KK Wiener Zeitung 1Q1903

Borys · March 24, 2007, 02:01:07 PM

Epiphany, January 6th 1903, Ballplatz, Vienna

Instruction to Habsburg Diplomatic Missions:
All:
1 - make known to the local Foreign Ministry, best if through informal channels, that the Kaiser will refuse any medals, decorations, etc.
Regretfully, due to the custom of reciprocation, we will not be able to provide the local heads of state with Austrian decorations, medals, etc.

Europe:
2 - inform papers, can be local, but with circulation in areas with ports, harbor, naval building industries, that the Austrian Empire is looking for settlers for the reconstruction of the city and port of Aden. Preferrence for qualified workers, can be married, best if Roman Catholic, but any Christian will do. Transport costs will be covered. Settlers from the Mediterranean and possibly North Europe will be transported to the spot by passenger liner leased for this purpose by the Austrian Monarchy. Recommendation to delegate an official to a major port for the lenght of this task.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 2 2006, 03:10 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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January 7th 1903, Eszterhazy Palace, Vienna

Ball
young females in corner
- "Have you seen what Ferika is wearing? SO very 1901!
- "I've just danced with the Orange ambassador. He is so ANCIENT, he is 42 he told me, but he dances with the spirit of a czikos."
- "And how did you communicate, Darda? Your French is SO lousy. He speaks German?"
- "Not only does he dance like a czikos, but he speaks Hungarian like one. ABSOLUTELY!"
- "Fancy THAT, a foreigner who speaks Hungarian"
- "Oh, Erzsebet, you featherbrain - don't you know that in Tangerines EVERYBODY speaks Hungarian, SERIOUSLY!"
- "Yes, they are our serfs who got away, teehee!"
- "Have you noticed how Sandor is oggling Angyalka?
- "No wonder, her boobage is, LIKE, ridiculous!"
- "Paliki is chasing him, but my Atilla has eyes for ME only!"

small room, further inside the house
- "Your Imperial Majesty! I am honored."
- "Greetings, mister Overhill. Good you arrived early for the conference. Our host allowed me to use this room, so that we could meet without setting tounges wagging. But enough small talk. Do you see these two maps?"
- "Yes, your Majesty. I see South America and the coasts of Maoria."
- "You show where to land on Maoria to be closest to their capital, and I show you where to find a temple of those satanists - of the Anuhuac."

FIXED DATES - I ALWAYS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH PASSAGE TO A NEW YEAR ...

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Borys
Posted: Sep 3 2006, 11:42 AM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Imperial Palace, 8th of January 1903, Vienna

- "What do you want, Stefan?"
- "No "Majesty"? But I will let that pass if you keep that to private settings, Franz. Is she fit to travel?"
- "It would be nice if you used her name more often than once every 10 years. Yes, Sophie, little Sophie and little Max are fit to travel. Where will you exile us?"
- "I'm planing to send you as ambassador to Peking. You can start packing. The moment I get their agreement, you and your brood are off. It should be an interesting journey by train. And I've heard that there is deer to be had. They have special parks for Imperial game, you know. And take good care of the Kronpinz."
- "WHAT!"
- "You see, I forgot to make you give up the claim to the throne in the name of your whole line. In Otto's case I remembered, in your's - I forgot. The last moments before the takeover were ... hectic. So, when you burnt the papers old Max had you sign before marrying her, her children gained right of succession. Thus until I have a son, little Max is the first in line. Funny, isn'it?"
- " ... "
- "Here's a glass of water. OK now? I'm telling you this in case some busybody puts two and two together and discovers this on his - or her - own. And comes to you. And starts giving you ideas. But I'm not exactly shouting this out at the street corners. At the moment everybody thinks that the Toskan line jumped the cue and are to succeed me."
- "Why Toskans? Uncle Ludwig should take precedence, even if he is not exactly emperor material ... "
- "THAT PERVERT!?! No wonder he always avoided me. After I saw the secret police files on him I had him locked up. I had him brought here - when he saw ME he immediately wailed "I'll sign anything! ANYTHING!" Yuk! - when I think of him I lose my appetite - no lunch today, for me. So don't worry about any claims of [sarcasm] "uncle Ludwig" - he's under house arrest in Transylvania, at castle Frankenstein. And he'll stay there until one of us dies."
- "Why tell me all this? And why don't you take a wife?"
- "You gave me your word before God, and I gave you mine, that the deal we made in September is the final one between the two of us. That I will not make any further demands. And I will honor that agreement. If I die without issue, Franz, then your Max comes to the throne, and you are regent. The fate of the Monarchy would then be in your hands. Also, I wanted to get some things off my chest - not many people I can talk with ... The Toskans know, and are to keep quiet about it. Entre nous - Ferdinand looked terrified at the prospect of becoming the Heir Apparent. With time it will leak out, of course."
- "As to the other question - we are inbred like peasants in an out of the way hamlet - it's hard to find somebody who isn't your 2nd cousin. Among the Catholic houses - impossible. I refuse to go to Avignon for a dispension, the Law of God applies to us as well. I'm waiting for Sankt Peterburg to respond. If they say no - then it's either the Protestant heretic houses or the Italian usurpator's daughter ... but better get packing."

