TW: Shards of War (IC)

[Forum Explorer]

Alaska

To Ethiopia

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Feast? What feast? and when?

[Rafinius]

Ethiopia to Alaska:
(Def.Esp.14)

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The Caliph of Ethiopia is holding a feast at his residence in Addis Ababa [next turn] to celebrate numerous achievments and the fact that there was is no major conflict for once in the world. Highlights will include meeting leaders from all over the world, seeing the Counter-Acherium technology in action, witnessing the non-aggression treaty being signed between the Chairman of Australia, the Supreme Leader of Saloa and the Caliph, and enjoying the Ethiopian cuisine, culture and weather.

[Forum Explorer]

Alaska

To Ethiopia

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Sounds fun. We'll be there.

[Mabn]

Hawaii to Ethiopia

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No king of Hawaii has ever left these islands. I do not have the wanderlust of some of my people. Nevertheless the world is changing and we must change with it. I shall be there.

[Rafinius]

Caliphate of Ethiopia
(Def.Esp.14)

To Hawaii:

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If you require anything to feel more at ease within my lands, name it and you shall have it. Maybe you should let one of the emissary houses advice you on differences in our respective cultures regarding mundane matters. That way you can avoid both being negatively surprised by missing something deemed normal within your realm and having to ask things like if we also have windowed royal guestrooms or such.

{OOC: I have pretty much everything availible that would be common luxury in the old world at this age, including hot showers and running water in toilettes. Major differences is that the cuisine is mostly traditional Ethiopian and that we Kheranists don't like to pride ourselves with material wealth, so you will find no gold or precious stones in the palace. Precious materials are only found as sacred family heirlooms, in the central shrine of churces (mostly hidden away behind layers) or locked away in vaults. Sandstone decorations and semiprecious stones and porcelain are in fashion here these days. Strong alcohol is also not findable except on pre-order. Things we will not provide are Kokytium, slaves or erotic entertainment in any form. We believe in traditional marriage only and watching belly dancers is the most you can do without doing something illegal, strictly speaking, and even that is regarded dirty and of bad taste. Yes, we are very prude and proud of it.
...I love making this stuff up on the fly .}

To Alaska:

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May I ask who will be there? We need to know how to adress you and what kind of accomodations you will require and I must admit that even though I am the Minister of Foreign affairs, I know next to nothing about you. All I have seen are these short telegraphs.

[Mabn]

Hawaii to Ethiopia (PM)

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Emissary agents spend the next weeks inquiring about matters of protocol. Things that are assumed to be rude: openly wearing a glowing blue shard of Kolkytium around one's neck, sending assassins to nonviolently kill foreign leaders as a work around to the party's rules against attack. Things that are more of a grey area: wearing a thoroughly concealed shard of Kolkytium, being shirtless, carrying sidearms.

[Rafinius]

Ethiopia to Hawaii [PM]:

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Replace rude with unacceptable. Also being shirtless in an outdoor environment, during work or in a more private setting is perfectly fine if you are a man, but women should only be so immodest within a private, female only environment with close friends. Very young children (8 years and below) may even be naked without anyone concerning himself about more than risk of sunburn/cold.

EDIT: Being shirtless in formal settings during the feast is acceptable if explained as a cultural thing. As is wearing a Kokytium amulet, although the servants will rumour you to be demonic necromancers and the nobles/officials will find you rude/mad/evil and refrain from speaking to you/being seen with you.

[Mabn]

Hawaii to Ethiopia

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Being rude to a host is unacceptable by Hawaiian standards of conduct, civil wars have started from less, Northstar would go without Kolkytium entirely if it was required, although if he were to die and his soul not be almost immediately recovered it would cause extreme bitterness above and beyond the death itself.

[razovor]

The Peoples Republic of America

To the Caliphate of Ethiopia

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From the Office of the President

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"We have not met, no, but I have heard of you. I'm Robin Kipling, but please, call me Robin. Formality does so interfere with friendliness."

"Thank you for the invitation; I accept. Something like peace certainly deserves celebration. That the international community might do it together can only be good for the future."

Miss Robin Kipling, President of the Peoples Republic of America

From William Jefferson

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"I refuse your apology as it is not sincere, and have nothing to apologise for myself. I may have gotten a little side-tracked, but by point remains. You are nothing but a power-hungry tyrant. I have not forgotten that, now my power to do anything about you is gone."

"I failed to stop you, and I will have to live with that for the rest of my life. May you soon die a painful death."

