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  #31  
Old 09-28-2009, 11:19 PM
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NETHERLANDS SUGGESTION

Um... it's not just the North Sea that would be useful. There are HUGE and ONSHORE natural gas fields in the northern part of the country. BTW, these fields are a good source of helium

Perhaps the French might neutralise the Dutch by making an offer to help rebuild the natural gas infrastructure - in exchange for (maybe) 50% of the output?
I didn't know that. Your last point is an interesting one for someone who wants to play after the Twilight War.
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  #32  
Old 10-06-2009, 01:51 PM
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Default Oceania

I take a huge risk as I post this: a small background on Oceania (full of weaknesses as it's aé first draft). I'm sure I'll be carefully read by our Australian Friends.

All my respect to the country that fascinate me the most on this small round stone of ours (I have dreamt of Australia since I was 5 or 6 and it still remains out of reach).


As the course toward the Twilight War is set and, as the world is experiencing more and more instabilities and unrests, Oceania appears to be quiet. Actually, as the world slowly plunges into chaos, Oceania, and Australia in particular, is experiencing a tremendous social and economical stability.

In the year before the war, most of the Western World is facing economical and social difficulties resulting from fossil energy shortages and a major increase of oil prices. Australia, for its part, is doing well as it benefits from this increase of oil prices and sells more fuel and gas to France, Japan or the USA. In addition, this allows for the exploitation of reserves that were too expensive to extract before. In the meantime, the government increasingly turns toward alternative energies for its domestic needs; therefore, preventing the fast depletion of its fossil fuels reserves.

When war starts over Europe, Australia stands with the allies as it always did but sends only small highly specialized units. With all its military forces expending before the war, Australia could have done more from the beginning but that was declined by the US government as this administration was already expecting another front to open in Asia. As a result, Australia and New Zealand spends the two first years of the war virtually outside of the conflict, preparing for it but only lightly engaged. Military forces, especially air and naval forces, are being built up with volunteers enlisting in large number and military productions increasing to their war level. When, the region finally actively enters the war, its forces are more than ready. Australia has commissioned more ships (including 2 aircraft carriers resembling the Spanish “Principe de Asturias”) and its air and ground forces have been expended. New Zealand follows a similar path and its air force is now flying F-16s in addition to its venerable Skyhawks. Ground forces have been expended as well and naval units that were to be decommissioned are patrolling the seas again.

At the political level, Australia and New Zealand already lay the bases of what is to become the Confederation of Oceania. Their militaries are actively collaborating and a common command has been established. In addition, both countries already establishes the bases for a common market and this is seen as essential because of the constant increase in the region’s income. Raw materials are shipped to the USA and Japan while industries are producing more and more military goods, supplying the allies on the base of some kind of Lend-Lease agreement.

Now engaged massively in Korea and China, Australians and Neo Zealanders prove themselves to be fierce soldiers again. Their navies are largely engage in the covering operation protecting the landing of reinforcements to the Hong Kong area and the crews prove highly skilled. Despite some losses and damages, they are largely involved in the counter attack that sinks most of the Chinese fleet, just north of Taiwan. Later they are providing escorts to convoys supplying the allies in mainland China and Korea, sinking more Chinese submarines than any other allied navies in the region. In Korea, their ground troops supported by a small air corps are spearheading the counter attack that brings the North Korean to the 38th parallel and their SAS units are among the first to bring the war on Pyongyang itself. The situation is more difficult in China where the Chinese proved much better fighter. Nevertheless, again, troops from Oceania are quickly among the most decorated units in the area.

