Nord-Sturm

[Cody Seb]

OOC: This is a Non-Canon RP outside of CNRP, so I will be using lands I do not control and new characters and what-not and it will have no bearing on the Canon of CNRP.

I'm going to be opening it up for participation a bit later, so just drop me a PM if you'd like to join. There will just be a few plot points that would have to be followed, but otherwise it'll be pretty open.

EDIT- Also, OOC Comments ok within reason.

IC:

Wien, Österreich- Vienna, Austria; 2021

A crowd had gathered in the Heldenplatz outside the Hofburg Palace. There was a sea of waving red, white and black flags. The flags were that of the MachtReich Partei of Austria. The Party had been around since 2011, but hadn't been taken seriously since as of late. The recent dissolution of the EU rocked Europe. Countries' economies were devastated and unemployment ravaged the remains.

The MachtReich Partei spoke of exactly what the people wanted to hear, or so they made them believe. It was the second golden age of propaganda it would seem. Austria had become the leading German-speaking country after the collapse, having lessened its stake in the EU in the years before it fell. This was unlike Germany and Switzerland, who had put more capital into it to try and save it, Germany being hit by far the hardest.

A man stood before the teeming masses in a very distinguished-looking suit. He was well into a speech and as if he was from the school of Fascist Public Speaking, he was nearing a crescendo, molding the populace before him to his will.

"I propose a NEW Anschluss! A NEW union! Our former brothers have been forsaken by this world and we must not be sucked into the depths like a person in a shipwreck. To Schweiz we will look! Their neutrality cannot be kept!"

These bold statements would have brought wrath upon the nation in another day, but this man had control and the world was powerless to stop his manipulation.

"No European man cannot hinder our march! Do you remember the old days? We were the !@#$%^& brother of the German community, now look at us, we are all that remains! Yes, we are weak now, but there is positivity to be gleaned FROM that! You know history, in times of peril, a nation can rise from the ashes and become an even greater force. Elect the MachtReich Partei, and let Austria become the pheonix! Let Austria take back supremacy! Let Austria rule Europe NOW!"

The man held his fist aloft to thunderous applause. His poison had done its deed, events had been set in motion. A catacslymic chain had been unleashed and a darkness grew. Almost all of Europe would bow before the Eagle before the end.

Edited July 18, 2009 by Cody Seb

[Cody Seb]

This man had become the face of upstart-Austrian politics. His name was Ulbrecht Strauss, a man of 39 with brown hair and green eyes. His hair remained thick and he kept himself clean shaven. Strauss had served in the Austrian military since he was 18, all the way back in 1999. He had served as a Lieutenant during the collapse of the EU in 2013 and as a Major during the Austrian campaigns of the German Civil War from 2015-2017.

His experiences were twisted in his mind to give him the perception of the world he saw now. His quick ascension in the military was not unearned, however. He was capable of making quick, decisive and above all successful decisions on the spot and he knew how to motivate a group. Now he put such skills to work, taking his experience from a squad level to a national level. Success still followed.

The elections would begin soon and he was running for the position of President. He had secured the populace and perhaps more importantly, his 'insurance and contingency' plans had already begun work. The office of President would not be around much longer. Reichskanzler would take its place under his control.

He sat behind his mohagany desk, sipping scotch from a short glass as his cigar wafted smoke, laying unused in the ashtray. Behind him was a window that looked out over Vienna. He could see the Heldenplatz from it, as well as the Hofburg. However, he had the lights on dim and the drapes closed.

A knock came on the door. He answered, "Ja? Come in."

The Party Leader came in, a man of equal social stature and intimidation, Josef Brecker.

"Ah, Josef. Please have a seat."

Josef graciously complied and sat in one of the luxurious chairs facing the desk. "How are you Ulbrecht? Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"We will see tomorrow old friend, I suppose. You never know if you you are truly ready until you see the results."

"Ja, that is true."

Tomorrow was the final speech and day of voting. The race had come down to either Strauss or Eisenstadt, the liberal candidate.

Brecker continued, "What do you anticipate then?"

"Eisenstadt is too liberal. Europe has been in a liberal swing since the fall of the Third Reich and look where that's gotten us. Sure, we experienced prosperity, but now we are worse than ever. The people are ready for a change, a journey back to the roots of Europe. Ultimately they just want change, I'm not sure if they care what I do to make it..."

Brecker laughed at this and Strauss continued, "The Habsburg would love to see what I will bring in the next few months." Strauss sipped away the remainder of the Scotch.

