|
Demographics: Demographics: Population: Approximately 310,000 (1877 Census) Ethnic Groups: Japanese (Native “Ezo”: 11%, Rest of Japan“Exiles” 85%) 96%, Ainu 3%, Foreigners 1% Religion: Christianity 34% (26% Catholic, 8% Protestant), Shinto/Buddhist 64%. Ainu animism 2% Class: Peasants 44%, Laborers (non-agrarian workers) 30% Samurai 13%, Merchants 6%, Other (Artisans, Intellectuals, Students, etc) 7% Currently, Christianity is growing, as is the non-agrarian portion of the population. Military: Naval Forces: 1 ironclad warship (burunei-maru), 5 steam powered warships, 2 armored frigates (French 1877 model), 8 Torpedo boats, 4 converted merchant vessels Armed Forces: 7,500 Samurai Infantry, 1,500 elite samurai "Deshutai" 3 armstrong guns, 10,300 peasant conscripts, 20,000 Irregular Militia (locally mobilize-able) Hakodate is a heavily fortified harbor replete with ground-based defenses. A series of intricate watchtowers, temporary forts, and trained militia companies dot Ezo’s coasts. The island of Ezo has been transformed into a veritable fortress of defensive preparedness, and any invasion will incur considerable costs. Militaires San Frontiers (MSF): Commanders Jules Brunet and Thomas Blakiston 200 Elite French Riflemen 25 Elite British Riflemen 100 Mercenary Riflemen 50 Samurai Riflemen 50 Gurkhas 2 Armstrong Guns 1 Torpedo Boat 1 Two-man Sailboat Constitutional Powers: The constitution of the Ezo Republic is heavily modeled on the US constitution, only with a unicameral legislature (no senate). The Congress must approve all budgets (currently done quarterly, but this need not be so) by a majority (26 votes). The Congress can pass any law in line with the constitution. While the constitution of the Ezo Republic incorporates many of the freedoms found in the US constitution and elsewhere, in practice these rights and freedoms are applied semi-selectively to the Samurai class. Constitutionally, the congress enjoys vast power. The President may veto all bills, including budgets, and a ⅔ (33) supermajority of Congress is required to override this veto. The President is commander in chief of the armed forces. All cabinet appointments must be approved by a majority vote in Congress. In practice, the executive is quite powerful. Cabinet members have typically enjoyed a great degree of autonomy in pursuing their various duties, which are as yet ill-defined. The Vice President casts tie-breaking votes in the Congress. No term limit exists. The High Court of Japan is styled on the French Court of Cassation and the US Supreme Court. It is largely untested and its powers are fairly vague, but it theoretically rules on constitutional disputes and issues. More regularly, it acts as the highest court of appeals. It has a high judge and 4 additional judges, who make decisions by majority. Justices are appointed by the President and approved by a majority of Congress. They serve for life or until resignation. The Emperor does not rule in any legal sense, but is among many the symbolic head of the exiled government. Elections are held for President every four years, and congress every two years (every odd numbered year). Elections are always held in May (Q2). Candidates must register for their candidacy by March preceding the election (Q1). The President and Vice President run on a combined ticket, and must register together. The President, VP, and his cabinet are inaugurated in July (Q3) immediately following the election. In the event of the death of a Vice President, the President may appoint a new VP, pending majority approval of Congress. The next Congressional election is Q2 1879. The next Presidential election is Q2 1881. The succession in the event of death or resignation of the President is as follows: 1. VP 2. Speaker of Congress 3. Navy Magistrate 4. Army Magistrate 5. Security Magistrate Articles of impeachment are brought about by a 2/3 vote of congress, after which a trial will be conducted by the High Court of Japan. The High Judge will preside over the case. The President will only be impeached in the event of "serious criminal wrongdoing". The High Court will then vote, with 4 judges voting guilty necessary to remove the President from office. The rules of succession then apply. Constitutional Amendments require 3/4 majority to pass. Q1 1888 Budget posted:Bakuhan Taisei tax structure: This is not an exclusive list of spending areas: anything can be created. This includes, but is not limited to, industrial subsidies, agricultural subsidies, education, payments to other segments of society, government projects, etc. At this time, the role of government is fairly minimal, but need not be so. Rules: Turns will (typically) be due Sundays at 11:59PM (CST, UTC -6). They must be emailed to: ezorepublic.gm@gmail.com. We will let you know if they're due a different time than usual. Turns will outline your character's plans for the turn, which last 3 months at a time. You have four (4) “action points” per turn. You can spend your action points to give effort or emphasis to your actions. There’s no limit to the length of your turns, but we will feel free to ignore any and all orders after a page or so, especially if no action points were spent on them. Any actions with accompanying action points will receive full attention and have a greater chance to succeed, with more points increasing the probability of success. Writing stories or providing flavor in the thread, as well as random events or other things that occur during turns, can add or subtract from available action points. You may pool AP with other players on collective actions. I’m generous with the definition of “action” but don’t push it. The following positions grant the player additional action points per turn: President (+3) Cabinet Member/VP/speaker (+1) High Judge (+1) Active military commander (+1) Samurai (+1) These positions may change if the relative power and prestige of the positions is changed by the in game actions of players. Right now these reflect the primacy of the presidency, but the nation and its constitution are young, so who knows what will happen? Positions of power may also be created by the President/Congress, but be warned, action points will only accompany real investment of authority. Player death: Players can die, and probably will, if goons are involved. If your character dies, you will be removed from the game, and cannot rejoin for one turn. After one turn, you can rejoin as any character, though no personal vendettas will be allowed. It is entirely up to to the GM’s if we wish to permanently ban you from the game, block your new choice, or take other action to prevent you from having any sort of bias or vendetta against another RL player based on their in-game actions. That said, the GM’s reserve the right to ignore or block any actions that are patently unrealistic for the time period. Bills: Every samurai may submit one bill/turn. Non-samurai in the cabinet may also do so. Budgets are a special case, and only the President/Finance minister may present a budget. Assume that anything that happened to historical figures until 1869 occurred as IRL. After 1869, within reason, you are free to create a character or modify a character’s history and biography so long as it does not contradict anything that happened in the official timeline. Turns will be 3 months long, structured as follows: Q1 (Jan-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-Sept), and Q4 (Oct-Dec). Bills must be submitted in the following format: Bill Submitted to Congress by (character): (bill title) End of Bill This is just so I know what is and isn't a bill. They'll be voted on in the turn update. Alternate Timeline: January, 1869: The Ezo Republic is proclaimed in Hakodate by Enomoto Takeaki, with remnants of the former Shogunal fleet and disaffected samurai and shogunate loyalists. Along with most of the navy, the rebellious shogunal supporters also bring with them vast sums of the former shogunate’s wealth. The rebellion enjoys the support of France, represented by Jules Brunet. February, 1869: The Ironclad Ship USS Stonewall is sent to Sendai as per a previous agreement of purchase by the Imperial government, and the US flag is raised over the vessel, as the US government seeks to maintain neutrality in the Boshin conflict. Imperial forces have yet to pay the full price of the ship, but they protest nonetheless, and demand immediate transfer of the ship. American naval leaders waffle, and due to the diplomatic maneuvering of Jules Brunet, France purchases the USS Stonewall from America, removing American responsibility for the ship. The ship was originally constructed by France, who in turn sells the the ship to the Franco-Japanese forces gathering in Hakodate, bolstering the Ezo Republic’s naval forces. The fact that this deal included some rather exorbitant loans (with rather high interest rates) is of little concern to the desperate Republican government. April, 1869: Imperial forces consolidate control over the mainland, and prepare their naval forces for the invasion of Ezo, the last holdout of Shogunate forces. Shogunate forces in Northern Honshu flee to Ezo. May, 1869: A more aggressive shogunate navy is sent to pressure imperial forces near Sendai. The battle of Miyako Bay takes place near Sendai, and ends with Imperial forces suffering some losses but driving the Shogunate’s forces from threatening the mainland. The Imperial forces, emboldened by their victory, move towards Hakodate to end the rebellion once and for all. Under the combined command of Enomoto Takeaki and Jules Brunet, the Franco-Japanese fleet decisively defeats the Imperial navy, crushing any hope for the landing of ground forces in the immediate future. The anniversary of the battle, May 19, 1869, is celebrated as a national holiday. June, 1869: Having proven their viability, the French and British increase their support of the Ezo Republic, and officially recognize the government as the legitimate government of Japan. The Meiji government is incensed, but with its navy crippled and few foreign nations willing to sell any naval armaments, the imperial government continues to pursue a desperate military solution. September, 1869: A final attempt is made to invade the Ezo Republic by Imperial forces. With France now entirely behind the small republic, and European powers increasingly angry with anti-foreigner incidents and resentment in Meiji controlled territory, the Imperial forces are horrendously outmatched. Imperial forces attempt to force a landing, enjoying vast superiority on the ground, but Franco-Ezo naval forces manage to impede the landing to such a degree that only a small contingent of Imperial forces reach land. Without supplies, and with Ezo having had months to fortify and receive generous French foreign aid, Imperial forces are gradually whittled down to surrender. Purely apocryphally, witnesses at the time describe a storm that hampered the deployment of Meiji ground forces, buying the Franco-Ezo navy time to destroy their naval escorts. This is heralded as the “Third Divine Wind”. No historical evidence exists to corroborate this story. The battle of Tsugaru marks the last military action of the Ezo War. January, 1870: With its navy in tatters, and the Ezo Republic growing in strength under French protection, the Meiji government abandons attempts to militarily secure the island. It instead switches to a campaign of propaganda against Ezo, and diplomatically opposes its recognition. All travel to and trade with to the Republic is forbidden, and all associated with the Republic see their lands seized and titles invalidated, as the Meiji government pursues its historical feudal reforms. 1870: With the Meiji government pursuing a more aggressive anti-samurai and anti-feudal campaign, many illegally make the voyage to Ezo to escape repression. These migrants are aided by elements of the shinsengumi and European merchants, who smuggle the individuals on their ships to bolster the Republic’s small population base. The Republic also opens itself to Christianity at the behest of its French benefactors, and many Christians in Kyushu and Southern Japan migrate to the Republic to escape religious persecution. The Ezo Republic has still not declared independence - while there are some pressures to do so, it maintains itself as the “legitimate” government of Japan. President Enomoto Takeaki steadfastly adheres to this philosophy, and turns the focus of his presidency toward developing Ezo into a “fortress of traditional Japanese values.” Somewhat contradicting these intentions, significant reforms are pushed through Congress, streamlining the government and establishing positions more in line with Western standards. Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa is elevated to position of Emperor by the Ezo Republic’s government as a concession to Northern Honshu loyalists and more extreme future Homeland-faction samurai within the Republic. President Enomoto maintains his authority, and the rival claimant Emperor Enjuu (延寿) does not rule in any legal sense. The nation remains a Republic. 1871: Horace Capron, an American who had arrived in Ezo in 1870, is hired by the Japanese government as a technical advisor in order to modernize the economy and provide an economic base for the otherwise undeveloped and rather barren island Republic. His efforts bear fruit over the coming 5 years, and combined with European trade and investment, Ezo sees rapid economic growth. This further encourages economic migrants from Imperial Japan, providing vital manpower for Ezo. The economic growth also helps offset the heavy burden of the salaries to Samurai and other feudal era-elite, as Ezo’s bureaucracy becomes burdensome due to its maintenance of pre-Meiji titles. Most of these samurai are set to work in the development of the country, much to their chagrin, or to the growing armed forces. These modernizing moves see the first resistance to the Ezo Republic by the locals of the island(s). Those original Japanese inhabitants, alongside the Ainu inhabitants, revolted against the Ezo Republic and are summarily crushed. Periodic resistance by locals against the “invading southerners” continues intermittently. France suffers its defeat at the hands of Prussia, and Germany is formed. This largely does not affect France’s support of Ezo, as its naval forces were not vital to its combat against Prussia, but it does endear the Meiji government to the new German government. Germany finds an ally in Meiji Japan, and Germany sends technical advisors to bolster Meiji Japan’s army and navy. 1872: Russia recognizes the Ezo Republic, hoping to earn France’s favor and prevent the Franco-Ezo naval forces, some of the most powerful in the pacific, from making any moves against Russia’s far east possessions. Meiji protests, and many within the Meiji government note Russia’s intransience. 1873: President Enomoto is handily re-elected as president of the Republic in a vote by the Samurai class. Representing the first balloted elections in Japanese history, the election is organized across the republic, with proof of samurai class membership (in the form of an official government seal) the only requirement for voting. Enomoto runs unopposed, but is constitutionally barred from any further terms. 1874:Germany sends foreign advisors to Meiji Japan, and the Meiji government commissions the construction of two armored frigates and an assortment of lighter naval ships. This alarms the Ezo Republic, but most importantly, it alarms the British government, who is increasingly wary of Imperial Germany’s designs. Britain increases its investment in the industry of the Republic, and any lingering distrust due to British support of the Imperial faction in the Ezo War is mostly forgotten. The ordered warships are not to be completed for at least four years (1878), but would greatly upset the naval balance of power in the Far East. 1875: The United States of America opens the first American Missionary School in Hakodate, and American and European missionaries flock to the Republic in their efforts to convert the populace to Christianity. While Catholicism is most popular due to Kyushu migrants and French missionary work, protestantism is increasingly popular among the new converts and merchant classes. A number of notable catholic converts achieve positions of power in the Republic’s government, and religious refugees continue to trickle in due to anti-Christian, anti-foreigner sentiment in Meiji. The rise of Christianity, and the growing importance of American trade, influence America further toward Ezo relative to Meiji Japan. Yet, America still maintains trade ties with Meiji, and American merchant vessels are often the only source of trade (and smuggling) between the two rival states. The rise of Christianity begins to inflame some tensions within the Republic, with many traditional samurai viewing the religion with suspicion, and its converts as traitors to the traditionalist cause. 1875 sees the formation of two important factions within Republican politics - the Homeland Faction and the Sakoku faction. The Sakoku faction periodically organizes violence against Christian converts in an attempt to limit foreign influences. President Enomoto largely pursues a policy of toleration and non-intervention, though his son Masayoshi notably marries a Japanese Christian woman. 1876: Merchants and non-Samurai petition President Enomoto to expand their role in government, protesting the exclusive suffrage that is extended only to official samurai. Many protesters note that some prominent merchants have effectively purchased samurai status from corrupt government officials, married into samurai families, or simply produced forged samurai credentials for purposes of enjoying the benefits of the status. Angry samurai, fearing yet another reversal of their status, chase the protesters with their weapons and beat and kill 12 protesters. President Enomoto addresses the crowd in Hakodote, and through his intervention, manages to disperse the crowd and call off the violent samurai counter-protesters. As a concession to the protesters, samurai and non-samurai are granted equal rights under the law in terms of justice, but voting is still restricted exclusively to the samurai class, and the special pensions given to samurai are maintained. This satisfies some protesters, but spurs the launch of rival non-samurai factions. Katsu Kaishu, the descendant of a minor samurai family and a merchant representing Sapporo in Congress who openly exposed corruption in the sale of samurai status to non samurai, leaves the Republican faction and founds the “Merchant Faction,” representing the interests of the new monied classes. The violent protests and deaths are remembered as the August 9th incident, and spur the creation of the Freedom Party. The party operates underground from its base in Sapporo, with periodic harassment by the authorities seeking to limit its influence. Come election time in 1877, the party announces its own “true” election to take place in Sapporo for the second Sapporo seat, currently held by a member of the Sakoku faction, with the franchise expanded to all male citizens. The authorities explicitly forbid any such mock election, and threaten the party leaders with imprisonment should they follow through. January (Q1), 1877: The election for second President of the Republic is months away (May), as President Enomoto is constitutionally forbidden from running for re-election. Among many members of his Republican Faction, there is a desire to amend the constitution so as to abolish term limits. This may be easier said than done, and would require the cooperation of the homeland faction in order to succeed. Enomoto has thus far not taken a firm position on this issue, and has sometimes hinted at a desire to retire from politics, or at least, acceptance of a smaller role. Enomoto’s consensus based politics has somewhat soured his relationship with some in the Republic, who equate his compromise and moderation with indecisiveness and standpatting. The other parties in Congress are opposed to the amendment to abolish term limits to various degrees, though few openly question the merits of Enomoto’s leadership. Should enomoto choose to resign, a relative free for all exists for his successor. His Republican faction enjoys the most support as the moderate faction in the Republic, but is largely centered around his personality, and many question its viability should he retire from politics altogether.   The official flag of Ezo. Fanart Enomoto Takeaki:  Masakoloss.jpeg:  The read eagle: 
JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 22:30 on May 1, 2014 |
#
¿
Feb 6, 2014 08:55
|
|
|
|
| # ¿ Apr 26, 2024 09:53 |
|
|
Mini-Update on the Budget Responsibilities of Government I might remind the members of the Congress, and the executive, that it is their job to produce a budget for Quarter 2 of the year 1877. A budget plan (or more than one budget plan) must be presented to Congress and voted on by the end of the Quarter in order to keep the government funded. Anyone may propose a budget, and if more than one budget is ultimately presented, it is recommended that party leaders and congressmen place in their orders their voting intentions and preferences. A majority is required for passage, unless the President deems it necessary to veto a budget, in which case a 2/3 supermajority will be required. The last budget which is passed will be considered the final budget in the event that multiple are passed (the speaker of the house has the power of scheduling votes). This will be done quarterly, though budgets need not be so, and Congress may enact a budget that spans more than one quarter if it sees fit to do so. Any such budget may be updated quarterly as per Congress' desires. Mini-update Regarding the Impending Presidential Election The Presidential election of 1877 will take place in May (Q2, or next turn). President Enomoto is constitutionally forbidden to run for another term. All who wish to run must state their intentions and officially register to run in the elections by the end of Q1 (so this turn), and candidates will be approved automatically if they meet the qualification of official membership in the samurai class. A Vice Presidential running mate must also be picked and registered by this time. The candidates will then have one turn to outline their electoral strategies and jockey for support, and the election will be resolved in Q2's update. The new President is inaugurated in July, or at the very beginning of Q3 (the following turn after election). All of the rules listed in this post are outlined in the constitution, and can only be changed by constitutional amendment. JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 11:54 on Feb 6, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Feb 6, 2014 11:39
|
|
|
Done. We'll probably whip the usual sim folks later today, and see if we can't fill in some more essential spots.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 6, 2014 22:48
|
|
|
A quick reminder that turns are due by Sunday 11:59PM CST (UTC -6). I would also ask that everyone include both their SA name and their player name in their turn orders, so that we know who the hell you are. If you already sent one, it's alright, just do it next time. JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 02:25 on Feb 9, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Feb 9, 2014 02:23
|
|
|
 A Reminder: Orders are due in approximately 5 hours! (11:59PM CST, UCT-6)Make sure to put your SA name and character name in the email. The email is ezorepublic.gm@gmail.com If you already sent orders and want to send them again with changes or whatever, just resend the whole orders with the changes bolded.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 10, 2014 01:51
|
|
|
Update 1: Quarter 1 (Jan - March) 1877 International News: The South shall rise again  “The Emperor could not hear my words. So be it.” -Saigo Takamori, upon learning that Emperor Meiji did not accept his petition Before any of the impending operations against Meiji by the Ezo Republic had even set off from Hakodate, Meiji found itself with an even more threatening situation on hand. In response to the rapid modernization and anti-feudal campaign pursued by the Meiji government, a number of disaffected samurai, especially those unable to reach Ezo or those who had supported the Imperial government, began plotting open rebellion against the government in Edo. Chief among the disaffected samurai was Saigo Takamori, a nemesis of Ezo who had led Imperial forces to victory in Edo, accepting the surrender of the city from Katsu Kaishu. Saigo Takamori had also been a leader in the new Meiji government, and had been one of the voices of caution in pursuing the sorts of feudal reforms that stoked the Ezo war of independence. With samurai considerably weakened in Meiji Japan, however, the Emperor struck an independent cord and threw off Saigo, and other Kyushu samurai’s, advice. In response, Saigo Takamori, alongside thousands of other disaffected samurai, set forth to Kyushu to train and prepare for the impending conflict. While initially trying to make the Emperor Meiji see reason, Takamori’s advocacy for the noble samurai fell on deaf ears. Saigo Takamori prepared for the worst. And the worst came, when on January 30, 1877, Imperial forces landed in Kagoshima in order to secure the local arsenal. This resulted in the opening of hostilities between Saigo Takamori’s forces and those of Emperor Meiji, seeing the Satsuma clan in open rebellion against the Imperial government which it had brought to power. With thousands of samurai, and a retainer of thousands of additional disaffected peasants, Saigo Takamori took control of Kagoshima, and declared his intention to march north to Edo to have audience with the Emperor. Before reaching Edo however, Saigo Takamori marched his armies North, and by mid-February, had arrived at the Kyushu city of Kumamoto. Kumamoto represents the largest and best fortified castle in all of Kyushu, and an important strategic position for control of the island. Saigo immediately began seiging the castle, which is currently defended by no more than 5,000 peasant conscripts with few cannon. This is as far as Saigo was able to get, as initial attempts to attack the castle were largely unsuccessful, primarily due to its fortifications and ideal defensive position. The full force of the rebellious armies remain stationed at Kumamoto castle, controlling only the port of Kagoshima and the areas in between. Saigo’s armies swell as Satsuma samurai flock to his banner, yet, many samurai beyond the Satsuma domain have already fled to Ezo, or did so during the Ezo war of independence. While those samurai that remain are particularly upset with the Emperor and his reforms, and while many peasants sympathize with their cause, it is questionable whether Saigo and his 15,000 man strong samurai army can maintain the offensive against the might of the Meiji government. (+Satsuma rebellion, -many samurai from Meiji’s ranks, +distraction for Meiji government) We come from the lands of the ice and snow  “We must restore order and balance to the universe, lest the forces of darkness cover our archipelago, and deny our rightful place as masters of Japan” - President Enomoto to the troops before setting sail from Hakodate Back in Hakodate, another headache was developing for the Meiji government. Spurred on by rumors of gold and riches on the island of Sado, and seeking to press their naval advantage while it still lasted, the forces of the Ezo Republic set out to reconquer at least a portion of their former homeland. The objective would, for the time being, be the island of Sado, off the Western shores of Honshu. President Enomoto announced the operation in a great speech to the gathered mass of Ezo’s elite samurai armed forces, now well trained in modern warfare after years of modernization and training under French tutelage. In a rousing speech atop a white steed, President Enomoto regaled tales of the first Ezo War of Independence, shedding a manly tear has he remembered those lost honorably in battle, and gesturing proudly towards those who fought alongside him who now ranked among the officers of the samurai forces. Finishing with an inspiring metaphor, Enomoto called upon all his soldiers to restore order to the universe, bringing glory to their family, their Republic, and their God (whoever it may be) by destroying the Meiji menace. The samurai forces, eager for battle and recognizing the potential rewards associated with combat, responded with great cheer, and the Republic set about organizing and gathering all its able warriors. (+Army and Navy morale) In addition to the samurai, peasants, commoners, and exiles from Sado were gathered by the government for support. The President wisely sought out former residents of Sado to serve as scouts and planners of the operations, and included a number of them in the logistical and military phases of planning. These men would serve as advance scouts come the time of the invasion, ensuring that Ezo’s forces would operate with as complete information as was possible given the circumstances. (+Chance of success in logistics and operations on Sado) In a somewhat strange twist of events, the young Shogun, now 14 years of age, was declared an adult on the eve of battle, and ceremonially appointed the President’s choice for commander, Otori Keisuke, as official military commander of the Sado operation. Alongside this appointment, the Shogun re-opened the shogunal court that had remained dormant since the abdication of the previous Shogun. This court claims jurisdiction over military matters, and an appointed aristocracy of samurai was made to enforce these laws. As yet, it has done little outside of ceremony, but has commanded the respect of much of the traditionalist samurai and the military. Otori Keisuke also set out to bolster Ezo’s military forces in order to ensure victory in the Sado operation. His promises of land and riches in Sado did not fall upon deaf ears, but many samurai, content with their stipend or otherwise pre-occupied with the other tasks necessary for governance, did not answer the call. In addition to the 5,000 samurai serving full time, well equipped, and well trained in modern warfare, only 5,000 additional samurai answered the call to arms. This was rather disappointing, but also reflected the rather limited resources available to the army, as well as the limited timeframe necessary to deploy the samurai overseas. The small number may have been a mixed blessing in the sense that there was adequate equipment to ensure each possess the latest in European weaponry, as little preparation had been made in that regard. (+Shogunal Court +Mature Shogun +Military Legitimacy) An additional 6,000 peasants and laborers were conscripted by the Republic to serve as support and retinues for the samurai warriors. While many samurai were uncomfortable seeing the lower ranking citizens serving alongside noble samurai, their role was limited and clearly tactical, so their fears were largely assuaged. These peasants did not all receive adequate weaponry, typically being restricted to outdated muskets and matchlocks that were of questionable quality in the initial war of Ezo independence, but promises of glory and the potential to prove martial abilities (with the rumors of samurai ascendency) made up for any pitfalls in this regard. (+5,000 samurai warriors to army, +6,000 peasants to army) A great party was held by Matsudaira Sadaaki in Hakodate just before the soldiers set out, bolstering morale among the men, and establishing a sense of camaraderie. It was during this party that Matsudaira Sadaaki and Matsudaira Katamori forged a blood oath, based on their shared kinship as blood brothers. Alongside their young lover, the Shogun Tokugawa Kamenosuke, the three men swore to defend each other’s honor to the death, and not to leave one another’s side during the upcoming battle. Their example, as veteran samurai and their young page, and as examples of both samurai honor and the precious tradition of shudo, greatly boosted the morale of the men. (+Massive boost to army morale) Amber Waves “Come men, dip your swords in this holy water. It will ensure the heathens are baptised as they fall by our blades” -Arai Ikunosuke, before the invasion of Sado Arai Ikunoskue, Navy Magistrate and commander of the naval forces of Ezo, was appointed by the President (and the shogun) as the top ranking commander for the navy side of the Sado operation. Gathering the combined 16,000 ground forces in the troop transports, on February 2, the combined navy of the Ezo Republic set forth to conquer the island of Sado from the Meiji usurpers. As the island lays across a narrow strait from the Meiji controlled island of Honshu, the navy’s primary concern was establishing a blockade of the island after delivering the army to its location. However, its orders were to focus on supporting the land operations first, and the ironclad and wooden frigate ships focused their guns on the coast of Sado near the coastal village of Ryotsu, as the ground forces disembarked. Just before disembarking, as the navy made preparations for the commencement of ground operations, a diplomatic mission was sent to the island of Sado. Openly defying the orders of the government, Katsu Kaishu refused to take part in the diplomatic mission. Foreign Magistrate Hayashi Tadasu similarly did not attend, citing the more important conference in St. Petersberg, and instead a diplomatic representative was deployed to meet Meiji forces on the island. This raised questions of the loyalty of both these men, as some wonder whether their reluctance to take part in the Sado operation was an intentional dishonor to the Republic, or a tacit move of support for the Meiji regime. Regardless, somewhat surprised by the arrival of an Ezo representative (but not the arrival of Ezo at all, due to the Ogi incident below), the garrison on the island refused surrender, and upon hearing their decision, the navy of Ezo opened fire on Meiji forces for the first time in 8 years. Golden Slumbers “DO NOT ACT WITH DISHONOR!” - Matsudaira Sadaaki, upon disembarking on the beaches of Sado  While the navy commenced its bombardment at Ryotsu, another intrigue was taking place further south. The port of Ogi on the southern end of Sado represents the more important link between the island and the mainland, and as such is the vital conduit for supplies and reinforcements from Honshu. The night before the arrival of the navy to the East, a ship flying the Meiji government’s