On one occasion, two Maori infantry Battalions will resist and stop an advancing Chinese armored division during 38 hours. When they are finally relieved, they have lost more than 80% of their manpower, including all officers. Upon reading reports from the survivors and after a sorrow investigation, the Allied High Command established that when all officers had been killed their task was taken over by staff sergeants and sergeants. Then, when most sergeants had been killed as well, command was taken over by Corporals and, on several occasions, it was assumed by 1st class soldiers.*


A year later, when the Allies start to withdraw in China, the various troops from Oceania are still there, conducting deep raids in Korea and rear guard fights in mainland China. Actually, SAS, Maoris and Fijians prove the most efficient in COIN actions conducted against Chinese people’s militia. They are too few, however, and despite several successes they prove unable to stop the Chinese guerilla for more than a few days. Nevertheless, Australians and Neo Zealanders are still fighting deep within China as the Allies fall back and they are among the last to break through to join Canton, Hong Kong and Macao.

While the troops are fighting hard, the support from the population doesn’t faint and volunteers are still enlisting daily while workers accept to work overtime to ensure that the troops are properly supplied. This changes only when tactical nukes are used on a large scale into China. Many among the Australian population are astonished and several groups start to protest against the conduct of the war. At first, there are only a few people attending these gathering but that change after the destruction of an entire Australian Regiment. Within a couple of weeks of this event, rumors are circulating that the soldiers were simply sacrificed and that they were ordered to remain in place while the High Command perfectly knew they wouldn’t survive. Within days of these rumors, this is confirmed and protesters gather in large crowds in all major cities as workers get on strike all over the country. Finally, when the government orders the police and the army to restore order, the troops and most officers simply refuse to take any action. Protests continue for an entire week until the government declares that it will bring most troops back home except for those who clearly volunteer to remain in China and Korea.

Modification starts
This withdrawal is underway when nukes start to be targeted at a wider range of military installations and, then, at cities and towns in different regions of the world. At that moment Australia is hit three times when SS-18 Satan strikes the strategic facilities on the continent (North-West Cape, Nurrungar and Pine Gap). Civilian casualties are somewhat reduced and Adelaide is the only major cities to be lightly damaged but the effect on the population is immediate: anger soon turns to panic and large bodies of people start to leave the cities for the countryside. This time, the army is called upon again and troops are deployed all over the countries to ensure that panic doesn’t turn into a general unrest. This is highly successful and the military deployment is reinforced when the troops finally return home. Of course, the troops’ outstanding discipline is instrumental in this wide success but little could have been done without the population. As people were leaving the cities, they were welcome by those in the countryside and solidarity was everywhere. On the outcome, except for isolated violence, the country remains under control despite its largely deserted cities. It is of course working more slowly that it ever was but it is still functional and various factories are still producing goods and supplies.

At last, when the Exchange starts to reduce itself, it becomes obvious that the region won’t be targeted anymore and people slowly get back to the cities. It is now believed among the Australian High Command that two of the Soviet Boomers had been ordered to attack Australian and New Zeeland cities, but this attack fail to materialize (One of the SSBN was sunk off the coast of Taiwan by a Japanese destroyer while the other was sunk south of Guam by a US Navy P-3 as it was getting ready for launch). This remains hided and when EMPs are finally used most people are at home and this greatly helps the state when order needs to be restored. A martial law is declared on the following day and people are ordered to remain at home. Within a few days, some electricity is restored in the various cities and the government can provide its advice to the people. Within a week, power supply has been restored to all emergency buildings (hospitals, government compounds…) and the authorities are able to organize some kind of supply line to feed the population. Civil unrest is not unknown of but that doesn’t last. Nevertheless, it takes more than four months to the Australian governments to fix most damages.


In the meantime, Indonesia, trying to take advantage of the Australian weaknesses, launches an offensive in Papua-New Guinea while troops are landed near Darwin. The naval landing at Darwin is, however, not entirely successful and the city garrison escapes, conducting several raids on the Indonesian during the following three weeks. The chaos in which are Australians communications buys the Indonesians some times but again that doesn’t last. Modification ends Finally, the Indonesians have been delayed long enough and when the Australian armored elements counter attack their armored units (equipped with AMX-13/90 and PT-76) are wiped out by the Leopard 1 and recently commissioned M1A2 Abrams. Air superiority is also quickly gained and a naval operation is launched on the rescue fleet sent to evacuate the survivors. The Australian, navy loses a few frigates and one of its carriers is lightly damaged but the Indonesian rescue fleet is sunk, losing its best units and much of its combat aircrafts in the process. Fighting continues for two more weeks before the survivors finally surrender. The offensive in Papua-New Guinea is also facing failure as more troops from Oceania are sent to Port Moresby. After two weeks of a successful progression, the Indonesian troops are stopped because of the logistical collapse that follows the losses at Darwin. In fact, Indonesia didn’t escape the effect of the EMPs but, unlike Australia and New Zealand, remain unable to repair most damages and the operations around Darwin consumed most remaining supplies. The government finds itself helpless and all operations come to an end. Finally, when the Australians counter attack in Papua-New Guinea, entire Indonesian units simply surrender.