[Rafinius]

Ethiopia to Hawaii:

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The edit regarding the Kokytium amulet were of course ment about wearing it visibly. If he hides it under his clothing and keeps it private it should have no more effect beyond causing some discardable rumors with any servants noticing. Of course your retinue should also be informed of all this. At least I guess they also wear such stones, probably smaller/less ornate ones.

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 13, January, 1939 CE

World at Peace, for now
Once again the world is at peace. No wars ravage the globe and trade has resumed unhindered by the tides of war. Of note the Caliphate of Ethiopia has cleaned and claimed the Arabian Peninsula and started preparations for a great feast for all the world's leaders.

Tensions between Canada and the PRA are slowly easing, although both nations remain on the brink of war. And colonization of the South American continent is underway.

[razovor]

The Peoples Republic of America

To the Socialist Republic of Australia [17]

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"Greetings. How are things in Australasia?"

[Forum Explorer]

Alaska

To Coalition

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As per our treaty we've been keeping an eye on the Grim. They have yet to disarm and are infact building coastal fortifications. Thoughts on what we should do?

[Mabn]

Hawaii to the Coalition

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From my communications with the Grim it has become apparent they only find contracts and authority binding if agreed to, and while they agreed not to enter any land not cold, they did not agree to disarm and only let us assume they had. A setback, but in keeping with the ways of my people. Were we to act in the same vein we would work to rectify this oversight and be more wary for future attentive negligence.

[razovor]

The Peoples Republic of America

To the Coalition [PM]

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"We'll talk to them, but I don't think they'll be doing anything aggressive any-time soon."

"Honestly, all this peace is brilliant. Gives us a real chance to work on the global economy, and strengthen the bonds between nations to keep this going as long as possible"

To the Grim [17]

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"Hey. A couple of us are concerned about your recent activities. Mind if I come down south and talk to you in person? Feels a lot more communal than this format."

[Grimsage Matt]

The Grim

To the PRA

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You may come to the hall on the Seatorn Isle. But, we do not plan to leave to the warmlands. We gave our oath. However, we know what we have done may have made attacking us sxeem sound. So, if our "activites" are the defences we have created in the coast, we do remind you that others prowl off the Frozen Lands, the Seatorn Isles and the North Jut.

OOC; Frozen lands- Antarctica. Seatorn Isles- The Falklands. North Jut- Cape of Good Hope.

[razovor]

The Peoples Republic of America

To the Grim [PM]

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President Kipling arrives on the Seatorn isle by airship, a week after the invitation is granted. Only a handful of staff accompany her, and at her request none of them are bodyguards. Stepping off the helicopter, she glances around, wondering which of the grim were sent to meet with her.

[Grimsage Matt]

The the PRA [PM]

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Standing by to meet President Kipling are two figures.

One, is slightly fammilair. Standing nearly Seven feet tall, with whale bones fashioned into arm blades, with a faint glow pulsing along the edges. His armor is fashioned of the hide of a Killer whale, but, there is something diffrent about him. Reaper, while engaged in the gurreila raids on you, took time to hunt down a Boar. Apprently, he found a big one, because he's using it's skull for a helm.

The other is much shorter, dressed in much less impressive gear. Her clothes are just made of seel skin, and she holds a simple staff, made of whalebone worked with many runes.

She steps forward as the airship lands.

"Greetings Telv'thane of the PRA. I am Sage Shadows-In-The-Ice. The Thane waits for you at the hall."

With that, she turns, and walks inland.

If you follow her, you see the Grim Camp. Here, in this land, a semi-permenant camp town has been set up. There, hunters come back from fishing, meat is smoked and preserved, salt is filtered from water and goods are exchanged.

In the corener of your eye, you see the children playing hunting games, increasing their skill with the spear and axe. Some are making or repairing spears and gear.

But, in the center, on a low hill, there is a large structure, it is contructed out of meterials that are considered rare. It's made of pine and oak (likely taken when they were raiding you), along with some south american woods. On it flutter banners, and mounted as a door way is a set of giant shark jaws, large enough for even Reaper to walk through with no problems.

"Our first permenant above surface structure. Of course, we took ideas we found in the warmlands into it's contruction, but it's ment to be impressive after all. I belive you people would call it a 'embassy' building?"

[razovor]

The Peoples Republic of America

To the Grim [PM]

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"It's a pleasure to meet you Shadows-In-Ice"

Kipling follows the party across to the large structure. The sight of Reaper, and the children hunting appears not to frighten her. Rather she seems somehow disappointed.