flag arrived with a shipment of supplies into Ogi harbor, loaded with explosives and staffed by noble Ezo men. Unfortunately for the men, their plot was discovered before day, but not before the ship had fully anchored within Ogi harbor, and its load was detonated. The docks of Ogi were severely damaged, and sparked a small fire in the port, causing pandemonium among the residents and alerting the Meiji forces to the arrival of Ezo forces. Fortunately, this was mere hours before the arrival of the navy and ground forces, and no sense of the scale of what was to come was given. (+severe damage to the port of Ogi, -supplies from Honshu) Come morning, soldiers under the command of Otori Keisuke began landing on the coast of Sado under the umbrella of light cannon fire from Ezo’s navy. While providing a psychological boost, the limited effectiveness of the older Ezo ships did little to damage what few fortifications Meiji’s forces were able to construct. Instead, the landings went rather smoothly, with the mass of peasant conscripts being led by a handful of veteran samurai leading the charge. The village of Ryotsu fell with minimal fighting, and a clear beachhead was established. The mass of samurai forces, by contrast, landed further to the southeast unopposed, and began hauling the heavy artillery equipment over the hills of sado to support the operations in the center of the island. While the determination and morale of the elite samurai warriors ensured a rapid ascent, the nature of the difficult terrain and the difficulty in hauling three large armstrong guns over the terrain made their travel quite slow. Instead, the peasant forces continued to encroach on the center of the island before the samurai in the mountains even saw combat. By the time the artillery were even in place to assist the peasants advancing on Sado city, the peasant forces were already skirmishing with the now re-organized Meiji forces. Never quavering from combat, and wishing to demonstrate the superiority of samurai will and virtue over the peasants under their command, a contingent of samurai led by the Matsudaira brothers, Tokugawa Kamenosuke, and their elite retainers, launched a frontal assault against the Meiji forces in Sado city. Lacking any castle or fixed fortification, and fighting in the plains in the center of the island, the mounted samurai core of the otherwise peasant force found favorable terrain for their aggressive tactics. The Matsudaira forces, and the young Tokugawa, charged headlong into battle, singing the praises of the Republic and the Shogun. Many fell before their blades, but with the Meiji forces reorganized and dug in near the capital of the island, their charge was not sufficient to entirely break their lines. The Republican peasant forces, largely untrained and unprepared to serve as the spearhead of the Republic’s assault, did not manage to break Meiji’s lines, but did inflict heavy casualties. Tokugawa Kamenosuke proved especially valiant in battle, especially given his young age, and his participation in the front lines impressed both the peasants and samurai retainers alike, as his horse was the first to cross the Meiji lines, and his katana ultimately liberated dozens of Meiji gunners’ heads from their bodies. Retreating almost entirely unscathed, the young Shogun cultivated a sense of invincibility among his men, who greatly respected his honorable conduct in the fight. Matsudaira Katamori would not be so lucky, for during a charge alongside his brother, he was struck by a bullet in his chest, and fell to the ground near a mass of Meiji soldiers. Fortunately for Katamori, his brother Sadaaki charged in to his defence, valiantly staving off Meiji forces long enough for the rest of their retinue to arrive. Carrying his injured brother on his back, Sadaaki successfully returned his brother to friendly lines, where his wounds were quickly tended to. Unfortunately, having received a number of serious bayonet wounds, and with the peasant army poorly equipped to deliver medical attention to the injured samurai, Katamori’s left leg was amputated. Maimed, but not dead, Katamori focused on recovery behind the lines. The story of his injury, and his valiant rescue at the hand of his brother, would be told among the men as an inspiration to samurai and an example of the bond between samurai inside and outside of combat. (+Honor and respect for Tokugawa Kamenosuke, -leg for Matsudaira Katamori, +Matsudaira clan respect, -1000 peasant conscripts) Following the failure of the peasant forces to break the mass of Meiji forces, the peasants under the assumed command of Tokugawa and his retinue held the line and waited for samurai reinforcements. The peasants engaged in skirmishes and defeated a minor Meiji counterattack with moderate casualties, until the following day, the mass of 11,000 samurai who had trekked over the hills of Sado finally arrived as reinforcements. The Meiji forces, only now receiving their orders from Honshu, began beating a hasty retreat to the Western port of Sawata, where Meiji reinforcements and supplies were gathering. However, with Ogi out of commission, and Sawata’s port infrastructure considerably lacking, and with the navy of Ezo chasing any ships attempting to bring reinforcements, Meiji found itself considerably undersupplied and undermanned compared to their Ezo opponents. Ezo quickly secure the capital of the island, Sado city, and pursued their Meiji opponents to the village of Sawata. (-600 peasant conscripts) The battle of Sawata proved to be the last futile defense of the island by Meiji forces, who crumbled under the combined might of Ezo’s samurai army and peasant retinues. While some reinforcements ensured that Ezo paid for their victory with the price of some samurai lives, with a particularly noble defense covering the retreat of many Meiji forces just north of Sawata, control of the southern plains by Ezo forces was fully assured. Otori Keisuke and his men celebrated their victory by shouting Kyouwakoku Banzai! (long live the Republic) as Meiji forces fled. (-300 samurai, -100 peasant conscripts) Currently, Ezo forces control the center of the island, and Ezo’s navy has established a blockade of the island from the mainland in Honshu. Meiji forces are largely broken, but have dispersed into the hills of Sado, occasionally launching raids against Ezo controlled areas in the center from the Northern hills. The Southern hills are considerably more secure, and some Ezo forces have begun marching south to secure the largely wrecked port of Ogi. The mass of Ezo’s forces remains at Suwata, poised to halt any counter-attacks by Meiji forces, and ready to march north to secure the Northern hills and its rich gold mines. Supplies continue to flow in through the port of Ryotsu, virtually the only functional port with the necessary infrastructure to ensure the maintenance of the large Ezo armies, though it is inferior to the now destroyed port of Ogi. (+Most of Sado island) Emperor Meiji, upon hearing of Ezo’s “treachery”, denounced the invasion and the breakaway state, demanding the immediate return of the island. Germany echoed Meiji’s outrage, demanding the rest of Europe stand behind Meiji and oppose the “aggressive tactics of the breakaway samurai”. Already, Meiji has begun mobilizing the bulk of its armed forces, already on alert but distracted by the Satsuma rebellion to its South. Those forces not already engaged in or disembarking towards Kyushu have begun marching North, with Meiji declaring its intention to launch a grand invasion across the Tsugaru Strait of more than 100,000 Imperial forces. Whether this is true remains to be seen, but as it stands, Meiji has two serious rebellions and incursions with which it must deal before it can secure control of its territory. Fortunately for Ezo, the Meiji navy was previously largely committed to reinforcing and delivering imperial forces to the island of Kyushu, but this may change, and a full naval engagement may soon be forthcoming. (+Meiji rage) An arms race, a proxy war, or both? “May God Grace us with victory. And failing that, there’s always the French” - Arai Ikunosuke, Navy Magistrate The Ezo Republic has maintained its independence largely by virtue of its superior navy (and French benefactors), and this relationship was further strengthened by the purchase of new naval vessels from France. Arai Ikunosuke, working through national hero and naval expert Jules Brunet, arranged for the purchase of three top of the line armored frigates from France. This purchase represented quite a burden on the quarterly budget of Ezo, costing well over a fifth of Ezo’s quarterly budget. But, with some crafty accounting and with France offering some temporary debt and interest relief, as well as a minor loan offering, France’s domestic and foreign lobbies were more than happy to see their shipyards hard at work. The full order will see 3 armored frigates, and accompany French training in operation, delivered to Ezo by the beginning of the next year (1888). The timing of the delivery is no coincidence, as this coincides with the purchase of similar vessels by Meiji Japan, having made a purchase from Germany some five years earlier. Unfortunately for Meiji, while Germany’s industry is rapidly beginning to rival that of France, its shipyards lag behind considerably, are not as equipped for rapid deployment, and are busy churning out the newly unified Germany’s own naval forces. France, by contrast, enjoys the advantage of projection power and naval infrastructure reflecting its years of interest in East Asia and own Empire, even if it is a shadow of its former self. The conflict between Meiji Japan and the Ezo Republic will likely continue to play out as a proxy in the simmering rivalry between Germany and France, with many observers concerned about the potential for full involvement or a resumption of hostilities between the two European powers. (-6 credits from Ezo, +1 debt, +3 Armored Frigates in 4 turns) Domestic News: Economy at a crossroads “Look, I gave you the land, the materials, and the technology. You want me to bring laborers too?” -Horace Capron, in a discussion with President Enomoto While most in Ezo were focused on news of war and resumed hostilities with Meiji, a number of prominent domestic leaders and industrialists were focused on squeezing out the full potential of the largely barren and undeveloped island Republic. President Enomoto, as well as special advisors Horace Capron and Jules Brunet, spent considerable portions of their wealth and time seeking to reform and exploit the agricultural and mineral wealth Ezo has to offer. President Enomoto’s estates, many of which are vast agricultural fields in some of the most fertile areas of the island of Ezo, underwent significant economic reforms. Horace Capron, introducing some of the most recent American innovations, oversaw the complete overhaul of and reorganization of the estates. Production rose considerably, and the necessary labor dropped accordingly, with Enomoto rather pleased at his newfound wealth. The results of this experiment became widely known across Ezo, and to foreign investors, with interest by Westerners, reform-minded samurai, and merchants piqued by the potential for profit. Yet, despite this newfound profit, one problem became apparent - the Ezo Republic suffers from a severe shortage of labor. While mechanization has certainly reduced the demand for labor on any individual farm, in the aggregate, the fertile lands of Ezo are not as yet sufficiently staffed by peasant workers to be properly exploited. This problem is not entirely constrained to the agricultural field either - Jules Brunet’s own mineral exploration committees, despite identifying many areas for exploitation, similarly found a lack of able workers. The problem has been compounded by the war with Meiji, with peasants finding ample opportunity in assisting with the combat and logistics of the Sado operation, as well as the increasing difficulty in immigration from Meiji by those seeking opportunity in Ezo. The Navy has been rather effective at restricting access to Ezo, and the shinsengumi, with their focus on protecting the borders of Ezo from Meiji spies, have significantly cut their smuggling operations. Refugees and immigrants from Meiji have slowed down to a trickle, despite rising demand. The net result has been a dramatic rise in wages for laborers within the Republic, and a dramatic shortage of peasant labor in some of the frontier estates. Some peasants are even beginning to demand regular wages and raises for their efforts, threatening to defect to neighboring estates in order to secure these benefits. This has outraged the merchant class, and even concerned some of the more agricultural aristocratic samurai lords, who are demanding action on the part of the government in order to restrict these practices. The merchants would prefer either expansion of immigration from Meiji or some other form or labor importation, with their non-agricultural interests and profits threatened by high wages. Similarly, Samurai are seeking the restriction of movement by peasants and a reinforcement of serfdom by the government, with Samurai much less accepting of non-Japanese immigrants as a solution to their labor problems. For the time being, should no solution be pursued, economic growth will be severely restricted by the lack of labor. Peasants and laborers are the big winners, and may find consequently find themselves newly empowered. (+credits to quarterly budget +peasant/laborer mobility and wages +angry merchants/samurai) Into the Wild “Ezo's climate, though a frozen waste in winter, is a veritable Eden to hearty crops and wild weeds alike. The high nitrate content of the soil and the rising golden sun bring an abundant harvest wherever adjustments can be made for the unusual weather conditions." - Horace Capron, "A Comparative Biology of Ezochi" Upon the urgings of the president himself, a grand expedition is arranged by the Ezo Republic’s very own Department of the Interior. In a pan-clan effort, the exiles daimyos dispatch samurai, their ashigaru footmen, and miscellaneous laborers alike into the wilderness of the Oshima Peninsula and northwards. Accompanied by both the Army’s nascent Shinrin Sentai and the professional gaijin surveyors of the Blakiston and Company, the oyatoi gaikokujin Horace Capron leads an intrepid quest through the misty depths of the island. Along the way, he takes meticulous notes, observing the fertility of the plains and finding hot springs in the hills. Blakiston’s men handily assist, even jotting down some zoological accounts to send back to their ornithologist bossman. As they drive further inland, mapping out every rock, and tree, and creature, one fundamental fact is made clear: Ezochi has huge potential for agricultural output, with perhaps up to a quarter of the total arable land of all of Japan. Its forests are lush, its rivers are wide, and its plains fecund. If there is to be a future for the country, then this heartland should be settled and further developed. (-fog of war, ++agricultural opportunities, +manifest destiny, grand survey completed) As an aside, during the journey the expedition mapped out the Kamikawa Basin and the bright and sprightly Asahi River, not too far from the northern coast. Advisor Capron suggests that a settlement can be built there. And perhaps more…? The Jurisdiction of the Devil “Is it a violation of Christ’s will to dress like an itinerant monk?” - Anonymous Christian NINJA The Naval Magistrate announced the formation of the Naval Intelligence and National Justice Agency, with the english acronym “NINJA”. While eliciting a chuckle from the American Horace Capron, those within Japan merely greeted the formation of a new intelligence agency with general apathy. Except, of course, the shinsengumi. The shinsengumi, the Shogunate’s former secret police and pet organization of the Security Magistrate Hijikata Toshizo, immediately decried the formation of NINJA. The shinsengumi largely oversaw the security of the Republic, and has made a considerable profit from running goods and people from Meiji to Ezo despite Meiji’s trade and immigration restrictions. The organization now feels threatened by NINJA, as the Navy is in a much better position to monopolize the illegal Ezo-Meiji trade. For now, the organization remains in its infancy, and its stated goals are strictly devoted to intelligence gathering and foreign espionage. As the navy largely favors christians, and the shinsengumi is an almost exclusively Buddhist organization, tensions between the two organizations threaten to spill over into the latent religious tensions within the Republic. (+ominous tension, +NINJA) A Russian Bride “A pleasant enough chap - almost pleasant enough to seem civilized” -British diplomat Richard Mulberry upon meeting Foreign Magistrate Hayashi Tadasu Foreign Magistrate Hayashi Tadasu made a visit to the Russian and British diplomatic representatives in Ezo in an effort to elicit their support for Ezo’s operations against Meiji, as well as in general to diffuse any latent tensions. This effort was particularly appreciated by Russia, who, upon hearing rumors of a move against its Far East possessions, had initially ordered an expedition of settlers and a small contingent of military forces to the island of Sakhalin (Karafuto). After considerable assurances by the Foreign Magistrate that such rumors came from “Meiji spies, German instigators, and extremist fools,” the expedition was cancelled. Instead, an opportunity presented itself - Russia formally invited the foreign minister to participate in a conference in St. Petersburg to negotiate the future of the Far East, specifically a clear delineation of control over Sakhalin/Karafuto, as well as the Kuril islands (Chishima). Hayashi Tadasu set out right away to Russia, where his arrival is imminent, hoping to accomplish a lasting territorial peace in the Far East. (-tension between Russia and Ezo, +opportunity for meaningful negotiations) JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 09:12 on Feb 12, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Feb 12, 2014 08:29
|
|
|
All aRound American “Whores? Check. Booze? Check. Opium? Check. Dice? Check. The only thing you can’t find here is the door” - Common saying of patrons at the “Round Eye Saloon” The latest craze in the capital Hakodate, at least among its seedier elements and visiting foreigners, is the Round Eye Saloon. Rumored to have been named after its owner, Thomas Crusoe, asked his Japanese companion what first came to mind when thinking of foreigners, the saloon offers some of the finest whores, booze, and dice in the otherwise quiet Republic. Thus far, the authorities have been unable, or unwilling, to put the kibosh on the saloon’s activities. Styled on American Western saloons, the saloon has also attracted many poor or underground native elements, and has rapidly made Thomas Crusoe an important player in intelligence gathering in Ezo. This is especially true among the Western diplomats and merchants who frequent the port of Hakodate, and has generated a great deal of wealth for Thomas Crusoe, and embarrassment for those who cross him. Some fear this power, and accuse Thomas Crusoe of pursuing immoral pursuits and threatening or harming those who oppose him, but so far none have been brave enough to defy him. Redeeming the Saloon somewhat, even in the eyes of more dignified Samurai, were the services the owner offered to those heading off to war. Recognizing the need for entertainment, and comfort, for soldiers about to set off to join the operations in Sado, a parade of deals and special offers were made for soldiers and their retinues as they set from port. While most high ranking Samurai refused to participate openly in the illicit activities, low ranking samurai and ronin made no such distinction, and took part. The net effect was a considerable increase in morale for the men setting off to war, having lightened their spirits, and their pocketbooks, in earthly distraction. (+Round Eye Saloon, +Crime in Hakodate, +Foreign intelligence, +Military morale) Care for some tea? “Stonewall conservatism is preferable to compromising vacillation” -Army Magistrate Otori Keisuke Cracks are beginning to show in the Republican faction, with Army Magistrate Otori Keisuke seeking to forge a sub-faction of “Right Republicans”. Arguing that the Republican faction has become a party of compromise and convenience, Otori Keisuke has been pressing its members to join him in opposition to radical reforms, flirting with members more closely aligned to the Homeland faction. This means moving the Republicans more decisively against social reforms, but accepting an aggressive stance against Meiji. The unique position of the Army Magistrate as the leader of the operations against the Meiji island of Sado has strengthened this authority and legitimized his appeal, but the Magistrate has insisted that this movement does not represent an assault on Enomoto’s leadership. Rather, Otori Keisuke and his supporters have branded Right Republicans as the “true” Republicans, and advocated the pushing out of those who oppose their views. It remains to be seen how successful these attempts are, and whether the President will tolerate intra-party squabbles within his faction. (+tension within Republican party) The Law Won “Status in the samurai caste was guaranteed by birth and could not be deprived via legislative action.” - Ruling of High Judge Takenaka Shigetaka “Who the hell is John Marshall?” - President Enomoto  High Judge Takenaka Shigetaka of the Ezo Supreme Court made a landmark decision on March 6, 1877, when he ruled for the first time on constitutional issues facing the Republic. In the case of Matsumae vs. The Republic, the High Judge and his associates ruled by a vote of 4-1 in favor of the Matsumae clan. The Matsumae sued the Republic for the removal of its samurai status and castles upon the establishment of the Republic, exacted upon the clan for its support for the Imperial Meiji forces during the Ezo War of Independence. The Matsumae, understandably perturbed by this turn of events, largely accepted their status as former samurai, and set about licking their wounds and keeping the Ezo government at arm’s length. That was, until they realized that, as a constitutional republic, they might seek legal resort to their grievances. Filing a case with the High Court of Ezo, the Matsumae sought the return of their lands and titles, citing the various protections of samurai rights within the constitution. The High Court agreed, and in a landmark decision, restored official samurai status to the Matsumae. The Matsumae clan would have to accept the loss of its land, having committed treason against the Republic, but its samurai status was immutable from birth. Thus came the most important sentence of Judge Takenaka Shigetaka’s decision: “Status in the samurai caste was guaranteed by birth and could not be deprived via legislative action.” Not only does this cast doubt upon the ability of the government to rescind former samurai titles, but it also brings into question whether acts such as the Samurai Registration Act would be constitutional. Most in Congress are pressing for legislation on the determination of samurai status regardless, and others for a constitutional amendment rectifying the ruling, but the reaction of the court remains in question. Alongside dealing this ruling, the High Judge toured Ezo, visiting the various lesser courts and schooling the judges and aspiring lawyers of Ezo on constitutional law and general practice. Additionally, legal scholars and a vast library’s worth of legal books were imported from the United States, France, and Great Britain, as the High Judge has now amassed an enormous collection of books. There is a movement among the new class of legal scholars to construct a library in Hakodate to accommodate the influx of texts, legal and otherwise. All of these actions have invigorated the judicial system of Ezo, already strong in civil and criminal cases, but now also constitutionally. (+Matsumae samurai status, +Court Prestige, +Judicial efficiency across Ezo) Citizens United “Repression of those with the privilege of fortune is a form of persecution unique to our Republic” -Katsu Kaishu While most samurai would choose to forget, the Freedom Party (Jiyudo) and Merchant Factions have continued their campaigns for greater suffrage, democracy, and representation for the monied classes (and to a lesser degree, the masses). Katsu Kaishu, the appointed representative of the Merchant factions, and the only man in government with any sympathies to the Jiyudo, has further aligned himself with the freedom movement in his quest against samurai privilege. Taking advantage of merchant protests demanding action on high worker wages, Katsu Kaishu gathered a sizable demonstration outside the capital’s fortress residence of the presidency. Alongside Jiyudo protesters, many of whom scoffed at the merchant’s open demands for depressing worker wages, put their differences aside and joined in the demonstrations. While peaceful, the government took note of the potential disruption, but chose to ignore the protests with much more focus on the war efforts. That said, the lack of samurai in the mainland made a crackdown undesirable in any case, and some observers fear the continued war may embolden and strengthen the protests, especially if the merchants and workers both begin to suffer from any associated costs of war. The true stunt, however, will take place in the coming months. In preparation for the elections this May, the Jiyudo, in concert with members of the merchant faction, will be organizing a mock election. This election will accept votes from all adult males in the district, in this case a district encompassing much of Sapporo’s nascent industrial area, currently represented by the Sakoku faction’s Koizaki Oiumi. While few will accept its legitimacy, and there are questions about how many will actually show up to vote, the choice of the industrial district was no coincidence. The district has a large non-agrarian worker base, and represents one of the few areas where non-samurai actually possess the numbers and political consciousness to at least desire greater political representation. Alongside this political stunt, Katsu Kaishu has been registered as the only opposing candidate opposite President Enomoto in the upcoming Presidential election, choosing a fellow merchant Tatsuhiro Hadakata as his VP . While few doubt he will succeed, Katsu Kaishu at least hopes to use his run to gauge the support of the relatively quiet opposition within Ezo, and advocate for the status of the merchants and disenfranchised. (+agitation for merchants, jiyudo +anticipation for mock election, +candidate Katsu Kaishu for President, +support for his Presidential campaign) Making Disciples of All Nations “May all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit infuse our works upon this land. Let all hear the Gospel and receive the charity that our Heavenly Daimyo bestows!” - Higurashi Koro, samurai convert In the aftermath of the War of Independence, there has been no shortage of itinerant ronin exiles in Ezo, but Kasuga Saemon may be the most industrious of all of them. The pious and rather dreamy swordsmith-writer spends the early months of the year busily sending correspondence to clerics far and wide, including the very Roman Pontiff himself. He humbly requests that the Holy Father promote the Vicar-Apostolic of Northern Japan to be Bishop of Ezochi. While the proposal is of merit and the letter heartfelt, the Papacy does not yet heed its call. His philanthropic efforts receive more success, however. With much effort and no small expense to his own inheritance, Saemon establishes the Shiro Home for the Lost with fellow Kurisuchan-ha members, where the sick are welcome regardless of faith and ethnic origin, and the poor are given free care. Though physicians are few at first, the Home is bolstered by the arrival of renowned physician Dr. Ryoun Takamatsu, former hospital director of Hakodate Hospital, famous for his conduct during the previous war, charitably healing both shogunate and Meiji wounded. His presence bolsters the fame of the Home, and the Christians’ star as well, and funding for this hospice slowly accumulates.  In his little free time, Saemon scribbles obsessively on classical lyrical works and Catholic doctrine. His scholarship has begun to attract attention, though mostly from the few Western scholars and dignitaries in the country. Thanks to Ezo’s strong ties with the French Republic, some Catholic publishing houses there have received drafts of his writings, requesting more manuscripts clarifying how the Church can exist in such a different culture and society. There has been talk of potential book deals in the future... (+reputation of the Christian faction, +reputation of Saemon’s writings, +haiku) Children of Sun “This commission is granted full responsibility to lead the department’s efforts. Yamato-damashii must be fully preserved in your work. Do not disgrace your ancestors, your emperor, your gods, and your clan, in that order.” The surge in Christian popularity has met an equal and opposite reaction from traditionalists among the Homelanders, the Chained, and the Nationalists alike. Raging against this foreign religion as one that is both alien and inimical to the Japanese nature of Ezo, former daimyo Matsudaira Katamori has begun an effort to codify the traditional Shinto faith of the Wajin, hoping to stem the growth of Christianity. To this end, the Matsudaira clan gathers all available priests among the exiles, both Shintoist and Buddhist, to form one grand Commission of Evangelical Translators (CET) to produce a singular holy scripture and codify the traditional beliefs of the Japanese people. In an interesting turn of events, the Matsuame clan strongly supports the efforts of this commission, declaring itself the defender of the faith, which some see as an attempt to curry favor in the Republic. Regardless, much activity and excitement is sparked by this, as the zealous bring forth proposals to the scholars of the CET. The controversy of this project has come to the attention of the Emperor Enjuu himself, who brings forth a proposal to both Congress and the President: the creation of a Department of Faith, a central ministry to oversee the rituals and rites of this proposed project. While establishes one religion over all others is certainly unconstitutional, some suggest that an institution that regulates religious traditions, rather than outright favoring them, may be of use. As with any good religious council, myriads of dogmatic quibblings have begun to arise, as the decentralized nature of both Shintoism and Buddhism- and the differences between the two faiths- surface. Because of this, the efforts to produce a scripture are unfinished, even as the agitated faithful knock on the doors of Fukuyama Castle. While some of the weaker scholars are tempted to perform seppuku from the pressures of the mob, they forge onwards, promising to craft a perfect document encapsulating the way of the gods. (+the Shintoist-Buddhist Reformation has begun! +proposal for the creation of the Department of Faith and cabinet-level position created, +fistfights involving kami dancing on the head of a pin increase) The Sorrows of the Matsumae "Aye, the Ezo [Ainu] kyuudojin are perhaps the only friends this family has. They are primitive, untamed, and ignorant, but they are willing in their commerce with us. Those whom he hire are faithful laborers, willing to work for a pittance. And most importantly, they have treated us fairly, unlike these damnable Honshujin exiles, who have brought the Matsumae nothing but grief. How pitiful that our fallen house and those wild savages are the only true Ezojin of this island!" - Matsumae Takeshi, clansman As the dejected Matsumae continue to face ostracization from the pro-Tokugawa clans despite ongoing legal developments, their only solace is their lordship over the Ainu peoples of the island. The ambiguous relationship, developed centuries in the only half-symbiotic, half-parasitic way that a colonized people and their colonial oppressor can, remains strong and unbroken despite attempts by wildcat exile merchants attempting to get a slice of that sweet sweet native trade. The meager wealth that this brought sustains the Matsumae clan. Though they are largely silent on the idea of the republican expedition through their former domains, members of the Matsumae clan eye the exiles suspiciously. In earlier generations, they had cultivated a very careful relationship with the Ainu, allowing on specialized tradesmen, the Chigyonushi, to deal with the Ainu at specific trade centers in their territory. In exchange of allowing the Ainu the right to hunt and fish in their territories without disruption from Japanese arrivals (a form of segregation, or perhaps, reservation), the Matsumae had also prohibited all unauthorized, non-approved Chigyonushi from interacting with the natives- thus securing the trade for their own clan and allies. In latter times, the Matsumae maintained their exclusive control with half-hearted efforts at assimilating the Ainu. Either way, the opening of the northern expanse of the island to exploitation by the republic seems to cut at this traditional relationship. As part of the zeal to defend the Shinto-Buddhist faith in formation, some members of the Matsumae clan suggest incorporating Ainu kamuy as lesser kami, such as the fearsome Kim-un Kamuy, the god of bears and leader of the Ainu pantheon. (Matsumae-Ainu ties remain strong, +possibility of freer trade, +republican encroachment?) Ye dare not stoop to less “If there is any hope for our people to survive the coming typhoons, we must find a safe guide who sees the right paths like Chikap Kamuy, and can lead our people to similar happiness.” - Chieftain Tsukinoeaino of the Ainu Despite the vote of confidence from the former samurai clan, the Ainu themselves are looking beyond the devil they know to foreign ones, as Chieftain Tsukinoeaino, the leader of the prominent Bear Star Tribe, publicly welcomes the grand survey led by non-Japanese advisors. The Ainu subsequently aid the expedition, helping them map out water sources and giving advice about the terrain. The foreign members of the party are somewhat more grateful and receptive to the aid, while the Wajin begrudgingly accept the aid. In the boomtown of Sapporo, the chieftain discusses extensively with the outsiders about Western forestry and food