The population is suffering much in Indonesia and the government is thrown out soon after to be replaced by a pro-Australian one. Peace is signed and the new Indonesian authorities call for Australian help and support. Australia sends engineers and supplies to Indonesia but it also sends several military units. Then, as most of the population in Java and Sumatra is supportive of the Australians, this is not true for most other Islands and guerillas are formed, soon to operate all over the country.

As this short conflict is fought between Indonesia and Oceania, the region faces another threat. Refugees are now coming from all over Asia, especially Japan and Taiwan, in hope for some help. At first, Australia and New Zealand try to bring them some relief and the first refugees receive a warm welcome. Nevertheless, the flood doesn’t seem to slow down and when their number get above three millions it becomes obvious that the situation is getting out of hand. With no other choice, all authorities from the region order their naval units to repel new refugees at all cost. As a result, the region enters one of its darkest ages in history as patrols are conducted daily and boat peoples that refuse to turn around are mercilessly sunk. Survivors are executed with machine guns and anti-air guns.

In the meantime, representatives from Australia, Fiji Islands, New Zealand and Papua-New Guinea meet at Sydney and establish the Confederation of Oceania. Each member is to retain a certain level of autonomy but defense matters and choices concerning strategic raw materials are to be conducted in common.

Other Change
Nowadays, the region returned to an almost normal life despite a widespread contamination of the farmlands and some human losses. Martial law is still in effect but it became less restrictive and the civilians are enjoying an access to true luxuries: new cars, technological goods and quality food. Moreover, power supply is available to most even if that access is sometimes limited, especially when it comes to the extremely poor refugees that are now living in the cities suburbs (their population is now reaching almost 5 millions). Industries are largely working and they are still dedicated to producing military goods for the local forces but also for export. The navy and air force is still conducting numerous patrols but the killings of refuges have stopped. Fighting still takes place in Indonesia and they don’t seem to reach a peaceful solution any time soon. Finally, as trade still exists, it is essentially conducted with FBU (France still held Neo Caledonia), Thailand and the remnants of the Allied forces in the Middle East and on the East Coast.

*Inspired by a report from a fight opposing two French Foreign Legion Battalions to a German Panzer Division in 1940.

Last edited by Mohoender; 10-09-2009 at 11:28 AM.
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  #33  
Old 10-06-2009, 05:36 PM
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It's good, but I'd remove Australia having two aircraft carriers of any type. We haven't had even one since the HMAS Melbourne was decommisioned in 1982 and scrapped a few years later (after China studied it and used it to train their own pilots in carrier operations).

Since then there's been a few noises about obtaining a new carrier, but the expense, and lack of definate need, has stalled all progress.

Australian naval air assests consist of little more than a handful of helicopters (mostly Blackhawks I believe) and land based fixed wing coastal patrol aircraft.
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Old 10-06-2009, 08:59 PM
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I like it, its a fun read. A couple of points.

I agree with Legbreaker that Australian aircraft carriers are unlikely but seeing as the above history is a decade later than the canon T2K timeline I suppose it is possible.

In WWII there were all-Maori New Zealand Army units but those days are longgone. It is true that per capita there are more Maori than Pakeha (whites) in the New Zealand military (certainly IMO because of the tradition of a warrior culture among the Maori but also for socio-economic reasons) but there would be no such thing as "two Maori infantry Battalions will resist and stop an advancing Chinese armored division during 38 hours".

