Balance of Power (Gameplay Thread) - Epilogue and Game Over

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I believe I still need Japan, Italy and Austria-Hungary's answers. And BTW, you have broken a new record! 23 PM's in less than six hours! (honestly, I can't believe the levels of activity, xD)

At one point I exceeded my limit per hour XD

There's nothing for me to add now, unless there's some event before next turn.

Once agaiin, wonderful job, Lumine!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

-- Emphasize upon the Orthodox League that standing with Russia against five global powers is nothing short of a suicide. There's no point of shedding your blood for the Tsar's security. The Ottoman Empire does not want to declare war on these countries.

-- It was Russia who attacked us not so long ago with a clear goal to subjugate millions of the faithful under their heathen Tsar, while the British and the French displayed a lot of responsibility.

-- The Ottoman Orthodoxes will be protected. Even detained agents are to be treated well. Meanwhile the Jews, Poles, Tatars, Ukrainians, Kazakhs, Lithuanians, Azers and many many others has no protection from government atrocities committed under Nicholas the Butcher.


Use graphic images extensively in propaganda (posters, newsreels). Images to emphasize are: victims of the Russian pogroms vs. the Orthodoxes protected by our own police; Russian invasion during the Second Great Turkish War; refugees that need to be avenged; Turkey, American, Japan, Germany and Britain defending the civilization together against a mad Russian dog

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Empire welcome Austria-Hungary's entrance to the war with our mutual Russian enemy.

Surely Russia realizes she simply cannot win with six powers combined. The reasonable thing is cutting loses.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I hope that our firm reaction to the Russian threat will finally convince Venezuela that the patience of the united nations cannot be tested indefinitely.

President Castro, please do yourself and your country a favor.

I order the second regiment of troops, awaiting in Beirut, be dispatched to the Carribean (Italy: since we're on the same side on Venezuela and you're not warring with Russia, could we have a hand in transporting the regiment to Cuba? We're low on our own available transport.)

(US: These two regiments and our Navy Task Force is all we can committ now there.)

Italy, are you there?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I hope that our firm reaction to the Russian threat will finally convince Venezuela that the patience of the united nations cannot be tested indefinitely.

President Castro, please do yourself and your country a favor.

I order the second regiment of troops, awaiting in Beirut, be dispatched to the Carribean (Italy: since we're on the same side on Venezuela and you're not warring with Russia, could we have a hand in transporting the regiment to Cuba? We're low on our own available transport.)

(US: These two regiments and our Navy Task Force is all we can committ now there.)

Italy, are you there?

Will do.

Expect a pretty Harem girl as a prove of our gratitude.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

(OOC: Not posting any new orders, just killing some time, while we all await Lumine's second coming)

Abdul Hamid II's Doctrine. Part I

Balanced Progress

There are many calling for an adoption of the "Army-first policy". We do recognize an importance of having a strong, modern and professional army. The first Russian aggression (Yeah, there were French and British too, but we're cool now so I'm nice) proved that without defense capabilities we are just one step away from the doom.

But we cannot be afford a modern, strong military without having a modern and strong economy. That's why we're embarking on a program of bringing modern technologies and improving our transportation and industrial capabilities. Improving the army and improving the economy must balance each other, at they are mutually dependent.

Foreign Relations

The Ottoman Empire believes war should be an ultimate resort, used only if our security is directly threathenen or when we have to honor obligations toward our allies (with current Great Russian War meeting both conditions).

We renounce the policy of first strike, convinced that every possible conflict must be dealt with serious diplomatic efforts first.

We are committed to transform ourselves from an archaic, isolated Empire into a modern power within the community of nations (and myself from an medieval satrape into a modern dictator).

Last years showed us Lumine's evil scheming how quickly geopolitical match up can change. Yet, we are recognizing our mutually beneficial alliance with the United States, as well as regional cooperation with the British Empire, to be an enduring cornerstone of our policy. (I haven't included Germany yet, since our alliance just happened).

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

OOC: What happened with China? I was confused for about 10 minutes between when I found out about the scandal and when I declared war on Britain, and the cutting of military ties with China lasted about that long. I mean, I'm alone in this, so cut me a break.

The China issue will face resolution via event next turn.

Suffice to say, Cixi was not happy with you preliminary cancelling the weapons trade (it should be remembered that the concept of "saving face" has always been important to the Chinese), Prime Minister Balfour made a very generous offer, and General Yuan Shi-Kai (ever the opportunistic magnificent bastard) did the rest. You do have the full backing of the Orthodox Alliance, the Armenians, Kurds and Afghans on your side, though, as all of them have declared war on your enemies.

Does that mean Russia was behind troubles in my Kurdistan?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

ANKARA DECLARATION

Our goal is not to destroy Russia, but to destroy St. Petersburg's capabilities to wage any aggressive actions, open and covert alike, against countres of the world.

