Russia 1916

[Blooded]

1916

Various bits to be gleaned from local and national papers. In no particular order, grouped more by category.


Emperor Andrei Alexandrovich Romanov is coronated(in May?). Although he has been at the helm of the nation for several years, Xenia has been the guiding hand and influence.

The beloved Empress Regent Xenia will be touring the Russian countryside and cities to better evaluate the needs of her people.

With the rising nationalist views sweeping the world, much debate has been taking place in the Duma and behind the scenes for increased autonomy for the many differing regions of Russia. Some have suggested creating a confederation or commonwealth of states  as other nations have done.

The naval ministers continue to search for funding to update the nations capital ships, and indeed to lay down more.  The Duma has continued its policies of limited funding and a focus on supporting the needs of a defensive Navy only.

With the expansion of the 'light' forces of the navy. The opportunities for promotion have been great though limited to the  lower ranks of officers and sailors. The increased professionalism of the 'light' forces has led to a higher status  and sense of elan, sadly lacking in Capital Vessels.

The same goes for the Coastal Artillery, whose expansion over the last 4 years has been tremendous. Coastal Defence has gained a certain prestige in naval circles. With high budgets, quality barracks have been produced to rival those of regular army officers(though with less thought to privacy concerns). The training regimens have been extensive and additional schooling mandatory in the winter months. Other branches has taken note of the increased calibre of CD personnel.

The main portion of Baltic 'Peter the Great' Naval Fortress is nearing completion. These coastal defences will protect the approaches to St. Petersburg and give solid defence against naval invasions to the Baltic States. Though indeed impressive the many critics have had a field day with such strong defensive policies when little or no external threat is percieved. This paranioa is a costly waste.

Continued greivances issue forth from Baltic island populations for 'forced' sale of land and dislocations associated with the increased navalfort construction.

Although initially strongly protested, the Lightrail 'ring' system connecting major towns in the Aland islands has proven a boon to local economics. Designed for military purposes with many portions off limits to civilian traffic, the limited schedule 'free trains' have proven popular to many. Gaining much needed, though very limited, positive press.

The recent spate of Telegraph cables being laid in the Baltic Area have finally connected the Baltic islands with the Mainland. Many feel this to be yet another intrusive feature of the continuing CD system.

Talks concerning the expiration or continuation of The 1906 Belogechensk Agreement have been opened with our Slavic partners to the south. Increases in 'internal' trade and technological transfers have been at the forefront. Concerns over internal strife and continuing backwardness of the Ukrainian States have also been noted.

Treaty talks with the Ottoman Empire continue to lead nowhere as of yet. Surprising considering the strategic nature of the Bosporus and large amount of trade channeled through it and in the Black Sea region. (Russias Treaty lapsed in 1912, and without a fulltime player I cannot get a new one)

The economic missions to the Nassau Treaty partners have ended in a long drawn out failure. Other missions to foreign nations  have likewise produced little results. The lack of foreign capital has diminished the grandiose plans of the Duma.

Though the true GDP has grown by 10% in the last 10 years, Capital investments show an increase of 20%. Many critics have  claimed the Dumas policies to be restrictive on National Growth. Further concessions to industrialists are felt to be needed to stimulate and modernize the economy. Many feel these claims seem poorly founded.

Throughout 1916 many Naval Units have been reassigned to other ports, flotillas, even theaters.

More to Come.... dun dun dun DUH!

[Blooded]

November:

The Commonwealth of Russia is formed. Dominion guidelines introduced.


December:

The Commonwealth of Russia introduces the new format for its armed forces. A Standing Army made of professional soldiers will provide the new technical needs of a modern military.

Many Reservists will be called upon to volunteer for full enlistment with greater benefits to fill out the new projected personel requirements. Pay increases for additional higher level training. Recruiting will increase greatly.

All the Russian states and nations of Imperial Russia have signed or are ready to sign the new Dominion guidelines.

[Blooded]

The rumours of an Eye Cult operating out of the Crimea gave Andrei pause. The Old Believers still told tales of the desecrations committed by the servants of the Eye.

Could it be possible? After all this time? How far may the blight have spread?

"Send for the Kurgan at once" cried out Andrei "and alert the Hyrcanoi!"

[TexanCowboy]

Yay! My story affects mighty Russia! :)

[Tanthalas]

"Introduces Jack Bauer" :D
I still have Chuck Norris, Mr.T, and Bruce Lee.

Such a waste... you are obviously under read.  Here you could claim Ghost and the Keldara and you arnt claiming either...  Now its to late though, Rohan Claims both.

[The Rock Doctor]

I've broken this off as a topic in the meeting room to avoid cluttering this news thread.  Please re-post there.