Winds o' Change - Yet Another ISOT Map Game

[Whenyouseeyou]

Oh new updoot

 

[Nevis]

Red Germany and Red France right next to each other is a powerful combo. Red Europe is pretty much locked in because there's really nothing that can stand up to that combo.

 

[FiskenIsFishy]

Also, I reclaim

 

[Kiridifferent]

Year 8​

​

Nation Name: People's Republic of Korea
Commonly Known as: Korea
Capital: Seoul
Government Type: Democratic republic under a provisional government
Governing Document(s): Declaration of the National Preparatory Committee
Year Founded: 15 August 1945
Year ISOTed: 28 September 1945
Territory ISOTed: All of it
ISOTed from: OTL
Head of State: Lyuh Woon-Hyung
Head of Government: Lyuh Woon-Hyung
Technological Level:1940s
Population: 27 million
Languages: Korean, English, Russian
Religions: Buddhism, Shamanism, Christianity
Special Traits: -
Brief History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_Korea
Other Notes:


Nation Name: National Revolutionary Government
Commonly Known as: Left Kuomintang, Republic of China
Capital: Nanjing
Government Type: Socialist republic under a provisional government
Governing Document(s): Provisional Constitution of the Republic of China
Year Founded: 1936
Year ISOTed: 25 November 1936
Territory ISOTed: Southeastern China
ISOTed from: Kaiserreich: Legacy of the Weltkrieg
Head of State: Wang Jingwei
Head of Government: Wang Jingwei
Technological Level:1930s
Population: 120 million
Languages: Chinese
Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, folk religions, Christianity, Atheism
Special Traits: -
Brief History: https://kaiserreich.fandom.com/wiki/MinGan_Insurgent_Zone/Paths#First_Congress
Other Notes: Flag (https://www.deviantart.com/adozeneggs/art/Left-KMT-ROC-Flag-850583636)

Asia

​

The seventh year after the Event heralds more arrivals to the Asian continent.

The first one, the People's Republic of Korea, or de facto the Allied administrations of Korea after the end of the Pacific Theater of the Second World War and the National Revolutionary Government of the Republic of China born from the struggle of the KMT previously defeated in the Northern Expedition in the world where Germany won the First World War.

The situation in Korea was rather tense before the Event, with the People's Committees facing hostility and distrust from the Americans who saw it as a Communist front, and from the Soviets who were intent on subverting them to their will. With the Event, the Soviet Union did not exist anymore, and the United States only in a truncated form.

Lyuh Woon-Hyung would seize this opportunity to negotiate Korean independence in more favorable terms, the game has changed and now the Soviets are anxious about the loss of their homeland while the Americans are more curious about their homeland in this new world. The Lyuh-Hodges-Shtykov Agreement finalized an independent People's Republic of Korea that would be neutral in world affairs by the middle of the year. The People's Republic of Korea would join the United Nations later this year.

The Soviets under Terenty Shtykov would either settle down to help the Korean left-wing movements, become advisors to the Left Kuomintang, or move to Singapore, France or Germany which had Russian emigre populations and were more developed.

Meanwhile the Americans under John R. Hodge are recalled back to the US through the Panama Canal to reinforce the US Army forces in Columbia. This force consisted of 45.000 men of the XXIV Corps and the cruiser USS San Francisco and some smaller support vessels.

However, not everyone is happy with the situation in Korea. The disarmed Japanese soldiers and Japanese settlers in Korea, around 900,000 people, were awaiting repatriation back to Japan when the Event happened. The news of the disappearance of their homeland caused a rash of renewed suicides and individual soldiers and units revolting or escaping which are stamped down by the new Korean Army (comprised of former Korean IJA soldiers and the forces of the 88th Separate Rifle Brigade and the Korean Liberation Army).

With the possessions of the Japanese settlers like land and other assets being nationalized by the new Korean government, many of the Japanese were forcibly interned in crowded camps throughout the country. This poses a security risk and conundrum for the young Korean government, whether the Japanese can be forcibly Koreanized (turnabout is fair play), or deported somewhere in the virgin earth, either to the north in Siberia or Manchuria, or to the Japanese islands starting with Tsushima. The "Tsushima" plan is favored, as after all the Koreans went through under their rule, most simply want them gone while having an easily subdueable small island.

Meanwhile in Nanjing, Wang Jingwei barely sat down in the Provisional Presidential Palace after the completion of the First Repatriated Congress of the Kuomintang when the Event happened. The newly proclaimed National Revolutionary Government was freshly out from the League War, with many relieved that the German lapdogs are now gone and preparing to reunify the rest of China. Now the rest of China is gone. The Kuomintang itself is riven with factionalism between the Reorganized Comrades Association of Wang himself and the Provisional Action Committee under Sun Yat-Sen's widow, Song Qingling.

The Republic of China quickly establishes contact with the Koreans, the Singaporeans, and Indonesians, and joins the Internationale as well as the UN. The Asian countries also agreed on forming an economic association, the Asian Cooperative Economic Partnership, or ACEP. Singapore would provide high-technology items while Korea uses its former Japanese industry, while China and Indonesia industrialize with their assistance.

North America

The situation in the former Holy Columbian Commonwealth continues to deteriorate. The smallpox plague continues to burn in the countryside even with humanitarian aid from France, Cymru and lately Germany, with the fact that only people who are in contact with the Americans are affected causing xenophobic sentiments to rise. Although theoretically under Washington's Boys in Blue, most of the countryside is made up of independent fiefdoms, warring factions, and the like that would make the Holy Roman Empire blush - though wherever a certain General goes these fiefdoms find themselves on the backfoot. The Emperor Julius Gee barely extended his rule out of Atlanta and its environs, even while backed by the might of the US Army. Evangelical zealots and Revelationist snake-handlers preached against the Emperor in the capital puppeted by "Americanists and Catholics" while banditry persisted despite the best efforts by the Americans to stamp them down.

The (re)introduction of gunpowder changed the face of warfare throughout the Holy Columbian Commonwealth.The heavily armored knights' primacy was diminished by the proliferation of muskets and pike-and-shot tactics among the lords' levies. Cannons also revolutionized siegecraft, although their primitive design (except some bought from Americans) limited their efficiency. In very rare cases, 20th century firearms bought from Yucateco smugglers are highly prized by the nobles, as a single machine gun can turn the tide of a battle almost single handedly. The problem is that without the industrial capacity to build more guns and ammunition their uses are incredibly limited. Many Columbians find the Kingdom of Alabama a beacon of stability in these trying times, although trade is limited since no nation is willing or interested to offend the US. Alabama has no interest in joining the "United Nations" and instead is focusing on self-improvement. King Huey captured a wandering Ground-Sloth and made it his personal court pet (Despite the multitude of men who died to its claws).

The Huntington Administration would be burdened by the events to their south, as the Liberals are attacked by both the Socialists and the NDP for their handling of the Columbian situation. The "Neo-Robberbarons" coming down south have a strange obsession with Early-Modern-Europe and Classical Greco-Roman style. If Columbia is from a new Dark Age, then America will recreate the Renaissance. Stories of peasants turning to poor workers in grand factories with bosses who live in newly-constructed white-marbled mansions spread like wildfire. Leonardo Da-Vinci like inventions are created by people who don't really know what they're doing, created out of the technological ruins of Old America; Cars, Calculators, Guns, Electric Guitars, etc. Meanwhile, Wesley continues making speeches across the nation and even further in other nations, discussing his ideology, his Gubernatorial run in Appalachia and its effects on the state today, and several other things. Generally, his speeches are well regarded among students at various universities and several Socialist ideologues, though some of his points fall through on those more conservative in either their ideology or thought.

