The History of the World V . . . .

[The Capo]

Official Spanish Transmission



His Most Catholic Majesty Felipe II de Castilla y Aragon, King of Leon, King of Aragon, King of Castille, King of Sarmatia, and Emperor of the Holy Spanish Empire.

TO: Sapa Inca, President Akbar, Emperor Jian Fu Lin, Captain William Manning, Hochraat der Germania, Czarina Catherine, and King Jefferson of America.
FROM: Duke Alfonso Guzman de Olivares, Spanish Foreign Minister.

It is with great sorrow that I inform your excellency of the passing of our glorious Emperor Carlos V de Castilla y Aragon. Carlos V was one of Spain's greatest leaders, and it is a tragedy that this should befall the house of Emperor Felipe II.

We hope the rulers of your great nations could take a moment of silence out of respect to the fallen Emperor, and urge the nations of Terra to see how fragile life can be, and how important it is to maintain the peace we have experienced over the past few decades.

Thank you,

Alfonso Guzman de Olivares, Duke of Toledo.

[The Capo]

San Pedro, New Spain...

The boy and his mother left the church early that morning, the sky was clear and the weather was beautiful int he Spanish colony of San Pedro. It was a new land, and a fresh begining for many Spaniards who found it difficult to progress in bustling cities of the old country. Juana was no different, she was widowed when her husband died taking the city from the Sarmatians, and decided that she had nothing left in Spain. So she traveled with her infant son Simon, who nearly died twice on the journey. "Mommy, why is that man yelling?" the young boy said pointing to a man in the street, handing out leaflets and urging all 'true Spaniards' to join his group.

"He's a dissident Simon, ignore him, he is nothing but trouble." Juana said to her son.

"What's a diss-da-dent?" the boy asked.

"He thinks the Emperor is doing a bad job Simon, he thinks he can do a better job running the Empire." she replied, as the two passed the man and headed for the market, she had to decide what to make for dinner.

"Ahh, Juana Bolivar!" an old woman said as she approached the two "And look at Simon, so handsome!"


Valencia, New Spain...

General DeMores and Governor Cristobal Colon watched the "fresh meat," as new arrivals in New Spain were known, coming from the ships. It was quite a collection of soldiers, mercenaries, settlers, merchants, and missionaries. Two new colonies had been established; Valencia which would serve as an important port city being located on a harbor, and Zaragosa which was the newest Spanish colony in Concordia.

"So Governor, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company? You are quite a ways from San Pedro, no?" the General asked in a sarcastic tone.

"Yes, quite a ways, we are having trouble with dissent in the city General, it isn't too terrible, but it bothers me being so far from the homeland, and having little to no contact with the Emperor." the Governor explained.

"I see" said the General "You must understand Governor, yours is not the only colony in New Spain, in fact yours has the best defenses and infrastructure of any of our settlements, Zaragosa was just built, there are no roads connecting them yet, we need these men."

"Yes, indeed, however doesn't my colony's size warrant a larger garrison? There are rumors that the Chinese intend on gaining territory here-"

"Governor, spare me your Chinese bullsh*t" the General quickly snapped "I read, I read your little article in the Madrid Monitor, and I also know they already have territory in the south, what do you want these men for?"

"Quite honestly General, there is a group in San Pedro that wishes for New Spain's independence, half of our garrison is currently in the north exploring Concordia, and the other is hardly paid well at all, I am fearful that if these rebellious sentiments grow within the garrison we will lose San Pedro and all of New Spain along with it." Governor Colon explained.

The General thought for a moment, "General Carlos VI did mention a leaflet from Toledo, it may be the same people, alright, I'll give you a show of force but that is all, you can't keep the garrison. You'll have to ask the Emperor for that, I already have my orders."

"Muchachos!" the General said, as the men assembled into their lines. "We will head for San Pedro on the morrow! The honorable Governor of San Pedro, Don Cristobal Colon, requests our presence."

"Thank you General" Cristobal whispered.

"You better remember this..."

