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The Dwarven Times - Iceland


PresidentDavid

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King Nightfall essentially starting from scratch. His country would need to be a snow-covered phoenix and rise from the ashes which is why the first unites of the military were poorly equipped and trained, but filled with morale. Though lightly armed, they had plenty of fortitude and defensive capabilities when it came to domestic threats. 

The 1st Brigade of the 1st Division of the Army of Thor were Regulars, meaning they were the best trained and armed. Specifically, armed with the M1892 Krag Jorgensen Bolt action rifle. The non-regulars, however, are armed with the Minié rifle (a type of musket). Depicted below is a regular taking aim at a target. Currently, their uniforms do not differ.

 

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Army of Thor

 

1st Infantry Division 10,000

 

-1st Brigade 2,000 (Regulars)

--1st Battalion 

--2nd Battalion 

--3rd Battalion 

--4th Battalion 

 

-2nd Brigade 2,000 (Regulars)

--1st Battalion

--2nd Battalion 

--3rd Battalion 

--4th Battalion

 

-3rd Brigade 2,000 (Militia) 

-4th Brigade 2,000

-5th Brigade 2,000 

 

 

2nd Infantry Division 10,000

 

-1st Brigade (Militia)

-2nd Brigade

-3rd Brigade 

-4th Brigade 

-5th Brigade

Edited by PresidentDavid
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Economy Stagnant, Thousands Flock To Join Kingdom's Military For Work

 

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Soldiers training in harsh, northern conditions

 

Thousands of men, some as young as 17 and as old as 55, have journeyed to the capitol in eager masses to register for Iceland's new military which is currently accepting applicants. Though patriotism may be playing a role, many of the draftees wanting to join the King's army claim that being a soldier offers a decent and stable wage compared to other jobs offered by Iceland's weak economy. 

 

"I'm from a fishing community," said an easterner waiting in line to enlist, "sure that brings food on the table but I want my children to have a future outside of the shack we live in now. I want to live in a home with my wife and live our final years together. This pay will help me do that." Though thousands may find relief in the form of pay, after training, many speculate that the new military will only bring a small boost to the otherwise decimated economy of the island. King Nightfall was "excited" to see men lining up to enlist, but was also optimistic that the Kingdom's economic situation would improve under his reign. 

 

"We aren't out of the woods yet, as some might say," said His Majesty, "but I believe that in the next year many will find that jobs and new industries - private industries - will begin to open up around Iceland." The original military that was under the King when he assumed power was 10,000 however estimates are showing that a new number could soon be 30,000 strong with possibly another brigade being well-trained regulars.

 

At this point, according to a Royal Economist, "emotions are unlikely to play a roll in getting things bag up and running. We can only improve at this point."  

Edited by PresidentDavid
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"In the name of her Majesty Queen Céline I and her people, the Faraway Realm extents its recognition and its warmest welcomes to the nation of Iceland. We would hope for good neighbourly relations and that Iceland proves a stable and peaceful country in the North Atlantic."

-Lady Hanobel Hazelwood, Minister of the Exterior

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World Trade Center Opens in Reykjavik, Thousands of Jobs Created

 

 

 

Since King Nightfall authorized the opening of The World Trade Center near the harbor in Reykjavik, thousands of new jobs have opened up based entirely around the sale of foreign goods. 

 

"This is economic growth that Iceland has not seen in years," said a Royal Director of the Reykjavik Port Authority, Andrew Jonsson. "A large number of nations from around the world have come to the Port Authority and took interest in Iceland's economy. However, the largest trading partner Iceland has so far is Faraway which now sees 114,148,560 Kronas exported to it every month. A wide variety of foreign products ranging from sugar, to petroleum and even to small aircraft have found themselves in Iceland. Though money is going overseas to Faraway, businesses selling foreign products are starting up faster then the government can keep track of them. 

 

No large migration has taken place to Reykjavik for work, however the standard of living within the city has definitely improved - the city government has even found the funds to hire thirty-two more police officers. However what is most surprising so far is that the King has yet to impose an import tax, or tariff, on foreign goods entering the island. Some speculate this is to encourage foreigners to look at Iceland as a place for business, while others say that the Kingdom simply does not know what a "safe" tariff, or one that would not harm trade with foreign nations dramatically, is.  What is certain is that the Kingdom's coffers are not full. 