And getting into specifics, the US has had an interesting time integrating its disparate parts into a coherent whole. While Panama is no doubt the most advanced, the fact that it can't produce the technology held within it does make things quite difficult for the locals. However, this is overcome by the fact that factories are being set up to produce the various technologies seen in Panama, and to fuel those factories various power plants are built across the nation fueled by Appalachian coal. This massive industrialization project has made the already-surprisingly rich state even richer, making surrounding states grumble at its success when in another time it would've just been another backwater state. While nothing in comparison to, say, France's already extensive industrialization, the fact that America has started to speed up its industrialization may lead to interesting consequences for everyone.

Yucatan continues to be rather prosperous especially in the air travel business, with the only competition being German airships and Singapore's airlines for transcontinental flights.

Europe, Africa and the Middle East

Palestine saw a higher volume of traffic through the newly-completed Suez Canal as trade began to blossom between Asia and Europe.

Cymru has had a great year despite fears of Oceania, colonizing their chunk of Iberia much quicker than previously thought thanks to modern technology. They continue to dominate North Sea trade, and have plans for even more colonies (Just incase the homeland falls). The Sapmi get more and more autonomy in their little settlement, while the settlements in Iceland begins to develop a mixed Celtic-Norsk culture. Plans to colonize more places around the world, such as Greenland, Bermuda, and more are starting to be planned, though nothing has been attempted yet.

France and Germany began preliminary plans to settle the Benelux region between themselves, establishing settlements along the Meuse and Rhine rivers. The lands of the Low Countries are becoming something of a European Wild-West, full of frontier towns, wanderers, and more. Both countries also receive advanced technology from the Singaporeans and work on replicating them, or at least applying the advances of the 21st century to their current technological base. More unnerving was the information from the Singaporeans that nuclear weaponry is possible and has been used in anger with a single nuclear warhead being shipped from Singapore, and the leadership of France and Germany are divided on building nuclear power and nuclear weapons or banishing the specter of nuclear war in the new world.

Other research also advanced in leaps and bounds. Naturalists in France and Germany advocated to preserve the population of Ice Age megafauna from overhunting for them to be studied in national parks and zoos, as problems with colonists in the Low Countries continue to mount. In particular, Hyenas and Cave Lions are big enough to be causing enough problems (Such as pack hunting, killing and/or eating a few colonists) that an unofficial war is starting. The "Hyena Wars" are similar to the Emu Wars of Australia, where "battles" occur between modern military forces and various apex predators. For the herbivores, the use of modern firearms cut a small but noticeable swathe through the population of Mammoths, Steppe Bison, Irish Elk, and Archangels, which the naturalists feared for their second extinction in this world.

Meanwhile, after recommendations by the Franco-Palestinian research team operating in the Rainshadow Coast, the New Communist International finally granted the Forktails the official status of personhood and declared the Rainshadow Coast, the name now used for Northwestern Africa as a whole, as a protected area. The UN soon followed that same year. However, there are a few legal debates still ongoing, such as Interspecies Marriage (The Franco-Palestinian branch of Wesleyism is leading the charge for this, arguing from a "they're consenting adults" standpoint).

The Forktails themselves made the first steps towards neolithic development and agriculture, domesticating figs, insects and small mammals; they've even started to develop independent writing, superficially similar to Hangul or Hieroglyphs. Without a truly unified culture or government, being too small for other sapients to keep full track of, and wings, widespread Forktail migration is inevitable. They hug the Sahara while spreading throughout Africa, and even into Iberia and Sicily, albeit in very small numbers.
The Serinan animals that travelled with them are adapting to this world well despite the hiccups (Womblers are having a real hard time with Hyenas), Archangels have spread through Europe and have become a rare, but well-known, majestic sight. Catholics in particular, who named the creatures, see the four-wing giants as watchers of God in this new world. Aardgeese and Axbills are seen in the frontiers of Celtic Iberia, while various Scientists begin studying the strange Canaries to get a better picture of Serinan history.

Meanwhile, more and more curious Mantises come up to the surface to meet the human researchers, relations are a bit more cautious and strained. While not hostile, the newcomers are even stranger than the birds, and are overly-curious. The Forktails are starting to develop a relationship with the Mantises, similar to Crows and Wolves, with the Forktails guiding them to/harassing prey animals and sharing the bounty. The humans managed to communicate using music and began to study the Mantis language, with several researchers camping at the fort/village entrance to the Mantis Village. The researchers quickly learn not to pry too closely, after a few close calls prevented from coming to blows by the Mantis Makai's timely mediation.

On the Human side, they initially report that the Tribe appears to be limited to a single fortified village of sorts on the surface. However, after some time they realize that the Mantis culture must be far larger than it seems, given the number of separate individuals they've identified coming in and out of the settlement, and the apparent scale of ongoing construction on the surface. Another shock comes with the first sighting of one of the Lords from a distance, standing a good meter higher than any members of the expedition, and wielding a long lance of solid metal.

Far below, the Tribe's leadership debated over the Human presence. Some of their machines strike them as reminiscent of Hallownest's tramways, in function if not form. That and the strange idols of a Cross and what seems to be a stylized Wanderer brought by some of the soft ones cause a sense of unease within the Tribe; Reluctant to be forced into the influence of another God-King. To quell some of the more reactionary tribesmen, the defenses of the surface fort are reinforced with a second gate, and efforts are made to cultivate native species of snails off fungus to reduce reliance on the surface for food.

Oceania made few noises of provoking Franco-German naval forces in the Atlantic, but mostly silent. The recent naval clashes are used by the Oceanian government as an explanation for the drop in rations. In truth, despite the party's claim of nearing ultimate victory, the Inner-Party is beginning to panic. Enemies surround them on all sides, and despite the words of Big Brother, Oceania is not particularly capable of a protracted war, let alone an occupation of Cymru.

Leaders of the People's Republic of Korea

1. 1945-????: Lyuh Woon-Hyung (Chairman of the National People's Representative Conference)

Chairmen of the National Revolutionary Government of the Republic of China

1. 1924-????: Wang Jingwei (Kuomintang-Reorganized Comrades Association)

Year 8, Beginning


Year 8, End

 

[Kiridifferent]

I reclaim too

 

[Nevis]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIQSEq6tEVs (Come on, you know you want to)

The following article was written in L'Etoile Rouge, a Parisian newspaper known for its aggressive rhetoric.

1935 No More!​

Citizens of France!

For years we have laboured, rebuilding the Fatherland after our sudden seperation from our sister republics in the Netherlands, Italy, and Algeria. We have patiently toiled and we have built a modern workers' state with technical assistance from the Orient.

Why then have we repeated the mistakes of 1935, when the ineffectiveness of the CGT allowed the Kaiser to disband the German unions? For years the false socialists of INGSOC have plagued England and yet our government has done nothing about it! Beyond them the Bourgeoisie maintain their wicked grip in the Americas; in Yucutan and the United States. Worse, the Celtic Isles languish under the ancien régime, even as it pretends to be a democracy!

