Timeline of the Occitan Civil War

The Occitan Civil War dominated the Empire of Occitans, Corsicans, and Basques between WD89 and WD145. This is a timeline of the events leading up to, during, and after the Civil War, including news posts that relate to the war - even if the relation is indirect.
Arguably the most important recollections of the Occitan Civil War are the stories put together in the Saga of the Occitans, Corsicans, and Basques. The Saga is split into four parts, linked below for ease of reading:
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
== Jan 15 ==
=== BREAKING NEWS: EMPEROR FREDERIC IN CRITICAL CONDITION, TALK OF SUCCESSOR BEGINS ===
Earlier today, Emperor Frederic was rushed to a hospital. The public has currently not received word on the cause, or the exact condition of the Emperor, but he is believed to be close to death. While the Chamber of Advisors would normally vote on the Emperor's heir, they have agreed to give Emperor Frederic the honor of naming his successor, due to his contributions to the Empire. It is also not currently known who the Emperor has chosen, but it is believed that he will choose one of his two sons:
Savaric ♦️
Savaric, the Emperor's elder son, is high-ranking in the Occitan military and is a notable soldier and strategist, having studied under the Archduke Alari during his childhood. He is cold-hearted, unsympathetic, and willing to sacrifice much for the survival and prosperity of the Empire. Additionally, he is the Lord of Albret. Savaric is expected to be the chosen heir to Frederic.
Guinòt ♥️
Guinòt, the Emperor's younger son, has little military training. He has focused his life on public service, being a non-partisan member of the Chamber of Delegates. He is much more charismatic than his brother, which has lent itself well to his tenure on the CoD. He is said to be mild-mannered and a pushover, but he is popular with the citizens of the Empire. However, concerns have been raised over whether Guinòt will be strong-willed enough to lead.
=== EMPEROR FREDERIC DEAD, SUCCEEDED BY SON GUINÒT ===
Thirty minutes ago, Emperor Frederic passed away due to heart failure. In a shocking decision, the late emperor named his younger son, Guinòt, his heir over his older son, Savaric. The Council of Delegates and Council of Advisors have viewed this with approval, seeing Savaric as a risk due to his cunning ways. The vassals of the Empire have also showed their support for Guinòt's rule.
Guinòt's coronation will occur soon. Savaric has been asked for his comments, but has been unable to be reached.
=== Atchara Darha hopes to work with Guinòt in the future when she becomes queen ===
=== The Emissary wishes Guinòt an happy Occitaine or something like that ===
== Jan 16 ==
=== Tensions rise in Baytika... again. Armed conflict in the country ===
After the assasination of Ali Abdullah Assad, the government was empty, so the military formed a council to try and maintain Baytika safe from any conflict, but many factions have claimed rule over the nation. With no heir to the throne, people considered turning Baytika into a emirate again pointless, so many anti-monarchists movements rose to turn Baytika into a republic.
Also, many armed groups, such as the Al-Mudafi'in and the anarchists have rose against the current government. With this, those whoo have maintained peace for now are the Lusitanian tribes and the FTC of Lisbon.
=== BREAKING NEWS: EMPEROR GUINÒT OF OCCITANIA ASSASSINATED AT CORONATION ===
Tragedy struck our nation earlier today. Emperor Guinòt, just 24, was assassinated after giving his coronation speech. During a "Meet the Emperor" event, a group of anti-imperialist terrorists infiltrated the event, overpowered the Imperial guards, and stabbed the Emperor in the heart, lungs, and skull, instantly killing him. 
Guinòt's older brother, Savaric, has immediately succeeded him as Emperor, according to Frederic's inheritance wish. No official statement has come from him yet, as Savaric was rushed to a secret safehouse to ensure he would not be harmed. 5 of the 7 members of the assassin group were apprehended at the scene , though 2 escaped. 3 were Corsican, 1 was Occitan, and 1 was Basque. 
More information will come soon from Savaric's government. To all citizens of the Empire, remain calm. For the time being, you are safe. However, do not hesitate to report treasonous acts and traitors to the Empire. For those outside the Empire, do not attempt to protect these assassins. And for all, pray for our great Empire.
=== Rhomania rumored to house Occitanian assassins ===
Empress Irene says : "no"
TERROR!!!!! THERE ARE KILLERS IN ROME ???? or , so they ( the opposition ) says .
irene & the senate say : "no we dont"
but the people think Something is up . but they're like, : "alright."
== Jan 18 ==
=== King Hans Mack'Vlantscheir voices his support for Savaric ===
=== Qwasic, Duke of Hesse, Makes Common Ground With Local Governments on Occitania Issue ===
Qwasic's Duke-ship has been clouded in controversy within Hesse, however, the latest question regarding Occitania has brought him and the people closer together. The Duke of Hesse worked with the local governments to establish coherent plans for the defense of the nation, stating that if the Occitans are willing to oppress their own people, they may enact unimaginable horrors upon others. In newly constructed Frankfurt, the Hesse government passed the Gesetz uuber die Einberufung zum Krieg. The new law permits 1 out of every 25 citizens eligible for military service to be called up to serve in the Heer in time of crisis. The law has been met with positivity, many proclaiming it as a necessary measure of security.
=== THE SAGA OF THE OCCITANS, CORSICANS, AND BASQUES ===
==== Part One ====
Nothing could prepare him for the details of his ascension to the Occitan throne. He didn't want it to be true. In just two days, losing his brother and his father. Savaric was a broken man. And broken men have nothing to lose.
Sitting in the carriage as he was transported to the Imperial Safehouse, Savaric planned out his first actions as Emperor. He wrote up an address to the nation, to keep morale high."My dear nation. It is with great tragedy that I have become your Emperor. I never wished to watch my brother die, but it has happened. Our next move as a nation must be to track down the traitors responsible for this. We must show them that they cannot act against us, for we are stronger. We will always be stronger.
"Last night, I issued a decree authorizing blood tests for all those of Corsican or Basque descent in this Empire, to test if they are related to any of the treasonous assassins. I understand that this may seem like an overstep to some, but I promise - no innocent citizens will be harmed. I also know that some will question this move, given the... thoughts... that I have voiced about the occupation that the Corsicans and Basques have done to our land. But I must assure you - I mean no harm to these occupants, as long as they show that they can remain loyal to the Empire. If they can do this, I will let the Corsicans and Basques be a part of this Empire.
"Additionally, I feel the need to correct a... minor error. Recent news has mentioned that one of the assassins was Occitan. Rest assured, no true Occitan has any feelings of malice towards the Empire. We have determined that the assassin was another Basque. If you see any 'Occitan' acting in a dangerous manner, report them to your local authorities immediately. They will be investigated, and I can assure you, will be proven to be non-Occitan. I trust in our citizens to report anything treasonous. We cannot have treason, instability, or inferiority within this Empire."Over the next few days, Savaric dealt with disruption to his rule. The Primièr of Occitania, Germonde Fauré, along with the Council of Delegates, overwhelmingly opposed the Emperor's blood test mandate. Savaric knew that he must remain strong in his rule, and every time the issue came up, he reminded the public that this mandate was non-negotiable, a necessary action to preserve stability in the Empire. However, the Chamber of Delegates became an increasingly problematic nuisance; a thorn in Savaric's plans that had to be stopped. 
Savaric knew that he had to take extreme measures after the most egregious and treasonous statement yet came from Primièr Fauré. At a public press conference, Fauré announced his complete opposition to the "dangerous and tyrannical rule of Emperor Savaric", and that he and his government would "do anything to stop the disenfranchisement of the Empire's citizens" - including those Corsicans and Basques who had so clearly threatened the Empire. Fauré even mentioned that he thought "each and every citizen of Corsican, Basque, Septimanian, even Britonian descent was a more trustworthy and loyal citizen of the Empire than Emperor Savaric." 
Even Savaric knew that his next actions would not go over well with all of Occitania's population; but he knew it was necessary to keep the Empire safe. In a sweeping emergency decree, the Emperor declared that the Chamber of Delegates was to be permanently abolished - and that all of its members were to be arrested on grounds of treason. He assured the public that all would be given a fair trial, being sure to ease the public's worries - all but one, of course. Ex-Primièr Fauré, arrested on extra charges of crimes against the Emperor, intent to misinform and spread anti-Occitan propaganda, supporting terrorist acts, and threatening the safety of the Empire, did not require a trial. This was, of course, indubitably justified, given the severity of his crimes. 