 

King Nightfall closed admissions to the military after twenty-thousand men enlisted within two weeks in what was called by one Reykjavik official, "a desperate attempt to find work." Reportedly, the King has avoided extensive luxuries so that "funds could be appropriately spread among the government and not focused on [himself]." For now, increases in revenue from start-up businesses across the capitol should help the King sustain the Kingdom's financial situation. 

Edited by PresidentDavid
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  • 2 weeks later...

Island Celebrates Princess Sophie's Sixteenth Birthday

 

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"Casual" photo of Princess from the Royal Archives 

 

Princess Sophie, true daughter of King Nightfall and sole heir to the thrown of Iceland, celebrated her sixteenth birthday on September 17th among vast celebration throughout Reykjavik. Fireworks, something never seen before by most Icelanders, complemented the evening sky along with the vibrant Aurora Borealis. Pumpkins decorated the streets and Royal Palace in the capital and businesses closed for the afternoon and evening. 

 

King Nightfall said that, "Among other things we have to worry about, I am happy to see that there is a twinkle of light - something that will make us smile and give us reason to celebrate. My beautiful daughter, Princess Sophie Nightfall, turned sixteen tonight. And, unless circumstances change, she will be your next monarch when my times comes." Sixteen is the legal age where an individual becomes an adult in Iceland which is why the King went on to explain that the Princess is now old enough to marry, but that he wont "force the Princess into an arranged marriage. That will be her choice - one day." 

 

Princess Sophie, whose mother died only one year after she was born, was brought up by her father and enjoys "exotic" products from outside of Iceland - especially clothing. Known for wearing brightly colored dresses and foreign clothing imported from European and North American countries, namely Faraway, the Princess has become a national icon for hope for a better tomorrow. In the short time she has been a member of the Royal Family, Princess Sophie has already raised 50,000 kronas for fuel and food for the poor this coming winter which is expected to be a cold one. Spiritually, while a Christian and member of the Church of Iceland, she has enjoyed acceptance of both the Church and the High Priestess of Iceland whom occasionally will meet with her in the capital. 

 

Regardless of what some may think of the Kingdom of Iceland, the Princess is one of the most beloved  and beautiful people on the island.

Edited by PresidentDavid
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Seamonster Sinks Fishing Vessel

 

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Reports of seamonsters have been commonplace however none have been reportedly violent like the one that sunk a fishing vessel, Armada, and its ten man crew ten miles off the coast of the Westfjords peninsula

 

Another nearby fishing vessel, the Loyal Schooner, saw the entire incident and rushed back to shore after witnessing the attack. "It was the biggest monster I have ever seen," said captain Denis. "My men and I hang on for life while the creature thrashed in the waves and pulled down the Armada. Her men were screaming and crying for their mothers but it did them no good - they all perished. I am sure they are all in the beast's belly now." The captain and the crew of the Loyal Schooner were left unharmed but shaken by the event. The captain said they will not fish in the area where the attack took place and made a plea to King Nightfall, "We need a force of the seas to defend us, Your Majesty, please defend your Kingdom's fishermen." 

 

The construction of an aquatic military force has been rumored for weeks however the government has yet to confirm or deny it. Shipyards in the capital have been, according to the deputy of the Port Authority, "working on a massive project," but that is too vague of a statement to confirm anything. What is for sure is that "crimes on the open seas," as a leader from the north said, have been increasing since 2233 and "are not likely to go down until there is some type of legal authority to turn the wave of crime on the waters around."

 

One of the King's advisers did admit that a force in the waters may be met with resistance not just for obvious reasons. "Not only will working out patrols and responding to distress calls be difficult, but there may still be parts of Iceland that are not aware the island is united under one King." Though major population centers around the island have recognized the King's rule, there are still remote places that the army has yet to reach - especially in the North East. A friendly military vessel trying to stop piracy may instead be interpreted as an invasion scout. To keep the island in touch, a system of telegraph lines are being built across the island. AM radio, while a valuable tool of communication, is not always the best when it comes to the extremely mountainous terrain Iceland has to offer. More communication towers will need to be built and that will take time and money. 

 

For now, fishermen will have to fend for themselves from the creatures of the deep or arm their ships with harpoons. 

