Midway Island Crisis; TSPRP Longstory Roleplay

[ikonen]

Midway Island Crisis

1960-?

A Historical TSP-RP Longstory Roleplay

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Prelude:

It is the year 1960, five years after the end of the Great War. Nation-states in The South Pacific are still licking their wounds and mending broken bridges from a long and costly war between the Allies and the Imperials. Despite the cessation of hostilities, tensions continue to rise as concessions granted during peace negotiations are viewed by some as excessive, and by others as insufficient. Though the war has ended, ambitions remain as strong as ever.

To keep these ambitions in check and recognizing that diplomatic debate is cheaper than an all-out bloody war, the first worldwide intergovernmental organization, the International Cooperation Council (ICC), was formed in the 1950s. The ICC’s principal mission is to maintain world peace and prevent another Great War. The ICC provides a framework for diplomatic discussions between states and serves as a bastion of diplomacy in The South Pacific.

To avoid favoritism, the ICC headquarters was placed on Midway Island (Now also known as Government Island). This small island resides in the Brevero Sea at the center of The South Pacific Ocean, positioned between the six continents of The South Pacific. Since the early 15th century, Midway Island has been an important node in cross-Pacific trade, where supplies could be stored and exchanged. Nations have competed for control of the island, with some gaining temporary success, but none managing to maintain control indefinitely. In the 17th century, Midway Island was a pirate stronghold. By the end of the Great Pirate Wars of The South Pacific, the island gained sovereignty and was demilitarized under the YY (Doublewye) accords, known simply as the “Free State.” Sovereignty came at a price, as the land was hard, rocky, and infertile, lacking in valuable mining resources, which led to economic downturns.

However, in the mid-19th century, the Free State secured a deal with several nations around the South Pacific Ocean to provide bunkering for steam-powered ships, stabilizing its economy. A new fishing industry also boosted the economy and provided needed food for residents. Perhaps the island’s most important role was as a hub for long-distance trade between continents, and as a tax haven for the wealthy. These factors led to its significant geopolitical importance.

In the 1950s, with the onset of the Great War, Karnetvor landed marines and swiftly took control of the island. Midway Island was annexed, and the population of 41,000 was deported or expelled, gradually replaced by Karnetvorians. Most islanders faced harsh conditions in Karnetvorian camps, with many not surviving. Historic buildings were demolished to build new structures intended for the Imperialist military.

By 1954, a joint Allied effort retook the island. Sedunn held the island under martial law, overseeing its restructuring and stabilization for two years, until it was granted sovereignty under the reformed NN accords. The ICC headquarters was established on the island to further cement its neutral status. The island became sparsely populated as most of the indigenous population did not return.

Despite this, Midway Island’s influence in the years ahead could not be understated. Recently, geologists discovered vast oil and gas reserves within the island’s EEZ, and loose tax regulations for mining and fracking made it lucrative for an oil-hungry age, predicting an impending energy crisis. Additionally, the island’s status as a tax haven attracted many wealthy individuals seeking to evade taxes, storing their wealth in Midway Island, creating valuable intelligence opportunities.

Moreover, geologists found immense precious metal deposits on the island, posing a significant risk if they fell into the wrong hands. Military historians uncovered that Karnetvor’s ambition to control Midway also aimed at launching nuclear missiles and asserting naval and air superiority. Although disbanded, Karnetvorian nuclear capabilities were developed on Midway Island, validating these concerns. Historians remarked that with current known nuclear capabilities, Karnetvor could reach every major city in The South Pacific had they finished their nukes.

Given these factors, geopolitical analysts foresee a period of immense tension, dubbed “The Iron Century,” characterized by hard and inflexible national ambitions. Like iron, these tensions would only soften under immense heat, whether through the warmth of diplomatic tolerance or the fire of conflict.

In short, the old and famous military adage coined by the Great Huawanese Strategist Gyara the Great remains true: “He who holds the island in the middle of the way, will be the only one to control the field entire.” The spark needed to ignite the Iron Century is just a matter of time.

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Phase 0: Initiation

February 1st, 1960:

Basel Henoch, a 22-year-old shepherd living on Midway Island, was a man of unremarkable skill or intelligence. His father described him as lazy, and his mother considered him no wiser than his father. Basel worked on the family sheep farm, “Henochlan Acres,” off the coast of Vinn Bay, but he spent most of his time slacking off and drinking with his buddies. Unlike his peers, he had no plans to leave Midway Island. Watching diplomats come and go from the island, discussing matters he found unimportant, Basel decided that anything outside the island was too complicated. Midway was pretty and comfortable enough for his nonexistent ambitions.

On that particular morning, Basel was not supposed to herd the sheep; his cousin Stewart should have done it. The sheep farm occasionally hosted tourists, eager to see the pastoral life of Midway Island. Today, an unusually pretty college woman named Lucy was among the small tourist group, and much to Basel’s delight, she was single. Enthusiastic about the opportunity, Basel volunteered to show her the sheepherding routine.

At 5 a.m., only Lucy was awake and ready to join Basel, as her family remained asleep. They set off with Basel herding the sheep, trying to maintain his attention on Lucy without losing any sheep. After a lengthy walk, Basel decided to take Lucy and the sheep along the coast to some unowned land he and his friends frequently visited for fun. Lucy, a budding photographer with a new camera from her graduation party, eagerly agreed.

As they walked through the bright morning by the shining blue ocean and the dewy grasslands, Basel and Lucy enjoyed the picturesque sights of the Pacific. However, things soon took a turn. While exploring Serenade Bay, they encountered an unexpected fence. Basel was puzzled, as he had never seen a fence there before. Suddenly, they were approached by armed men who claimed they were trespassing on private property.

Basel obliged, claiming that he simply lost his way and they would turn away right away, perfectly defused the situation. As they were walking back Lucy admitted that the men spoke with a Hinostral accent, a certain accent that people of Frost descent have when they speak austral. Basel also expressed his confusion, as the men do not look like soldiers. Normally Basel would not pay any mind towards it, but looking at the Lucy’s interest, he decided to offer her a moment where they can check out the area. Basel knew a pass that him and his friends would normally go, a place where they could see what was beyond the fence.

And so, after recounting it all to the family and the tourists. Basel’s father decided to ask the other families for information, something that they took up to their local council member. After asking Stewart to take over Basel’s duties once more with payment of drink, Basel, his friends and Lucy walked through the path down Serenade Bay in their secret path away from the fencing. A path they often took to a private beach where they can see the sunset and drink their worries over a guitar and campfire.

Though today they took a path towards what would be the inside area of the fence. By the sharp rocks. The group of four traversed the hills and the sandy white soil and saw an opening. A small concrete bunker with a number of submarines poking their noses out. When they arrived they saw a submarine blubbing out of the sea and into view. The steel behemoth was something that neither Basel nor his friends could forget, when both Karnetvor and Sedunn held Midway in the first two decades, large naval ships were something that Basel and his friends saw daily. So seeing this submarine again jogged some memories.

Fearing to be spotted the group decided to walk back away from the area and back to the farm. Where they decided to relay this to Basel’s family and whoever was at the house that day. The woman then asked Basel to drive her and her father back to the town to the local photoshop, where they could develop the photos she took. Basel was told by his father to agree, as the latter was trying to find out who owned the land.

Lucy’s father had a particular interest in this, after all, he was a reporter, and he could tell if news was coming. He went to the telegram office as Basel and Lucy waited to take the photos. He was going send a telegram to his office, that a news would be made soon that will shake the world.

After Lucy happily gave Basel her address for mail correspondence when he took her out to the local farmer’s bar, she followed her family to fly back home and continue their vacation there. Her father was hard at work with his notepad to create the news. He had the photographs his daughter took, which was clearer than he had thought.

The minute they arrived back home, his father set to type the words he wrote. His exclusive expose will be then sent to his newspaper and the associated press. An active foreign marine installation in the middle of Midway Island which broke the YY and NN accords, right next to the International Cooperation Council? This is scandalous.

This article would spark a scandal that would reverberate throughout the South Pacific, igniting the geopolitical tensions of the “Iron Century” and leading to what would become known as the “Midway Island Crisis.”

And it is up to the level headed leaders to handle the situation for the benefit of the good. Whose goodness will it be, is yet to be decided.

[ikonen]

OOC Roleplay Description

The year is 1960, five years after the end of the Great War, which left the nations of The South Pacific in a state of fragile peace and simmering tensions. Despite the formation of the International Cooperation Council (ICC) to maintain world peace and prevent another catastrophic conflict, old ambitions and grudges persist. The ICC, headquartered on the strategically significant Midway Island, serves as a neutral ground for diplomatic discussions. However, recent discoveries of vast oil, gas, uranium, and plutonium deposits on the island have reignited geopolitical rivalries.