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Borys
Posted: Sep 3 2006, 12:26 PM

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Wiener Express, 14th January 1903
QUOTE
Le Monde January 13th 1903

QUOTE
" Red Sea of Blood,
our correnspondents in Djibouti have reported that Aden, previously a port of call for the merchants who ply the Indian Ocean , but have no love for the French taxes raised in Djibouti, is currently a bloothbath and a pile of rubble.
Mass murdering Austrian troops have eradicated the city, killed countless locals. And are still in progress of scouring the countryside, driving terrorized farmers and merchants in front of them, killing and raping wherever they go.
The latest news is that a gruesome fence is being erected, miles inland of the port of Aden.
It seems that the old habits of the barbarian back yard of the Habsburgers aren't dead yet.
Vlad the Impalers spirit still rides with the Austrian horde.

How far can they go? Will our gouvernement wake up out of the desillusion of grandeur and will see that the world isn't the playground they wished for. At least we could ask the French people to react against barbarianismes like what the Habsburgers are doing"

In response to the accussations levied by the mudraking French paper, Le Monde, our well informed sources close to the Foreign Ministry have said, that:

1 - the Adenese started it - the troubles began when an Austrian sailor, resting from his selfless duties in fighting the menace of piracy on the high seas, was murdured while shopping at the local suk. The lawless populace demonstrated unrepentant support for the perpetuators.

2 - the "farmers and merchants" are cold blooded killers and torturers - the mind and stomach revolts when one reads reports of mutilations suffered by European civilians in the first days of the troubles, and afterwards by the heroic Austrian sailors and soldiers unfortunate to fall into Adenese hands alive.

3 - The Habsburg Monarchy is doing the International Community a service, by policing the lawless port of Aden. This way this fine port will once again be able to serve maritime transport, but with safety assured to all peaceful men of trade and other types of travelers.

4 - The said skulls on stakes are a form of expressing manly virtues in certain areas of the Empire. Thus the Fence of Skulls is an expression of the Monarchy's support for multicultural diversity and upholding traditional local customs. Also, it is a language the local savages will understand, as the previously extended hand with olive branch with a white dove fluttering above had been brutally chopped off and mutilated in gruesome manners. Both hand and dove, that is.

5 - A high ranking official was heard to say over Le Monde's accusations - "The French complain about barbarity? Oh, the cheek! The Devil put on vestments and is tolling for Mass with his tail! They should put their house in order first."

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Borys
Posted: Sep 3 2006, 01:47 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Imperial Palace, 14th January, 1903

Imre Lengyel was going through notes, dipatches, memos, expressions of disenteressement, or to the contrary - very high interessement. He got to something from the Middle Kingdom, started to read, then started to skim with irritation - finaly! A fragment which actually SAYS something

.... Lin Peide, Grand Secretary of the Lifanyuan-Yamen (Board of Feudatory Affairs) will make the proper arrangements for the reception and boarding of the Imperial Household Members. He has already consulted his colleage Lei Wenhui of the Libu-Yamen (Board of Rites) regarding suitable teachers for the young Scion of Your Imperial House if His Highness would bring His Family. The Forbidden City has always been a place of welcome for Foreign Royalty.

He rang the bell. An aid looked in - "Yes, sir!"
- "Dispatch a runner to the palace. Short note - The Middle Kingdom has agreed."

************
OOC - somebody please correct my French, and this post is a co-production with Phoenix

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Borys
Posted: Sep 4 2006, 01:22 AM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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January 17th, 1903
4:37 AM
Note from Austrian Embassy to Republic of Orange Foreign Minisitry

1 - the Austrian Gov't would like to know how many ex-Habsburg subjects have laid down their weapons due to Amnesty offered by Orange Gov't and the Kaiser's Appeal to discontinue the resistance movement, and how many of these wish to return to their Homeland.

2 - the Habsburg Embassy requests counsel on charter of passanger liner to transport the above-mentioned individuals and their dependents to Europe. If possible, the Monarchy would provide an escort of honor, the Linienschiff SMS Kaiser, with Erzherzog Karl von Habsburg on board.

His Excellency
Várgrófok Bela Lugosi

This post has been edited by Borys on Sep 5 2006, 03:21 AM

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The Rock Doctor
Posted: Sep 4 2006, 06:20 AM

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QUOTE
Thus the Fence of Skulls is an expression of the Monarchy's support for multicultural diversity

Without doubt, the best explanation possible for such a thing. Hurray for diversity!

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Borys
Posted: Sep 4 2006, 06:40 AM

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OOC
Ahoj!
I covered my butt in case the PC crowd pounces on me.
If that fails I'll claim that spiked skulls are the habitat of a rare species of beetle, which will surely go extinct without the efforts of the Austrian military.
Borys

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Phoenix
Posted: Sep 4 2006, 01:06 PM

Hegemon
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OOC
PC-crowd ? On this forum ? Not with this dominatrix admin-ning it. wink.gif
You could say I have -ah- "softened up" the existing crowd for your arrival and rather colourful personality. I vaguely remember reading some white-faced commentary on my much earlier description of how the Forbidden City deals with yang quizi intruders. Something like "too graphic" I think.. tongue.gif Perhaps it was the flaying... naah must have been the salt... ninja.gif

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Borys
Posted: Sep 4 2006, 01:31 PM

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OOC
Ahoj!
It was in jest, Madam!
I swear!
No, please not the salt!
smile.gif
It was a joking reference to RL, where such idiocy is widespread - not at the people here.

Borys

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Maddox
Posted: Sep 4 2006, 01:34 PM

Hegemon
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OOC

Be glad that it's not the intimate lubrificant with rock salt and jalapenõ juice...

Impaling would be twice as nasty with that...