Interestingly I've heard a story that I've never followed up for verification of a Maori battalion being sent on a deep penetration raid against the Germans on Cyprus during WWII. The account I heard was that it was pretty much a suicide mission but the Maoris apparently did a huge amount of damage before they were wiped out. Maori soldiers have a reputation for ferocity rivalling the Gurkhas.
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Old 10-06-2009, 09:59 PM
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I like it, its a fun read. A couple of points.

I agree with Legbreaker that Australian aircraft carriers are unlikely but seeing as the above history is a decade later than the canon T2K timeline I suppose it is possible.

In WWII there were all-Maori New Zealand Army units but those days are longgone. It is true that per capita there are more Maori than Pakeha (whites) in the New Zealand military (certainly IMO because of the tradition of a warrior culture among the Maori but also for socio-economic reasons) but there would be no such thing as "two Maori infantry Battalions will resist and stop an advancing Chinese armored division during 38 hours".

Interestingly I've heard a story that I've never followed up for verification of a Maori battalion being sent on a deep penetration raid against the Germans on Cyprus during WWII. The account I heard was that it was pretty much a suicide mission but the Maoris apparently did a huge amount of damage before they were wiped out. Maori soldiers have a reputation for ferocity rivalling the Gurkhas.

UH-oh, having worked with the Gurkhas several times, well, I never conssidered them fierce or intimidating. Basic infantry, sure, otherwise eh, not overly impressed. I recall one evening in the jungle in our positions, some pygrmy deer came through and the screams of them running into the night well thought it was hillarious but also sad.

And I also worked with some Aussies, eh, good infantry but those kids just weren't risk takers. The couple were were assigned well it was like training a new boot that you didn't phuc with to bad.

And the sadest of all, they couldn't last more than a couple pitures of beer in the enlisted club. <and I mean pitures of house beer for the whole table> I was so disapointed.
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Old 10-06-2009, 10:25 PM
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I've never met any Gurkhas, I was just going on reputation

I can imagine that Australian troops would not be risk takers. As for the beer, I suspect that many Aussie troops (though not all by any means) aren't big drinkers these days.
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Old 10-06-2009, 10:25 PM
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You obviously encountered the dregs then. Definately not what even an average unit would try and pass off as "trained" soldiers. The parent unit probably didn't want to send their best to be corrupted by the US military.

As for drinking - you sure they were Australian? Are you sure they hadn't already skulled a slab or two before walking in the door?

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Old 10-07-2009, 12:25 AM
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I know! I mean dfield craft and such is one part of wearing your uniform but the comraderie portion and upholding the unit traditions of who can out drink one another they didn't even try! And we were buying the beer too! I mean what kind of soldier refuses free beer!
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Old 10-07-2009, 12:25 AM
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It's good, but I'd remove Australia having two aircraft carriers of any type. We haven't had even one since the HMAS Melbourne was decommisioned in 1982 and scrapped a few years later (after China studied it and used it to train their own pilots in carrier operations).
I understand you. However, there had been some rumors around about Australia closely looking at two designs: the French Mistral and another derived from the Principe de Asturias (that one could have been chose). This would be a projection ship more than a true carrier. However, with the war coming why not (anyway these carriers are carrying 15 helicopters and 12 harriers) ? Especially as it serves my purpose.
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Old 10-07-2009, 12:29 AM
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Interestingly I've heard a story that I've never followed up for verification of a Maori battalion being sent on a deep penetration raid against the Germans on Cyprus during WWII. The account I heard was that it was pretty much a suicide mission but the Maoris apparently did a huge amount of damage before they were wiped out. Maori soldiers have a reputation for ferocity rivalling the Gurkhas.
You already mentioned that and your idea inspired me for the small account as I could make a comparison between Maoris and Foreign Legion. By the way the battalions don't have to be 100% Maori and the title might be honorific (then, 70% Maori and 30% inspired white soldiers).
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Old 10-07-2009, 03:36 AM
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I mean what kind of soldier refuses free beer!
Ah, well that's easy to answer - when it's that watered down crap you Americans try to pass off as beer!