Amidst this backdrop, an unexpected discovery by a local shepherd and a visiting tourist reveals secret military activities on Midway Island, sparking a scandal that threatens to plunge the region back into conflict. The revelation that the Frost Empire has been covertly fortifying Midway Island for unknown reasons sets off a chain of events that will test the resolve of nations and the effectiveness of diplomacy.

Objectives:

• Primary Objective:

  • Diplomatic and Military Resolution: Players must navigate the crisis through a combination of diplomacy, military strategy, intimidation and espionage to either support or oppose influence in Midway Island
  • Complete National Objectives: Each Nation has their own reasons and objectives set by their leaders, it is up to you to achieve your objectives through shrewd planning and initiative.

• Secondary Objectives:

  • Resource Control: Secure control over the valuable resources on Midway Island to gain a strategic advantage, or prevent others access to them.
  • ICC Influence: Utilize the ICC to sway international opinion and gather support for your nation’s stance.
  • Sabotage: Prevent your opponents to achieve their objectives, including their secret objectives.
  • Intelligence Gathering: Uncover and exploit secrets from your opponents and use them to your advantage
  • Secret Objectives: Fullfill your secret objective (if you have any)
  • Promote your Foreign Policy

Further objectives will follow

Phases:

1. Discovery Phase:

• Players receive intelligence reports and media coverage of the secret military activities on Midway Island.
• Nations must decide their initial stance: condemn the Frost Empire, support their claims, or remain neutral.
• Diplomatic channels open, and the ICC calls for an emergency summit to address the crisis.

2. Diplomatic Phase:

• Nations engage in intense negotiations at the ICC headquarters on Midway Island.
• Players can form alliances, propose resolutions, and attempt to de-escalate the situation.
• Espionage missions can be undertaken to gather more information or sabotage opponents.

3. Military Phase:

• Depending on the outcomes of the Diplomatic Phase, military actions may be authorized.
• Players can deploy forces to Midway Island, engage in naval battles, and conduct covert operations.
• The objective is to either enforce a blockade, launch an invasion, or protect Midway Island from aggression.

4. Resolution Phase:

• The crisis reaches its climax, with decisive actions taken by the involved nations.
• Players must deal with the consequences of their strategies, whether through victory, compromise, or defeat.
• The ICC issues a final resolution based on the outcomes, setting the stage for future geopolitical dynamics in The Iron Century.

Player Interaction Type List:

• Diplomacy: Players can engage in negotiations, form alliances, and propose resolutions at the ICC. Diplomatic skills and persuasive arguments are crucial for gaining support and achieving objectives.
• Military Strategy: Players can deploy forces, plan invasions, and engage in battles. Military actions should be carefully considered, as they can escalate the crisis or lead to significant losses.
• Espionage: Players can conduct covert operations to gather intelligence, or protect their secrets. Espionage adds a layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the roleplay.
• Sabotage: Players can conduct sabotage operations to halt the progress of their enemies and other players.
• Economic Maneuvering: Players can leverage economic resources, secure trade agreements, and impose sanctions to influence the outcome of the crisis.
• Media and Propaganda: Players can use media outlets to sway public opinion, disseminate propaganda, and shape the narrative of the crisis.
• Internal: Players can try to influence their government for support and try to boost an action. Should it be successful, the next action voted will have a -1 difficulty reduction in the next phase. However, should it fail, the action will have a +2 difficulty increase until a new internal action is made.
• Counterintelligence: Players can try to protect their countries from espionage by committing counterintelligence in order to dispose of foreign agents and protect themselves from sabotage.
• Miscellaneous: These are things that don’t apply

Any interactions can also be expanded. If you got critical rolls you would get an either positive or negative temporary modifier for the next phase. This modifier will not go away until it has been used. Furthermore, while positive temporary modifiers only affect a single action of the type with the hardest difficulty, negative temporary modifiers affect all the actions of the type.

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Note: Players are encouraged to collaborate and communicate to create a dynamic and engaging narrative. The roleplay is designed to be flexible, allowing for various approaches and strategies. Remember, the objective is to have fun while exploring the complexities of diplomacy, warfare, and international relations.

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Permanent Modifiers

Starting 16.07.2024 in Phase 1 Roll 2, every player can now have a permanent modifier. This would add spice to the roleplay and place someone on the edge or protect them from failures.

Players can either choose the following. Players can choose either 2 positives and 1 negative trait, or 1 positive trait, or 1 neutral trait. You can also choose to have no modifiers.

Positive Traits

1. Skilled Diplomats -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Diplomacy
2. Naval Discipline -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Naval Military
3. Army Discipline -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Ground Military
4. Airforce Discipline -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Airforce Military
5. Experienced Operatives -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Espionage
6. Skilled Saboteurs -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Sabotage
7. Power Broker -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Economy
8. Wordsmith -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Media and Propaganda
9. Paranoia -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Counterintelligence
10. Lucky -1 Permanent roll difficulty reduction in Miscellaneous
11. Historical Allies: -1 when engaging with countries that share a common historical alliance. *
12. Common Bloc: -1 when engaging with countries that share an ideology.*
13. Gamblers: Difficulty modifiers are doubled
14. Higurashi: -1 when engaging with Higurashi signatories.
15. Good weather: Protected from bad weather, any movement will be optimal
16. Unlucky Protection: Nullifies any failed crits (up to 5 charges)

Negative Traits

1. Rude and Uncouth: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Diplomacy
2. Naval Disorder: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Naval Military
3. Army Disorder: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Ground Military
4. Airforce Disorder: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Airforce Military
5. Outdated Tech: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Espionage
6. Fair Player: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Sabotage
7. Powerless Broker: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Economy
8. Tongue-tied: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Media and Propaganda
9. Overconfident: +1 Permanent roll difficulty increase in Counterintelligence
10. Historical Enemies: +1 when engaging with countries that share a historical conflict.
11. Opposing Bloc: +1 when engaging with countries that have opposing ideologies.
12. Higurashi Breach: +1 when engaging with Higurashi signatories due to past treaty violations.

Neutral Traits

1. Crit Protection (You will not receive Crits)
2. Risk-averse: Total Difficulty modifiers are halved. (If modifier not divisible by two, difficulty unchanged)

Several belligerents will have unique modifiers due to lore reasons. Once you’ve chosen your set, you may rename your modifiers or modifier set as you please. If there are other modifiers you’d like to suggest to me, let me know in the OOC page.

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Belligerents(Growing)

1. The Frost Empire
2. The Peocracy of Huawan
3. Provisional Government of Kliegme
4. Axolotl Empire of Andrendia
5. Izaakian Government + Keanu and Hurley
6. The Denvari Alliance(Emerald, Denver, Spiras, and Cimbria)
7. Republic of Sedunn
8. Republic of Yttria
9. People’s Republic of Rhayna
10. Kingdom of Stoinia
11. The United Empire of Akarina
12. Greater Ikoania
13. Antarchan Empire
14. The Federated Empire of Ikaranara

*In order to play, simply add your post during the appropriate phase here along with your initiative/action in the bottom of your post to get your objectives rolled.

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Info

1. For every action your nation makes, I will be rolling a D20. I will only roll once per action. No redos, no retakes.

2. The events resulting from those rolls will be posted in the IC thread as “Dossiers” from an intelligence broker.

3. Actual Roll results will be posted on the OOC thread separate to this. It is also good to post your initiative and action in the OOC thread too, shortly after you posted in the IC thread

4. Discussions can be done in the OOC thread and the discord thread in the TSP server Discord

5. The phases will be decided by me as the gamemaster. Also, though the phase continued to the next, it doesn’t mean that you cant do diplomacy when everyone is using their military.

6. Some actions has a difficulty modifier, these modifiers come into effect depending on the severity or greatness of the action/initiative. Some silly miscellaneous thing like “Eating pineapple pizza” have low difficulty modifiers, while others like “Sink a submarine” may be more difficult. Additionally, repeat actions will have increased difficulty modifier unless certain things were done. There is a ceiling to how much you can reduce the difficulty.

7. Phased actions can proceed its phase with just a “neutral” roll, when normally neutral rolls meant that neither success nor failure is applied. However, the action can only be successful if the final phase of the action is at least “Moderately Successful”. Phased actions are also immune to Crit fail modifiers. Failures would not advance your phased action, and alternatively, rolling a crit fail in the middle or end of your phase would punish you to go back a single phase. Rolling a crit success in the end of a phased action would net you a -2 modifier for a single hardest action of the type. You may abandon a phased action, but abandonment is punished by a +1 difficulty modifier.