"Ja, Ja they would," replied Brecker.

Edited July 18, 2009 by Cody Seb

[Cody Seb]

The elecitons had gone smoothly, and Strauss had won with a sizeable majority. He acted quickly, riding the still fresh wave of popularity to become Reichskanzler and to begin strengthening the military to which he gave an old, iconic name, the Wehrmacht. The country had been renamed Ostmark Reich, a symbol of the ambitions of the new Kanzler and his molded masses.

Strauss's public appearances now saw him constantly in military uniform.

Television clips from his numerous and empowering speeches were frequent. Notable lines caught the attention of the people.

"Do not fear the title Fuhrer. It means leader. Let us shake the stigma surrounding the title and let it be born again."

"The Anschluss is nigh! Take heart, Ostmark, our troubles are nearly behind us. The Golden Age has returned!"

"We have given you the tools of success, use them. Follow the guides distributed by the government and unemployment will be a thing of the past. The Wehrmacht is growing stronger and larger by the day. Take the opportunity to support your nation and your brothers! Defend them! Rise up and make something of your life!"

Today, he stood over a map, leaning on the edges of the table surrounded by his Generals and Advisors.

One of the Generals spoke, "The Bavarians are still fighting and they're moving North. They are being supplemented by Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland troops."

Strauss remembered his combat time in Germany. The once green fields and mountain slopes turned red and gray with the aftermath of a bloody civil war. Austria had participated in order to give aid to the North, but now things had changed. Strauss's Grand Design sought to aid the seperatist South to further weaken the entirety of Germany.

"We still need to wait for the Anschluss. Patience...should be exercised here."

"But Mein Fuhrer, if we do not act quickly, the course of the war could become irreversible..."

"The Seperatists have lasted this long, they will still be around when we finish with Schweiz."

Just then, Strauss's assistant ran through the door, "Mein Fuhrer! Mein Fuhrer!"

Strauss stood and the Generals looked at the young man. "Mein Fuhrer, there is an important phone call waiting on your line."

"What is it concerning?"

"Schweiz."

Strauss smiled maliciously, "You see gentlemen." He walked around his desk and picked up his phone, speaking into it, "Guten Tag, dies ist Kanzler Ulbrecht Strauss sprechen. [Pause] Ja, Was wäre eine gute Zeit für Sie? [Pause] Ja, Das ist gut für mich. [Pause] Ok, ich werde da sein. Vielen Dank, Herr Präsident."

He hung up the phone and smiled at the Generals. "Johann," he said to his assistant, "Have the plane readied for tomorrow, I will be going to Bern."

[Cody Seb]

Bern, Switzerland

Rumors of a merger between Ostmark Reich and Schweiz had been brewing for a while, but with no real substance. That is, until Reichskanzler Strauss showed up at the private airstrip in Bern. Crowds quickly took to the streets, surrounding the area around the state limousine Strauss would be using. They waved flags of the Reich, red black and white emblazened with the Austrian Eagle, and shouted praise at him. He was dressed in his military uniform and waved to the people.

"Soon, brothers, soon!" he shouted to them before stepping into the limousine.

As the vehicle traversed the streets of the town, many spotted the Ostmark flags on the front corners of the car and either pointed or cheered. The car arrived at the Federal Palace and Strauss met the President of Schweiz, Dietrich Hollenburgh, on the steps, greeting him with a smiling handshake. The two waved at the reporters smiling as they did so.

"Might I escort you to my office, Herr Strauss?"

"Ja, thank you Herr Hollenburgh."

After the collapse of the European Union, Switzerland had created the office of President giving it emergency powers and largely stripping the Federal Council of its powers. That man was Dietrich Hollenburgh and he remained in office to that day. Unbeknownst to all but those who were either in league with him or those he had threatened or bought off to be quiet, he had illegally changed the laws regarding his term of office, allowing him to remain President indefinitely.

The walk was short and Strauss was shown perhaps more respect than even Hollenburgh. Upon entering Hollenburgh's office, even his secret service was dismissed and the door closed. Only the two remained.

Hollenburgh spoke first, "Well, Herr Strauss, I know why you have come and I do not know if we are ready for such a radical step."

"Have you considered the points I have brought up recently?" Strauss replied.

Hollenburgh raised his eyebrows for a moment and let out a sigh, "Ja, Ja I have. It is a big step Herr Strauss."

"I understand Herr Hollenburgh, but I also understand something else," Strauss rose from his seat and approached Hollenburgh's desk, "Do you remember the days of Conservatism? In those days, Europe ruled the world and Germany ruled Europe. That was, until the rise of America."