Entering the structure, she glances around. It wasn't exactly a familiar appearance for an embassy, but it's presence was comforting.

"Yes. A building to facilitate diplomacy with other peoples. It's impressive, good craftsmanship."

Kipling ponders for a moment, unsure where to begin.

"People are getting concerned by your military build-up. They recognise you've had a change in leadership, but have seen no proof your new leaders are any different. Once you offered to help the Khmer rebuild, are you still willing to do that?"

[Grimsage Matt]

To the PRA [PM]

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The children, when they stop playing their games for a second and look at you for a second. Then they go back to their game, which seems to be a mix of hide and seek and tag.

As soon as it became apprent that you brought no weapons, Reaper just wanders off, and Sage Shadows-In-The-Ice looks relived.

Inside the building she nods.

"Yes, our leaders changed. However, while we are paying the Blood-price, our oaths pervent the bulk of us from entering the warmlands. Reaper and some of his band would be able to go, as they swore no oaths.

And while you might not like the idea of them ading to much, you might be intrested to see what Reaper did for the building."

The inside of the "Embassy" is fairly simple. The group is standing in a great hall, which has a open fire pit, a low table and cushions arranged around it. On several sides, there are opens with leather wall hangings.

The wood itself, on the ground, and where you would sit, has been worked into a great map, and looking above, a great star chart. The sides show carvings of many types of beast, and several strange figures.

If you proceed after her, you come to a leather door, and on it is a picture of the PRA.

[ArcaneStomper]

The Socialist Republic of Australia to the People's Republic of America [17]

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They are good as they have ever been. Is there something which you wish to discuss?

[razovor]

The Peoples Republic of America

To the Socialist Republic of Australia

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"Two things; first I'd like to talk about world peace. As President of the Peoples Republic, I've made this one of my primary goals. The world is currently enjoying a time of peace, and I want to see it continue."

"I think this will be a much easier task, if the global community works together. I want to form an international organisation; a forum for nations to solve their disputes diplomatically, and come to solutions that don't result in violence."

"I'd like your thoughts on the matter if I may."

"Secondly, I'd like to ask if you desire help with any particular matters. I'll be continuing to supply you with shards either way."

To the Committee: [PM]

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"I would like to propose that we rename this group; The International Committee for Economic Development and World Peace. (ICEP)"

"This is as much to improve the name, as it is to determine whether members believe these should actually be the goals of the organisation."

[hydroplatypus]

Canada

To Committee [PM]

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We support the name change.

We have an additional concern. We do not think that Luxemburg should be trusted too much by this organization. They profit in large part by contracting out their services to warring parties. We should really try to distance ourselves from them. Given that Canada will need funding to recover from the war we are willing to hire our own network at a reasonable price should someone want espionage services.

[Mabn]

Hawaii to Canada(PM)

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After some consideration, we have an offer for your services. We would send you our advanced exploration protocols, and in return you would assimilate them in the coming months and afterwards use them to aid our exploration of South America. (please don't go crazy or renege on your contract like the last two mercenary factions we hired; that trend gets old almost as fast as aiding countries fight wars they decide they don't want to fight as soon as you invest serious resources and take heavy casualties for helping them.)

[hydroplatypus]

Canada

to Hawaii (PM)

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That seems reasonable. We tentatively accept. Should a better paying offer come along before EOT then we will of course inform you prior to your sending the data. after it is sent we will not go back on our word.

[Rafinius]

Caliphate of Ethiopia
After several months of preparation, the feast could finally begin. Most of the worlds major national leaders were invited, along with their retinue. Additionally there were honored scientists from the Magnetic Research Institue mingling about, as well as various ethnic elites of the Kenyugandan people from around the world.
The feast itself would be a 3 day event, taking place in the gigantic, although modestly decorated, Caliphal Residence. And although the capital of Addis Ababa had spread all around the residence, guests would notice little as the national Umeneia Park surrounding them was several hectars wide.
Beyond displays of traditional art, dance, culture and cuisine there were several major events of international interest planned. Amongs them was the presentation of Anti-Acherium technology, the peace treaty between Australia and the African-Kheranist powers, the honoration of military and civic heroes of the last African conflicts and the possible formations of new alliances and agreements to bring even greater balance to the world.