8. Further info will be posted in this post, the discord thread or the OOC thread.

9. Have Fun

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Resources

Iron Century (Pacifica) - TSP Encyclopedia (thesouthpacific.org)

Government Island (Pacifica) - TSP Encyclopedia (thesouthpacific.org)

Former Intergovernmental Organisations (Pacifica) - TSP Encyclopedia (thesouthpacific.org)

RP example
https://tspforums.xyz/thread-8984.html

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Updates Log

16.07 - Added Modifiers, Permanent modifiers, added belligerents
21.07 - Edited phased actions to make it more lucrative

[Kliegme]

February 2nd, 1960. Myurmyansk, the Capital of the Provisional Government of Kliegme
Provisional President Dmitry Pavlov is at his workplace when he is given the news from his aide.
“Your Excellency, it seems the Frost Empire has become more and more desperate to spread their influence. They have been caught building a Submarine base at the heart of the ICC.”

Pavlov looks up. His usually sharp mind had to double check what he just heard. This could be a major diplomatic incident in the making. No, not could, will. Pavlov takes the newspaper his aide was holding and reads through the article. As he does so, he thinks of every scenario that could happen from now on. As he finishes the article, he vocalises his conclusion.

“Our adversaries have just opened another front. We must use the diplomatic fallout to our best advantage. As of now, there is not much we can do, other than continue the war for our independence.”

The victory in Vremyansk only 3 months ago routed the occupation forces east of the Itrysh. With the Frost Empire’s naval forces diverted to evacuate Frost forces in the east, the siege of Bisei was drawing to an end, with most naval fortifications being reactivated.
Various settlements in the Northwest have risen up against the Frost occupation, hindering supply and reserves.

45 kilometres from Gawrnov.
45 kilometres from Liberation.

———
Action:
Observe what will happen from now on.

• Contact Terminans for more info.
  

Think of ways to utilise this situation to improve the diplomatic standing of the United Front

• Print more Anti-Frost propaganda

(OOC: The siege of Bisei ends in Kliegmean victory by February 7th. I will mark pre-determined events in Italics in regards to the Kliegmean War.)

[Andreus]

February 2nd, 1960, 21:32. Imperial Mansion, Andreopolis, Capital of the Axolotl Empire of Andrendia.
Emperor Franco Oloto IV is having dinner when one of his staff members warns him of a unexpected update in the Brevero Sea. “Your highness, we have received news from Midway Island, in the Brevero Sea. It seems that the Frost Empire is actively building and stationing submarines around the Island.”
The Emperor immediately stopped eating and with a calm tone spoke to the staff member: “Tomorrow I will personally call an Extraordinary Session at the parliament to discuss what to do. We cannot let this continue or it could spark another war even bigger than the one that ended 5 years ago. It’s unfathomable that they’re doing all of this next to the International Cooperation Council. Peace has to last.” “Very well then.”, replied the staff member while leaving the room. After that, the Emperor started to eat again.

February 3rd, 16:20, Palazzo Colonnato, Andreopolis, Andrendia.
“Even if Andrendia didn’t participate in the War, we can’t let peace die so young” said Prime Minister Sergio Callisto at the end of the Extraordinary Session, followed by cheering from all of the Senate. The Session ended with a resounding condemnation of Frost actions on the island.

———
Action:
Condemn Frost actions.

• Impose sanctions on all Frost goods entering Andrendia

[ikonen]

February, 1960

As summer wanes in Huawan, the leaves begin to yellow, heralding the approach of autumn. The summer flowers have wilted, and the berries grow sweeter. Despite the seasonal change, much work remains in Huawan.

The Cordilian theatre was among the bloodiest in the Great War. Even as the war cabinet urged her family to leave, she chose to stay in Lian amidst the midnight bombing raids. During the war, she took on a role in the royal intelligence agency. Now, years later, she sits on the throne her mother once occupied. On those nights when the bunker trembled and the cries of people echoed in her ears, she vowed that Huawan would never again be weak.

Huawan was one of the countries that suffered the most in the war. It demanded more concessions from the Imperials than any other ally. Thousands of men died from mustard gas and shrapnel, leaving the southern lands where the trenches were fought blooming with flowers fertilized by the bodies of the fallen.

Despite the suffering, Huawan did receive some compensation for its sacrifices. Karnetvor was divided under joint occupation, and Huawan was granted significant territory by the allies. However, according to the accords, they had to vacate the land and return it to the Karnetvorians, despite parliament’s attempts to impose stricter consequences. This was a matter of national pride for Huawan, and seeing Sedunn’s leniency towards the imperialists left a bitter taste.

In the years following the Great War and before Lingxin Yan’s rule, Huawan lacked the capability and resources to wage further wars or demand more concessions. Its people were battle-weary, and the imperial treasury was focused primarily on reconstruction and revitalizing agriculture. The remnants of its army were scattered, and raising a new one seemed an impossible task. Lingxin needed to rebuild Huawan’s military strength and regional influence.

Under Lingxin’s leadership, the Imperial government decided that instead of fighting in trenches and losing thousands, Huawan would establish a vast espionage network. Intelligence and technology were deemed as valuable as military might, and she aimed to create one of the region’s most extensive spy networks.

When news arrived that Frost had set up a naval base on Government Island, Lingxin flew into a rage. The allies had all vowed through the YY and NN accords to demilitarize the once-pirate stronghold of her ancestors, and now suddenly Frost had built a base there?

She blamed the Sedunners. The ICC meeting of the NN accords had agreed to Sedunn as a steward to ensure the demilitarization. The announcement made her assume that Sedunn had given Frost the rights to the island. However, she was not willing to risk a diplomatic incident with the Sedunners. Moreover, the treaty of Higurashi, written chiefly by her allies especially Sedunn, stated that the island was to become a condominium, something she saw as being utterly dumb and naive move.

“Fine… We’ll do it ourselves.”

Lingxin summoned her royal council and devised a plan to not only expel the Frost but also to take the island for Huawan. The region was approaching an energy and financial crisis of unprecedented magnitude, and securing a source of energy for Huawan was imperative.

Lingxin calmed herself and resolved to be patient. Her first step was to gather as much intelligence as possible and play her cards right. Huawan would stand strong once more. She also wrote a telegram to be sent to President Yemms Sperallu, informing him of Huawan’s concerns.

Huawan is prepared to do much to achieve their objectives, and would not hesitate to unveil their arsenal.

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Actions:

Pass Conscription Law in Parliament

Unite and motivate the Parliament

Condemn the Frost Empire in the ICC

Send a letter to Sedunn of concerns.

Unveil a Nuclear Bomb (Phase 1/2)

Send spies to assess the submarine pen

Send spies to check of Frost’s intentions with the submarine pen

Increase Huawanese navy presence to international waters close to Midway Island.

[Izaakia]

Izaakia, one of the major benefactors of the Great War has a booming economy, and greatly expanded territory. Following the war Izaakia has bases abroad in its Hai Men Colony, and in Keanu and Hurley following the Guano Treaties of 1843.

With Government Island at the midpoint between the Colony of Hai Men and its bases in Keanu and Hurley the Izaakian government sees Government Island as key to its long term goals of reclaiming Montacia and Brodlancia.

Actions
Increase Naval and Air Presence in the Government Island Area.
Open discussions with Frost Empire, Huawan and Sedunn on the future of Government Island.
Spy on Frost Empire, Huawan and Sedunn

[KingTEM]

The Denvari Alliance(Emerald, Denver, Spiras, and Cimbria), a victor in the Great War, and currently fighting in the Krauanagazan Civil War. Emerald in particular, emerged from the Great War with a massive fleet and booming economy.

Government Island, or Midway Island as Emerald refers to it, is a vital stopping point between the Mainland and Colony of New Emral, along with the still rebuilding Cimbria. King Jason II and the Emeraldian Government see the potential in this possible crisis, and want to ensure that the island remains Neutral or barring that, the Island is secured under Alliance Control. Rising Tensions with the Imperial Frost Government will not help in this matter.

Actions
Increase Naval Presence in the area via the Mediterranean Fleet, based in Spiras.
Have ERIDA(Emeraldian Royal Intelligence and Defence Agency, Unknown to the Public until 1990) spy on the Frost Empire
Open discussions with Sedunn and Huawan on the continued neutrality of the Island.

[Qwert]

Yemms Sperallu let out a loud sigh as the door to her office closed. She stood up from the shiny oak desk and walked up to the large window facing west. Somewhere out there, beyond the horizon, was today’s pressing matter: the island of never ceasing troubles. As she took a deep breath she realised that General Hejerr Remstallu had left behind a smell of tobacco. A reminder of the frequent briefings during the Great War.

What a spectacular failure this was. A mere two years had passed since the Treaty of Higurashi had been singed by all major parties to the War and Sedunn had left the island to make it a condominium. “Plainly naïve” as the General had put it. Now the Frosts seemed to be in the process of seizing it. If the embryo to a rules-based world order was to be saved, the Treaty of Higurashi had to be restored. Her government and the supreme commander of the Sedunnic Armed Forces had reached a decision on the next steps. The die had been cast, as they said in Austral.