Aux armes, citoyens! Formons vos bataillons!

We must demand an end to 1935! Just as we brought down the Kaiser and the pretenders in Algeria we must fight to strike down those evil men who hold the workers of the world in chains. France shall once again take its natural role as the defender of the socialist world. Raise the sanguine flag, our time is now!

For those who cringe in the face of war, those who cower from danger, let us remind you: This is no ill-conceived screed. At the current time our only neighbour is the German Socialist Räterepublik. Do you wish to wait for a White Russia with the nuclear weapons of Singapore to appear before we go to war? No! We must secure our flanks and the natural borders of France. We must crush the reactionary regimes now if we do not wish to be surrounded later! Tremble tyrants, and you, traitors. Tremble, your machinations will finally receive their just reward!

And so our call to arms: On the 27th​ January we must remember 'La Nivôse Glorieuse' and take to the streets once more to demand the declaration of war on the so-called "Airstrip One". March with your friends and brothers to the BGT and make your voices known.

Marchons, marchons! Qu'un sang impur, abreuve nos sillons!

 

[Waith]

I'd be interested to see how a war between INGSOC and France would play considering that both are nuclear powers with the ability to strike one another in close distance.

 

[Klaesick]

Year 9 - The seeds of Yggdrasil in another soil

(HD N0thingtosee Denmark Flag)
Nation: Kingdom of Danmǫrk
Commonly Known as: Danmǫrk
Capital: Sjælland
Government Type: Semi-Feudal Monarchy
Governing Document(s): None
Year Founded: 784 AD (10784 HIEC)
Year ISOTed: January 1st, 791 AD (10791 HIEC)
Territory ISOTed: Denmark, Norway
ISOTed from: Lost Seasons of the Danes
Head of State: King Þorolfr
Head of Government: King Þorolfr
Technological Level: Medieval
Population: Around 625,000
Languages: Old Norse Dialects
Religions: Nordic-Germanic Paganism
Brief History: The story of Danmǫrk under House Skjöldung begins during the reign of King Harald "Wartooth" Skjöldung, which lasted for 40 years until his death in 769, around the age of 70. His kingdom encompassed regions such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and parts of northern Germany. By the end of his reign, he became more of a legendary figure than an active warrior.

Upon Harald's death, the governance of Danmǫrk passed to his sons, Hrœrekr II took control of the Petty Kingdom of Sjælland, while Þrándr managed two provinces, leading to a rivalry with Hrœrekr.

Hrœrekr faced challenges from his brother Þrándr while managing his personal life, including romantic affairs. He engaged in the Great Danish-Geatish Conflict, emerging victorious. In 783, falling ill, he appointed Astrid, a servant girl he was having an affair with, as regent while addressing his succession plans. By 784, he solidified his power and transformed the Petty Kingdom of Sjælland into the Kingdom of Denmark.

Hrœrekr's reign concluded under mysterious circumstances with his death in a fire, leaving Danmǫrk at a crossroads. After Hrœrekr's death, Þorolfr took over amidst complex court politics, notably surrounding his father's murder. Between 786 and 787, rumors about his drinking habits increased, coinciding with his participation in a drinking contest. The high council greenlit an attack on Petty King Bersi Ulfing, which ended quickly, highlighting internal tensions.
Þorolfr faced familial strife, particularly after half-brother Magnichallenged him to a duel for honor. Despite the pressure, Þorolfr accepted and defeated the inexperienced Magni, who suffered severe injury, leading to the amputation of his leg. The king's relationship with Queen Gerðr felt strained and duty-bound, exacerbating his mental state.

Þorolfr made notable changes to high council meetings but struggled with alcohol and the pressures of leadership. Under the guidance of Jarl Alfr, Danmǫrk's military strategies aimed at annexing the remaining Norwegian states, which was successful, and at countering threats from the Geats which led to mixed outcomes. Following a successful ambush on the Estonians in Käkisalmi, Þorolfr celebrated victories with sacrifices to the gods, and after more battles, he negotiated surrender terms with Chief Ahti.
However, as the royals came home that winter assured of victory, a trick of the gods soon transforms the young Kingdom's destiny.

(HD Kelruss Sweden Flag)
Nation Name: Göterike-Sverige
Commonly Known as: Göterike, Sverige, Sweden
Capital:
Government Type:
Governing Document(s): N/A
Year Founded: 797 AD (10797 HIEC)
Year ISOTed: 858 AD (10858 HIEC)
Territory ISOTed: All
ISOTed from: Ready the Longships!
Head of State: N/A, Warlords
Head of Government: N/A, Warlords
Technological Level: Medieval
Population: Around 150,000
Languages: Old Norse Dialects
Religions: Nordic-Germanic Paganism (Majority), Catholicism (Minority)
Special Traits:
Brief History: The Kingdom of Göterike emerged out of the old Västergötland, founded by King Ragnarr II of House Ulfing. He grew into a bold and adventurous leader, known for his participation in raids, notably one in Scotland. Ragnarr II became king after his father's death in 793 CE, with a vision of unifying a divided Sweden. In 794, he successfully conquered Gotland from Gotish Jarl Yngvar and engaged in battles against King Emund of Småland.
Ragnarr II's reign was characterized by external tensions, particularly with Saxony and Francia. He played a role in the Second Franco-Saxon War (802 CE), allying with Saxons against Charlemagne and supporting the Frisian Revolt (803 CE). Despite his efforts, he could not secure independence for Frisia and faced resistance in Norway in 810 CE. Ragnarr tragically drowned in 819 CE, leaving behind his sons to carry on his legacy. Ragnarr III faced difficulties after his brother Albjörn's death but managed to organize his coronation and married Þóra. His rule involved attempts to reform taxes and military strategies, though he faced significant opposition. He sought to assist the Novgorodian Slavs but was defeated at the Battle of Narva (836 CE). Ragnarr III shifted focus toward administration and naval expansion until his death from a heart attack in 844 CE.

Ulrik II, seen with mixed opinions, matured into a capable leader. Following the death of Louis the Pious, he expanded Sweden's navy and initiated the Liberation of Frisia (845 CE). Despite initial successes, he faced defeats against the Franks, leading to rising tensions between pagan and Christian factions. Ulrik II's reign ended in 847 CE, leaving the kingdom in chaos. Njord Kveldulf became regent for the child queen Sigrúnn II, proposing marriage to stabilize the situation. Complications arose with the return of Prince Ulfing, leading to a power struggle. Njord attempted to manage noble dissatisfaction and proposed the Fylkirate election while backing Sveinn af Kalmar amidst controversies.