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Borys
Posted: Sep 5 2006, 04:40 PM

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Vienna
Kaiserliche-Koenigliche Wiener Zeitung, January the 18th 1903

Heros coming home
The Foreign Ministry and the Marine Amt disclosed that Erzherzog Karl Stefan will sail on the SMS Wien to Waalvisbay, as escort of honor to Stout Hearted Habsburg subjects preferring the return to Europe than to live under a different Gov't. The cruiser will cirumnavigate Africa, saling along the West coast to its destination. The return trip will be along the East coast.

Freedom of the press
Yesterday the Ministry of the Interior informed all publishing concerns, that upon Imperial Instruction it is suspending all preventive censorship apart from military and national security issues. This suspenson is to last 6 months, and then be subject to review. It is possible that most articles pertaining to preventive censorship will be removed from ordinances in vigor in peacetime.

Foreign Ministry leak
Our sources say that the Ballplatz has lodged an official complaint to the French Foreign ministry about the use of terms "Stefan the Impaler" and "Despoiler of Aden" by the French press.

Wienner Express, January the 18th 1903
WHOM DOES STEFAN THE DESPOILER IMPALE IN BED?
As our readers know, the Kaiser is not married. Even more so, the identity of any mistress is still unknown as of today.
However, our reporters have tracked down some ladies who gave livid accounts of a man they termed "impaler" in action, and ...

Kaiserliche-Koenigliche Wiener Zeitung, January the 19th 1903
Interior Ministry
Well informed surces tell us that a review of the suspension of preventive censorship in non-military related matters has began.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 6 2006, 04:36 AM

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Vienna

Kaiserliche-Koenigliche Wiener Zeitung, January 19th 1903

Yesterday the Kaiser held a morning audience for a deputation of representatives of peasant parties from various parts of the Monarchy. They presented to the Throne a petition for reverting to one-man-one-vote principle in Reichstag elections, the extension of this principle to Landtag elections, and Land Reform.
The Emperor's answer to the delegates was short - no, no, and no.
His Majesty did however graciously explain his stance:
"Nothing's free. You want to have more say over the budget, then put more into the pot. One-man-one-vote in Landtag electons - do you want me to get killed? That would make the Szatmar Rebelion look like a picnic. One vote for all - you are happy, the magantes are unhappy. Old system - you are unhappy, magnates are happy. New system - everybody unhapy! That's the equality you were clamoring for. Land reform - never."

After the visit of the peasant legation the Emperor had lunch, and observed an unnanounced military parade of the Viennese garrison, paying particular attention to his previous regiment, the 99th IR.

The afternoon audience to leading landowners had a similar character - the Throne was petitioned to restore the previous electoral system for Provincial Diets, to extend it to Reichstag elections, and to make custom duties on farm produce exempt from the "Most Favored Nation" type of Trade Agreements the Monarchy is currently negotiating with various countries. The Emperor dealt with electoral issues in like manner as to that with the smallholder deputies. The imports issue was dismissed with a curt "party less, manage better" answer.

Common wisdom holds that the noontime military parade was inserted into the schedule as to keep the two delegations apart and avoid possible deplorable incidents at the Palace.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 6 2006, 06:08 AM

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January the 20th 1903, Pola

Pulicky Ve?ernik
Today the Panzer Kreuzer bearing the name of our beautiful city sailed for the Phillippines. On the way it will shield against possible pirate attack freighters bearing stores and construction materials. The building materials had been purchased with the miraculous treasure at Olongapo naval base.
The cruiser is quite crowded, as it is taking eager replacements to the heroic Marine Infanterie battalion at blood-soaked Aden. Some of the dozen or so freighters are said to be taking stores to Aden only.
Apparently RR construction is planned, as rails featured prominently during loading operations at the Rijeka (Fiume) commercial port. The Phillippines Charity &Relief Comittee admitted to the rails coming from military stocks, as industry has not yet began delivery.
- "There will be something for the locomotives to run on, when these arrive with the next shipment" - said Ludwig Bauer, spoksmen for the Comittee.
Such trips are planned on a monthly basis. As of today, the Panzerkreuzers are not to remain in the Far East, but to return once the next "convoy" arrives.
Planned arrival date at Manila, a port in the Phillippine Islands, is around March the 1st.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 6 2006, 08:41 AM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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January the 20th 1903

Voice of the Masses
Yesterday the arrogant despot rejected out of hand a petition delivered by the most worthy us, by our trusted representatives. With jeering remarks, the work of the best minds and purest hearts was rubbished. Upon leaving the palace, the delegation's head - Rudolf Grabenschtubbe, declared:
"We, the salt of this Country ... "

The Blue Bloods' Gazettee
Yesterday the arrogant despot rejected out of hand a petition delivered by the most worthy us, by our trusted representatives. With jeering remarks, the work of the best minds and purest hearts was rubbished. Upon leaving the palace, the delegation's head - His Serenity Herzog zu und von Lichtenstein, declared:
"We, the salt of this Country ... "

Borys · March 24, 2007, 02:01:32 PM

Earl822
Posted: Sep 6 2006, 09:27 AM

Hegemon
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I sense another peoples rebellion

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Borys
Posted: Sep 6 2006, 12:34 PM

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OOC
Ahoj!
It's not that bad.
Pitchforks are not being sharpened, the nobles are not saddling their horses.
Yet.
Previous system:
- Reichstag - universal male suferage
- Landstag - electoral colledges screwing everybody in favor of great landowners

The provinicial Dietines are very important, in some cases more so than the National Diet. Think pre Roosevelt America.