Emperor Savaric, who had begun to spin his ideas into the minds of Occitania, knew that he had convinced the population to support this. His propaganda posters - or rather, Public Safety Posters - had been spread throughout the Empire, with at least two on each announcement board in Bordeu. Primièr Fauré, the dangerous anti-imperialist and known committer of treason, was given a public execution in Bordeu. The execution design was borrowed from experimental military designs created in the Carcassonne - the largest Military City in Occitania and the capital of the Archduke Alari's domain.
The fate of the other Delegates soon followed the way of Fauré. They, too, had become infected with anti-imperialism, converted by Fauré into slandering the great protections Savaric had instituted. To combat this spreading of lies and treason, Savaric had issued an emergency ban on Intercity travel for all those not of Occitan ethnicity. The other citizens of the Empire could no longer be trusted. His Empire must be secured... 
== Jan 27 ==
=== THE SAGA OF THE OCCITANS, CORSICANS, AND BASQUES ===
==== Part Two ====
Savaric's grand plans unfolded further with each day he was Emperor. The relatives to the assassins that the government had discovered theough the blood test program were being interrogated, and all were found guilty of supporting treason. All necessitated execution. However, Savaric knew that more treasonous citizens were hiding. 
Soon after the ban on travel, he introduced the biggest step yet in his protective plans: a complete, zero-exceptions revocation of citizenship from all people living in the Empire who could not prove themselves loyal to him and Occitania. Surveys were done on the entire population - the test results showed a dire lack of loyalty from certain groups. The next day, Savaric began the collection of citizenship papers from those that failed the test, which had been determined to be everyone who was not entirely Occitan: they could not be trusted. 
Employing the Occitan military, Savaric ensured that all revoked citizenship papers were collected with whatever force necessary; he issued authorization to kill if needed. All papers were burned after their collection. The Empire had to ensure that none were recollected, else the anti-imperialists would use them against him and the Empire. 
Every Occitan newspaper, announcement, letter, and anything else that could contain anti-imperialist sentiment was reviewed by Savaric and his most trusted advisors - not the Council of Advisors, they were too much of a liability. No, Savaric used the support of the military to his advantage, appointing and creating roles for his allies there. All messages within the Empire were checked for treasonous statements, and were often...altered...to enforce Savaric's regime. The Emperor's influence on the Occitan public grew ever stronger. 
One thing Savaric learned from his sweep of Occitan messages was that several anti-imperialist sympathizers were planning a violent riot in Bordeu, and had been communicating via encoded letters. According to these Revolutionary Letters, as they became called, a "peaceful demonstration in support of Savaric's political prisoners" was to be held in the town center. 
However, several of Savaric's top military advisors had informed him that the sympathizers actually planned to overthrow the mayor, and establish a new government within the city, which would attempt to delegitimize Savaric's rule. The Emperor could not have this. The day before the riot, Savaric called a private meeting with the Chamber of Advisors. His goal was to convince Archduke Alari to lead a portion of the army into Bordeu to break up the riot. Under normal circumstances, Savaric would give a minor task like this to one of his other generals, but this was the very capital of Occitania - employing the army here required support from military command to ensure there was no disloyalty, and thus necessitated the utmost care. Additionally, Savaric had been growing more and more distrustful of Alari. The Archduke was one of the most vocal opponents to Savaric in the Imperial government, and the Emperor needed to give him a test of loyalty.
· · ·
Emperor Savaric went over the situation again to the Chamber. He re-explained the need for the army, making sure to emphasize how the capital needed to be even more protected than the rest of Occitania, as it represented the entire nation. A poll for support in the meeting showed that 31 out of the 36 advisors supported the use of the army to defend Bordeu against the riot. As Savaric expected, within the dissenters were Archduke Alari and his second in command, the Imperial Marshal Pelegrin Binoche; who was himself half-Corsican, and had only been protected from Savaric's measures due to the Archduke's insistence. 
The other 3 dissenters consisted of King Arnaut, Prince Dagobert, and Marquise Azalaïs. This worried Savaric - these were some of his most importasnt vassals.
Continuing their argument that had lasted nearly the entire meeting, Savaric said, 
"Don't you understand how important this is, Alari? Protecting Bordeu shows that we can protect all of Occitania! Allowing a riot to take place without intervention will only lead to further violence, further damage to this land!"
"Riot? Boy, you are misled! You don't have the slightest idea of the events that happen in your own nation! This peaceful demonstration has been planned for days - what has changed now? Your figureheads in the military have lied to you! Can't you see through them?" Alari's scathing comeback contained many valid points, but Savaric didn't care to address them; he needed this demonstration - riot - to be stopped. The Emperor could not have the public criticizing his rule, it would lead to the nation becoming unstable.
"That's enough, Alari. I will not have my rule tarnished by disloyal vassals! You are supposed to be my closest servant, my most valuable ally, my right-hand-man - and instead you attempt to drag me down with your disgusting morals!"
"Morals do not drive my argument, Savaric. It would be very, very worrisome to the outside world to see the Occitan army marching in to the very city that represents our country! Can you not understand, boy? Your very own argument betrays itself! You-"
"Enough, I said!" Savaric interrupted. "You do nothing but criticize me, Alari! Are you jealous of my leadership? Is Alari sad that his closest friend did not grant the nation to him? I suppose, if so, you have already begun attempts to overthrow me. You can't stand to see yourself outdone-"
"Overthrow you? I am trying to keep you from being overthrown, Savaric. You are trying your best to get yourself overthrown - if not killed - by being so utterly blind to the consequences of your actions!"
Savaric was positively fuming. "You will address me as Emperor. It's about time you learn to respect your superiors - and that you tired old men let go of this nation. Occitania must be ripe for exploitation for the new generation!"
Clearly, the young Emperor had gone too far for Alari. "These tired old men created the very country you seek to destroy! Your father among them. You know that Frederic would not have wanted-"
"My father was a fool! An ineffective charlatan who only cared about his public perception, his own wealth, and his lesser son!"
Alari did not let this remark go past him. "Do not speak of your father in that manner, boy! You think you knew the man he was...."
"I know enough! Do not spend any more time slandering my word, Alari. I will not tolerate lies against my regime, especially not from my Archduke!"
"Lies? You dare tell me-"
"Am I understood?"
Alari sat silently, pondering his next words with a grave expression. "You... are understood."
Savaric let slip a small smile, though he quickly hid it again. "Good. Now, this meeting is over."
The remaining advisors filed grimly out of the Chamber halls. The cloudless day had become ominously overcast, as if matching the emotions of the nation's leaders.
On Alari's exit from the halls, Savaric pulled him aside. "Be warned, frail agent: the next time we see each other, I will kill you."
Alari left with no response. 
The next day, the headlining news shocked the nation. Archduke Alari, Prince Dagobert, King Arnaut, and Marquise Azalaïs had betrayed Occitania. They had spoken out against the Empire, threatening the safety of the citizens and expressing their support for the traïsonistas. The four had shown their desire for the invaders to overthrow Emperor Savaric, and establish horrible rule over the lands. Acting swiftly, Savaric had stripped the ranks of Alari, Dagobert, Arnaut, and Azalaïs, and had the army arrest the four of them. Luckily, Dagobert was captured while in hiding; the coward! However, Alari, Azalaïs and Arnaut had escaped. The Emperor now issued a plea to the nation: help him find and stop these traïsonistas - "and report any other treasonous activity to the Empire."
In addition, the four had orchestrated a violent riot in Bordeu - luckily, Savaric himself led the Occitan army into the city to protect the citizens. 
"Any people of Occitania who were injured, maimed, or killed during this riot have been done so by the rioters", the newly-appointed Imperial Marshal Sicarie de Ventadour stated. In a press conference later that day, she added: "The Empire wishes no harm to its good citizens, and would never attack you. Please, remember to report any treasonous activity - including rioters, traïsonistas, and the rogue vassals - to the Empire." 
King Sauvant and the other major vassals had not addressed the riot or the warrants for Alari, Dagobert, and Azalaïs yet, worrying Emperor Savaric. The Emperor needed his remaining vassals to show him support. Savaric had effectively lost half of his nation in one day, and he couldn't lose the rest of it. These factors led Savaric to devise an emergency plan... one to convince the remaining vassals by any means.
Indeed, regardless of the vassals' stances, there was a crisis. The east (Corsica, Provence) and south (the Basque, Erau) had to be crushed. There would be no mercy. 
Occitania was now in a civil war. 
== Feb 2 ==
=== New Defenses ===
==== Hesse Completes Construction of Festung Willem ====
The Hesse government has dedicated their latest fortification to the late King Willem II. The fort is located in a bend of the Main River between Frankfurt and Schweinfurt, making it a critical defensive position for the southern borders of Saxony.
