for targeting. Among them are obviously a desire for security and progress. While our nations clearly pursue these objectives in different manners, we nevertheless see room for mutual development. Our own relation concerning research on the Asian Anomaly is a clear example. One political narrative describes progress as a move toward a classless, democratically-managed society. Another sees progress as a means of empowering individuals while simultaneously providing new areas for market growth. Regardless of the end result, we are all racing toward the same endpoint.

Assuming a Western power is interested in dialogue, we would be happy to serve as a link between East and West.

[ArcaneStomper]

North China to the Commonwealth
We are willing to allow purely scientific expeditions access to our waters. Although we would prefer that scientists from our rebellious provinces not be involved.

North American Pact (PM)
The Patriots don't condone the use of "Atrocity" spells. They point out that the Soviets have their own atrocity weapons in the form of an extremely large nuclear stockpile. And that's not even considering what else they might have developed on the magical front. So far this has been a more or less conventional war, and they don't want to be the first side to start using weapons of mass destruction.

On the other hand they are skeptical about any help that the Vuurkoekje might provide. There is after all no access to the Worker's Union from the Pacific, and they believe most of the convoys to be staging through Cuba, which unless the Commonwealth is letting supplies through Panama most likely means the Soviets are sending them across the Atlantic. They do agree that it will at least keep the Soviets from launching any amphibious assaults on the their Pacific coast.

The Patriots mention that they will send a represntative to Canada, but they don't expect quick results there.

(OOC: Most diplomatic access has been through representatives of the Patriots on the Pacific coast. Occasionally the eastern patriots send a representative, but they haven't been participating in the war. Outside observers aren't really sure how unified the two regions are as the Eastern Patriots have become very insular and withdrawn.)

To Commonwealth (GM)
I'm not seeing where you're giving any hints to the Patriots that you might switch sides. And if I don't see it, then the Patriots don't see it. For obvious reasons.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 41.5

North American Pact (PM)
[OOC: Oh... This whole time I've been thinking the Patriots / Worker's Union were directly split East-West. Now I think I remember the Kobolds waging a campaign to retake the West Coast. Nevermind about the Vuurkoekje helping. That just makes it all about avoiding a Chilean war then. My bad.]

"A valid point. Well, I will get back to the both of you if the Pope replies. Until then, best of luck."

To North China
I understand. However, would it not be better to occupy their researchers on an endeavor you can benefit from instead of working on weapons of war? At least channel their effort away from their rebellion?

To the People's Republic of China
Japan has no issue with your assistance if it is strictly scientists. North China... Didn't expressly forbid it, but was reluctant. I'm hoping to convince them however. Again, I am unsure if I will have the people available. Certainly not at [Midturn], but possibly I will have my investigative divisions free at [EoT]. Provided Algiers has the fog expedition under control. On a related note, would you be interested in joining the Wardens as an associate member? If you follow through with this investigation, you will be promoted to equivalent level as myself and the Consortium.

As for relations, I was hoping to return my nation to a role in international affairs. Since the fall of the Aurum Imperium, I have somewhat retreated from the world stage. But with all this conflict, I feel it's time to build ties with powers outside of the Americas. At the least so communications are in place for times of trouble, if not for more cooperative endeavors.

[OOC: So, historical context, if you haven't read CA 1: From last game, the Aurum Imperium was Tiberius' old nation. Benevolent dictatorship moving towards a democracy ruling Brazil that created the Commonwealth of Latin America, which was an alliance network unifying the region. Between games, Brazil voted out, and then persecuted, his order of alchemists, and they took refuge in Mexico and Guatemala, the other two anchors of the CLA. South America basically left, opting for more isolationist or nationalistic tendencies, and Central America unified into the Commonwealth to boost morale and pool resources.]
--------------------------------------------------------
Behemoth tanks, battlemages, alchemists... Despite all of the tools High Commander Alvaro, the de jure leader of the military-intelligence apparatus of the Commonwealth, had access to, there was nothing he could do about the condemnation of the war Tiberius had saddled him with. Now with the Vuurkoekje mobilizing in the Pacific, and a nearly guaranteed reigniting of their allies' civil war to the north, backed with the full might of the Soviets... There was no end in sight to the conflict. Not that he minded, truly. He had served his nation since before the Aztec Empire established their bloody regime, having found his purpose in the armed forces. The First Earth Battalion was one of the finest institutions in the world, well funded and well armed since the Commonwealth had been carved out of the carcass of the CLA. Didn't make it any easier to see the world look down upon his duty, though. But he had sworn his oath. Public opinion wasn't his purview and it did little good to dwell on it. Now how to combat the fleet of heavily armored, amphibious vans the "Hippies" used as mobile bases for their militias... That was something to think about.

Internal (GM)
Mainly me trying to tighten ties with the PRC. I'm unsure if the Patriots have enough Espionage to read that however. Fair enough.

I'll add the fluff to this tonight. I'm... Not entirely sure how to write this in a manner that doesn't correctly portray me as a warmonger, so I'm going to need to think about it for a while.

Mildly trying to seed Alvaro being the sane one of the joint leadership. If necessary, I'd like to try to "purge" Tiberius by sending him to ground in the Cult of Tiber, while Alvaro enacts a coup to "save" his nation. Don't expect to need it, don't really expect it to work. But I like the dichotomy, so no reason not to.

Midturn - Updated to Prevent Me from Initiating the USSR-Patriots War:
The First Earth Division, Cult of Tiber, and Section 9 again work towards taking control of the HRT. Research hacks into the computer and communications networks of the hippies, technologically and/or magically, and serve as advance scouts and reconnaissance for my forces. They also scatter a plethora of backdoors in the systems, to provide access for another assault at [EoT] and hopefully a boost to the Stalwart's investigations for data. If I choose to send them that way. And, if I find out anything more about the Republic, that would be nice as well.

The Division's current objective is to dominate territory and establish secure supply routes northward, up to the border with the Worker's Union. I basically want freedom of movement in a corridor starting in Commonwealth lands, up through the HRT, ending at their northern boundary, ideally with control of both the coast line and far enough inland that the Soviets can't just shell my convoys. Due to the nature of interactions, I believe this allows me to abide by the rules of the Pact as Tiberius will declare war as soon as Soviets start the fighting, and he'll do any political work necessary. On the way up, use data gleaned by my hackers to target the armored vans of the Hippies with overwhelming force, so I can attempt to prevent them from engaging in an effective counter-attack. They've lost a third, and I'd like to put another hefty dent into that.

Overall, do what I have to do to follow the rules stipulated by my alliance, try to gain more ground in the HRT with intent to both hold the territory as well as have logistical access to their northern border in preparation for aiding with this civil war, and dig into the Hippy's systems to acquire data, both to aid the war effort and to try to better understand the Republic.

Now, as the Soviets are almost certain to route through Cuba, I'm going to have the following orders in place:
>If they get uncomfortably close to my personal waters and seem to be preparing to attack my lands, my military and hackers turn their attention from HRT, though keeping suitable guards in place to hold the Texan gains I've seized, and focuses full force on the USSR invasion. I want to drive them off, and back to Cuba, but I will not pursue past my waters.

>If there are indications they're going to make landfall in the HRT, have my forces fall back to the lands I have control over and make the best use of defensive positions as I can. Main aim is to prevent them from acquiring a beachhead and drive them back to Cuba, but if not possible, try to minimize my losses.

>However, if they land in Patriot or Worker's Union territory... Maintain my current campaign of acquiring land. Part of my hope with taking Texas was to have direct land access to the Worker's Union, with secured supply routes. I don't want to fight a war where my convoys have to divert all the way through the Western Patriots to get shipments north, nor do I want to have to deal with a likely guerrilla war behind my lines. If I find Soviets or Worker's Union companies within strikable distance (and war has already been declared), try to wipe them out, and pursue a reasonable distance but not far enough to lose support of my other battalions. Provide as much aid as I can to the Patriots, while marching my soldiers up north to be able to enter their civil war fully at EoT. Right now, I just want the groundwork to be able to do that and hold on to my gains.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

You're right, the place is ridiculous. Who knew?

Heartfelt greetings, people of mountains and air! Many children like balloons, do you know why? Years out of date, somebody's forefathers took a good long look at the world and said, "What is to gain?" Our tidings in this hour are lighter than the air itself, much like your majestic crafts. It is because balloons bounce back up and deny the laws we say are undeniable. In economics as in physics, the balloon is bound to pop or slowly deflate. Our people, if not our nations, are too old to really risk it all now. If your teamwork can command the weather, what can our teamwork not command? Rain or shine, friends help each other out. For all your history, others have imposed upon your territory and for most of ours, nobody even acknowledged Why should two friends impose on each other's? Our offer: a sitcom entitled, "We Aren't Autonomous Sections of Our Neighbors Anymore" Were our economic branches to combine, we could bring all of Europe into a golden new age. Friends?

ECON: give back to Central Europe, India, and Oceania financially. Strengthen ties to all of my independent origin points.
MIL: Do I have a new stat for the forces? If so, train them in possible collaboration with forces from local governments.
RES: Monitor the activity on the moon and all our collected data.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

Yes. A friendship between two economic powerhouses will be very beneficial. Plus our researching capacities could work together nicely. What did you have in mind?

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

North American Pact
Very well then. We will hold the spell as a final resort. Now let us turn our attention to beating back the Worker's Union. Our rust spell is ready, and our troops are in position. Now is the time to strike, before the Soviets arrive.

Midturn
1. Our Modified Kobolds will be launching an attack alongside the patriots using our rusting spell to break the defenses of the Worker's Union.

2. Karathenolias will inspire and lead our troops, hopefully her presence and on the fly tactics will provide that much needed boost to break the enemy army.

3. My Research will go to developing a new magic item. Large pillars that can channel a spell through them, amplifying their power and range.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Each new day brings possibility.

space station in low orbit
fantastiforceTM special operatives
global government supply monopoly
weregiraffes?
assist with African fog
colonize bottom of ocean/moon/active volcano
robopresidents

If any of these pursuits or others would be of interest, we can begin preparation immediately.

[thekazooist]

Walloons
Of course. Commander DuPond, and the other leaders took a look at your items. Here are the notes they gave me to pass to you.

space station in low orbit
-Sure
fantastiforceTM special operatives
-Sure
global government supply money
-Please elaborate
weregirraffes
-We don't see what would good come from this project.
African fog
-Already being taken care of with wardens
colonize bottom of ocean/moon/volcano
-Sure
robopresidents
- Please Elaborate

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China


Create/begin creation of a nationwide cybernetic system, codenamed Project Hongyang, that takes in data from factories, mines, farms, and other economic infrastructure in order to better guide the command economy. This system would use production data to forecast potential squeezes in future supplies for a variety of resources, allowing for a faster response time to potential disruptions.
[Research]

Using hundreds of Daoist sages, scour country for location of Laozi's grave. (GM: hoping to resurrect/commune with him as a way of gaining insight into how to tackle anomaly; figured a godlike sage might have some clues)
[Military]

Redacted.
[Redacted]

[Nyna]

Mylira

The Pixie Brigade will attempt to track down the thieves that stole from the archives.

The Priestesses and the First Princess will begin repairing the damage done, along with furthering research and improving the library with information gleaned from their work with the Tree.

[ArcaneStomper]

World News

Midturn 5

Algeria's massive expedition has set off into the fog shrouded center of Africa. So far there has been no news of what they discovered.

Around the world the Red Pentagon organization is rapidly becoming one of the premier charity organizations as it brings relief to those in need. Especially those of a nonhuman nature.

The economies of Central Europe, India, and Oceania are booming. True Zealand has begun focusing it's investments and developments in those regions. Most likely because most of it's citizens once called those places home.

The Kobolds and Patriots have launched an attack on the Worker's Union. Led by the dragon Karathenolias Kobold warriors have torn into the Worker Union tank divisions. Which soon become rust divisions as Patriot mages unleash a new line of entropic spells on their ideological rivals. Unprepared for the magical assault the Worker's Union is pushed back and scrambles to reform a defensive line. The only thing keeping the Worker's Union from being overrun is the appearance of a group of commandos with soviet insignias. There are only a handful of them but they are supernaturally skilled. Somehow they always seem to be in just the right place to avoid Kobold claws and Patriots spells while their own shots always strike home. Under their leadership the Worker's Union manages to hold the line, even if it is a considerable distance east of their original positions.

Further south the Commonwealth continues its invasion of the Hippie Republic of Texas. Moving away from the coast the Commonwealth army pushes the hippy militias back and secures a corridor leading up to the Worker's Union. Analysts believe that the Commonwealth plans to use the route in order to facilitate a logistics supply chain and open up a new front with the Worker's Union.

To the Commonwealth (GM)
The hacking operation is a success, and with the help of information on the Hippies plans and taps on their communication lines the First Earth Division is able to forge a path northward and secure a supply route to the Worker's Union without taking even minor casualties. They also capture several large plantations which can be used to bolster the Commonwealth's economy. A major victory.

However the agents sifting through the information gleaned about the Hippie Republic have some less encouraging news. They report that the Commonwealth has underestimated the Republic. Even with two major economic zones now in the hands of the Commonwealth the HRT's economy is still 40% larger than the Commonwealth's. And while almost half of their VANguard have been destroyed the analysts predict that the Hippies still have enough economic power to replace all their losses in mere months. Even with the victories so far the analysts believe it may still be years before the hippies are fully beaten now that they are gearing up for a war rather than spending their resources throwing worldwide parties.

(You know if your goal was to gain a supply line to the Worker's Union you could have just asked the Hippies to let you through.)

To Kobolds (GM)
The preliminary work is laid for creating obelisks for the channeling and storing of magical rituals.


To True Zealand (GM)
The region that originally gave rise to the entity that is now True Zealand benefit greatly from it's assistance. Their economies are booming and their people are happy. And the stock of True Zealand is rising in the world as countries strive to get on True Zealand's good side. Either in gratitude for the assistance, or in hopes that True Zealand will help them in turn.