Overall, the peasant parties more or less retained their leverage at national level, and gained a lot at regional level. After they gather their wits they should support the new system. The land reform issue was dead in the water from the very begining, which they very well knew, but were going through the motions to appease their electorate.

The landed aristrocracy mor or less retained their power on national level, but lost a lot on regional level. They DO have reason to be unhappy. Especially that the new system shortshafted the urban proletariat (which they don't care about), and the coutryside proletariat - whose votes they previously could count on buying (the Polish idiom for pork-barrel politics was coined in late XIXth century Galicia).
They are still powerful, of course, but just not as before.

And two more things will hit them hard, the Tax Reform, and the Citizenship Laws.

Of course, Kaiser Stefan COULD use a little more tact ...

Borys

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P3D
Posted: Sep 6 2006, 12:42 PM

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AFAIK serfs were freed up in the 1840s in the Empire. In Hungary, there were both landowner peasants and the agrarian proletariat working on the huge latifundiums of the aristocracy. Or the new upstart landowners, who first rented land to grow industrial crops (tobacco, hemp) - a considerable percentage of the latter being jew.


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Borys
Posted: Sep 6 2006, 12:48 PM

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OOC
Ahoj!
Yes, serfs were freed and got land in 1848. But all village Commons were transfered to the nobles, IIRC.
Now, Stefan's reforms gave the landed peasant two votes in both Reichs- and Landstag elections. While the landless peasants and farm labourers have a single vote.

Borys

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Borys
Posted: Sep 6 2006, 02:58 PM

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Kriegsministerium, January the 20th, Vienna

- "Sir, I have to report two issues of some importance."
- "Go on, Oberst."
- "Firstly, the Spanish war soon will affect our mobilization stocks of rifles."
- "Why is that so? We have only armed the eqivalent of 5 corps. Oh, now that we are arming the Spanish, that would be 2 corps from scratch. And the Auslanders. Hmm - 8 full corps ... "
- "Exactly, sir. Eight. And with the current rifle in production since 1895 only, we have barely complete rearming active units with it. At the current production rate it will be at least 10 years before we will have full mobilization stocks."
- "So what do you suggest? We have large numbers of blackpowder 11,5mm Werndle rifles, don't we?"
- "I know that Mannlicher has just designed a short 6,5mm rifle for the Militia in Greece. We could either take over that contract, or order these carabines for ourselves - they are cheaper. And the ammunition is cheaper too. It uses the crude turn-bolt mechanism, though."
- "Cheaper, you say? Good idea. We could order these and send to Spain, and thus protect our rearming program. And get a comparision between the performance of the straight pullback and the turned bolt. "
- "And the other thing?"
- "The Phillipine Relief Comittee have raided our stocks of rails. They used their connections and went through high level officers to clean out several depots in the Corps Districts near the Mediterranean."
- "That is sabotage! Now how our are the train engineers to repair tracks if they have no rails?"
- "Sir, it is not that bad. These were not the standard guage rails, but the light rails we use to built 60cm lines for artillery ammunition during sieges."
- "Oh, in that case simply order replacements. Industry will be happy."
- "From Spain we are getting reports of rapid firing, "machine" guns ...

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Borys
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 04:30 AM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Vienna, January the 28, 1903

The Austrian Gov't would like to learn of the New Swiss Government's postion on the alleged presence of NS POWS at the French Pacific Channel zone.
Imre Lengyel

OOC
If I have re-established relations, I ask the NS embassy
If not, I ask the third party Embassy which represents NS interests

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Maddox
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 04:38 AM

Hegemon
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Currently, due the political upheaval in New Switserland, it seems non of the Embasies have fitting answers.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 05:02 AM

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due the political upheaval in New Switserland,

ANOTHER COMMUNIST REBELLION?
IS IT THE BATTLE OF OUR TIMES?

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Borys
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 07:04 AM

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Vienna, February the 3rd, 1903

Ballplatz, confidential directive to diplomatic missions and other operatives in the Balkan part of Ottoman Empire

Step up efforts to recruit local volunteers into Imperial-Royal Service, for the Auslander Freiwilliger. Organize small groups which are to head for border areas or ports. There they are either to cross the border, or are to be put on freighters or passenger ships bound for Austrian ports.
Grenzer-Truppen and Customs will have knowledge of the action and be supportive.

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Ithekro
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 11:13 AM

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January 7, 1903

Well sir, I myself don't know where the Moari's capital is, since I am not assigned to that diplomatic post. However I do know of one of their ports we built for trade up here in Auklond. Another port I know of is on the south side of the North Island named Ohariu (Wellington). Foreign traders don't generally go to the South Island expect on Maori ships. Their capital is generally felt to be on the North Island and the South Island is just were their crops and other needs are harvested. Though I admit my knowledge of that land is limited.

As for the Anahuac. We've been dealing with them and their predicessors for longer than that the Chinese have been writting histories and before the Egyptians built their tomes. While we always hope to defeat the evil that the Eye of legend spread across our lands, we have found their will always be followers of the Eye in the world, even if the Eye itself is gone and his ring destroyed. For though some of the Anahuac have escaped justice, the Eye has not returned to Mordor, nor will the Eye return until the breaking of the world. Similar to your Revelations if I recall?

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Borys
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 11:32 AM

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Eszterhazy Palace, Vienna, January the 7th 1903

Stefan listened attentively and followed the map. The mentions of the Eye, Ring, Mordor all brought slight puzzelment to his face. The bringing up of the Revelations raised an eyebrow.