== Feb 3 ==
=== PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT OF OCCITANIA, CORSICA, AND THE BASQUE PROCLAIMED, CIVIL WAR ERUPTS ===
The rebelling vassals have officially proclaimed Savaric's government illegitimate, claiming that his tyrannical rule has led to the true leadership being placed into their power. The newly-formed Provisional Council, made up of every rebelling vassal, will rule the parts of Occitania controlled by the Provisional Government until the vassals can organize a more formal system of government. 
"We must take charge in this time of uncertainty," said Former Archduke Alari, now Primièr of the Provisional Council, in a speech given earlier today to supporters in Aiacciu, Corsica. Arnaut, former King of Navarre and Duke of Aude, now a member of the Provisional Council, further explained to the press: "Not all Occitans support Savaric's measures. The Empire is not lost yet."
Savaric's forces have quickly reacted to this proclamation; Imperial ships on patrol in the Mediterranean and docked in Maiòrca have attempted landings in Corsica and the eastern coast, both regions controlled by the Provisional Government. A rebellion in support of the Provisional Government has erupted in the Basque Country, as have revolts in Bordeu. Northern supporters of the Provisional Government have also attempted to wrest control of their local regions away from Savaric. 
A major battle is being fought in the Carcassonne, as it is the military headquarters of the nation and contains many valuable resources. The Provisional Government is holding for now, but reinforcements may not arrive in time to defend against the larger Imperial army - or at all.
The Provisional Government has sent out a message to the international community, requesting that the nations of the world recognize the Provisional Government as the legitimate government of Occitania, and that they support the Government in its efforts to reclaim the entirety of Occitania; militarily, materially, or any other way deemed necessary.
== Feb 5 ==
=== ISPANIC BORDER CRISIS ===
With the ongoing civil war in Occitania, many civilians had fled to the south, where Ispana prior has stayed peaceful and quiet. At the first dawn of the civil war, the Axuba ordered garrisons along the border to guard duty, largely to prevent the conflict from spilling over to Ispana and to expedite the immigration process. However, with an influx of refugees to places like Kalgurri in the west and Roda in the east, leading to crowded streets in an already crowded city in one and the other seeing its population explode to nearly 10x larger overnight. Naturally, the peoples in those cities and their representatives are worried about what it means for their safety with this many people entering the country at once, as well as whether or not those refugees will return after the civil war and reconstruction.
=== OCCITAN CIVIL WAR PROGRESSES, PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT LOSING GROUND ===
The Occitan Civil War is in full swing, with fronts across the country opening up. The Provisional Government has consolidated in the rural northeast, but has struggled to maintain defenses in the southwest and the central valley. Imperial naval landings around the southeast and Corsica have succeeded, and are beginning to push into the soft underbelly of the revolutionaries. The Carcassonne front has entirely collapsed, with the brave few revolutionary soldiers being unable to keep up with the much larger Imperial army. This may prove a disaster for the Provisional Government, as they have lost control of the vast military and civilian supplies within the Carcassonne. 
The revolts in Bordeu have survived, but are losing steam. The desperate Basque rebels have maintained their position despite being pushed further back. In the far south, revolutionaries cut off by the Carcassonne invasion have fallen back to the Pyrenees mountains, with many attempting to escape to Ispania, one of Occitania's closest allies. However, unconfirmed reports have shown that guards on the Occitan-Ispanian border have blocked several of the entry points, leading many to either cross the border illegally or be captured by the Imperial army.
The Provisional Government has as-of-yet recieved no outside support or supplies. Analysts believe that foreign support may be a key component in bringing about a revolutionary victory. However, Emperor Savaric has given a warning to any country that may be considering supporting the Provisional Government; he has stated that the Empire "will not refrain from protecting the security and sovereignty of this nation, at any cost." Further unconfirmed reports of skirmishes between Imperial battalions and Ispanian border guards have surfaced. It is clear that Savaric and his supporters will not hold back in their attempt to enforce his oppressive regime.
=== Federal Republic Declares Support for Occitan Provisional Government ===
Vođa Senata Alija Džukanović stated "The Federal Republic of Bosnia will continue to oppose Savaric's regime and provide any support it is able to." While the federal government is wrapping up the civil war and is not expected to be able to provide much material support, this statement of support will provide needed morale to the Occitan rebels.
=== Duke Philippe I, Duke of Picardy, Count of Artois, Count of Flanders, Count of Paris, Lord of New Rhodes, etc. speaks on the Occitanian Civil War ===
“Frankly, I find it disturbing such conflict is occurring on our borderlands,” he stated today to a crowd of reporters, “it often causes the conflict to spill over into the neighbouring country. However, I shall announce Picardy’s support for Emperor Savaric, for only a legitimate ruler by the grace of God should sit on the throne of a nation”
=== COMPLEX POLITICS, RAVAGED BY NATIONALISM ===
==== Part 1 /? ====
At the instant the Occitan Civil War broke out between green and red, people living within Ispana had started to take sides. Initially, many had leaned to support Savaric and his loyalist faction, as they see the forces of the Provisional Government to be far too radical to match their brand of politics. That was until reports of the emperor's extreme measures to capture the assassinators of his family had reached the major cities. While this fact wasn't unknown to the Ispanic people, it certainly had a larger effect as more and more stories came out of the minorities (in particular, the Basques) of the country were targeted to the point that the rights they had enjoyed quickly eroded to them essentially being illegals to a nation they were born in. This ensured that the people who once supported the Emperor no longer saw him as the hero of the story.
This, however, did not mean support for the Provisional Government, either.
Support quickly pivoted in favor for the remaining Basque Nationalists, who wanted to separate themselves from the, in their eyes, oppressive Occitan nation. Some wanted a moderate approach, others wanted official support from the government for Basque Autonomy or Independence. Some even wanted the government to directly interfere and take over the Basque region, so that their rights are ensured in the majority-Vasconic Ispana. Whatever the case may be, the government needs to make a decision, and quick.
Beñat Kadea, the President of Congress, is seen twiddling his fingers by his cabdriver, perhaps nervous about what is to come; a speech and subsequent start to an inquiry that will have major implications on Ispanic politics, both domestic and international. Eventually, they arrive at the congress building, where the congress already gathered and is waiting in anticipation for the launch into the inquiry. When he entered the room, the inquiry is initiated with the bang of a gavel.
"All rise for the President of Congress, Sir Kadea." the Congressional Bailiff declared, and everyone rose. In particular are those in the back representing the border regions that are most affected by the aftershock of the civil war: Paulo Ortiz (Kalgurri), Euri Urive (Roda), and Zuriñe Bergara (Pirene). Beñet quietly entered the room and approached the Lectern, of which his cup of coffee is already made, hiding just underneath the stand. He reaches down and takes a quick sip before starting his speech.Everyone may be seated.Everyone sits down except Urive, which he noticed.Before I start this inquiry, may I quickly hear from you, Madam Urive?
Yes, thank you. As you may be aware, the people of my town have been gravely worried about the consequences of the Civil War, as many of those who entered claimed Occitan ancestry, and to them it seems, their quaint, quiet town, turned into a refugee camp overnight. As we speak, the camp is seeing up to thirty new people every hour, some settling in with relatives, and others setting up new tents. They're extremely worried about their food security, as their farms are simply not equipped to deal with a sudden influx of this many people. Some of them even reporting the refugees resorting to violence and crime, as some go into town and loot stores, largely for essential supplies. As such, they are requesting any immediate form of aid and some guards from the capital to enforce our laws.
Thank you, Madam Urive. We will promptly look into it.He seemingly shunts her request to the side for now, which Euri reluctantly acceptsAs I'm sure all members of congress are aware, there is an ongoing crisis going on at our border, of which our people are persistent on resolving as soon as possible. While there seemed to be initial support for the Loyalist and Legitimate Government of Occitania, this quickly withered as many of our people learned of the atrocities commited by the Occitanian Government.
Many refugees entering our nation had said that they were required to submit blood tests or any form of ancestry so that those who unceremoniously killed the previous two emperors of Occitania can be promptly captured. While we now know these rumors to be true, at the time, it was believed these reports were exaggerated, likely so that they have a better chance of getting approved for asylum. Then more reports came in; political instability, restriction on movement between cities, and perhaps the most egregious of all, a complete and total revocation of their rights by making them stateless. And this, in no way, shape, or form seem to be targeting random citizens of Occitania, from asylum applications. 
A pattern emerged that we consider to be deeply disturbing to us and our populace: Occitania is deliberately targeting citizens of Basque origin and/or ancestry. While it seems true that the assassins were of Basque blood and in no way deserve any credence for their cowardly actions, it, under no circumstances, required a continued enforcement of the Emperor's policies. We can confidently say that we can officially condemn Occitania's actions against our brothers under swift inquiry. However, the rest remains complicated as many of our citizens have asked us to take swift action on the matter, and we're effectively left with three options: Condemnation and sanctions, Official support for the autonomy and potential independence of the Basque region, and Intervention into Occitania to fully secure the Basque region.