The atypical response trains and readies itself for the types of missions it has been created for.

Scientists study the results gathered from scrying the moon. It appears that the two sides are evenly matched. They are fairly sure that the figures in power armor are human as they can catch the occasional bit of English comm chatter coming from them. The others they are less sure about. They are alien and apparently don't use radios so the scientists find it harder to gain even cursory information. There have been many strange creatures that have appeared since magic became public. These crystalline creatures could be a new strain. Or perhaps just a human faction that is a bit unorthodox in its designs.


To Mylira (GM)
The pixies search for evidence of who has stolen from the Song. They find evidence pointing to the necromancers of the Cabal of the Frozen Eye.

Meanwhile First Princess Iona leads the priestess in restoring the lost artifacts. Newly empowered Iona is able to reach more deeply into the song than ever before and the priestesses transcribe all the knowledge that she shares. New artifacts are empowered and the archives are even more extensive than they were before the thefts.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

North American Pact (PM)
What is your battle plan for [EoT] and how may I be of assistance? I would put forward the possibility of attempting to hunt down and end the Soviet commandos, but I feel that this is likely just the beginning of the USSR's aid.

Internal (GM)
Oh, no, this is warmongering for the sake of territorial expansion and acquiring resources. The logistical access just opens up more avenues in the future. While Tiberius does believe the HRT are nefarious, I want to use this war to expand, gain resources, and have land access to the former US factions.

Mainly, I just dislike leaving my combat stats at home, as I feel it makes for a boring game. And since I played last game as a champion of the weak, I kinda want to try the other side of the coin and join the imperialistic powers. Heh. I guess I'm playing something like the Aztlan Hegemony as it was meant to be, instead of the passive colonizer I ran it as.

Though I feel it may be a good point to try to broker a peace deal. I've got the primary things I wanted and have little reason to try to annihilate them. Except for maybe they'll try to get revenge... Hm. I'll think about it.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Commonwealth
We will consider the offer. What are the terms that we would have to agree to if inducted into this organization?

We will prepare a team in anticipation of a future [EoT/later] expedition.

[Mabn]

Algeria

We have definitely found something, but it looks like our guess of an expansionist world power may have been off the mark. No life of any kind was found within the fog. There is a large object of unknown type and origin at the origin coordinates however. We plan to study it. We should have a semipermanent camp assembled nearby within a week from which we intend to shield the nearby airspace. Your scientists are welcome to join us.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 41.5

To Wardens
... Of unknown type and origin? ... The dearth of life leads me to worry that this may relate to the alien fleet in the Oort cloud. The extraterrestrial message a decade ago was a computer virus to infect magitech for an unknown purpose, the asteroid was a self-correcting vessel with intent to impact the Earth, and this could be another part of their laying the groundwork for an invasion. In which case, this is very, very bad.

Admittedly, even if it's a separate issue, it is still very bad. I will see what I can do to divert resources. I am unsure whether I will be able to. Be wary of it. It's possibly a more advanced mixture of magic and technology than we have seen before.

As well, I put forward the possibility of having the People's Republic of China join this body for their work with the Rupture Zone of their region. We need more people to deal with all the phenomena, and they are already willing.

To the USSR
Greetings,

I just wanted to check to see if you had been paying attention to the Star Folk issue at all. I have reason to suspect that the African Fog may be associated with them, which is ominous.

To the People's Republic of China
Effectively? Don't use the Wardens as a cover for actions that are hostile to other governments. As long as you follow that, and do what you can to resolve mystical issues in the world, you're fine. I put forward your name to Algiers. If they accept, you can be added on as an associate member with access to our meetings. Complete an investigation, as much as you can, and we'll consider you for full member status.

Currently, it is really only the Consortium and myself, with Walloonia as our only associate member. And I am somewhat bound into North American affairs, so we are undermanned.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Send an audio message to the Knights through the com we picked up. If impossible, record and leave it somewhere it will be found by them.
Knights,
We are representatives of a non-aggressive exploratory conglomerate which has recently begun to observe this the moon of Earth. Knowing that you are engaged in combat across this satellite's surface but little else, we would ask for any information on your conditions and customs that you feel inclined to give.
We do not wish to hinder you or invade your lands, we wish to understand.

Leave a visual message for the Sssl in the form of a stone tablet not too close to our scrying ports but where they will certainly find it.
Portray the Maatinat above three images: the spirits standing on the moon, the spirits standing on the moon with the Sssl, and just the Sssl on the moon. Below each of the three, have a box for them to mark.
Trying to figure out if they want us living together, will allow us elsewhere on the moon, or want us gone.

Hello again DuPond and others,
We have revised the list and put the tasks in order of priority.

Joint space station in low orbit
Coordinating special operative teams to address regional/global anomalies
Secure federal contracts for the manufacturing of government equipment and supplies, thereby becoming engrained in the world machine
4. roboweregiraffe presidents?

We have the power to do great things.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 41.5

To Arcane (GM)
Can I see True Zealand's messages to the moon aliens with my Espionage, or does that fall out of my electronic dragnet?

To the Hippy Republic of Texas (PM)
[OOC: If the HRT is willing, Alvaro meets with a representative to discuss peace or a cease-fire of some sort. I'll elaborate in my EoT. Took me a while to figure out what I want to do this turn, so I don't have time to properly negotiate in this IC, but I have a PM free which means other player's espionage doesn't factor into things. Sorry about my delay. I was unsure if I wanted to continue focusing on expansion or Warden work, but Warden work sounds more fun.]

[thekazooist]

Walloons

Ok. This year we've already committed our researchers, and our troops to help in Africa. Next year though we will start work on the space station. We'll continue our industrialization to prepare ourselves for the coming year. We don't have any idea what year it will be according to your calendar, but we plan to make it a year of growth and friendship.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Maintain the liberty of the calendar square:
1993TM is officially set to be the year of growth and friendship. Speaking of growth, does anyone need a new leg?
Sometimes when we are nervous, we pretend that we are just excited. This is a natural response to stress and not something to be ashamed of. Still, this time we are just excited.


Begrudgingly,
Your friends at Amita
Kangar 00
The Former High Council of Niktverhanden
"No matter how many legs you start off with, we'll give you a leg up."

[ArcaneStomper]

The USSR to the Commonwealth
We have been paying attention. More than you have we suspect.

True Zealand
A radio transmission is received after the message is sent. "Who is this? How did you get here."

The next time the spirits check the stone tablet it is covered in fractal pictographs that link all three images in an array of lines, curves, and crosshatching.

To the Commonwealth
True Zealand's encryption is greater than your network. So no.

(Remind me to update the encryption table after I do this turn. That way everyone can tell what they can read.)

The HRT is willing to meet with you to discuss peace.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

We are the High Council of a country nestled into the middle of Europe on Earth. We got here through a series of magical gates. How did you come to be brawling about the moon?

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 41.5

To the Soviet Union
Unfortunately, yes. Tiberius has been... Distracted. Hopefully, we'll be turning back towards more relevant matters.

-High Commander Alvaro

To the Hippy Republic of Texas (PM?)
[OOC: True Zealand has equal to or higher than 74 averaged Morale? Hm. Yeah, I'll poke you about it in the OOC once you put up announcements. With Espionage my highest stat, I've been assuming I beat everyone's encryption, but I guess Jaerug has been investing in Morale.

As for negotiations, I put up stuff in my EoT, but I'll put it here as well. Alvaro is meeting with them in person as a PM, if they want to, but I don't think it really matters.]

High Commander Alvaro meets with whatever representative the Hippy Republic sends, exchanging typical diplomatic pleasantries, and launches into the talks.

"I have a formal speech to give from Tiberius, but I don't think you want to hear that. So I'll be honest and direct. The Commonwealth's stipulations amount to an agreement where we maintain logistical access to the Worker's Union in order to support our allies in their civil war, preferably through remaining in control of the territory or through some carefully worded right of passage agreements, as well as maintaining direct control of our holdings on the coast for similar access to Cuba, as it is the local hub of Soviet shipping. I don't think either of us have any desire to prolong this engagement, as myself and Tiberius are hoping to deal with the increasingly growing number of calamities facing the Earth as part of the Wardens, instead of acting on years old actions undertaken before the creation of our current nation, despite his rather insistent belief that you are more nefarious than you claim."

[OOC: In mechanics terms, I'd like to keep the Economy I've acquired, or at least as much of it as I can. Represented by the ports, as that gives me IC justification to start putting pressure on Cuba. But, really, I want out of this war so I can focus on research and the Wardens, because I find that more fun then warmongering. And keep my military for the larger scale conflicts between alliance groups, because that as well is enjoyable.]

[thekazooist]

WALLOONs

Would the space station be for research, or espionage, or military purposes. Or a combination of the three?

Once this business in Africa finishes this year, we will unfortunately have to withdraw resources from this effort. We have other commitments we deem to be more pressing and worthwhile. We believe at that point if not already solved you can finish without the Walloons. We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we would like to remain part of the wardens. We wish you the best of luck.

OOC: So if you funnel a bunch of stats to improving another stat, and meanwhile that stat is working on something would the boosts from the other stats affect production?

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Like our ancient luminary Gaetzche Valderfüving, we wish to learn more through reason and observation of the matter beyond our earth. We can use the station to look out for the people below. A bit like ants targeted by a big, benevolent magnifying glass.

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 6

July 1st, 1992

Draconic Backstab
In a stunning turn of events the Kobolds have turned on their Patriot allies. Once united forces have fallen to fighting as Kobold warriors ravage Patriot infantry and assasins strike down the Patriot leadership. The entire Patriot-Worker's Union front has fallen into disarray as the Patriots fall back and the Worker's Union moves forward.

However the Worker's Union was not able to take advantage of this turn of events as the Commonwealth and the Hippy Republic of Texas have negotiated a ceasefire. This has allowed Commonwealth forces to invade through Texas opening up a new front in the North American War and bringing things to a stalemate once again.

Project Hongyang
In a glorious achievement of Communism the People's Republic of China (South) has unveiled Project Hongyang. Utilizing the latest in cybernetics and scrying technology the project is able to anticipate the needs of each province exactly and orchestrate the production and supply of what is necessary from available factories.

Almost overnight the People's Republic of China (South) economy has doubled as waste disappears and the people become assured of always their needs met and satisfied. Truly this is the ultimate in Marxist philosophy. "From each according to their ability, and to each according to their need."

The Stars above
The skies above are full of new stars as a result of the continued Highsmark space program. Highsmark has filled near Earth orbit with a plethora of satellites ranging from communication to scientific. This demonstration of aerospace technology from a country not normally associated with that branch of scientific progress has prompted a flurry of activity as many other countries attempt to prove to their people that they too can match the Highsmark.

Most can't, but their efforts have launched an even larger number of satellites which are crowding the sky as marks of national pride.

Mylira Blooms
The resurgent forest of Mylira has blossomed in recent months. Reports from visitors and observers are that numerous flowers have spread through the forest in numbers far above normal. These flowers have even spread beyond Mylira. Causing the surrounding countryside to be covered in abundant fields of colors, and pollen much to annoyance of allergy sufferers.

Be a Hero! Save the World!
Working from the basis of their campaign to combat the African fog the Algiers Consortium has launched a series of campaigns promoting what they call global heroism. They point out that the world of the past few years have been full of threats and anomalies. From the maelstrom of the Atlantic to asteroids in deep space.

Only a few have the potential to be world ending, but even one such anomaly not being dealt with would be enough. Despite this however most threats are only dealt with by one or two countries working alone.

In answer to this the Algiers Consortium calls for the people of the world to step up and call on their governments. They should demand action and prompt their governments to actually do something about world safety rather than hope someone else saves the day.

This has caused a global movement of environmental activism and a boost in immigration to countries that are seen as actually taking care of the world's problems.

1993™ The Year of Growth and Friendship
The world is changing. There are still wars in the world. The civil war in America continues to rage, and their are conflicts elsewhere. But overall the mood among the people of the world is hopeful. New and marvelous spells and technologies are discovered all the time, and the economy of the world is undergoing an unprecedented period of growth. Making life better for almost everyone.

Space is being explored. The skies above are being covered with an array of satellites, which bounce communications around the globe allowing for a tighter and more close knit world community. Some people are even proposing the construction of a space station to allow for a permanent human presence is space.

Charitable organizations around the world are expanding as people become more and more willing to donate their time and money to worthy causes. Areas stricken with poverty and natural disasters are being rebuilt as prosperous urban centers.

Magical anomalies around the world are being explored. And new and amazing discoveries are bringing on a new scientific revolution.

In short the people of the world are optimistic and believe that the new year will bring a new and shining world.

-Brought to you in part by the Walloons
and made possible by world citizens like you.

Rumors
-Sailors in the Atlantic have seen glimpses of something they describe as "huge and flying"

-The moon appears to be turning blue and green.

-The Vuurkoekje have cordoned off a large area in the Pacific.

[ArcaneStomper]

If you use two stats to boost a third stat which is doing something else. It would not boost that something else. As the increase to the third stat would not take place until the next turn.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Loyalty: 49.5

To the Worker's Union (?)
A quick question as to your intentions. Do you lay claim to the mantle of the United States and view the Patriots as a false regime, or do you seek to solidify your position as a legitimate state on your own, and the purpose of this war is to ensure the capitalists don't use force to subjugate your people?

To the Patriots (?)
Greetings,

I was wondering if you could shed some light on the Kobolds' actions? I have absolutely no idea why they would turn against such an old ally as yourself.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire ()
Hello again,

I have heard some rumblings of you cordoning off an area of the Pacific? Based on last time there being a wave of sea monsters ravaging shipping, is there anything I or the Wardens should know about? Need any help?

In addition, I was curious as to your opinion on the Kobolds' offensive against their former allies. I would assume their intentions are to take the western coast of the former US, which would place them in contention with your dominion over the Pacific. Hypothetically, would you be adverse to negotiating territorial divisions with them, with myself as a mediator? Alternately, have you considered taking advantage of this distraction for your own military aims?