preparation, eager to absorb the ancient knowledge of the Occident. (+Ainu-American relations, +Ainu agricultural knowledge) Congressional Reports The first quarter of the year 1877 was a rather busy year for Congress, who set about voting on a multitude of bills. The following is a breakdown of the votes and any associated effects or controversy: Samurai Registration Act: Final Vote: FAILED 6 - 44 What should have been a rather uncontroversial bill, the lack of wording explicitly grandfathering in existing samurai condemned the bill to failure. Many expressed their support of the idea that samurai would need proof of samurai status, and must demonstrate their associated skills, but fears over disqualification of existing samurai were too great. A number of congressmen hope that the bill will be re-introduced to Congress with an explicit grandfather clause included, as such a bill would likely experience greater success. Defense of Nation Act: Final Vote: FAILED 0 - 50 Largely the product of the sponsor not withdrawing the bill after later changes, the bill altered the budget in such a way that conflicted with the President and his cabinet’s ultimate desires. The elements expanding the army, and general strategy, were pursued independently by the Army Magistrate. Ultimately, little impact. Opium Ban Final Vote: PASSED 48 - 2 “This bill will ban the sale, possession, import, and use of opium and restore opium prohibition laws to their Pre-Meiji standard.” This bill passed with the overwhelming support of congress, with only token opposition from a few members with interests tied to Western trade. The opposition by the owner of the saloon “The Round Eye,” who openly flaunted his participation in the opium trade, and openly attempted to bribe congressmen to his position, dramatically hurt his reputation. While his core clientele, criminal native Japanese elements and rough Westerners, are largely unconcerned, a number of death threats have been lobbied against the saloon and its owner. Some Western powers did protest, with Britain particularly annoyed, but little fuss was raised over an area that had previously experienced minimal trade in opium in the first place. (-Opium trade, +death threats against Thomas Crusoe) Presidential Term Limits Act Final Vote: PASSED 44 - 6 “Congress shall amend the Constitution of the Ezo Republic so that Term Limits for the office of President shall be abolished.” The only bill which saw rigorous debate in Congress, the Congress of the Republic successfully amended the constitution to remove term limits for the Presidency. The merchant faction was livid, as was the Jiyudo (Freedom Faction), who immediately staged a loud demonstration outside the Presidential fortress at Goryokaku. The Homeland faction, initially somewhat opposed to empowering the Republican faction President, voted unanimously in favor after support was whipped up by their faction leader. More importantly however, the President’s decision to support the invasion of Sado ensured that virtually all Homeland party members had restored confidence in his commitment to opposing Meiji, ensuring their full loyalty. The only opposition came from the Sakoku faction, who feel the President has betrayed the country to Westerners and Christians, but they were far too few in number to prevent its passage. President Enomoto Takeaki is now qualified to stand for the Presidency for as many terms as he sees fit. The Opium Act now awaits President Takeaki’s signature in order to take effect. Random Events: Rumors abound of a legendary Ramen chef making the rounds of villages and areas of travel across Ezo. While many claim to have tasted his delicious ramen, none can remember his name, and his location appears to change with his migrations. The only hint given is that his accent was that of the old world, specifically Kyushu, and he is otherwise indistinguishable. (+Delicious Ramen)  A strange string of sightings has occurred near the Round Eye saloon. American sailors and diplomats have repeatedly claimed to have seen the disgraced celebrity and Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth frequenting the saloon. While presumed dead, the sightings have sparked the rumor that Mr. Booth yet lives in secret in Ezo, and the rumor has attracted Southerners in the U.S. Navy seeking to greet him. (+Mystery of John Wilkes Booth)  Thomas Blakiston has increased his shipping empire’s reach within the Far East, and is rapidly becoming one of the leading merchants throughout China and Ezo. Only Meiji largely escapes his grasp, as Taiwan’s trade posts are added to his list of ports of call. (+Taiwanese trade) Thomas Blakiston has also begun introducing the sport of Cricket to Ezo, organizing the Hakodate Splash as the first organized cricket team. The team plans to go on a tour of the Republic to promote the sport. (+Cricket popularity) Despite the initial popularity of baseball, with only miscellaneous American sailors and visitors playing the sport, and the rise in cricket, the interest in this particular form of stickball seems to be on the wane in recent months. (-Baseball popularity)  Among the pack is a certain Lt. Jack J. Dunner, formerly of the United States Cavalry, a man with a mysterious and checkered past. Known to have extensive dealings with aboriginal peoples in his own native land, Dunner strikes an accord with the Ainu, who admire him for his tracking abilities and horseriding skills. While the Shinrin Sentai warily eye the dangerous man, the Ainu are much taken by him. On one moonlit night he almost singlehandedly fights off a brown bear attack, driving off the ursine with a peculiar feathered hatchet.  Stories of the valiant battle led by peasant forces against Meiji in Sado have emboldened peasants in Ezo, who alongside their economic empowerment, area increasingly confident in their position relative to the samurai. Their valiance has also spurred others to volunteer for the army, should they be accepted (+Peasant boldness, +Peasant eagerness for combat/recruitment) The Census of Ezo, the first of its kind, is underway. The results are expected to be published in May 1877, as the most remote corners of the Republic, and its rapidly developing dense urban centers, remain to be surveyed. (+Census results next turn) A craze among the women of Hakodate has been started by the beautiful daughter in law of President Enomoto. A Christian, and leader in high fashion in Ezo, Enomoto’s daughter in law’s French influenced style is regularly emulated by the ladies of consequence within the Republic. (+Hot daughter in law for Enomoto) JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 09:15 on Feb 12, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Feb 12, 2014 08:29
|
|
|
JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 09:11 on Feb 12, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Feb 12, 2014 08:36
|
|
|
JUST FYI: Stats, and those who get bonus AP from forum posts, will be up later today.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 12, 2014 16:17
|
|
|
Stats have been updated. The following changes have been made to the budget system: quote:Government Expenditures: These estimates are based upon projections from those within the finance ministry in order to ensure the continued maintenance of the war effort. War is expensive. You are free to cut these numbers as you please, but be prepared to face the expected consequences. Lastly, if you wish to pass a bill which may conflict with the constitution, or establish new offices, it may be wise to indicate the bill is a constitutional amendment. Failure to do so risks aggrieved parties suing and the High Court overturning the results. Constitutional amendments are definitive however, and may invalidate other laws or hem the government into particular positions. Think strategically when passing legislation. EDIT: Maxrob will be posting the list of bonus AP shortly.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 13, 2014 05:39
|
|
|
Sorry for the delay, here are the AP totals for players this turn: The best RP post award goes to Friar John for his posts on Christianity within Ezo. This nets him a bonus AP point for the turn, in addition to his RP point! Note that the "best post" award will be weighted toward those who did not recently receive it, so it won't necessarily go to the same player every turn. EDIT: If any new players wish to join, feel free to ask one of the GM's what your AP will be. It can also be calculated with info from the OP.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 15, 2014 00:08
|
|
|
I'd like to remind everyone that their Turn 2 orders are due Sunday 2/16 at 11:59 PM CST. I'm fine with changing the times if need be, but I was hoping to establish this as the weekly deadline.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 16, 2014 02:06
|
|
|
Reminder that orders are due in approximately three hours Also, if someone wants to gain the favor of the GM's, a post compiling the latest versions of the congressional bills would earn them some favor for the turn.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 17, 2014 04:53
|
|
|
This is beautiful, canon, and worthy of a free AP.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 20, 2014 04:56
|
|
|
Turns for Q3 will be due Wednesday, February 26th at 11:59 PM CST (UTC - 6) I would like to remind everyone that a budget must be passed to avoid being Ted Cruz, and shutting down Ezo's government. Also, Erwin balz, you'll receive your 1 AP. Our mistake, feel free to include it in your orders. JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 07:26 on Feb 24, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Feb 24, 2014 07:16
|
|
|
Gonna require someone compile all the bills for me in a big post. Don't care who, but someone better do it, or else! Bad things!
|
|
#
¿
Feb 27, 2014 02:29
|
|
|
EccoRaven posted:Can I play? You may! I say wait until the next update (gonna be a few days). If you want to join as anyone sooner, feel free, but send orders for the next turn ASAP. Also, orders are now past due! . If you haven't already, send them in!
|
|
#
¿
Feb 27, 2014 10:33
|
|
|
Update 3: Quarter 2 (July - Sep) 1877: Domestic News Meet the Replacements We each have our place, and our duties. To fail to carry out those duties must have consequences, or the entire basis of our society would collapse into chaos. As soldiers it is your duty to uphold the Constitution of this Republic. As President it is my duty to see that your sacrifice and service are never wasted or used for personal gain - President Enomoto Takeaki, on why he chose to fire the Navy and Army magistrates. Early July was characterised not just by the death of Matsudaira Katamori, but by the announcement of the sacking of both the Army Magistrate and Navy Magistrate by President Enomoto Takeaki. Citing defiance of his orders by the Army Magistrate Otori Keisuke, in which the Army Magistrate openly defied his commander in chief’s command to deploy 5,000 forces to Satsuma rather than 1,000, Otori Keisuke was formally removed from his position by the President. Arai Ikunosuke, Navy Magistrate, was removed for less directly confrontational reasons, with the President arguing that his lies and support of Otori Keisuke served as grounds for his removal. Otori Keisuke immediately protested, and many within the army and navy sided with their magistrates in opposing the sacking. While most did not openly wish to defy their President, both Otori and Arai had served in their positions since the Republic’s inception, and personal loyalties to their commanders ran deep. Otori Kesiuke argued that his removal was not constitutional, instead arguing that a replacement needed to be confirmed before his removal became official. An emergency meeting of the High Court ruled in favor of Enomoto on July 5th, and Otori was officially removed from his position as Army Magistrate, as was Arai Ikunosuke. A following emergency meeting of congress confirmed their replacements, with Matsudaira Sadaaki replacing Otori Keisuke as Army Magistrate, and Katsu Kaishu replacing Arai Ikunosuke as Navy Magistrate. As foreshadowing for future troubles, the votes proved quite contentious, with both nominations facing considerable opposition from Enomoto’s Republican faction, as well as the Christian faction. Their concerns were overcome by the voting power of Homeland and Sakoku (ardent supporters of Sadaaki), as well as loyalist members of the Republican faction, with many Congressmen walking out in disgust. The first actions of the new cabinet sought to prevent any actions of the former cabinet members, which later events would show were soon to be forthcoming. NINJA, a recent creation of Arai Ikunosuke, was officially disbanded, though its members did not immediately react to his decree from above.  Most dramatically, President Enomoto officially challenged Otori Keisuke to a duel in Congress, declaring his intention to duel to the death for the dishonorable actions of his subordinate. Performing the traditional rituals daily, from July 3rd and on, President Enomoto called upon Keisuke to duel him, with Keisuke initially accepting the offer of the duel but failing to act upon his acceptance. This inaction significantly harmed his honor, but later events would eclipse any of these happenings… (+Removed Cabinet members, +New Magistrates, +Very angry former Magistrates) The Best Laid Plans... There are three ways in which a ruler can bring misfortune upon his army: [...] By attempting to govern an army in the same way as he administers a kingdom, being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army; This causes restlessness in the soldier's minds. By employing the officers of his army without discrimination, through ignorance of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. This shakes the confidence of the soldiers - Sun Tzu The removal of the Army Magistrate by the President quickly set into action a series of events which demonstrated the true intentions of the Army Magistrate and his allies. During the process of his removal, with his replacement unclear and the constitutionality of his removal uncertain, Otori Keisuke set about preparations for an impending invasion by Meiji Japan of Ezo. Few questioned these actions, especially given the raid on Ezo’s coasts by Meiji the previous April, but this left the military’s position in a rather confusing mess by the time of Matsudaira Sadaaki’s official instatement on July 10th. Much of the army, by this time, was dispersed to very remote parts of the Republic, with those closest to Otori Keisuke closest to the capital, and those under the command of potentially dissident or loyal generals in the worst position to react to coming events (with Sadaaki’s forces in Sado at the time of his instatement). As Keisuke left office, a flurry of memos began appearing in the hands of army officials and civilians alike. These memos first implicated President Enomoto for the attempted assassination of Saigo Takamori, angering many due to its somewhat dishonorable nature, as well as angering many of the Matsumae, who blamed the President for the capture of their clan leader. Others within the army questioned the President’s judgement given the eventual disaster that would be the Satsuma operation, though this also served to raise the question of Keisuke’s own involvement in limiting the size of the forces there, with many feeling that greater numbers would have averted such a disaster. More damaging for the President, however, was the release on July 12th of a series of memos outlining a planned purge of the army by the new Magistrate Matsudaira Sadaaki. This seemed particularly believable in light of the anti-Christian sentiments of the Army Magistrate, his own actions at the Blakiston wedding, as well as the recent dismissal of the NINJA organization under Arai Ikunosuke. An “official list” was published, and denied by the Enomoto administration, naming many officers and soldiers as potential enemies of the state and recommending their removal from their positions. This raised considerable alarm in the army, many of whom hoped to avoid the same fate as their former Army Magistrate. With dissent in the army at a peak, and with the Navy Magistrate also acting unilaterally (see below), Otori Keisuke made his move. His forces stormed Congress on July 14th, and barricaded the door, trapping the assembled Congressmen. By this time, President Enomoto had begun to anticipate that the Army Minister was going to take some action against the government, but his administration had focused more on the instatement of the new magistrates, and did not anticipate a legal coup on top of a military coup. Those within the assembled Congress who disagreed with Keisuke’s actions were allowed to leave (or forcibly removed), until only 25 remained, preserving quorum, and no more were allowed to leave. Of these 25, many supported Otori Keisuke’s desire to resist the President’s dismissal (many supporting Keisuke due to his assistance in the previous election, owing him their job). A combined 10 Republican and 3 Christian party representatives voted, by a majority of the 25 assembled, to alter the rules of Congress so as to reduce the quorum from 25 to 20, and 5 of the remaining members were then removed, lowering the number of Congressmen present to 20. This allowed Keisuke’s loyal Congressmen, 13 in total, to vote for the expulsion of all 30 non-present Congressmen, granting Keisuke a supermajority in Congress. The former Army Minister then voted to reverse the removal of himself and Arai Ikunosuke and reinstated them to their positions. The rump-Congress then voted for the impeachment of President Enomoto for the attempted murder of Saigo Takamori (among other charges), and of Vice President Matsudaira Tarou for the murder of Matsudaira Katamori. Pre-empting conviction, Keisuke produced documents proclaiming the President and Vice President’s resignation. According to the order of succession, this made, in the mind of Keisuke, Arai Ikunosuke the President of the Republic, and he called on Ikunosuke to support his actions. As this rather complex legal justification what amounted to a coup began to spread across the capital, the now expelled Congressmen outside began to rally supporters and inform nearby military units of the actions of Keisuke and his supporters. The military (those loyal to Keisuke) refused to listen to their pleas to restore order, and instead ordered the men home, condemning their behavior as threatening to the stability of the Republic. The Congressmen grew restless, and as supporters of President Enomoto began to assemble around Goryokaku (the fort and center of government), the military became increasingly uneasy. The forced removal of Congressmen turned violent, and a large melee broke out as Congressmen resisted their forced removal. As samurai, Congressmen began drawing their swords to resist removal, and the military responded in kind. After a small battle within the fortress, 4 Congressmen lay dead (3 homeland and 1 loyalist Republican) and 6 more injured, as Keisuke officially gained control of the fortress. Rather than rallying support around Otori Keisuke, those outside of his circle of supporters began to react to the unfolding coup. President Enomoto, who was removed by gunpoint from within the fortress despite his calls for Keisuke to “face him with honor”, immediately set about mobilizing the armed forces now dispersed far and wide to respond to the coup. While Otori Keisuke had ensured that those most loyal to him were in the capital at the time of the coup, not all the military rose up in his defense as he had hoped, and a small contingent of loyal military forces, retinues, and angry samurai began to assemble under Enomoto and Sadaaki’s command. While lacking the necessary forces to overcome the very defensible fortress, Sadaaki’s forces, as well as those loyal to the President and others within government began marching at full speed back to the capital at the President’s behest. Some military officials, citing confusion (and many speculate, some sympathy with Keisuke’s actions) simply refused to budge from their positions. Furious at their actions and angry at Otori Keisuke’s actions, Enomoto ordered the immediate bombardment of Goryokaku, and his actions were met with returning fire from within the fortress.  Within the fortress, one neutral actor had not been removed by Keisuke’s army units. Emperor Enjuu, who also has a residence within the fortress, was approached by Keisuke seeking legitimacy for his cause. Reportedly offering the Emperor considerable official power in any new government led by him, and declaring his intention to commit seppuku should his offer not be accepted, the Emperor was left in an awkward position. Seeking to maintain his neutrality, but also not eager to see a man kill himself in front of him, Enjuu did his best to offer tacit but conditional support to diffuse the situation. While Keisuke interpreted this as an endorsement of his coup, Enjuu would later deny this assertion, and his lack of any meaningful moves to support the coup or take any action to legitimize Keisuke’s government seem to support this. The Emperor remained a hostage throughout the ordeal, and was confined to the most fortified areas of the fortress, largely powerless to intervene in the proceeding events. This is the End Meiji has not invaded, and do you know why? They fear us, they fear me - Enomoto is weak, but I, and President Ikunosuke, serve as a strong deterrent to the Imperial usurpers -Otori Keisuke, to his soldiers within Goryokaku With the Emperor’s support (at least in his mind), Keisuke set about legitimizing his new regime, even as its control extended little further than the points on Goryokaku’s star. Citing his coup as the “deterrent which ensured our protection against Meiji,” Keisuke used agents to sneak outside Goryokaku to spread propaganda in his favor. His agents reported disappointment, and increasing difficulty in leaving the fortress. By August 2nd, reinforcements had arrived from some of the surrounding regions for Enomoto’s counter-coup, and Sadaaki’s forces in Sado were set to arrive by August 20th. It became readily apparent that the army was not inclined to join the coup against Enomoto, and the non-military components of society were hardly eager to rise up against Enomoto either. While many criticisms of Enomoto appealed to military and non-military alike, the somewhat transparent actions of Otori Keisuke, and the vaguely legal actions of his rump-Congress, hardly inspired those to rise up against a President who was a decorated war hero and who had run the Republic since its inception. It should be noted that a great number of military units did profess neutrality in the coup, enraging Enomoto but not exactly assisting the coup plotters. The majority of these units were Christian or run by Christian commanders refusing to accept the legitimacy of Sadaaki’s appointment, though most would fall in line with the eventual outcome of the coup.  Bombardment of Goryokaku only increased as the more guns and forces were assembled to oppose the coup, with President Enomoto personally commanding the units rapidly assembling in the capital. Jules Brunet, in an offer of loyalty to his former comrade, lent French artillery and gatling guns recently imported from France, wreaking havoc on the fortress. Confined to his fortress and desperate for assistance, Otori Keisuke and his loyalist forces and Congress quickly realized that their coup was likely doomed to fail. With no long-term game plan, and no clear exit strategy, Keisuke’s forces began to waver, and talk spread among the men to throw Keisuke under the horse in exchange for the cessation of the bombardment of the fortress. On August 15th, as Otori Keisuke awoke to prepare to oversee his forces, he noticed a white flag flying over the fortress walls. He was further interrupted by the arrival of men loyal to President Enomoto, who, with Keisuke at gunpoint, announced his arrest. Keisuke initially reached for his sword to resist, but later thought better of his actions, and allowed himself to be arrested, along with 13 members of Congress. Keisuke’s coup had come to a rather anti-climactic end, with his forces having surrendered the fort. It would later be revealed that the white flag was a ploy by only one portion of his men (mostly Christians who were dismayed by Arai Ikunosuke’s lack of active support of the coup, as well as Kasuga Saemon’s neutrality), and a battle had ensued, but ended quickly as Enomoto’s forces stormed the fortress amid the chaos. In any case, Keisuke’s coup was ended, with the former Army Magistrate now facing very serious charges of treason. The Fallout Revolutions, whether successful or failed, are certain to build nothing but ashes. - Education Magistrate Itakura Katsukiyo These series of events crippled the government for almost 2 months, and left many confused about the political and military situation in the Republic. The first act of the President in the post-coup environment was to issue an “executive decree” invalidating all actions taken by the rump-Congress, and reaffirming the positions of Matsudaira Sadaaki as Army Magistrate and Katsu Kaishu as Navy Magistrate. Congress also passed a law invalidating the actions of the previous rump parliament, and officially expelling the 13 “rebellious” lawmakers. 4 Congressmen lay dead, 6 more recovering from their wounds, and 13 arrested for their actions during the coup. This left only 27 Congressmen in condition to act (though 33 still served) on issues of importance, and as a result, bills proposed the previous quarter were tabled for the time being. The Finance Minister’s budget was passed by the now considerably smaller parliament, and many are calling for new elections to rectify the many absences within Congress. The Christian party members have since disavowed their support of the coup and sought to have their positions reinstated, with their actions in ending the coup serving as their “means of penance.” Otori Keisuke remains in the hands of the government, and his fate will be determined by their will.  The composition of the Congress (before any elections or replacements) is as follows: Congress posted:House of Representatives (total 33): Speaker Enomoto Michiakira (Republican-faction) Within the country, many in the military lie dead or under arrest, as Keisuke’s forces did not surrender en masse. Some 400 samurai within the army are dead having fought on Keisuke’s side, and another 500 surrendered after the events of the coup, and remain under guard within the ruins of Goryokaku. Another 200 men who remained loyal to President Enomoto also died in the fighting. The Emperor emerged safely from the inner reaches of Goryokaku, and has disavowed the coup, and called for unity. The fallout of the coup has not been entirely military - many within the country have begun to doubt the leadership ability of President Enomoto, even as they rallied behind him against Keisuke’s coup. Coinciding with rallies opposing the government by Katsu Kaishu, and letters by Yarumaro (see below), many within the Republic are beginning to question the rule of the samurai. Samurai are to be noble and loyal, and actions within the samurai elite against one another have cultivated an image of dissent and bickering among a corrupt and self-interested elite, not boding well for the Republic, especially as Meiji looms on the horizon. (-600 dead samurai, -500 captured samurai, +captured Otori Keisuke, +13 captured congressmen, -4 dead congressmen, +ruined Goryokaku fortress, -Respect for samurai in the Republic) A Bad Enough Dude to Attack the President ”Fact: Samurai betray ALL the time.” - The Sosai, W.S. Gilbert and A. Sullivan, 1885  Even as the ashes cooled from the devastated Goryōkaku, another mutiny was underway. Not content to be outdone by the Army boys, the Naval command similarly embarked on actions against the Commander-in-Chief. Within days after the fall of Otori, NINJA, the brainchild of disgraced former Navy Magistrate Arai Ikunosuke, published the so-called “Pentacle Papers”, documents asserting that the president himself had a hand in the assassination of Saigo Takamori, leader of the Satsuma Rebellion and presumable friend to the Republic (in an enemy-of the-hated Meiji enemy sort of way). Even more devastating was the revelation that both the President and new Army Magistrate Matsudaira Sadaaki were responsible for the infamous Gaijin Wedding Massacre of the previous months. These papers rocked the country. Such allegations shocked many samurai as well as the occasional literate lower classes. All Englishmen in the country demanded a response to them. However, just as quickly as they arose, they were immediately knocked back- in the wake of the horrific coup that had just happened, support for the beleaguered President was reflexive from some quarters. Even as the official investigatory committee promised to look into the accusations, the Shinsengumi, Justice Department, and smaller law enforcement agencies also looked into the report. The nascent press of Ezo swarmed around the revelations, claiming to have received further documents confirming the stories from other gov’t sources. Soon after, NINJA agents were on the run, ostensibly from government forces intent on keeping the watchmen from being watched. Within days, most of Magistrate Ikunosuke’s staff had seemingly disappeared, and so had most of his ships. On the docks of Hakodate, rumors say that the fleet had been destroyed, and Ikunosuke himself had been executed by the admiralty as well. This confused mess of exposition was further complicated by rumors that this treachery on the high seas was the work of a cadre of admirals seeking to defect to Meiji by shattering the Navy, the Republic’s greatest katana. This was further complicated by the sudden reappearance of many of the naval ships, returned from seemingly nothing more than common patrols or routine operations. However, the former Naval Magistrate himself, as well as several important vessels, have seemingly vanished. Several of the returning sailors report irregular movements on the part of the missing ships before they disappeared, even cannon fire breaking out between them. And still others say they spotted Meiji ships in the distance... (?NINJA disappear?, -2 steam powered frigates, -former Secretary of the Navy, +rumors and discord, +noone has any idea wtf just happened) A Few Good Men “Do you think your ninjitsu sword will defeat me?” - Saitō Hajime, captain of the 4th unit  Amidst all of the chaos of this period, the Shinsengumi were growing steadily. The Demon Commander’s new police academy was bustling with activity, even as a monument was erected for those who died in the line of service during the Independence War and in recent events. Soon afterwards, it would appear that not all of the recruits were merely interested in the game of “footy-ball” at the academy. A few of the new recruits are found to be louts paid to join the august police force for the sake of disruption and surveillance by none other than former intelligence agency NINJA! Though their presence is unexplained, the police immediately begin internal investigations into the possibility of further moles, both in the Shinsengumi and in other government agencies. (+recruits for the Shinsegumi, -NINJA spies)
|
|
#
¿
Mar 2, 2014 07:48
|
|
|