Njord's consolidation of power through military alliances led to diminishing influence, resulting in rivalry among factions. He sought to establish trade connections with Christian realms, gaining the right to preach in Sweden. Sweden became embroiled in the War of Vengeance (852 CE), marked by raids on Estonia and brutal territorial conflicts. Internal strife intensified, with accusations against rivals and ensuing battles weakening Njord's authority. The death of Queen Sigrúnn during a rescue attempt destabilized Njord's reign, leading to the rise of Ulfing and the onset of civil war, the Ofridr af Valdyr (Or as many historians call it, The War of the Wolves). However, this conflict now has a different field of battle entirely…


Group: Germanic Tribes, "Germani"
ISOTed from: "Original" Timeline
Year ISOTed from: January 1st, 477 AD (10477 HIEC)
Population: Around 500,000 People, spread across Germany (Roughly comprising to where they lived, although there is significant overlap between them now due to how the population is spread)
Languages: Various (West-Germanic Dialects, East Germanic Dialects) possibly similar to Proto-Germanic and Old High German
Religions: Continental-Germanic Paganism (Majority), Arianian Christianity (Minority)
Technology level: Late Antiquity, Iron Age
Leader: N/A, Various
Brief Description: The Germanic peoples were tribal groups located primarily in Central Europe, migrating from southern Scandinavia and northern Germany to areas between the Elbe and Oder rivers after 1000 BC. The first records of the Germanic peoples by Roman authors appeared near the Rhine in the 1st century BCE. The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest marked a significant loss for Rome, leading to their withdrawal and the emergence of new Germanic tribes, such as the Franks and Goths.

Most Germanic tribes operated under an elective monarchy where free men elected their kings and resolved disputes in assemblies. Contrary to Roman perceptions, Germanic societies were complex and engaged in farming, animal husbandry, and crafts. They constructed simple wooden houses and lived in communities centered around mead halls. Germanic tribes enhanced their agricultural practices, focusing on key grains and cattle husbandry, leading to greater stability and growth. Skilled craftsmanship flourished, including woodworking and ironworking. Trade was notable, with exchanges of goods like jewelry and amber.

The Migration Era saw various Germanic invasions, transforming much of the Western Roman Empire. Key events included the Tervingi crossing the Danube and the Visigoths invading Italy. The establishment of kingdoms such as those of the Franks under leaders like Clovis I marked a new political landscape in post-Roman Europe. The end of the Western Roman Empire is marked by Odoacer's deposition of Emperor Romulus Augustus in 476 AD, signaling a shift in power towards Germanic rulers. However, just months after the fall of Rome itself, these tribes now find themselves in radically different empires…

The Germani are roughly split into mixed-groups based on geography, with roughly equal populations. The Saxons, Angles, Frisians, and Jutes are in Hanover. The Alemanni/Suebi and Franks to the Rhine, Aslase-Lorraine, and Central Germany. The Thuringii, Marcomanni, and Lombards are in Bavaria and former Bohemia. The various different Goths, Vandals, and Burgundians are sent to Brandenburg-Prussia. There also a variety of smaller Germanic groups, both notable and unknown, scattered across these lands.
Every individual brought along knows another based on proximity and likelihood, with families being placed as close together as possible.

Other Notes (For future turns):
Viking Expansion
Introduction to Norse Mythology
Thralls in Scandinavia
Depictions of Norse

Saga of the Northmen

Europe experiences one of its greatest upheavals in the status-quo yet. Instead of the eclectic variety of modern nationstates many expected, the ghost of an old forgotten past reared its head at the world, ready to make a name for itself once again. Vikingrs.

Various Germanic tribes from all parts of Europe, from the lands of modern Germans to those who lived if even briefly in surrounding lands all found themselves in the future, a future completely alien to them but proves to be a unique wonder to others. Many scholars and historians are amazed at this opportunity, learning about the details of people with little written records and stories lost to time or changed so much they are practically unrecognizable to either a modern German or the Germanic peoples themselves. Especially getting to know some famous historical figures, such as Clovis I (Who by this time was eleven years old and went by the name Hlōdowig).

In order to deal with the sudden issue of a new minority group they aren't exactly keen on having, the German government encourages Germani settlement into the Low Countries, especially among Western Tribes. Back home, the Council institutes a plan to build many hundreds of "townships", as entire new settlements being planned and built up along the Ratepublik's rivers, roads and countryside, especially around land that while not seen as valuable to the relatively prosperous Germans, seem like treasure for the Germani. Consisting of encampments or small towns for individual Germanic tribes, these townships are relatively autonomous so the Germani can gradually integrate with both each other and wider society without being forcibly assimilated. Alarmed by the potential for widespread illness reminiscent of the devastation seen in Columbia, the United Nations and Räterepublik initiate an ambitious Mass Vaccination campaign, the first of its kind here. A common site of lines of tribespeople and modern citizens alike getting everything from flu shots to antibiotics from tents of International workers, nurses, and doctors.

The Germani do cause one interesting side-effect, the reintroduction of Paganism. Many Protestant Churches lost their influence after the fall of the Imperial regime, leaving room for other ways of spiritual thought to fill the void. This in effect, causes mass syncretism of thought, as Protestant structure and morals begin to mix with beliefs of the Old Gods. This goes to the point that some churches are ouright converted to temples to various Germanic deities, the most notable of which is in Hamburg.

General cultural exchange happens as well, as while the Germani economically assimilate, many Germans adopt some of their cultural lifestyle. This is especially pronounced in the younger generation who, even before the Shift, were literally growing up in a different world to their parents who saw the fall of the Kaiserreich. This blend of old and new, modern and ancient, shows the seeds of a vibrant German culture in later years.

The Danish were finishing campaigning in Käkisalmi when the great light came, as various commanders, such as Jarl Sigurd Ring and Jarl Alfr, dealt with confusing reports that the settlements they just left had vanished and been replaced with wilderness. Even more strangely, the entirety of the Svíþjóð provinces have become a collapsing kingdom calling itself "Göterike", apparently from some 70 winters in the future. Reports of even stranger neighbors appearing in the lands to the south and west also began appearing from various border and coastal settlements.

Those who would've been known as the Swedes found themselves around the start of their civil war when the transplant happened, with Njord Kveldulf and Fylkir Sveinn Sútulfr yearning for control, while Prince Mæstroghen Ulfing returned from exile as a third faction. While the first months of winter and spring saw little change in the initial skirmishes, the melting of the ice in spring gave the Göterike factions a true sense of what was happening, as Danmǫrk begins to start skirmishes on the border, which escalated into a full blown Danish invasion of the Northern Provinces, lead by Sigurd Ring, a man from Svíþjóð himself, upset at the "disloyalty". With the situation in Göterike already divided, there's not much they can do besides halt the Danes at the border.

Some members in the Socialist world have decided drastic action is needed, not just due to the gradual (or half-hearted) attempts at phasing out thrall slavery, but also expansionist sentiments, particularly in France. These radical men and women also feel this is simply the first step in a campaign of liberation, especially against Oceania and even Cymru.

"Aux armes, citoyens! Formons vos bataillons!" Some say, and soon a rogue army of NCI soldiers, mostly from France and Germany, are inspired by Victor Ward's campaigns in America, deciding that the "Feudalist" Vikings have no place in this renewed world. They form the Scandinavian Europe Revolutionary Front, or "SERF" (Yes this was intentional), intent on liberating Thralls and inciting a slave revolt. Atleast, that's its stated goal. The militia turned small army gained support from the Windunkist Party in Germany and its leader, Ernst Graf zu Reventlow, bringing a mix of his loyal soldiers and Germani he managed to sway to his ideology. Despite this support, the Windunkist remain distrusted at best due to their more esoteric beliefs, with other radical Socialists making up the bulk of it.