While I wish there'd be an easy way to resolve the issue that satisfies the most people, all three seem to even out, with hardly any budging for any faction. I'm doubtless some of you fellow congressmen have already made your decision, whether through personal belief or through pressure from the people your representing. In any case, this issue will, for better or worse, determine our future in the world. I officially open this congressional inquiry.
==== End of Part 1 ====
== Feb 6 ==
=== Refugees from the European Civil Wars flock to Rhomania for security ===
==== Mainly going to Anatolia ====
there are civil wars across europe every where. and rome doesn ' t have one for once ...
rhomania is a peaceful stronghold local to both the , bosnia and occitan nations . some move through serbia , and others go into nagapoli , .
maximus welcomes them all, but some in the nation don't
=== MIGRANTS ===
==== City of Frankfurt Stops Accepting Migrants, New Plan Established ====
Being the southernmost city in Saxony, Frankfurt has found itself receiving and processing thousands of fleeing Occitan migrants. The city has declared that it has reached maximum capacity and is planning a new route. As Hesse is an underpopulated region of Saxony, the Hesse government has agreed to a plan that will take advantage of the influx in Occitan migrants. A percentage of the fleeing population will be granted subsidized homesteads across Hesse with the goal of spurring development and economic activity. Many citizens of Hesse have criticized this decision, stating that Qwasic is “making decisions from a business perspective rather than a national perspective.” 
=== OCCITAN CIVIL WAR TAKES DIRE TURN: REVOLUTIONARIES LOSE MONTPELIER, MANPOWER, MORALE ===
Montpelier, known in Occitania as Montpelhièr, has fallen to the Imperial army's siege. The interim capital of the Provisional Government is no more. Dissolving rebel defenses are attempting to flee the city, but Emperor Savaric's surrounding forces have captured all but the most lucky. The scattered leaders of the Provisional Government have declared a state of emergency, and are believed to have escaped to safety somewhere in the north. Arnaut, previously the King of Navarre, has been captured by the Imperial army, and is being transported back to Bordeu to be tried for treason and conspiracy, among numerous other crimes.
Gracious though it was, Bosnia's vocal support has done little to help the revolutionary cause. Further consolidation in the north has occurred, but with Picardy potentially sending in forces to assist the Empire, the Provisional Government has issued a halt on the northern frontline. The rebels in the south, particularly the Pyrenees, are being pushed further toward the borders of the nation. The aforementioned Pyrene rebels are reportedly entirely out of supply, having to scavenge what they can from their fallen brothers. However, the Basque rebellion has held its ground, with its leaders ordering a push east in an attempt to connect with the Pyrene front.
To the disgust of moralists around the world, the Imperial treatment of prisoners-of-war has been reported to be worse than previously known. At the Carcassonne, prisoners are held in the tower, which has been hastily repurposed as a prison. They are not given food, clean water, or other basic needs, being left to rot. The more important prisoners are sent to the high-security prison in Bordeu, which houses such criminals as Dagobert and Arnaut. There they wait to be publicly tried for their crimes, in similar conditions to those of the Carcassonne. Several trials are expected to take place tomorrow.
=== The Koron O’Hehchens pledges their undying support for the Occitan monarchy ===
=== Bosnian Federal Republic to Send Volunteers to Corsica, Sanctions Holy Roman Empire ===
Despite being engrossed in the ongoing civil war, the Senate of Bosnian Federal Republic has voted to send military volunteers to Corsica in order to assist the Occitan rebels and dislodge the imperial government from the island. Additionally, the Senate has voted to sanction the HRE due to the genocidal and fascistic tendencies of the Koron O'Hehchens.
=== Leaked reports indicate United States Military has advanced to DEFCON 3, and that an official announcement is in the works. ===
== Feb 7 ==
=== “You’re playing a dangerous game, boy,” DUKE PHILIPPE TO SEND VOLUNTEERS TO CORSICA! ===
After news of direct Bosnian involvement on the side of the rebels, Duke Philippe I of Picardy has announced he will be sending elite soldiers to support the loyalists on the island of Corsica.“These men, these brave men, decorated veterans of the Gdańsk Crisis, shall defend truth, justice, and imperial might side by side with the loyalist forces of Savaric. Your move, libtards.”— Philippe I
=== "I SMELL SOME REBELS IN NEED OF ARMING" - UNITED STATES DECLARES SUPPORT FOR OCCITAN REBELLION ===
The United States Government officially declares their unflinching support for the Provisional Government of Occitania! Extensive supplies of food and weapons have already been delivered and more are said to be on their way.
"We see the ongoing reign of terror by that wretched tyrant Savaric as THE major threat to both national and global security. With the ultimate goal of preserving peace and freedom for the peoples of Occitania, America, and the world, the government and the people of the United States of America are dedicated fully to his deposement! 
In accordance with this, the leader of Koron O'Hehchens has had their diplomatic immunity revoked, and been demoted to Dishonorable Citizen. They have 48 hours to correct their mistake. 
The giant has been awoken, and all the juggernauts of American industry such as RESD and MerDer LLC have pledged their full support for the Occitan rebellion. Scores of volunteers from the American populace have already signed up willing to fight for their brethren. And on top of all that, we have decided that SEAL Team 4 will be sent to Occitania. These men and women have traveled and fought all around the world. Anything from the slavers of the DPL, to the forces of nature, and even a dragon! They have braved the scorching Sahara while chasing InManAsch, put out raging forest fires in Siberia, mapped the northern reaches of the earth in -60 degrees weather, and they're now on their way to Occitania to show the emperor what for.
We wish a miserable Day 10,000 to Savaric, and we will do our best to make sure it is your last."
=== The Koron O'Hehchens Welcomes Royal Mack'Vlantscheir Exiles ===
Novoduneubia is made the House of Mack’Vlantscheir’s capital-in-exile.
=== Federal Government Launches Operation Danube Guard ===
The operation, conducted by the Navy, aims to remove any Holy Roman ships currently blockading the river.
== Feb 8 ==
=== EMPEROR SAVARIC MOVES IMPERIAL OCCITAN CAPITAL TO THE CARCASSONNE ===
"As a show of power to the disgusting traïsonistas, and as a way to centralize our realm, the Imperial Capital will be moved from Bordeu to the Carcassonne; effective immediately."- Office of Internal Governance and Finance, Settlements Division.
== Feb 9 ==
=== OCCITAN CIVIL WAR: MINOR REVOLUTIONARY VICTORIES IN THE WEST, BUT COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF SOUTHEAST FRONT ===
The capture of Montpelhièr by Imperial forces temporarily stopped the function of the Provisional Government, but it has reconvened in Geneva. Three major bills have been passed by the Provisional Council, in the hopes of regaining war support, ensuring minority approval, and expanding their military size: the Security of Citizenship Act grants all people targeted by Savaric's revocation a restored citizenship under the Provisional Government, the Ethnic and Religious Protection Act fully illegalizes discrimination and violence based on ethnicity, religion, and other similar characteristics, and finally, the Required Service Act doubles the immediate legal size of the Provisional Army, and allows for a gradual increase in the conscription % over the next few days. 
Another consequence of Montpelhièr's fall is the disintegration of the revolutionary supply lines in the region. This, along with the general uproar, caused a lack of communication, and disarray amongst the Provisional Army, leading to the Imperial Army being able to swiftly conquer the area. Fort Freg Molon remains heavily defended. Corsica has regained stable revolutionary control, partially thanks to the Bosnian volunteers sent over. The Picard forces, sent to assist the Empire, have not arrived in Corsica. According to semi-classified documents, the Picard soldiers appear to have taken the image attached to their news post literally, and have traveled to fight in far-eastern Europe, where Uncle Picardy placed that dagger.
The Basques, thanks to the American forces which landed in Iruña yesterday, have managed to push even further forward, even attempting to reach Bordeu. Additionally, the far northern rebels have made a small southern push, though they still remain wary of a potential direct invasion by Picardy. 
The tide may be turning yet; it is impossible to tell. 
=== Philippe I Offers Direct Military Support in Occitanian Burgundy to the Loyalists! ===
=== Philippe I Petitions to Join Saxony ===
"Man, fuck this. was gonna invade Dover but uh, things and stuff...gonna just let Saxony hold onto the land while I chill out for a bit. Love, Peace, and Taco Grease."