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Old 10-07-2009, 06:22 AM
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I know! I mean dfield craft and such is one part of wearing your uniform but the comraderie portion and upholding the unit traditions of who can out drink one another they didn't even try! And we were buying the beer too! I mean what kind of soldier refuses free beer!
You right that was rude. They could have decline the invitation (for the beer only) and bring their own. Only one problem: the party would not have lasted for long. Therefore, may be they were being kind with you. Anyone, including 12 month babies, can out drink americans drinking (except those coming out of the mountains, making their own brands and running away from FBI).

At college parties I used to come with "Evian" so I was sure to get dizzy before my US fellow students drinking US beers.
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Old 12-08-2009, 09:12 AM
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Default Tiny states of europe

I haven't posted anything on this for almost three months (USSR was to big a piece of work). Just a little something before christmas time. Not exactly a region but I thinks its relevant. It was fun to write and I hope you'll like to read it. If anyone as some insights, I'll be interested. Don't always look for the logic behind this.

Before the Twilight War, there were a certain number of tiny states over Europe. Surprisingly several have survived and often their situation is better than elsewhere on the continent.

Jersey and Guernsey
These two sets of islands were administered by the British Crown before the war but it changes when the nukes start to fall. The islands, then, declare their independence and sign a mutual assistance treaty with France. As a result of that treaty, the islands harbors are closed to British shipping and French troops are deployed on several locations including Castle Elizabeth and Fort Clonque. With the destruction of most French ports on the Atlantic, this proves highly valuable. In return for the French military presence, the small representation at Caen has been turned into a full embassy and the French provide supplies and training for the communal militias. Another important element of the independence resides in the abandon of English as the official language of the state to be replaced by the traditional Jersiais and Guernesiais. However, these two languages being spoken only by a minority of the population English and French remain in common use. Because of all this, independence was not achieved easily and resulted in some fierce opposition and a revolt. In the outcome, the uprising was crushed and a quarter of the population was expelled to England.

After victory was achieved, the people felt safe as the islands were not badly hit by the various epidemics striking most of the world. Nonetheless, that changes when they started to suffer from indirect nuclear contamination and when Jersey was touched by a direct one from the nearby Hague nuclear treatment plant. Nowadays, the population has dropped to about 70,000. On the bright side, if food shortages are not unknown of, every citizen is entitled to devote part of its time to fishing or cultivating the fields and the islands are mostly self sufficient. They even do better than that and their fisheries are exporting to France, Ireland and the UK. Because of several choices predating the war, Guernsey remains the industrial center of the state. Nevertheless, talking of industry is a big word and little exists there outside above industry. The most important industry on the island is a small traditional naval arsenal producing a few sail boats and providing repair to the local fleet. Access to energy is the main problem and electricity is in very short supply, produced only from tiny wind power plant supplemented by a small number of power generators. Black market is also important and contraband transit constantly under the friendly eyes of the authorities.

As soon as fighting on the islands dries down, government fully revert to feudal laws and the power is now back in the hand of the Bailiffs (one for Jersey and one for Guernsey). Second to the Bailiffs are the Seneschals who are in charge of justice, civil security and welfare. Of course, running the islands daily takes more than four men and communes (12 in Jersey and 10 in Guernsey) are led by constables. Before the war, both Jersey and Guernsey had a number of chambers but these were abolished. They have been replaced by two new chambers. One is the house of communes which assembles the 22 constables and 74 deputies. The second is the feudal house which is attended by the 57 noble families: 32 for Jersey, 24 for Guernsey and 1 for island of Sercq.

For defense, the islands rely on a communal militia composed of 22 companies (1 for each commune) and an independent section (Sercq Island). These militias are light infantry forces. In addition, the Bailiffs have additional units under their direct authority. These, commanded by a Lieutenant-Governor, are made of the followings: 2 Infantry Companies, 1 Motorized Squadron (Land Rovers), 1 Cavalry Squadron, two artillery batteries (Brandt 120mm mortars) and an air defense battery (20mm anti-aircraft guns and a few Mistral anti-air missiles).