The army of General DeMores took up positions surrounding the city and established control of traffic in and out of San Pedro. When the rebels attempted a public oration, which is NOT against Spanish law (we do have the Free Speech civic after all), Colon requested that DeMores' men move in for the kill. The armies of DeMores arrested, jailed, and killed many members of the rebel movement, and many others who were either suspected of involvement or simply had contact with others who were suspected of involvement. The people of the city became fearful of Colon's rule, and many others joined the rebel movement, which became more secret and moved its base of operations to the new colonies of Zaragosa and Valencia. The Governor had now dispersed a group he once had right under his nose, and realized that if he didn't get more support from the Imperial authorities he would be known as the man who lost New Spain.

The Governor quickly wrote a letter to the Emperor...

Governor of New Spain, Cristobal Colon

TO: Emperor Felipe II
FROM: Don Cristobal Colon, Governor of New Spain

Your excellency, the forces currently garrisoned in San Pedro are unfit to defend the city. The city's size rivals that of many in Spain, and a large group of its citizens have taken to democratic principles in a much disturbing and very militant manner. The forces of General DeMores have been quite helpful in quelling any rebellious sentiments, however it appears his men have other orders and can not remain in the city for long.

I ask you as governor of your holdings in Concordia to send a few detatchments in order to crush these rebels before they gain influence, many of the people who move here are of the lowest rank in society, many are former criminals, or peasants looking for a new life. These people are easy to fool into joining such a movement, and you should make haste in sending these soldiers.

Thank you,

Governor Colon

[OzzyKP]

Delhi Post

"Your Centennial News Source"

1425 AD
.25 Gold


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Rajaraja Chola Dies, India's First Elections Held

After years as Consul for Life, the great Indian leader of the Revolution - Rajaraja Chola has died peacefully in his bed in Delhi. Control of the country fell directly to the National Assembly until an election was called for. Several candidates ran, but ultimately Jalaluddin Confucious Akbar of Madras was elected.

Akbar is the first Confucinist to lead the country since Ashoka. A concern that came up repeatedly during the election in this predominantely Hindu nation. President Akbar has promised however to retain the traditions of India and that of the majority.

The progression to a formal republic was a long one. After the Indian Revolution that deposed Ashoka, the last of the Maurya line, General Rajaraja was appointed Consul for Life as the nation was in a time of crisis with American troops occupying Boston (now Karachi). The years before and after the Revolution were remarkable for the spread of liberal ideals and the creation of Indianism. Despite the absolute rule of Rajaraja, the people - and the government - was becoming more and more democratic. The National Assembly, first assembled to appoint Chola as Consul for Life, had throughout his reign taken on more and more responsibility for the running of the nation.

In a momentus speech to the Assembly, Chola, frail with age, informed them and indeed the nation that upon his death he wished for elections to be held and the nation to fully embrace democracy. In this speech, known as Rajaraja's Farewell Address, he urged the nation to embrace democracy and also to resist the temptation of political polarization and factionalism. Three years later he was dead.

Rajaraja will forever be remembered as the father of the Indian Republic and remembered alongside Chandragupta as one of the greatest rulers India has ever seen.


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The Mongol War

Not long into the second term of President Akbar a diplomatic incident flared up between India and Mongolia. No doubt threatened by the creation of an Indian Republic, the Temüjin, the Great Khan of Mongolia seriously insulted Akbar and all of India at a state dinner. Many racial slurs and disparaging, threatening terms were used.

As word spread through India of his remarks, the people called out for revenge to defend their honor. There also was a growing feeling that India was being left behind as every other nation on Terra had thusfar established overseas colonies in Concordia. Lacking New World possessions, many considered Karakorum to be an acceptable substitute.

With no apology in sight, the Assembly voted 86 - 34 in favor of war. With the 2/3rds vote threshhold met, India declared war on Mongolia and sent its mighty army of Russian trained cavalry north to do battle under the leadership of General Hemu.

The troops successfully survived their first battle defeating Mongolian troops fortified along the border in their centuries long standoff with the Inca & English. General Hemu continued north through Mongol land towards Karakorum.

Feeling threatened by the potential loss of a client nation in their sphere of influence, the Inca & English quickly involved themselves in the war in a mad dash to reach Karakorum first. Soon the entire world entered the war against Mongolia. Mongolia sought allies to help defend her, but after centuries of belligerence Mongolia found itself without friends and alone in a war against many powerful nations.

