Californian

Yes, the delay has been almost entirely my fault and for that I apologize. The following has been decided: Regarding shooting of satellites: If your nation has the appropriate tech level, you are capable of shooting down LEO satellites. This does not include MEO or GEO. The front with Triyun should be able to proceed at this point.

[spoiler] This is a continuation of the storyline found here. [/spoiler] It was late now. Darkness was creeping over the city, the only light coming from the extraterrestrial bodies. Out in the distance a cathedral could be seen, unassuming and surrounded by a small grove and cemetery. It's notable feature was a spire with the Virgin Mary affixed. Curiously, a small platform surrounded the icon, with no clear way to access it from the building and street below. It appeared to be in disrepair, though it was capable enough to support the weight of several men. If one happened to be standing on the platform, and was close enough to the statue, you would be able to spot a small 'M' mark at the base, with an arrow crossed through. And tonight was no ordinary night, if you looked at the figure from the front, the moon seemed to form an angelic halo that outlined her face, so perfect it begged to be touched. For tonight it was a full moon. A blood moon. *** Several hundred kilometers away, two hooded men dressed in black awaited at the top of a tower. "Do you think he'll be here,?" one asked the other. "We'll see," was the reply. "Lemaitre seemed to think he would, and he sounded confident." "He always thinks he's right, and you know how well that treated him in Reykjavik," the first man laughed. "Men change. Worlds change. Have faith, son." came the serious response. "Is he honestly supposed to meet us h-" the smaller of the two began before being cut off. "It's nearly midnight - be ready. There are other ways for him to arrive. I'm not sure what instructions he was given." He kept his eyes on the watch, the surface a bright, full red from the moon's illumination. The first looked at the ground towards the corner, where a tile with a small M was beginning to glow brightly. This was his first night on the Watch, but he had enough sense not to touch the M, less he end up in, oh he didn't know, Japan.

Lemaitre leaned in, whispering so as not to have their conversation overhead. "Who said anything of being outside the faith?" he would chide, grinning. "You, of all people, should know that looks can be deceiving." After Maelstrom mentioned the Northlands, Lemaitre would answer, "perhaps we can." He carefully handed the towering dragon a small rectangular piece of paper. Which death is preferable to every other? juraBheYnqlvfyvgolguroybbqbsgursnvgushy znlgurgbjregbcbsurepuhepuerirnygurjnl The message seemed to effortlessly sear itself into Maelstrom's memory. Lemaitre would give a small nod and wink before walking away, leaving as quickly as he had walked up. While the gala would prove less than fruitful, his real work had been accomplished. When Maelstrom looked down again, he would simply find he was holding a business card. Alexandre Lemaitre Royal Officer of the Northlands Office for Foreign Affairs

The problem is this system was explicitly voted for by community a month or two ago. I agree with much of what you say, and voted against having protectorates used as a moderation tool, but I can understand where the community is coming from. If there's enough community support to change how protectorates are managed, start a discussion thread and we can vote to modify the rules. This has literally been said since I first started RPing here five years ago. You're not wrong, the tech RPs are cumbersome, but it's not like the "good old days" were better. It's a result of the mechanics of how CNRP is set up. CNRP2 was made in part to tone that down, but I think it's fair to say the problem has propagated itself here too. This is why it's so important to talk with the other RPer ahead of time, instead of resorting to posting tech stuff and letting the GM deal with it.

Regarding war economy/production: Nations do not get an inherent advantage based on where they are located (Other things being equal, someone in Swaziland is not at a disadvantage from someone in the USA). Nations do get an advantage through roleplay, which could include the previous extensive roleplay of production/storage of military goods. You are certainly not required to read someone's posts, but if they are posting in a public thread, willing to provide you a link if requested, and if you have had the opportunity to interact/interfere with the roleplay then you cannot ignore it when confronted with a situation like this. Therefore, it is reasonable that Mogar would have a large stockpile of military goods. That being said, some common sense has to be used, and 40K of one type of missile seems excessive. Limiting the number of Mogar's Block 2s in question to 15K, and I expect other models to be scaled accordingly. __________________________________________________________________ Regarding civilian infrastructure: Large public works projects can be canon if made with today's technology. This can have military implications, and likewise can be targeted by other nations and possibly destroyed. A canal widening project is certainly a large, but not impossible task given enough time and resources and appropriate roleplay.