Most important members of the vast Umenei family that exerted almost absolute control in all Ethiopian affairs are present, most prominently of course the middle aged Caliph and his solemn wife Mariah El Umenei. As are the main political officials of Saloa and two of the most senior Madagascari collaborators. Saloan Supreme Leader Samubai Imikheras was still missing, but would surely arrive shortly. He was one of the guests of honor after all.

To all invited:

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Sorry this comes so late . I have an internet shortage and while being sick I didn't really want to go to my friends to get some. Anyway, feel free to introduce your leaders.
As this is mostly a social event, there should be no problem with coming and talking, even if most agreements made here will probably have to be enacted in next EoTs.
Also about the timing of speeches and events, I puposely left it vague so you can speak parrallel to each other in several conversations and supposed timeline will just be imagined by any player individually however it fits best for him.
Beyond that, it could be a good opportunity to get into some action through "inconsiderate" conversations happening at the feast . Although I must warn you that duels are forbidden by the law .

To GM (open):

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Please tell us who did and didn't come to my feast so that I and the others can innitiate conversation with those that interest me.
Also please present the workings of various [Counter-Acherium 1] technologies through the MRI, and of course do anything else you deem apropriate with the NPCs.
Lastly, may I introduce the Saloan leader fluff-wise?

[Murska]

The Mechaneer Union of Germania

Some weeks before the feast in Ethiopia, Grand Duke Albert vu Lëtzebuerg, from here on called 'von Luxemburg', Protector of the Duchy, etc. and Kaiserin Karola Riese, Holy Empress of the Reich and so on ad nauseum, go through a series of ceremonies to make official a royal union of both their bloodlines and their nations, Luxembourg being the final independent German minor to join the Mechaneer Union. The final unification is celebrated all over Germany, pan-nationalists rejoicing at the skilled diplomacy of their ruler.

Within Luxembourg, celebrations are rather more subdued, though no complaints are voiced. In fact, the autonomy of the region is rather well guaranteed within the terms of the treaties and even in the laws of Mechaneer Union.


Regardless, the two arrive together for the Etiopian gathering, dressed in the latest European fashions, Karola wearing what amounts to a rather militaristic outfit with her medals, including the Roman Eagle Cross and the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece, prominently displayed. Albert works to complement her sharp appearance with a touch of diplomacy and softer decorum, apparently happy to let her keep the center stage her striking visage deserves.

[Mabn]

Hawaii

Although thoroughly prompt, Northstar has stayed at the periphery of the gathering, surrounded by aids. Last time he accepted an invite to a large official gathering he killed a suspected assassin with a concealed hand grenade. Surrounded as he is for the first time in his life by total strangers the local noble houses have made it difficult to so much as catch a glimpse of him.

[oblivion6]

Russia

General Brador, the real power behind the Russian empire, arrived in Ethiopia accompanied by an entire company of veteran shocktroops that had served wth distinction across the world in various conflicts, from North America and the caribbean to Austria-Hungary and Kenyuganda. many peple simply assumed this was either because of the general's need for a show of force everywhere he went, or he was scared for his safety. the real reason however, was not for his safety or out of a sense of pride, but the protection of his beloved daughter, Luserina, the only surviving member of the general's family.

Luserina was a tall, blonde girl dressed in a pale but stunning gown of lavender silk. though it was widely reputed that she was of a fragile nature and was very frequently quite sick, she certainly showed no signs of this fragile nature that evening, mingling right in with other young women from countries everywhere, watched all the while by a squadron of Russia's finest killers. though the General had argued that he wanted at the very least, a platoon of soldiers shadowing her, the local Ethiopian militia commander outside had refused to allow that many soldiers in, forcing the rest of the company to camp outside.

General Brador, though obviously not as stunning as his daughter, wore his parade uniform which was adorned with ribbons, medals and awards of all sorts. at his side rests an experimental machine-pistol and, on the other, a ceromonial cavalry sword which could clearly be used in combat despite its ceromonial purpose. while his daughter made her rounds, surrounding herself with other assorted young noblewomen, he politely chatted with dignataries from all over the world, while at the same time, out of the corner of his eye, keeping a close watch on his daughter.

[Rafinius]

Great Feast

After Abudjib and his wife Mariah exchanged all the typical pleasantries as was proper to do as hosts, the Caliph approached General Brador.
"Tell me dear General, how is the Emperor faring? Will he not attend?"
Of course the Caliph already had heared that said Emperor had become mostly a figurehead for Russias military regime, still he had invited him as the "official ruler" and believed to meet him here. Not that he would show any displeasure towards the good General Brador because of this, but a simple question wouldn't do any harm, would it?.