Actions:

• Lodge a protest and a demand to remove all military forces to the Frost ambassador
• Contact the other signatories of the Treaty of Higurashi (likely the major parties of the war) to make a joint statement defending the treaty and committing to defending it
• Land a small contingent of agents/special forces to gather intelligence and survey Frost activity on the island via a submarine (veterans from the allied liberation of the island during the GW)
• Conduct aerial surveillance of the island and surrounding sea
• Begin assembling a marine task force in the Remetulls for a possible future intervention on land

[Legend]

Prime Minister Lon sat brooding in his office. This blatant disregard for common decency could not have come at a more inconvenient time for him. It was 5 years ago that he had risen to the seat of power, and the time of the next election was rapidly approaching. Oh, how it had all started to crumble. Yttria’s neutrality had its opponents, for sure, but it was so very popular during the war. But now there was a growing sentiment that Yttria was being left behind by the world, that it was as irrelevant as it had ever been. The last time Yttria was able to stand on its own, truly stand on its own, was when it had participated in the gold road, and look how that turned out.

Lon needed a win, and he needed one badly.

Primary Actions:

• Communicate with the Frost Empire to get its side of the story
• Look into the people behind the discovery to assess their trustworthiness.

Secondary Action:

• Use its neutrality during the war to present itself as an impartial, trustworthy 3rd party in this situation

[ZeroXz]

February 2nd, 1960, Rouketa, People’s Republic of Rhayna

It was relatively close to the end of the war in Moellia when newspapers flew through the streets with news about Midway, but no one knew about it. For people, the end of the war wasn’t in the horizon, the population behind Prostasia was tired, while the population on the other sized feared a reactivation of the conflict, and the central power over in Rouketa knew that their popularity was at the edge of a razorblade after 8 years of deaths that seemed less and less required.

——I suppose you have already seen this ——Lazaros Galleas, incumbent vice-president, assumed as he threw a newspaper on the desk.

——Yeah, and what? We got problems at home ——Alexis Mileas, president of the PRR, replied.

——Exactly, and this could only get us in more. We haven’t finished with this war yet, and the world around us may get in another one even bigger than the last one.

——What do you suggest?

——For the moment, establishing neutrality, at least abroad. We could also use this as ammunition, to rile up people.

——So usual propaganda.

——Not propaganda, hope. Make them think that we have to give the last push to end this war. Our soldiers will come back to their wives, and have the tranquillity that their service allowed them to live the rest of their lives in peace, even if the rest of the world burns.

——I’ll schedule a meeting with the Minister of Information.

Even if the causes were many, people remembered the Great War tensions as the match that lighted the conflict in Moellia. Another international conflict of that scale would be catastrophic for the odds of stabilization in the region.

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Actions:

• Declare neutrality
• Release propaganda to continue with the war

[Frost]

Office of the ministry of External Affairs

Minister Seiji Kogami grimaced as two agents of the Office of Naval Intelligence* (ONI) stood before him. One agent passed the minister the newspaper and said, “Minister Kogami, I assure that Agent K1 and I are not here to apprehend you- but” “But what agent?” the minister asked puzzled, “Agent K0 sir, but are here by the order of the Central Council to douse the flames caused by the carelessness of the Naval Reconnaissance Group*.” responded Agent K0.

The Minister looked unconvinced, “And how do you intend to douse this wildfire agent K0, the Ministry of external affairs can’t effectively do its job if we remain in the dark of these covert ba-” “Not base, a geological survey supply depot.” interrupted Agent K0. “What do you mean?!” the minister replied exasperated, “The photos clearly shows an Imperial Naval submarine exiting the ba-” “Again minister, not a base, a Geological Survey depot.” said Agent K0 coolly as Agent K1’s met the Minister’s gaze. K1’s eyes goading the minister to misspeak so that he can enforce ONI’s will.

Minister Kogami slumped back into his chair as Agent K0 smiled, “Minister, I understand your skepticism, but understand our job is to obfuscate the facts to remove suspicion and failing that to buy time for operation Duskborne*.” “Duskborne?” asked the Minister, “I’m sorry but that’s classified, but your role is simple, disseminate this message to the Foreign Powers; The Submarine Pen is the site of a Temporary Joint civilian-military geological survey of the undersea terrain of Government Island and the surrounding Central Islands. The purpose of this survey is to find the optimal route to lay communications line between the Home Islands and Reizen Colony and that the pen will be abandoned once the survey and subsequent lines have been completed. Be sure to stress the point of being abandoned afterwards to lull our adversaries into believing the pen won’t be used by ONI in the future.” said Agent K0.

“And what of the Naval Reconnaissance Group?” asked the Minister. Agent K0 shrugged and replied, “What about them?” “Aren’t you worried that the Navy Reconnaissance Group will retaliate to the sudden loss of their base?” The two agents chuckled at the Minister’s question, "Oh I wouldn’t worry about that, They’re too busy being scrutinized by the Central Council to do much. Now Minister, remember to do your part or…"Agent K0 then gesture to Agent K1 “Well I don’t need to say what comes next right?” The MInister shook his head furiously “Of course We’ll do what we can.”

---

Actions:

1. Convince Foreign powers that the Frost Submarine Pen is a legal venture under the Treaty of Higurashi and offer controlled tours into the “supply depot”.

2. Conduct a misinformation campaign to discredit the news article about the Frost Submarine base.

3. Deploy the 4 I-30 class submarines* stationed in the submarine pen to simulate geographical survey activity .

4. Hunt down any spies attempting to enter Reizen (the Frost Home Islands were sealed to all foreigners therefore any foreign spy would be easily caught. Entry into Reizen on the other hand is doable thanks to the mixed traders of the TCC, but is heavily monitored)

5. Prepare the 73rd Army Air Corp and the 300th Airborne battalion for Operation duskborne.

6. Prepare to reinforce the Government Island contingent with the 5th Fleet, and 121st Marine Expeditionary Force coming in from the North in the event diplomacy fails.

Notes*
Operation Duskborne: The planned Full Scale invasion of Government Island conducted in a three prong strike from an Imperial Fleet to the North, the deployment of elite Airborne troopers and Army Air wings from Reizen in the East, and a sudden rear assault from the Submarine Pen Garrison.

Naval Reconnaissance Group; The Imperial Frost Navy’s intelligence and reconnaissance division. The NRG is tasked with maintaining the Imperial Frost Navy’s various outposts and patrols to maintain Frost isolationism.

Office of Naval Intelligence; The primary intelligence gathering and counter espionage agency of the Frost Empire. ONI is separate from the Navy despite its name and conducts many of the Empire’s more darker missions from sabotage to assassinations. Agents belonging to ONI abandon their names and adopt codenames ranging from their Division A-Z and rank 0-X where rank 0 denotes the head of the division.

I-30 class submarine rl equivalent to the USS Nautilus

[Maverick]

February, 1960

Government Island went by many names, the Stoinian called it Isla del Mirada Solar (Castonish: the Island of the Sungaze) or simply Mirada. In the past the Stoinians had made some efforts to quell the pirates, but the Mārunga colony was the true focal point of Stoinian maritime dominance ever since Ioan Caragiu landed in 1256 AD. The Stoinian colonial empire still persisted after the Great War, but colonial identities had started to show cracks in unity.

Because of Mārunga’s importance to the Stoinians, they became increasingly commercial over the South Pacific Ocean, establishing trade routes and ports. So much so that Tolosance languages, especially Castonish (IRP Spanish) became rival lingua franca against Austral. Since the Free State, Stoinia began an economic expansion on the island, vastly expanding its mercantile presence. If outright dominion wasn’t an option, economic expansion was an alternate viable route since the Stoinians already have history as a cemented power on the Centrals Islands.

Prime Minister Paul Costinescu.

The Great War was led by Prime Minister-General Andrei Stegăroiu, who after the war stepped down and called for democratic elections. The result was a new political landscape with Paul Costinescu of the Partido Liberal (Liberal Party) at the helm. He sought to review the Kingdom and its colonies to maintain a united ethos like the Tolosance nations had in metropolitan Stoinia. Tensions with Huawan over Shai Kong had risen as had the relationship with the Frost Empire since different war goals during the Great War in the Supra-Capricorn. The Stoinian colonial system would be put to the test during Costinescu’s rule sooner than he had hoped for.

Outright conflict, aside the eagerness of military leaders, was not a widespread option with the populace. The Great War had left its marks on society, but as PM Stegăroiu once did, the Stoinian populace could be swayed if given the right cause. Factored in is the facf that the Stoinian occupation of Karnetvor did bring some strains to the Stoinian government and some even felt it wasn’t proportionate of Stoinia’s efforts in the Great War. Even so, the military apparatus had refined itself since the Great War and many sought to establish Stoinia as a renewed naval power across the South Pacific and beyond.