- "I'm afraid I'm not much a man for philosphy nor theology." - he respondend rather icily.
- "Thank you for your answer. Now, my part"
He walked up to the man sized map of South America, and jabbed a thick finger at northern Brazil, between the Amazonas and the Gran Columbian frontier. He tapped the area for emphasis.
- "The Satanists are here. A whole city of them".

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Ithekro
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 12:36 PM

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January 7, 1903

So they've run deep into the forests again. I image the decay will begin around them soon forcing them to spread like mold. Would you know why or if the French let them in to this area in particular? And would your sources have any knowledge on any local resistance to the Followers of the Eye?

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Borys
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 06:15 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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January 7th

"I can only say that my heart tells that the French know. I know nothing of resistance."

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Ithekro
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 07:33 PM

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January 7, 1903

Than all I can do in thank you for this information and remind you that the Maori, while far off, are still friends of Rohan. Trade if it suits you and them, but grow desired of conquest will rate high on the list of offenses the Rohirrim do not tolerate towards ones friends. Friendships are hard to come by, and blood of many brave men have died to maintian friendships and the old realms of what we once called Middle Earth.

Come to think of it I believe the Maori are sending a group of men for a sportsmanship rally a little later this year. I'm not up on the latest games but I believe the game involves a ball, some goals, and two teams of men kicking, running with the ball, and a lot of intense personal combat. I believe the paper from home said the Maori called it, "Wirihana", after one of it's founding players, but I easily could have been mistaken. Our Cheyenne Nation has taken to calling it Rough Ball Play. I believe the Maori called their team the All Blacks for some reason. They'll be playing the Cheyenne if such things hold any intrest for you.

Unless they is anything else, I must relay this home.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 7 2006, 10:59 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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"Austria means the Maori no harm.
And we know of sport - we like to watch fussball, which I am sure you are familiar with. As to our person, we like to hike across hills. I am sure the sport you described shall have lots of enthusiasts in our lands. We shall instruct Count Przewalski - he should be reaching Edoras somewhere soon - to closely follow the sports activities you mentioned. You have our leave."

Borys · March 24, 2007, 02:01:57 PM

3rd of February, Vienna

Ballplatz

The Foreign Ministry and Kriegsministerium are saddened by the UKA defeat at Tangier. Red morale will surely get a boost. This might also enbolden the Potuguese subversive elements. Sad news of the King's failing health.

****
OOC
The current Austrian government is not very sympathetic towards aging monarchs smile.gif

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Borys
Posted: Sep 9 2006, 03:54 PM

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Schonbrun, Vienna, 3rd of February 1903

QUOTE
Diplomatic despatch to Austria from Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister of the UKA, 2nd February 1903.

UKA regrets that it will be unable to assist you in the fight against the communist forces in both Spain & Portugal, but as you are aware, we do unfortunately expect to have more solumn details to attend to."

Stefan looked with puzzelment and disbelief at the note passed on by the Foreign Ministry.
- "They raise a whole corps, sent it across the Atlantic with an escort not much smaller than our whole fleet, failed in a nightime landing at Tangiers, their old king has a seizure, and .. and ... they're going home ... ?!"
He threw the paper at the table.
- "Are they to be taken seriously at all? Not that their operations in Marrocco would had affected what's happening in Catalunya much. But I had some ... wild thoughts that their fleet could had been to some use against the Portuguese coast."

- "I wonder what their new king will be like. Or is it the Kanzler who actually rules over there?"

**********

A freighter with a special cargo - the s/s Cochabamba - slipped its moorings at Sebenik and sailed for the Phillppines - which it hoped to reach in 45 days

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Borys
Posted: Sep 9 2006, 09:49 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Schonbrun Palace, 3rd February 1903

Stefan chuckled while he skimmed through the report. It concerned his deposed uncle and nobody at the Interior Ministry had dared act on it, but sent it ever higher, until it reached his desk. Apparently the Tirolese had taken to make pilgrimages to Kitzbuehel, to the Capucine monastery he had forced the ex-emperor to enter. Trade in Maximilian related paraphenelia was booming - including a broad choice of garden statues.
He shuddered when he glanced at the full catalogue:
http://www.lidia.bizn.pl/post.htm

Maximillian the shepherd was a particularly popular line
http://www.goraleks.com.pl/owczarze/sheepfarmer.htm

He chuckled again, recalling several dirty sheep jokes about the Tirolese he'd heard.
Were there any hopes for an export market? But maybe relabel them as garden Gnomes or something - old Kaiser Max might not necessarily be a hot sell in other countries. Maybe Orange? He had been told that sometimes they get sentimental about "the old country".
That would help pay for the Spanish war ...