A Mystery Incorporated Woh man, I’m like, totally hungry. Got some food? - Mukuge-kun, one of the young sleuths investigating the wedding bombing With the Meiji army looming on the horizon, coups nearly toppling the government, and murderer fugitives running amok in the countryside, more energy was devoted to the most vital issue in Ezo: finding the culprit behind the murder of Masako Blakiston. While most Ezo residents would simply respond “Matsudaira Sadaaki” if you asked who they felt was responsible for the Blakiston wedding debacle, many an intrepid detective in Ezo was not satisfied with this explanation, and at least half a dozen investigations were launched. The most important, and well funded, investigation came from the British government, working in concert with Thomas Blakiston. Blakiston’s great economic clout and many local contacts, as well as sympathetic Japanese, significantly assisted his and Britain’s investigation, and Blakiston had more or less full reign of Ezo and the crime scene in order to conduct his investigation. Blakiston was not alone however - the government of Ezo authorized its own investigation, and while Congress’ troubles prevented the official endorsement of an investigation, Kasuga Saemon set out to determine the culprit in the Blakiston wedding. Along with Saemon, rumors also swirled of a group of young teens investigating the scene, accompanied by a large hokkaido-inu named Buriburi-kun. The investigation began first with a thorough examination of the wedding scene itself, but unfortunately, the ensuing ruckus ensured that disentangling the bombing from the post-bombing mob would be rather difficult. What became very apparent very quickly, however, was that someone was intent on ensuring the culprit of the bombing was not found - and given that Sadaaki was thoroughly distracted with his duties as new Army Magistrate (and the resultant coup) the British-Blakiston investigation concluded that someone other than Sadaaki was involved in the wedding massacre. Saemon’s investigation concluded the same thing, and added to the findings of the Blakiston investigation with an additional insight. Those at the wedding claim that the culprit rose from the groom’s side of the wedding, and Saemon’s investigation concluded that Blakiston’s security was so distracted by the mob that it failed to adequately screen the guests, but the perimeter itself was largely impermeable. With this in mind, the Blakiston and Saemon investigations came to the same conclusion: someone with access to the wedding was likely responsible for the bombing, and it wasn’t Matsudaira Sadaaki.  The biggest breakthrough, however, came at the hands of Buriburi-kun, the Hokkaido breed of dog owned by a group of amateur sleuths who independently chose to investigate the wedding scene. Buriburi-kun, mistaking a pile of dirt for a stash of buried Ainu donuts, dug up the remnants of where something large was buried. What Buriburi-kun found was a large empty hole on the outskirts of the former security perimeter, implying that someone with access to wedding was able to bypass security with a large explosive device, and utilize this security clearance to bury it ahead of time and later move it under the main wedding tent. What this means is that the culprit is likely someone close to or in either the Blakiston or Tokugawa families, as those are the only groups capable of the kind of privilege that would have allowed the smuggling of such a large and otherwise conspicuous device. Sadaaki’s mob was found to be responsible for much of the damage to the British guests (angering the British, of course, in light of his army magistrate appointment), but further investigation of Masako Blakiston’s body revealed severe burn wounds and wooden shrapnel in her head and spine - implying that it was the bomb impact, not the mob, that resulted in her death. None of the investigations was able to conclude who in particular was responsible for the bombing of the wedding, but the following is clear: someone other than Sadaaki was involved in the bombing, they’ve attempted to cover it up, and they’re very, very close to the Tokugawa or Blakiston families. This implies something of a scandal, for either Blakiston or someone close to him tried to kill his wife, or the shogun’s family or close advisors were determined to sabotage the wedding of one of their own, and resulted in her death. (+Clues for wedding culprit, -Some distaste for Sadaaki, +British outrage) Run For the Hills John Wilkes Booth… he told me to do it… give it all to Brunet… Booth says I’ll be safe… Run, run, run… its hurts... -Thomas Crusoe’s mumblings and screams as he fled Hakodate A duel took place on July 4th, in which Matsudaira Katamori was struck down by Matsudaira Tarou after an altercation of honor. Katamori, however, was only crucially wounded by the Vice President, when Thomas Crusoe, a spectator to the duel, rushed forward and repeatedly bashed Katamori’s head. Already weak from the duel and rapidly losing blood, Katamori perished, and Crusoe quickly became responsible for the death of a high ranking samurai within the Republic. Immediately, Crusoe began to wail, claiming the ghost of John Wilkes Booth possessed his body, and decrying enemies all around him, as he held his head and began to flee the scene. The young shogun Tokugawa reacted quickly, and pierced his leg, only reinforcing the comparison between Crusoe and the ill-fated Booth. Crusoe rapidly fled as chaos ensued, and before the dust settled on the scene, Katamori was dead, and Crusoe had disappeared. Though he was bleeding, he scrambled through the streets of the capital as far as he could, darting through the alleys he knew so well. Scrambling to contain the blood loss and to keep from leaving a trail of plasma, he came across a deserted cart of pots and pans. His memory flashed to that of a tale he had heard in the British Pacific colonies about an outlaw who wore armor, he quickly constructed a makeshift metallic body harness to stem the flow. Suddenly, the merchant who owned the cart appeared.  “Thief, Thief!” accosted by several Tokugawa men, Crusoe saw no choice. Taking out a match, he soaked a bloodied bandage into his lunch flask and lit the rag aflame. Tossing his cocktail into a sake street booth, Thomas Crusoe ran away from the ensuing fireball in his sharecropper armor, his would-be captors engulfed by the inferno. The young Tokugawa, along with the Finance Magistrate Nagai Naoyuki, immediately called for Crusoe’s arrest, and a warrant was issued calling for his capture for the murder of Matsudaira Katamori. Crusoe however had cultivated many contacts among the Hakodate underground, and quickly disappeared from the capital. He could not entirely cover his tracks, and it quickly became apparent that he had fled to the hills of Ezo, hoping to conceal himself in the forests and mountains that characterise Ezo’s hinterland. As Crusoe fled, a free for all erupted for his properties and criminal enterprises. Intending to leave his fortune and properties to Jules Brunet, Crusoe had little time to ensure a steady transition, and likely had to flee Hakodate before establishing Brunet as his heir. Brunet’s involvement could not remain secret for long due to his celebrity, and it rapidly became apparent that he was largely responsible for Crusoe’s successful flight. Despite Crusoe’s desires, and Brunet’s role in smuggling him from the city, Crusoe’s former enterprises began squabbling over succession, with many of his former underlings seeking to replace him. There are rumors that other rival merchants, such as Katsu Kaishu and Hayashi Tadasu, have begun buying up some of his former properties, and many fear that the fractionalization of the criminal enterprises in Hakodate’s underground scene could spill over into violence in the streets. Thus far any violent conflict has been restricted to the seedier parts of Hakodate, but as the new players emerge, and as Crusoe’s departure appears to be more than temporary, this peace may not last. As for Crusoe himself, his whereabouts remain unknown, despite considerable efforts to find and capture him. It is apparent that he has some powerful friends ensuring he remains hidden, as offers of rewards or compensation for his capture have fallen on deaf ears. Whether he can stay hidden indefinitely remains to be seen. (+Chaos in the criminal scene, +Scandal for Brunet, -Known whereabouts of Crusoe, +properties for Kaishu and Tadasu) The Sum of its Parts Religion? No. Politics? Hardly. Imperial lines and Bafukus? Of course not. There is only one thing everyone in Ezo, be they foreigner or Japanese, can agree upon - the noble and honorable pursuit of wealth. -Katsu Kaishu While politics in Ezo remain a chaotic source of discord and intrigue, the economy of Ezo has, for the most part, performed miraculously. The personalities driving Ezo’s economic boom have largely carved for themselves specific sectors and roles that, while not mutually exclusive, have ensured cooperation on a grand scale with one common goal - to make themselves rich. Chief among the merchants within Ezo is Katsu Kaishu, one of the most influential and powerful Japanese in the Republic. Increasingly inclined to intervene in the political scene, Kaishu enjoys the tremendous boon of being an official samurai, granting him the privileges of power denied to non-samurai Japanese and foreigners alike. While not particularly popular on any personal level, his willingness to advocate for reform, and throw money at problems and potential enemies, has made him one of the power brokers within Ezo. He has begun the construction of a railroad from Hakodate to Sapporo, with a grand “Tokugawa Station” in Hakodate set to define its rapid modernization. With all of his power, however, come enemies and friends alike. Investigations have begun into his internal dealings, with some in Ezo suspicious of his intentions and wary of his political aspirations. These investigations, however, have not come from the government, but largely his competitors in the international scene, many of whom are jealous of his success and position as a samurai-merchant, a seeming conflict of interest. Thus far, the investigations have yielded nothing of note nor any illegal practices, but there can be no doubt that the wealth and power Kaishu has concentrated around himself has often come from bribery and economic power. Kaishu has largely focused in recent years on expanding his enterprises both internal and domestic, including expansion into areas abandoned by the flight of Crusoe, but has otherwise avoided any particularly nasty or conspiratorial actions. While bribery is certainly rampant within his consortium’s areas of influence, utilizing wealth to achieve your goals is by no means illegal in the Republic, and Kaishu will likely remain a power broker for some time. While Kaishu focuses primarily on internal commerce and as a middleman between foreigners, within Ezo Horace Capron rivals Kaishu and surpasses him in innovation. Capron has become a significant player in arranging for immigrants to arrive to Ezo through American middlemen, and already merchants and agricultural enterprises alike, as well as refugees themselves, are praising Capron for his work in silently driving the Ezo economy. His investments in agriculture, and the modernization thereof, have won him considerable praise from those who have profitted from the increase in productivity, as well as ensuring the viability (and self-sustainability) of Ezo. A quiet and otherwise unassuming man with few political aspirations, there are few merchants in Ezo with fewer enemies, and more friends, than Horace Capron. Internationally, Thomas Blakiston, still hurting from his tragic injury and dead wife, is the foremost bringer of international trade and commerce. Utilizing his contacts in the British navy and merchant fleet, Blakiston controls to a great degree the trade that flows to Ezo not just from Europe and the United States, but also from the rest of Asia and Britain’s colonies in India. Aside from Katsu Kaishu’s unique Russian contacts, not much enters or leaves Ezo without Blakiston’s knowledge. All of these men have thus carved for themselves a niche within Ezo’s booming economy, and it remains to be seen whether their ambitions will come to a head, or whether they will be content to cooperate to ensure continued profits. The increasing political instability, and the spectre of Meiji invasion, has raised some concern among the non-merchant segments of the population, who increasingly look to these outsiders as a source of protection, stability, and most importantly - wealth. (+Growing Ezo economy, +popularity of the non-politically involved merchants, +suspicions of their intentions) A Fair Tax ”9-9-9-9! That is my proposal for our tax rate, fair tax treatment among all four castes! Remove the discriminatory tax practices, and may we all prosper as equals! -Katsu Kaishu Katsu Kaishu was busy amid the chaos facing the Republic of Ezo, taking advantage of the widespread anger at the government for its perceived inability to both handle internal dissent and also provide a unified front against Meiji Japan, a series of rallies were held across the Republic. Holding meetings with locals to hear their problems (and periodically solve them with small infusions of cash), Katsu Kaishu attempted to both raise his profile and demonstrate the inadequacy of the samurai-exclusive government in dealing with the problems of the common folk. To coincide with his town hall blitz across the island, Katsu Kaishu also organized a number of tax protests by merchants and laborers angry about the caste-based tax rate. Conveniently ignoring his own beneficial tax status, Katsu Kaishu advocated for a dramatic lowering of the tax rate for all in Ezo, and for the tax rate to be equalized across castes. For now this has simply amounted to periodic protests by merchants and their allies, much of which was muted by the more serious coup attempt by Otori Keisuke, but there are rumors that the tax protests may increase in strength and severity should their demands be ignored. Amid this activity and protest, a series of letters have been published under the name “Yasumaro” in the newspapers of Ezo. Brilliantly written and demonstrating considerable understanding of the government and culture of Ezo, Yasumaro has written a series of treatises criticizing the government of Ezo, and calling for the gradual establishment of a unique national local culture. The Shogun in particular attracted the ire of Yasumaro, who criticized the Shogun as a figure doomed to divide the Republic. Instead, Yasumaro has advocated a unifying national figure not currently found in government, one above politics who can serve as a motivating figure for the defense of the nation. While most interpreted this as an endorsement of Emperor Enjuu, no such explicit endorsement was offered in the papers. Among intellectuals in Ezo, as well as those critical of government and seeking to enhance the position of the Emperor or institute radical reforms, Yasumaro has become an influential voice. (+popularity of Katsu Kaishu, +unhappiness at caste based taxes, +Criticism of government among intellectuals and reformers) Law and Order Our military duty lies with our state, not with our feudal lord or foul personal temptations. Look to our country to provide you honor, and in your service, make your country and your family proud! -Kasuga Saemon, an excerpt of his lecture at the military school As the Tokugawa Ieyasu University continues construction, classes have already begun on a smaller scale in some of the smaller and more hastily constructed buildings. While the grand European-style tower remains unbuilt, some of the simpler classroom structures have already seen some informal lectures, as the school seeks to lay the groundwork for its eventual expansion as the highest institution of learning in the Republic. In an attempt to raise its prestige and assist with its early development, Horace Capron increased his philanthropic standing by inviting American lawyers to lecture and teach at the to be constructed law school annex of TIU. The law annex is to be called the Tokugawa Masako School of Law (angering the Blakiston family who complained that it should be Blakiston Masako), and its first lectures saw a significant importation of American scholars and knowledge to train its prospective lawyers and professors. This has greatly increased the eventual effectiveness of the School of Law, as well as respect for the law within the Republic. The High Judge of the Supreme Court Takenaka Shigetaka has also continued the construction of the Supreme Court facility, which looks to be completed by the end of the year. Across campus, the military side of the school has already begun to resemble a European-style barracks replete with Japanese aesthetics and unique samurai training equipment. Surprising the aspiring officers of the Republic, Kasuga Saemon, a celebrity especially among Christians, made an appearance, and engaged in a series of lectures about military service, strategy, and its associated philosophy. Chief among his points was service to the Republic, as this is their ultimate duty, and the personal honor of their service stems from their devotion to their country. Though based on many lectures and writings originally of a religious bent, his speech to the military was largely devoid of religious rhetoric, though some hints of his philosophy’s origins were apparent to more astute observers. This has helped heal some of the temptations of fractionalization, and reinforced the sense of nationalistic duty among the future leaders of the Republican military. Saemon’s profile also rose as recognition of his intellectual and military assets became apparent to those within the Republic. (+Law expertise and respect in Ezo, +Sense of duty among officers, +Army training and morale, +Construction of SC building) A Bromance Too Brief My brother died… and what for? He died for you, he died for Ezo, but most importantly, he died defending the Republic against the very foreign snakes which would undermine our legitimacy and our purpose. He died in an honorable duel at the hands of a dishonorable fool! We will have vengeance, we will prevail! Joi! Expel the foreigners! - Matsudaira Sadaaki’s eulogy to his fallen brother Grieving after the unlawful death of his brother, Matsudaira Sadaaki held a great and elaborate funeral for Matsudaira Katamori. A veteran of the Sado operations, having given his leg in service of the Republic, many came to the Shinto-Buddhist ceremony to pay their respects. Sadaaki made great his role not just as a warrior but as a political and religious model to all samurai, and established for Katamori a legacy as a brave warrior and martyr to the traditional values that make Ezo great. Katamori’s body was laid to rest at the Matsudaira ancestral shrine and estate. This legacy has borne great fruit for Sadaaki, who has gathered many of Katamori’s former supporters around himself, and appears to have avoided significant blowback for his actions at the Blakiston wedding. Instead, Sadaaki has mobilized some of the more radical anti-foreign, anti-Christian elements within Ezo, and he and his militia have branded themselves defenders of the old order. As part of their operations to enforce traditional values, Sadaaki’s militia have branded themselves the “neighborhood watch,” and taken it upon themselves to police the streets of Hakodate, on the lookout for foreigners and christians performing illegal acts. This has already begun to spill over into the Crusoe-collapse debacle, with Sadaaki supporters busting gambling rings and whorehouses now operating without the organization and charisma of their former leader Thomas Crusoe. Foreigners have complained that they do not feel safe with the Nieghborhood Watch breathing down their necks, and the official authorities have been called upon to remove the militia and ensure fair treatment of foreigners and non-foreigners alike. Further complaints have arisen over the lack of prosecution of Sadaaki for his role in organizing the mob that ultimately disrupted, and ransacked, the Blakiston wedding. While the mob’s role in harming Masako Blakiston is yet unclear, the mob certainly can be blamed for escalating the violence and ensuring more died in the incident than otherwise might have. Sadaaki remains the prime suspect in the bombing itself, and the lack of accountability by the government of Ezo has greatly angered many, including the British. Yet, he is free, and faces no charges. All of this has made Sadaaki a rather polarizing figure - while most in Ezo condemn him for his role in the loss of life at the Blakiston wedding, and some still angry over the death of the Shogun’s sister, the radical xenophobic elements in Ezo have rallied around the man as one of the few willing to champion traditional values. His appointment to Army Magistrate may have contributed to the severity of the coup (as well as the neutrality of many Christians in the military during the brief conflict), and some Christians within the military are still uneasy with his appointment. (+Neighborhood watch in the streets, -Criminal and foreign illicit activities in Hakodate, +support among xenophobes for Sadaaki, -Support among foreigners and Christians for Sadaaki) International News The Fall of the Last Samurai ”Wipe them out. All of them.” - General Kuroda Kiyotaka (allegedly) Somewhere in the wilds of Ezo, a delirious Thomas Crusoe falls to the grass and experiences a vision. In it, he sees the following: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCtuZ-fDL2E[/embed] This was no mere hallucination by a known drunk and ruffian. Far to the south, Kumamoto Castle burns, its walls shattered by Napoleon cannonfire. Hundreds of samurai lay dying as the Imperial onslaught rages. Starvation, thirst, and disease had struck the remnant before this final battle. Control of logistics, modern communications, and state-of-the-art weapons from howitzers to observation balloons were deployed. The Imperials outnumbered the Satsuma samurai 6 to 1. The castle was on fire, men falling from its walls. General Yamagata Aritomo’s army troops and Admiral Kawamura Sumiyoshi’s marines overwhelmed the fortress, breaching it in multiple regions. Also among them was newly-promoted General Kuroda Kiyotaka, a former samurai of the Satsuma clan himself, now part of the force sent to suppress his former brothers. Great Saigō refused to die like a trapped beast. Taking a core of his greatest samurai brothers-in-arms, he sallied forth from a side gate on horseback, charging futilely into the waiting Gatlings of the enemy. Before they were torn apart by bullets, they cut through dozens of hapless conscripts, their muskets not quick enough to match the Satsuma pikes and blades. But this was not enough. And so, on the fields in front of his final redoubt, Saigō Takamori died a legend. No, not a legend, for that is a story, mere myth. He died a living god, embodying bushido. And with him died the hope of further samurai rebellion in the Japanese home islands. The castle fell within an hour after. Many of the samurai died instead of surrendering. But it is clear. The Satsuma Rebellion is over. Few, if any, of the defenders or followers of the fallen Saigō’s movement were able to flee the battle. They really could have used a naval evacuation. (-Saigō, -Satsuma cause, -castle crashed with NO SURVIVORS, +++stability in Meiji Japan) Operation Gargantuan Tanuki “I want the disguises ready as soon as you make landfall. If formation Ichi-Go does not materialize, use Fuku instead. But the conditions must be right! Now, drill again, this rescue must go pitch-perfect. Any shirker will be beaten!” - Hijikata Toshizō, Demon Commander Within Kumamoto Castle, Matsumae Takahiro pleads to his captors. He is on their side, he professes, and promises to take sword and rifle to join their cause, and not to run home to the north with his tail between his legs. He appeals to their honor as warriors. He threatens punishment from the imminent Tokugawa shogunate reborn and the Meiji Emperor alike. He spits that they are dishonorable, and demands to see Saigo himself. But the guards are impassive. All of a sudden a cannon bursts through the wall, crushing one of his guards. The other is shaken and collapses to the ground… his keys within the reach of the Matsumae clan head! Gingerly, the warrior from Ezochi unlocks his cage and creeps out of the castle even as Imperial forces storm it. At one point he adopts the uniform of one of the Imperials, putting on the strange rounded helmets. Matsumae slips past the battle amidst the carnage, and somehow finds his way to a small group of Shinsengumi waiting for him by the docks. That was easy. A Wooden Wall They are unable to control their army or navy… how are they to resist our force of arms? The Era of the Samurai is finally nearing its end. -Emperor Meiji With Kyushu now fully pacified, and Saigo Takamori dead, Meiji wasted no time in mocking the Ezo Republic for its internal difficulties, and declaring its intention to liberate “any and all lost territories from the usurpers.” Already, Meiji forces are streaming northward from their engagements in Kyushu to Niigata and Aomori, likely poised to retake Sado and begin preparations for an invasion of Ezo itself. Though estimates vary wildly, after taking into account casualties incurred in the bloody Satsuma conflict, Meiji Japan has some 60 - 100,000 infantry available for deployment, with yet more likely to be raised by year’s end. This does not bode well for the Republic in any ground engagement, but still holding a narrow advantage at sea, and enjoying the defensive protection of the French Navy, Ezo remains safe so long as Meiji Japan cannot break its naval dominance. The arrival of German-made vessels will narrow this gap slightly by the end of the year (offset by French vessels arriving the same time for Ezo), but some worry that one misstep or unlucky series of events could doom Ezo’s navy. Others still fear that, by sheer force of arms, Meiji could simply attempt to overwhelm Ezo’s defenses. It would incur significant casualties, but as their advantage on the ground grows, and the naval gap narrows, this strategy becomes an increasingly viable strategy. (+Meiji Preparations to invade, +Ominous fears) Delicious Hunnery “This new republic is a mob of children, fools, drunks, and Yankees. Clearly they are in need of protection.” - Max von Brandt, German Ministerresident in Tokyo Both on own accord and from encouragement by colleagues, German Consul to the Republic of Ezo Erwin Balz works briskly to invest the resources he had been endowed in as part of his diplomatic account. Working with German contacts in East Asia, as well as other foreigners, he works towards introducing publishers to come to Ezo, to capture the burgeoning literary market. Though the works of Saemon have spread quite far in the world, there’s got to be more that the island could offer in terms of written culture beyond religious-influenced works and clever signage, right? In fact, a new periodical has appeared, in broadsheet format. All it lacks now is a name. Balz also spends some time to work with the Ezo government to modernize healthcare. However, given the total distraught state of Congress and the executive during this time period, his requests amount to nothing. However, both the Iron Chancellor Hall of Scienceworks and Medics Obscura he had previously established is humming along well, and the Shiro Home for the Lost are going great, so the state of health in the country is at an all-time-high, if it wasn’t for all of the treachery and murders and duels going on. However, while the government is not listening quite so much, he is able to set up a system of volunteer doctors that are able to potential medical emergencies. Building upon the traditions of midwives and apothecaries and so forth, while being connected to the medicines and knowledge available at the Iron Chancellor Hall, Balz’s efforts are rolling along. He also gets the attention of German merchants and other travellers to the Orient, and some are inspired to come to Ezo, attracted to the very nice healing houses available. Though the murder is a bit much. Finally, German patronage of this island statelet is not completely without an agenda. After working with publishing and emergency health, the consul requests the government for closer ties with his native empire. However, again, the government is both besieged by instability, as well as rather distrustful of German-Meiji ties. The State department stands firmly with France and U.S. for defending Ezo and for inspiring it, and even the Russians for the recent treaty. However, Balz is a man of the people, despite any potential aristocratic background (perhaps not, given the lack of a von), and spends the nights after the fruitless lobbying at the Round Eye Tavern, the number spot for expatriates, even after its proprietor became a renegade. But he doesn’t drown his sorrows in Sapporo Brews- instead, he gives passionate little speeches about the righteousness of the Germanic Empire, and how Ezo should follow its course… even while the rest of Japan seems to be the one following it. While his efforts are more looked at with bewilderment than denounced, he does gain a small following with the disenfranchised of the country; Merchant Party and Freedom Party adherents have begun to listen to his lectures, and find that some of the notions of the German Empire (if not their current pro-Meiji stance) are worth looking into. (+1 newspaper in Ezo, now looking for writers ?what to name it?, *health at steady levels, +emergency services now available at a 19th century level, +modest increase in German population, +positive sentiment towards Germans among Merchantmen and Freedomers) A well regulated Militia Given the turmoil the country has experienced internally, and the threat of imminent invasion externally, the Vice President invests in purchasing some modern weapons- Winchester 1876 Repeaters Rifles for firing six rounds each every ten seconds, to offset the guns of the south; and Gatling guns for defenses. He orders it in bulk, aiming to have enough not only to supply the military branches, but for civilians in potential last ditch total warfare. The foreign powers happily supply them, and the local Merchantmen are happy as well to receive a cut by working their import angles to fulfill the huge shipment. Along with this, the Vice President is enthusiastic of having the military be prepared, even training with them as well himself with both gun and blade, becoming quite a formidable duelist than he already was. (+++rifles and Gatling guns for Ezo, +dueling abilities for Matsudaira Tarou) JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 11:18 on Mar 2, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 2, 2014 07:48
|
|
|
Congressional report With a third of Congress dead or in prison, and with the Congress occupied or in ruins for the majority of the quarter, Congress was not able to consider the variety of bills proposed at the beginning of the term. The following bills, represent those passed by Congress in previous terms, and left unsigned by the President (and thus passed without his signature): Opium Act (banning opium) War Time Contributions Act (10% Tax on Samurai Merchant Activity) Russia-Ezo Treaty on Sakhalin-Kuriles Samurai Regulation Code of 1877 The following bill was vetoed by President Enomoto, and will need to be resubmitted and passed with 2/3 approval to pass: Samurai Registration Act In order to prevent a shutdown of the government, however, the following budget was hastily approved by the now smaller Congress, with credits assigned to legislation added to the treasury for next quarter’s allocation: Q3 1877 Budget posted:Bakuhan Taisei tax structure: The new budget, taking into account the strong economy, but the temporary economic and administrative troubles associated with the coup, as well as holdover credits from the previous quarter, is as follows: Q4 1877 Budget posted:Bakuhan Taisei tax structure: Random Events The Hot Springs in the mountains of Ezo has been named “The Blossoms of Spring,” and is increasingly the main getaway for elites within Ezo, as well as the ideal location for surreptitious meetings and conspiracies. Regardless of how it has been used, The Blossoms of Spring is making its owner very wealthy, and granting him or her considerable access to information that might otherwise be difficult to obtain. Homelanders, Chained Country traditionalists continue to adore the place, though ironically foreigners are quite taken with the quaint decor as well, and are arriving in greater numbers. (+ Hot springs name, + Wealth for owner) The case Otori vs Tokugawa has had its ruling delayed. The case involves whether the Shogun has the authority to regulate samurai status in the republic, as well as general concerns regarding the legality and role of newly elevated daimyo. The High Judge, citing the political instability and complex nature of the case, decided to delay his decision until at least the end of the year. (+Delay in Otori vs Tokugawa) The Ainu continue to develop their local economy, as their organization has created a more formal sense of autonomy and independence from the government in Ezo. Inviting American merchants, Ainu have begun exploiting the timber and fishing resources of their territories, and their financial viability has increased accordingly. Among the Ainu, the American fad of eating small round bread covered in sugar, known in Ezo as “Donatsu”, has become extremely popular. A pioneering Ainu baker has since moved to Hakodate in an attempt to bring this Ainu-American cuisine to the people of Ezo. (+Ainu wealth and independence, +Donut bakery) On his estates near Hakodate, Jules Brunet has officially formed Les Militaires Mondieaux, a mercenary organization. The exact goal of this group, and Brunet’s intentions, are unclear, but it appears to be a combined military-intelligence organization based primarily around former French soldiers and a handful of native Japanese samurai. Bolstering these forces are an influx of French cannon, guns, and munitions, and Brunet’s estates have rapidly grown into a veritable cache of advanced military equipment. Were it anyone but Jules Brunet, concern would rise over whether this was the first stage of a coup or operation against the government of Ezo, but others hope that, with Meiji poised to invade the island, Brunet’s forces can provide an elite core of soldiers to assist in the island’s defense. (+LMM mercenaries for Brunet, +Gatling guns, cannon, etc on Brunet’s estate)  The young Shogun has begun construction of a large fort on his estates North of Hakodate. The plans approved by the young shogun completely dwarf the government fortress in Hakodate, and many question whether his goal is realistic, or whether the necessary capital can be raised. The Shogun and his family have begun paying for its construction and the process has begun, but the ostentatious nature of the project, and the shogun’s grand designs, render its completion questionable. (+Construction of mega-fortress for Tokugawa)  Hoping to reconcile his position with the people of Ezo after the peach-butt debacle, Finance Magistrate Nagai Naoyuki has begun production of a play based on the exploits of Miyamoto Musashi. The show proved quite a hit among foreigners and Japanese alike, and among the more avant garde in the Republic, Naoyuki has become incredibly popular. His unintentionally subversive magic lantern plays have attracted considerable respect from the intellectual and artistic community. (+Hipster cred for Naoyuki, +Artiste cred for Naoyuki, +Artsy appreciation in Ezo)  However, it is no match for the success of the Super Sentai Squadron, a fictionalized account of the samurai-rangers and of the Grand Survey that took place in the past few months. Involving Ainu, Russians, Meiji holdouts, bears, wolfmen, and geisha alike, the Super Sentai defeat evil on the frontier six nights a week at your local people’s theater. (++populist fare, ++lowest-common-denominator pablum, ++children’s imaginations) The government of Ezo allocated 5 credits, a rather sizable sum, to the construction of torpedo boats by their French allies, who were more than willing to oblige. The construction of 25 torpedo boats will take some time, however, and the French have promised 15 of the boats by Q2 of 1888, with the final 10 to arrive by Q3. Meiji is expected to act in kind with their German allies. (+Boats! Eventually) The process of modernizing Sado’s gold mine operations has begun in earnest, and some expect that by Quarter 1 of 1888, efforts by foreigners in Ezo to modernize operations and ensure the inhabitants of the island are able to utilize the new technology will yield benefits for the government of Ezo. With time, these benefits will only grow. (+Sado mine effectiveness) With Goryokaku in ruins, some are calling for the construction of a new grand fort, and one that incorporates not just the military aspect of the fort, but also its role as the administrative capital of the Republic. (+Need to rebuild Goryokaku) Map September 1877 JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 10:47 on Mar 2, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 2, 2014 07:48
|
|
|
NEW RULE! In order to avoid legislative clutter, every samurai will be able to submit 1 bill per turn, per player. Non-samurai within the cabinet also can propose 1 bill/turn. As for budgets, only the finance minister and president can propose budgets to be voted on. Anyone can make suggestions of course, but they will not be officially submitted. If you don't like a budget, use your legislative clout to stop it (or shut down government).