Russia is not only an open military aggressor, Russia is also a state supporting international terrorism. Aiding the Filipino militants and bombing the Krupp factory are just few examples of their treachery.

We had enough of the Russian double-faced eagle's lies and scheming. We reject any notion of separate peace or any agreement based upon a rotten status quo, as we all saw what is Russian word worth of.

We are firmly resolved to continue the war, along with our allies, until the Tsar accepts full responsibility and will guarantee, by clear actions, not just empty words, his country will cease to be an aggressor and terrorist supporter.


x Abdul Hamid II


We invite our allies to endorse this declaration.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

OOC: You guys really like to jump into conclusions when given half-truths, it's pretty amazing, xD

It's called politics xD

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Yeah, I didn't really suspect him, but, as you mention, it's cool to jump into conclusions  sometimes

Well, Russia is still a terrorist state, so the declaration, little amended, is still valid and we invite our friend to endorse.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

We thank the United Kingdom, the United States and the German Empire for endorsing the Ankara Declaration.

St. Petersburg's outright rejection is truly saddening. Again, we do not want Russia rendered defenseless and we are not interested in grabbing her territories. All we want are real guarantees Russia will renounce any aggression in future. That's why the six powers has united and will not rest till this is secured. As soon as the Tsar realizes that, the better for all interested sides.

We welcome President Castro's proposal to resolve the Carribean Crisis. The Ottoman Forces has proved during the conflict we are still a country to be reckoned with and the Sultan is very pleased with their performance.

The two Naval Infantry regiments are now to return to Beirut.


To: The Holy See
From: The Ottoman Empire

Your Holiness,

Please accept my deepest condolences upon Pope Leo XIII's passing, as well as my warmest congratulations upon you being called upon the St. Peters' Throne.

x Abdul Hamid II

)Rest to follow...)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Ottoman Empire - Late 1903

-- I still have to fill the Grand Vizier position. I need someone fresh, energetic, who would embrace and carry on with my reforms. Since the Young Turks movement failed to gain traction ITL, I'm thinking of someone like the one of "Three Pashas". Yes, they are very young, so I'm still going to have a name from my advisors (GM), but with me embracing promising reforms and opposition impotent, such people might be more on my side so why not to use them?

-- It is absolutely vital we will continue our very promising internal projects and, yes, we will need a solid source of revenue to finance these goals. I'm thinking of four possible ways to raise such funds:

---- Use lands confiscated by the government to generate income.

---- Offer the aristocracy that we will not seize remaining lands if they will pay a tax, financing our projects.

---- Utilize high patriotic sentiments by releasing "Reform Bonds".

---- Seek an aid from our permanent and wartime ally. Since the Ottoman Empire is serving as an important logistical base for the Americans and the British as we battle the Russians, improvements are in their interest as well.

What is my Minister's opinion?

-- Given there's still much to be done with reforming of our military, I do not plan to overstretch my forces. Right now we're mostly providing support for our British and American allies (I'm not saying anything more till we see phase results).

I want to use some mobilized reserves, we don't need in the front vicinity right now, to improve our logistics and help with ongoing works. Therefore I shall create a "Rear Service", taking care of that stuff.

To Ministry of Defense:

---- How is the Kurdistan situation?

---- I'm still waiting to see what is left of our Navy (aside of these three battleships returning from the Carribean as we speak)

-- I cannot rely on the Secret Police indefinitely. My goal is to unite moderate reformists and the modernized army to contain both weakened radicals, as well as the reactionaries. In other words, I want to respresent a "centre", a majority as opposed to extremes. Patriotic sentiments should help.

-- I am pleased with the Senate commencing its works. I hope this institution will be of great help with carrying our my reforms, as well as a moderating influence between the factions.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I hope to have my answers up some time by this evening.

I'm relieved to see you around

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Propaganda:

-- A strong performance of our troops in the Carribean proves, that we are still a nation to be reckoned with. The Sultan and the people are proud of our soldiers and seamen!

-- We are already experiencing a rapid progress domestically. Only the government can maintain a road to modernity and prosperity, as opposed to the extreme factions, both liberal and reactionary, that would only bring chaos upon the people.

-- The Ottoman Empire is no longer a "sick man", an old, crumbling empire, isolated on the world stage. We are quickly transforming into a modern power, firmly secured on the international arena.

-- If the Tsar cannot even maintain a loyalty of his own wife (the modern Marie Antoinette, it seems!), what does that tell us about his abilities as a ruler? Do we even deal with a man, or a woman in man clothes? We don't want to use a "e" word here, since being an eunuch is at least a honorable profession in service of the Sultan.