The police were worried about the phenomena - not about the heinous garden statues though, but about the "pilgrimages" to the "good old emperor". Talk of freeing the old kaiser had been recorded, but considering these had been isolated incidents, and the sources usually drunk - nothing to worry about.
He wrote across the cover - "No action"

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Borys
Posted: Sep 9 2006, 10:06 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Waalvis Bay, 5th February 1903

KK Wiener Zeitung reporter, Siegfried Augenblick

Today the SMS Wien arrived at Waalvis Bay. A special area of the port had been cordoned for the ceremonies involving Habsburg representative, with Orange officials keeping out of sight. The schwarz-gelb and red-white-red colors were well in prominence. The Erzherzog Karl Stefan saluted the assembled veterans. It was a tearful occasion.
The convoy - four passanger liners chartered through the Orange Gov't from local interests, and the recoaled cruiser, sailed with the afternoon tide. Their planned route - Durban, Dar es Salaam, Aden, Suez, Dubrovnik, Pola.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 10 2006, 01:48 PM

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Vienna, Eszterzhazy Palace, February the 5th 1903

Prince Miklós Pál, the current head of the family, was looking through the reports from factors with satisfaction - they were unloading the previous harvest faster than expected, and at better prices too. Not only did the Spanish war lead to larger than usual purchases by the military, but apparently large quantities were being bought for export. To Orange. Maybe there was some logic to the madness professed by that boor Stefan, that free trade even in produce was a Good Thing?

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Borys
Posted: Sep 10 2006, 02:22 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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KK Wiener Zeitung, 10th of February 1903

The King of the United Kingdom of America died yesterday. As a sign of respect at the passing of a fellow Christian monarch, today all state flags will be at half mast. The condolences book is available at the UKA Embassy, at Karoliner Strasse 27.

Marine Amt
- "So the incompetent bastards are also a bunch of cowardly cads?"
- "They could have had orders which precluded such action ..."
- "Maybe, but that admiral of theirs still behaved like an uncough peasant."
- "Is operation "Orange Squeezer" to be carried out?"
- "Yes, send out by marconi - execute Orange Squeezer dawn tommorrow."


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Borys
Posted: Sep 12 2006, 12:14 PM

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Schonbrun palace, Vienna 15th February

Conference with ministers

- "Your Majesty requested a report on Imperial finances. These are not so good. The economy is growing, but the market are nervous after that crisis with the French in December. Investment in new factoies has practicaly come to a halt. And the Spanish war is, of course, a drain. The cuts in the navy have saved us money, but it still appears that the Flottengesetz was too optimistic, with a 4+4 battleship+armoured cruiser option preferable to the 6+6 forseen in the Bill. Foreign trade is quite good, with unexpected surge of exports, especially of foodstuffs to Orange."
- "How long can we keep the war up?"
- "At this level of involvement - indefinetily, Sir. But it will slow down economic growth to a crawl."
- "How many more corps can we put on a war footing? One? Two?"
- "Two more corps, unless we issue Werndl rifles. We are out of M95 Mannlichers, and the M03 are sent to Spain stright off the production line anyway."
- "In that case mobilize and send the best - the Kaiserjaeger and the Hoch und Deutschmeister corps. And some 100,000 Werndle rifles in Spain might be useful, if more Spanish step forward. We are supposed to enter areas of traditional support for the Carlist cause, after all."
- "When will your Majesty present the Tax Reform Bill to the Imperial Diet?"
- "We have not decided upon certain points yet. But it can be presented for debate until October, as 1904 and 1905 will have the same taxes as this year."

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Borys
Posted: Sep 12 2006, 09:30 PM

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Pola, Marine Amt, 15th February 1903

- "The cable is clear. The SMS Kaiserin Josephine is scrapyard bound!* And she has just been repaired! Throw Schlachtiger before the Naval Court the moment he sets his foot in Austria!"

* see failed attack on Tangier in Civil War thread

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Borys
Posted: Sep 13 2006, 03:33 AM

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Little flashback

Schonbrun Palace, February the 6th 1903, morning

Kaiser Stefan, on the phone
- "Yes, Ferdinand, I want you to leave for Cherbourg TODAY! The old fart is dying. You will be able to make it over there on the 14th afternoon."
...
- "I know that that the dolt brought it on himself. But he was the only monarch to do something about Spain, not like the rest of all those ermine-coat stroking Dachshundfotter! THAT is why you are going there and will look noble and respectful at the cemetary or chappel or whatever they have over there. Harold deserves this."

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Borys
Posted: Sep 13 2006, 06:13 AM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Wiener Express, February 16th

Yesterday the King of the American Normans was burried. It was a solemn occassion. Our country was represented by Erzherzog Ferdinand von Habsburg-Toskana, who delivered an eulogy in the name of other Royal Famlies, being the dean on two accounts - the oldest and highest ranking amongst the Royals present.
He is expected to stay in the UKA until the coronation (date yet to be announced), in the company of five of his nine living children: Peter 28, with wife Maria and 1 year old Gottlieb, Heinrich 25, Anna 23, Margarete 21, and Germana 18.

The eldest, estranged son Leopold has renounced ties to the House of Habsburg and is holed up in Bavarian mountains, writng poetry. The eldest daughter, Luise, the wife of duke of Saxony Frederik, has abandoned her husband and 4 children and run away with the piano teacher, and is currently in Italy. The second son Joseph 31 is in Spain with his regiment. The little darling of the family, the 13 year old Agnes has been left in the care of her uncle Stefan.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 17 2006, 01:12 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Aden, 22nd of February

Message from Imperial Palace to Karl Stefan von Habsburg.
- "Upon arrival at Aden proceed with SMS Wien for the Far East. Visit the lands that broke away from both varieties of the New Swiss. If the Govt's there seem reasonable - no ravings about power of the masses, no human sacrifice to Satan - give them Our recognition and offer Free Trade treaties. Arrange courtesy visit to Taku or whatever port the MK would like us to show the flag."