Regarding navies: Each nation is entitled to a navy per the rules, and it's been established you don't need to roleplay out its construction prior to its introduction. However, it would be unfair to magically sprout a navy wherever you want especially during a war. Therefore, players are allowed to RP the initial existence of their navy along their coastlines or at locations where there has been established roleplay for the leasing/operation of a port. Beyond that, deployments are required to move the ships and normal damage/sinking rules still apply. Regarding navy/troop composition: The argument that compositions have always been disclosed in CNRP is a bad one because wars in CNRP are generally incredibly messy, OOC affairs with lots of metagaming involved. At the same time, war rules in CNRP2 have not been articulated very clearly and it would be unfair to impose an entirely new structure without prior discussion. Large troop/naval locations and compositions (such as armies and fleets) should be disclosed when requested. We assume a basic amount of intel is being carried out by states at all times, and stuff this big is implied in this. Just as players are able to launch missiles at military/civilian targets (which we assume they know of from standard intel), the same would apply towards location of an entire fleet. However, things that are less obvious do not need to be directly disclosed. Included in this would be the location of submarines, aircraft, small ship formations especially in more isolated areas, commandos/special ops forces, and secret defenses/attacks that have not been previously uncovered or known. If you want, you are able to PM me with the location/composition of your submarines, aircraft, special ops, secret defenses, etc. and keep me updated with secret deployments when you post your normal movements/deployments. This will remain secret until such a time as they reveal themselves or the enemy RPs out appropriate reconnaissance, etc. (Basically, the GM won't reveal confidential information). So, specifically, yes Rudy can have a navy and yes Yeru should disclose the fleet information to Eva. Finally, as a note I will be unavailable until late tomorrow. Assume the lock is lifted at 8PM EST on Monday.

East Germany Policy The noticeable increase in diplomatic and administrative traffic in Berlin would continue. The level of communication between Noordenwind and Berlin would rise as the Northlands exerted a stronger influence in the region. In keeping with its past, Berlin remained the focal point from which administration of the protectorate was operated. Several members of the People's Council would be visiting to discuss with local and regional leaders about the plans for the area. A much stronger police presence would be noted in Saxony. Northlandic military police would be training and working with local area police forces as the situation became more heated just across the border. The orders for more restrictive access at the borders included protectorates, and more men would be seen at the border, turning back non-citizens without proper identification . In Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, large cities would already have hosted a mock weapon of mass destruction shelter drill. Erfurt, Jena, Halle, Magdeburg, and Potsdam would host the largest drills, where air raid sirens would alert citizens. Civilians were instructed to gather their disaster kits and head to the nearest fallout shelter, or take refuge in a house or building if that was not possible, and await further instructions from the police and military. The drills would be heralded as a success.

With agreement from both sides, the European War is hereby locked until Monday. This includes diplomacy between primary coalition members, annexations that provide strategic territory, and military deployments. This does not include propaganda news posts or already ongoing annexations prior to the war.

As others have said, 24 hours is not required in between each post for annexation, rather it's one post per GMT+1 day.

Nordic Shield Officially Ratified Today the Nordic Shield alliance with Landfall, Sverige, and Russia was officially signed by King William after passing through the legislature with high levels of support. "These nations have been staunch allies of the Northlands for years," an unnamed official from the Office for Foreign Affairs was quoted as saying. "This treaty streamlines the communication and cooperation of our partners in the region and will demonstrate a united front in northern Europe. This is particularly necessary with the deep fractures that exist throughout the continent as can be seen by the current spate of hostilities." Analysts appeared divided on whether the agreement would have any discernible affect of the Northlands' position in the recent war, noting that Sverige and Russia were already mutual defense partners. "The Northlands is caught in the middle, this treaty doesn't change that," a member for one Dutch think tank states. He noted that the Northlands has already publicly declared its intentions to aid unprovoked attacks on the homeland of current allies including Nordic Shield members and Carthage. Border Restrictions Put in Place The Northlands has announced its intentions to close its territorial waters and airspace to non-allied military traffic. Around the clock patrols have been put in place with orders to shoot down any planes or vessels that infringe upon the sovereignty of the Northlands. Special attention has been placed on Gibraltar, Baleares, and Malta which are close to the region of current hostilities. Checkpoints have been established to search all commercial shipping and travel advisories have been put in place. The local defense forces are on high alert with regular drills being performed. Additionally, there is a heightened sense of alert in Madeira, Azores, Faroes, and Iceland. All civilians are reminded to keep their government issued masks, tablets, and disaster kits in an easily accessible location, and municipalities across the nation are to conduct shelter drills for a worst-case scenario.