To Kobolds (?)
Any reason for the sudden betrayal of the Patriots?

As well, does this mean you are no longer a member of the North American Pact? Technically speaking, attacking a fellow member does not nullify your membership, as it only pertains to hostile powers external to the continent. However standing by as the civil war continues may...

To be frank, I am primarily concerned as to the relationship of our two powers as well as the equilibrium of international relations. I do not wish for the Soviets to emerge as a unrivaled superpower, but my focus is on my work with the Wardens to East Asia and Africa. The NAP power bloc served as a useful counter to the reds, but your turning has thrown things off kilter. If another such alliance could be formed, it would allow me to have the Commonwealth solve the calamities of the world instead of more local concerns.

So, what I am getting at is, what side are you on, my friend? And what do you want?

Also, it would seem my people are currently unable to take on another large project. I don't have the resources to learn another major ritual. Which also applies to your obelisk network, if it is a similar effect.

[OOC: Forgot there was a limit of 5 Specials and hit it with VIPs, the Fog, the Portal Sea, and my own pet project.]


To Japan (?)
I have realized I have not asked your opinion of the Chinese breakaway state. As I have informed you before, I am working with them investigating the Portal Sea, which is yielding interesting data, but I do not entirely know what to expect in terms of the political makeup of the region with this new nation. Especially due to the Anomaly.

Over all, I have found South China to be a good partner in our joint endeavors, and much less... Virulent than North China about the communist and capitalist divide. Especially with the North American civil war, and the Kobolds' betrayal, the capitalist bloc is rapidly losing ground against the reds. If we can find factions within the Soviet-aligned powers that are not adverse to cooperation, we may be able to break their unified front. South China has been stepping up ties with the Soviet Union and Highsmark. This harms North China's position on them being a rebellious faction internal to their nation, which I think we can take advantage of.

Primarily, if you were to cooperate with myself and South China in exploring the Portal Sea, you could force North China to be the only regional power without a part in our expedition. This, coupled with their increasing isolation from the Soviet bloc, could allow you to force concessions from them in terms of territory or whatever you seek. Alternately, we could make overtures to North China and try to bend them to joining us in the purpose of a single bloc from dominating the globe, if not the exact philosophy of our nations.

To the People's Republic of China (South)
A worthwhile expedition, if I do say so myself.

I would like to continue exploring the Anomalous Zone, and your continued assistance would be very beneficial. Though I am not entirely certain as to what our focus should be.

I see a few paths before us. We could focus on the environment, fauna and flora, for the sake of finding resources for trade and research. We could attempt contact with the other explorers, and see if we can open up relations, possibly to coordinate research. Or we could try to hunt down the more high tech powers of the Breach, to reverse engineer their devices. Though the last sounds the worst by far. What do you think?

[OOC: Just to check, is this what you got in your EoT? I want to make sure we both know the results so we can make plans as to exact goals.]

The expedition into the portal sea continues. Operating from the expanding commonwealth base Commonwealth and south Chinese explorers continue to map out the anomalous regions of space present in the sea. They find many new islands, and in many ways their findings are similar to those of European powers in the age of exploration with countless new species of plants and animals being cataloged as islands are charted and portal sequences mapped. Those past explorers however did not have to deal with nests of feral chimeras, stone age tribes who had shamans that could call down lighting, the occasional slightly hostile northern Chinese explorers, or somewhat more friendly Japanese outpost.

Somewhat more unsettling are the occasional explorers who aren't Chinese or Japanese. Apparently from alternate parallel worlds they seem to be doing the same thing the Commononwealth expedition is doing. Setting up bases and mapping the area for future exploration. Most of them seem to be more or less equivalent to the expedition from this world in terms of technology and magic. But the explorers do spy one kilometer long flying ship that seems to have been constructed of futuristic materials and light beams.

To Walloons, Algiers Consortium (Wardens)
What is the plan for the Fog? Walloons, are you going to turn to work on other endeavors?

[OOC: To confirm, this is all on the fog, right? I want to figure out our plan.]
Using interlocked shield crawlers the Algiers Consortium creates a clear landing zone in the crater for additional equipment and personnel to be delivered from the rest of the Wardens. As the fog rolls around the cleared area occasionally the structure in the center of the crater can be seen. It is never fully out of the fog so the researchers from the three countries cannot get a good grasp of it's structure. What they see is jagged and spiky. Like a tower of black rock thrusting out of the ground, or into it given that it is in a crater. More disturbingly is the fact that it seems to move and distort, and the expedition crews swear they can hear strange sounds coming from it. A high pitched thrumming that barely registers in the ear, but itches at the backs of their minds.

At this point progress is blocked for a while. The various Warden scientists manage to take a few samples from the exterior, but the crawler shields do not extend inside it, and like the fog all scrying spells fail to penetrate the interior of the monolithic structure. However Prime Speaker Tiberius, newly arrived from the Commonwealth manages to make a breakthrough. By stripping the armor off a suit of prototype power armor the explorers are left with an exoskeleton with a powerful runic battery. This proves sufficient to power a small portable shield generator allowing expeditions into the interior of the structure.

Inside the explorers find a maze of twisting tunnels and corridors. Scattered around the area they find several machines that seem to pulse with arcane energy. These machines seem to be producing the fog. For the first time the researchers are able to acquire fog samples straight from source.

Internal (GM)
Since I kinda enjoy recording my intentions and goals with my posts, as a way to think through and solidify my plans, I'm going to keep on doing so. I feel it also helps you understand where I'm coming from, which may help frame NPC responses.

First block of messages is trying to gauge the situation in North America. I feel I need to choose a side between the Patriots and Kobolds, which will dictate my military usage. Generally, I'd prefer to side with a player, as I feel they're more willing to put aside the evilness of some of my actions to barter for their own gains, but if I can force the Patriots into a subordinate role to the Commonwealth (or annexation, in my wildest dreams), that may gain me more. The Vuurkoekje can be utilized as a weapon against either side, though it is unlikely I can convince them to fight without guaranteeing them territory. I could also play all sides against each other, putting effort towards crushing the Union with my full focus, while getting the Vuurkoekje to push back the Kobolds, while under the table promising them the Patriots land while I take the Union territory, in a betrayal of the nation. Though I guess that'd be more choosing the Vuurkoekje over the other two, really. Hm. I'm not sure what I want here. Preventing the Soviets from becoming the sole power bloc is probably most important to me, as world empires are bad (unless they're mine). This could be achieved with either side of the conflict, though. Really, I want to keep the Vuurkoekje on semi-friendly terms with myself, simply due to their military might. If they don't want to negotiate with the Kobolds, then I side with the Patriots. If they're willing to divvy up territory, then I'll probably go with Forum Explorer.

Second block is the Portal Sea work. I kinda want to try to convince the Japanese to join me and Ekpyrotic, though I'm not entirely sure how. I feel any sign of cooperation between Japan and South China will terrify North China, as it turns the odds against them in their civil war. Which I can maybe exploit to convince them to join us, making the Portal Sea a bi(tri?)-lateral effort by all powers of the Sea. That would mean Japan isn't preferring one over the other, as well as greatly expanding our assets in the region. Moreover, it would force them all to work together which could lay the bedrock of some manner of peace agreement, but that's an idle fantasy. I see maybe three options for the expedition. We could try to contact the other explorers and open diplomatic dialogues, we could focus on the land/fauna/natives and catalog them for potential exploitation, or we could gun for the futuristic air ship and see if we can seize it. Likely in descending order of benefit.

And then I'm not entirely sure what to do with the Fog. Or if Walloonia is going off on their joint endeavor with True Zealand instead of working with us.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

To Commonwealth and Algiers
This is correct, we regretfully must withdraw much of our support. If we have any spare resources we will let you know. If you need a little extra force we can provide it, but I'm not sure that's necessary. But there is more about the fog.Analysis of the fog shows that it is not actually fog, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead it appears to be comprised of trillions of microscopic machines, although there is some debate whether they are actually machines or organic in nature. At that size it is hard to tell. Currently such devices are far beyond the technology of any Earthly power to create, and are only theoretical. But it appears that these micromachines appear to get around certain limits of power and size by using nanoscopic runes to connect each device to the generator which produced it. These runes provide power and direction allowing for much more flexibility than a device of that size would be able to achieve on its own.

Study of the machines is still ongoing, but by using them it might be possible to direct the fog or restrict it from affecting certain things.

To True Zealand
We believe that with all of our pooled resources we should have a very effective space station by the start of 1994. What are you interested in doing with that?

Additionally we wanted to see what you thought of unifying Europe more closely together. (I suppose somewhat similarly to the CLA a few years back). The members would all have relative autonomy, but it'd be easier to pool resources for joint projects, and it'd bring all of our peoples closer together. We'd also be able to consolidate knowledge, and a satellite system. That way we might be able to deal with who seems to be our biggest space rival, highsmark. What do you think?

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Loyalty: 49.5

To Walloons and Algeria (Wardens)
Ah. Well. I think that confirms my alien theory. They have already shown themselves to be a potent developer of magitech with their virus, and with intent to conquer, based upon their asteroid and invasion fleet. Wonderful...

[Midturn], we need to do everything we can to turn back the fog. We need solutions, and fast. I think this is a trial run of a weapon, which means it can start sprouting up globally.

As for the Portal Sea, it does indeed appear to be a breach into other worlds. Myself and South China have observed explorers from other dimensions, stone age native tribes, and flocks of chimeras. Most appear to be equivalently as advanced as ourselves, but at least one has futuristic appearing technology. North China and Japan are doing similar expeditions, but do not wish to cooperate with ours.

The Vuurkoekje may have an anomaly on their hands, which I've inquired about, but we'll see if they want outside assistance.

Algeria, I am quite glad you're working towards global awareness of these calamities. It may be prudent, as a first step, to have the Wardens be acknowledged as an official, global body? That could give us some more pull for acquiring resources. As well, I am hoping to serve as an ambassador to the other worlds we have encountered. Some manner of official backing would allow me to actually speak from a position of authority.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

"The people's will has spoken," a cacophony of loudspeakers announced across Guangzhou's many streets, "With the red sun in our hearts, we shall strive to promote a new revolutionary society, devoid of hardship. Under the guidance of the Communist Party, we shall march boldly into a new future." To add to the blatant propaganda, a fighter jet squadron flew over the bustling city, leaving behind trails of red smoke.

Tucked away in a lavish meeting room within the newly opened Guangzhou Conference Center, officials met to discuss the yearly outlook.

"The expedition results are...unsettling."

"Several of the groups encountered were not identified as belonging to any nations on Earth. And the photographic evidence would indicate that several of these groups are far more advanced than any known nations."

"Since the team isn't dead, I'm not sure if we should be too alarmed."

"That technology alone would give any faction complete military dominance over this planet. We need to either seal off this portal forever or guarantee China's access."

After several hours of discussion, alongside agreements to reconvene in several weeks, a rough policy proposal was generated.

To: Commonwealth

We agree with your plans for future exploration. The research team's report has convinced our administration to place Anomaly research as a top priority for the new year.

Several officials have voiced concern over the disruptive nature of the discoveries. It is critical that Anomaly acccess be controlled tightly so as not to allow rogue groups potential access to powerful new technologies and magical resources. With this in mind, we hope to convince neighboring states to create a framework for naval patrol cooperation. Any assistance in convincing the more...unsociable factions would be greatly appreciated.

Since we are operating on no knowledge whatsoever of who the more advanced explorers are, we propose two separate expeditions: one to continue the aims of the previous expedition and another to uncover as much information as possible about these new factions.

The aims of the latter would be to discreetly gather information about these potential threats. We have few qualms about the specifics of the former. Perhaps the establishment of a forward operating base for both of our nations? Or potentially all member-states of the Wardens?

Got the same message in my EoT (i.e we're on the same page.)

To: Soviet Union
Hello comrades,

Project Hongyang has proven to be a remarkable success, solidifying the promise of the command economy and demonstrating the truth of Marxist-Leninist principles. In the interest of exporting the Revolution, we wish to provide you with our general network layout and algorithms so that we may mutually prosper from this infrastructure.

If you will allow it, we would like to integrate pipeline data from the Baltic in order to better understand the fluctuations of the energy market.

Perhaps this new technology will allow greater cooperation between our nations economically as well? The consequences of attempted trade embargoes by foreign powers could be counteracted by well-timed shipments of goods and resources to affected economic sectors.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Loyalty: 49.5

To the People's Republic of China (South)
First of all, I deem you an associate member of the Wardens. This means you have access to any of our communications, as well as being able to call yourself a Warden member state. Whatever that's good for right now. I would suggest you read the cables we've exchanged in the past. I was correct in suspecting the Fog is much more dangerous than previously believed.

To summarize the overall issue. An extraterrestrial fleet was spotted around 5 years ago in the Oort cloud. The asteroid that was shot down 3 years ago was an autocorrecting vessel on a collision course with Earth, and therefore artificial. The signal from space nearing a decade ago was a virus designed to infect magitech and serve as scrying beacons, which I confirmed was broadcast from the fleet. And now, the Fog is a magitech nanite with unknown capabilities, but that has mind-altering effects in an area devoid of any life.

However, a portal to other worlds opens up similarly dangerous possibilities, but also opportunities. Based on the other explorers, it would seem we have all "arrived" at about the same time. Which means they are likely only as aware of us as to the nature of the zone. We could approach those of the same development level as equals and as ambassadors for our realm. Together, we can chart the zone and open up relations with worlds beyond ours. As I'm sure these people have similar fears as to the more advanced civilizations, we could leverage our collective knowledge to attempt to form a manner of diplomatic arrangement with all involved, or work together to bring down those who would bring violence and war. Or possibly exchange technology in order to prepare for such threats.

I would certainly prefer if Japan and North China work with us on this, but it is not required.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Commonwealth

We will order a seer division to begin pondering the Fog problem. Do we have any information about the faction behind the downed vessel?