Stefan, Kaiser

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Borys
Posted: Sep 17 2006, 08:50 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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QUOTE

Diplomatic dispatch, February 14th 1903-(arriving late night)

From Premier Palpaté to Emperor Stefan,

QUOTE
" Your Highness,

After the answers recieved from King Juan, France does see a possibility for European peace. And gain for all in this mess.

King Juan himself asked us, France, to be a negotiator to redirect the Habsburg support of criminals in Spain."

Stefan smiled wrily - "Finaly some simple language from them. Looks like a quote though - even though they must have corrected the spelling. But not good" - he shook his head. "Naive of me to expect them to keep from meddling. Did they do a volte face and decide to save Juan? Had he promised them something interesting? I'll have to pretend to play along. Now, a suitable response ... "

HEAVILY MODIFIED

This post has been edited by Borys on Sep 17 2006, 08:59 PM

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Borys
Posted: Sep 17 2006, 10:13 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Vienna Arsenal proofing grounds, 20th of February 1903

The engineers and foremen gathered around the heavily holed armor plates. There also was a lavish helping of naval uniforms in the group. They all looked satisfied - the Arsenal had learnt how to make those new armor defeating shells in quantity and with consistent quality. The shells should start filling ship magazines in early autumn.

One of the oficers was looking, deep in thought, at the plates dented by the smallest calibre shells. He asked to be shown the rears of the plates ...

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Borys
Posted: Sep 19 2006, 02:35 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Strand Kurier, 14th of March, La Valetta

Today the s/s Scheherezade docked after a very profitable trip to the Netherlands, with a cargo of delicious, mouth watering "rolmops" herring. Also interesting is the tale of the 1st mate, Haddokk, a well known ship spotter. He majorized the evening's meeting of the Society of Sober Sailors, rolling off the names of Marine Naval and UKA warships he had seen sailing together in the North Atlantic. The Vertite, flying a Fleet Comanders's pennant, accompanied by Carnot, Charles Martel, Massena and Bouvet. The coastal battleships which had "dissapeared" from the Med, the Henri IV and Amiral Duperre. Half a dozen of protected cruisers, Descartes, Pascal, Catinat, Protet, Guichen, Jurien De La Graviere and the oversized Terrible. Also spotted were the Panzer Kreuzers Montcalm and Gueydon, and three Ville class ships which were too far out for our walking encyclopaedia of warships to identify. And some 25 small craft, of the type called "korvetten" by the French.
The UKA forces seem to include some of the vessels seen in Marsellies after the 1st Tangier Fiasko, the Ocean (flying Rear Admiral Beatty's pennant), Vengeance. Numerous cruisers, following the unique UKA custom of Panzer Krezuer as Flottillen- and Halbflottillen- Leiter for Kleiner Kreuzer - Red Bank with Newark accompanied by Clinton, Milford, Norwalk and Mystic. Another group had the Jersey leading Henry I, Stephen I and Henry II. The last group was alleged to be composed of the Hudson with her lesser sisters being William I, Edward I and Edward II.
Contrary to ill-willed gossip, the brave UKA navy still has some Torpedobooten left, with three 5 ship Halbflottillen accompanying the large ships.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 23 2006, 12:26 AM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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All Austrian newspapers, 15th of March 1903

KAISER STEFAN IS GETTING MARRIED

The age old adage of "Tu Felix Austria nube" is again true! The happiest of news have leaked out from the Schonmbrun Palace, from usually well infored sources who could not contain their excitement. In a development shocking by its suddeness (or hidden lenghty gestation), it has become apparent that the Kaiser is to marry on very short notice the Grand Duchess Helen - or Yelena Vladymiryevna - of the Romanov dynasty. Oh lets all rejoice, we shall again have an Empress!
The ceremonies and celebrations are to take place from mid April onwards, after Easter, and are to culminate at the end of the month.
Futher details are hoped for.

Borys · March 24, 2007, 02:02:20 PM

Ballplatz, 15th of March 1903

The opening date of the Conference on the Laws of War is confirmed for the 15th of May 1903. The Conference will be opened by the Kaiser, and proceed for as long as needed to codify the customs of war.

Imre Lengyel

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Borys
Posted: Sep 25 2006, 04:53 AM

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Vienna, 17th of March 1903

People's Observer
They got what they deserved!

The details of the gassing of the comunist defenders of the Bugio set a new and laudable standard in the dealings with socialist and communist elements. It should be applied to such members of our society, who ...

Electoral Gazetee
Unprecedented act!

The details of the gassing of the comunist defenders of the Bugio raises a set of ethical and practical questions concerning the use of gas in warfare. Moral Authorities contacted by our paper are unanimous in deeming ...

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Borys
Posted: Sep 25 2006, 01:12 PM

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Sorry for out of sync.

Triest, 28th February 1903

KK Wiener Zeintung
Today the convoy bearing the Unreconciled from Namibia arrived. In a surprise move, the Kaiser took his private train and arrived in the morning, gracing the wellcoming ceremony with his august presence. There was much nose sniffing and tears squeezing when His Majesty saluted the war-torn flags brought from Africa, and shook hands with veterans. The monarch explained his presence in simple words: - "You did more than duty called for, so I, as head of House of Habsburg, am duty-bound to say thank you. Hoch mitt Namibienischer Veteraner!"