|
|
#
¿
Mar 2, 2014 08:55
|
|
|
Josef bugman posted:Oooh, can I volunteer? You may. Welcome! Come join us on IRC (#bop on synirc) if you want some more information or have any specific questions. A lot of the politicking occurs there too.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 6, 2014 02:20
|
|
|
Josef bugman posted:Depends on what time, I am on GMT so it's bedtime for me atm. But will try and make it there when I can. No worries. Maxrob and JosefStalinator are the GM's, so just message one of us if we're on.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 6, 2014 03:04
|
|
|
Josef bugman posted:That is the time its starting not finishing right? This is the time by which you must email your orders for the turn to ezorepublic.gm@gmail.com. Also, I'll be on IRC for a bit if you have any questions.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 8, 2014 11:31
|
|
|
The deadline has passed Better send those orders in if you haven't already!
|
|
#
¿
Mar 10, 2014 06:21
|
|
|
While the update has begun, I'm still missing a few key players' orders! It's not too late to send them in, so please do so ASAP.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 11, 2014 09:50
|
|
|
Update 4: Quarter 4 (Oct - Dec) 1877: Domestic News Fortress Ezo If the Meiji Emperor wants this island, he’ll have to eat a field of blades to get here. - Lt. Amane Fuseishutsu, Ezo Army Officer, Memoirs in a Field of Blades Throughout the civilized portions of Ezochi, the nascent military-industrial complex of the republic springs into action. Continuing the proud tradition since pre-independence times, the foreign advisors in the cabinet aid in the training of the military. Jules Brunet leads the charge, his fellow French foreigners creating a stolid officers corps based around sharpshooting and modern artillery tactics. Prancing around with the epaulettes and shiny buttons, Brunet and Messrs. Fortant, Marlin, Cazeneuve, and Bouffier impress the recruits into the military, both samurai and peasants alike. A few of them enviously eye their honors, and look at the crisper uniforms provided to the mercenary recruits at LMM…  One-eyed Blakiston similarly does the same, urging Ezo’s small population of merchant and adventuring Englishmen to bestow their martial experience. In doing so, he similarly creates a mercenary company of his own: the Soldiers Without Borders. Calling upon freebooters, filibusters, privateers, and dogs of wars of all stripes from all nations, Blakiston has begun to attract them to tiny Ezo. But even as they show up to make a mess at the Round Eye Saloon, those who sign contracts are starting to become a drain on his personal coffers. Vice President Matsudaira Tarou spent a fair amount of time himself planning out strategies, working with internal security as well as other agencies to coordinate defense plans, counteroffensives, contingencies, evacuations, and mass hari-kiri measures for every potential outcome of the invasion. His efforts also secured the purchase of thousands of winchester rifles from the United States (Capron’s efforts helped facilitate this as well), and Ezo forces immediately proceeded to master the new lever-action rifles, which quickly became the favored weapon of the samurai elite (and anyone else who could get their hands on them). Much effort was also spent by the Demon Commander of the Shinsengumi on rooting out and destroying any spies sent by the enemy. The Ainu patrol the northern coasts of the island, gamely sending alerts to the Shinsengumi of any enemy sightings. Army Minister Matsudaira Sadaaki oversaw an extensive plan in addition to the ones above. While Ezo’s numbers are small, Meiji’s speed is slow, undone by their own hulking machine. To take advantage of this, the Minister creates Plan Kaidate - named after the traditional formation of mobile shield walls, his grand strategy is to use the defensive positions of existing fortresses, coupled with newly built, temporary fortifications, to provide screened defense against the waves of Meiji. Utilizing everything from Ezo’s naval superiority to samurai mounted cavalry, the plan links up such speedy assets with warning posts, allowing groups of samurai and ashigaru footsoldiers to nip at the Meiji invaders from places of protection. Temporary forts named yagura, nicknamed for the traditional arrow stores housing archers in ancient battles, are also quickly erected as part of Plan Kaidate. These yagura are stocked with the best of the Gatling guns previously purchased by the Vice President, ready to lure the enemy into killzones that not even the Meiji Emperor himself could shake off. The veep also orders some sakamogi- small forts named after traditional stacked brush barriers in open field battles- to be built on the coast as an additional safety.  .jpg) The child shogun continued his work on his massive fort as part of the general defense of the republic, or so it is presumed. He also continued maintaining his personal forces cultivated from peasants, allowing them to even choose their own officers, under the oversight of samurai, as is natural. All in the name of the restoration of the Tokugawa, and the triumph of the republic against the Meiji usurpers. Matsudaira Naritami, chamberlain to the Tokugawa household, similarly followed his young charge’s actions. Drawing upon the venerable name of the clan, he visited the soldiers and the sailors, urging them onwards in the name of safeguarding this last remnant of samurai. Once this incursion is fought off, surely the reconquest of the mainland will be made inevitable. To achieve that end, he works tirelessly to contribute remaining Tokugawa funds towards strengthening the Ezo Navy, both as a defense against the Meiji, and in the worst case, should a second exile is necessary. Factions great and small are involved in the massive undertaking of defense. Matsumae Takahiro, back from captivity, prepares his clan for the war, outfitting them with the latest in European gear. Kasuga Saemon rallies the Christian minority, invoking visions of the 17th century revolt by Catholics in the Shimabara Domain- ironic given that was against the early Tokugawa bakufu- as well as similar martyrdoms against an overwhelming oppressive force. Spurred to action, for survival and for the faith, Christians everywhere in Ezo volunteer to join in the war effort, whether as soldiers or those in service of the fighters. Unexpectedly, some even convert to Catholicism, whether from other denominations of Christianity, or even from Shintoism or Buddhism- the vision of Catholic Japanese crusaders in silk armor starts to become the rage, and many flock to the banner.  Saemon also works extensively to introduce a new martial culture to Ezo: the franc-tireur. Inspired by the goings-on in Ezo’s patron nation, these are irregular forces cultivated from civilians with access to rifles and arms (the supply greatly enhanced over the past few months due to Vice President Matsudaira’s efforts). Farmers are taught to shoot, and hunters who know how to shoot are taught how to disrupt enemy supply lines and logistics, using their knowledge of Ezo’s wild terrain to their advantage. Ever the writer, Saemon drafts the The Maverick Mindset, a document explaining the fundamentals of franc-tireur warfare, both internal and external tactics for outwitting a numerically superior but much less flexible opponent.”* In addition to the gunplay, they are also taught how to make traps, sharpening wood for spiked pits in preparation for the holy hell that they will raise against the enemy. Throughout the land, in every village and fief, peasants and artisans become impromptu ashigaru. This of course, has had the effect of facilitating a rapid proliferation of simple weapons among the peasants and lower classes of Ezo. For now, these citizens are content to defend their homeland from their perceived threats, but already some in the elite are fearing what the long term implications of arming the general population might be… Ezo has finally, after a year of conflict, has mobilized itself for war. * due to mistranslations, this text is sometimes referred to as “Ideas on Heresy” in English. ( -gold for Blakiston from mercs, --foreign spies, +Plan Kaidate, +yagura and sakamogi, +Christians in the military and their morale, ++citizen guerrillas trained for extended partisan warfare!) (+10,000 peasant conscripts, +25,000 irregular militia**, +3,200 Samurai, +1,000 samurai upgraded to “elite” status, +Creation of SWB, +quality and equipment of all Ezo’s military) ** These are not soldiers per se, but peasants and labourers who have received some formal training in weapon use, and have been authorized to possess their weapons at all times and keep them in their homes. They will be mobilized locally in the event of a Meiji invasion, but will not be utilized in any offensive actions unless specifically conscripted. Until this time, they will continue with their normal occupations. The War Economy Come all now, step right up and open your hearts (and purses) to a grand new gate… to your future! - Jameson Wilkins, bank barker, Gate to Prosperity employee The Engines of Economy Grind Slowly, but with Exactness they Grind All. Even as the war is about to rage, the citizens of Ezo prepare the market for military action. Attempting to streamline the refugee settler-state of affairs that has dominated the rudimentary Ezo society since a decade ago, U.S. special advisor Horace Capron begins meeting with merchants (many of them among Katsu Kaichu’s Merchant Consortium), spreading American ideas of banking and finance. He proposes they reform the existing (non-)system and move towards centralization. In a mainly grassroots effort, Capron suggests that the existing banks pool their assets and collaborate in investment. He argues that secure banks incentivizes more usage of banks, and centralized banks provide secure banks. With these efforts, half a dozen small banks already have signed up to join this new institution: the Gate to Prosperity Bank.  This is the sort of radical reform that one would presume the Finance Magistrate would be vested in. However, as of press time, Nagai Naoyuki was seen morosely drinking sake and muttering, “Those meddling kids…” (+1 central bank- not yet governmentally recognized, +1 apathetic Secretary of the Treasury) Saddling the stallion This land is fertile, that is readily apparent to any fool. We Matsumae have watched over it for centuries, and we know it best. Let us lead the charge in conquering its riches, even as the exiles conspire to conquer the mainland! - Matsumae Nagahiro, son of the clan head Further north, the Matsuame clan works to harvest the minerals of their restored fief. Surveyors do their trick, foreign experts offer advice, and in no time some coal and iron mines are set up, creating a new income source for the previously benighted Matsumae. But the mines are young, and so far limited, so the clan head orders peasants to work on lumber and agriculture, for plants grow faster than rock, and are easily accessible, as well.  But not all is well in this bustling bucolic Plymouth. The Ainu aboriginal peoples, who have seen their political and social clout improve drastically over the past year, seek to turn to matters economic. And so they begin trading, not through the traditional Matsumae clan merchant middlemen, but directly, both to Yamato tradesmen (some of Katsu Kaishu’s consoritum), as well as foreigners. This breach against centuries of tradition has some Matsumae clan hopping mad at the thought of their vassal barbarians acting without them. This tension mounts further as Ainu begin exploitation of the natural resources of their own lands, working in fishing, donuts, and construction (especially for military defense) in addition to timber. Throughout all of this, foreigners and non-samurai merchants gamely wheel and deal with both sides, not caring about how they prosper off of Ezochi’s bounties. One gaijin of note is the renowned Anglican Englishman missionary John Batchelor, who has been studying the Ainu people for the past year. His accounts on the Ainu peoples, currently written in periodical dispatches and published in newspapers both in Ezo and abroad, are quickly becoming the second hottest Ezo literary export after the works of Kasuga Saemon. It remains to be seen if he is seeking to be involved in the Ainu empowerment movement beyond his writing.  (+ore mines in Matsumae territory, +lumber and agriculture, *trade war between Ainu and Matsumae!) A Snake in the Grass Dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life - President Enomoto Takeaki to Otori Keisuke In a semi-public display to the elite brass of the Ezo military, President Enomoto Takeaki asserted his role as commander in chief, and held the leader of the coup against him personally responsible for his actions. Bound and gagged to prevent suicide, Otori Keisuke was dragged by his samurai chonmage to a stage on the ruins of Goryokaku. After a brief speech in which Enomoto invoked christian imagery and mocked Keisuke’s supporters (many of whom were captive witnesses), Enomoto proceeded to enact a rather brutal punishment on his traitorous former subordinate. First revealing the forked nature of Otori Keisuke’s tongue, Keisuke was then stripped nude, revealing his haggard body, starved from months of force-feeding and attempted suicide by starvation. His weak body had to endure further torture, as Enomoto Takeaki wordlessly used his katana to hack off Keisuke’s arms one by one, tourniqueting the open wounds and splashing Keisuke’s face with water to maintain his consciousness. Following the removal of his arms, Enomoto proceeded to remove one of his legs, until but one leg was left. Enomoto then spat upon the man, and gestured, pointing out his now permanent serpentine nature. Keisuke, weary from the loss of three of his limbs, and unable to properly speak due to the forked nature of his tongue, accepted his punishment with quiet dignity. While the President had planned to ship Keisuke off to Ezo’s first zoo for display, Keisuke’s body, already weak from torture and intentional hunger, succumbed to the strain of his dismemberment, and he perished in front of the present witnesses. Enomoto simply muttered “as weak in death as in life,” and strode from the stage, wiping his sword, and declining to lecture his soldiers further on the lessons of loyalty and price for betrayal. Further words were hardly necessary. (-Otori Keisuke)  Artist's Interpretation JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 08:10 on Mar 13, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 13, 2014 07:04
|
|
|
Flight of the Crusoes I could have killed 'em all, I could've killed you. In town you're the law, out here it's me. Don't push it! Don't push it or I'll give you a war you won't believe. Let it go. Let it go! - Thomas Crusoe to one of his pursuers Thomas Crusoe, a wanted man for his actions in killing the wounded Matsudaira Katamori, continued his flight into the hinterlands of Ezo as he pursued the lawmen seeking to bring him to justice. His location in the hinterlands war known primarily by the many elaborate traps he placed for those on his trail, and some 7 bounty hunters seeking his arrest were maimed, burned, or beheaded by these bizarre traps. One man managed to reach Crusoe, but found himself captured in a bamboo cage, during which time he claims Crusoe dictated an insane rambling warning to those who might seek his capture, pleading for those to stop pursuing him. As the only man to witness Crusoe (at least without Crusoe’s consent), the story was related to other would be bounty hunters, many of whom called off their search for fear of injury or death. The only reliable information on his location and trajectory seems to suggest his flight is taking him to the heart of Ainu territory. Whether the Ainu receive him favorably, or if his insane flight continues in their lands, remains to be seen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vgZfEmvRnU (-7 bounty hunters, +1 Insane Crusoe) Also, he fell in love with an Ainu woman, who has been attending to his wounds, and is possibly carrying his starchild.  Artist depiction (+1 common law wife for Crusoe, +1 mystery child) Nationalist Party Founded Since the foundation of the Republic of Ezo, the Republican Party has attempted to balance the needs of the nation with the strictures of our tradition. We did not move here to end the domination of the samurai, nor to see the samurai slip into the past as some relic of the past. The samurai are necessary to the nation of Ezo, and their place within the state will remain a unique one. - President Enomoto Having suffered a setback in the last Congressional election, and having allowed disunity within his party to foster a semi-legal coup, President Enomoto announced a radical reorganization of the Republican faction. This has amounted to a complete disbanding of the Republican faction and the foundation of a new official political party - The Nationalist Party. While not technically the first official party in Ezo (the Freedom Party takes that distinction), the Nationalist Party will be the first organized “Western Style” Party to serve in government. Working through Horace Capron, a number of prominent Republican Party organizers from the United States arrived in Hakodate to help President Enomoto hire staff and teach them the principles of party organization. In order to further bolster his party’s prospects and undo some of the damage of the Keisuke coup, President Enomoto also allowed the rebellious congressmen to return to the congress following a pledge of loyalty to the constitution and officially joining the new Nationalist Party. This included the 3 rebellious Christian Party members, who, fearing legal ramifications (and seeking to avoid the same fate as Keisuke) accepted the offer. In one fell swoop, the President regained the primacy of his party in congress, and none in homeland offered any considerable resistance to these efforts. Enomoto also shifted the focus of his political party towards one of nationalism, adherence to the constitution (incorporating the respect for legal institutions such as the courts), maintenance of a strong navy, and a generally pro-European position. While not overtly supportive of Christians over Buddhists or Shinto adherents, the reintegration of Christians into the party, and prominent homelanders’ moves to support shinto-buddhist traditionalism, has made the Nationalist Party the preferred party of the Christians within Ezo. The reintegration of rebellious congressmen has resulted in something of a backlash, with many questioning the loyalty of the congressmen, and some within their districts advocating for their removal and replacement. This has not amounted to much in the climate of war with Meiji, but may hurt the Nationalist Party further down the line. With a new party infrastructure in place, the President and his allies moved to campaign in the by-elections for the four deceased congressmen. (-republican party, +Nationalist Party, +13 Nationalist Party Congressmen +Nationalist Party Organization) By the By (Elections) I struggled so hard. And arrived so far. But upon the finale, it does not even matter. - Goro Ikeda, former Right Republican coup member While the Nationalist Party reorganized itself and (narrowly) retook control as the largest party of congress, emergency by-elections were held for the 4 congressmen killed in the Keisuke coup. Enomoto Michiakira, in his role as speaker and party organizer, cited the unrest of the previous few months, and war with Meiji, as reason to delay the elections considerably. The elections were thus not held until December 15th, 1877, much later than they otherwise would have been scheduled. Many critics cited the Nationalist Party’s reorganization as the true cause of the elections’ delays, for by the time of the elections, the Nationalist Party’s American advisors had utilized its massive resources to conduct an aggressive and modern campaign against their opponents. On the ground, alongside President Enomoto (who actually bothered to come out for his party this time around), Enomoto Michiakira and Erwin Balz campaigned for the Nationalist Party, arguing its principles and attempting to show support for their candidates. Only Hijikata Toshizo bothered to turn out for the Homeland Party (though he was significantly hampered by his illness), but the Nationalist Party largely overshadowed his efforts. Homeland did benefit from some of the unease over the amnesty for the 13 rebellious congressmen, as well as the fact that the districts were previously supportive of Homeland candidates (and the sympathy vote came out for their successors). Ultimately however, the Nationalist Party secured victory in 3 of the 4 districts, and in the process, secured a narrow majority in congress with 26 seats. Congressional Election Results 1887 posted:House of Representatives (total 50): Speaker Enomoto Michiakira Eliminating the impossible "Looks like this naval plan... has just gone Arai. YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH" - Hanzo Koi, Chief Shinsengumi Investigator Despite the incapacitation of their leader, the Shinsengumi do not slack in the effort to uncover the perpetrators behind the Great White Wedding Massacre. Their agents continue to scour the wreckage of the ruins, hunting down leads. As they chase suspects through darkened alleyways of Hakodate, on and off suspicious unmarked vessels, and through spooky graveyards, they uncover that this plot is far larger than anyone had possibly foreseen. It goes all of the way to the top- but to which top? It is on one dark night as two Shinsengumi agents sneak into a darkened, deserted room in the Round Eye Saloon. Sitting at the table is none other than the one-eyed Groom, Blakiston of Blakiston and Co. himself. The candlelight illuminates a weary and well-worn face, and the Groom is still clad in the tattered remnants of the fine suit he had worn to that fateful day of tragedy. He reveals to them that he had been hunting the murders of his bride for the past months, and his trail had grown hot. He tells them what he knows. Revengeance is imminent.  (+beginning of a beautiful friendship) Efforts to determine the location of Arai Ikunosuke, the presumed dead former Navy Magistrate, have determined that he is alive and hiding up the coast of Ezo with the two Ezo ships under his command. His current intentions are not known, but he and a group of loyal followers appear poised to disembark at any given time, and attempts to communicate with his forces have resulted in silence and flight. With his exact intentions unclear, morale is supposedly running low in his breakaway force, with periodic defections lending information as to their location. (+knowledge of Arai Ikunosuke’s forces, +chances of capture by someone… anyone) Toshizowned “In Italian, a belladonna is a beautiful lady; in English, it's a deadly poison.” - Ambrose Bierce As the schemes of Ezo citizens past faced investigation, a new scheme in the Republic struck an even greater blow to its efforts to survive and withstand internal division. On October 7th, as Hijikata Toshizo retired to his bedchambers to enjoy the company of some of the finest escorts of the Republic, he suddenly collapsed on the floor. His guards burst into the room as the screams of his escort pierced his estate’s halls, and he was immediately rushed to Erwin Balz’s hospital in Ezo for treatment. Toshizo faced a tortuous night, and delirious, he claimed not to have any knowledge of illness or injury sustained in the preceding days. The night passed with severe vomiting and diarrhea, but the doctors were able to stabilize Toshizo, who survived the ordeal. His sickness persisted however, and the doctors quickly came to one conclusion - that Toshizo was poisoned, but would survive the ordeal. After a month of recovery, Toshizo was released from the hospital, still sickly but slowly recovering from the ordeal. Unfortunately for Toshizo, he would be unable to attend the peace conference being organized in Berlin. An investigation was immediately launched into the poisoning, as the shinsengumi vigorously pursued the attempted murder of their leader. Investigations eventually pointed to the Toshizo’s chef as the prime suspect in the poisoning, and he was promptly arrested and questioned. Further investigation revealed the presence of a vial of arsenic in his possession, matching the symptoms displayed by Toshizo, and the chef was promptly thrown in prison for his role. The chef did not reveal his motives, or if any conspiracy was involved in the effort, but theories and accusations flew regardless. Given Toshizo’s role as head of the Shinsengumi, many pointed to Arai Ikunosuke’s NINJA as the prime suspects for the murder, as well as Christian samurai upset over the shinsengumi’s role in persecuting the Christian NINJA organization and its supporters. Others simply suspect Meiji involvement in the assassination attempt, as Toshizo’s shinsengumi have proven one of the more effective organizations at stopping their subterfuge and attempts to undermine Ezo from within. This would also disrupt the Berlin peace conference, for which Toshizo was one of the key Ezo representatives. Another possibility is political sabotage - as one of the few campaigning for homeland, his sickness greatly impeded homeland’s campaigns in the congressional by elections. Others suspect the chef was working alone, but failing a motive, few buy this explanation. Whoever was responsible for the assassination attempt, Toshizo remains in recovery in the hospital under heavy guard, though he will likely return to perform his duties soon. The shinsengumi are livid over the events, and have sworn to bring the responsible party (or parties) to justice. Buriburi-kun and company have already vowed to take the case and unmask the culprit. (+Sickness of Toshizo, + (attempted) MURDER MYSTERY!) Sengoku Jidai 2: Electric Boogaloo “Man's schemes are inferior to those made by heaven” - Chinese Proverb While Ezo has been rapidly mobilizing its economic assets and fully realizing its military potential, a worrying trend has begun to characterize Ezo’s military. While unsurprising given the former Bafuku’s own decentralized nature, Ezo’s army has increasingly been given sway to factionalism, as recruitment efforts by military leaders, party leaders, and members of the cabinet themselves seem as interested in ensuring loyalty to their individual causes as their collective patriotic cause. The passage of the Strengthen the Republic bill theoretically does away with much of this factionalization, but as yet, the government of Ezo has done nothing to enforce the authority of the President as commander in chief over the paramilitaries cropping up all over Ezo. The actions of the former Army Magistrate Otori Keisuke, and his violent execution, have created a backlash against the decentralization of the army, especially as the threat of Meiji looms over the island. Foreign companies, such as the LMM and SWB, also worry the natives of Ezo. Theoretically independent from the laws of Ezo, foreign run mercenary companies have considerable autonomy, but many samurai are fearful of what role these groups might play in any Meiji invasion or action of internal dissent. Brunet’s LMM participated in quelling the Keisuke coup, but some worry that, should the mercenary groups become displeased, or should a foreign power seek to strike against Ezo itself, there already exists a sizable garrison of potentially traitorous troops lurking near the capital. Needless to say, unless the President or his cabinet act to quell the rise of military factions, they threaten to tear Ezo apart. For now, the threat of Meiji is staying everyone’s hand, but this may not last. (+Backlash against factionalization, +backlash against foreign mercenary groups) International News Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue ”For twoscore and four years, America and the Japanese people have formed one of the great and enduring alliances of modern times. From that alliance has come an era of peace in the Pacific.” - Grover Cleveland, U.S. President Special advisor Horace Capron has not been idle throughout the mounting crisis. Returning to his homeland with a special group of citizens from Ezo, Capron beseeched the State Department of the United States to assist in the impending crisis. He proclaimed the trustworthiness of the Republic of Ezo, its commitment to the same values of liberty and free trade, and pointed towards its adoption of a government similar to their own and safe harboring of good Christian believers as signs that it should not perish from the earth. During a live Senate hearing, Capron waved a book of poetry by Kasuga Saemon before the American legislators, pointing to the cover where it was stained “from the blood of Ezochian patriots fighting against Oriental tyranny.” Later historians would identify the blood as belonging to a samurai slain in a fierce duel after another one had insulted his opinions on proper haiku meter, or perhaps a bar brawl at the Round Eye Saloon. Regardless, his fervent declarations of the worthiness of Ezo, as well as feverish reports of the dire situation afflicting the wayward island were quite affecting.  