We are willing to accept Japanese and North Chinese support in the expedition. However, it should be noted that North Chinese participation in actual research will be minimal at best. Their scientific institutions are weak. We would prefer their presence be limited to naval patrols. Although if you deem it valuable, we will tolerate their presence on the expedition team.

Developing relations with groups open to diplomacy would be useful. Potential language barriers would suggest that we deploy magitech solutions in order to bridge the communications gap.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Loyalty: 49.5

To People's Republic of China (South)
The structure at the source of the fog? No. No idea as to what is behind it. For certain, the alien invasion fleet, which I have no idea where it currently is, is behind the magitech-infecting virus. Based on the required technical and mystical knowledge, I suspect the asteroid and fog are their doing as well. However, considering there is apparently two factions currently at war on the moon, I have no idea anymore. I am requisitioning new Research divisions to deal with all these calamities, but even then, I can't be everywhere at once. I can manage two full fledged investigations at a time with my current resources, the Fog and the Portal Sea, only one of which my spies can be at. I believe my military is required back home, but considering one of the three members of the North American Pact has turned, I no longer know.

We will see how your neighbors react to my requests. It seems prudent to call on whatever assistance we can because of the other hot spots in the world, but it is your region. I will differ to you in matters with North China.

Yes, my hope was using magic to bridge the communication gap. As of [Midturn], my efforts will be focused on the fog. At [EoT], I can bring in my other team to the Portal Sea, which I will personally lead.

It may be more prudent to turn your seers to the fleet, so we may have some warning. I think Algiers and myself can deal with the Fog issue.

To Wardens
Considering the current state of the world, the (Southern) People's Republic of China has been added as an associate member to this organization due to their aid with the Portal Sea. And here are our findings on that:

The expedition into the portal sea continues. Operating from the expanding commonwealth base Commonwealth and south Chinese explorers continue to map out the anomalous regions of space present in the sea. They find many new islands, and in many ways their findings are similar to those of European powers in the age of exploration with countless new species of plants and animals being cataloged as islands are charted and portal sequences mapped. Those past explorers however did not have to deal with nests of feral chimeras, stone age tribes who had shamans that could call down lighting, the occasional slightly hostile northern Chinese explorers, or somewhat more friendly Japanese outpost.

Somewhat more unsettling are the occasional explorers who aren't Chinese or Japanese. Apparently from alternate parallel worlds they seem to be doing the same thing the Commononwealth expedition is doing. Setting up bases and mapping the area for future exploration. Most of them seem to be more or less equivalent to the expedition from this world in terms of technology and magic. But the explorers do spy one kilometer long flying ship that seems to have been constructed of futuristic materials and light beams.

We're currently deliberating what to do, considering this anomaly could be a pathway for an invasion force into our world, and some factions appear much more developed than us.

Internal (GM)
Just to clarify, Tiberius knows about the Sss and Knights through intercepting one of the Cabal's messages to Algiers after they turned NPC, when True Zealand first talked about dealing with the moon. However, their names and the fact they're at war is ALL I know.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Commonwealth
Someone, or something, hijacked the bond between us and our Kobolds. They were able to send our forces into a frenzy as a result and it took our personal intervention to restore our people to sanity.

Parodinix

To Patriots
We are deeply sorry for what happened. Someone managed to somehow hijack the bond between our Kobolds and us. As such we can no longer assist you in your war, or else we may just face a repeat of the atrocity that just occurred. We'll be pulling all of our forces home for the forseeable future.

Karathenolias

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

It helps everyone when everyone helps each other. A closer Europe for trade, transport, and unified reaction should be put in motion.
Information and technology are the currency of the common age, and [protocol:*identifiable exclamation*:"by heavens"] those things can be retrieved through the mysteries of space.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

to European Countries
As I'm sure you are all aware this year is 1993™ The Year of Growth and Friendship. We invite you all to join us on an endeavor to come together. As our friend's in True Zealand put it :
It helps everyone when everyone helps each other. A closer Europe for trade, transport, and unified reaction should be put in motion.
Information and technology are the currency of the common age, and [protocol:*identifiable exclamation*:"by heavens"] those things can be retrieved through the mysteries of space.
You would all retain relative autonomy, but it'd be easier to pool resources for joint projects, and it'd bring all of our peoples closer together. We'd also be able to consolidate knowledge, and a satellite system. All around we beleive that this will bring an everlasting peace to Europe, and we will grow as a people.
Thank You


GM PM CC: True Zealand
OOC: If Europe agrees to solidify how would that work mechanically?

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Canada
Have you had any security breaches lately?

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Commonwealth
We will await further cooperation at [EoT] then.


To: Japan, North China
While relations among our nations are lukewarm are best, we believe that this state of tensions should be put aside or at least lowered in certain functions for the time being. We have no doubt your intelligence agencies have brought a variety of disquieting reports back from the Anomaly.

In the interest of regional and global stability, we would like to bring to the table a framework for naval patrol cooperation. In short, we must ensure that rogue groups do not gain access to the portal by tight monitoring of those waters.


To: Highsmark
Hello comrades,

Project Hongyang has proven to be a remarkable success, solidifying the promise of the command economy and demonstrating the truth of Marxist-Leninist principles. In the interest of exporting the Revolution, we wish to provide you with our general network layout and algorithms so that we may mutually prosper from this infrastructure.

Perhaps this new technology will allow greater cooperation between our nations economically as well? The consequences of attempted trade embargoes by foreign powers could be counteracted by well-timed shipments of goods and resources to affected economic sectors.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

Internal (GM)
Do I know anything of the Excalibur Initiative? I recall that being the name of the Patriot's orbital network program, which I would assume means the east Patriot's are that faction, possibly also the Knights on the moon.

Note to Self:
Following factions cannot be spied upon if they talk together:

Algier Consortium
True Zealand
Raven's Ark
North China
Isles of the Wilds
Children of the Loa
Vuurkoekje Empire
Patriots
Worker's Union

[Artorias]

Raven's Ark
Encryption 80 [Open]

We wish to make this world a safer place for everybody thus we wish to help with the anomalies and threats that put every one in danger, you need only ask for our help and it shall be given to you and maybe for more than those events if it is to build the foundations for a great future.

[Mabn]

Algeria


We could halt the fog, but our researchers think they have a way to deactivate it instead, which given its spread seems faster. Given time we could even control it. We will accept South China as a probationary member. Creating a global body still seems premature. On a tangential note, the fog shields were originally based on our basic static shielding design. Coupling those with the runic battery we saw could be revolutionary.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Loyalty: 50

To Raven's Ark (80) [Warden]
Salutations,

I am coming to you as a representative of the Wardens, an organization myself and Algiers have spent years serving in to investigate, and deal with, phenomena and calamities of mystical natures. Currently, the Portal Sea and African Fog are our primary focuses, but we've found ourselves to be somewhat short on manpower. Would you be interested in helping us?

To Wardens (62)
The intent is more of this organization to be acknowledged as globally legitimate to give us some manner of diplomatic authority when it comes to opening up relations with extraplanar powers. Otherwise it is simply the Commonwealth and People's Republic of China talking as sole entities, or as representatives of the Wardens, which carries no weight in this world. It would also mean we could gain greater assistance from other powers for dealing with these events, which is something we need.

And in pursuit of that, I have inquired to Ravens' Ark about whether they'd be interested in cooperating with our organization, in hopes they can aid with the Portal Sea excursion. By the nature of the entity, I suspect their goals are in line with ours.

[OOC: Just to establish a communication convention, if any of us put a [Warden] tag on a message, all members of this group have access to it. I kinda like notating when Tiberius is speaking as the leader of the Commonwealth and when he's speaking as a member of the Wardens, and it makes sense for y'all to be able to read what I say when it's the latter case.]

And I think focusing our efforts on understanding the nature of the nanites that make up the Fog is our best move. Learning enough to halt their expansion can be a first milestone in our investigation, with the eventual goal of eradicating the calamity, though if we can skip the intermediary step, that is preferred.

In terms of the runic battery, you mean the one charging the power armor? That could be an interesting endeavor, personal shielding...

But my science divisions are occupied with investigations, unfortunately. And we cannot spare anything for another involved project.

[OOC: Out of Special slots, unfortunately.]

On that note, the Kobolds have been developing a ritual that allows a network of obelisks to cast a single spell across a large area. They suggested it as a manner of containing the fog, but I see other potential applications within the Wardens, such as fortifying the Portal Sea. Would any of you be interested in talking to them to learn its mechanisms?

They also claim that someone, or something, managed to subvert the bond between the dragons who lead them, and their Kobold followers... While not a calamity on its own, if this event occurs elsewhere, it will need to be upgraded. Until then, I will keep an eye on the situation.

As for [Midturn], I will be sending everything I can to unearthing the secrets of the Fog so we can start pushing back the tide. I would appreciate your assistance with that, Algiers.

To the People's Republic of China (South) (50) [Wardens]
If you could spend [Midturn] developing a mechanism for communicating effectively non-dependent on languages, in preparation for opening dialogues with the other explorers, then that could prove very useful.

[Mabn]

Algeria


Truly we have no time ourselves to develop personal shielding. However if there are atmospheric leylines or another anchor system were designed their use would among other things allow satellites to be launched at a lower weight and be safe from any form of space debris it should remain a tool in our back pocket.

On the matter of the fog, we think we can stop its memory wiping effect in a matter of weeks. In fact we could probably tell it to self destruct, but that would seriously impede our ability to study it. Ideally we would create a circle around the crater and tell the fog not to pass it. We did something similar with the maelstrom but the Kobold's monoliths would be immeasurably superior to a hundred of our best mystics standing in a circle for weeks. As you might imagine.

On the matter of negotiations, We do not particularly want to speak for all the people of earth."

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Commonwealth
Very well. We will set our research divisions upon the task.

To: Wardens
First and foremost, we would like to thank you all for entry into this organization as an associate member. May the coming years bring stability and growth to all.

Concerning the proposal of a exploratory delegation representative of the entire planet, we wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment. However, we propose that a separate body be created for the purpose of presenting a unified planetary front in new realms. Aside from our new status as an associate member, the organization largely represents nations of a specific ideology and thus repels a major segment of the political community from considering membership.

We imagine that the integration of the Soviet Union into the group in the interest of global representation would cause many headaches. The Soviets themselves may not wish to join unless they are given full membership, a possibility stemming from their national pride.

In place of this scenario, we suggest that a new political body, composed of delegations from around the world, be assembled for discussion of crises that carry global implications.

[Artorias]

Raven's Ark

Encryption: 80

We wish to help, could you give us information on both cases so we can see were it would be best for us to focus? Also we have heard about a giant flying "subject" that was spotted near Japan, should we classify this as a calamity candidate until we find out what it is.

[ArcaneStomper]

The Worker's Union to the Commonwealth
We eventually plan to unify our country once again under the people's leadership. This war is merely an extension of that effort.

Patriots to the Commonwealth
We have no idea why they would do such a thing.

The Vuukoekje Empire to the Commonwealth
We do not require outside assistance at this time.

As for the Kobolds. If they take over the west coast they would only be displacing the Patriots who already control it. As such our foreign policy in regards to the west coast of North America would not change.

Japan to the Commonwealth
We do not trust South China. They are even more vehemently opposed to capitalism than North China. Which places them on opposite sides of the political division from ourselves. In fact with the more radical communists heading to South China the northern government has accelerated some of their reforms and we have found some interesting common ground with them regarding the Sea of Japan.

As such, we have no desire to ally with South China against North China.

The Soviet Union to South China
We will forward the data on the pipeline to your projectionists. We have in fact been using oracles to direct our economy for some time, and we are glad that you have realized the efficiency of such a system. We will gladly cooperate with you in forecasting future economic trends that need to be prevented.

The Patriots to the Kobolds!
The Patriots guardedly accept the apology and acknowledge the pull back.

Canada to the Kobolds!
We have had no security breaches.

The European Countries to the Walloons
The European nations have no desire to unify in any way. They all cherish their independence, and the break up of the Commonwealth of Latin America does not make a good precedent for such alliances.

The only exception is France which has close ties with Walloonia and is willing to make a closer alliance.

To the Walloons (GM)
Well first you would need to gain enough influence to convince them it's a good idea. Then I would make a new nation to represent the Union. The various nations involved would invest in it, and over time it would absorb them completely as they became less and less independent.

Japan to South China
We believe we have the matter well in hand. Patrols are increasing and we have had no breaches of security so far. We thank you for your offer, but it will not be necessary at this time.

North China to South China
We do wish to prevent rogue nations access to the Sea of Japan. Which is precisely why we will continue to bar your vessels from sailing there.

The Commonwealth (GM)
You do not know anything about it. Other than the fact that it was the name of their orbital weapons program.

[thekazooist]

about how much reputation would i have to put in to make it feasible?

[ArcaneStomper]

It would depend on just how solid of a union you wanted and how much you wanted the other nations to contribute.

[thekazooist]

Ok so if I put in say 150 rep points what would that get me?

[ArcaneStomper]

Ok so if I put in say 150 rep points what would that get me?

You could get one or two countries to join a fairly solid alliance. Or you could make a very loose alliance, and do most of the investments into it yourself.

[thekazooist]

You could get one or two countries to join a fairly solid alliance. Or you could make a very loose alliance, and do most of the investments into it yourself.

would it be possible to split my stats in such a way where it would be possible to set up my reputation to grow there quickly as well as be able to work on the space station with true zealand? additionally could true zealand contribute to founding the alliance im a similar way to me? also sorry im posting from my phone

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

To the Worker's Union (50)
Thank you for the information.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire (50)
Alright. Well, keep the Wardens in mind if you do end up requiring any aid.

To Japan (50?)
Interesting. I am glad you are building closer ties with North China, especially with the renewed United States civil war. The Soviets, Highsmark, and South China alliance is of concern, but my hands are tied with Warden work and aiding the Patriots.