=== Reichstag Votes to Annex the Duchy of Picardy ===
Following the petition of Duke Phillipe to join the Kingdom of Saxony, the Reichstag, Saxony's parliament, voted in favour 17-5. Unlike Walland, which is only in personal union with Willem III, Picardy will join as a full Duchy in the Sachsenreich, joining the other Duchies of Holland, Hesse, Hannover, and Pommerania. With the aforementioned exception of Walland, Picardy is the first and only non-Saxon-majority member of the Kingdom, which is instead French-speaking. Calais has become Saxony's westernmost city.
=== OCCITAN CIVIL WAR: SAVARIC ISSUES NATIONAL DRAFT, IMPERIAL ADVANCE INTO AUVERNHE, BASQUES PUSHED OUT OF GIRONDA ===
Today brings minor victories by the Empire. To combat the draft issued by the Provisional Government, Emperor Savaric signed off on a National Draft Law, which will increase the Imperial Army's size from ~125,000 soldiers to ~160,000. The Basque rebels, feeling a surge of morale after American reinforcements arrived, attempted to push even further north towards Bordeu. However, the Empire unprecedentedly rerouted legions sieging down the Pyrene rebels towards the Basques, in an apparently urgent move to stop them reaching the ex-capital; this has allowed the Pyrene rebels to hold out another day. Unfortunately, it has also led to the Basque advance collapsing, with a significant amount of the American troops being cut off just north of the current lines. 
The eastern borders have moved slightly more northwards, though the Provisional Government is finally recovering from their supply chain destruction and has a renewed force defending the frontlines. Fort Freg Molon has recieved more supplies, and is expected to be safely under revolutionary control by tomorrow. The loyalists have pushed slightly forward in Corsica, but the Provisional Government and the is maintaining their defense. The northern rebels have fallen back ever so slightly, but with Picardy no longer a threat after it joined Saxony, they are preparing a new advance southwards. 
A lone Imperial division has made an unexpected push northwards in Auvernhe, disrupting the revolutionary lines and capturing ground with incredible speed. This move appears to not have been communicated with the Imperial leadership, since the rest of the Imperial forces in the vicinity could be seen scrambling to reinforce the opening. However, the success of this push has shown the capability of this Avançament de velocitat strategy, which will likely be seen in use by the Empire in the near future.
=== "Oh by the fucking Flame they aren't even trying to hide it" the Emissary mutters to himself. ===
== Feb 10 ==
=== BRITONIA SENDS ONE OF TOP GENERALS TO SUPPORT THE BASQUE REBELLION IN OCCITANIA ===
"Dwight D. Assenhower, famed general of the Breton army, once called Tartaria home, do you have any plans for this expedition in Occitania?""hee haw" "You heard it here first folks!"
=== A message from the Duke of Picardy, Philippe I, loyal subject of the Saxon Crown ===
“I’d suggest stopping while you’re ahead, boy.”
=== Another general joins Assenhower, named Ulyasses S. Grant. ===
=== Scottish parliament releases a message about the war in Occitania ===
"Sussy balls will be deployed."
=== EMPEROR SAVARIC CROWNED KING OF BAYTIKA, ALLIES WITH WARLORD STATES ===
Earlier today, the Military Government of Baytika, the largest faction in the Baytikan Civil War, approached the Occitan Empire with a proposal: Emperor Savaric would be given top-level control over the faction and be recognized as King of Baytika in return for military equipment and support in their reclamation of Baytika; the Baytikan Civil War has been at a standstill for many days, and Military Government leadership hopes this move will allow them to continue their stalled offensives. 
In an interview released to the press, Emperor Savaric stated, "I have always viewed Baytika as a sister nation to Occitania. The people of Baytika are filled with honor, bravery, and strength, just like our own people. I, along with the government of Baytika, hope this will serve as a way to bring our two peoples closer, and bring stability oncemore to Baytika."
Several warlord states in Baytika have sent messages of support to the Empire, and some are in the process of integrating into the new Kingdom of Baytika.
The Provisional Government has yet to comment on this, though they do have some supporters in Baytika. Only time will tell what the outcome of this move will be.
Tonight's full report on the Occitan Civil War will come soon.
=== BREAKING NEWS: OCCITAN IMPERIAL ARMY INVADES ISPANIA, CAPTURES ISPANIAN CAPITAL OF KESSE ===
==== OTHER NEWS: REVOLUTIONARIES ENCIRCLED IN AUVERNHE, IMPERIALS ADVANCE IN BAYTIKA, DAGOBERT & ARNAUT REPORTEDLY EXECUTED ====
The Occitan Civil War has taken a dire turn for the revolutionaries. In an attempt to ensure a land border between his new lands in Baytika with his lands in Occitania, Emperor Savaric has begun a surprise attack on Ispania. Ispania had previously announced that they would maintain neutrality, hoping not to aggravate Savaric's forces. Unfortunately, their gamble has not succeeded. Using Avançament de velocitat tactics, the Imperial Army managed to capture the Ispanian capital with striking speed, before the Ispanian military had time to react. Reinforcements from Valencia has arrived by now, and the Ispanians are putting up a fight to retake Kesse. 
The Provisional Government has reached out to Ispania to create a formal alliance against the Empire; the Concòrdia de las Nacions (or simply the Concòrdia). However, the Provisional Government has its own problems. The Imperial offensive in Auvernhe has succeeded spectacularly, and many revolutionary battalions have been cut off from the eastern heartlands. Many of the military equipment captured from the surrendering Provisional forces are being sent to Baytika, along with a few reserve legions of the Imperial Army. The state of the southwest is one of disaster: with the invasion of Ispania, the Pyrene rebels have been completely surrounded, and it is only a matter of time before they are captured. The Basques have also been pushed back, but morale has been maintained with the recent support sent from Britonia. One Basque leader said, "We are honored to serve with generals Grant and Assenhower."
In Corsica, the revolutionaries also see another major loss. With the island appearing to be safe, the Provisional Government focused on the mainland, allowing an Imperial push to capture the Corsican tower. This has ensured Imperial control of the island, with many fleeing revolutionaries being captured. Back on the mainland, a report published by the Empire has given the international world a list of criminals executed in Bordeu (and the Carcassonne, ever since it became the new Imperial capital) for their crimes. Among these are ex-Prince Dagobert and ex-King Arnaut, both captured leaders of the Provisional Government. This has caused waves of shock within the Provisional Council and supporters of the revolution, with many believing that they would be allowed to live or ransomed. "Clearly, Savaric will not stop at anything to achieve his hegemony.", said Primièr Alari in a grim interview with the press.
The encircled American forces north of the Basque rebellion have been all but obliterated by the Loyalists. Many were captured, or killed in a final siege of the defenses. The captured Americans have been taken to the Carcassonne to be tried. Revolutionary leadership in Geneva does is not hopeful about their survival. The American government has not commented on the capture. However, hope still survives for the Americans. A small group of American sailors have escaped to the Bay of Biscay in a captured Imperial vessel, and are being closely followed by the Imperial Fleet of the West. It is unknown whether they will attempt to escape to New Reykjavik or if they will reconvene in the Basque, but they are heroes for the southwestern rebels.
All is not lost, but the situations are dire for the Provisional Government.
=== DECLARATION OF THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE ===
==== SAXONY, ÆNGLAND, BOSNIA GO TO WAR AGAINST SAVARIC ====
Following weeks of negotiations, the Saxon, Ænglish, and Bosniak nations have agreed to intervene in the Occitan Civil War against Savaric. The goal of the Triple Alliance is the deposition of Savaric's regime and allowing the Provisional Government to execute their plans. The situation, which has been going up for Savaric as of late, will greatly shift as the most powerful nations in Europe descend upon him from all directions.
The great Ænglish Navy prepares to depart from their harbors, the Corps of Saxony are on the march, and the Legions and privateers of Bosnia mobilize for the fight. May the forces of the Triple Alliance be blessed on their mission to defeat Savaric.
=== Last Stand of the Bosnian Volunteers ===
Trapped in the north of Corsica, the Bosnian volunteers have no choice but to stand and fight. Completely surrounded by the Imperial Occitan navy, the Bosnians dig in and prepare for the onslaught to come. The Occitans descent upon them at first light. The Bosnians fight valiantly, inflicting innumerable casualties on the Occitan Empire, but in the end, the bloodied and battered Bosnians succumb to the Occitan army. As they pass from this mortal world to immortal glory, they shall be remembered and their fighting spirit shall be imbued in every Bosnian soldier as they prepare to face Savaric head on. 