This audacious filibuster starts around late August, with around 2,000 troops, which soon head for cities such as Oslo and Copenhagen, only to find empty countryside or small villages, as both cities did not exist during the Viking Era. Regardless, they invade the Sjaelland coast, and find initial success against unprepared Danes and Swedes. But while some Thralls and sympathetic nobles join their cause, communication barriers hinder effective training and strategy. The SERF's inability to properly articulate the principles of communism to the Norse, compounded by their own dwindling supplies, leads to a grim reliance on raiding for sustenance. Their well-intentioned, yet ill-fated campaign spirals into chaos. Disunity festers within the ranks, as factions of Hardcore socialists, Christian socialists, Winduskists, and individuals longing for home clash. A medieval strain of flu exacerbates their plight, claiming lives and sapping morale.

By Christmas, the end result is far from the liberation they envisioned. Instead of freeing Thralls, the SERF's presence exacerbates the ongoing civil strife in Göterike-Sverige, further complicating an already tumultuous landscape as modern supplies left over trickle down to the Three Kings. However, this has left room open for Mæstroghen's forces to prove themselves. The heir of Ulfing sees where this war could go and manages to gain the allyship of Cymru against the other warlords in Summer. This small but necessary support only further his one-sided war against the two factions, with the bloody Battle of Kinna sealing this fate. Sútulfr was fully defeated and fled up north to the Danish. Mæstroghen's general compassion and good track record also make him the favored choice among the world for who shall be the victor of the War of the Wolves. Mæstroghen also halts the Danish advance through negotiations with Þorolfr, and manages to make a shaky peace deal, with Sútulfr reluctantly giving up his claim to the Geatish throne in exchange for partial rulership over the occupied frontier, though he will have to share with any of Danmǫrk's Svíþjóð jarls who lost their land in the shift.

The usurper Njord, however, makes a comeback thanks to modern weaponry (And convincing some trapped SERF personal he was a proto-socialist hero fighting against tyrannical monarchism… despite declaring himself a king), and has even invaded the region of Viken in Danmǫrk. However, his Chirsitan sympathies and general attitude has left him with a new, much more violent enemy. Reventlow and his personal troops survived relatively intact compared to the Franco-German units of the army, and they travel to unstable Noregr, their leader dreaming to implement a reformed version of his Volksrepublik Germania plan. There, he meets his greatest asset, Prince Mangi - Half-Brother and Rival to the Danish King, Þorolfr. The Prince wallowed due to his apamutation by his sibling, and his mother being tried for treason, being in a perfect position to be drawn in Reventlow's cult of personality. And with this new ally, Noregr's coast is now under new management.

Volksreich Midgard, or simply the Volksreich, is officially a "Theocollectivist" state with Mangi as the "People's King" and Reventlow as "High Chancellor". In truth, Magni is moreso a puppet ruler and personal bodyguard to Reventlow. The official religion is Irminism, created by the High Chancellor himself, a violent combination of various branches of Germanic Paganism with Widukindist National-Vanguardism and Ariosophic tenets. Several beliefs include equating the Jötnar with Jews, based on concepts like "Frost Giants" and Trolls mixed with Anti-Semitic stereotypes (Different from old Norse beliefs on what the Jötnar were like, silently ignoring that many gods are at least part Jötunn), central worship of Odin, Marx and Engels being prophets of the Æsir, Loki being portrayed more negatively & feminine, among other things. In practice, Irmnism and Widunkdism aren't separate, nor are they meant to be, rather they are the "religious" and "secular" arms of the state.
The Volksreich is less of a functioning country and more of a collection of raider fiefdoms who's assortment of Modern and Ancient soldiers is increasingly blurred (And they absolutely love being sea-faring vikings). They have been funneling their resources into things such as drug production and chemical warfare as modern equipment begins to break down or lose fuel without support. The state is officially at war with Njord's state, who Revntlow claims under the spell of "Philosemitism", and Danmǫrk has halted its campaign against the Swedes in favor of crushing what they see as a rebellious province. That's also not including the various locals who are under the Volksreich's boot, who soon begin to start a Peasant Rebellion, rallying under the Noregr warrior Hrafn Ytra and his banner of Mjölnir. While Hrafn had complicated feelings of the Danes, he had no good will towards the High Chancellor's petty kingdom and would happily see it destroyed. This rebellion is more of a Yellow Turban style revolt than a "traditional" socialist uprising SERF was hoping for. Mangi is riding around with troops in the only functional tank left while Reventlow secludes himself in his "office", further descending into his own warped reality of permanently uniting all the Germanic peoples (At Least in Europe, Americans don't count).

Meanwhile, in the Low Countries, the Hyena Wars continue to go on without much success. While the various "Cave" predators have been pushed back from the border, they continue to be a nuisance for megafauna-herbivores and frontier towns alike, targeting livestock and the occasional lone human. The introduction of the Norse & Germani have caused a huge shift in the fate of the Low Countries, or as they call it… Frysii. From Göterike-Swedish Refugees, Homesick Frisians, Danes, Saxons, Franks, and Jutes all come to the coast of the former Netherlands and rapidly begin to mix together. Villages of these blended Germanics, or "Frysiians" as they are starting to be called, connect together and outright reject the rule of Kings, creating a series of Jarldoms that result in a very loose Semi-Republican/Pseudo-Anarchist confederation. The end effect is that the land of Frysii is becoming a collection of overlapping micro-polities, with a spider's web of social connections between different groups. There's even a new unique Frysiian dialect/pidgin language developing amongst them, though the actual time to develop a full language of its own devoid of artificiality is longer than first believed by many.

The Frysiians also take advantage of the creatures of the Virgin Earth like no other. While Cmyru and the Norse dabbled in Mammoth usage, the Frysiians excel at it. Evolving similarly to both India and Nomadic Horse Tribes, the Woolly Mammoth becomes a big, almost sacred part, part of daily life for Frysiian tribes and villages as various men and women deeply bond with the massive animals. No warrior is complete without his steed, after all. Of course, there are issues due to the fact that ultimately taming such massive creatures, especially ones with incredibly high intelligence, takes a long time, time far greater than a year or ten at the very minimum - there is a reason Elephants aren't considered domesticated or barely tamed even with the several-thousand year long history humans of various civilizations have had with them in comparison to other animals. The Frysii/Low-Countries continue to evolve because of this, becoming even more of a "European Wild-West" or the "Lawless Lowlands" as it is more commonly known. It's not uncommon to see Mammoth-Riding Norse battle against a rugged crew of Franco-German settlers, without any actual push from their respective governments. Exaggerated reports on both sides of the violence committed have spread around (Such as a rumor the Frysiians introduced a form of Elephant Execution) although that's not to say it's constant warfare.