Moved by his his heavy lobbying, the American president himself met with Capron, and even several Christian exiles who had previously fled the Japanese mainland. He consented to dispatching the Pacific Squadron on a “goodwill peace visit” to Hakodate, Yokohama, and elsewhere, hoping that this show of friendship and support would convince all local powers to refrain from warfare and discord. While this is not an actual military response to the Meiji, it does bring hope that it would act as a reminder to the southern Japanese government that other powers are watching its activities.  Not content with simply one solution, advisor Capron also visited the port cities of the Eastern Seaboard, with a jaunt to California as well, parading around his retinue of Christians, who each gave harrowing tales about the murderous samurai-massacres of the Meiji. (The fact that the samurai was previously a warrior caste is not mentioned, except in the context of being good Catholic warriors- Templar of the East, perhaps?) The completely exotic and foreign nature of his demonstrations revived old bygone notions of Prester John. One unlikely base of support arose: several West Coast chapters of the Know-Nothings appeared at Capron’s chautauquas. It would seem that the idea of a dynamic new Asiatic state- where Asiatics would flee to, rather than to less Asiatic climes- is quite attractive to those who are fans of a Northern American for, erm, Europeans. Not to mention that this Batchelor fellow claims that there are fellow Caucasians living on this island! Fancy that. While less unsavory conventional business interests are not much willing to back Capron’s proposals of sending additional ships to Ezo to prevent war, he is able to find several nativist adventurers who are willing to contribute boats and volunteers to go to Asia to keep Asia away from America.  (+Pacific Squadron now touring Asia, +American sympathy, +xenophobes like Ezo now, +several racist ships join the American expeditionary fleet) German nationals in Ezo content with status quo Teile und herrsche! - Gottwald Teichert, beer barrel merchant Beyond making patriotic speeches, the Tokugawa chamberlain engaged in some diplomatic actions, forging ties with the foreign patrons, insisting that the Ezo Republic is the future, not the Meiji. Matsudaira Naritami even met with the Germans, the presumed allies to the Meiji Japanese, and convinces them to adopt a stance of neutrality during this crisis. Though aside from Consul Balz there are not many representatives of the German government itself, he is able to convince the traders and business peoples to refrain from working as spies. If two Japans continue to persist, they reason amongst themselves, then the potential for bidding wars and other economic opportunities continue. For the time being, the Germans in Hakodate are happy to continue doing business with both sides of the conflict, including selling arms, without showing favoritism to either. (+Neutrality of Germans within Ezo) Balance of Power The question of war and peace, as far as Germany is concerned, will be decided in Berlin and in no other capital” -Chancellor Otto von Bismarck on the Far East While the conflict between Ezo and Meiji heated up, in Europe, efforts to defuse the crisis were already underway. After heavy lobbying by Erwin Balz, and efforts at conciliation by President Enomoto (who penned a favorable editorial for Germany in Hakodate’s newspaper), Otto von Bismarck agreed to facilitate a meeting between representatives of Ezo and Meiji in order to avoid further bloodshed. Likely on Bismarck’s mind, however, was the potential for the situation to escalate into a proxy war - and the decision by France to send 5 warships to Hakodate seemed to reinforce this fear. Germany’s own commitments to Meiji Japan would likely require considerable aid, if not open intervention, in the event of French involvement, and Bismarck, ever the realist with a fetish for balance of power politics, hoped to avoid such an outcome. Initially, Hijikata Toshizo was to attend the peace conference, but after his attempted assassination, Hiyashi Tadasu (foreign magistrate) was chosen instead. Meiji was reluctant to attend for fear of legitimizing the government it considers to be nothing more than a rebellion, but after receiving assurances from Chancellor Bismarck that the conference amounted to nothing more than “an informal meeting for discussion of peace,” and not an official diplomatic conference that conveyed legitimacy, Meiji consented to send a representative. The chosen representative was Suematsu Kenchou. As delegates arrived at the conference, the usual diplomatic niceties were exchanged (except between Ezo and Meiji), and French, German, Ezo, and Meiji representatives met behind closed doors to make their intentions and positions clear. Both European powers refused to recognize their opposing client states’ legitimacy, and instead focused on conflict mitigation, pressing their allies to offer concessions and return to the status quo ante bellum. Meiji struck a far more aggressive tone, and arguing that its victory was imminent, insisted that Ezo could offer nothing more than “total surrender” to satisfy their demands for peace. Meiji rallied not just against Ezo, but Russia as well, and openly rejected the legitimacy of the Ezo-Russian Treaty of 1877, declaring the Kuriles and Sakhalin to be sovereign Japanese territory. Clearly angry, and with little desire for peace, Meiji spent most of the conference bitterly rejecting Ezo’s conciliatory attitudes. Ezo’s delegates arrived without clear parameters for peace or negotiation, but unlike Meiji, seemed eager to avoid further bloodshed, and called upon Europe (especially France) to intervene in the event that one of the two sides should dominate the Japanese archipelago. As it stands, both sides have initiated dialogue, and all that needs happen now is for representatives of their governments to receive their positions and offers. As the situation on the ground changes, so might their willingness for peace, but as it stands, the conference has served to facilitate dialogue and nothing more. In other related international news, Jules Brunet personally penned a letter to President Patrice de MacMahon of France asking for clarification of France’s role in protecting Ezo from foreign invasion, and inquiring as to the status of France’s fleet positioned in the Far East. President MacMahon, attempting to avoid escalation of the conflict, reassured Brunet that “any and all preparations necessary to preserve peace in the Far East have already been made, and we would prefer a diplomatic solution to any military escalation.” This non answer somewhat perturbed Brunet, but one change was evident: shortly after the arrival of this letter, the French navy, which maintains a small but modern squadron near its concession in the Chinese city of Tianjin, became considerably more active. In fact, a request for harbor in Hakodate was made with the local port authorities, and 5 French Armored Frigates docked shortly thereafter with Ezo’s permission. They remain in port, as French crews take a lengthy vacation, and are enjoying the sights and entertainment offered by Hakodate’s foreign quarters. As of now, their intention is entirely neutral and non-military in nature, but a clear message has been sent to Ezo’s enemies. (+French Naval Presence in Hakodate, +Conference in Berlin) A Sado Day Indeed They think they have won. We will make them bleed -Samurai commander on Sado While the island of Ezo was turned into a veritable fortress, Sado did not enjoy quite the same fortification efforts. Most of Ezo’s military had returned to Ezo in haste after Otori Keisuke’s coup dispersed them to Ezo’s far corners, and little effort had been taken to replace the lost garrisons. Still, some 500 samurai forces populated Sado and oversaw its defense and pacification, and the Ezo fleet in Hakodate was ready for dispatch in the event that Meiji’s forces made a move. Such a move came on October 3rd, as Meiji’s navy, now bolstered by three shiny new German produced armored frigates and a collection of torpedo boats, approached the island of Sado and commenced a bombardment of its coastline. As this bombardment gathered steam, transport vessels appeared on the horizon, and Ezo samurai steeled themselves for an impending invasion. Ezo’s navy was quick to react, and while it possessed fewer top of the line frigates, it did enjoy superiority in number, even without the 2 ships that disappeared with the former Navy Magistrate. With Katsu Kaishu at its head, the Ezo navy steamed towards Sado to intercept the invading Meiji. Yet, they arrived too late. By the time Ezo’s ships arrived at Sado, Meiji forces had already streamed onto the island, and had begun setting up defensive fortifications to repel any naval counter-attack. With no land reinforcements forthcoming, Katsu Kaishu made the decision to simply support the evacuation of the island, while Ezo forces in Sado made Meiji pay for its invasion with blood. Meiji forces were forced, due to the geography of the island, to land on open beaches vulnerable to Ezo fire. Hoping to test the very methods by which they would defend the main island of Ezo itself, Ezo forces took position in the highlands and temporary forts dotting the beaches, and proceeded to incur as heavy losses as was reasonably possible on the invaders. Eventually forced to withdraw, the samurai resorted to partisan tactics to delay and harass the invading Meiji, and efforts to arm the local population to resist produced mixed results. What did result of this policy, however, was a brutal suppression of locals suspected of supporting Ezo forces, with reports of mass hangings and executions across Sado in the wake of successful Meiji military actions. Regardless, the samurai quickly found their position tenuous, and proceeded to destroy the gold mine in which the government had invested considerable resources, rather than let it fall into Meiji’s hands. Their efforts were mostly successful, with access to the mine blocked, though Meiji immediately sought to clear the wreckage and take advantage of the modernization that had occurred in their brief absence. The remaining samurai then took to the hills of Sado, and, with considerably higher morale and better training than the Meiji who had done the same, continue to wreak terror upon the local population and garrison. Some samurai have been evacuated by the navy and brought back to Ezo, minimizing losses. Supplies of weapon, ammunition, and food have also been smuggled in by the navy and shinsengumi to support the samurai in the hills. In all, the battle of Sado was over very quickly, but the guerilla war still rages. Meiji has paid a surprisingly high price for an island that was only minimally defended (incurring some 1,300 losses, including partisan activity), and this may provide some hint at what an invasion of Ezo proper might look like. (+Sado for Meiji, +3 new armored frigates - 200 samurai, +samurai partisans in the hills) JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 09:24 on Mar 13, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 13, 2014 07:04
|
|
|
A Porous Plan A small leak will sink a great ship.” - Benjamin Franklin As Meiji forces celebrated their costly victory in Sado, Ezo made its first move to strike at the heart of Meiji itself. With a sizable portion of the Meiji navy now docked at Niigata, having supported the Sado invasion, Ezo forces sought to covertly sabotage Meiji’s navy and destroy it at port, followed by a crushing victory at sea. On December 7th, a group of merchant vessels requested permission to dock at Niigata, claiming to possess chinese goods for trade. The vessels were granted permission by the Niigata authorities, but these were no simple traders - aboard the merchant vessels were Ezo samurai in disguise. Their mission was to sabotage the port facilities at Niigata, burn Meiji’s navy, and capture any ships possible, before absconding with them to the high seas. Once at sea, they were to meet up with Katsu Kaishu and the navy to utilize their advantage to deal a crushing blow to Meiji’s fleet, and secure Ezo’s independence. Yet, all does not always go according to plan. As the trojan vessel arrived in port, the fact that something was amiss became readily apparent. The Meiji fleet, seemingly in port due to the presence of many smokestacks on the horizon, was nowhere to be found, but instead large army garrisons could be seen encamped around the city, with large fires blazes from their camps. The inhabitants of the ships grew more nervous as they approached a dock that was entirely deserted, with no visible attendants or dockworkers to tend to their docking needs. Their suspicions and fears were confirmed almost immediately as the ship approached its designated dock, for the very moment the crew prepared to disembark, cannonfire erupted and pierced the ship’s decks. Matsudaira Sadaaki, personally commanding the operation, displayed brilliant leadership and screamed for his soldiers to leap into the water to avoid the cannonfire, and his soldiers proceeded to do so. Dispersing through the water, they collected themselves further up the docks, as Meiji soldiers began firing in the water and on the boat for any stragglers.  Moments later, another cannon pierced the ship, this time igniting the many explosives the samurai had smuggled within their vessel. The ship’s explosion clearly surprised the Meiji, and demolished much of the docking area, and proceeded to set some of the adjoining buildings ablaze. With shrapnel falling from the sky, and the situation spiraling out of control, Sadaaki rallied his men, and sought to do what he could with a rather dire situation. Recognizing the absence of the Meiji fleet, Sadaaki and his men were forced to evacuate with what little damage they had done, charging bravely into battle against a contingent of Meiji soldiers. Sadaaki and his group dispatched them with ease, and seizing their weapons, set fire to nearby buildings in an effort to inflict as much damage as possible on the Meiji. The Meiji had begun to rally, and while Sadaaki’s men were effective at dispatching groups many times their size, their small number would eventually doom them to capture of death at the hands of the local garrison. Accepting that little more could be done, Sadaaki and his crew seized a nearby vessel and proceeded to flee the harbor, using the smoke and chaos from the fire as cover for their retreat. Somewhat miraculously, their strategy worked, and despite sustaining cannonfire to their small vessel, the samurai were able to escape the harbor proper, and disembark up the coast, fleeing northward until waiting naval vessels arrived to whisk them back to Ezo. The navy of Ezo, having waited for the signal to engage a weakened Meiji fleet, preoccupied itself with the evacuation of the samurai, having witnessed the failure of the covert operation to deal a decisive blow to Meiji’s forces. Sadaaki had inflicted some damage, and his bravery in the operation won him considerable praise at home. Upon his return, despite the operation’s failure, he was hailed as a hero, and morale among all in Ezo was boosted by the largely ineffective operation. What was more distressing to Ezo, however, was the implications of the failed operation. Meiji appeared to anticipate Ezo’s every move - they had evacuated their fleet well in advance of the operation, and later spies confirmed that the fleet had been docked at Niigata only days before, and had since returned back to the area. Meiji forces had used trickery to lure Ezo into continuing its operation, and were eager to allow the covert forces in without trouble, hoping to slaughter them en masse once within the harbor. While the quick thinking of Sadaaki averted full disaster, one thing was clear - someone with knowledge of the operation had leaked the plans to the Meiji in advance of Sadaaki’s arrival. (+Minor damage to Niigata, +great popularity boost and honor for Sadaaki, ++morale back home, +snakery?) Congressional Report With Congress largely reinstated (though down 4 congressmen before the by-elections), two pieces of legislation were proposed. The delay in the by-election by the Speaker of Congress ensured that the full Congressional delegation (including a Nationalist majority) would not be seated for any votes until the coming Quarter. Wartime Contributions Act Final Vote: PASSED 26 - 20 In very party-line votes, the WCA barely passed congress. Sakoku and homeland both came out against the bill, seeking not to dilute the samurai class with a bunch of merchants. The merchant faction joined the newly formed nationalist party in voting yes, and with the 13 formerly rogue congressmen falling in line with the nationalists, the bill narrowly passed. Merchants with larger vessels capable of fielding at least two cannons have eagerly begun signing up for the navy, both for patriotic duty, but also to attain samurai status and avoid the heavy taxation that merchants face. (+35 Converted Merchant Vessels, -collected merchant taxes, +a handful of new samurai) Ainu Normalization Act Final Vote: FAILED 17 - 26 Homeland came out against the Ainu bill, as did Sakoku, but what doomed the bill was the defection of six Nationalist Party congressmen. These six congressmen expressed disgust at the concept of equality for Ainu along the same lines as Japanese, and voted against the bill. They cited the elevation of the Ainu leader to ceremonial daimyo as “enough of a travesty and dilution of samurai status and Japanese superiority as any other,” and did not want to further this trend of equality. (+Revelation of anti-Ainu prejudice  )Strengthen the Republic Bill Final Vote: PASSED 44 - 3 The only objections came from the three former Christian faction congressmen, who voted no largely out of protest. The passage of the bill reinforces the top-down nature of the military, and officially disbands NINJA, authorizing law enforcement to prosecute those still claiming loyalty to the organization. As a result of the law’s passage, a number of prominent NINJA personnel surrendered themselves willingly to the government, though most of the leadership remains at large. (+Reinforcement of military authority, -many NINJA members, +stability) Congress also approved the appointment of Matsumae Takahiro as Education Magistrate. The Sakoku faction thus lost its last cabinet representative. The following budget was also passed by congress without any difficulties: Q4 Budget posted:Bakuhan Taisei tax structure: The following budget represents the finances available to Ezo for Q1 of 1888. Merchant income has fallen as many were made samurai in light of the Wartime Contributions Act, though taxation rose across the board as the economy recovered from the coup and internal discord. Maintenance costs rose as the country finally fully mobilized for war, and the newly expanded army began to place a burden on the treasury of the Republic. Q1 1888 Budget posted:Bakuhan Taisei tax structure: Random Events The Meiji “ambassador” (more the representative of Meiji in Ezo) has taken it upon himself to purchase and open a restaurant, which he has titled “Sushi-tennou” or Emperor Sushi. Knowing his allegiance, few native Ezo have chosen to patronize his establishment, though foreigners (especially Germans) don’t seem to mind.’ (+New Sushi restaurant) Among the shinsengumi, football (inexplicably called “Sokka” by the residents of Ezo) is becoming increasingly popular. Sokka is popular among the children of the elite, as Toshizo has argued that sports are a good method of distraction for otherwise bored or frightened children. Cricket and sokka now tower above all other sports in Ezo, though for the time being there is little time for leisure as the war against Meiji continues to rage. (+Sokka popularity in Ezo, especially among the elite and their children) In Central Ezo, near the village of Obihiro, a model school has been constructed and opened by the Matsumae clan. The goal of this school is to educate the rural residents in the Japanese ways, and to encourage the cohabitation and integration of Ainu within Ezo society. Its curriculum places heavy emphasis on the importance of learning Japanese, mathematics, bushido and the superiority of the samurai class, as well as expounding traditional values and disparaging Christianity. (+Education for children of the Ainu, +Indoctrination of Children in central Ezo) Enomoto Michiakira, in a gesture intended to mock Jules Brunet’s ambitions, spared no expense in constructing the “flagship” of Brunet’s fledgeling mercenary navy. This ship amounted to a sailboat fit for 2 people at most, though it was exquisitely painted and imported from France itself. Brunet appears to have requested this boat, so this joke was taken most kindly, and many speculate that Michiakira and Jules may be seeking to take a boat ride together off the coast of Ezo’s shores. (+tiny sailboat for Brunet, +budding bromance) Enomoto Michiakira also purchased a plot of land in central Ezo, ostensibly because it has become the rage in Ezo for the elite to purchase otherwise worthless land and conduct economic experiments on them, or build fortresses for their retinues and schemes. (+land for enomoto michiakira) Thomas Blakiston has increased his efforts to integrate all of Britain’s East Asian trade network into his Ezo-based merchant empire, and has succeeded in establishing a base in Northern Formosa near the village of Keelung. This has turned into the base of operations for his Southeast Asian trade. (+Keelung trade for Blakiston) Emperor Enjuu appears to have ended his decade of isolation, and has begun touring Ezo in an effort to rally forces for the defense of the homeland. His focus has been recruiting eager citizens to join the militias preparing for the defense of the island in the event of Meiji invasion, and as a result, both his own popularity and recruitment for militias has been bolstered. Katsu Kaishu’s militias appear the main benefactors of this recruitment effort, and the navy minister himself has succeeded in creating a rather modern and sizable militia force ready to repel any invaders. (+Popularity of Emperor, +Defensive Militias) Jules Brunet, in an effort to smooth over relations after the Crusoe incident, has distanced himself from the escape fugitive and done a tour of Hakodate to demonstrate his wealth and goodwill, spending considerable amounts of his cash on local businesses and helping the poor. This has helped recover some of his lost reputation, but continuing violence and criminal activity has made Crusoe sorely missed within Hakodate. Brunet has also taken it upon himself to bolster his small mercenary navy with a torpedo boat refitted from France, and has made it the flagship of his fleet. While not particularly impressive, this does place Brunet in a position to marginally help any naval operations. Brunet also organized an operation to explore Formosa, dispatching 5 members of his LMM to explore its Eastern coast. None of have returned. (+Torpedo Boat and flagship for the LMM, +Brunet’s reputation -Formosa expeditionary force) The High Court building sponsored by President Enomoto has been completed, boasting an impressive grand court hall, chambers for the justices, and some adjoining office areas for clerks and other administrative purposes. The building is most impressive, and has boosted the legitimacy and prestige of the High Court. (+High Court building) Emperor Enjuu has taken it upon himself to plan and finance the construction of a great shrine in Sapporo. The shrine is set to be the largest in all Ezo, and has been seen as a sign of Sapporo’s ascendancy in Ezo as it rapidly grows into Ezo’s second city. The shrine’s specifications are not yet set, and it would benefit from some investment by the state if it is to reach the size and grand desires of its Emperor. The shrine is also designed to house kami, but the total number has yet to be set, nor is it clear which kami will be enshrined within. The Shinto laity wait with anticipation.  (+Construction of shrine, +prestige of shintoism within Ezo, +Emperor role in shintoism) The magic lantern industry suddenly becomes more competitive, with the arrival of two pasty brothers from some godforsaken island out in gaijinland.  They have set up shop in Hakodate showing images of their drizzly hellhole of a homeland, until the outgoing former Education Magistrate Itakura Katsukiyo suggests that they get a government contract, instead. The Department of Propa- er, Education sends them a few coppers and official Ezo Republic magic lantern shows are put on, about magical tanuki and other clever forest kami foiling evil white suited not-samurai. In doing so, many are taught proper ways to build traps to catch some Meiji invaders. And it seems like the former Education Magistrate is still continuing his work and retains connections to his former organization, despite no longer being in power.  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3C5GN15kas(+commoners aware of how to fight, the Finance Magistrate now has a rival in the magic lantern business) As promised, two top of the line French armored frigates arrived in Ezo at the start of the year, replete with crews and ready to take part in any combat operations. (+2 Armored Frigates for Ezo!) The center of government remains unbuilt, as the wreckage of Goryokaku (the star fort that served as the center of government in ezo) continues to smolder from damages incurred in the coup. (+Need for capital building) A massive explosion ripped apart a teahouse and adjoining buildings in Hakodate’s merchant district, killing nine and injuring 15 during the busy trading hours. The cause of the explosion is yet unknown, but the merchant who owned the shop was a minor merchant without any connections to the powers that be in Ezo. Many suspect involvement of criminal organizations currently duking it out for leadership of Crusoe’s former crime empire. While a small fire broke out, it was rapidly contained, and the wreckage has since been cleared away. (+explosion in downtown Hakodate +fear of criminal violence) Map January 1st, 1878  JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 09:32 on Mar 13, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 13, 2014 07:04
|
|
|
Namtab posted:I am now the former education minister, and I'm mad as h*ck. You may rejoin as the former education minister, but remember, no grudges from your previous life will be allowed!