Despite the Incan & English race to Karakorum, they were too late to stop General Hemu. The battle had begun and India laid siege to the friendless Mongol capitol. The troops were ill-equipped but well entrenched. The Indian troops faced long odds but performed remarkably. Despite the long odds, Indian losses were minimal and sporadic. They achieved a resounding victory against the Mongols, destroying all defenders but a few poorly prepared siege units.

It was at this point England asked for a deal. Fearing they'd never be able to take Karakorum themselves, they offered India land in Concordia in exchange for Karakorum. It was agreed.

Indian troops disengaged and allowed the Incan/English alliance to mop up the remains of Karakorum's defenders. The victory however would be India's. A glorious victory. Whispers spread throughout the civilized world about India's "indestructable" army that survived the conflict nearly unscathed.

New India Proclaimed

For decades Indians have heard stories from the incredible adventures abroad in Concorida. Tales of daring, bravery and discovery by the Inca, English and Spanish. Indeed all nations were eventually to enter the New World and establish new settlements there. All nations except India.

In the midst of India's golden age and cultural reinassance there was little thought to the promise and potential for overseas expansion. Some felt they should honor the Treaty of London, however they were dismayed to see Spain, China and even Russia establish colonies in the New World.

After many decades, the situation would finally change due to the Mongol War. In exchange for allowing the English to have Karakorum, the conquered lands of the Circassians were turned over to Indian rule. The Circassian capitol was rich in resources and while primative enjoyed splendid natural beauty. The natives had thusfar embraced an English variant of the Confucian religion. Assimilation into India as a protectorate was facilitated by this cultural link.

Trade and communication between the new city - renamed Rajarajaton in honor of Rajaraja Chola the Great - and India has been sporadic as its position in the interior of the continent has made contact difficult. Especially lacking a solid Indian port city. All trade must go through English or Spanish ports, increasing the delays and hassle.

However there have been some rudimentary cultural exchanges between the two peoples. A Circassian princess, Pocahantas has visited Delhi and has impressed the President and all members of the Assembly. Embraced by the Delhi high society, the princess has been widely admired for her great beauty. Indeed her female companions have likewise caught the eye of many Indian men. True Circassian beauties, all of them.

The beauty of the women and promises of riches overseas has sparked a desire among Indians to seek a new life in Concordia. A land of freedom, opportunity and Circassian beauties. The government, wishing to better develop their overseas possessions has done its share of promoting these concepts in a PR campaign.


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Local Referendums

Democracy has been embraced by Indians. Both at the national and local levels. In recent years several referendums have been put forward to rename Indian cities.

Most controversial was a successful referendum to rename Boston to Karachi. The city, built by the Americans in 890 BC has been part of India for generations. Off and on since the Great War when then General Ashoka captured it in a brilliant military manuver.

While there is a vocal minority of ethnically American citizens in the city, the majority of the residents are culturally, ethnically, and spiritually Indian in nature and thus proposed a referendum to "Indianize" the name of the city. Finally to break with the past and proclaim to the world the Karachi of the future. The vote split along racial lines with 71% in favor of Karachi and 29% in favor of keeping Boston. The American ambassador has lodged an official complaint with the Indian state department.

Other referendums were seen in Bombay and Madras. The proposal to change the name of Bombay to Mumbai has passed with a vote of 65% to 35%, while the vote to change the name of Madras to Confuciuspur, in honor of the great philosopher and former Madras resident, Confucius failed with a vote of 57% against, 43% for.

Adi Shankara establishes Kashi Vishwanath

In Delhi, the great holy man Adi Shankara who has been renewing the people's faith in Hinduism for years has constructed a great shrine in Delhi. Named after Lord Kashi Vishwanath an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the holy shrine is quickly becoming a destination for pilgramages from all over the Hindu world. Religious devotees have come from as far away as Germany, China & England seeking to worship at the shrine and bathe in Lake Ganges.

As Hinduism retains its place as the world's largest religion, the influx of pilgrims has transformed Delhi. Forever the greatest city in the world, Delhi has always benefited from tourism, but this new, massive influx of pilgrims is beyond anything the city has experienced in the past. The economy is booming and many jobs are available to cater to the many Indian and foreign tourists.