Whilst many Franco-German colonists are hostile to the Frysiian-Norse presence in the low countries and vise-versa, the Frysiian-Germani tribes are in an interesting position to be on speaking terms with both parties, resulting in trade and even friendly interactions amongst some of the many towns and villages that now dot Frysii/the Low-Countries. Especially in mutual-aid against the Pleistocene Predators in the Hyena wars. The remnants of Dutch and Belgian expats and tourists, meanwhile, have to come back to a radically different homeland, but not letting them get them down, these displaced men and women start the township of the "Little Netherlands" just near where the Flemish wilds (Under the rule of France of Germany, ofcourse). While many side with and assimilate into either the French or German cultures, a few take their chances with the Frysiians. Whatever happens to this land in the future is anyone's guess…

By year's end, Norse traders, both Dane and Swede alike, have spread across all of Europe like wildfire, intertwining their seafaring prowess with that of Celtic merchants. Some even dare to go as far as Washington and Rainshadow. Various innovations considered mundane by most have become high-valued trinkets among the Norse. Hardy crops such as Corn, Squash, and Potatoes soon become favorites among farmers, and the fact that there are so many new varieties of Alcohol does help as well. Mechanical inventions take a bit longer, but the Norse have their favorites. The Printing Press (being able to record records, poetry, and myths without relying on word of mouth or scribes onto paper was a gods-send), Outboard Motor Engine (due to the seafaring Scandinavians being strong both before and after the shift), and ofcourse Gunpowder.

However, not all Norsemen are inclined towards trade and diplomacy. Groups have emerged seeking to rekindle the fierce Viking spirit. This new generation of warriors, comprising lesser nobles, soldiers, merchants, and adventurers, sets sail once more, determined to carve their names into history. Their ships, borne of both ancient designs and modern innovations, take to the seas, becoming Vikingrs once again…

This variety of Nordic traders begin to take advantage of the simultaneously wild but modernized world now before them, and set up shop in the empty lands of Northwestern Europe. Iceland in particular becomes a hub of this, a midway-point between the familiar embrace of the old continent and the lands of the great west. Cymru, Göterike, and Danmǫrk agree to a joint-colony in Iceland in order to help foster friendly-relations, expanded the small Celtic-Norsk settlement into a cold, but expanding, mixed-settlement of the three Pagan states of Europe. In practice, it's independent in all but name. Norse and Celtic culture begins to blend, and while small, it's to the point the locals decide on a new name for Iceland based on tales of the south: Thule.

Saga of Regnskuggi & Miðjarðarhaf

The slow but steady expansion of the Forktails has only continued to go forward, with the island of Malta becoming host to the first permanent Forktail settlement outside of Africa. These Malta Forktails begin to take on more Franco-Palestinian influence. A small bunch of Windspeakers have been migrating out of the Rainshadow Coast and into the welcoming arms of the human European powers. France, Palestine, and Germany soon are host to small Fokrtials minority populations acting in various capacities. Cymru and the Swedes in particular have taken advantage of this. While only a dozen or so individual people are present in the Pagan lands of the North, the Windspeakers soon prove invaluable, especially for spying military positions of their enemies. Cymru can get right under Big Brother's nose while the Swedes can assess both themselves and the belligerent Danes with the "Children of Huginn and Munnin". This has also caused aspects of Pluvianist philosophy to slowly spread among man, and vise-versa.

Back in the "homeland" and outward, things have continued to go smoothly but uncertainty. They aren't inherently more peaceful than humanity despite the calm environment, and some superfamily/clan leaders are distrustful of humanity, especially going more south. And while there is no need just yet, many intelligent birds worry that the division within the various clans and the huge technological disadvantage they have with Man will lead to disaster in the future. But while said future is uncertain, it seems bright.

Clan centralization has only continued as the Forktails jump to the Chalcolithic, while small treehouse-like towns are emerging on coastal regions to trade with both Human Visitors and the Mantis. In particular, wrapping coins around the neck becomes a status symbol among various clans. The structure of clan/superfamilies is somewhat similar to a blend of a Federal-Council and Pseudo-Daimyo systems, made up of nuclear/extended families with each member having collective power.

The Mantis meanwhile, have been much more paranoid than the Forktails. Scientists and scholars are one thing, but missionaries? They can become a problem, and the bugs have seen enough of false prophets. The Sister Lords convene and continue to discuss how they must approach the eccentric Soft Ones, especially with their supply of Lifeblood. Mantis are familiar with it, and a select few Forktails have used it in hunts with the bugs, but no Humans have used it, let alone know much of it. Trading Lifeblood could prove beneficial in the short-term, but detrimental in the long run

However, one curious band of Soft Ones came to the tribe. They have none of the Pseudo-Hallownest machinery, and curiously seem to be familiar with the Mantis in someway, calling them Dvergr/Dökkálfar, and the tribe's underground home "Myrkheimr". They wish to make a series of trades, luckily more reasonable than expected, mostly fur-pelts and metal weaponry. However, their only warrior, the young Dane known as Ragnar Lothbrok, decides to prove the Norse's worth by challenging one of the Sister Lords to a duel. Surprisingly, Ragnar wins fair and square, which impresses the Mantis and the two parties separate. The legend of this duel spreads quickly, exaggerated and mystified perhaps, especially as the day of the duel was a rainy storm (Seen as a sign from Thor). This could potentially lead to some Mantis starting to consider a more outward perspective and cultural-syncretisms with the Vikings.

Saga of the Vinlanders

The Huntington Administration continues to fumble its occupation of Columbia, which has caused much political turmoil within the US itself, turning both the Conservatives and the Labor Party - members of which have been increasingly referred to as Hammers or Hammies, both as a status of pride and derogatorily, have argued against both the Huntington Administration and the Liberal Party while detailing why they would be far better. While the Tories give very little information on just exactly how they'd go about the occupation or even how they'd better run the nation outside dubious Nativist policies, the Hammers give a detailed list of options alongside publishing those options to various papers across the nation. Some elements of their plan include an overhaul of the already-existing rail infrastructure to modern levels to upgrade American logistics, begin tentative work on a version of the Interstate System, building several more power plants of varying types, general mass industrialization to give America an edge over other nations - a simple continuation of the past industrialization efforts but extended, introduction of further workers' rights reforms introduced in Appalachia and planned out by the Labor Party as a whole, introduction of further general reforms such as anti-discriminatory laws, expanding suffrage, and introducing various pieces of legislation from the various timelines deemed by the Labor Party as 'beneficial' to the United States as it stands.

This has caused a general uptick in Labor Party support among those who simply wish for actual plans and not for Politicians just say they'll do something, which led into Labor winning several seats in Congress from the Liberals/Whigs and Conservatives in the Midterms. Plans are made for both the Presidential election next year and the Census to take place, hoping to remap who gets what representation within Congress instead of the ad-hoc 'you keep what you had' system in place at the moment. The overall plan is that there will be 100 Congressional seats to divy up to each state - a number so-chosen due to the belief that it'd be a far more fair number even with the small count of states - with the results to be put into effect in 12 AT.

What the Liberals have been good at are mostly outside pacifying Columbia. Widespread plans for an Electrical Grid, while primitive, have gone underway without a hitch. Most Americans now live at a roughly 1880s-1890s level, with a scattering of advancements here and there - particularly in the Capital and in Appalachia, wherein the Capital lives with a modern near-1970s level of technology while Appalachia lives around the 1900s. They've also been good at integrating the desperate parts of the USA back into each other. Panama begins to consider itself part of the new Americo-Hispanic Caribbean, with its "cousin" states of Borinquen and Antillia, and work has begun colonizing its direct north thanks to immigration from both states and a small handful of Americans and Japanese from Korea. While initially small, the wave of colonists starts growing as Japanese increasingly (and rightly) fear the Korean government's project in Tsushima and view settling in the relatively unsettled Panama Territories, with a few going to Mainland regions, to be a better deal. Of course, many choose not to go to said territories, but the flow of colonists has raised the territories' population and the land it holds quite handily.