Speaking of Warden issues, I would like to talk about the Portal Sea. Based upon the information I acquired, and presumably the similar findings of yourself, there are other worlds out there, sending their own explorers. Some have much higher technology than ourselves and could possibly be hostile. What is your opinion as to the course of action to take with regards to these discoveries?

To the Wardens (50)
I've asked Raven's Ark if they'd be interested in cooperating on our current issues, and they are. Do we want to offer them associate membership, or have a trial period where they help with the Fog or Portal Sea? Likely the latter, based upon the nature of their organization.

And do we know anything about the thing over the Atlantic? I'm guessing a dragon and it's related to the Kobold's mind control fraying, but I have no proof.

Or the moon changing colors...

To Raven's Ark (50)
I am unsure what to make of the Atlantic sighting. I suspect that it may be a dragon and tied to the Kobolds' "betrayal" of the Patriots, but I have no proof.

Internal (GM)
North China's message to South China made me giggle. :smallbiggrin:

[ArcaneStomper]

would it be possible to split my stats in such a way where it would be possible to set up my reputation to grow there quickly as well as be able to work on the space station with true zealand? additionally could true zealand contribute to founding the alliance im a similar way to me? also sorry im posting from my phone


It's always possible to work on more than one thing at a time, so I'm sure what you mean by split up your stats.

And True Zealand is a European power too. So they could certainly contribute.

Japan to the Commonwealth
We plan to investigate these alternate explorers with caution, but we remain optimistic that we will be able to make peaceful contact. They would after likely be based out of their own versions of Japan. To that end we are assembling a diplomatic and linguistic team to make contact with some of these explorers and attempt to establish diplomatic relations.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Soviet Union
We are delighted with your approval. We look forward to integrating market projections soon.

It should be noted that we are experiencing trouble with regional politics. While no party has shown itself to be overtly belligerent, we are uncertain of how the situation will develop. In light of this, we are taking steps to ensure our security is not compromised and invite Soviet corporations to partake in this effort at [midturn].

To: India
Greetings neighbors,

Due to the presence of the Iron Fist Brotherhood, trade between our nations has unfortunately plummeted by a rough 100%.

We would like to inquire if India wishes to normalize trade relations with our people once more? Doing so would preserve a tradition of exchange that has extended thousands of years into the past while providing economic benefits to both nations. If so, we would like to begin negotiations with the dwarves over a new "Silk Road" through the Himalayas (with a few tweaks suited for the 20th century of course).

This relationship would be purely economic of course. We understand that India has sought to define itself outside of the capitalist-communist dichotomy that divides contemporary times. That said, we hope the flow of information along new trade routes might kindle the fires that once revolutionized east Asia with the teachings of Buddha.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

To Japan (50?)
Much the same logic as myself, though we are pursuing such negotiations in cooperation with South China. I feel involving the global community would be prudent, considering we are effectively representatives of our world, but I do not how to go about doing so with the current tensions in the globe. Especially my war with the Soviets...

I feel like I am torn between trying to resolve the various calamities across the world and trying to push for capitalist dominance of the world, to protect us against the reds. Is there anything I can do to assist you in the region, that would not require severing ties with South China?

[Artorias]

Raven's Ark


We do not know if this is tied to the betrayal but it might be something far more dangerous than a dragon but let us hope that my suspicions are not what it is.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

To Raven's Ark (50) [Wardens]
If I may, what is your theory as to what it is?

As for what the Wardens are doing... Myself and the South People's Republic of China are exploring the Portal Sea, in which we've discovered other realities sending their own researchers into. As such, we plan on opening diplomatic dialogues with the extraplanar powers, and the Chinese are developing translation magicks this [Midturn] in pursuit of that. Japan and the North People's Republic of China are independently pursuing these goals as well.

And myself and Algiers are attempting to cure the Fog at [Midturn] as well. We've located the source and where it is produced, as well as acquired a proper sample of it. All together, we're hoping we can fix it once and for all.

To the Wardens (50)
I'm sending all I can to the fog this [Midturn]. Algiers, our primary objective is understanding the nanites that comprise it well enough that we can engineer a way to shut them down, correct?



Midturn (GM)
The Stalwart, the Cult of Tiber, and Section 9 head to Africa to deal with the Fog. Spies steal one of the fog machines for my own uses (ideally without Algiers noticing, but if I get caught I can justify it as necessary for research), as well as serve as intelligence gathering services. Primary focus is the structure at the source, as I feel the rest of the region is likely less helpful in terms of solving things. If there's any areas I haven't explored yet, they investigate there first, but if I've seen the entire interior, they'll map the entire thing. I want them to try to identify how the spire is powered and the material it's made from. Likely, after I have a countermeasure for the fog, the Cult will work on the nanites, and Section 9 will see if we can reverse engineer this artifact for our own purposes. Of course, stealing the fog machine is most important and therefore the other spy objectives are much lesser priorities.

My scientists are cooperating with Algiers to understand the mechanisms of the fog nanites well enough to engineer an off switch, with an eye for utilizing the micro-rune powered things as a medium for future development. I feel that understanding how the rune powers it is less important than understanding how it uses its magicks, as those effects are the more concerning ones, but the rune seems more useful. For now, focus on finding a remedy for Africa. Stop the Fog production and dissipate the clouds over areas it holds.

It kinda seems like something that could revolutionize the world, so EoT I'll build up the Bureau to around 50 so my Researches all are about equal, and have the Cult go back to R&D while my other two deal with Warden stuff. Off the top of my head, the nanites would be a perfect vector for Cult of Tiber mindcontrol plagues, or as a full body healing system traveling in the bloodstream.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

midturn
1. Withdraw my military back to my own territory

2. Use my hoard to start repairing my damaged ritual spell (morale)

3. Send out my Heavily Modified Kobolds to begin investigating who did that to me. Starting with the Worker's Union/USSR as they gained the most from the action.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Dear Canada,
There is a small town within your current borders (Bengough) composed mostly of ethnic Maatinat civilians. It is important that people are able to be what they identify as. If you need money, we have it. We could also provide assurance that the town would not be used against you in any military dispute. You could maintain a presence there, but understand that we must now keep our word.
Today is a good day not to be American!

Econ: Buy every single parcel of land in Bengough and build a large Amita factory there in accordance with local regulations, establishing eminent domain, then continue with improvements in our 3 core zones.
Kangar 00: Smooth things over with Canada.
Rep: Establish a positive presence in Bengough and the surrounding area.

[thekazooist]

Walloons
Hello our good friends! We're glad that you at least will stand with us, but convincing our other brethren might be more difficult. Would you be willing to help with that endeavor?

[Artorias]

Raven's Ark

*This message should only be viewed by Prime Speaker Tiberius, all else who listen to it will die, please leave and take the message to a soundproof room alone and do not attempt to record it, no record of this message should be created*

It is not something I can talk about lightly, words carry weight but I hope it is not what I believe it is, I hope non of what's happening is what I think it is. I do not know if I can trust you yet to entrust such knowledge to you or anyone else but even so I brought it up so I will give you some information that will not harm anyone. If my theory is correct then those anomalies are cracks to the world and when enough cracks appear..... I will stop there, let us hope that the anomalies are merely magic going a bit crazy but the portal and the thing that appeared make me worry, be careful and keep me informed about the anomalies and especially the portal, do not make contact with everything you see in that portal, if you awaken or alert something you must not you place every one of us in danger and don't invite anything over to this realm, take precautions before you do anything and keep me informed.
Thank you for your time Prime Speaker Tiberius, this message has already been deleted for everyone's safety.

[Nyna]

Mylira

The Pixie Brigade will work on sneakily spreading the Blooms throughout the warzone between the Patriots and the Workers Union, looking to capitalize on the casualties in the area. Meanwhile, the First Princess will spend much of this time in meditation under the boughs of the Tree of Life, using the Song and the Tree's connection with the Mother to temporarily empower herself for the later months of the year. She is seeking to improve her connection with the Mother in order to constantly be aware of the locations of hostile forces for an attack later this year on Patriot territory, which she herself will be accompanying.

[Mabn]

Algiers


more or less. They're covered in nanorunes and we need to decipher their command language. We will be working on it as well.



Our study of the fog would be safer and faster if we were able to place some in a cordoned off environment. We heard that you may have a technique that would aid this?



mystic artists will study the fog runes and attempt to temporarily turn off its current orders.

professed members and the AVC will prepare to create a permanent settlement near the crater once the fog is safe to travel through.

[ArcaneStomper]

The Soviet Union to the People's Republic of China
Please keep us informed of the regional situation.

India to the People's Republic of China
We would be happy to reopen trade over land. However we are not the ones you must convince.

Japan to the Commonwealth
You can neutralize the Vuurkoekje as a threat somehow. We have not been able to utilize our full resources in dealing with the Portals due to the need to retain a solid defense against their aggression.

Canada to True Zealand
We have not heard any such calls for sovereignty from our own citizens. And we do not plan to allow any foreign countries to annex portions of our territory for any reason.

France to Walloons
We are willing to put our diplomatic efforts behind the cause of a union of European powers. We forsee great benefits to such an association.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Soviet Union
We are currently at an impasse with the northern regime over access to the portal. Their policy has been to stop all PRC ships from entry regardless of purpose and we see no sign of change. If the international community doesn't do anything about it we may have to take matters into our own hands...

The Japanese are cold as usual but our major concern with the nation is their complacency with the northern Chinese problem.

We will inform you of any future developments as they occur.

To: Iron Fist Brotherhood
Greetings neighbors,

In the interest of promoting regional stability and encouraging trade across south Asia, we would like to enter into negotiations over a proposed land route for commerce. This modern silk road would travel from our western provinces through your territory in the Himalayas and into India.

The creation of this trade route would bring wealth to all three involved parties and provide a foundation for future cooperation in other endeavors.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

To Raven's Ark (PM)
I believe an apocalypse for an apocalypse is only fair. Simply put, I believe an alien invasion fleet is on its way to Earth, and a number of the phenomena that I have dealt with in the Wardens are them laying the groundwork for landfall.

For certain, the asteroid around 5 years ago was a self-guided vessel, adjusting itself to maximize damage to our planet. The Cabal used a stopping spell to halt it in space, my Jupiter scryers and telescopes sighted it, and the Patriots' Project Excalibur weaponized space station shot it out of the sky. The necromancers had a space ship prepared to board and wipe the "rock" clean, but the crew was already dead.

The extra planetary transmission around a decade ago was a signal carrying a virus specifically configured to seek out and infect magitech devices, I believe both to serve as scrying beacons as well as potentially a means of sabotage. The origin point of the signal was off in the Oort cloud, which I scryed upon and distinctively saw a war fleet with ships of unknown origin.

And the Fog is actually a micro-rune powered nanite swarm magnitudes more advanced than anything Earth has seen. A massive, inhuman spire stabs out of the earth in the center with machines that belch forth the particles. There is no life within the Fog's bounds.

That is why the Commonwealth has militarized since our loss of Latin America. We are preparing for the end of Earth. And doing our best to prevent it, but we are pulled in too many directions.

I would advise you keep this to yourself as well. The USSR, the Wardens, and the Patriots are aware of the aliens. Any further spread than that, panic will certainly enflame the planet.

To Japan (50?)
Interesting.

If you would like to sign a formal treaty of alliance, that may help ward off any aggression. I don't believe the Vuurkoekje will force my hand in involving myself in their affairs. I'll see what we can do.

And if I may preach caution in how we, as a world, approach the other powers in the Portal Sea. We don't know who they are or what they want. If rumors are to be believed, South China's faction is from such a dimension, which bodes ill of the nature of such factions.

If I may suggest, would it be possible for you to cooperate with North China with regards to the Portal Sea? With that, it would make 2 sides of investigations for our world, myself and South China, yourself and North China, which would allow us to better coordinate our efforts. One of us attacking the extraplanar groups could damn another's peaceful overtures. They can keep blocking their rebel provinces' ships, I don't care. The geopolitics of the region I leave to you, as you are a fellow capitalist power and therefore my closest affiliation in the area. As long as my ships are undeterred, and all four of us don't conflict with the others Portal Sea expeditions, I will try to avoid interfering with your domain.

Would it be of use if we pass South China's messages along to yourself? I want to do all I can to help you, but my people are tied in the North American civil war and the current two calamities facing the world.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire (50)
Greetings,

I have recently been in talks with Japan discussing terms of alliance. If such a treaty were to be signed, by our own agreement, that would mean they are off limits to any hostility from yourself. However, while I do trust your word and feel you would not breach even a verbal contract, I don't want to exploit your honor by signing on more allies (currently the Patriots, Kobolds, and Chile) without some reciprocation to yourself. I don't entirely know what to offer though.

I could pass along messages I intercept of those nations which I am not allied with, if that would be of interest to you. Or, if you enlighten me as to what your current aims are, I could try to provide something else.

To People's Republic of China (50)
And if you could make the translation system as modular as possible. I don't know what to expect from the Portal Sea, but being able to communicate with both the native tribes and the other explorers, would be very useful.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Commonwealth
Of course. Our magitech engineers are pursuing the development of general-purpose translators that can be deployed to a variety of scenarios as opposed to the current requirements.

To: Worker's Union
Greetings comrades,

We would like to establish diplomatic relations with your nation at this time in the interest of promoting global stability. We are aware that your relations with the Soviets are cordial and hope we might one day achieve such a level of discourse.

Have your economists considered the numerous benefits of magitech-based market predictions? This technology has been vital in our efforts to modernize the economy and protect ourselves against supply shortages.

We would be happy to provide the general network architecture of our system if you would like to reproduce it for yourselves.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Algiers
No, not exactly. We are currently researching a type of networked obilisk which you can cast spells through. It's out plan to put these in the way of the fog, so that a barrier could be created and intercept the fog.

[HerbieRAI]

Highsmark

To the peoples Republic of China

A while back you sent us interest in a joint trade agreement, and alogarthims that will help our infrastrucure. We would welcome this from our ally, and we can offer you something in return. We have been rushing to develop space flight technology to rival the capitalists across the sea, and are getting close to acomplishing that task. We are also working to smooth over relations with North China and hopefully bring them back into the fold of our communist revolution.