When the news arrived that the Frost Empire had violated ICC conventions, Costinescu immediately contacted Sedunn. The ever strong friendship was a driver of the ICC and the Stoinians were eager to grant the Sedunnic experiment of Mirada a chance. The result seemed to be a failure, but Costinescu would use the diplomatic strength of the Kingdom to achieve peace with non-violent means. Though he also appeased military officials with a show of strength and preliminary intelligence activities. Thus the vast Stoinian Royal Navy set out wide aerial patrols using numerous aircraft carriers from the Great War. The Frost Empire may have established a submarine presence, but if it was to expand, they’d have to bring in larger vessels unable to hide beneath the seas.

Stoinian naval carriers roaming the Brevero Sea.

In parallel, the Kingdom of Stoinia also sent request to have military & civilian experts inspect the naval base. Whatever the answer would be from the Frost Empire, the Kingdom would have a basis to rally its populace behind it. Should the Empire refuse? They’d confirm trespassing the conventions. Should they accept? It could still be reported as duplicitous act by the Empire. The higher echelons of Stoinian government had no doubt the Frost Empire was up to something and they wanted to find the weak spots of their house of cards if not only to increase their own standing on the world stage.

In the Royal Privy Council, Operation Salida del Sol (Castonish: Sunrise) sparked early conversations. It’s goal was to seize control of Mirada Island in some form. There were too many unknown factors, but slowly but surely, military forces began to deploy to Mārunga not merely out of defensive purposes. Though none would know it, not even the soldiers themselves. It’s all part of moving the pawns into place as the rest of the chessboard began to reveal itself as diplomatic channels sprawled with meetings.

---

Actions:

• Enquire the Frost Empire for an inspection of the site alongside Stoinian experts including military personnel.

• Preparation to condemn the Frost Empire in the ICC by improving relations with neutral factions in the ICC.

• Relay wishes for a joint ICC condemnation of the Frost Empire’s actions during Sedunnic-led diplomatic efforts to affirm the Greaty of Higurashi.

• Establish spy network within the mercantile population that frequents Mirada Island as well as pro-Stoinian natives.

• Deployment of a Stoinian division & 22 warships to Mārunga.

• Increase Stoinian navy presence to international waters in the entire Brevero Sea and install large-scale aerial patrols.

• Increase oil reserves on Mārunga and expand infrastructure for critical resources.

[isurvivedurm0m]

February, 1960
When the news reached Akarina, Emperor Kenji Quirin stated: “This is a clear violation of ICC conventions and a threat to our trade routes in the east!”

Not long after, the Akarinan eastern fleet had been put on standby, and half of the southern fleet was transferred to the eastern fleet.

---

Actions:

• Sanction Frost

• Mobilize navy

• Protect cargo ships

[ikonen]

TOP SECRET

Information Broker Dossier 1-P1:

Kliegme

1. Contact Terminans for More Info (Diplomacy): Kliegme’s diplomats reached out to Terminans and established a reliable channel of communication. They managed to gather valuable information that shed light on the Frost bases and their intentions. Some Terminan Information brokers are willing to part with that knowledge, for a price.
2. Improve Diplomatic Standing (Diplomacy): Attempts to improve Kliegme’s standing within the global community were met with resistance and ultimately failed. The current war with Frost made them biased, and the diplomatic efforts led by an Frost (who were in the ICC) did not resonate with other nations.
3. Print More Anti-Frost Propaganda (Media and Propaganda): Amidst the chaos Kliegme launched a highly successful anti-Frost propaganda campaign in regards to their secret submarine base. The public sentiment turned sharply against the Frost Empire, rallying national support in the war effort.

Andrendia

1. Condemn Frost Publicly (Diplomacy): Andrendia’s public condemnation of the Frost Empire fell flat in the ICC, lacking the expected impact and scoffed at by the Frost. The international community remained largely indifferent to Andrendia’s efforts to rally the ICC.
2. Impose Sanctions on Frost (Economic): The sanctions imposed on the Frost Empire were neutral in effect, a lack of trade, diplomacy and mutually strong trade protections had caused some economic disruption but not enough to significantly alter Frost’s behavior.

Huawan

1. Pass Conscription Law in Parliament (Military): Amidst the revelation and an impassionate speech from the Imperial Court, Huawan’s parliament overwhelmingly passed the conscription law, significantly boosting military recruitment and readiness for an upcoming crisis.
2. Unite and Motivate the Parliament (Misc.): With the Conscription Law confirmed, the political environment in the Huawanese parliament was strong. The Imperial Court had significant support from the Huawanese parliament for the upcoming crisis.
3. Condemn the Frost Empire in the ICC (Diplomacy): Huawan’s condemnation of the Frost Empire in the ICC was powerful and resonated with many member nations and diplomats, enhancing Huawan’s diplomatic influence in the ICC to condemn the Frost Empire. Leading to calls for an emergency diplomatic discussion.
4. Send a Letter to Sedunn of Concerns (Diplomacy): The letter sent to Sedunn expressing Huawan’s concerns was lost in the mail. Leaving Sedunn unaware of Huawan’s concerns and severely dampening possibilities of a cooperative front.
5. Unveil a Nuclear Bomb (Complete) (Military): Amidst the event The Peony received word that the first Peonic nuclear bomb, “Project 75” was successfully tested. Huawan now has nuclear capabilities, it wont be long until it unveils it.
6. Send Spies to Assess the Submarine Pen (Espionage): Huawanese spies were discussed as fishermen as they inch closer to the submarine pen, the spies were captured some blown out of the water. The Frost Empire now knows full well that Huawan snoops into their affairs.
7. Send Spies to Check Frost’s Intentions with the Submarine Pen (Espionage): On the other hand, spies infiltrating the Frost Empire managed to gain a dossier on the details of the submarine pen. Hinting operation Duskbreak and the pen’s capability in responding to Reizen during a crisis.
8. Increase Huawanese Navy Presence to International Waters Close to Midway Island (Military): Huawanese naval contingents set sail from the homeland and into the Brevero Sea. In good weather they will arrive in a couple of days but some ships are not available.

Izaakia & KH

1. Increase Naval and Air Presence in the Government Island Area (Military): An astounding mix of good weather and excellent war preparedness had made Izaakia’s influence in government island strong and viewed as positive from the islanders. Excellent weather would have them arrive in astonishingly record rate.
2. Open Comms: Frost (Diplomacy): Izaakian diplomats opened an effective communication channels were opened with Frost, facilitating direct dialogue with Oured
3. Open Comms: Sedunn (Diplomacy): Due to an upgrade of communication lines with Sedunn, Izaakia has a direct line with Grovne and received warmly from them.
4. Open Comms: Huawan (Diplomacy): Huawanese communication with the Izaakians are established, however a lack of interpreters may lead to communications misconstrued.
5. Espionage: Frost (Espionage): Izaakian intelligence remarkably managed to infiltrate the Frost Empire and set up a strong intelligence hold in the country. Their extensive training and camouflage made sure that detection from Frost counterintelligence is difficult.
6. Espionage: Huawan (Espionage): Izaakian intelligence managed to infiltrate Huawan, although their intelligence lines are flawed and their translators shoddy, it should be enough provided Huawan won’t run counterintelligence
7. Espionage: Sedunn (Espionage): Izaakia successfully completed an infiltration campaign inside Grovne. The open communications caused them to establish a trustworthy foothold in Grovne.

Denvari Alliance

1. Naval Presence from the Fleet in the Med. (Military): The Denvari prepared to set sail from the Mediterranean, but a monsoon had delayed their departure from Spiras. Downplaying influence.
2. ERIDA Espionage: Frost (Espionage): Espionage efforts against Frost by the ERIDA were unsuccessful as they were caught upon entry due to stringent Frost immigration. Further straining relations between Frost and the Denvari.
3. Correspondence with Huawan (Diplomacy): Communication with Huawan disastrously broke down, leading to misunderstandings and diplomatic setbacks. Interpreters did not manage to communicate effectively with the Huawanese, leading to messages from the alliance ignored by Huawan.
4. Correspondence with Sedunn (Diplomacy): Efforts to correspond with Sedunn resulted in moderate failure, with Sedunnic-translated messages from the Denvari failing to convey the intended urgency of the situation and not treated as seriously.

Sedunn

1. Lodge Formal Protest with Frost (Diplomacy): Sedunn successfully lodged a formal protest with Frost in the ICC. Asserting its disapproval and maintaining diplomatic pressure of the gravity of the situation.
2. Higurashi Joint Statement (Diplomacy): Sedunn attempted to get signatories of the Higurashi treaty to issue a joint statement. However it was difficult to get the signatories to agree due to differing national agendas. The treaty was widely ignored by most for its foolishness. Undermining Sedunnic soft power.
3. SpecOps Landing via Submarine (Espionage): The special operations landing via submarine had an unknown fate. The submarine was unreachable after a report that an undersea mine hit it. The crew and the special operatives fate is left to the Brevero sea, Sedunn may try to conduct a search and rescue but it’s too grim.
4. Aerial Surveillance (Espionage): Sedunn successfully conducted aerial surveillance with its spy planes, they managed to gain an idea on Frost’s influence in Government Island and the submarine pen.
5. Marine Task Force Assembly (Military): The assembly of a marine task force in the Remetulls was a success, with the aerial surveillance and previous military doctrine they are prepared for a direct future intervention should the need rise.