Principality of Monaco:
The principality escaped the war entirely and remains the refuge of the wealthy. That small city-state is administered by Prince Albert II and the population is stable at about 34,000. Every nationality is allowed to stay within the boundaries but several are closely watched by local Police and secret services: British, Dutch, German…

The main change in the country resides in a recent territorial extension resulting from a treaty signed with France after the nuclear attack. In return for increased taxation, the principality is now three times larger as it was allowed to annex two of the surrounding localities: Beausoleil and Cap-d'Ail. The principality now has some farmlands essentially producing fruits and allowing for cattle raising (sheep and goats). These farmlands are a welcome addition to the now flourishing fisheries and sea farms developed by scientists working at the ocean museum.

Unlike what was widely understood, the principality’s industry was quite numerous before the war. Factories are all in Fontvielle, sometimes located in skyscrapers, and many are still functional. Electronic is still produced while plastics, chemicals and medical goods are still manufactured. The main difficulty faced by these industries is that of raw materials which are reaching the principality in insufficient quantities. Recently, because of the conflict, part of the light machineries and part of the chemical plants were turned toward the production of ammunitions. Finally, the main luxury is that of the heating/cooling system using waste and providing a high level of comfort to the most wealthy.

None of this would have been possible if problems of power supply had not been answered before the war. Faced with significant power cuts during the years preceding the nuclear exchange, the Prince asked for solar power cells to be deployed on many buildings. The EMPs disrupted power supply for some times but the SMEG (Société Monégasque de l’Électricité et du Gaz) was capable of rebuilding the systems in a matter of weeks. Nowadays, the SMEG continues to administer the principality’s power supply. It still relies on solar power cells and complemented this by a floating power plant. That last plant is, in fact, an old steam yacht from the 1900’s confiscated and modified for the occasion.

Another problem for the principality was that of its defense. For centuries, this had been France duty but the ability to provide enough military support became uncertain. As an answer to this, the Prince decided to expend its military forces. First, the police forces remain important and still number more than 550 officers. Second, the sea patrol forces were augmented by enlisting several sailing boats and more small and medium motor boats. Heavy machineguns and light artillery were, then, fitted on these ships. Outside of the coastal patrol boats, motor ships are now forbidden by law and these residing in the port, prior to the war, have been emptied of their fuel and stripped of their vital components. In order to control sea matters, a minister of the admiralty was created and monitors these coastal forces and the sailing ships converted to fishing and transport. Third, avgas was stored and three helicopters are forming a small armed air patrol. They are seldom seen in the air but they can be called upon in case of emergency. Fourth, the regular military has been augmented and now counts five units instead of the original two: 1 combat diver squad, 1 motorized squadron, 1 fire corps (130 men) and 2 infantry companies of 112 men each (compagnie des Gardes and compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince). At last, a people’s militia has been formed but it is badly armed with too few weapons. However, its main duty is to provide crews from the refitted bronze artillery pieces that now defend the coast. Before the war, this outdated artillery would have been surprising but, nowadays, it represents a serious threat to pirates who seldom have access to modern ships.


Most Serene Republic of San Marino:
San Marino is a small republic landlocked within Italy and it survived the Twilight War. It is also the oldest sovereign state and the oldest Republic in the world has it had been founded in 301AD.

Anyone would have expected that small state of less than 30,000 inhabitants to dissolve in the chaos of the Twilight War but that was without counting on the population stubbornness. In addition, the state had little needs and it reverted quite easily to the cottage industry that now prevails. As in the two previous world wars, the Republic remained neutral under the leadership of its two captains-regent despite the major political change of 2006. After NATO bombed it by mistake, the people elected a communist government again but that didn’t change anything and the country remained neutral, nonetheless. In addition, despite that new government, the Republic still maintains strong ties with the Papal state.