"Yes, it's unfortunate but the reality of the situation is we are located in a tough neighborhood in the world and have had to take the appropriate means to secure our well-being. And it seems that Europe has fallen into conflict once more..." "I thank you for your offer of assistance and graciously accept. Your ships and cargo vessels are very much appreciated and I'll have the Office of Security notified to make the necessary arrangements. I have full faith that we will catch those responsible, there is no place for these actions in a civilized society." "Anyways," William would begin as the meeting progressed to the business at hand. "I definitely see no problem with signing a trade treaty between our nations, and I'd like to take it one step further. The Northlands is interesting in forming alliances with nations outside of Europe, and I think we both have a lot to offer the other. For instance, I think we could cooperate on matters in the Pacific, such as hosting joint naval exercises. I'm not sure of the current state of your navy, but we can offer potential basing rights for you in our Pacific holdings. As such the Northlands is willing to sign a treaty of mutual defense, if Cascadia is comfortable with that." He paused and allowed Alan to respond to his comments.

The five preceding posts are excellent examples of what not to post in the GM Hall. Please confine all non-GM related comments to the OOC discussion thread.

Hello, this is an OOC thread for the current conflict in Europe. This thread is being created for the tentative cordial queries and discussions I'm sure people will be eager to have. Please post in this thread if you: 1) Want to post OOC reactions about the war. E.g. "Wow Uber I didn't expect Supercheese to roll you like that." 2) Have questions regarding posts made by players. E.g. "Can I get clarification on the amount of troops located in Ulaan Baatar?" 3) Would like the GM (Californian) to review something in particular E.g. "Can his subs really dive below 1000m??" Please post in the GM Hall thread and NOT HERE if you: 1) Want to request spy/nuke rolls. "One roll to beautify Detroit with a 5MT nuke please." 2) Would like to ask for a retcon based on direct violation of rules. "Californian doesn't have the infrastructure for an aircraft carrier but he just attacked me with one, I demand he change that." Please keep emotionally charged comments to IRC and don't be rude to fellow RPers, as the purpose of all of this is for people to have fun. If you like, you are welcome to PM me with information that you would prefer to remain secret but at the same time would like to have proof of your motivations/actions/whatever documented for the conflict. Additionally, you are welcome to send a PM (through forums or IRC) if you have general questions you'd prefer to ask in private. Note, Markus Wilding is directly involved in the conflict and thus will not give GM rulings in the interest of fairness. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THIS THREAD __________________________________________________________________ Regarding navies: Each nation is entitled to a navy per the rules, and it's been established you don't need to roleplay out its construction prior to its introduction. However, it would be unfair to magically sprout a navy wherever you want especially during a war. Therefore, players are allowed to RP the initial existence of their navy along their coastlines or at locations where there has been established roleplay for the leasing/operation of a port. Beyond that, deployments are required to move the ships and normal damage/sinking rules still apply. __________________________________________________________________ Regarding navy/troop composition: The argument that compositions have always been disclosed in CNRP is a bad one because wars in CNRP are generally incredibly messy, OOC affairs with lots of metagaming involved. At the same time, war rules in CNRP2 have not been articulated very clearly and it would be unfair to impose an entirely new structure without prior discussion. Large troop/naval locations and compositions (such as armies and fleets) should be disclosed when requested. We assume a basic amount of intel is being carried out by states at all times, and stuff this big is implied in this. Just as players are able to launch missiles at military/civilian targets (which we assume they know of from standard intel), the same would apply towards location of an entire fleet. However, things that are less obvious do not need to be directly disclosed. Included in this would be the location of submarines, aircraft, small ship formations especially in more isolated areas, commandos/special ops forces, and secret defenses/attacks that have not been previously uncovered or known. If you want, you are able to PM me with the location/composition of your submarines, aircraft, special ops, secret defenses, etc. and keep me updated with secret deployments when you post your normal movements/deployments. This will remain secret until such a time as they reveal themselves or the enemy RPs out appropriate reconnaissance, etc. (Basically, the GM won't reveal confidential information). So, specifically, yes Rudy can have a navy and yes Yeru should disclose the fleet information to Eva. __________________________________________________________________ Regarding war economy/production: Nations do not get an inherent advantage based on where they are located (Other things being equal, someone in Swaziland is not at a disadvantage from someone in the USA). Nations do get an advantage through roleplay, which could include the previous extensive roleplay of production/storage of military goods. You are certainly not required to read someone's posts, but if they are posting in a public thread, willing to provide you a link if requested, and if you have had the opportunity to interact/interfere with the roleplay then you cannot ignore when confronted with a situation like this. Therefore, it is reasonable that Mogar would have a large stockpile of military goods. That being said, some common sense has to be used, and 40K of one type of missile seems excessive. Limiting the number of Mogar's Block 2s in question to 15K, and I expect other models to be scaled accordingly. __________________________________________________________________ Regarding civilian infrastructure: Large public works projects can be canon if made with today's technology. This can have military implications, and likewise can be targeted by other nations and possibly destroyed. A canal widening project is certainly a large, but not impossible task given enough time and resources and appropriate RP.