Use the allegations to ridicule the Tsar, both domestically and internationally, as well as to discredit the future heir as a bastard. Produce a juicy pamphlets to be distributed among population, as well as in the Balkans and Caucasus area. Orthodox League and Armenians, is that an ally you can depend upon?

(OOC: Spamage, that was indeed a brilliant, and nasty, idea!)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

We thank Kaiser Franz Ferdinand I for his endorsement of the Ankara Declaration and for his will to advance equality of his Muslim subjects, our brothers in faith.

x Abdul Hamid II

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Foreign Affairs:

-- We are concerned about potential troubles in the British Middle East. Having any ethnic unrests poses a thread to our country's integrity as well.

We want to strength our regional cooperation with London and therefore we are proposing a pact, which would enable our two empires to act, so to speak, as "gendarmes of the Middle East". Both sides would pledge to support each other in dealing with such issues.

Now, that we both are fighting the Russian, I believe we can reach a new beginning. In order to break some ice, as far as my popular opinion in concerned (given we just fought a war), we would be delighted to receive an official state visit from the Prime Minister himself, a senior member of his cabinet or even a senior member of the Royal Family.

-- We join our American allies in accepting President Castro's peace proposals, although we are interested in some (not very harsh) compensation from the Venezuelan government for having committed our much needed military resources there.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Internal political situation:

I'm very pleased the Senate got to work. According to my vision this institution shall be a place where ideas are proposed to me and where the people can come to an mutual understatement.

Yet, the people must understand that we cannot commence any deeper institutional and political reform (a constitution, for example) before we finish modernizing our economy and our military. The country must be secured first. Otherwise, we're vulnerable, one step away from the disaster, so there simply wouldn't be any use of these initiatives.

I want to base my rule upon a "silent majority", a "reasonable centre", that is establishment reformists, modernized army, middle class and advancing working class that we're doing so much for already. And as opposed to dangerous extremes (reactionary aristocracy on one hand and radical liberals on another).

Now, I won't have any use of degenerated and discredited reactionaries, so I won't bother approaching its members. But I want to welcome reasonable liberals so we will work together for progress, as long as they abandon their, so to say, "youthful indiscretions". Those fellows got a potential I don't want to waste.


(OOC: Nothing else to say before we know what the hell is going on the battlegrounds)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

(OOC: Forgot about this one thing)

Two regiments dispatched to the Carribeans are to return to the port of Mersin, which shall be the Naval Infantry's permanent garrison. They are to engage in regular exercises there.

Meanwhile, a third regiment is to be formed, so the Naval Infantry will be of a size of brigade. The vessels used to transport troops to Cuba shall form a permanent transportation branch of the Naval Infantry.


As I'm awaiting a report of what exactly is left from the Navy (sans three battleships that are returning from the Carribean as well), I order that my admiralty prepares to see what ships can we acquire or purchase from our allies or neutral powers.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

We simply have no words to describe our outrage at His Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm III, who is not only our ally but also a good personal friend, being deliberately poisoned by the Russian terrorists. Is another freelancing by the bloodthirsty generals, or perhaps an intrigue of an infamous Tsarina? Surely, Nicholas II can't control anything what is going on within his court and his government!

After victory, those responsible for this atrocity must be brought to justice and face full severity of the law.

x Abdul Hamid II 

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Surely responsible people in Russia do realize waging a war against six united powers, virtually alone, cannot result in victory, not to mention any "status quo" agreement. It can only end in utter disaster.

We do not wish to see Russia destroyed. That is why we appeal to the responsible people to prevent their insane leaders from bringing your motherland to collapse. There is no reason to die for a bunch of criminals, calling themselves "ministers" and "generals". It's time to liberate the Tsar from their treasonous influence and make a honorable, lasting peace! 

The Russian people are not our enemy. A few warmongers ordering their fellow countrymen to die for their unreal vision are the enemy. A common enemy.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

(OOC: Producing propaganda is, by far, the most entertaining part XD)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

We believe the Tsar is a good, decent and God-fearing man, who yearns for peace. But, alas, it is more and more apparent he became a prisoner of a treasonous gang of bloodthirsty ministers and generals, that are conspiring with his disloyal and scheming wife (a modern Messalina and Marie-Antoinette combined) to destroy Mother Russia.

It is time to liberate the Tsar from peril and help him restore the rule of law in Russia!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

We propose a treaty of friendship with the French Republic, establishing principles of nonaggression, commitment to diplomacy, as well as opening trade routes between us.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Prince William is hardly one to be accusing others of being warmongers considering all the wars he has sold to the American people in his time in office.  Does he not comprehend the folly of thinking that the way to resolve war is with more war?

Would the former Congressman remove himself to the discussion room? He doesn't get to speak to the leaders.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

(This is the greatest thing)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

While HM the Sultan couldn't possibly make public comments regarding political situation in America, he reportedly had a private comment:

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