Yttria

1. Correspondence with Frost (Diplomacy): Effective communication with Frost led to a successful establishment of communication, although a need for interpreters with the Frost is necessary to reinforce it.
2. Assess People behind the Discovery (Misc.): Yttria successfully assessed the family behind the discovery as well as the media news. The photos and stories were legitimate, there were indeed military submarines in Government Island.
3. Statement of Neutrality (Media and Propaganda): The statement of neutrality in the ICC was successful owing to previous Yttrian neutrality in the Great War. However there are calls from the people demanding for Yttria to take a tougher stance against Frost or other belligerents in the crisis.

PRofRhayna

1. Statement of Neutrality (Media and Propaganda): Rhayna’s statement of neutrality was rather successful. Although it kept it away from the upcoming crisis, its ongoing war had made the republic look weaker against the Pruecians and propaganda about it are written.
2. Propaganda to Continue with the War at Home (Media and Propaganda): There is effective propaganda in the ongoing war from the Rhaynans, while it emboldened the people it was rather ineffective to convince a decent number of people. Inching the nation closer to a state of war-fatigue.

Frost Empire

1. Convince Foreign Powers the Submarine Pen is Legal (Media and Propaganda): The Frost Empire stood in the ICC with a team of experts and ran a campaign claiming that the submarine pen is legal property under the Higurashi treaty and that it was for marine geography. Surprisingly a highly decent number of people believed them, claiming that since the pen was in private property and the dues were paid, a wide support in the ICC flocked to their side.
2. Conduct a Misinformation Campaign (Media and Propaganda): The misinformation campaign was moderately successful, discrediting the initial news article and planting doubt. However while it was successful in Frost, a lack of reach to other countries made the misinformation campaign ineffective to convince the foreign populace
3. Deploy the 4 I-30 Class Submarines for Survey Activity (Media and Propaganda): The deployment of submarines for geographical survey activity was ongoing, although it helped reinforce the fact that the establishment was for undersea geography, it still placed significant doubt.
4. Hunt Down Spies (Counter-Espionage): Efforts to hunt down spies in Imperial territory failed, especially in Reizen. Significant doubt is casted upon the ONI and their ineffective response to the situation.
5. Prepare the 73rd Army Air Corp and 300th Airborne Battalion for Operation Duskborne (Military): Preparations of the 73rd Air Corps and the 300th Airborne Battalion proved to be successful. A disciplined Frost military made them ready to respond at a moments notice and the integrity of the operation remained classified.
6. Prepare to Reinforce the Government Island Contingent (Military): Although the northern naval expeditionary forces were grouped, a lack in ammunitions, supplies and fuel delayed their preparedness.

Stoinia

1. Enquire Frost for Site Inspection (Diplomacy): The inspection request was met with failure, as although the guided tours were available, they rejected Stoinia’s request to have such a large amount of inspectors come to the sub pen, further calling it biased.
2. Preparation to Condemn Frost and Increase ICC Standing (Diplomacy): Stoinia wielded a strong soft power in the ICC upon condemnation for their submarine pen and their refusal for an “impartial” investigation.
3. Relay Wishes for Joint ICC Condemnation of Frost (Diplomacy): Due to the failure of the Sedunners to reinforce a joint declaration, Stoinia was also somehow seen as a failing point of the treaty. Delegates in the ICC saw them as ineffective, archaic and biased. The ambassador was held in contempt after an argument with several delegates, and it would need a lot of appeasement for them to be let in to the General Assembly.
4. Establish Spy Network in Government Island (Espionage): Stoinia successfully established a spy network in government island as they spied on the submarine pen and the comings and goings of the island.
5. Enlist Stoinian Locals in Government Island (Espionage): Due to the debacle the Stoinian ambassador did in the ICC General Assembly, Stoinian expats in Midway refused to cooperate with Stoinian intelligence.
6. Deploy a Stoinian Division & 22 Warships to Carraca (Military): Moderately successful deployment of the Stoinian navy in the Carracas, enhancing military presence and readiness.
7. Increase Stoinian Navy Presence in the Brevero Sea (Military): Due to bad weather in the med, the Stoinians were still anchored in Stoinia. Delaying their arrival to the Brevero Sea
8. Increase Oil Reserves on Carraca and Expand Infrastructure (Economic): The Stoinians built immense petroleum infrastructure in the Carracas and expanded infrastructure for an upcoming energy crisis. Plans to build oil rigs and wells in the Carracas are made.

Akarina

1. Sanction Frost (Diplomacy): The imposition of sanctions was a critical success, the Frost Empire lost much from the Akarinan sanctions. The Akarinan economy was also boosted from the sanctions as the nation saw a strong front.
2. Mobilize Navy (Military): The Akarinan navy was mobilized and prepared for an encounter. They have excellent weather and are prepared to respond in a crisis.
3. Protect Cargo Ships in the Area (Military): Due to the excellent mobilization of the navy, Akarinan cargo ships passing the Brevero sea are sufficiently protected from the crisis.

[Maverick]

February, 1960

 Costinescu stood in the Royal Palace for his weekly briefing with the King, Mihai III. These sorts of meetings were customary to keep the monarch updated on the politics of the Kingdom. Afterall, the Costinescu served at His pleasure. Even so, the current King was beloved by the populace for his contributions to the Great War. He & Stegăroiu were a duo unlike anything modern Stoinia had seen. Costinescu had a large legacy to live up to.
 - “You may come in, your Excellency.” Said the King’s aid.
 Costinescu then entered the spacious room filled with gilded furniture. On the walls was a large oil painting of King Costin the Mariner, the King that had changed the course of the Kingdom and set it forth to a maritime colonial empire. It was that legacy Costinescu was trying to preserve.

Portrait of King Costin the Mariner.

 - “Your Majesty.” Costinescu said while bowing his head.
 - “Your Ecxellency. Please, let’s sit down.” King Mihai welcomed him as he waved his hand towards the chair.
 The two sat down comfortably in the chairs facing each other. Proudly they faced each other again. Two lions in the finest of Catanian suit.
 - “Sire, I won’t waste your time. Progress surrounding the Frost Empire’s incursions have been mixed. Our economic & military assets are in place. The Empire has refused our inspection requirements.” Costinescu cut to the point.
 - “So you intend to use this as a propaganda stunt then?” The King remarked.
 - “Indeed, Sire. This will play into an advantage for our cause to rally nations through our diplomatic channels.”
 - “From what I’ve heard, the newspapers weren’t enthusiastic about our joint efforts with Sedunn.” The King asked sceptically.
 - “Indeed, the efforts have proven unfruitful. Which is why I intend to change just that.” Costinescu hinted at a plan already in motion.
 - “How so?”
 - “Ambassador Estorio remains a young & vigoruous servant to the Crown, but he’s too adamant to maintain the old rethoric. Whether anyone like’s it or not, the world’s has forever changed these past decades and we need to adapt to continue our place in Pacifica. Warfare has changed since the Marsh Wars and our naval doctrine too. We need someone woth experience who understands the world to navigate this debacle on Government Island.” Costinescu explained.
 - “I believe you already have someone in mind.” The King stated clearly.
 - “Iñigo Tejero.”
 - “Ah, the Old Anvil. Have you approached him already?”
 - “Already taken care off, Sire. He will begin a campaign approaching multiple nations to rally behind our cause.”
 - “Very well, then. I’m confident he can be persuasive enough given our traditional approach hasn’t worked yet. Perhaps it’s time to bring out a club.” The King concurred with Costinescu’s plan.
 - “On multiple fronts, Sire. We also intend to interfere in the resource supplies of the Frost Empire. Whatever oil trade they have, we intend to outbid them. Our new infrastructure on Mārunga will have more than enough stockage to put pressure on the Empire’s supply chain. Additionaly, we have enough reserves to buy shares of uranium mining companies around the globe. Our estimates point out that we have enough for controlling shares in the biggest companies. Nevertheless, this will grant us access to the buyers and hopefully block rival exploits while boosting Sedunn’s. We will limit their manoeuvring should they intend to escalate the situation. We currently still hold the initiative.” Costinescu elaborated.
 - “Assuming our rivals haven’t stocked enough of their essential resources.” The King remarked only to test the validity of the Prime Minister’s plans.
 - “Sire, we currently don’t hold a lot of detailed information, but let us be realistic. Few nations have the capability to recover that rapidly from the Great War. Our newly established spy network will help us to assess that more accurately. Although a succesful endeavour, we haven’t reached our optimal expectations regarding said spy network.”
 - “Very well. Should the situation escalate, how will you convince the populace? The Great War is still fresh in memory.” The King asked the finer details.
 - “The Frost Empire’s denial is a clear sign that something is brewing. Everyone knows it. Our citizens have known what there duty was ten years ago, they won’t forget it now. Should the Frost Empire be allowed Government Island, there is no guarantee they’ll stop there. Our population will understand that once our media campaigns will be active. This we’ll also do abroad to discredit any doubts others have on the issue.”
 - “I trust it your connections can be trusted?”
 - “Yes, Your Majesty. It should be a cakewalk.” Costinescu affirmed to his King.
 - “Were there any other initiatives you wished to take concerning Mirada Island?”
 - “Operation Marea Guardiana, what has the Privy Council decided on?”
 - “We tread carefully, we don’t directly provoke first. It’s more important for us to maintain a good international standing. Should all diplomacy fail, then we proceed with Operation Marea Guardiana and settle the matter of dominion of the Central Islands once and for all.”
 - “Very well, Sire. I concur with the analysis of the Council. I suggest we start with large-scale naval exercises now that our reinforcements have arrived. We show the world that we are ready to take charge should they wish to escalate.”
 - “Agreed. Now, let’s get back to domestic issues…”