We are willing to trade you our space faring technology for your infrastucture tech. We also ask that you do not provoke the North Chineese for 2 years while we work to bring them back into the fold peacfully.


Mit turn (GM)

We will use the NPO, political sensors, and the labor camps to continue to move Hushan Linn higher in the North Chineese Governemnt. We will acomplish this by using our labor camps to improve the infrastruture of North China. The agreements will be created and pushed through and named after Hushan Linn, making him look better in the eyes of the North Chineese. In return for the investments we will try to get information on the anamoly in the Sea of Japan that the North Chineese have been investigating for a while.

Highsmark Labs will continue their push for better more reliable space faring technology.

The Conscripts and Secret Police will be training themselves for the time being.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Highsmark
The deal is to our liking. We are constructing a pan-Asian economic data exchange network at [midterm] and have included your nation in the project. Welcome to the Eurasian Defensive Pact.

We will defer to your better judgement on the north Chinese matter.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

We are sorry. The summary demand upon your sovereignty was unwarranted, even in light of our financial capabilities. Amita looks forward to a prosperous collaboration for everyone.

[ArcaneStomper]

Midturn 6

Plains of White
With no warning the fog over Central Africa dissipates. The landscape that is revealed is a stark barren wasteland. Mile after mile of desert covered by a thick powedery substance. The previous residents, buildings, wildlife, plants, and most major geological features are no where in sight.

Bengough, City of Tomorrow
The Amita corporation has purchased large portions of the city of Bengough, Canada and begin building factories, tenements, and offices using their revolutionary new building techniques and biotechnology. Almost overnight the city has become a sleek, modern example of cutting edge technology and corporate capitalism.

Battlefield Flowers
In a show of apparent environmental activism Mylira pixies have been seen crossing the war ravaged battlefields in the American interior. They have been planting flowers with abandon, and the once desolate war zones are beginning to bloom with color and hope.

The New Way Forward
South China has begun a great technological buildup of their military forces. Massive subsidies have been issued for any foreign company willing to locate it's labs in China and help build the next generation of weaponry. Plans have been announced for a new generation of air superiority fighter, main battle tank, and runic missile destroyer. In a crowning testament of their military and technological prowess they have test detonated their latest nuclear warhead in the Taklamakan desert. Known as the Huo Arcano-Nuclear Device it has turned the desert sand into glass in an area large enough to be seen from space.

Azores in Trouble
The Azores island chain has been conquered by the Vuurkoekje Empire's fleets. All of their fleets. Including the ones that most military analysts had decided were purely defensive fleets. Transport convoys have also been seen moving entire factories and civilian population from the Vuurkoekje home islands to the Azores. The war like empire appears to be abandoning the Pacific entirely for unknown reasons.

In the face of overwhelmingly military superiority Portugal has issued a weakly worded diplomatic protest and let the matter of ownership of the Azores drop.

Trade Agreements
Highsmark has negotiated a trade agreement with North China which is quite beneficial for both parties. This is seen as a positive sign by the world community as it lessens the likelihood of war in that region of the world.

Kobolds (GM)
Investigation into the Soviet Union reveals no leads into the attack. Instead the Kobolds pick up evidence of some sort of global conspiracy. It sounds like something out of a paranoid spy novel, but evidence begins to mount up of some kind of global cult. It appears only a few years old, but has amassed great power through worshiping what is referenced as dark and ancient gods and demons. They call themselves the Brotherhood of the Dawn.

Mylira (GM)
Princess Iona's meditations immerse her further in the song. She learns to resonate with the emotions of those around her and use them to pick out those emitting feelings of hostility. She is also further empowered by the song, making her stronger and more in tune with it's flow.

Algiers Consortium (GM)
After considerable work the mystic artists manage to figure out how to turn the fog micro machines off completely. They do so, and gradually the fog over Africa dissipates. As the fog shut downs it drifts to the ground inert, and waiting for new orders. As soon as this happens the AVC moves into action. They transport prefabricated buildings to the crater and soon have a substantial outpost ready for further research into the Obsidian Spire and the Fog.

Commonwealth (GM)
The Stalwart manages to get a hold of one of the fog machines and get it back to the Commonwealth. They then continue to explore the spire. There are miles of corridors, but most are either empty or filled with more fog generators. Eventually they find a large chamber with a different machine in it. The scientists determine that it is some kind of ley line engine and that it is tapping the ley line nexus under the crater to provide power for the rest of the machines. However they also determine that the Spire extends for a substantial portion of it's length underground, and the Stalwart can't find any way into that section of the spire.

With further study the Cult of Tiber and Section 9 are now confident of their ability to use a fog generator to produce more fog, direct the fog around, and specify who it will target. They are still not sure how to get the fog to do anything else. However the Algerian scientists seem to be having more success.

Highsmark (GM)
Hushan Linn has become a rising star in North China. Having negotiated a favorable trade agreement with Highsmark he has helped bring prosperity to China, and in addition an implicit non aggression pact with one of the nearby communist powers. As a result his political capital has greatly expanded and he is able with a bit of digging to access all the records that North China has on the anomalies in the Sea of Japan.

Which is nothing. Much to their embarrassment all of North China's top scientists and mages emigrated to South China. And they have had no one capable of deciphering the mysteries of the Portal Sea. They have resorted to simply patrolling the area to make sure no one else gets a foothold without them noticing and have begun negotiations with Japan to gain access to Japanese research. Given the cold relation between the two countries this has borne little fruit.

(Only three stats can be used in a midturn.)

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

Wardens (50)
Fog is clear. That's resolved. It looks like it's a terraforming agent intended to create a blank slate planet. Algiers, my scientists tell me you better understood the nanites? I feel my people are less adept than yours in this field. Regardless, my spies explored the spire and found some things. I worry that whatever lies below ground may be an operating post for the aboveground portion. Should we continue to plumb the depths, or should the Wardens turn to focus on the Portal Sea? Or look into the thing over the Atlantic, or Australia's weird magic, or the moon...

There are miles of corridors, but most are either empty or filled with more fog generators. Eventually they find a large chamber with a different machine in it. The scientists determine that it is some kind of ley line engine and that it is tapping the ley line nexus under the crater to provide power for the rest of the machines. However they also determine that the Spire extends for a substantial portion of it's length underground, and the Stalwart can't find any way into that section of the spire.

Internal (GM)
... Did I cause the Vuurkoekje's move? Huh. Was not expecting that.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

Slogans such as "Serve the people" and "never benefit oneself, always benefit others" floated down from the loudspeakers perched atop the the many hills surrounding the village. Countless rice patties, dug into the sides of the sloped terrain, provided the region with its staple crop along with jobs. During monsoon season, water would flow from terrace to terrace, bringing life-giving liquid to the fields and the promise of a good harvest to the villagers.

A convoy of newly manufactured troop crawlers moved over a winding dirt road that overlooked the valley. Many of the vehicles carried the standard PLA emblem. One crawler however carried the logo of State Security, attracting the gaze of several farmers. It was odd for them to be in the backwaters of Sichuan.

To: Highsmark
Hello comrades,

In the interest of finalizing the negotiations discussed previously, we are wondering if the framework below is acceptable to your administration?

South China will provide Highsmark with its market forecasting and orchestration technology, alongside integration into the proposed economic data exchange program between the Soviet Union and South China, on the condition that Highsmark supplies schematics and data on its endeavors with aerospace engineering.

We also assumed a bit hastily that your nation desired entry into the Eurasian Defensive Pact but would like to take this opportunity to confirm. Being a member of the Pact would simply require military support in the event that another member is involved in defensive warfare.

To: Commonwealth
While not perfect, our labs have succeeded in generating a rudimentary translator. We are ready to proceed with the expedition at [EoT].

To: Soviet Union
Our military buildup has been highly successful. We imagine this will be an effective deterrent against any offensive maneuvers by our neighbors.

Would your scientists like to obtain schematics of our newly tested HAND weapon? It's an improvement upon the traditional fission device via some interesting magitech integration. The blast radius far surpasses any older nuclear devices in our arsenal.

To: Wardens
With the flurry of activity currently surrounding the Portal, we would recommend that the Wardens take a new project under its belt in order to stay ahead of the curve.

We have limited knowledge of the situation regarding the Fog, but we would advise an investigation of the below ground portion followed by heavy bombardment of the facility as a preventative measure.

Is it possible that the Vuurkoekje empire is running from something as opposed to being in pursuit of something?

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

To the Kobolds (15)
A quick question...

Where do you place yourself on the communist vs capitalist spectrum? With this reignited civil war, especially the Soviets direct involvement, and South China's rapid militarization, I am worried that this Cold War may finally go hot. We need to prepare. With your current disentanglement with the Patriot's war, I am unsure as to your side. The reds are engaging in even more advanced WMD research, so we may need your own doomsday ritual.

...

Would it theoretically be possible to combine the chain spell obelisks with the other?

To Japan (50?)
I am unsure if the Vuurkoekje moving to another ocean solves your problem, or creates a new one. Regardless, I will be talking to them in hopes of understanding why they undertook such an endeavor.

On a matter closer to home, South China's weapon developments are troubling. They are blatantly posturing, as well as engaging in nuclear tests extremely close to North China. I believe the capitalist powers must play catch up to the Eurasian Defensive Pact. The Soviet Union, Worker's Union, Cuba, Highsmark, and South China are extremely aligned, while we haphazardly pursue our own endeavors without cooperation. As such, I feel it would be prudent to build an alliance network to replace the ailing NATO. The Patriots, myself, you, possibly the Kobolds, as well as whomever we can turn to our side should come together to coordinate our own efforts.

Would you agree?

To the Vuurkoekje Empire (50)
Greetings again.

Your move away from the Pacific is of concern to me. Your nation was founded upon the belief that you must conquer your rightful territory, of the entire ocean being under your command. But now, a few months after large fleet movement of cordoning a territory for unknown reasons, you have uprooted your entire people to move to the Atlantic. Why? As well, what does this mean of my allies in the Pacific and our agreement?

To South China (50)
Wonderful. I think my main push will be ensuring the African Fog is completely dealt with, however I will send what I can eastward.

To the Wardens (50)
I would agree, at least with investigating the understructure. Shelling may have unforeseen consequences with technology of such obscure nature.

The Vuurkoekje may indeed have run from something. I don't like imagining what, so I'll inquire as to why they have moved.

Internal (GM)
I didn't like how I worded the previous post, so I scrapped the NPC messages and rewrote them to be properly diplomatic.

My plan till EoT is basically politick and wormtongue everyone I can into building a capitalist superalliance. The Vuurkoekje are a possible choice, as are the Iron Fist Brotherhood, maybe the eastern Patriots, maybe the Kobolds, possibly Canada... Great Britain too, though I don't really feel they've done anything notable this game.

I really just expect it to be a core of the Patriots, myself, and Japan. Probably also the Kobolds, though they are kinda compromised. I don't have the reputation to pull in anyone not directly threatened by the soviets, so I'll leave the NPCs to manage those matters.

[ArcaneStomper]

The Iron Fist Brotherhood to South China
We would be willing to open such a trade route. Under the provision that no military goods be moved inside our borders.

The Soviet Union to South China
If you wish to provide schematics of your new nuclear device, then we have our scientists analyze them.

The Worker's Union to South China
Unfortunately though we realize the improvements that your technology would present we are currently on a war footing. We cannot afford to take the time to retool our industry to use such new technology until this war has been concluded.

Japan to the Commonwealth
We are already in talks with North China. Negotiations are slow, but progressing. Any communications you wish to relay to us would be helpful.

We would welcome an alliance to counter the creeping tide of communism. Please keep us informed of your progress to put such a coalition together.

The Vuurkoekje Empire to the Commonwealth
We have decided that the long term future of our people no longer lies in the Pacific, however we continue to pursue our goals of expansion and dominion.

As for our alliance it was specifically prohibiting any aggressive actions from us to you or your allies, and from you to us and our allies. As those alliances were at the time of the treaty signing. Any countries you ally with in the future would not be covered without an amendment of the alliance. As would any countries we ally with.

(OOC: Also as a heads up the Vuurkoekje practice a branch of communism, but are not affiliated with the Soviets. Or anyone else really. There were a few other Pacific nations, but they've been absorbed in the empire. The Iron Fist Brotherhood is too isolationist for anyone to know what they're doing. Great Britain is capitalist, but they've transitioned to an Imperial Monarchy. They also have strong ties with Canada.)

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Loyalty: 50

To Japan (50)
I'll have my people forward you whatever I can.

I would assume your scientists are currently occupied with the Portal Sea? I feel that we must begin pursuing weapons technologies as a counter to South China's programs, as well as their proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to the Soviets.

[Grant Japan retroactive and future access to all messages I can read that I am not involved with. Which is to say, nothing I send or receive, and no Warden stuff.]

To the Patriots (50)
I am glad Commander Alvaro was there to prevent the Kobold's betrayal from losing us the war. The First Earth Division will be deployed to aid you until the conflict comes to a close, however long that takes.

There are matters that we must discuss as to the grand stage of communism versus capitalism though. Specifically South China... Their weapons developments are clearly done publicly as posturing against their former state, but they are preparing for war. Whether they seek to simply ward off aggression or to conquer all they claim to be their nation remains to be seen. The Eurasian Defense Pact between them, the Soviets, and Highsmark, as well as their sharing of technologies, is rapidly gaining them ground in the global struggle, and we are not matching it. The major capitalist powers need to come together to coordinate our efforts similar to them.

Japan is willing to pursue such an arrangement, as am I. While I know you are occupied with the Worker's Union, I would like your involvement so that we may at least discuss future plans. First and foremost, we need to accelerate our own weapons programs to keep pace with their advancements. Increased economic interconnections would also be prudent, especially with the Vuurkoekje leaving the Pacific.