A response would be quickly forwarded from the Office of Foreign Affairs, with the King's signature.

"In one of the darkest days in European history, may the ratification of this treaty prove to be a beacon of light and hope," Planck would say solemnly, with news of the day's events made known to the attendees of the conference.

Here's a brief draft based on what's been proposed. I have no issue signing for this on behalf of the Northlands.

"We thank the EAI for their support and accept their offer of aid for the affected peoples of New Ireland." Northlandic Military Mobilized The Office of Security has ordered the immediate mobilization of the Northlandic Security Forces to a heightened state of readiness. With hostilities already breaking out in the Balkans, the prospect of further conflict breaking out in Europe is not unlikely. Security along the borders of the Northlands has been tightened and constant patrol of Northlandic airspace has been ordered. The states of Malta and the Baleares are currently undergoing defensive militarization measures. Aircraft from the continental Northlands would begin reinforcing the already developed forces and materiel present on the island. Shipments of surface to air/sea missiles, anti-missile, and cruise missiles would be sent to the Island Forces already present. Minesweepers attached the Mediterranean Fleet would prepare to mine the coast of the islands should it be deemed necessary. A warning would be sent to all belligerents that Northlandic waters were closed to non-allied military traffic. Additionally, two frigates and a destroyer have been temporarily re-assigned from the Pacific to the North Fleet.

Emergency Session of the People's Council Called The deteriorating situation in the Balkans and the potential implications for the rest of Europe resulted in the convening of the council during the weekend. Members spent hours discussing matters ranging from foreign relations to financial appropriations. Several pieces of legislation were passed and have been forward for review by the High Council and King. Included in the discussions were calls on reviewing the current treaty with Romania. The Council voted to privately urge the King and the Foreign Affairs Office to terminate the treaty with Romania, noting that the treaty had been put in place mainly to thwart aggressive warmongering in Europe. The Office for Foreign Affairs has been working tirelessly to review the treaty as well as monitor the evolving situation on the continent. Increased Presence in Germany With the collapse of Hanover, the people of the East Free German Protectorate had increasingly grown weary of their current status. Local governments in the region have called for a series of discussions with the Office for Protectorate Affairs and the Northlandic government to reassess the current state of affairs in the area. In the meantime, the Northlands has reiterated its commitment to the people of East Germany and has committed additional peacekeepers to the area. The Northlandic presence in Berlin would be particularly noticeable. Already the center for administration of the protectorate, the headquarters for the Office of Protectorate Affairs would have a heightened level of activity with the ongoing talks with the German local governments. Peacekeepers in the state were tasked primarily with the protection of government buildings. Peacekeepers sent to Saxony would be used to reinforce bases and positions in the state. Unlike in recent history, their purpose would not be to reinforce the border with Alvonia. The Saxon people were some of the more pro-Northlandic people due to their position bordering Alvonia and Prussia. The remaining regions of East Germany would likewise see an increased Northlandic presence. With tensions rising all over Europe and several neighboring states having ties that could involve them in hostilities, the enhanced security of Germany was seen as a precaution to dissuade spillover of violence.