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Borys
Posted: Sep 25 2006, 01:23 PM

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Off Haikou, Hainan, 17th of March 1903

The Erzherzog Karl Stefan looked at the town with a mixture of curiosity, aprehension and excitement. His first "real" diplomatic mission. He looked at the boat making its way to the shore, with the French-speaking Chinese he had hired on the way on board, to serve as intermediary in first contacts with the local authorities. Whatever these might be. Remembering his Imperial (usurper, but efficient) cousin's instructions, he scanned the skyline for smoke covered pyramids and red flags.
His mind turned to his latest instructions: "Get concession for iron ore. Offer coal". He could understand the interest in ore, but coal? That was not a resource the Monarchy had in any abudance

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Borys
Posted: Sep 26 2006, 01:30 AM

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Haikou, Hainan, 18th March 1903

It was hot and damp. Karl Stefan von Habsburg-Teschen hoped that the information he gleamed from the Chinese he hired on the way, or contained in the books he bought during their coaling stops had been correct.

To his relief the Hainan "ruling group" included a few whites, New Swiss to be exact. An a specimen was present at this meeting - there were four apprently identical Oriental gentleman and an aged NS - name of Euzebius Gimli, who spoke "Schwytz". Karl raked his brain for recollections of his stay at the Lichtenstein's* and how the servants spoke - Gimli's louder than necessary introductions, which he half understood, sounded similar to their dialect. Yes, he would need to speak slowly and loudly, for Herr Gimli to understand his refined Deutsch.

The talks were slow but generally pleasant. It turned out that the local Gov't was worried about foreign intervention in general, and New Swiss or the Middle Kingdom's in particular. The offer of a trade treaty - Free Trade or Most Favored Nation - produced several minutes of excited conversation among the hosts. Suggestions that Austria could sell food, coal or arms met with mixed levels of interest, arms producing the most, food the least. The mention of mining concessions - after some inter-group arm waving - brought a group decision rendered as "yeah, but we'll 'ave te fink maer aboot it". Or at least that's how it sounded. So far so good. So he decided to take the initiative - time to use his skills as orator.
He pointed towards the north:
- "Manchu. Good?"
The expressions of the hosts could be understood to either mean "I do not know what you are talking about" or "Not exactly".
Now the North-East.
- "New Swiss. Good?"
The hints of "not exactly" grew stronger.
Now the South:
- "French. Dutch. Good?"
A mixture of shrugs and "not exactly".
- "Spanish. Brandenburg. Good?"
More of same.
He now pointed at himself.
- "Austria. Good. Protect Hainan from bad New Swiss and Manchu and everybody else. Interested?"

Herr Gimli relayed this to the others, and a furious exchange ensued. They sounded angry, but apparently that was the normal tone of conversation. Finaly the old New Swiss turned to him:
.........

TO BE CONTINUED

* Lichtenstein was part of Austria, and is on the Rhein on the Swiss border.

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Desertfox II
Posted: Sep 26 2006, 08:54 AM

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Something to keep in mind. Hainan is part of the Republic of China which includes Taiwan. And it was the capital Taipei that was bombarded by the Austrian Fleet a few months ago.

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Borys
Posted: Sep 26 2006, 09:23 AM

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OOC
Ahoj!
I thought that during the Sundering (aka NS breakup) the two islands went separate ways?
But thank you for pointing this out, I will check that thread again.

EDIT:
I am not happy. I somehow came up with the delusion that Hainan and Formosa are separate.
So, either a total re-write or a request to Maddox to delete that post. Must mull this over. And "good Austria" might not be best sales pitch in this area smile.gif

Or .. or leave it is as is, and have the Local Good People give Karl Stefan 10 minutes to get to his launch, or be treated with the "Habsburg Caress" (of Aden fame)LIVE!
smile.gif

BTW - anybody know what happened to Admiral Heywood?

Borys

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Borys
Posted: Sep 27 2006, 03:32 AM

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Haikou, Hainan, 18th March 1903

... "It's oonly yer white flag dats keepin' us from sticking yer arse oop on o bamboo stick and wavin' aboot fer everybody to see, ye Oostrian moordoorer! Gerautof'ere before we daz dat!"

Forcing himself to a slow step, the Erzherzog "retired" to his launch. He wondered what was worse - Herr Gimli's accent, or the return mail from his cousin on the Austrian throne ...

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Borys
Posted: Oct 1 2006, 04:46 PM

Kaiser und Koenig Stefan
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Inchon, Korea 27th March 1903

Karl-Stefan was relieved to have obtained a hearing from the local authorities. Stefan won't have his hide after all. Hopefully. Some of the New Swiss mixed in with the Koreans spoke "Schwytz" with an accent easier to understand than Herr Gimli's on Hainan (or was it practice), and were friendlier too.
It appeared that Korea was interested in trade, especially in the export of foodstuffs and import of arms. He cunningly managed to smooth-talk the arms issue and push it off to "futher talks", best if with "Korean representative to the Court at Vienna". But he had been briefed and updated enough on the Philippinese situation as to be able to assure the Koreans of food purchases from that quarter. The offer to encourage Austrian shipping interests to carry Korean goods abroad also met with interest. Good!

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Desertfox II
Posted: Oct 2 2006, 09:09 AM

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So Austria is determined to gain a foothold in Asia? Some nations are looking warly at Austria's imperialistic moves.


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Borys
Posted: Oct 2 2006, 09:21 AM

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OOC
Lodge protests! Demand compensation! Scream against infrigment of sphere of interest! Rattle sabre! Threaten convening a Council of Powers!

E.g. if I was DKB I'd be screaming bloody murder at the events in Mozambique and eyeballing Orange over it, demanding a border on the Zambezi.

That's how politics in the Age of Empires looked like.
Hmm, they still look like that!