In this spirit of unity, I will forward to you intelligence that may better inform your decisions, assuming you do not already have such capabilities.

[Grant Patriots retroactive and future access to all messages I can read that I am not involved with. Which is to say, nothing I send or receive, and no Warden stuff.]

Internal (GM)
So what powers would be considered aligned with capitalism, or at least opposed to communism? I would guess the Patriots, Japan, Canada, Great Britain, and the Arcane?

[Mabn]

Algeria


We intend to study the fog and the spire for some time. Our next goal on that project is to draw the nanite clouds back to the crater so that people may feel safer resettling its previous path. The spire and its machines will take years for us to understand. We would like to second that destroying the spire would be unwise. Whoever sent it understands it already. We must do that same if we are to face them.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Loyalty: 50

To the Wardens (50)
The Vuurkoekje claim they simply thought moving to the Atlantic was better for them long term. So they did not run from anything, so far as I'm aware. I inquired why they undertook their fleet actions this year, as well as if they spotted anything over the Atlantic. We'll see if they can be of use.

If we can understand the nanites, we may be able to reverse the process. Make the area fertile and habitable, instead of the wasteland it has become. But there's no telling how long that could take.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire (50)
Since we have since left the region, would you be willing to tell me why you cordoned off part of the Pacific? Or did you happen to run into whatever was flying over the Atlantic in your journey? Warden work and all.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Iron Fist Brotherhood
We agree to the provision.

If you will allow it, we will send a detachment of civil engineers at [EoT] to begin construction of the Silk Road.

To: India
Hello neighbors,

Our negotiations with the Iron Fist Brotherhood have appeared successful. We are sending the proposed project route now and are eager to begin a new era of economic cooperation with your nation.

The agreement with the dwarves is dependent upon a provision that we do not transport military goods along the route. If you would like to enter into discussions concerning defense industry exchange, there are alternative routes we could develop.

To: Soviet Union
We will pass along the schematics shortly.

While not necessary, we would like to request permission to construct three Chinese air force bases in Khabarovsk province. In return, we would be happy to allow the construction of a Soviet base depending upon the desired location.

In the event that the presence of a foreign military base in your territory is alarming, we would like to ask if it would be possible to station a garrison of PLA troops and fighter jets in currently existing Soviet bases in Khabarovsk.

To: Wardens
It would seem that Mylira possesses particular skill with restoring growth as evidenced by their recent actions with the American conflict. Perhaps we should reach out to them?

[Mabn]

Algeria


If we programmed the nanites to burrow under the earth as opposed to fly to the crater we may be able to have them chemically replicate a passable topsoil. In fact, we could probably have that completed in months rather than years. Reintroducing the appropriate plants and wildlife for the altered environment we may never be able to do. We shall request Mylira's aid.


We shall soon restore the fertility of the fog's territory, but we would like your aid in establishing an appropriate ecosystem.

[Nyna]

Mylira
D.ESP: 69.5

We can certainly assist in this endeavor. However, we'd like more information as to what exactly happened, if you have it available, along with what your plans are for the region.

[Mabn]

Algeria
D.ESP 118


The fog was a collection of magically programmed nanites created by an unknown force. They have turned most of central Africa into a flat, barren, lifeless plain. We have disabled them and will reprogram them to move underground and create a layer of topsoil shortly. Since the topography and ecology of the region are totally gone we contacted you as experts in biome restoration. If we can make the region into some semblance of what it was we plan to allow refugees to resettle the area with special attention payed to those countries that were totally within the fog's reach to make sure they have the resources to rebuild and are able to reestablish working states. The area at the fog's source we plan to permanently settle to research the involved technology.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

True Zealand
Any specific design and or name ideas? Personally I'd prefer it to be somewhat dome shaped. Any thoughts?

To France
You have our gratitude.

Wardens
The Walloons plan on claiming a small portion of africa, we're interested in studying weather patterns in newly created biomes.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

It's good to sometimes be reminded of our responsibility. We wanted power, progress, the promise of the infinite, so we turned to the High Council for a zippy name. Abbreviated from the language of our people, we propose BVT (Bang Voor Toekomst) which means "Beacon of Change". Let's talk about shapes. The future is now, and sleek is the new neon. Perhaps roughly almond shaped with a fine lattice of connecting portals around it?

[thekazooist]

Walloons

True Zealand
We like the almond shape, portal one. We'd like to suggest a name that would entail more cultural bonding though, and not just in your language. We'd like to suggest Bang de Change. This Honors your heritage, the English Language, as well as the primary language of walloons, French, which is a romance language, which many cultures have been influenced by.

[ArcaneStomper]

Japan to the Commonwealth(50)
Yes, we are currently quite involved in analyzing the anomalies of that region.

The Patriots to the Commonwealth (50)
We would welcome cooperation. However at the moment we cannot offer anything to an alliance. We must focus all our efforts on the war now that the Kobolds have left. If you propose an alliance to aid us in this war, then we gladly accept, but we will not be able to send any resources elsewhere until it is over.

To the Commonwealth
Unless otherwise noted countries have the same sort of ideologies as they had in the 1990s, assuming that the Soviet Union did not break up.

The Vuurkoekje Empire to the Commonwealth
We have not seen anything flying over the Atlantic. Although we have not patrolled much of the Atlantic at the moment. As for why we cordoned off the area. You shall see soon enough.

The Iron Fist Brotherhood to South China
Only as long as they are willing to work with our own engineers.

India to South China
The sea route has never been blocked. It would simply be more economical to send some goods over the shorter land route.

The Soviet Union to South China
Feel free to construct your air bases, with appropriate oversight of course.

We wish you luck in getting your planes flying in the turbulent weather caused by the portal sea anomalies.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth

To the Patriots (50)
As I thought. Well, Alvaro and my army will remain aiding you to the best of their ability.

I believe it would still be prudent for you, myself, and Japan to formalize an agreement aligning our interests in terms of global politics, to bolster states on the fence of this Cold War by showing that the capitalists have a counter to the Eurasian Defense Pact. No material requirements as to actions, but simply presenting a united front. I have sent a cable to both of you in order for us to speak on the matter.

Best of luck,
-Tiberius

To Japan and the Patriots (50)
Since both of you have expressed interest, I propose jointly signing the SABER agreement, a foundation from which we may build a global, unified front of the capitalist world, in addition to aiding each other in affairs that strengthen our side.

[OOC: So some manner of political talk about the Patriots, Japan, and Commonwealth building deeper ties between their nations, both on a global scale, as well as internally that doesn't explicitly state military aid, but heavily implies it. At this point in time, with both of them heavily occupied in their own affairs, I mainly want to be able to speak as a representative of the capitalists with some authority. I don't expect any benefit aside from that and maybe a little better interactions with the western world.]

To Raven's Ark, Wardens (50)
The Vuurkoekje said they spotted nothing while traveling through the Atlantic but, when asked about their cordon, they said I shall see soon enough. So it sounds like they were running from it, whatever it was.

Is there anyone who can look into it? Me and Algiers are occupied with the Fog, People's Republic of China with the Portal Sea, and Walloons is focusing elsewhere for the time being.

Semi-related note, I propose Raven's Ark being added as an associate member, pending full membership based upon successful completion of an anomaly. Same rank as China. Largely as I feel we are being pulled very thin, and there are a lot of things threatening the world.

To the Vuurkoekje Empire (50)
That is quite ominous indeed. Well, thank you for your information.

Internal (GM)
I like having this readily accessible, so copying it here.

Encryptions I Can't Crack:

Algier Consortium
True Zealand
Raven's Ark
North China
Isles of the Wilds
Children of the Loa
Vuurkoekje Empire
Patriots
Worker's Union

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Soviet Union
Thank you for your permission.

We will move our fighters through our western provinces and then backtrack along your southern border with Mongolia and northern China. Doing so will minimize the potential problems with weather and north Chinese anti-air systems.

To: Iron Fist Brotherhood
Of course.

To: India
The sea routes are most certainly still useful and active. But the geopolitical situation has the potential to complicate matters extensively. While we intend to continue maritime trade, it is of course wise to pursue alternatives in the event of unforeseen crises.

To: Wardens, Raven's Ark
The Vuurkoekje response is threatening. Assuming something malevolent is at work in the Pacific, the possibility of destabilization across southeast Asia is far too costly for us to ignore.

The PRC Navy will be conducting intelligence operations in that region of the Pacific at [next midturn]. Other nations are invited to participate.

To: Mongolia
This is a courtesy notification that we will be conducting air force mobilizations at [EoT] that will include passage along the southern regions of Soviet territory. There is no need to reply unless you would like clarification or have specific requests.

[Artorias]

Raven's Ark

We shall look further into the Atlantic incident

[ArcaneStomper]

Japan and the Patriots
The two countries are willing to sign a limited agreement with few responsibilities, but the possibility of increasing into a full alliance given time.


Mongolia to South China
Mongolia acknowledges the notification.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Loyalty: 50

To the Patriots and Japan (50)
*Sign said document and do some manner of official statement on it, in conjunction with the other powers*

To Raven's Ark and Wardens (50)
Keep us informed. And good hunting.

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 7

January 1st, 1993
The Year of Growth and Friendship

Flowering Africa
What was once desolate wasteland once the fog lifted has miraculously transformed into fertile soil of exceptional quality. There is no explanation for this event, although the Algiers Movement has claimed credit, and most believe them. The result however is easy to predict. Neighboring countries which had once feared the encroaching fog have sent in settlers to colonize the now valuable regions. Not only for the potential farmland, but also to try and tap old mining sites which are now unclaimed. The result has been a colonization rush with no few minor border skirmishes as the various countries try to claim as much as they can.

Chinese Politics
A new leader has emerged in North China by the name of Hushan Linn. A rising star in the Chinese bureaucracy he is loved by the people for his reforms and ability to bring economic prosperity. Not only a leader at home, Linn has also negotiated several favorable trade agreements with surrounding countries.

New Walloonia
Of all the countries attempting to settle the newly opened regions of Africa the most successful have been the Walloons. Claiming portions of the Congo they have named it New Walloonia and thousands of settlers have begun building cities to take advantage of the region. Many call this a new start of European Imperialism, but the Walloons point out that in their case no one was using the land, and they have displaced no one.

Draconic Bounty
The Kobolds have placed a bounty on an organization known as the Brotherhood of the Dawn. Not much is known about the Brotherhood or why the Kobolds have decided to target them. But the addition of large portions of hoarded dragon gold to the bounty have brought in numerous adventurers and mercenaries eager to try and find the brotherhood and take advantage.

Orbital Works
A new station has been built with astonishing quickly in near earth orbit. A collaboration between True Zealand and Walloonia it is known as the Bang de Chang and is a massive affair. Built with astonishing quickly it is known to house numerous research labs as well as portals developed by True Zealand which they claim will allow the station to serve as a transportation hub reaching anywhere in the world.

Asian Outreach Policy
Not one to fall behind their northern neighbors the South Chinese government has begun reaching out to many of its neighbors as well. There main focus has been India and the most clear proof of this is the hundred kilometer long "New Silk Road" which bores straight through the Himalayas to form a trade connection between the two populous countries.

Besides India, South China has also contacting many of the less developed countries in the world and showing them examples of economic and political reform that could help them achieve prosperity.

Technological Marvels
The Commonwealth has begun subsidizing research companies and attracting foreign investors in order to increase it's share of the worlds technological developments. The results have been immediate. Already new technologies are being developed such as the arcano-binary computer architecture and levitating personal vehicles.

North America, Still at War
The fighting continues in North America however the players have changed. In an extremely surprising move the Mylirans launched attack against the Patriots. Led by their leader, First Princess Iona, the Mylirans have captured large portions of Patriot territory. Even more surprisingly captured Patriot soldiers are released not only unharmed, but also healed of their combat injuries. But darker tales abound of new forests filled with menacing plants beasts springing up overnight in Myliran held territory.

Somewhat fortunately for the Patriots the Worker's Union was not able to take advantage of this as the Commonwealth army has been occupying their attention along their southern border.

New Lands
In the Atlantic word has come that sailors have spotted a new chain of islands. Which would be odd enough given the extensive charts of the region. But these islands are also flying.

[Mabn]

Algeria


We wish to reiterate our request for aid in recreating a Central African ecosystem. Our efforts with the soil will not last, and if plants are not soon added the erosion could do more harm than good. Other factions seem ready to work the land, but having half a continent devoid of any form of wilderness where it was so uniquely thriving years before would be tragic. I doubt entering the North American Bloodbath will give you the same degree of satisfaction as could your work here.

[Artorias]

Raven's ark

We have located the flying object above the Atlantic, it appears to be numerous flying islands with more raising out of the ocean, it seems to be artificial since we have located bridges and chains connecting the islands, we have also spotted buildings on them. We shall continue to investigate the matter, there is a gargantuan island in the middle, whatever is causing this is most likely there. We will keep in touch.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

To Raven's Ark (50)
Well, whomever built it, I believe made the Vuurkeokje flee. So be wary.

To the Patriots (50)
With Mylira's involvement, I don't think this war is winnable. I suffered heavy casualties, and unless you have something to turn the tides, it's not going to get any better. What's your plan?

To the Kobolds (50)
Based upon their attack, I would suspect Mylira is involved with your Kobolds' link being frayed. Or is the Brotherhood of Dawn you've placed a bounty on behind it?

To the Algiers Consortium (50)
It seems that you have greater proficiency with the nanites than we do. Is there any chance you could help bring my people up to speed?

In addition, if circumstances allow, I am planning to bring my forces to the Spire in order to breach into the lower levels. I do not know what to expect, but I don't think it's going to be good.

[Mabn]

Algeria


with what you know already we can get you current on that. We'll have plenty of forces on hand surrounding the crater if things go badly, but as usual reconnaissance is not our field.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

True Zealand (62)
It looks like the Bang de Change is operational, and everything is going swimmingly! We trust you want to continue this friendship, because it seems there are some pressing issues both on Earth, and the moon. And we still have other items on our friendship list.