President Akbar Defeated in April Election

After several terms as India's first President, Akbar has lost an election to his long time rival, Shivaji Bhonslé, a Hindu from Calcutta. Despite his incredibly successful handling of the economy and foreign affairs, many voters felt that Akbar's failing health may prevent him from continuing his record of success in a new term. Also, social issues became central to this election. With the more conservative Shivaji calling Akbar out of touch with mainstream Indian and Hindu values. It was still a close vote however with only 57% of the vote going to Shivaji, and with Akbar winning a majority of the vote in the eastern cities of Madras, Karachi, and Lahore. An area dominated by his more liberal, Confucian base.

Despite Rajaraja the Great's last wish that the country would not fall to factionalism and political parties, it seems the Indian Republic has aligned into two major parties. The liberal Mughal Party, and the conservative Maratha Party.

[Frank Johnson]

Somewhere between the bleeched edge of the flood plain and the forboding mountains, Lao Wai Mo was serving as an advisor to the training grounds for the Chinese garrison troops. He tried to remain busy since his every calm moment seemed to be filled with an dread that was unknown even to those closest to him.

Lao Wai Mo was full of passionate speeches for the men. He was hard on them whenever they acted lazy, and was quick to point out any shortcomings in the equipment the men were sent from the procurment department. To the men sometimes he was a hero and sometimes we was a demon.

Lao was giving a multi-part lecture to the division entitled "Know Your Enemies".

"Chinese armies of the past ventured outside of China only under the command of foreigners."

The officer corps, trying to maintain their composure after a long day of drilling, still had trouble focusing on the lecture, to them war seemed like a distant thing.

Lao grabbed a musket from a near by rack, and in a fierce action mounted its bayonet and had it leveled at the throat of young officer who was chatting during the lecture.

"Your enemies.....care nothing for China. Its culture, its wealth. They are not frightened by such things. They will burn you golden cities, plunder your hard earned wealth. They will use any pretext, any method and strike without mercy."

Finally Lao removed the point of the bayonet from the officer's throat. He slumped from his chair clearly in distress while the rest of the young officer corps laughed.

"You are China's defenders. You are the only thing between China and death, slavery, and dishonor. "

The officers politely clapped and dismissed from the lecture hall. A messager ran against the flow of men up the way to Lao.

"Minister Lao! A message for you!"

"Thank you, you may go."

The English seal? Just a few minutes past Lao had to portray the English as savage pirates, along with a sterotypical version of every other nation on the planet. Just momments later he was taking offical correspondance from them.

Lao sat down in the now empty hall, letter in hand. It had been a long day for him too, and before he knew it he had dozed off. Even sleep held no peace for Lao, and he was shortly woken by one of his vivid nighmares.

[NicodaMax]

TO: President Akbar
FROM: Sapa Inca
SUBJECT: Concordia
CC: Captain Manning, of England

It is my pleasure to inform you that we have no objections to the proposed location for a new Indian port city. We wish you well and we hope that this goes towards the common goal of establishing Concordia as a great civilized and peaceful New World.

Sapa Inca
Proud Member of the NSEW Alliance

[OzzyKP]

THIRTEENTH SESSION 1483 AD

India(Gandhi) - OzzyKP
America(Washington) - CyberShy
Germany(Bismark) - LzPrst
China(Qin Shi Huang) - Frank Johnson
Russia(Catherine) - KunojiLym
Spain(Isabella) - TheCapo
England(Elizabeth) - Deity
Inca(Huayna Capac) - NicodaMax/Condor223


Session 13 Number of Cities (since session 12):

England - 13 (+2)
Germany - 12
Spain - 12
China - 12 (+1)
Inca - 11 (+1)
Russia - 10 (+1)
India - 10 (+2)
America - 8 (+1)



[/QUOTE] [/QUOTE]

[OzzyKP]

1483 AD

[Frank Johnson]

150 turn power chart

[deity]

NSEW deal

To Thomas Jefferson of the Americans.

As you have witnessed we have come to your aid in seeing through the establishment of New Boston.

Germany and England has gifted you considerable techs and I now require a memorandum of understanding on this for the rest of eternity, subject to Incan and German approval who are both copied on this missive.

We require you to cease technology research altgother.

You will earn gold only.

We will keep you abreast of terchnologies that we deem relevant to your needs, perhaps a step behind our own NSEW tech developments.