|
|
#
¿
Mar 13, 2014 22:30
|
|
|
EDIT: I'm an idiot who cannot read, ignore this post. Turns are still due tonight (Tuesday 3/18) as per MaxRob's post. JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 23:51 on Mar 18, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 18, 2014 23:44
|
|
|
Interstellar Owl posted:
Welcome aboard! Feel free to send orders for this turn if you want - we haven't quite processed them yet. Just do so ASAP.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 20, 2014 03:53
|
|
|
Don't worry, it'll be up in a few hours.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 26, 2014 23:47
|
|
|
Update 5: Quarter 1 (Jan - Mar) 1878: Domestic News Cherry Blossom Blizzard Japan itself is much like the Sakura petal: she is beautiful, yet fragile. - Matsudaira Sadaaki There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. - John Adams In response to the nationalist party’s rapid reformation into an American style political party, the homeland faction in Congress adopted a similar organizational method, restyling itself as Sakura-kai, or the Sakura Party. This was not difficult, as the Nationalist example was largely followed, and some of the same advisors who assisted the nationalists were more than willing to assist the homelanders in adopting the same party organization and principles. Though they have yet to face an election, the Sakura party hopes to utilize this new organization and clarity of message to support their future campaigns. The Sakura Party largely shifted their ideological focus away from revanchism, which appears to have enjoyed considerable cross-party support, and instead toward the preservation of tradition and order within Ezo. This has resulted in Sakura-kai enjoying the support of the shinto-buddhist laity, devout buddhist, traditionalists, and those seeking to preserve samurai privilege against perceived foreign threats. Channeling the general anti-Christian, anti-foreign sentiment held by many within Ezo, Sakura-kai has become something analogous to conservative or reactionary parties of the West, with a strong emphasis on traditional religious and political institutions. Sakurakai has also come out more strongly in support of the claimant emperor and the shogun both, taking a stronger position than homeland had in the past. With these proclamations, and with a strong emphasis on tradition and anti-Christian/foreign influences, Sakoku-ha (chained country faction) leaders willingly joined the Sakura party, resulting in Sakura reinforcing its position as the official opposition, and sitting only 5 seats behind the Nationalists and a majority in congress. All of homeland went willingly into the new Sakura Party’s fold, changing their official affiliation in congress. This party reformation has resulted in the consolidation of the factions within Ezo into two major parties - Nationalists and Sakura, with the merchant faction splintering into three independents (see below). While the Nationalists narrowly control a majority, the conduct of the war with Meiji will likely determine whether they continue to control Congress come elections in 1879. Congress Composition posted:Congress: (+Sakura Party, -Homeland factoin, -Sakoku faction) Attack on Tokugawa Is that… a… balloon? What the hell? I love balloons. - President Enomoto Seid ihr das Essen? Nein, wir sind der Jäger! - Erwin Balz While Meiji loomed off Ezo’s shores, deep within Ezo’s borders, a great celebration and elite party was planned near the young Shogun Tokugawa’s burgeoning castle project. Yet incomplete, the castle is still largely just a foundation, with grandiose plans on Tokugawa’s part to construct the greatest castle in East Asia. To fulfill this goal, the Shogun and his chamberlain prepared a gathering of notables within Ezo, a grand shindig to commemorate the creation of this new fortress. While President Enomoto was unfortunately preoccupied, he did send via raven a very nice note wishing the Shogun the best. In the past few months, the republican government was instrumental in aiding the construction efforts, with the newly-formed Ezo Army Corps of Engineers both supervising and guarding the efforts from dastardly Meiji plots. The Shogun and his elite patrons gathered to celebrate the new year on February 2nd (Ezo maintaining the traditional Chinese New Year still), and the Shogun’s Great Castlely Inaugural Ball and New Year Celebration was thrown. The uppercrust of all over the island were in attendance, with the Shogun and his chamberlain politely but aggressively pressing for donations for the war effort - the majority of which would be used in the construction of his great fortress.  Among the many proposals for the fortress, which ranged from the practical to the childish, one notable proposal stood out to the gathered patrons - that the fortress could replace Goryokaku as both the symbolic and administrative hub of the Republic. While many still prefer to rebuild Goryokaku (for symbolic and sentimental reasons), the location of the proposed castle near lakes Onuma and Konuma a short journey north of the capital make it a somewhat realistic prospect. As the foundation of Ezo’s nascent railroad line would certainly service such a route relatively quickly, it could foster the construction and make realistic the journey between the economic hub and its proposed political hub. A group of gathered American city planners were especially intrigued by the idea, and the idea of planning certain buildings in a European or American style across a planned capital city was floated with mixed reception. As the elite hobnobbing continued, midnight approached, and the patrons gathered to celebrate the midnight hour, and chase away the negative spirits of the year. The fears of invasion by Meiji Japan made this a particularly desirable prospect, and with great vigor fireworks, balloons, and other such celebratory devices were prepared. At the stroke of midnight, the crowd burst into a great cheer, and the European and Japanese crowd combined to enjoy a moment of merriment and celebration. As the merriment went into full swing however, movements around the party hinted at what was to come. As most guests imbibed of liquors and generally caroused and set off their last batches of fireworks, military forces gathered near the outskirts of the party, taking advantage of the chaos to organize and prepare to act. At precisely Rei Kurai San Juu, the Ball was suddenly disrupted by the entrance of armed forces of the Republic of Ezo, who immediately began demanding the audience of the young shogun. The chamberlain of the shogun, as his regent, attempted to defuse the situation, but the young shogun himself intervened. As but a child of 14 years, the young shogun was not particularly adept at handling his liquor, and he stumbled upon the military forces sternly demanding his attention. Cursing them and demanding they leave his party, the soldiers somberly informed him of his arrest, which took a few moments for the young shogun to register. While contemplating flight, the shogun instead drew his sword, and cursed the soldiers, calling them traitors, and informing them that they will “befall the same fate as those who stood in my way in Sado.” Alas, sober and favored by the gods, the shogun fought more bravely in Sado, and was quickly wrestled to the ground by the accompanying soldiers. A brief brawl ensued, as many foreigners and neutral onlookers took advantage of the chaos to attempt to flee the party, and supporters of the shogun began agitating for the soldiers to leave in order to protect their shogun. Quick thinking on the part of the chamberlain in staying his supporters’ hands prevented any serious bloodshed, though the soldiers were forced to wrestle many of the shogun’s supporters outside to prevent them from attempting to storm the building. The ensuing struggle saw the abandonment of the management of party favors - releasing a great number of balloons that had strangely been kept apart from the celebration, into the sky.  Ultimately, the shogun was subdued, and was transported back to Hakodate in chains and in the President’s custody. He stands accused of the murder of Masako Blakiston, as well as for his role in facilitating the chaos that resulted in the injury or murder of additional dozen people at Blakiston’s wedding. Blakiston and the British immediately applauded the arrest, declaring that the evidence of their investigations pointed toward the shogun, and demanding justice for the dead. The shogun’s supporters decried the arrest as treasonous and lacking substantial evidence, and vowed to defend the shogun legally, and if necessary, by force. Public opinion largely favored the shogun, and while some certainly suspect his guilt in the affair, the general lack of concern for foreigners, as well as respect for the Shogun’s conduct in the war and his position as shogun shielded him from much criticism. Whether this will change as the trial commences is uncertain, but as it stands, many are dismayed and angry over his arrest. The chamberlain of the shogun has the most reason to be dismayed - at the hour of his height, as the shogun’s castle appeared on the verge of attracting donors and potentially serving as the capital of the Republic itself, the spotlight shifted dramatically away from his plans. The overall plan is still not without merit or backers, but will need to be relaunched, and likely rebranded, in light of recent events. (-one alleged wedding crasher, +shogun in custody, +outrage over his arrest, +++British-Ezo relations, +Ezo has an Army Corps of Engineers, +an incredibly sad chamberlain) Grounded for Life I protest these insulting actions! These radical republicans have forgotten their place, they exist to serve the shogunate, and not the other way around. There is no Ezo Republic without the bakufu, and there is no bakufu without the rightful shogun! Free the shogun or feel our swords!” - Arato Ichizo, Tokugawa retainer The entire arrest operation was massive in scope, perhaps fittingly the largest domestic military operation since Otori Keisuke’s attempted coup of the previous year. Not only were the Ezo Army Corps of Engineers, other army units, and local police units under the authorization of President Enomoto involved, but so were various military formations under Vice President Matsudaira Tarou’s command, agents of the Shinsengumi, and even the foreign fighters of the Les Militaires Mondiaux. The overwhelming presence of republican forces, as well as chamberlain Naritami’s quick thinking, was enough to cow the shogunate guards to stand down, recognizing the authority of the government. His current whereabouts are unknown, but he is undoubtedly in the hands of the government of the Ezo Republic, awaiting trial for rampant sororicide and terrorism. Rumors abound that the shogun is under intense stress, restricted to his quarters and given meals without dessert. Whispers also abound that he is being deprived of his expansive collection of toy replicas of weapons and torture devices while Others claim that the shogun has gone insane from the conditions, reporting that they hear wailing and crying laughter at all hours, the once august ruler screaming, “hahahahahahahha I want my haha haha haha.” The bakufu-in-exile is currently in flux at the shock of the arrest of their leader. An angry faction has already formed, furiously demanding the immediate release of the shogun, with redress to quickly follow. However, most of the officials and clan members of the Tokugawa are too bewildered to do anything. Leadership of the clan is currently in the hands of the regent, the Chamberlain Matsudaira Naritaimi, until a new heir can be chosen. Were the shogun to be removed from his position (either legally, by abdication, or by death), the most likely successor would be his younger brother Tokugawa Satotaka, who is currently 13 years old. It remains to be seen what the regent will do now- he can either abandon the young shogun to his fate and move forward in any sort of succession, or aggressively fight in his liege's defense. Either way, combined with his shrewd planning at the castle, noble actions in defusing the arrest situation, and newfound role as regent, Naritami’s importance has risen as a result of recent events. Iron Chef Getto Allez Cuisine! - Hijikata Toshizo In an attempt to distract from the many worrisome events surrounding Ezo, the speaker of Congress Enomoto Michiakira organized a great cooking competition, which he titled “Iron Chef”. The competition would see great chefs of Ezo compete against one another in a cooking competition, as the would be master cooks adapt to cooking after the reveal of a secret ingredient to base their dishes around. To assist in this competition, Enomoto Michiakira constructed a small stadium in some land out in the countryside West of Hakodate, and advertised his competition as he gathered the freshest ingredients from across Ezo in preparation. A great buzz was made as the finest fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats were gathered. Hijikata Toshizo, having recovered from his poisoning ordeal, was declared the judge of the competition - a somewhat bizarre choice given his recent rather unfortunate run in with his private cook. Declaring the winner to be his new cook, Toshizo prepared a secret ingredient for the competition. Answering the call were Enomoto Michiakira, himself an accomplished cook, and Iwakura Totomi, owner of sushi-tennou and recognized as one of the premier sushi chefs in Ezo. No others answered the call, until near the end of the submission period, a mysterious ramen chef rumored to be wandering the countryside cast his hat into the competition, but did not reveal his name, preferring only to be known as “Nagai Ichirou”.  The cooking competition began with great excitement and ceremony, as Hijikata Toshizo revealed himself as the great chairman of the iron chef cooking tourney. Alongside him judging the competition were four additional celebrity judges. The first was the most famous Geisha in Ezo, Kanoko Takeshima. The second judge was Shoota Yuu, a famous merchant renowned for his love of American tobacco. The third judge was Nanako Yumenosuke, an elderly accomplished chef renowned for her fishballs. last was the youngest of the judges, Petennouk, an Ainu man known as the premier donut chef in all of Ezo. The five judges assembled, the three contestants entered the stadium, as the newspapers of Ezo scribbled down every detail of the event. Toshizo then strode to the middle of the arena to reveal the secret ingredient of the tourney, as speculation ran rampant over what exotic meat or vegetable the chefs would need to utilize for their dishes:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXqY8EZ21-g#t=29 With chicken chosen as the secret ingredient, the chefs began their craft. Mixing and matching the various spices, noodles, and other assorted materials, the chefs cooked for over an hour, with the smells of the culinary arts filling the arena. The three aspiring chefs presented their dishes to the judges: Dish 1: Teriyaki chicken - Enomoto Michiakira Judge 1: Umae!~~~ I can taste the chicken, but alas, it is too plain. Judge 2: I agree, it is good but this will not be enough to win. My customers would be offended. Judge 3: *cough couch* tastes like ash. Next. Judge 4: I think it is good, but it would be better served in ball form. Judge 5: This isn’t sweet enough. Add more sugar. Dish 2: - Yakitori - Nagai Ichirou Judge 1: What am I, some street vendor? Judge 2: This is so good~~~ Umae~~~ I want to take it home to my customers! Judge 3: *chews* *spits* I can’t taste anything. Pass. Judge 4: Can you make these into smaller balls, bread them, then put them on a stick? Judge 5: Round things do not fit on sticks. Or do they? Hrm. Dish 3: Spicy Curry Chicken - Iwakura Totomi Judge 1: Now this has flavor! Judge 2: Oh my, my customers would be feeling this for days! Success! Judge 3: *chews* I can taste it. It tastes like chicken. Good. Judge 4: Umae! All it lacks is fish balls, but that’s fine! Judge 5: I approve. It just could use… more sugar. The final decision by chairman Hijikata Yoshizo declared, by unanimous vote of the judges, Iwakura Totomi as the first Iron Chef Champion of Ezo. The crowd erupted in applause, and stormed the stage in order to get a taste of some of the delicious spicy curry chicken that Totomi had crafted for his victory. Might Makes Right What is justice? Justice is what the strong make of the world. The strong do what they will, and the weak suffer what they must. - Matsudaira Sadaaki As the crowd advanced however, it became apparent that something was amiss. While much of the crowd was cheering in support, a chant could be heard gathering from the periphery of the stadium - MEIJI SPY. MEIJI SPY. MEIJI SPY. As the chaotic situation built around Totomi, blows began to fall upon him, with security and onlookers unaware that the crowd was not in fact lavishing him with praise. Screams began to grow louder as a brawl erupted around Totomi, and guards attempted to intervene, but it was too late. Totomi was brutally beaten on the floor of the competition, his blood mixing with the various dishes and ingredients which had yet to be cleared from the center stage. Guards managed to finally control the situation and disperse the crowd, only to find none other than Matsudaira Sadaaki among them, calling for the “meiji dog’s” head. Observing the state of Totomi, who had since fallen unconscious as a result of the beating he just endured, Sadaaki retreated with his forces, but not before making a grand declaration. “No Meiji dog is safe within our borders or without,” Sadaaki declared, challenging any and all who doubt the righteousness of Ezo and its cause to personal battle. Totomi was rushed to the nearest hospital, which was unfortunately some distance away, but he remained alive throughout the ordeal. Much of the rest of the following months was spent in recuperation, and while Totomi has recovered considerably from the ordeal, he is now a cripple. His spine was badly damaged in the attack on his person, and he has been reduced to crude wheelchairs or crutches in order to move himself about. The only consolation is the great trophy forged by the speaker of congress to commemorate his culinary triumph, and a searing headache which seems to cause delirium and the hearing of voices on a regular basis.  The culprit behind the attack is without question Matsudaira Sadaaki, and combined with his previous conduct in the Blakiston wedding, many are now questioning his judgement. While certainly one of the more competent (and loyal) or Enomoto’s magistrates, discretion is not Sadaaki’s strongest suit, and christians and non-christians alike are beginning to fear his vigilante justice. As yet, no charges have been levied against Sadaaki, who regularly brags of him and his mob of supporters tough actions against foreigners, christians, and Meiji “spies”. A rather polarizing figure, some consider him a hero brave enough to stand up for what is right, while others consider him little more than an opportunistic thug. (+Iron Chef Champion Totomi, +Sadaaki Mob Shenanigans, -Use of Totomi’s legs, +Tension over Sadaaki) JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 03:02 on Mar 27, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 27, 2014 02:57
|
|
|
Kaishu blue Are you serious? Two mutinies within 6 months? - Captain Nagano Hyobe, T.S.V. Harou Kitei Magistrate and Congressman Katsu Kaishū has had an illustrious career both in and prior to the Republic of Ezo. Merchant, statesman, government minister, Congressman, faction-leader and all around the master wheeler-dealer of an entire class of wheeler-dealers. The richest Japanese in Ezo, Katsu Kaishu had it all. And so, as the new year begins, the naval minister institutes a “Modern Reform” of the the Navy, searching for potential NINJA operatives and any of those who might have lingering ties to Arai Ikunosuke, now captured in Hakodate. Kaishu’s actions prove to be quite successful, finding spies here and there and everywhere, purging the NINJAs before they have a chance to purge him. In their stead, Kaishu staffed the naval forces with good and loyal men who clearly don’t go traipsing around the night in black pyjamas and carrying throwing stars. What Katsu Kaishu didn’t count on was the heavy Shinsengumi presence on his ships - ostensibly to pursue the same goal of ensuring no NINJA infiltration, but Kaishu and many others suspect on a mission to watch over the Navy Magistrate and ensure his peaceful removal from office. For as the new year began, President Enomoto announced the third firing in six months, removing Katsu Kaishu from his position and assuming direct control over the navy. While many grumbled, this action was in fact fully in line with the President’s constitutional powers, and Kaishu was forced to act quickly to preserve his position. As the announcement reached the navy, many in the navy feared another operation like that of Arai Ikunosuke, and rumors flew throughout the fleet that Katsu Kaishu would use the navy in some personal vendetta. Kaishu responded by gathering the merchant leaders of the fleet and demanding their loyalty, calling Ezo a “sinking ship” and promising power and riches beyond their wildest dreams should they join him in betraying Ezo and defecting to Meiji with their vessels. Many merchants equivocated - these were some of the most powerful men in Ezo, recently elevated to samurai, and fearful that their many possessions would be seized or destroyed by the government before Meiji could intervene. Kaishu promised riches to eclipse their meager current fortunes, and spoke of stashed away treasures in foreign banks. Most of the merchants declared their intention to remain neutral and return to Ezo and dismantle their weapons, but they were not given a true choice. As those who did not join Kaishu prepared to sail away, thugs loyal to Kaishu attacked the room, murdering all who disobeyed. In one fell swoop, Kaishu managed to kill most of Ezo’s merchant elite, and take the rest with him to Meiji. The 35 ships now under Kaishu’s command immediately began to fall into disarray, as some 10 ships’ crews refused his order and opened fire on the traitorous vessels. The ensuing combat saw 7 of the ships destroyed, and Kaishu escape to Meiji with only 20 of the vessels. The remaining 8 merchant vessels returned to Ezo now devoid of their merchant masters. Yet, Kaishu’s troubles were not over. The Shinsengumi were aware of his plans, and dispatched a small fleet to secure his ships and ensure his defection scheme would not be successful. One of the new French-made frigates intercepted the fleet of 20 armed merchant vessels as it fled across the strait to Meiji, opening fire on the defecting vessels. As this attack occurred, members of the Shinsengumi who remained concealed on Kaishu’s boats struck, and set fire to many of the boats, killing its crew. The ensuing melee saw an additional 12 ships either destroyed, burned, or put out of commission, as the french armored frigate had little trouble engaging the far inferior boats. Where the boat did have trouble was in speed - and Kaishu expeditiously retreated with his remaining 8 vessels, successfully approaching Aomori harbor. Presumably, he is now in custody at the court of the Meiji Emperor. As a result, Ezo’s merchant fleet now lies in ruins, and many of its most elite merchants lie dead. With Kaishu’s defection, the mercantile empire of the richest man in Ezo now lies without heir, and the Ezo state has assumed control over much of his extensive property and operations. This represents some 10 credits worth of property, and it remains to be seen whether the state will be content to sell this property off - and to whom. This also places the state in control of the only railroad in Ezo, which was being constructed to connect Sapporo to Hakodate. Akihiro Kurosawa has taken the initiative in seeking investors for the rail line independently, offering a plan for its management and expansion, becoming the frontrunner in any likely transfer of the project. The economy of Ezo has suffered some from the events, though as personnel fill the gap and foreigners or other locals assume control over much of Kaishu’s empire, a recovery should be forthcoming. That is, unless Kaishu is right - and returns to Ezo victorious with Meiji escort. (+merchant power vacuum, +Katsu in Meiji, -Naval Magistrate, - 27 merchant ships, -economic growth) drat it feels good to be a Banksta Let’s get one thing clear here. You’re not here to get rich. You’re here to make sure that things are stable enough that we all will be rich. - Wilbur Morrow, American banker and special advisor Horace Capron’s earlier efforts are not for naught, for his economic initiatives have finally borne official recognition from the government in recent months. No less authority than President Enomoto himself declares his support for the American special advisor’s efforts to centralize Ezo’s banking system. Capron moves swiftly, declaring the creation of a Central Bank of Ezo for handling the monetary policy of the new nation. While the country is young, no shortage of wealth has found its way into the island, between wealthy samurai exiles to substantial foreign aid and trade. Quickly, the Bank gets to work in regulating the monetary supply of the country, putting in basic policies inspired by the First and Second Banks of the United States, as well as the current national bank system. With these regulations in place, the possibility of rapid inflation, as well as other economic threats, begins to reduce. The Central Bank, which some have dubbed as a Samurai Reserve, is now available for all sorts of wacky and wild proposals, from managing interest rates to working with the Department of the Treasury. Because of the security concerns of the past year, the Shinsengumi is dispatched to protect the facilities of this new Samurai Reserve, should any masked madman attempt to break in and disrupt operations before fleeing on steam-powered penny farthings in an epic plot to drive Thomas Blakiston into bankruptcy. However, the Samurai Reserve is in need of someone to head it. While Capron is the architect of the system, it would be most unfitting for a foreigner to receive the keys to the island’s financial kingdom. And thus, notable economist Tomita Tetsunosuke is proposed by both Horace Capron and Nagai Naoyuki to chair the Samurai Reserve. In addition to the creation of the Central Bank of Ezo/Samurai Reserve, Capron’s personal Gate to Prosperity Bank continues as a mighty private effort, pouring investment into more risky new business ventures and providing low-interest rate loans to the many merchants of Ezo. Even as the fate of Katsu Kaishu hangs in the balance, these efforts have unexpectedly granted a pro-American influence over the merchant population, who are looking for a patron, any patron, to lead them to the promised land of mammon and horsies. (+1 central bank, +new head of the Samurai Reserve) I Once Was Lost I surrender myself… unto God… for only he can know my fate, for only he can bring me my salvation… -Arai Ikunosuke upon his return to Hakodate, after being asked to surrender to Ezo forces In a rather bizarre turn of events, the 2 missing steam powered warships of Ezo’s navy that disappeared along with Arai Ikunosuke have returned to port in Hakodate, replete with (most) of their crew. While Kasuga Saemon, accompanied with the Shinsengumi, were preparing to set sail in search of the lost ships, the ships appeared on the horizon and hailed the harbor to allow entry. After necessary security checks and mutual suspicion, the vessels were allowed to dock without event. As shinsengumi agents stormed the boats and took captive their occupants, the crew surrendered peacefully and without incident. The blanket pardon issued by the President of Ezo was given special attention by the crew, who professed loyalty to Ezo and declared their intention to fight Meiji regardless of past actions. Instead, they willingly handed over Arai Ikunosukue - or what looked like him, as the man was now a shell of his former self. Seemingly driven mad and delusion, Arai Ikunosuke muttered only seemingly disjointed religious verse as he was captured by the authorities, and accused of treason for his actions in absconding with parts of the navy. The crew explained that they had originally been told by Ikunosuke that this was an official mission, and then after discovery that Ikunosuke intended to act unilaterally despite his removal from power, many had simply gone home or taken the fleet. Those loyal to Ikunosuke, especially the Christians and those who had served with him for some time in his lengthy tenure, followed his lead, as Ikunosuke claimed to be preparing an ambush on Meiji forces. Shortly after hiding up the Ezo coast, Ikunosuke’s mental state deteriorated, and many of his NINJA units and loyal crew began defecting, as Ikunosuke became crippled by delerium. It was only a few weeks before their return to Hakodate that the crew launched an effortless coup and simply decided to head home, having heard word of the pardon that they could expect. With Arai Ikunosuke in custody, the crews of the ships took the opportunity to reunite with their families and rest in preparation for any naval activity that would be required of them. The ships were repaired and re stocked, and staffed to fill any vacancies, and appear in working condition. Ikunosuke remains in custody and on trial for treason, though many are calling for mercy, for his mental state has deteriorated to the point where he requires considerable care. In either case, the navy became reunited. (+Arai Ikunosuke captured, +2 steam ships) One man’s terrorist... Wealth and opportunity await you… when have I misled you before? My disappearance was unfortunate, but in my flight, I found opportunity unprecedented... - Thomas Crusoe in a letter distributed throughout Hakodate Across Hakodate a series of mysterious letters began arriving as the winter of 1878 set in. These letters were largely addressed to the various warring factions of Hakodate’s criminal enterprises, exclusively those which were formerly under the command and control of Thomas Crusoe. While the letters were intended to remain secret, the sheer volume of letters, and their unreliable addressees, saw the information contained within them spread like wildfire. While this had the effect of making Thomas Crusoe’s location rather well known, it still masked his intention, and ensured a great number of his former employees heeded the letter’s call to meet him in his hiding place deep within Ainu territory. A great exodus of many former criminals ensued, with law enforcement not far behind. The shinsengumi wasted no time in tracking Crusoe based on these letters, and as law enforcement and former criminal elements approached Crusoe’s hideout deep in the woods, it was clear that Crusoe had prepared for their arrival, and would not go down without a fight. Fearing an elaborate trap, the shinsengumi largely withdrew, but have begun watching Crusoe’s movements and monitoring his operations deep in Ezo’s hinterland. War with Meiji, and the harsh Winter, have thus far provided distraction and protection for whatever scheme Crusoe is hatching. The only hints of his intentions have come of reports that a band of bandits have begun scouting the lands of the Matsumae, skipping past smaller settlements, and foraging the countryside to survive in the difficult weather. The shinsengumi have requested military support, but such a request has been slow due to the war with Meiji, and for now they will have to be content with containing whatever schemes Crusoe has hatched with the help of some of his former criminal associates. (+Bandits in the hinterland, +Crusoe’s location revealed, +fears of banditry and chaos at Crusoe’s hands) Defense Continues When are they getting here? - anonymous ashigaru on the Eastern Wall Prior to his untimely arrest, the Shogun had been very active in the training of the peasant vassals of the Tokugawa bakufu-in-exile. Modern riflery, explosives, partisan tactics, urban warfare, even anti-amphibious defense, all such techniques were bestowed upon the stalwart nomin. They are still prepared to be called into action whenever necessary, and are currently under the command of Chamberlain Matsudaira Naritami. (+peasant warriors) President Enomoto, in his capacity as Navy Magistrate and President, attempted to smooth over the various troubles associated with the disunity that has characterized Ezo and its navy. Utilizing most of his time and resources, the President boosted navy morale with constant reminders of his previous victories, and engaged in war games and practices to coordinate the fleet to prepare for Meiji’s invasion. His efforts were supported by the French, who sent the promised 15 torpedo boats in late March, with the final 10 to arrive in late June. The French also granted use of their ships for war games, and drilled in mock operations that saw the french ships coordinate with and support the Ezo fleet. Jules Brunet, placed in temporary command of the 5 french warships in Hakodate, provided an extremely adept commander, and his fluency in both Japanese and French proved essential in coordinating their efforts. The net result was to prepare Ezo’s fleet for the coming naval engagements with Meiji, and demonstrate France’s commitment to its ally as well as the navy’s unity and strength. These operations also saw the establishment of advanced reconnaissance and intelligence techniques, ensuring Ezo would not be caught unawares. (+Unity of Navy, +Intimidation, +15 Torpedo Boats, +Sailor Morale) For his part, Matsudaira Sadaaki, when not engaging in thuggery or intimidation, toured Ezo’s countryside to bolster troop morale and ensure the organization and training of its various militia forces. His legendary service in battle, as well as clear determination and skill, inspired many farmers and peasants to believe that their role in the upcoming fight would actually make a difference. (+Militia morale) Alongside Sadaaki, the Vice President Matsudaira Tarou drafted plans for a nation-wide conscription plan, largely codifying and organizing the various militias into part time military service organizations. This was a particularly adept use of the already established militias, and in line with congressional legislation, saw the militias more heavily regulated, organized, and staffed. While the peasantry is certainly armed (and many fear the dangers this might pose) it is considerably less fractionalized, and recruitment was increased as areas of insufficient manpower were identified. The men conscripted were assured of the temporary nature of their service, and received small compensation, boosting morale (though at some expense). The men were used not just in training but also in constructing various redoubts and defensive fortifications across the island - in some cases useful for defense, and in others, useful in building camaraderie and coordination. (+Regulation of militias, +10,000 militia recruits, +militia morale, +army upkeep costs) The new Foreign Minister Akihiro Kurosawa has been studying the command structures of the militaries of the various great powers. In addition to his main work, he has begun drafting a proposal to institute a General Staff system to further modernize the republic’s forces. Won’t anyone give him a consideration, and work with him to make the dream of a state-of-the-art samurai army a reality? (+General Staff underway?) JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 03:03 on Mar 27, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 27, 2014 02:57