In local politics, the famous Congresswoman Isabella Stephens (Mountain Labor (ML)-AP) has been elected Senator of Appalachia in a surprising landslide. The first woman to join the Senate in at least this world, she practically dominates the chamber alongside her fellow Labor Senators when debating policies. Another interesting development is the growing relationship between the Celtic Empire and the United States, starting with the joint territory of New Cēsarēa (also Nīwcēsarēa). Named after what Charles II called New Jersey, the territory contains the aforementioned state, Long Island, and both of the mainland Celtic Colonies (Penrhyn Llewellyn and Manhata, the later being the capital as it's right where NYC was). The goal is that it will eventually become a US state once the territory is fully colonized and Cymru's lease expires, although they will retain partial ownership of the twin cities and full ownership over the island of Ynys Bwdica. The Celts are more then happy with this arrangement, as they still get rights, and their energy of colonization can be focused towards more exciting ventures rather than a few measly ports who's original purpose is no longer needed - that are already in America's sphere, plus the goodwill of creating a joint-venture with an ally.

Solarism has become more popular in Ohio than expected. The religion was heavily affected by the ISOT on a spiritual level, as not only did the Desheret Territory disappear, but along with it the religion's founder, Richard Delaney. However, the group went under a 2 year reform with a new leader, one Alexander Richard Spencer, and with the Church of Cathay also on the backfoot, Solarism has the opportunity to flourish, especially among those who's homes and lives were disrupted by the transplant. Unexpectedly, instead of furthering its descent into becoming a cult, the new leader took great pains to turn Solarism into a more legitimate religion. For example, there's more syncretism at work, and luckily more clear. Jesus and Serapis are equated - though both names are still used unlike Ra/God (And ofcourse with the moniker of Christ), Archangel Michael and Horus, Anubis takes a prominent role similar to Azrael, and "Aten" is interpreted as the proper term for the Sun itself to keep the monotheism intact. The Afterlife of the Duat is meant to symbolize two paths (Due to a misread of Duat and "Dual"), with one either going to heaven or "absence", as Solarists do not believe in the hell that emerged from Dante's Inferno, only the emptiness described in the bible. Those are only a few examples. Exodus is silently omitted, but Moses, a hot button issue in the religion in Delaney's time is addressed, stated to be Ra's messenger to his original people in the Egyptians, wishing for both them and the Jews to live in harmony (An extra element of tragedy is added, as the Egyptians not only rejected and sent the Jews to the wrong promised land, they failed to listen to their own god). It's always the second in command you need to watch out for… However, even with the sect's reform the religion still finds very little popularity among the general population even with the slight rise in religiosity as a result of the Transplantation, mostly being found in certain towns or settlements that at least accept the strange Egyptophilic weirdos.

Going to Columbia, the situation is still quite tense. While there are still some minor warlords kicking around, a liberal usage of trained Zonians, WW2 Veterans, and aircraft has allowed the US Army the ability to put the fear of god into any prospective warlord, which causes them to mostly have minor squabbles/petty-infighting among themselves rather than the occupying forces. Things in Alabama have not been as smooth as the king would like, and a conflict of a different sort is emerging: The Religious kind. The Evangelical Church has had many problems with the "Second Reformation" introduced by the Americanist Heathens, and viewed the Kingdom as a safe haven to regroup and rebound. However, the large Revelanist population has been fighting with the centralized Evangelicals, and other Christian groups for that matter. King Huey grows to see this problem with increasing concern, worried the lands of Alabama will be at war.

Saga of Farthest Asia

East Asia has been a simmering quiet force this year. ACEP is unofficially split in half, with China and Singapore on the leftist sphere, while Korea and Indonesia have gotten closer and try to maintain neutrality. Korea itself has turned Ulleungdo island into a Naval Base, and officially claimed the Liaodong Peninsula and the border regions of Manchuria, beginning to make active colonization plans of the region.

China is a bit upset by the action, but reluctantly accepts. There's not much they can do, considering maintaining cool-relations through ACEP, and their own internal division. In particular, Wang Jingwei's rule as the overall leader of the KMT and the Republic of China is shaken by the revelation of his alternate self's role as a collaborator to the Japanese invasion of China in the Koreans' home timeline. While he still leads the Reorganized Comrades Association, the standing of the Provisional Action Committee under Song Qingling grew stronger, especially the Chinese Syndicalist Party calling for further cooperation with the Internationale.

The "Chōsen-Japanese", meanwhile, are beginning to be slowly kicked off to Tsushima as the government begins to shut-down the camps and replace them with a variety of needed infantry. While officially in control of its local affairs, the "Tsushima Autonomous Territory" is basically an extended Internment Camp, overcrowded and weary, with a rather mean Korean military-police force. Some Japanese have made the most of this, and try to regain and continue happy lives, while others fall in desperate anger at their Korean "occupiers" (Not realizing the irony, of course).

Other Sagas

Mæstroghen's "restored" Kingdom of Göterike soon joins the UN, with the King himself making appearances and gaining a serious amount of humanitarian aid for his war torn state. He becomes a staunch ally of Cymru and takes a lot of inspiration from them for rebuilding, especially in the Welfare state and religion. Heithinnry is classified by the UN as the official term for any branch of Germanic/Norse Paganism, with two "sects" (Though in practice they tend to overlap in areas despite their differences). The first is Ásatrú, the more familiar Norse Mythology practiced in Danmǫrk, Göterike-Sverige, the Northern Islands of Cymru, and Thule. Danish and Swedish goðar have begun the process of centralizing the religion based on Christianity, Islam, and Druidism. Though it's still fairly loose and locally focused, with some more simplification (Týr is Vili & Hœnir, Loki is Vé & Lóðurr, Iðunn is Nanna, Heimdall is Ullr). The second is currently unnamed (But will be sooner or later), based out of the German Räterepublik. It's simultaneously more and less centralized than Ásatrú, as while it has regional variation across different tribes, it also borrows much from the structure of Protestant churches (Namely Lutheranism, Calvinism and Continental-Reform), and is heavily folkloric to appease Secular and Christian groups. There are also some other differences, for example they believe Freyja and Frigg are the same goddess, unlike the Norse who view them as different deities. The best comparison for this flavor of Heithinnry is Shintoism.

Danmǫrk remains out of the UN, though they are considering the offer to join, and Jarl Alfr has been making favorable negotiations. Although appreciated, there is still conflict within Scandinavia. The War of Wolves has transformed into a different conflict entirely, and some think it's only the prelude to a greater war in Europe. The failure of SERF sends ripple effects across the Communist world. China and Singapore are outraged at what they see as a rather imperialist display, and the existence of the Volksreich tarnishing socialism alongside Oceania. Germany's relatively dovish foreign policies means they officially apologize and harshly condemn German troops, and especially with the Winduskist exodus and participation in SERF led to the Räterepublik banning said party in the homeland. France, meanwhile, is much quieter on the matter. While they condemn the action and punish notable participants of French SERF members, they make no other statements. This only further complicates the matter of the Singaporan warhead, but after a multitude of debates and discussion, France and Germany surprisingly decide to dismantle the Singaporean Nuke.