All gold you earn will be split evenly 3 ways with the NSEW Alliance as you receive each new technology.

You may earn a little gold for yourself provided it is used to maintain a SOLID DEFENSIVE FORCE IN ALL YOUR CITIES.

You are required to not start any wars unless it is discussed and agreed by NSEW Alliance.

Although you will not be a member of NSEW (unless I'm overuled by my allies) you will have reasonable protection from us provided your diplomacy and strategy steers a steady course in the world.

Your truly,

Manning

cc Sapa and Hochraat

He stood before the Lords gathered in London. He had secretly sought far and wide from all cities of the English Empire a representative to speak for the people.

"This is what Captain Manning sent the Americans!"

"It's a disgrace!"

"Has he no respect?"

"The Americans have of course refused his request and despite England's generosity have become allied with Russia! America chose to pay 75 gpt to the Russians for technologies rather than us! And who's fault is that? It is Manning's!"

"With more delicate diplomacy of the ooc type maybe he would have succeeded but his ic weaknesses have darkened England's reputation."

"I tell you dear gentlemen, that England has been ruled by an iron fist and we must now embrace our new found freedoms - representative democratic government!!"

"Here Here!"

"Manning is banished from the English Empire and as I speak is being escorted to safe havens in Spain. He can remonisce past glories there but we my friends must look to the future that is to come!"

"Elections will be held across the English Empire, do you all agree??!!"

"Here Here!!"

And with that Charles pumped up the English aristocracy. Great thinkers were encouraged and the growth of capitalistic goals would see wealth generated for all.

[OzzyKP]

President Shivaji quietly chuckled to himself as he wrote in his memoirs.

"Those fool English, only their arrogance could have turned centuries old hatred between the Americans and Indians into a fast friendship. So cocky, such swager, they under estimated President Jefferson."

"Despite the many wars we have fought over the years and the centuries of bad blood and mistrust between our two peoples, there was always respect. The Indian people always respected America as an equal, as a proud nation. A nation deserving respect as much as any other."

"It is here the English and their so called NSEW Alliance made their greatest misstep. They sought to treat America as a puppet state, a slave to masters in London & Berlin. If those fools had only known the power America truly has, they would not have been so quick to disrespect them."

"Their Jewish heritage no doubt has contributed to their impressive skills in business. Bankers, money lenders, traders, merchants, one can find no nation on earth as skilled and devoted to the craft of making money. Our alliance has been incredibly successful for both our nations, India owes America deep gratitude and respect. While my time as President of India will soon be at an end, I hope our friendship and alliance with America shall last until the last star in the sky goes dark."

[OzzyKP]

The Industrial Revolution

India is in the midst of a powerful economic revolution that is rapidly remaking the nation. Changes in Indian society that started with the fall of Ashoka have continued to accelerate through the reigns of Rajaraja and Akbar, have finally come to a head under President Shivaji.

As the first nation to fully embrace the virtues of liberalism (Indianism) and the first nation to become a successful republic, Indians have grown accustomed to rapid change. Society is shaped and reshaped each generation. This climate wedded with the attitude of free inquiry and free exchange of ideas produced a great deal of innovation that led to developing and harnessing this new technology.

India has long been the most urbanized nation on Terra, and that trend has only increased in recent years. Not only does India have the highest population on Terra, it lacks the extensive overseas colonies of England and the Inca, or the vast domestic territory of China & Spain. Unlike the large feudal lands of other nations, Indians have always sought a better life in the towns & cities. Craftsmen, merchants, artists, & tinkerers have long been a staple of Indian city life.

Combine a large population not chained to the land with a spirit of innovation and freedom and you have all the factors ripe for and Industrial Revolution.

First India invented the steam engine, and then the assembly line. Textile mills are springing up all over the country, and great steam boats eased transportation of goods and people along the coasts and India's rivers. The coal mines of Lahore are doing double duty to keep up with demand.

Truly a new age has dawned. An age with India as its guiding light.

[The Capo]

The Death of Felipe II...