As in the other microstates, except Monaco, electricity is rare and produced mainly by power generators using vegetable oil. Pre-war industries have disappeared and they have been replaced by small cottage industries. However, the true stability existing here is a real advantage and productivity is quite good. That is also true for the agriculture which produces enough to feed the population, to fuel the few remaining vehicles and to export part of its production. Sickness and hunger are unknown here.

Unlike the other microstates, building up San Marino’s defense was not so much of a problem has the country still had an army. This was quickly built up and volunteers enlisted in fair number.

The government itself is now guarded by three special units. There is the Crossbow Corps which is an undersize company (80 men) equipped with crossbows and acting as the main patrol to the City of San Marino. There is also the Guard of the Council (also known as the Noble Guard) which is a company (120 men) providing direct protection to the government. At last, there is the Gendarmerie which has been expended to three companies (150 men each) and provide for civil order in the countryside.

Then, there is what can be considered as the true military which is divided between the Guard of the Rock and the Army Militia. The Guard of the Rock (550 men) is the professional military unit and the only military component equipped with modern weaponry (pistols, submachine guns and assault rifles acquired not long before the war). It is composed of four elements: 1 Cavalry Squadron (horses and light vehicles), 1 Artillery Company (8 howitzers and 4 Bofors air-defense gun), 2 Infantry Companies. The Army Militia is the volunteer and part-time component of the military. However, unlike most militias in the Twilight War this one is quite professional. Serving in the Militia has always been a pride for the people of San Marino and, when they started to enlist in mass, many had some decent military knowledge. Today, that militia represent no less than 8 Battalions (400 men each) mainly equipped with KAR-98K, a World War 2 rifle. At any given time, two of these battalions are on duty and the 6 others can be called upon on very short notice.

Andorra and Liechtenstein:
These two countries had no army at all and they would have been more vulnerable. As a result, both followed a similar path, surrendering their independence in exchange for protection. Andorra is now occupied by the French and the sole opening in the border with Spain. Liechtenstein, for its part, is now including in Switzerland.
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Old 12-08-2009, 11:00 AM
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Is San Marcos (on the Italian Coast) considered an independent entity? The San Marcos Marines are well known as a tough fighting force, but IIRC they work as a semi-independent part of the Italian military, and depending on circumstances, they might not work with Italy in T2K.
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Old 12-08-2009, 02:57 PM
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Mohoender Mohoender is offline
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Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b View Post
Is San Marcos (on the Italian Coast) considered an independent entity? The San Marcos Marines are well known as a tough fighting force, but IIRC they work as a semi-independent part of the Italian military, and depending on circumstances, they might not work with Italy in T2K.
Not from what I understand. The Regiment San Marco is now located at Brindisi and belongs to the Navy. It was previously located at Venice from which it draws its name. San Marco is that city's saint. I don't know when the Italian navy left the Serenissima but I suspect that the Lagunari (amphibious troops belonging to the army) were formed in 1951 as a replacement for them.

In my game both units will be working for Padania (northern Italy). In any case, both units would be (IMO) among the most loyal troops of Italy.
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Old 09-28-2021, 11:32 AM
Olefin Olefin is offline
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Thread can now be updated for Africa with the events detailed in the East Africa Kenya module which concentrates on Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia but also includes a lot of information on the war and its effects throughout Africa (the nukes strikes by both sides on multiple countries) as well information on what the Great War of Africa did to the Congo, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe plus some information on the Central African Republic and Liberia.
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Old 09-29-2021, 11:01 AM
.45cultist .45cultist is offline
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The inquisition still exists. I think they call it the Holy Office nowdays. They had a hand in controlling the Ecole Biblique, the organisation responsible originally for decyphering the Dead Sea Scrolls (and controlling access to the information derived from them).
Protestant here, but I heard the modern Inquisition determines what is "kosher" for Catholics.
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Old 10-13-2021, 07:42 AM
Brit Brit is offline
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Thought this might fit here:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2...b-global-en-GB

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FSO_Safer

A rumour overheard... a mission... and / or maybe it is still there with some fuel still on board...
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