"Are you suggesting a war with America?"

"No, not at all, I'm suggesting independence from it. Liberal Europe is a sesspool. Many within and outside it thought it was at the forefront of social and societal development, but I have seen otherwise. We have witnessed the collapse of that society, you and me. Look where it has gotten us. We are America's little brother now, but it doesn't have to be that way."

Hollenburgh seemed to take an uneasy interest in what Strauss was saying. "And you think that a new Anschluss will be the answer?"

"No, what we do afterwards together will be, but that would be a prerequisite, yes. So what do you say? Do we brothers unite? Do we come together and rebuild a New Europe? Do YOU become Governor of Schweiz for life?" Strauss smiled at this. He knew how to work this man.

Hollenburgh went into deep thought. The possibilities crossed his head. As much as he tried to fool himself, he came to the conclusion that he already knew what he would say, "Ja."

"Excellent. Shall we make the announcement soon?"

"Ja, this way," Hollenburgh replied as he rose and led Strauss out of his office. Hollenburgh informed his Minister of Foreign Affairs of the announcement and set a time for the next day. Strauss agreed and was taken to his accomodations.

[Cody Seb]

Wien, Ostmark Reich

The board was set and the pieces were moving. After the successful proclamation of the Neue Anschluss, people gathered in the streets, rabid. They cheered, "MachtReich! MachtReich! Ostmark!" Strauss let his plans unfold. He had planned for the sending of banners and flags of Ostmark to Schweiz and as soon as the broadcast had ended, they were sent. Ostmark's flags and banners were hung from every government building from the Federal Palace to simple public libraries.

Rallies were held in the squares of Zurich, Geneva, Bern and every major city. Back in Austria, celebrations were also breaking out. The Heldenplatz was alive in jubilation, the popular chant being "Für unsere Brüder! Für unsere Brüder!" In the days following, massive military parades were put on in Zurich, Bern and Wien as Wehrmacht troops moved into Schweiz.

However, not all the machinations of Strauss and the MachtReich were so apparent. In one brilliant move, Strauss had found a way to support the German Separatists while also looking blameless and helping the German Loyalists. The Separatists controlled the arms company H&K, which had been dropped by U.S. corporations years ago. Strauss had ordered large amounts of infantry arms from the Separatist dealer while also supplying Austrian arms to the Loyalists. He was updating his army's arsenal while selling the leftovers, providing technologically inferior arms to his ultimate rivals.

Munich, Bavaria

Strauss had gone in secret to the Separatist capital for a meeting that would decide the fate of Austria's 'Big Brother.' Separatist President Heinrich Fraum had agreed to a meeting. It was a dark and stormy night, as he walked down the hall to his office. Upon opening the door he was surprised to see Strauss already sitting inside.

"Good evening Herr Fraum."

"Good evening, Fuhrer," he replied nervously.

"I'm going to get straight to the point as my stay must be brief. I bring good news for you."

"What is it mein Fuhrer?"

"Military intervention begins in 1 month. Tell your generals to go into stalemate tactics. We will circumvent the Loyalist armies and rout them before they can effectively respond."

"So you already have a plan I assume?"

Strauss smiled, "They'll never see it coming."

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: Wow...just, wow!

This is shaping up to be an excellent story.

[Cody Seb]

There was a soft chill in the air. Strauss had had to postpone his plans in Germany as some of his own had fallen through. Poland had refused to allow the transport of troops through their sovereign lands. Winter had begun to creep in as November ripened to the mid-month and Strauss's first and most important operation, OPERATION NORD-STURM [NORTH STORM] had taken on some changes.

If he couldn't gain free passage through Poland, he'd make it his own sovereign land. The Czech Republic had already agreed to allow the Wehrmacht through, fearing for their own collective safety. Fighters and bombers of the Ostmark Luftwaffe lifted off on the dawn of November 16th, streaking towards Warsaw. They had been fueled and armed for a long range mission and their superior stealth capabilities allowed them to venture deep into Poland before they were even noticed.

At another location, Strauss stood in military dress, donning a military style trench coat, stood over a massive field of Wehrmacht troops. A soft wind blew and small flakes of snow drifted down lazily from the sky above. He raised his fist and spoke to the perfectly straight and seemingly endless lines of troops before him, "Today, our brothers will feel the sting of our sword! They discredited us for far too long and now their mistakes will haunt them like they never knew possible. Go forth, and conquer!"