The reign of Felipe II was marked with much success; the Spanish army had been reorganized and re-equipped in response to gross militarization around the world, the arts took a spot of pre-eminance with his construction of the Hermitage and the Globe Theatre in Seville, the New World territories expanded greatly, he managed to marry his son Felipe III to Czarina Catherine of Russia, and appeased many rebellious figures as he broke ties with the Pope in Yaroslav'l but maintained his staunch Catholicism (Spanish troops continue to defend the holy city). Under his reign he finished the palace of Versailles, which increased the ability of Imperial authorities to manage their vast Empire. Unfortunately for Spain, fate would take the great King...

On February 12th, 1483 a.d. Felipe died quietly in his estate near Seville, at the time the cause of death was unknown but it was due to an ailment that would later be known as "cancer." Felipe's only heirs were his daughter Isabella III (who was insane), and his son Felipe III who was married to the Czarina of Russia (the siblings were known together as los terceros, or the thirds, this has nothing to do with the story, but it is a side note). Certainly the Spanish King can not be under the sway of a woman with Catherine's, well, reputation... a meeting in Madrid was called...

Madrid, March 3rd 1483...



The nobility of Spain had yet again assembled to determine who would assume the throne, Felipe III initially wanted the title, but realized that if this were to occur Spain and Russia would be unified as one state; last time a force like this took charge there was a world-war, and Spanish leaders did not want to wake the sleeping armies of the Chinese. He was thus out of the picture. Alfonso Guzman de Olivares made a bid for his son, Alfonso II, citing that Queen Isabella did decree that the son of Gaspar Guzman de Olivares (who would have been Alfonso Sr.) would assume the throne, unfortunately the civil war begun by Gaspar to take power was seen as eradicating this decree. The only logical choice according to the nobles was the son of Carlos VI, who was named Carlos VII.

Carlos VII (seen here on a horse with a large hat) was not the best choice, but was the only choice. He spent most of his time away from his family studying at multiple Universities that he deemed "useless," he had no interest in following his father's footsteps as a military man, and generally took to banking and finance for his own personal wealth. He spent most of his young life traveling on his parent's dime to such places as Delhi, Berlin, London, and the beaches of New Spain. In his defense he was an amazing swordsman, and was well-liked by many in the Spanish court. Carlos VII initially wanted to turn down the offer, but his father explained to him the gravity of the situation...

"Carlos" General Carlos VI began "You can't turn this down, it is your destiny!"

"Let Felipe have it, let Alfonso have it, I am not fit to be Emperor father." the young man said "I don't want to be Emperor."

"Listen Carlos, Alfonso became part of this family through force, through violence, he should never be Emperor because of the actions of his grandfather. Felipe is married to Russia, if Spain and Russia were to fall under one crown and become one Empire we would lose our Spanishness, we would lose our identity, and the world would surely come to destroy us. Spain is well run, you will be a good Emperor, you just have to maintain our power in the world, you will have great men surrounding you Carlos."

"Father, you should be Emperor."

"My time has past Carlos, this is your time, I am far too old and I saw what it did to my brother. You are made of sterner stuff though Carlos, if you just applied your knowlege of finance to Spain you could create the richest Empire this world has seen." Carlos explained "Our armies are nearly finished the upgrading process, that extra money is necessary to maintain our safety."

"I don't know father, I don't want to be responsible for the fall of Spain."

"My son" the General said, placing his hand on his son's shoulder "You are of the line of Isabella, of Sancho Diaz, you are destined for this, you must answer the call."

Carlos looked his father right in the eyes "I'll do it for you father."

"Go, take your throne, Emperor..."

The Coronation of Carlos VII...

On April 30th, 1483 in Versailles Carlos VII would enter a mere nobleman, and leave Emperor of Spain. One of Terra's largest, and most powerful Empires. All of Spains Kingdoms and holdings would become his. He entered the throne room dressed in full military regalia, with a ceremonial wig upon his head, carrying the ancient sword of El Cid. The official anthem of the House of Bourbon played in the background as his friends and fellow noblemen watched him approach Archbishop Horatio III, who held the Imperial crown of Spain.

Carlos stood before the Archbishop, who held the crown high into the air "Carlos Diaz de Castilla y Aragon VII, please bow before the Imperial crown of Spain." the young man knelt down before the Archbishop, and held his head low.

"You stand before me a mere mortal, of human flesh, and of human blood," the Archbishop said slowly lowering the crown towards Carlos VII's head. "Once this crown touches your head, you will arise the Emperor of Spain, by the grace of God!"