==== Živjela Bosna!  Slava Vojinicima! ====
=== CONSCRIPTION LAWS ACTIVATED, FORCES ORGANIZE ===
==== Soldiers of Saxony Rush to Staging Grounds Across the Kingdom ====
The intervention of the Triple Alliance has brought thousands of Saxons to their staging grounds as they begin their march. Only the Dukes and marshals know where they are going, but the brave Saxons went along all the same. A large portion of the conscripts will be integrated into "Landwehr" regiments, which will act as occupiers, allowing the professional force to move forward. While there is some opposition to conscription for a foreign war, it has not proven to be a barrier to success. Juggernaut, Duke of Pommerania and Qwasic, Duke of Hesse, are leading the first and second corps into battle respectively. The advancement of Saxon transportation infrastructure has proven to be a massive boon to the mobilization of the army and will surely be crucial as the conflict draws on. 
=== First, Second, and Fourth Legions Moved to Staging Grounds ===
Following a vote from the Senate, three legions of the Bosnian Army are being moved to a staging ground outside the Alpine gate, and are preparing to move into friendly Occitan rebel territory. The third legion will continue its duties guarding the borders of Bosnia in order to maintain security while most of the army is away in Occitania. 
=== The Koron Mack'Vlantscheir-in-Exile Sends Troops to Help Defend Savaric ===
== Feb 11 ==
=== RESD begins intensive military research ===
For future use by the American Armed Forces and to potentially be loaned during the war against Savaric.
The stated goals for this round of research are:
Find a way to shoot projectiles more accurately
Design a method to allow for all steel warships, once thought impossible until RESD research into steel framed tall structures
Attempt to scale up the technology found in Elytras for military purposes
=== Whelsch and Picard Troops Not Sent Gaulwards ===
Regiments of the Kingdom of Walland and Duchy of Picardy, recent inductees into the Sachsenreich, are not among the first wave of Saxon troops to Occitania (Gaulienreich), but rather will be brought up to Saxon military standards and used for home defence in the meantime, securing the borders of both their new additions to the nation as well as existing provinces. 
=== Some Picards defect to Philippe I ===
“Better to die in glorious battle against the hellish Ænglish than let our good Duke die without a Picard by his side” one states.
=== The Walland Royal Police Force Mysteriously Sets Sail Down to Duneubia in the Middle of the Night ===
=== Walland Royal Police Detained in Bosnia ===
Given the circumstances of the war in Occitania, and knowing the opinions of the Duke of Walland, border guards comprised of the third legion have detained the Walland Royal Police shortly after they entered Bosnia. They will be held until proper communication about this issue can occur between Bosnia and the Saxon Government. 
=== Constitutional Crisis in Walland: Royal Police Arrest State President ===
=== Three Roman senators pledge support for Emperor Savaric ===
==== "He is the future of western Europa" the senators collectively state ====
Senator Libarid, gracchus , & antras have announced to the senate : " We Support Savaric! "
the Roman senate has a lot of takes on foreign events , especially civil wars ... and reactionary senators believe in the imperial gaul cause
Maximus was briefed on the matter , and he said " lol "
but is it truly a matter that one should Lol about ? who knows. but clearly some parts of roman political institutions support the Savaric regime .
=== Whelsch MP for the Farmer Party Suggests Holding the Margrave of Walland Hostage ===
Constitutional amendments can be passed without approval from the Margrave so long as he doesn’t veto them in the first three days. This includes amendments removing his power. Meaning if he were to coincidentally disappear for three days we’d finally be able to retake our democracy 
=== Whelsch Konservative Party Leader: “The Empire of Occitània has the Right to Defend Herself and her People” ===
=== King Willem Disbands Whelsch Royal Police ===
Following the detaining of high-ranking members of the Whelsch Royal Police in Bosnia as part of a plot against the Intervention in Occitania, the Willem, as King of Walland, has disbanded the force. The Whelsch Royal Police (Whelschekooniglichepolizei, or 'Ghethlu Riogha nj'Ilkoron' in Whelsch), or GRI, once the arm of the former O'Hehchen dynasty, is to be replaced by a new Wallander Constabulary (Wallanderpolizei, or Kunstablieth nj'Ilkoron), headed by Chief Heinrich Krowaner, head of the Hannover Ducal Constabulary. Existing members of the GRI will be seamlessly incorporated into the Wallander Constabulary following screening and reassessment of Loyalty to the Kingdom. 
=== Whelsch Prince Summoned to Saxony ===
In related news, Frederick II O'Hehchens, Heir to the Margrave of Walland, has been summoned to Hannover Palace for questioning on the Royal Police matter.
=== A message from Ispania ===
Kaxo kaxo! Išan tantšuškiɣu?
(Hello hello! Can you hear us?)
Iɣorriɣuk axkén hademá aské Isbani.
(We are sending out the last message from a free Ispania.)
Kair, Okxitanyera soldatvek sarrtu Kesse.
(Today, Occitan soldiers had entered Kesse.)
Enayɣor beloe iɣorriešu enayak Arxen eda Kastisan burrokan,
(We send warm, fraternal greetings to our brothers fighting in Arshe and Kastis.)
eda edunur burrokan etonura, etonungk dá.
(And to anyone else fighting in any way, wherever.)
Isbani bišiɣo dá, biši Axuba!
(Ispania will live on, long live the Axuba!)
Isbani Biši!
(Long live Ispania!) 
=== The Price of Neutrality ===
Neutrality did not save Ispania. Many were hopeful that Savaric would continue abusing his own people, not bothering the nations around him. This is, of course, not how brutal dictators think. Once they run out of peoples to oppress and demonize in their own lands, they turn to those of other lands. This is why Saxony, Ængland, Bosnia, America, and Britonia lent their support and joined the fight. To hit Savaric hard before he can take control and expand his wars of conquest across Europe.
=== A message from a Saxon, in response to the call for war by our Saxon liege ===
Drums rumble, the sound of boots on damp mud fills the air. Rows and rows of men, some with battle scars from long ago, some fresh recruits, not long ago still children, reading about the glories of Selucia , risen to men of the battlefield. Pommerania, answering the call to war from the Crown, with assistance from our brothers in Hesse, has organised the eager yet woefully inexperienced Pommenfreiwillige into the shining jewel of the Dukedom, ready to deliver justice to the Tyrant King. Below is an exert from the Heir to the Dukedom of Pommerania, Johan, Count of Rügen.Father,
I write to you from the banks of the Arendsee, two days into Hanover. We have sent messages to the Duke of Hesse and expect to reach Frankfurt before the snow thaws. Before the expedition, you told me it was time for me to become a man, to bring glory to our House. In that spirit, I feel a mixture of excitement and dread. Here I am, experiencing my 16th winter, leading, eating, and sleeping with these regiments of our duchy's finest. When I hear them raise their glasses to my name, I fear that their expectations surpass my abilities. I am ashamed to admit that their commander is afraid of the unknown, for now I smile to their cheers, but when will I crack?
However, you have entrusted me with this task, and there is no turning back now. Refugees seeking safer ground continue to approach us for food, hoping to liberate their homes from the devil incarnate. Hearing their desperate pleas for vengeance, our men have been filled with righteous vigor. In preparation for the upcoming battles, I have been training with the Hussars, and Lieutenant Philips has been helping me familiarize myself with the new weapons we acquired from the Duke of Hesse. In the war rooms, Field Commanders Lutrick and Tresflow have been corresponding with the Hessians, but we have yet to determine the best way to reach the Northern Rebel stronghold. I will inform you of any decisions made once we have reached Frankfurt.
During our nightly encampments, I have received numerous challenges to duels from the common soldiers. I have not lost a single one out of the 30 or so I have participated in. Through these duels, I have encountered promising young men who possess considerable martial abilities, and I have asked Corporal Venis to train them alongside the elite Grenadiers. With each passing day, our army is shaping into a formidable fighting force. I anticipate achieving greater things in the days ahead.
Please tell Mother that I proudly wear her necklace. Although I occasionally endure jests about my femininity, I find it easier to ignore their comments. To young Silvestor, who wished to accompany me, assure him that I will bring him a mighty sword to wield in due time. I hope to see you all before the autumn harvest.
Sincerely,
Your Son,
Johan 
=== Roman reaction: "Damn" ===
=== Lusitanian Tribesmen Pledge Allegiance to Britonia ===
=== Britonia begins construction on border wall to protect herself from potential Savaric forces. ===
Pictured is a constructed segment on the border with Ispania.
=== Matters of Iberia ===
The Emissary has started to observe the situation from former Bahamut. Not only had the Savaric War reached his new abode, it had also affect the country where that funny guy was from. 
Crossing the strait, the Emissary had decided to start investigating on this conflict.