France/GM PM
Do you have any idea of the other european countries thoughts at this point? We continue to strive for expanding our influence over Europe to join an alliance.
OOC: So with France helping how much has been invested/where do we stand is the point of this message.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Second off, we need bracelets

weregiraffe president robots?

Fourth and lastly, how is Africa?
To finish, okay.
And third, call now for 15% off!

[thekazooist]

Walloons

True Zealand
We can make and distribute bracelets over the countries we have influence over if you wish. And although those roboweregiraffe presidents would be nice, we might want invest more in the idea you threw out earlier FantastiForceTM. And again, plans regarding the moon?

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand
What's blue and green and death all over?
The sale has now ended, bracelets no longer stocked.
We have an elite team. You may make your own elite team and then we might coordinate.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

True Zealand
Alright.

Angelwing
What are the prices for your services?

GM PM
ooc: could i buy angelwing?

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

When news first hit of impending local council elections, the few hundred villagers laughed off the development. When an opposition candidate for these so-called elections was found dead in the forest after having been missing for several days, it seemed that nothing was really changing.

Things took a twist when the local police chief was found dead in the exact same spot several days later. A new chief, escorted by a State Security van, filled his slot.

To: Commonwealth
Our data from the expedition is as follows:

Much work is done on mapping the access ways from one island to the next through the shifting dimensions. It appears that there are if not an infinite at least a very great number of these dimensions, and they are all changing connections at a regular rate. So the work will never fully be done. The expedition's cartographers are fairly certain though that they have charted what they term the nearest "set" of dimensions out and that the ways can be opened to more general shipping instead of specialized exploratory vessels.

Several of the nearest factions are located at communicated with although not in any great depth. Although there are quite a few explorers in the area now from a variety of dimensions, the most widespread explorers appear to be from five nations that dominate their respective portal seas. The Asian Confederation, Imperial Japan, the Aion Union, the Federation of Sky, and the Republic of China.

To: India
We would like to thank you once again to approving this project. May it bring great wealth to both of our nations.

We have begun authorizing village-level elections in keeping with our aim of modernization. We would like to invite Indian election monitors into our country to observe these elections and perhaps provide us with possible areas for improvement in the overall process.

[ArcaneStomper]

The Patriots to the Kobolds
We call on you to honor your alliance with us and help us with these new threats.

The Patriots to Commonwealth
We will attempt to call on our allies, and if that fails we will resort to a diplomatic solution. We are frankly rather displeased given that we started this war at the Kobolds behest.

France to Walloonia
Our diplomats report that there is some small sentiment towards creating a union.

OOC: As I said you are attempting to influence all of Europe. And so you're influence is smaller than it would be if you focused on just a few countries.

Angelwing to Walloonia
We typically start at [1 econ] for [1 mil] per [turn] for a guard contract. If you wish to hire our forces for an attack or other activity our prices are higher to account for hazard pay to our men, but are open to negotiation.

To Walloonia
You could buy Angelwing. It would be very expensive though. It would basically be buying a country after all.

India to South China
We actually have very little desire to send anyone to monitor your elections. It isn't our business to monitor other nations' domestic affairs.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: India
Very well, noted.

To: Eurasian Defensive Pact
One of our projects has yielded some...cryptic information concerning the rise in anomalies in recent years. That said, we believe it would be best to at least maintain some measure of diplomacy for the new year in the interest of tackling these issues.

If any Pact observers are too preoccupied with security at the moment to focus on emerging magical threats, we can provide material and logistical support.

[ArcaneStomper]

Soviet Union to the Eurasian Defensive Pact
What did you have in mind.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: USSR, Eurasian Defensive Pact
We would suggest that the communist bloc play a more active role in studying and suppressing emerging threats. Doing so will increase our standing and magitech advantage over Western powers. One might go about this by offering support to neighbors to contain local threats, as we are pursuing (albeit with difficulty) in the Portal anomaly.

There have been rumors of bizarre developments in the Pacific. At [midturn], we hope to perform reconnaissance missions near the old Vuurkoekje territories. We would like to request the assistance of Soviet carriers and Highsmark spy planes for this project. If those forces are currently being held in reserve for purposes of national defense, we would be happy to authorize air patrols along your border regions in order to make up for the temporary loss.

If Pact members are willing, we would like to nominate the PRC as a bridge to possible cooperation with Western powers. Assuming the Pact approves, we will contact members of the Wardens group about the possibility of bilateral security operations in the Pacific during [midturn].

[Mabn]

Algeria

the response force will array around the crater to deal with any adverse consequences of the commonwealth's investigation

the mystic artists will work to integrate their understanding of the nanite microrunes with the commonwealth's arcane computing systems so both nations can more effectively use the nanites in question

the movement will work with foreign agencies to have the recolonization of central Africa be smooth and toward a good result

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Patriots
The Mylerians are a North American nation and thus are not subject to activating the pact. Plus we have our own conflict to deal with. However, we will still help, and send troops to the front against the Worker's Union. We've restored the pact between us and our people, and will be on guard for such trickery in the future.


Midturn
1. Sending Alterted Humans to go attack the Worker's Union

2. Karathenolias will lead them, ensuring better morale among the troops, and to prevent another attempt to disrupt the bond.

3. Meanwhile more research on the Obelisks will continue.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

Midturn:
BAC merges with Cult of Tiber, forging on single research institution for the entire Commonwealth.

Flagging Patriotism continues the propaganda campaign toward boosting my research capabilities.

First Earth Division aids the Patriots and Kobolds as best I can while minimizing my own casualties.

Cult of Tiber works with Algiers to understand the nanites, if they're willing, or reverse engineers them on their own.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Commonwealth
The Brotherhood of the Dawn is who we believe to be responsible.

[Artorias]

Raven's ark

Send ravens to find everything about the islands, it's inhabitants and it's intentions and make a map of the main island and other key islands. Also send divers to find out what's happening under the ocean)
Siegfried decides to run for president of Germany using the good name of his company and his charisma to move the crowd.

[Nyna]

Mylira
D.ESP: 69.5

While we would normally agree that joining the 'North American Bloodbath' is pointless, it is simply time for this bloodbath to end. The useless back and forth battles between the Patriots and the Worker's Union does little more than squander lives, and the constant battles scar the Mother in ways that will take many years to heal. There is no denying the importance of assisting your efforts in Africa, but preventing future damage by ending this war is also important.

Could you tell us more about your plans to restore the ecosystem? While we may not currently be in a position to do so ourselves singlehandedly, we may be able to assist your own efforts, depending on what they are. Also, we would like more information on these nanites. From what we understand of human technology, such things are beyond the scope of modern science, despite the huge advances since we were last awake. It is quite possible we could combine these nanites with our own unique magic to greatly improve our ability to heal the Mother, though this process may take some time.

The Myliran forces will continue to push into Patriot territory, led by the First Princess, while the Priestesses will continue their support of the war effort.

[Mabn]

Algeria


You are correct that the nanites are beyond humanity's full current understanding. As such, they are very dangerous. We would not have used them ourselves if there was anything left in the area they could have destroyed. At the moment our plans are closest to teraforming. We will first find a few dozen key plant species and scatter them wildly in hopes of keeping down the topsoil.

[Jaerug XI]

True Zealand

Ojal Curtis: Put the finishing touches on the BdC to get it operational and interacting smoothly with our moon presence
Space Exploration: Use our base(s) to look into the roots of the Knights, the Sizzle, and their conflict
REP: Start casting out the net for an original soul to become a new VIP, to be completed at the EoT

[ArcaneStomper]

Midturn 7

Sorry for the delay.

African Recolonization
The minor wars and border conflicts that have erupted in Africa over the newly unclaimed land have died out in recent months as the Algiers Movement sent to diplomats to the various African nations to work out mutually beneficial land agreements. With their long history of altruism, and their work at clearing the Fog the Algiers are greatly respected by the people of Africa and the simmering tensions were resolved before anything major could start.

Germanic Elections
The leader of Raven's Ark, Siegfried, has led his party to victory in the battle for the hearts of the people, and as such has managed to form a coalition with a majority in the parliament. His instatement as chancellor was met with cheering crowds in Bonn. Meanwhile the formed a coalition to gain majority control of the west German parliament and the support of the people. The German Democratic Republic has offered no statement despite the Raven's Ark being a strong presence in Berlin.

Peace at Last?
After a monumental diplomatic effort the Hippie Republic of Texas has managed to convince the Patriots and Worker's Union to meet at the negotiating table. A somewhat half hearted cease fire has gone out to all Worker's Union and Patriots forces while negotiations are going on.

This has not stopped the fighting completely as the Commonwealth is still pressing the Worker's Union from the south while a new Kobold offensive comes down from the north. And in the Patriot territory the Myliran's continue their offensive. However free of at least one front Worker's Union and their Soviet allies are engaging their opponents on even terms, while the Patriots are putting up a massive defense against the Mylirans, aided by the occasional orbital strike on their forest strongholds.

The other parties of the war, the Commonwealth, the Kobolds, the Soviets, the eastern patriots have all been offered a part of the cease fire and a place at the negotiation table.

The first round of negotiations are to be in Austin, Texas with the Hippie Republic serving as both neutral meeting ground and mediator.

Patriots to the Kobolds
We weren't activating the North American Pact! We were calling on our old defensive alliance. The one we established years before the Pact.

Very well if you no longer feel yourselves bound by that alliance then neither shall we. Please recall your troops. We will deal with this ourselves.

Eurasian Defensive Pact
Soviet: We will supply a carrier group to aid in your investigations. Further cooperation will have to wait until we receive results. As far as diplomatic efforts go we have not been idle in our own workings and currently see no need for a unified response through the PRC.

To Algeria
The mystic artists continue their work on the nanorunes. They begin to work out how to program them into doing complex tasks.

To the Commonwealth
With aid from the Algiers movement much work is done on improving the Commonwealth's understanding of the fog machines. The scientists now believe they can adequately reprogram them to perform simple tasks.

To Kobolds
The work on the obelisks continues. It will likely never be done as their capacity can always be expanded in useful ways. But in practical terms the obelisks can now be used for a variety of different spells and rituals.

To Raven's Ark
The Raven's manage to infiltrate the islands. They determine that the inhabitants are an organization of mages known as the Runic Order, which built the island, and in fact is still building it, to serve as a center of learning and study outside the boundaries of national politics.

East and West Germany are still divided by the way.

To True Zealand
The BDC has been connected to the moon base securely.

There doesn't appear to be a clear basis for why the two factions on the moon are fighting. Or at least not one that is apparent from the outside. Each one has bases that appear to important strategically, but no resource operations are ongoing that would indicate something worth fighting over. At the moment the Knights appearing to be on the defensive as their battle station is providing orbital support for Patriots on Earth rather than against the Sssl on the moon.

A new soul is located and preparations are begun to strengthen it for future work.

To South China
It appears that the Vuurkoekje encountered someone more advanced than themselves. In the middle of the Pacific is a massive seaborne city surrounded by an energy barrier. It appears to have been built on an artificial island and is a mass of crystalline spires and gleaming metal skyscrapers.

The captain of the Soviet carrier fleet suggests caution. The Vuurkoekje have the strongest navy in the world. They wouldn't have relocated if these newcomers weren't extremely powerful.

India welcomes a cultural exchange and sends a few delegations to participate.

The beginnings of an economic network are begun with the other Eurasian Pact members. The going is slow however as the Soviets appear to use a sort of psychic entwork rather than a cybernetic one, and the Highsmark seem to rely on rather low tech factories. (And are also a PC. So I don't control what they do.)

[Artorias]

Raven's Ark

We have identified the creators and inhabitants of the floating islands as the Runic Order, a cult of mages. The island is still under construction, we have concluded that they wish to use the island serve as a center of learning and study outside the boundaries of national politics. Should we try to establish communications?

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: Soviets, Eurasian Defensive Pact
Acknowledged. And we thank you for the presence of Soviet vessels.

In the interest of sharing data from the expedition, our results are as follows.
Expedition notes attached.

Economic integration has been off to a slow start. We hope to speed along the process at [EoT] with assistance from Pact members.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

To Raven's Ark (50)
Sounds good. Do you want to approach them, or should I, or is a joint entreaty fine?

[ArcaneStomper]

Soviets to South China
We can allocate some of our production to further pan-eurasian infrastructure.

[Artorias]

Raven's Ark

We believe it would be best to show our good will by approaching them as a joint entreaty, it would be best if we do not threaten them by bringing a big security unit with us.
How do we do a joint entreaty, how does this work exactly? Do we just do our EOT and mention that we will be together?

[ArcaneStomper]

If you want to send a joint expedition then you should both include it in your EoTs. If you just want to announce yourselves then you can put it here.

[Ekpyrotic]

People's Republic of China

To: World
The PRC maintains that it possesses right to access the Portal Anomaly for all research purposes. Any attempts at stopping PRC scientific expeditions from their charted courses in the region will be viewed as a direct violation of our national sovereignty and dealt with accordingly.

To: Japan, North China
This is a courtesy notification that we will be conducting further research expeditions into the Anomaly at [EoT]. We would like to invite Northern Chinese and Japanese scientists to participate in the planned voyage in the interest of promoting regional ties.

[thekazooist]

Walloons

Is there a reason you wouldn't be able to? There are a bunch of flying islands if someone wants to research it do as you please.

[Forum Explorer]

Kobolds!

To Patriots
We do! We came to your assistance regardless didn't we? Anyways, now that there is a ceasefire, we will bring our troops up to assist you against the Mylians.

[Nemesis67]

The Commonwealth
Encryption: 50

To Raven's Ark (50)
I was just thinking we open up a dialogue with them. I do not really have the assets to conduct a full diplomatic mission, nor the available resources.

[OOC: Just an IC message from both of us. Nothing past that, though you are welcome to if you wish.]

[Artorias]

Raven's Ark

We understand. Then we should proceed and start by announcing ourselves to them, after that we should proceed depending on their answer