---

Actions

Economy

• Buy out the oil reserves from the (foreign) suppliers of the Frost Empire. (1/2)
• Negotiate terms with Rhaynan government to buy controlling shares in the Rhaynan oil industry. (1/3)
• Buy controlling shares in uranium mining companies in neutral countries. (1/2)

Internal

• Spread anti-Frost Empire propaganda for domestic use. (1/2)
• Control Corinian wheather for increased radiation levels. (1/2)

Operation Marea Guardiana (Guardian Tide)

• Naval training exercises to gain intel on all maritime surface movements through aerial reconnaissance. (1/2)
• Establish submarine reconnaissance patrols around the Brevero Sea. (1/2)
• Convince Ryccia to host Stoinian aerial reconnaissance on Siculite Islands. (1/2)
• Establish a spy network in Reizen’s harbours through Rekhivan traders. (1/3)

Operation Orgullo. (Pride)

• Iñigo Tejero holds private meetings with ICC members to organise a joint ICC condemnation of the Frost Empire. (1/3)
• Improve relations with Ryccia. (1/1)
• Convince Ryccia to give military support for Operation Marea Guardiana. (1/2)
• Improve relations with Yttria. (1/1)
• Publicise anti-Frost Empire articles from Stoinian POV in Yttrian newspapers. (1/2)
• Improve relations with pro-Frost Empire TCC city-states. (1/1)
• Convince TCC city-states to allow competition selling Kliegmean oil. (1/3)
• Improve relations with Akarina. (1/1)
• Hold a diplomatic trade mission in Andredia. (1/2)
• Improve relations with Rhayna. (1/1)
• Hold a diplomatic trade mission in Rhayna. (1/3)
• Hold a diplomatic trade mission to convince Kliegme to sell raw resources to Stoinia. (1/2)
• Expand spy network in Shai Kong to spy on Huawan. (1/2)
• Invite the Frost Empire to an open & public hearing in the ICC concerning the submarine pen. (1/1)

[Andreus]

The days following the Extraordinary Parliamentary Session in the Axolotl Empire were chaotic.
Both the government and the people of the Empire were wondering what to do next. Some proposed to keep being diplomatic and even block all imports and exports from and to Frost territories, proposal that passed in the Parliament. But the Minister of Defense had different ideas. His Ministry was in a bad position after the Great War, even with the previous Minister removed after the failure of Operation Doublefront, most people had distrust in its actions and decisions. This was bad since Minister of Defense Giovanni Bori would propose something that would shake up the country.
“After the removal of the previous Minister of Defense in 1956 and the beginning of my role as Minister, I have carefully analized the Military developments of other countries. After the beginning of the Crisis on Midway Island, I’ve realized that the Andreian military not only isn’t on the same level as the armies of the other powers of Pacifica, but also lacks the new development of Nuclear technology. So, I propose the beginning of Military Nuclear research, development and the consequent construction of a warhead, alongside increasing the military budget to upgrade the Army’s current weaponry and equipment.”
Many read the Minister’s statement on papers and both the citizens and the rest of the government were skeptical on the proposal.
“Us? With one of those Nuclear Bombs? Has the Minister looked at the country before proposing this?”
“I’m of the thought that Andrendia should remain as a diplomat in the current crisis and that we shouldn’t follow the Minister’s proposal. Unless of course another power threatens us, but thats improbable.”
“The last important decision the Ministry of Defense made was the cause of our country’s isolation so I have no trust in this proposal. If followed it’ll probably bring our downfall.”
“Even with the small impact of the sanctions, the country still managed to make an impact on the Frosts, so trying again would hurt us less than doing something we aren’t ready for yet, like developing Nuclear Bombs.”
In the following days statements like this were common reading across the Empire’s newspapers and radios.
On the other hand though, people from the Autonomous Region of Aranzia were of a different thought thanthe people of the rest of Andrendia and most of its government.
“Our Region is the epicenter of the Andreian military and we’re are proud of that. Our mines and oilfields fuel the assets of the army and our military bases are the most important in the Empire. Increasing the military budget and starting research on Nuclear Weaponry would do wonders for the Aranzian economy, especially after our discovery of Uranium veins in the South.” said the president of Aranzia on February 11th, with the local population agreeing with his statement, while the rest of the country looked at it with a critical eye.
The situation was tense and most disagreed with the Ministry of Defense, but he pushed the proposal nonetheless, with an eerie lack of opposition from both the Emperor and the Prime Minister.

Actions

• Try pushing the Minister of Defense’s proposal in the Parliament.

• Perform official surveys on the population to know their stance on the Crisis and the internal developments.

• Block all imports and exports from and to the Frost Empire.

• Try reaching out to other countries condemning Frost actions.

[Tin]

New Council Palace (Formerly, the Rhenerez^Parliament), Imperial Capital Cartos Iz Diemerez.

After the Great War, Ikoania’s position in Pacifica faded into obscurity. Relationship with its neighbors hit the lowest point in Ikoania history, or at least Rohadek^Emperor would said so. Rohadek’s ambition of a powerful Ikoania being the center of the Mediterranean and not some puppet state had gone down the drain. War with Ezervulge, Aiding the Imperialists behind Sedunn’s back, Myria… let’s not talk about Myria for now, and another one called Sprax or Spirass or something. But the most important thing… his eyes grew wide, Reizen.

Reizen colonization, or the start of “Frost’s interference” in the Mediterranean. Before the Great War, he saw the Mediterranean carved by external powers as the natives bickered. However one would hope to unite the people even in strife, Rohadek has seen enough of the importance of the balance of power. Instability came as a natural conclusion to him. And if nations thrust for power, he would have to take it for himself.

16 imperial years later he concluded that there was no winning in this game, only survivors.

Rohadek: Midway, huh? Turbulent times are coming.

Actions

• Deploy defense Fleets around Ikoania
• Increase propaganda on external interference
• Try to gather information from the frost intelligence network between Reizen and Midway
• Try to buy and increase the oil reserves of Ikoania in case of war decreasing trade from Midway.
• Rohadek tries to stare out the window with determination even though the skies are sunny

[Qwert]

In a bunker under the Greater Palace, Seat of the Government of Sedunn

General Hejerr Remstallu stood up and looked around the large oval table, making sure to look every member of the National Security Council - consisting of key members of the government, military general staff, the Police and others - in their eye. He thanked the President for convening them.

“I will begin with a status report, then actions taken and then actions planned. As always, I will start with the bad news.”

Everyone who had been precent during the Great War knew his routine.

“It has been about 32 hours since we lost contact with a submarine operating near the island.”

He refrained from providing any details about its mission since not everyone present needed to know.

“Last thing we heard from them was that they had been struck by a mine while surfaced. It goes without saying that the timing is bad.”

He didn’t mention that the explosion also had destroyed the small landing boat with all personnel intended to infiltrate the island. It especially pained him that volunteers from the Free State Great War stay-behind movement had perished. Percentage-wise their losses were truly horrible as maybe as much as 0.5% of Government Island’s male diaspora had perished in one cruel explosion.

Concerned eyes met his gaze as he again looked around the table.

“We cannot rule out that the explosion was an attack, but other likely causes include stray mines from the war or other unexploded munitions.”

“Moving on. Aerial surveillance of the island and surrounding sea confirms a Frost military presence on the island - in violation with the Treaty. Especially the famed submarine pen from the news.”

An aide started passing photos around the table that showed the submarine pen and various other resources.

“Furthermore, we have quietly and swiftly assembled a marine task force ready to deploy within two hours after given the order.”