|
|
|
Indigenous Industriousness Indignation Who would you rather work with… one of us, or one of them? - Matsumae clan retainer Even as the Yamato scurry amongst themselves with betrayals and rumors of war, the aboriginal inhabitants of Ezochi are building. Under the guidance of Big Chieftain Tsukinoeaino of the Bear Star Clan, the Ainu are swiftly and industriously creating small-scale enterprises of lumber, hunting, trapping, and providing native guides to visitors. A cottage industry of foreigners has developed around the Ainu villages, spurred on both the chieftain and English missionary John Batchelor, encouraging curious outsiders to see this quaint caucasian-looking primitives. But not much is quaint, nor primitive, about the new network of Hunting Lodges being built by the tribes. They are well-stocked, protected wooden structures, some complete with sweathouses, and fortified not unlike the sakamogi created for national anti-invader defense. But more than merely buildings, these lodges serve as a new form of organization for the Ainu. Young Ainu men gather to learn the ways of the hunt using modern techniques, going deep into the wilds, learning the ways of tracking and of the ancestors with the latest weaponry accorded by the foreigners. These hunting lodges are highly mobile, catching much prey. Visitors watch with great interest, admiring the prowess of the Ainu, now renowned to be bear fighters.  However, not all is well in this rustic Eden. The simmering trade war between the Matsumae clan and their erstwhile native vassals continues. The clan head Matsumae Takahiro has announced a series of favorable deals to those who seek… the traditional relationship between the Ainu and Yamato. Not only do those who swear undying loyalty to clan Matsumae gain access to better trade deals via Matsumae middlemen merchants, societal doors are suddenly opened as their children are able to receive access to education through tutors at the Matsumae school. While perhaps not of equal quality to what the children of samurai can get, they receive as good as non-samurai Matsumae clan retainers receive, with full knowledge of such winning topics as classical Chinese literature, poetry, Shinto-Buddhist beliefs, and foreign languages such as French and English. Already, several tribes have taken up the offers. (+Ainu commerce, +Ainu hunting lodges catch great game, /division between Matsumae-loyalist and pro-Bear Star tribes) Built in a day The country is imperiled by foreign aggression, its people must unite through voluntary association to advance their livelihoods. -Saji Kobei Aside from playing the Japanese game of turning brother against native brother, the Matsumae have been quite active in establishing their own influence over the island at large. Taking advantage of the defense-focused situation, the Matsumae form the Ezo Transport Association, designed to provide the logistics backbone for the national defense situation. The clan retainers prove to be quite effective in addressing the transportation needs of the country, owing to their knowledge of the lay of the land. Both Yamato- mostly members of the Matsumae clan and hangers-on, and Ainu are employed by this Ezo Transport Association. The new Foreign Minister Akihiro Kurosawa has unexpectedly gotten involved with the ETA, as well. Seeking to aid the general defense of the island, he has contacted his French and American associates for looking into the creation of rail systems to deliver troops and defense materiels around the island. While such an initiative would be expensive and require investment, plans are already being drafted for future consideration...  ?(+transport group- future Department of Transportation?, ?possible railways for Ezo?) Saji Kobe, an important peasant leader among peasants working on the estates belonging to the Matsudaira clan, has moved to the Matsumae domain. Seeking opportunity in these lands, and noting the friction between the Ainu and Japanese, Saji Kobe has sought to increase the production Matsumae’s territories through production brigades and other peasant associations. The Matsumae have largely tolerated this development if only not to drive any more supporters to the Ainu camp, but already Kobe has begun organizing groups of peasants to discuss politics alongside their economically productive organizations. These efforts have been especially effective at attracting landless peasants, or those seeking new employment, though for the most part labor shortages have virtually eliminated joblessness in the Republic (with military recruitment doing the rest). Saji Kobe has also been sending out feelers to Ainu groups and others within the Republic, pledging his support for both the peasantry and traditional values. This has involved open support for the Shogun (despite his associated troubles). The Ainu were suspicious of his intentions, especially with his movement to Matsumae territory, and largely rebuffed his efforts, perceiving it as a possible Matsumae ploy. The sudden presence of such a figure representing a voice for the peasantry incites a sudden increase in class consciousness among the lowest of the classes (in practice) of Ezo (well, courtesans and actors aside), and create a minor surge in Freedom Party support, albeit largely unofficial and ceremonial. (+Matsumae land productivity, +organization of peasants within matsumae territory, +Freedom Party rising) Gotta Have Faith Can this new Christian God really protect me from bullets? - Anonymous Soldier The continuing efforts to preach the true faith of Ezo continued in earnest, as many of Ezo’s religious leaders sought to take advantage of the wartime mobilization to preach to Ezo’s soldiers about the virtues of their respective faiths. With soldiers fearful of the future, and seeking the protection of a higher power, these efforts have proven especially effective. Kasuga Saemon, the preeminent Christian leader in Ezo, has continued his preaching efforts, converting military units and peasants like in order to bolster morale and spread his version of catholic Christianity. To assist him in these efforts, Saemon has founded Ezo’s first native seminaries, where local Ezo will be trained to be priests and establish a church hierarchy in the Republic. His efforts were met with considerable interest by the people of Ezo, and many Christians, especially from families with sons unfit for combat or individuals without families, have signed up to be trained for the priesthood. As it stands, the supply will almost certainly keep up with growing demand for some time to come. Some foreign missionaries seemed a bit perturbed to see native Japanese beginning to replace them, but for the most part, Saemon’s work was met with considerable praise by the church, who donated the necessary funds to begin construction. (+Christian converts, +Seminaries, +Church Staff and Organization) For the buddhists of Ezo, much celebration was had with the appointment of the Shogun’s chamberlain Matsudaira Naritami to Education Magistrate. Fearful of the rise of Christianity in the Republic, many more traditional minded citizens of Ezo applauded Naritami’s efforts to reinforce Buddhist thought by constructing an annex to the great Imperial Shrine complex that would train shinto and buddhist priests. This effort will require a credit from the government to see it come to fruition, and once it does, will greatly bolster recruitment to the shinto and buddhist laity, as well as reinforce the Emperor’s role in preserving the traditional faiths of Ezo.  (+Shinto and Buddhist organization and morale, +construction of training annex for their priests) Former Education Magistrate Itakura Katsukiyo protested his removal from power, and campaigned vigorously for his reinstatement to government as “Magistrate of Faith”. Arguing that the education magistrate’s job is distinct from matters of faith (while simultaneously praising his efforts), Katsukiyo has advocated for the creation of a post entirely devoted to matters of faith. He has proposed the cabinet level office serve to reinforce traditional values within Ezo, organize any reform to its traditional faiths, and provide the funding and staff necessary for the great works of religion such as the proposed Imperial Shinto Shrine. His demands were met with approval by many adherents to the traditional Ezo faiths. Due to the sudden loss of leadership in previous months, many of the new Shinto-Buddhist belief are clamoring for the former creation of a Department of Faith to preside over the reformation that is gripping the country, hitherto unaddressed by the government proper. (+Agitation for Faith Magistrate position, +popularity of Itakura Katsukiyo among shinto and buddhist adherents) Not to be done with simply arming for war, the Matsumae attempt to leapfrog over the republic’s inaction towards the Shinto-Buddhist Reformation and assemble a Discovery Conference at their model school, inviting members of the Commission of Evangelical Translators as well as many of the fervent believers to witness a new religious curriculum focusing on the core writings of both Shintoism and Zen Buddhism. This curriculum is to be dispersed throughout the nation to similar schools so that all- samurai, at least- will learn of the proper rites. As a sop to the minorities of Ezo, some of the scholars begin work on writing down the oral tradition of the Ainu, noting the many gods and spirits of that faith. Even some Christian observers are present as well, but mostly for curiosity’s sake. For now, the Shinto-Buddhist Reformation seems amenable to a broad base of Ezo, but that can certainly change, depending on those who drives it. (+new Shinto-Buddhist conference, establishing religious curriculum, +reformation currently fairly pluralistic and open to outside influences) Know-Nothings Better their shores than ours! - Know Nothing Motto Taking advantage of the American fleet and know-nothings patrolling the Far East, Horace Capron has established a network of American merchants and sailors to transport refugees, immigrants, and others seeking to migrate to Ezo. While Meiji Japan immediately decried these efforts, little has been done on Meiji’s part to stop them - fear of intervention by the United States or other European powers has stayed its hand. With the Meiji poised to invade Ezo, the effects of these operations have been limited in effect, with many migrants fearful of the possible damages the conflict might have on Ezo’s economy and people. With many fearing Ezo’s downfall in any case, it would be pointless to move from one area of Meiji control to another - especially if Meiji seeks to punish those it perceives as traitors. If peace were to be found however, these operations will likely help to alleviate Ezo’s labor issues by facilitating the migration of Meiji immigrants Northward.  (+Immigration network, -Relations between Meiji and America) In addition to these more illicit efforts, Horace Capron has taken it upon himself to introduce his American friends to the Ezochian elite in an effort to bolster investment and boost Ezo-US relations. Efforts by Foreign Magistrate Kurosawa also saw Americans interested in a foreign exchange program, similar to the lawyer tour organized by the Supreme Court months ago. These efforts will likely boost the shogunate’s prestige, as well as provide valuable contacts for the teaching of English to schools such as the new model school created by the Matsumae, as well as other samurai facilities. Many were present at the Shogun’s new years ball, which combined with the general militarization and mobilization of Ezo society, both shocked and impressed the visiting Americans. The sheer determination and will of the Ezo people, as well as their steadfast adherence to tradition and collective mobilization was relayed to the newspapers back home, where many sympathetic Americans are now rooting for the small Republic to succeed. Notable comparisons were made between the once noble and rebellious Southern Confederacy and Ezo, with many southerners now very interested in the outcome of the Meiji-Ezo conflict. A great part of this is also due to the help of new foreign minister Akihiro Kurosawa, who has been requesting higher investments in the Ezo Republic, even offering the American Navy a coaling station on the coast. The Americans are interested... (+US-Ezo relations, +romanticization of the conflict in the USA, +sympathy of southerners, +trade contacts for Horace Capron, ?potential American presence on Ezo in the future?) International News An Indecent Proposal The government of the breakaway Republic of Ezo has exactly one week to accept our demands, of face annihilation without mercy. -Emperor Meiji Accompanied by the newly appointed Foreign Minister Akihiro Kurosawa, Vice President Matsudaira Tarou met with delegations from Germany, France, and Meiji Japan in order to find a peaceful settlement to the conflict between Meiji and Ezo. Seeking to avoid escalation of the conflict that might involve direct European intervention, German Chancellor Bismarck placed considerable pressure on his Meiji allies to pare down their demands on the Ezo government, especially in light of signs that France may be on the verge of direct military intervention. While France would not go so far as to make such a promise, the French representative noted his “full faith in the diplomatic process,” and only commented that “should the diplomatic process fail, aggressors will be punished in line with international norms and honor.” While Meiji Japan (and much of the world) would note that it was in fact Ezo who initiated the conflict, the French may interpret this to apply to any Meiji invasion of the island of Ezo. Matsudaira Tarou and Akihiro Kurosawa worked tirelessly with their European counterparts to attempt to dissuade Meiji from attacking, while Meiji seemed resolved to demand the complete surrender and subjugation of Ezo. Ezo’s representatives had little interest in Meiji’s initial compromises involving Ezo autonomy, as few trusted the Meiji’s promises to grant full pardons to Ezo’s officials or respect for its local rights. After months of negotiating, during which time Meiji stood its hand and gathered its forces near Aomori (largely at Germany’s behest), a final treaty was negotiated. Meiji approved the treaty and pledged that Ezo’s acceptance would end any hostilities for at least 3 years, with France and Germany both pledging to punish with direct military force any aggressor who violates this ceasefire agreement. The following terms were presented to Ezo’s representatives: 1888 Treaty of Berlin posted:1. Ezo immediately disavow any and all ownership over the island of Sado, and cease all guerilla operations on the island, as well as all covert operations across Meiji Japan. The third point proved the most contentious, and Russian officials protested when word of this condition reached St. Petersburg. While Meiji Japan has argued that the Russia-Ezo Treaty was a travesty which saw the islands north of Ezo given away to Russia for a pittance, and thus an unequal treaty like those placed upon China, many instead suspect that Meiji Japan is seeking to place a wedge between Russia and Ezo. As word of the proposed peace reached London however, it was met with considerable approval, and any such disavowing of Russia (combined with the Shogun’s arrest) would see Ezo-British relations repaired. The last point was a wish to create a chilling effect over the warm Franco-Ezochian relations, existing since the creation of the republic, and strengthened even further due to the new foreign minister’s efforts since his inauguration. Deciding that the prominent of any singular foreign power would be inimical to the interests of Japan, even if over a waylaid province, the Meiji Emperor’s plenipotentiaries suggested opening up a small part of the island to their own regime’s allies. This proposal came at a shock to even German Consul Erwin Balz, an unexpected prize for his empire. The Foreign Minister remained in Berlin to convey Ezo’s ultimate decision, as the Vice President returned to Ezo to present the terms of the Berlin Peace Treaty to Congress and the President. While the President’s approval will be necessary, Congress too will need to approve the treaty. To pressure Ezo to accept their demands, Meiji Japanese forces have begun amassing for an attack on Ezo’s shores, steaming directly towards Hakodate. They have given Ezo an ultimatum - accept their three points within one week, or prepare to endure a massive naval attack and ground invasion. Ezo’s fleet has deployed to engage should they approach, and Jules Brunet’s contingent of 5 french vessels only awaits France’s approval to leave port and join the fray. Ezo stands at a crossroads - acceptance of the treaty will see Russian-Ezo relations plummet, as well as a considerable burden placed on the treasury of Ezo, and all of its attempts to undermine Meji up until this point being for naught. Domestic opinion favors war as a result of the government’s mobilization and indocrtination, and any peace will likely see approval for those in power (especially the nationalist party) suffer for their role in starting the conflict and ending it on unfavorable terms. Others note the benefits of the treaty, and argue that even if Ezo survives Meiji’s onslaught, it is unlikely to be able to mount offensive operations against the mainland, and may incur costs greater than 10 credits in defending the island from attack. Still others, especially those in the Sakura Party, dismiss these concerns, and have steeled themselves for the fight and pledged to defeat the treaty were it to be presented to Congress. It is notable that throughout the negotiation, the representatives of the Meiji Emperor never officially referred to the Ezo Republic as its appellation, preferring to use terms such as “the northern regime”, “the old remnant”, and “Hokkaido.” No references to Emperor Enjuu or the bakufu-in-exile were made by the Meiji. (+Treaty choice, +Impending fight) Congressional report Militia Regulation Act Final Vote: PASSED 45 - 5 quote:Bill 5-1- The Militia Regulation Act. All local militias in Ezo report directly to the normal Army Command structure and are under the control of the Army Minister. Militias made up of foreign soldiers will report directly to their commander, who then reports to the Army Minister, President, and Vice President directly. This bill passed with minimal opposition, with what little dissent coming from those fearing an overreach of government authority over the militias of the Republic. The bill was met with approval by most however, especially the clauses subordinating the foreign soldiers to the Ezo state. Whether LMM or SWB will accept this authority remains in question. (+Militia regulations) Central Banking Act Final Vote: PASSED 40 - 10 quote:This act will authorize Ezo to begin construction on a central bank which will benefit the entire republic, please see attached budget. Enjoying broad support from the Nationalist Party, only some members of the Sakura Party came out in opposition. Many were concerned about the potential ramifications of the central bank on the peasantry, or whether the bank would be unduly influenced by foreigners (especially due to the original consideration of Horace Capron for the job). Ultimately, with a local Ezo Japanese appointed as its head, congress fell in line, and a national bank was authorized and constructed. This has had the effect of providing a tool to the state for fiscal policy and economic stability. (+Central Bank, +Economic stability) In addition to these bills, some talk of abolishing samurai stipends caused rumors to spread throughout the samurai class in Ezo. Any and all discussion of stipend reform was met with shock by the samurai class, who decried such efforts as “Meiji-like attacks on our way of life”. Non-samurai (especially merchants) applauded these rumors, and hope it will culminate in the erosion of the samurai’s privileges. It appears unlikely that any such reform would be met with anything other than great opposition by the vast majority of samurai, even as the rest of the nation would applaud these reforms. Similar talk of reworking the tax code was met with considerably less opposition, though most samurai wished to ensure their own position remained pre-eminent. The budget was passed as per usual, and the new budget reflects the slight increase in military costs, as well as damage to the economy from the defection of Katsu Kaishu and the death of many of Ezo’s merchant elite. Most of these negative effects will likely be temporary. Also, an accounting error on the part of a low ranking clerk in the financial ministry named Tatami Tarou saw the budget of the previous quarter leave 7 credits unallocated. These credits were discovered in the accounts of the clerk, who has been reprimanded and his assets seized, and Ezo now has an additional 7 credits to work with this turn. Q1 1888 Budget posted:Bakuhan Taisei tax structure: Q2 1888 Budget posted:Bakuhan Taisei tax structure (34): Random Events Nagai Naoyuki, the Finance Minister, invested a great deal of his personal fortune into a significant ramp-up of his personal security. Fearing some attempt at assassination, likely inspired by the attempt on Toshizo’s life the previous year, Nagai cloistered himself in his personal estate, or went outside with heavy guard. Ultimately, any real threats did not manifest. (+Paranoia) Fueled by his own paranoia and bigotry, Matsudaira Sadaaki is reported to have gone on a drunken tirade against “Meiji spies” which he perceived to be everywhere, and was seen running through the streets of Ezo proclaiming his desire for their death. (+Paranoia and bigotry) In another attempt to foster the arts of Ezo, Nagai Naoyuki has penned a well received play set in the Wild West of the United States, in which a poor kabuki actor finds himself performing kabuki plays. Incorporating buddhist and christian elements, largely seen in the contrast of the kabuki actor’s own buddhist upbringing to that of his christian patrons, the play makes effective use of both Japanese Buddhist and Western Christian elements to portray a tragic figure torn between two cultures. The kabuki actor ultimately does not feel quite at place in one world or the other, and must repeatedly compromise elements of tradition to incorporate modern elements to please his patrons - ultimately serving a metaphor for Ezo’s own uncertain role as bridging the gap between East and West. With this play’s success and Nagai Naoyuki’s apparent talent, Naoyuki has now begun to rise in the world of culture and the arts within Ezo, second only to Kasuga Saemon. The play has also become a hit among foreigners, who primarily enjoy the comedic aspects of a Japanese person situated in the Wild West.  (+popularity among intellectuals, +relations with France due to artsiness, +entertainment of foreigners, Americans, +existentialist angst in Ezo) Sushi-tennou has begun what it calls “specials”, offering free or reduced price sushi or sake deals to Ezo soldiers and foreigners in this time of war with Meiji. While some soldiers were tempted by the idea of free food, others are still suspicious of sushi-tennou’s Meiji connections. Foreigners were still as eager to enjoy the deals, especially Germans. (+Business for sushi-tennou) Vandals broke into the office of the finance minister and scrawled a great red eagle upon his wall. The finance minister appeared perturbed, but no evidence of theft or investigation was found. The crimson avian is of a surprisingly amateurish design, asymmetrical and scrawled as almost a chicken feed. To compound the mystery, the only entrance to the sealed office were air vents that were too large for any man to enter. Undoubtedly, the master detectives of Ezo are on the case. (+Red eagle on finance minister’s wall) Nagai Naoyuki has been seen attempting to subtlety attend “meetings” on Tuesday nights in sushi-tennou, the sushi restaurant owned by the Meiji representative in Ezo. He always comes clad in a thick cloak, his identity masked, and his repeated questions have confused the patrons, who wonder why he calls the Tuesday Two for One Special a “meeting”. Either way, Nagai Naoyuki is taking advantage of the various deals offered by the sushery, while the patrons remain confused about why this man keeps showing up, eating a bit of sushi, and then leaving without ever attending any meetings or meeting with anyone. (+Nagai Naoyuki likes sushi) Shortly after his beating at the hands of Matsudaira Sadaaki, Sadaaki-led thugs destroyed and burned down of part of Sushi-tennou. It remains under renovation. (+Damage to sushi-tennou) The teenage super sleuths continue their investigations into the various shenanigans going on in Ezo. Their efforts culminated in a massive fruit-cart debacle in which various fruits and merchant goods were dumped in the streets of Hakodate, creating a comedic cascade of chaos. (+Super sleuth activity) Hijikata Toshizo, when not engaging in the great Iron Chef competition, ordered his shinsengumi to investigate his attempted murder. Thus far they have not found any leads, but someone is clearly covering their tracks, as the former chef responsible for his attempted murder washed up on shore near the coast of Hakodate. How he escaped prison, and who killed him, remains a mystery. (+Mystery of Toshizo’s poisoning) In an attempt to build Ezo’s cultural heritage, Kasuga Saemon has continued his scholarly work at the military academy in Hakodate. This has resulted in a re-evaluation of the historical contribution of the Ainu and Emishi people, who have been elevated from obscure of disparaged status to one of impartiality. The contributions of the Ainu and Emishi to Japanese and Ezo culture have been recognized, with the recent defeat of Meiji forces by the Ainu of Ezo a particularly evident example. This has had the effect of bolstering Ezo’s military traditions and instilling the army with some recognition of the Ainu’s contributions and loyalty. These changes were incorporated into a newly constructed museum annex to the military college, which while still small, has plans for further expansion. This museum also needs a name. (+Military prestige, +Military tradition, +Ainu support in army) In addition to his efforts to assist in treaty negotiations in Berlin, the Foreign Magistrate has begun exploring potential areas of expansion by Ezo on the Korean peninsula. His efforts were largely rebuffed by the Korean regime, who maintained their policy of isolationism. Russia took heed of Ezo’s interest, and would likely frown upon any further expansion by the Japanese in East Asia... (+Korean obstinance) JosefStalinator fucked around with this message at 04:58 on Mar 27, 2014 |
|
#
¿
Mar 27, 2014 02:58
|
|
|
Map April 1st, 1878
|
|
#
¿
Mar 27, 2014 02:59
|
|
|
Icecream Jane posted:
 Welcome aboard!
|
|
#
¿
Mar 28, 2014 06:26
|
|
|
The following was published by the government of Ezo in the Hakodate Times: Evidence Presented Against Shogun Tokugawa Kamenosuke Exhibit A: Witness testimony Suzu Nakamoto: Nakamoto, a low ranking retainer of the Tokugawa clan, had been detained by authorities in the investigation into the bombing at the Blakiston wedding. After repeated and aggressive interrogation, Nakamoto implicated three fellow retainers in a conspiracy to harm foreigners at the Blakiston wedding by planting a bomb under the tent and detonating it during the ceremony. He claims the orders came directly from the shogun with no intermediaries, and he followed the orders as any underling should. This witness is under heavy protection, and represents the strongest witness against the shogun. Kinzo Takashita: Takashita claims to have sold large quantities of fertilizer and other potentially explosive materials from his large farming estate to a man claiming to be a "large landowner" from somewhere near Lake Ozuna (the location of the Shogun's budding castle complex). The bomb utilized at the wedding could have been constructed with such materials. Aoki Fumiko: Fumiko claims that the young shogun boasted to her of "a great calamity soon to befall the foreign devils" some weeks before the wedding, as she joined his harem of young women and men as part of his daily pleasure harem. Tomoaki Okuda: Okuda claims to have seen some men burying something in the night, approximately 8 days before the wedding, in the location where the tent would be. As groundskeeper, Okuda approached the men, and was told that foundation was being laid for the future tent sight, and did not question the samurai who were above his rank. Exhibit B: Security Clearance The government of Ezo claims that the Shogun and his family represent the only party, other than the English, that could have had access to the wedding to the extent necessary to store the explosives. This is due to the enhanced security brought to the wedding by Blakiston and his British allies. The Shogun and his followers did not need to follow the strict protocol, and those bearing the seal of the Tokugawa clan could largely ignore the checks and searches, as well as curfews, imposed at the wedding site. Exhibit C: Attempted coverup Shortly after the incident, someone attempted to disturb the crime scene by disturbing the dirt surrounding the suspected area in which the bomb was buried. The government contends that this was an attempt to coverup the bomb's location, and make the dirt disturbed in such a way that would obscure the bomb's location. This was not particularly effective. Of the three accused by Suzu Nakamoto of being a part of the conspiracy to harm the Blakistons, two of them are now dead. Both were found drowned in the sea shortly after the Blakiston incident. The third is currently missing. The government contends that this is no accident. Exhibit D: Role of Sadaaki and Naritami? Interrogation of those involved in the Sadaaki led mob lead to three confessions of guilt, in which they admitted to their desire to harm Blakiston and his wedding guests. Sadaaki has thus far been unabashed in his anti-foreigner rhetoric, though no direct evidence linking him to the bombing plot could be found. The raid on the Tokugawa estate revealed no evidence of any further cooperation by elites or leaders within the Tokugawa household, including chamberlain Naritami or any of the shogun's young siblings. Whether this is due to the concerted effort to conceal evidence, as seen by the absence of records or notes pertaining to the wedding, is unclear. Motive? The one weakness in the prosecution is the motive. While Blakiston claims that this plot was hatched to secure his fortune for the Tokugawa family, no other evidence has substantiated this motive. The witness claim no knowledge of why the Shogun might have ordered the bombing. It is also unclear whether Blakiston's fortune could even have passed into Tokugawa hands in the event of his death.
|
|
#
¿
Apr 2, 2014 23:14
|
|
|
|
| # ¿ Apr 26, 2024 09:53 |
|
|
Maximo Roboto posted:Action Points for Turn 6 Just a reminder that orders are due in about two hours. You'll probably have all day tomorrow to turn them in anyways, so don't fret if you can't get them in tonight.
|
|
#
¿
Apr 5, 2014 04:20
|
|