There was no wild applause. There was no fanatic jubilation. There was only the cold, uniform and disciplined response magnified by its euphonious nature, "Heil Ostmark! Heil Strauss!" The roar of the response shook the air as the troops began to move out. They split into divisions as tanks, APC's and all manner of support vehicles joined their ranks.

Back in Wien, logistics officers worked frantically. Their furious typing stopped altogether as the first bombs dropped on Warsaw. Just as the attack was midway through, they relayed the appropriate information to the saboteurs stationed there. From there, various distress signals were sent to North Germany to the tune of "Austrian attack, please send aid," as well as various, and unknown to North Germany fake, coordinates and reports of firefights and troop movements in Poland.

Now, the beast waited.

[Subtleknifewielder]

Bruno Faust was, like any other faithful citizen of Austria, taken up in the almost fanatical call for a crusade. of course, he was already a commissioned officer, a fairly new pilot in the Austrian Luftwaffe.

Although he was currently growing a little frustrated--as he had yet to draw an assignment. Did his superiors doubt his loyalty to the Cause? but there was little he could do other than sit, wait, and hope that the war wouldn't be over before he could get his share of the glory...

[Cody Seb]

After several days the fateful report came through, North Germany had begun to spare troops and move them into Poland. Poland had been their proxy from the ambitions of the Russians and just as Strauss expected, they needed that too much. Now was the time.

He personally ordered the commencement of the march. However, the troops weren't going to Poland, they were going to Berlin.

Just as their satellites saw the North German Expeditionary Force cross into Poland, Austrian Wehrmacht spilled over into Germany, heading first for Leipzig. Fighters and bombers were sent to harass North German troops to prevent their return and a tactical assault of bombers was staged on Berlin itself. The bombing was heavy and effective. Major targets were torn to shreds by the explosions, ammunition warehouses, weapons factories; they all found the same fate-a transformation to ash.

As the sky darkened, more waves of bombers rolled in. The horror was still picturesque. Fires and pillars of smoke accented the orange sky as black silhouettes drifted above; Berlin's Darkest Day since 1945.

The situation in Leipzig was also favorable for Ostmark. The troops basically rolled through as no resistance was found. That had been a border region however, one under Northern control that sympathized with the Separatist South. In the coming days, the final siege of Berlin would begin and the start of the greatest chain of events Europe had ever seen.

[Arkantos]

Washington, D.C., United States of America

The news of the Berlin invasion had sent shock through the halls of Congress. Many Republicans were calling for war with Austria. Democrats, however a minority they were, still had enough power to block this. Instead, a policy of appeasement was adopted, and accepted by President Romney. The policy held that, as long as they did not touch any U.S. military installations, and did not invade another NATO nation, they could do whatever they wanted, to a degree.

New York City, New York, United States of America

An emergency Security Council meeting was already underway when the news of the Berlin Invasion reached New York. The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France were all calling for strong sanctions against Austria. Russia was holding as they wanted to establish a more diplomatic method of dealing with Austria. China was quietly waiting on Austria's next move, and thenn they would decide who they agreed with. Brazil, India, and Japan would also wait on Austria's next move before siding with either the U.S. or Russia.

[Markus Wilding]

Italy had become increasignly worried about this, being on Austria's doorstep. If they weren't careful, then they too could be one of many casualties.

Prime Minister Antonov decided to quickly send this message to Austria:

To: Strauss, Austria

From: Antonov, Italy

We notice some...extreme undertakings near us, more specifically by you. We propose that we stick together, much like our great-grandfathers in WW2. We will help you in any way necessary, be it ground support or political support.

[Arkantos]

OOC: Can I take that as Italy leaving NATO?

[Markus Wilding]

OOC: Yes.

[Cody Seb]

Classified Reply

I believe this will only benefit us both. Perhaps after my current undertaking, a meeting can be organized.

Berlin, North Germany

Austrian troops had reached the North German capital with little in the way of resistance. North German troops tried desperately to return from Poland, but they were too late to stop the invasion of their city.

There were still troops in the city however, and fighting was bloody and violent. Tanks, APC's and troops alike wound through the urban maze, sporadic firefights popping up here and there. Helicopters ran combat patrols and gunship missions as Fighter-bombers laid into areas that the Austrians hadn't reached yet, softening them up for their eventual and inevitable advance.

North German defenders tried desperately to resist but all they could do was fire and retreat. Europe's newest juggernaut was closing in fast, it was right at their heels.