The Archbishop then placed the crown upon Carlos VII, the crowd began to cheer in praise of the new Emperor "Now my son, you will rise as Emperor, greet your subjects!" the Archbishop said as he placed a hand on Carlos' shoulder, urging him to rise.

Carlos stood up and turned to the assembled nobility, he was very nervous and knew that they would demand a speech, so he began... "Fellow Spaniards, we have been fortunate these past few centuries to be ruled by the line of Isabella. She left us with a great son Carlos V who brought spain to Concordia and got us out of the deficit of the Great World War. He left us with a great son Felipe II who cemented Spanish power, and opened Spain up to friendship with the states of Germany and America, friendship with former enemies such as the Inca and the English. These men did so much for Spain, and now I have been called upon to follow their lead. Times are very tough now in Terra, there are new upheavals around the world, and the Spanish Empire remains safe, and continuous, we are a powerful entity. We musn't let Spain fall into chaos, and civil war. My first order of buisness as Emperor will be to send an army to Concordia and crush the vile rebels that plague New Spain. They have taken many of our armies over to their side, and have attacked the colony of San Pedro on numerous occasions, crushing these anarchist scum will be my first act as Emperor, as a sign to all those who oppose Spain!"

Meanwhile, in New Spain...

The soldiers stood waiting, making sure the road was safe from rebels or other illegal traffic "How long until the next group arrives?" Hector asked, digging the butt of his gun into the ground.

"I don't know, here come some people now though, I hope we get to leave soon this is boring." Julio replied to Hector, the two soldiers had signed up for the army thinking they would see adventure in Concordia, but when they got there all of the land was spoken for and there were no longer barbarians to contend with. "HALT! In the name of Emperor Felipe II!"

"Excuse me sir, we are merely passing by, onto Zaragossa." the man said to Julio.

"I understand that, but we're going to have to search your party, the rebels have been raiding lately and we have to make sure you aren't involved." Julio said, as he motioned for the others to search the group.

"This is unnecessary, we aren't rebels." the man said.

"Its our job sir, please-" Julio replied, he and his men were quickly interruptd as the entire group pulled guns on them.

"I told you we aren't rebels, we are freedom fighters!" the man said jumping off of his horse "Now, all of your guns, on the ground." the soldiers had no choice, the rebels had them totally outnumbered.

"You're making a huge mistake." Hector said to the man.

"Am I now? Looks like you guys are the ones in trouble here." the man said as he picked up the soldiers' weapons, "Alright Manuel we'll tie them up and leave them here for the other dogs to find."

"Alright Simon, we better get out of here before we get caught." Manuel said as he and his men began tying the soldiers up. Another rider quickly approached the scene, but he was clearly with the rebels.

"Generalisimo Bolivar" he said to Simon, "Emperor Felipe has died..."

[Frank Johnson]

Jian Fu Lin was a man that rose to power in China on a wave of pure charisma, strength, logic, and skill. His reforms had dramaticly changed China from a backwater client state into a power house that was regarded with both fear and envy. China would never be the same because of him, but in the end even great men are mortal. Seeing the end of his days approaching, Jian Fu Lin decided to retreat to the isolation of his mountain pavlion, leaving the Council of the 108 stars the duty to replace his role as Emperor.

The Council had never had to address such an issue during their entire existance. Jian had ruled almost as a God like figure, although he encouraged debate and ideas from the Council and established in them great power. Popular figures emmerged to bid for the council's support for the title of Emperor.

The formost among them was Lao Wai Mo the foreign advisor to Jian and the military reformer. Jian had taken China's defense from gangs of petty thugs into a respectable corps of muskteers, howeever it was Lao that masterminded the ultimate evolution of the Chinese army into the force it was today. He was respected by the people, a known value to the Council, and above all he was the kind of man who could up hold the honor of China. In a closed session the Council of the 108 Stars voted to make Lao Wai Mo the next Emperor of China.

Callers throught the Empire left with their message, translating the message of the court to the people. "I am Lao Wai Mo. Serve me as you have served Jian and I will serve China as he has. We will grasp with our own hands the future!"