== Feb 12 ==
=== Cosonia's message to the Triple Alliance ===
Greetings, people of Bosnia, Saxony and Ængland. It is with my greatest displeasure that I have to admit that Cosonia's streak of neutrality has to come to an end. The situation in Occitania has shown Savaric's regime as an inherently dangerous one, with no respect for the sovereignty of other countries or the well-being of its own people.
Unfortunately, my country is not one fit for fighting this war. Even the fierce people of New Avadir are both too far and too little to join this conflict in a way that matters. 
Therefore, I shall join this war alone. Despite my stunt during the past Dopeish war, I can't pull the one-man army trick forever. Even a creature like me has its limits. 
I'll be fighting in shadows in Iberia, pacifying the warring nations of former Baytika, providing intelligence and sabotaging Savaric's advances when possible.
You shall not be alone in your endeavors, Cosonia stands with you. Long live the Free World, for the Great Flame wills it.-The Emissary
=== “LOSER!” ===
Shouts Philippe I as he boards a boat
=== Additional letter found for Picardy ===
YOU CAN BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF THE ÆNGLISH LATER.
P.S. Also I mean, you could try outdo them in the war, imagine what a flex that would be-The Emissary
=== Support for Savaric in the Roman Senate ramps up ===
==== Senate in gridlock as its representatives establish positions on Occitania ====
libarid , antras , gracchus have led a charge !!!!!!!!!!!!
there are more senators who support savaric now . but there has also become a big opposition . while there is a lot ! of support for the Occitan empire , the opposition outweighs them
=== RESD military research findings ===
==== (TOP SECRET) ====
RESD has completed its first working model of a steel warship to be used in the war against Savaric. The ship uses similar technology to the impressive skyscrapers RESD has built in the past. The ship uses redstone and coal as its power source. The engine can propel the ship at an impressive 15 knots at maximum power. The ship shown in port will not be used in combat, as it is the prototype. RESD is constructing 12 of these ships.
RESD is continuing its research on upscaling elytra technology using various methods of propulsion. The researchers working on the project have mentioned it is physically possible, but question whether the technology to propel vehicles into the air exists. 
=== Philippe I, Duke of Picardy, Lands in Aenglish Armorica, acclaimed King of the Armoricans by local nobles! ===
Philippe I, after landing in Aenglish-Occupied Europe (Armorica), has been acclaimed as King by the local nobles of the region, who are culturally far more similar to the Picards than the Aenglish.
=== Philippe I Exiled from Armorica after attempting to Raise Taxes by 1% ===
The exiled Duke sails south, towards the mediterranean.
=== Senator Libarid sends provincial troop to support Savaric's Occitania ===
==== In a stand to support Savaric despite Maximus' opposition ====
senator libarid has made quite the bold move :::: as senator of thessaly, he has ;. ordered a troop of the province's regional guard to head to savaric's occitania through nagapoli . 
the troops are escorted by a flotilla of roman ships ....... at maximus' great disapproval .
Rumors say that the emperor called libarid an "Idiotic Buffoon with Little Self - Awareness " , but the validity of this claim is ........... weak . or so they say!
concerned citizens of rome question libarid's role as senator . and his powers as senator . 
=== Independent MP Initiates a Filibuster in the Whelsch Parliament Calling for an End to Whelsch and Saxon Involvement in the Occitan Civil War ===
=== POLITICAL LEADERSHIP REFUSES AUTHORIZATION TO QUARANTINE ROMAN VESSELS ===
==== Bosniak Senate Committee Refuses to Allow Quarantine of Roman Ships Supplying Savaric, Issues Warning ====
The recent incident involving a rouge Roman senator sending troops to aid Savaric generated upheaval in the military command. Plans were drawn up to initiate a quarantine of Roman ships leaving Thessaly, however the political leadership refused to authorize them.
The Bosniak senate instead hopes that Rhomania can realize the absolute danger of the situation and pursue a road of cooperation. Savaric and his allies are not friends of the Romans and will backstab and bribe at any moment. Savaric has seized Baytika and conquered neutral Ispania, what makes those Roman senators believe Nagapolis isn't next.
=== Senator Libarid justifies his decision in front of the Senate ===
==== Forces in the Roman Senate demand explanation from the Thessaly senator for his decision ====
The Senate deliberates."Honorable Senators,
I stand before you today not as a reckless instigator, but as a steadfast guardian of stability and righteousness for our Empire.
First and foremost, let us not forget the tumultuous state of affairs within Occitania. A civil war rages on, tearing apart the very fabric of that region. Emperor Savaric , for all his faults, represents the semblance of order in the chaos. It is imperative that we, as guardians of peace and stability , lend our support to quell the violence and restore tranquility to our brothers in the West . .
In the grand scheme of things, my intervention serves a greater purpose. By bolstering Savaric's forces, we aim to bring an end to the bloodshed and pave the way for a more just Occitania. Moreover, let us not forget the strategic significance of maintaining order. Instability in that region poses a direct threat to our own borders and interests . By supporting Savaric, we not only mitigate this threat but also ensure the security of our own lands and people.
I am aware of the whispers and rumors circulating within our esteemed Senate chambers. Some may question my motives, accusing me of pursuing personal gain or political ambition. I assure you, my fellow Senators, that nothing could be further from the truth. My sole allegiance lies with the welfare of our Empire and its citizens."- Senator Libarid ' s state ment
maximus attended the Senate ' s session today . he was reported to be   seen with a stern expression throughout Libarid ' s ramblings ....
=== The Koron Mack'Vlantscheir-in-Exile Sends Vessels to Help the Rhomans ===
=== The Warning From Bosnia Also Applies to Koron Mack'Vlantscheir Vessels ===
=== The Politburo denounces the war of the Triple Alliance ===
Internal talks within the supreme Soviets and the Politburo have been held since the outbreak of the war and the ramifications it could have towards the international workers movement with a unanimous agreement being reached.
The escalation and spillover of the Occitan civil war and the major international involvement it has garnered has only shown the war to be one motivated by finance and imperialist interests.
The Politburo strongly urges the Socialist parties and workers unions across the Triple alliance to call for immediate strikes viewing this conflict as potentially grounds for the European proletariat to achieve some concessions at the very least.
=== The pope is saddened by the Soviet Unions disregard for human rights. ===
“I hope that the soviets and politburo can find a way to discover god and lend a helping hand to those in need.”-Pope Sixtus IV 
=== Senator Bijan Idaeos challenges Libarid ===
"Honorable Libarid,
It is evident that Savaric and his ilk do not harbor benevolent intentions towards our Empire. Recent events have shown us that they are willing to resort to treachery and deceit in pursuit of their own ambitions. The seizure of Baytika and the conquest of a NEUTRAL POWER, serve as stark reminders of the lengths to which they will go to expand their influence and power.
Do you not realise this, Senator ..? While I acknowledge the urgency of restoring stability to Occitania, we must not allow our noble aspirations to blind us to the harsh realities of the situation at hand. The Emperor is not the avenue . 
My esteemed Senators, let us also not forget the lessons of history. Occitania and Baytika have long harbored ambitions of expansion at the expense of our lands and people. It    , was through our collective strength and resolve that we were able to thwart their nefarious designs in the past. And yet, here we stand, on the brink of repeating the mistakes of our predecessors by offering succor to those who would seek to do us harm.
Honorable Libarid, do not jeopardize the peace which we have instituted for decades. "- Senator Bijan
=== King Cash Mack'Vlantscheir Declares Holy War on Everything Bosniak ===
=== Hunt For Koron Mack'Vlantscheir Begins ===
Bosnian forces have begun to seek out the location of the disgraced leader, in hopes to finally put an end to the Mack'Vlantscheir bloodline that has terrorized the Bosniak people for centuries.
=== Hiding Spot of Mack'Vlantscheir Found Swiftly ===
Found in southern Dunebia, the small bunker was swiftly turned into a pit of rubble.
=== Peace-keeping force placed in Duneubia ===
In order to stop the region from exploding into instability after the death of Mack'Vlantscheir, the Bosnian Government has opted to place a peace-keeping force there.
Operations will continue until a suitable solution for the region is found.
=== OCCITAN CIVIL WAR: BAYTIKAN THEATER SHAPES UP, WARLORDS PICK SIDES ===
==== OTHER NEWS: NORTH AND EAST REBELS JOINED BY BORDER, BASQUES TAKE HEAVY LOSSES ====
The Kingdom of Baytika under Savaric has had more warlords join, with promises of autonomy from the Crown. Those who refused vassalization have been invaded by the Empire; all of these have joined the Concòrdia. Ispania has collapsed further, being attacked from both sides. Fighting in Africa has begun, with Bosnian forces clashing with the Imperial Baytikan Army. Reinforcements from the Triple Alliance have allowed the Provisional Government to gain some footing in the northeast, connecting its main regions together. The rebels have hopes to push southwest, with the goal of eventually retaking the Carcassonne, cutting off the Empire in the very same way it did to the Provisional Government earlier in the war. The Provisional Council has released an official statement regarding the deaths of Dagobert and Arnaut, condeming the Empire's deplorable actions.