His looked over the the Chief of Navy, who managed a faint smile, despite the situation with the lost submarine. The President nodded in relief.

“On to actions taken since last meeting. We have sent a dispatch to our Stoinian allies with a report on the aerial surveillance. We also included our lost submarine. We are also inviting them to a scaled-down joint staff so that we can coordinate our intel and possible joint efforts.”

Stoinia was Sedunn’s oldest friends and valued allies. People nodded around the table.

“Now the submarine. We have dispatched a rescue and recovery ship along with a destroyer and a submarine as escort to look for the submarine. The air force in the theatre has been ordered to increase their readiness to assist the rescue party if they are threatened.”

“Now as the President said, it is important to provide the Frost with an exit where they don’t risk to lose their face, hence why we will not yet publicly reveal what we know about their presence of the island and give them the chance to leave quietly. Therefore we will share our knowledge of the base and their assets with them. We will also invite the press to observe and report on select portions of the newly assembled marine task force as an indirect way of relaying our intentions to the Frost that we will defend the Treaty with force.”

Actions:

• Send a dispatch to Stoinia with intel from the aerial surveillance and report on the situation with the submarine
• Invite Stoinia to form a small joint staff
• Assemble a search and rescue task force from the Remetulls near the position where they had lost contact with the submarine. (This is phase one. Phase two is initiating the search)
• Prepare the air force bases on Remetulls for supporting the rescue task force (mainly defending them should an adversary try to affect them)
• Share Sedunn’s vindicated knowledge of the submarine pen and surrounding infrastructure with the Frost to let them know that Sedunn knows (proving an exit as described above)
• Let the national and international press visit a Sedunnic naval base on the Remetulls, showcasing some of the marine task force in its battle-ready state as an indirect means of letting the Frost know that Sedunn is ready to defend the treaty with military means (proving an exit as described above)

[KingTEM]

Military High Command, Fort Edward, Copenhagen.
February 1960
King Jason II

(KJII)“So, care to explain how the 2nd Fleet didn’t notice that incoming monsoon? Anyways, alert the 1st Fleet to prepare to cut off Frost access to the South Pacific Ocean.”

(Grand Admiral Halsey)“Yes your Majesty.”

(KJII)“General Jensen, increase Army Prescence on the Spirasian-Reizen Border, and ensure our bombers are in the air if this crisis boils over into something worse. Halsey, have the 3rd Fleet ready to move when that time comes. Now, Prime Minister Nielsen, You and I shall publicly condemn the Frost at the ICC. Halsey, one more thing, redirect ERIDA to Reizen, the Frost Mainland is too guarded, and have them investigate that pen on Midway Island. Now, onto the war in Krauanagaz…”

Actions:

• Mobilize the 1st “Northern” Fleet at New Emral and Cimbria (1/3)
• Increase Military Presence on the Spirasian-Reizen Border
• Have ERIDA begin Spying operations in Reizen.
• Have ERIDA investigate the Frost Submarine Pen.
• Publicly condemn Frost in the ICC
• Contact Stoinia and Sedunn about the current situation.

[ikonen]

February, 1960. Somewhere in Huawan

The desert plains by the mountains of Western Huawan were an uninhabited and silent expanse of the country. For millennia, it was only inhabited by nomads who found the place too barren for anything. Even the roads did not pass through here, leaving it an untouched piece of Huawanese land. It was a time capsule of the ancient empires of the past, and nothing more, until now.

Deep in the heart of this desolate region, scientists huddled within a bunker, watching intently. Some of the brightest physicists and engineers waited, their years of work and research since the Great War culminating in this moment. They checked their timepieces and gauges meticulously.

“All systems are green,” one of the engineers reported, his voice taut with anticipation.

“Commence countdown,” the lead officer commanded, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

The countdown began, each second ticking away with a heavy finality. The silence of the desert was deafening, an eternity stretched out in the stillness. When the countdown reached zero, on that bright morning, a massive shockwave rippled through the earth and a blazing light erupted. A mushroom-like cloud ascended into the sky, marking the desert as a new historical site. This event would remain etched in the landscape for tens of thousands of years, changing the course of Huawan forever.

“Project 75 is a success,” the lead scientist announced, a mixture of relief and triumph in his voice.

“Congratulations,” the leading commander said, shaking the scientist’s hand firmly. He then picked up the secure phone, dialing the Minister of Defense. Within twenty minutes, the news reached Lingxin Yan just as she took her next bite of a milk dumpling for breakfast.

“Your Majesty, Project 75 was successful,” the Minister reported.

Lingxin Yan’s expression hardened. She set down her chopsticks and walked away from the table, her face a mask of determination. “I don’t think I can eat any more,” she said to her husband.

---

In the Imperial Court, the parliament was united, and the military was incensed, ready to take decisive action. Huawan had asserted a strong voice in the ICC, and some of their naval contingents were on their way to the Brevero Sea to monitor the situation.

“At least not all our ships are heading to Government Island,” the Prime Minister sighed in relief. “With other navies following suit, the last thing the region needs is another armed provocation.”

“The curse turned into a blessing,” the head admiral noted. “We will resolve the issues with the ship supplies and ensure the ships are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.”

As the discussion continued, the head of the Huawanese intelligence agency reported alarming news. Sources revealed that the infiltration of the Frost pen was a catastrophic failure, and some operatives may have been captured and possibly executed when they tried to enter. Not only had Huawan lost valuable operatives, but the Frost Empire now knew that Huawan was snooping around. Their isolation and foreign deputies spelled paranoia, making infiltration immensely difficult.

“We’ve lost valuable operatives,” one member of the imperial council lamented.

Lingxin Yan was devastated. The Huawanese intelligence agency was her brainchild, and she knew more than most that this crisis would not be won with guns, but with knowledge. Some of her agents had trained with her, and she knew them personally. She did not hesitate to mention this to the intelligence minister.

“Honorable minister,” she said to the intelligence minister, “ensure their handler sends someone to rescue the operatives in the submarine pen. We need to mitigate this.”

“Yes, your excellency,” he replied, signaling his aide as if he had the foundations prepared upon a moment’s notice. The Peony continued,

“Moreover, we need to assess the nuclear capabilities of both the Frost Empire and Izaakia. We cannot afford to be blindsided by a sudden nuclear weapon detonation.”

The minister of intelligence nodded, before the Minister of Defense added another agenda. It was definitely possible that Huawan was already infiltrated by other belligerents, and he mentioned it was important to safeguard and protect state secrets.

“Secrecy is paramount,” the Minister of Defense added. “We should initiate a major counterintelligence operation to protect our national secrets.”

Lingxin Yan agreed. “Ensure all measures are taken. Huawan’s future depends on our vigilance and our strength.” She turned to the Prime Minister and addressed him.

“Prime Minister, we must consolidate the region and the ICC. You must get the Huawanese government to issue a statement and call for an emergency meeting. We must reduce these brazen foreign interventions on Huawanese culture and ensure that international law is respected. I believe it is also time to send a dignitaries to Shai Kong, Kliegme and Ikaranara. You know which ones.” Said The Peony, “tell them that we are prepared to help them in their fight for independence, whatever means necessary.”

The Prime Minister nodded, before addressing the other ministers of the imperial council. “See to it that an emergency meeting is made in the ICC of the situation, and we must do whatever we can to kick them out legally. We can’t afford to lose the Midway to them or the others.”

The foreign minister also added. “What of the letters and telegrams concerning the dignitaries that ask for an audience?”

The Prime Minister sighed, he understood that the letters he received on his desk were mostly nonsensical. Some of their diplomats were uncouth and insensitive to Huawan, and their letters were even more weird.

“Prioritize on the consolidation of the ICC. Let them delay themselves as we ensure a strong voice in the ICC.”

The council members dispersed, each tasked with critical missions. Huawan was preparing for a new era, one defined by its determination to stand strong and vigilant on the global stage. The Peony sat back, muttering silently before standing up to informally discuss the situation.

“Peace, through power,” the Peony muttered.

---

Actions

Military
Train Royal Marines
Resupply Ships and prepare for mobilization to the Brevero Sea

Espionage
Rescue Spies from Frost
Establish espionage base in Akarina
Establish espionage base in Frost
Izaakian Nuclear Capability Assessment (1/2)
Frost Nuclear Capability Assessment (1/2)

Diplomacy
Establish direct communication line with Sedunn
Establish direct communication line with Stoinia
Call for ICC emergency meeting and prepare to expel Frost from Government Island
Send dignitary to Ikaranara to aid them against Frost
Send dignitary to Rhayna to aid them against Pruecia
Send dignitary to Govt Island to accept Huawanese immigration

Sabotage
Run guns to the Finixi
Incite Shai Kong Independence Movement
Supply Aid Kliegmean Provisional Government against Frost

Counterintelligence
Clean House Action
Strengthen Espionage Prevention

Internal
Empower the parliament to take a stronger position in the ICC