Edited by PresidentDavid
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"Which is why none of us can say that the King will be able to guarantee our safety. Have you seen any ships in the seas? Have you seen vital infrastructure updated? Just explain how-"

 

"Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang...... Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang....... Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang.............. Boooooooop........ This is a message from the Emergency Radio Broadcast System... This is a message from the Emergency Radio Broadcast System... This is a test of the Emergency Radio Broadcast System. In the event of a real emergency, this System would bring you important updates and information. This has been a message from the Emergency Broadcast System.... Boooooooop......Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang.......Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang.....Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang......." 

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"What is this odd language blaring alarms over my intercom?" screamed Administrator Carlos Del Fina in the Amazon Republic as he tried to understand why his intercom was braaaaaaaanging at him loudly.

 

"I don't know sir, shall I get an axe?" asked Montessori.

 

"No need for something so drastic, there is a volume control."

 

"Good point sir," replied Montessori as he turned down the volume.

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  • 2 weeks later...

"Looming Railroad" Under Construction 

 

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With assistance of the Royal government, Looming Railroad is constructing Iceland's first railroad between the capital at Reykjavik to the western city of Reykjanesbaer. Construction began a month ago when Samuel Looming, CEO and founder of Looming Railroad, approached the King with the idea of making the country more united with the railroad. The Kingdom of Iceland may be united politically however geographically and socially the people of the island are literally separated by mountains and fjords that are too massive to quickly transverse by foot. 

 

Looming, an innovator and inventor from Reykjavik, improved on already existing technology called the "steam-powered locomotive". Conventional steam locomotives have been used in other countries outside of Iceland, however the version he has created is specifically designed to face the harsh, freezing climates Iceland endures and possibly be up to thirty-percent more fuel efficient. "I want to give people the option of traveling across this island," Looming said, "far too long have people been isolated and unable to visit their countrymen in Reykjavik or in the south or the east." Looming went on to explain that the railroad is what "will bring Iceland together" and that he was given support from the King and several investors who agreed to fund his first project from the capital out East. 

 

Although the project will start small geographically speaking, Looming said that "when this line succeeds and brings in profit, we will go South next." King Nightfall announced that he already purchased a ticket to be among the first to ride the locomotive. "It is with great pride and approval I see entrepreneurs like Mister Looming," the King said, "Iceland is teeming with talent and innovation, you only need to scratch the icy surface to find it here." 

 

Stations in both cities have already been built and two locomotives have been constructed with two more on the way. The only thing in need of finishing to get the project started are the rail lines which are eighty-five percent built according to Looming. He confirmed that their construction, and the official opening of the railroad, will be in October. 

Edited by PresidentDavid
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King Nightfall Deploys Soldiers to Greenland

 

map-greenland.png

 

King Nightfall deployed the entire First Brigade of regulars from the First Division to Greenland after the sudden fall of Faraway - Iceland's largest trading and diplomatic partner. 

 

Although soldiers were quickly deployed to Greenland's east coast, rumors and then reports filtered into the Ministry of Defense that the American Commonwealth also had interests in claiming Greenland and had sent troops as well. Though the total number is unknown, the Ministry of Defense did confirm to the press that "the American Commonwealth has a presence in Greenland," however, "no conflict has begun between Commonwealth and Icelandic troops." After the fall of Faraway, the American Commonwealth will be one of the three biggest nations on the planet geographically with a decently sized military compared to its population. For now it seems, this has not persuaded the Royal Government. 

 

"We invited Commonwealth officials here to the capital to discuss diplomatic options regarding Greenland. I believe this can be a simple matter that can be resolved diplomatically, and I believe that the Commonwealth and Iceland can keep the peace North America has enjoyed for so long after decades of war," said the Foreign Minister. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it has not received a response yet from Commonwealth officials but hopes to get their request to a diplomatic solution accepted soon so that tensions can go down. 

 

King Nightfall briefly stated to one reporter that, "I do believe Greenland and Iceland would be better independently united under one Kingdom as in the past, but diplomacy is always an option before conflict. It's simply a matter of who is willing to step to the table." 

Edited by PresidentDavid
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Classified

 

Messengers would race across Iceland after getting word from the Royal Government that King Nightfall declared a "Call To Arms" to "any man willing to fight to defend Iceland." The Second Infantry Division would be formed out of 6,000 volunteers and would be split up into three battalions.  They would quickly be deployed to the Iceland forward base in Eastern Greenland and bring additional supplies to troops already there so that they wouldn't need to leach off of the Greenlanders living there by force. 

 

Volunteers would continue to flood in at recruiting stations as the message was broadcast and sent across Iceland.

Edited by PresidentDavid
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