Instead, they devote its contents and radioactive materials to building a collectively-owned power plant in former western Luxembourg - Whether this action was committed out of good will or to save face is another question. Singapore itself follows with this due to public pressure as they claim the tip of Malaysia. Never Again, people say across the world. The United Nations makes a landmark statement because of this, any Nuclear Research will be geared towards power and safe-energy, and any country who decides to join the UN in the future must dismantle their Nuclear Arsenal. Of course, any potential transplants in the future may not agree, and there are sentiments to make a stockpile of "International-Nuclear-Arms" or "INA". The specter of Mutually-Assured-Destruction isn't totally averted, especially with it being unknown if Oceania has missiles of its own, but for now, its cloud has given way to a morning sun.

As the first decade of this world approaches, the specter of more change, good or bad, continues to grow ever stronger…

Start of Year

End of Year

Author's Notes - Whew! This took a while to write but I'm super proud of this! Wanted to give a lot more flashpoints for new turns while also trying to avoid overly modern nations. Hopefully y'all enjoy reading!
For future players to know where the story will go, the Volksreich is meant to reference TNO's Holy Russian Empire and Age of Rust's Rhodes, with a little Mad Max energy. It not showing up on the map key is intentional, as it's not a legitimate state.

 

[Klaesick]

I'd also like to reclaim!

 

[Nevis]

I really like this update and I think you did a good job at integrating these people in an area that I didn't think you could get away with bringing in a 'blue' country.

"Aux armes citoyens, formons vos bataillons!" some say

Click to shrink...

is funny. "God save the King", Brits are known to say.

 

[Nevis]

The following pamphlet was distributed from libraries across France after a heated debate in the editorial sections of several newspapers, most notably the Occitan Times. The comment about Parisians was censored in the version of the pamphlet distributed in Paris.

Our Avian Neighbours - Everything You Need to Know About Forktail People​

For as long as mankind has walked the Earth, many have wondered about the seeming lack of fellow creatures, and this has led to a great deal of speculations and theories as to what type of soul would share the gift of intelligence, and how that gift manifests. But the extraordinary circumstances that brought all manner of people here has given a definitive answer to that question. Yes. Two known species outside of humanity stand side-by-side. The most famous of which, and the focus of this leaflet is the small but mighty Loquax Philosophus. The Forktail.

Their symbolic flight into popular culture has been nothing short of trend setting. All across the nation many tales have been told of the Forktail people and their continuing surprises. Regrettably, many of them are false, or otherwise misinformed, as idle gossip is likely to be. The following guide is intended to clear up several common misconceptions in an easy-to-understand manner about our new avian neighbours.

Forktails are really people!

Malicious and persistent rumours continue to insist that the Forktails have intelligence on par with crows, chimpanzees, elephantids, dolphins, dogs, snakes, or even bees. Whilst it is true that many of these animals have their own kinds of intelligence, the key difference between them and Forktails is that Forktails have an academic mindset. They have the honor of being the first species outside of Hominids to be recognized as having sapience.. Let us not forget that mankind itself is just one of the many orders of primates. Not every creature is a Person, but all People are creatures.

As proof of their distinction from the above animals, Forktail super-families have made unprompted attempts to educate French and Palestinian scientists on their language, which our finest ethnologists have been able to learn and "speak", using flutes to replicate their lighting-quick vocalisations. They are also able to mimic a variety of calls from other bird species (Including the rich diversity in related Canary offshoots that came with them in the Shift). Unfortunately, due to the nature of the Forktails throats, they are only able to mimic certain phrases of human language and are currently unable to speak French, but they are able to write in it using specialised pencils.

Whilst Forktails are not yet an industrious species they have a rapidly developing arts scene. They are making significant advances in the fields of painting, poetry, and cartography. In fact, their unique aerial perspective gives them an advantage over humans, as our aerial photography can not yet match the combination of their aerial views and excellent memories.


Forktails are not so different than us!

It is, bluntly, true, that the Forktails are completely alien to us in many ways. However, when dealing with the Forktails you have to show them that Frenchmen treat Forktails like we treat any of our allies, and that we respect them as sapient beings on an equality with ourselves. Yes there are differences, but there are similarities too. If you forget the differences and think of them as neighbours, as people who eat, sleep, work, and raise families as we do, you'll be over the first hurdle.

Furthermore, you must discourage anyone who acts as though the Forktails are strange. They are not strange. After all, there are just as many, if not more people in the world hunting and raising their families like a Forktail than there are people working and raising their families like a Palestinian. Their kind was also unfamiliar with humanity, with their home reality being one dominated by a wide variety of extraordinary avifauna that we've only just scratched the surface of. In that sense, we are also incredibly unusual. They live their own way and we must live ours. If you respect them, they will respect you.

Already the Forktails are adapting a more proletarian culture. They have learned how to reliably produce fire using tools and are consequently undergoing a revolution in clay-working and pottery. No longer facing the prospect of starvation or thirst they have cast off the feudal chains of their 'hierarchical breeding' structures and formed new social relations based on the equality of all Forktails. Like us, the Forktails are also humorous people. The Forktails love a joke just as well as we do, and they laugh at the same kind of thing. Their stock jokes are the same as ours – about former social elites, and overzealous adventurists, and Parisians. Their version of Parisians are people from what we know as the Canary Islands.



Forktails are not reactionary organisms that were sent to spy on us by the English!

The Forktail people live in Western Africa, not in Europe. Their human contact is entirely with Franco-Palestinian researchers, and they have no reason to lie to us about meeting or controlling any other foreign Human nation, especially in the case of the English State. The English refuse to speak to anyone, let alone people of another species.

There have been no verified sightings of mass numbers of Forktails in France, and every single shot bird submitted to laboratories has been confirmed as a local, non-intelligent species. There has been nothing to suggest that these specimens are unusual members of their species and France's top experts have confirmed that these species are still mere animals. There is no reason to fear them. There is nothing to be gained by shooting them.

Yes you can still eat chicken

Forktails, despite being called "babbling jays", are completely unrelated to any species of bird we knew before their arrival. This gives them a significant distance from other birds. To them, our eating common farm and game bird species, such as chicken and duck, is alike to some people eating monkeys in our former world. To them it is not even that unusual, as in their world birds were the only form of complex life on the planet. Do not chastise your friends and neighbours for eating

To reiterate, Forktail people are completely unrelated to common birds, they cannot interbreed with normal songbirds any more than we can interbreed with chimpanzees, and so there is no risk of their intelligence spreading. Furthermore there are no Forktails in France for them to interbreed with common farm animals. Stories about farms being quarantined are all the result of common disease outbreaks rather than the government hiding the spread of intelligent chickens.

Further Information

If you have further queries about the Forktail people, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Interspecies Relations. For queries about the Mantis people, please contact the Office of Interspecies Relations. To contact the Office of Interspecies Relations:
telephone or fax no: 555

Address: Office of Interspecies Relations, Rte de Bordeaux, 55555 Marsac-sur-l'Isle, France.

A/N With thanks to Klaesick for the review/suggestions, and to the guy who wrote this pamphlet (as I stole quite a lot from it.)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/A_Pocket_Guide_to_China_(1943).pdf

 

[TheTiredScot]

A lovely update.