King William had been conversing with FA Officer Alexandre Lemaitre at a nearby food table when the incident unfolded and uproar began. Lemaitre would rush over and move to step between the Brit and Empress as they threatened each other. He was relieved when the Japanese Empress lowered her knife, and turned to face the man. "Poor form, not apologizing to the lady," he would say to Marbury, surprised that such behavior seemed to be common in the British Isles. He was grateful he hadn't brought his wife, and instead walked over to meet with the leader of Druk Yul. "Your figure is quite, intimidating, in person," he would say to the non-human creature before him. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting. I am Officer Lemaitre of the Northlands," he would say introducing himself. William would make his way over to meet Count Frederich. "Greetings, I am William from the Northlands. I couldn't help but overhear your daughter mentioning the terrible protectorate governance you've been forced to endure," he would say with a slight hint of a smile that would not betray whether he was joking or not.

"We agree with Landfall. It should be noted that the Northlands would not support Prussia being invited to become a member of the 'Nordic Shield' military agreement."

"It's important to maintain a degree of separation between the Baltic Sea Commission, which is intended to be an intergovernmental economic and maritime organization, from a formal military agreement between our states. We too have had little contact with Prussia, however we believe it would be prudent to invite them to participate in the Baltic Sea Commission, with us moving forward with it regardless. Having another trading partner in the region will only strengthen the Baltic region. That being said, as Sverige has stated, the success of any such military organization is dependent on complete trust and respect for each nation that is party to the agreement. Sverige and Russia have earned that trust and Landfall has proven themselves to be an adept, capable nation in the short time your nation has existed. We are willing to enter into a strong, united pact between our nations to this effect. Perhaps we could discuss the specifics of such an agreement in more detail? Of course, we believe that an attack on one should be considered an attack on all. We are willing to support a united front for situations that extend beyond defense so long as all member states are consulted and there is unanimous consent to proceed."

The men would continue their conversation as they walked into the mansion, heading into one of the more ornate rooms. Normally the King would offer his guest a nice glass of scotch as they began talking, but he would shelve that until after dinner. For now, an exquisite tea set was laid out on the grand table, and two small cups of tea would be poured for the two men in memory of an acquaintance that had just passed. William put several sugar cubes and splash of brandy in his cup before stirring and sipping. "I'm glad to hear of the successes of Cascadia. You speak so highly of it I really ought to come visit it for myself," he would reply while smiling. "The Northlands is also doing well as a whole. I'm especially pleased of the progress in industrial output we've made in Schleswig and Holstein in the past several months. The return of our southern neighbor to the world stage is a welcome one as we have much to discuss. The world, especially Europe, has changed a great deal and we must ensure we are capable of dealing with the new challenges of today. Unfortunately, we've just learned of a terrorist attack that took place in a Northlandic island in the Pacific, and we're currently working to bring those responsible to justice and provide relief to the affected islanders. My Officer of Security has personally ensured his commitment to this and I trust it will be done, although I hope you won't mind if a messenger briefly interrupts our meeting if there's a significant development in the situation." He would take another sip as he moved the conversation to a less somber topic. "Anyways, I was hoping to discuss possible areas of cooperation between our nations. Our communication with American nations has for the most part been limited, although I'm eager to begin economic and other relations with trustworthy, honorable partners such as yourself. Perhaps you could discuss your thoughts on more formal cooperation between our states. I would also be interested in hearing about the foreign affairs goals of Cascadia."

"We support Lord Kutuzov's proposal. What are Sverige's thoughts on this, Mr. Bard?" Planck would ask the Swedish minister.

"We send our sympathies to the people and nation of Romania on this tragic day. King William has personally expressed his condolences to the family and and government of the late Queen Maria I. This is a profound loss for all of Europe, not just Romania, and we hope that Maria's commitment to peace and stability continues to be a guiding force. The Northlands condemns the heinous actions of RoFLMAO and pledges its support to the Romanian state in bringing this criminal organization to justice. The Office of Security will provide assistance as requested and we reaffirm our commitment to the treaty between our states."

King William IV of the Northlands would confirm his attendance.