[OzzyKP]

An excerpt from the Mughal Party Platform:

A New Foreign Policy for a New Era

After seeing the virtue and success of befriending our historic American enemy, the Mughal Party turns away from war. Making enemies and expending life in the pursuit of war is seen as a deadend. We shall not seek war - whether against civilized or non-civilized peoples - and we shall seek to minimize the factors that bring war to us.

Business, industry and free exchange are the themes of this new era. An era of cooperation - not conflict. An era of peace and trade.

Peace Through Strength

We are not naive. We know well the betrayal that Ashoka suffered under his pacifist regime. Weakness merely invites attack. A Mughal India will have peace through strength. India will continue to build its military with the goal of once again fielding the world's largest armed forces.

Avoid Entangling Alliances

In Rajaraja the Great's Farewell Address he advised us to avoid entangling alliances. The Mughal Party strives to live this mantra in today's world. It was a steady domino fall of of alliances that created the Great War, and we do not intend to be sucked into a war unnecessarily again.

The Mughal Party does recognize that no nation can survive alone, and does not intend to make India an isolationist nation. Instead of the unconditional alliances & loyalties of history, we propose a new system of limited, strategic defense treaties and partnerships. It is our hope to strike a balance where we will not be drawn into unnecessary wars and we shall not hang our friends out to dry.

If we are reelected this spring, we promise to deliver to India a new foreign policy for a new era.

[KunojiLym]

Early in her reign, Catherine was reputed to be a woman of many lovers and... 'talents'. The Holy See voiced its strong disapproval of the debauncy of the monarchy, but such critisms were muted and quickly taken care of by the Imperial Internal Security (IIS) forces. All this changed when Catherine married Felipe III of Spain, in a grand ceremony at the Hagia Sophia. It was evidently a political marriage, but from that time forth, the Tsarine greatly cut down on her lavish parties (and the reputed orgies that took place afterwards).

For a good reason too. The Chinese dragon, asleep for so long, was beginning to stir. Even though Catherine was related to the previous royal Chinese dynasty by virtue of her mother (who was a Chinese princess), it seemed to count for little in the new relationship. The Chinese military buildup, as observed by the Catholic missionaries who streamed into China, was awesome in strength. And when the Chinese government made an offhand remark about the state of defence of the home of Christianity herself, Yaroslavl', both Spain and Russia were greatly alarmed. Spain quickly sent a garrison of the latest in weaponary to the holy city, while Catherine directed the 1st Novgorod Battalion to join the Spanish garrison. This was a time of great unease in Russia, as Moscow, for so long one of the leading lights of the world, gradually fell in stature, and the tradition Russian military might was increasingly dwarfed by her neighbours.

It was at such a time of unease and unrest that the German-born philosopher, Karl Marx, published his theses. "Das Kapital" was perhaps the most famous of these theses, but equally important, and one that would prove to overshadow its companions, was "The Communist Manifesto". Marx had toured both Germany, India, China and Russia extensively, and found himself increasingly disgusted at both the feudal and the capitalistic way of life. This was the motivation for his theses, which were published at the new Academy in St. Petersburg. This was the birth of socialism, and its siren call increasingly found resonance in the masses.

Catherine, for her part, branded the so-called 'Marxists' as traitors and conspiring to overthrow the government. The Inquisition may had lost steam (though it was still in effect), but the IIS more than picked up the slack in its wake. As a mounment to her own greatness, Catherine, meanwhile, constructed the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, where she stored her own personal collection of artworks. Meanwhile, the common Russian civilian had to endure an increasingly harsh life, as the great cities increasingly burst at the seams. The Catholic Church provided what little aid it could, but it was dependant on Imperial handouts, and moreover was seen as too closely tied with Imperial authority. The prestige of the Holy See at this point in history was at a low ebb.

Catherine did record one triumph, however. Due to the arrogence of the English, America, for so long a traditional enemy of Russia, now turned to her for technogical aid. In return, Russia received a stipend of 50 GPT, which was later raised to 75 GPT. This proved to be an immensely profitable relationship for both sides, as Russian academics plumbed the extra funding into cutting edge research, discovering the physical basis of the universe long before anyone else. The scientist responsible for this breakthrough discovery, Ivan Pavlov, was to found the Academy at St. Petersburg in order to continue his research. This was to become known as the Pavlov Institute of Science, and together with the Imperial Academy of Moscow, it served as a bastion of Russian research.