The northeastern lines are now much stronger due to the Triple Alliance giving reinforcements. In Amorica, Imperial landings are attempting to secure the island, but Ænglish forces are holding them back with ease. In the southeast, Provisonal-Bosniak joint forces are attempting a small southern push. The Basque front has seen even more losses to the Empire. After a major loss, General Assenhower, the remaining American troops, and many Basque soldiers were all captured by the Empire. They are believed to be being brought back to the Carcassonne to be executed. The Basque Emergency Government has requested further aid, military and humanitarian, from the rebel allies and from the neighboring country of Britonia. General Grant, the other Britonian general serving for the Basques, has begun traveling into Britonia (along with a small guard force) to request official Britonian alliance with the Provisional Government, as Britonia has currently not taken an official side. 
== Feb 13 ==
=== Walland Independent MP Bashes Hamburg's Failed Attempt to Give Away Part of Walland and of the Holy Roman Empire ===
== Feb 14 ==
=== DOUBLE BRETON NEWS ===
==== GENERAL GRANT MEETS WITH KING OF BRITONIA ABOUT CIVIL WAR IN OCCITANIA ====
This afternoon General Grant came from the fronts of the Basque Rebellion in Occitania to meet with the King of Britonia to discuss aid and potential alliance with the Basques of Occitania and to tell of the capture of General Assenhower. The King of Britonia has declined the offer of alliance, fearing the spread of this confict into his own nation, but has agreed to send further aid of food, weapons, 10,000 of his own Breton troops. These troops will arrive in the Occitan Basque Country in the next few days and are tasked to rescue General Assenhower and the American and Basque troops. More news will come of this everchanging situation.
==== THE GREAT WALL OF BRITONIA ====
Fearing the spread of chaos from Occitania and the rest of Iberia, the King of Britonia has commissioned and completed a wall between the Ebro & Tagus Rivers, solidifying Britonia's Eastern borders. This wall shall be guarded by nearby Breton troops and be used to protect against potential Occitan attacks. 
=== Philippe I takes extended stay in Roman Cyrenaica due to bad connection weather ===
=== Senator Antra sponsors Roman humanitarian aid to Occitania ===
==== Following Libarid's daring move to send troops to Savaric ====
antra :: a devout follower of libarid ' s policy on occitania , has promoted and sponsored humanitarian aid to Occitan lands admist the civil war. opposition calls it a front to send more weapons, but antra has protested, stating that it the supplies are Indeed , Humanitarian & Humanitarian only
== Feb 16 ==
=== Duke Philippe still stuck in Cyrenaica awaiting a new boat ===
“Pretty place”
=== THE FORMATION OF THE UNITED PARTISANS FOR IBERIA (BAI) ===
After the Axuba fled to the city of Aljaɣira, a power vacuum ensued in the remaining parts of Ispania that had not yet been conquered by Occitania. In this vacuum rose not the nationalists fighting on in Vasconia, but the citizens in the cities fighting against Occitan occupation, largely those who grew disillusioned with the monarch's incompetence at avoiding the war with Occitania and subsequent flight to Algeria. Already, many people in the larger cities had volunteered as part of the militia, whether it'd be involved directly in fighting, construction, nursing, whatever is needed to keep Imperial forces away. This coalition between republicans, socialists, communists, and even some anarchists, hopes to inspire whatever hope may remain within the citizenry and to transition to a new style of governance.
== Feb 17 ==
=== RIOTS IN LUSITANIA, LOCAL FORCE DECLARES INDEPENDENCE(?) ===
An ambassador from the newly-proclaimed "Republic of Lusitania" has arrived in Britonia. The ambassador claims that a local insurgent force has overthrown the Occitan Military Governor in the region, and proclaimed an independent Lusitanian nation. The ambassador has requested recognition and supplies from the King of Britonia (@blakeBox). As of yet, no map has surfaced showing the actual extent of this Republic, so its existence cannot be validated. However, reports of riots in the north of Baytika have surfaced, so there is some viability to the claim.
=== SAVARIC HOLDS CELEBRACION DE LA CONQUISTA IN CIUDAD REAL, SOLIDIFIES RULE OVER BAYTIKA ===
The Celebracion de la Conquista, a celebration of the Occitan Empire's invasions of Ispania and eastern Baytika, and of the newfound power vested in the Kingdom of Baytika under the Empire, concluded earlier today. Beginning early yesterday morning, the Celebracion was meant to rally the people of Baytika to the Imperial cause, and it has worked remarkably. After ending with a record 92,000 attendees, the Celebracion has spread both cheer and Imperial support throughout Baytika. The Empire states that enlistment rates have increased by over 50%, and morale in the southern realm is high.
Emperor Savaric said in an interview on the event, "The people of Baytika have tired endlessly to achieve their new status as part of the most powerful Empire in the world. This Celebracion was a way to recognize that effort, and give back to Baytika."
Following this, it is clear that the Empire expects to obtain a swift victory in the south, and an increased defense against the northern invaders.
=== OCCITAN CIVIL WAR: IMPERIAL CONTROL OF IBERIA BOOMS, REVOLUTIONARY PUSH IN CENTRAL VALLEY ===
==== OTHER NEWS: BOSNIAK LANDING IN CORSICA, BASQUE FRONTLINE STABILIZES, AMORICA HOLDS OUT AGAINST IMPERIALS ====
The Empire has finally connected its land in Iberia, with Imperial-occupied Ispania now sharing a border with the Kingdom of Baytika. With fewer loyalist forces in the Central Valley due to this, the Provisional Government has made a push southwest, attempting to endanger the Carcassonne. The Imperial response to this has not yet been seen, but rumors of heavy-hitting Imperial comebacks are circulating amongst the Provisional Army. 
In Corsica, Bosniak forces have attempted to retake the island. With the original Bosniak volunteers seen as martyrs, the new forces have made a very successful landing, and are attempting to encircle the Imperial forces at the Tower of Corsica with a southern landing. The Basques, now receiving aid and soldiers from Britonia, have succeeded in keeping the Imperial Army from advancing into core territory. The borders have now been stalled for several days, with a revolutionary push appearing to be planned for the near future.
Ænglish forces in Amorica are successfully holding back the constant Imperial landings, though these landings have dwindled in ferocity recently. A large force of loyalist troops has been seen amassing on the south side of the strait, leading many to worry about the Empire's next move in the region. In the northeast, Provisional and Saxon armies have pushed the Empire back further into Auvernhe. The south has also seen small revolutionary gains. Finally, in Bahamut, the Imperials are being pushed out by a joint force of Bosniak garrisons and the few remaining pro-revolutionary Baytikan armies. It appears that the Provisional Government is slowly but surely retaking ground.
=== THE SAGA OF THE OCCITANS, CORSICANS, AND BASQUES ===
==== Part Three ====
The man climbed the many stone steps, carved and laid decades ago. As he made his way to the platform above, he could see glimmering rays of sunlight cascading down into the stairway, which remained otherwise shrouded in darkness. Taking his time in approaching the platform, the man looked at what little he could see of the stairway. It was clearly carved by masters of their craft; the man could make out individual figures, who appeared to be part of some interconnected story told through the depictions on the steps. As the man reached the top of the stairs and walked out onto the platform, his intricately-dressed self came into view of the massive crowd below. As the spectators saw his glistening crown, cheers erupted across the amphitheater. Smiling at this response, the man looked around at the people of Baytika sitting and standing beneath him. An astounding 34,000 citizens of the Empire had traveled to Ciudad Real in order to gather in this amphitheater, with tens of thousands more outside. All prepared to listen to the man's speech and enjoy the ensuing Celebracion de la Conquista. The man took a moment to internally prepare for his speech, clearing his throat. He set down his script on the podium in front of him, and began to read.
"Dear citizens of this fine and mighty Empire," he began. The crowd became silent as his regal and commanding voice rang across the amphitheater, the walls having been created to greatly amplify the sound of a voice.
"I am honored to serve as your leader. When I was approached by the people of this fine nation and asked to step up as King of Baytika, I could not have imagined how loyal and honorable this nation would become. We have deposed tyrants, conquered traïsonistas, and slain terrorists. Without the support of Baytika, none of this would have been possible. Today, this Celebracion de la Conquista marks a world led first by Baytika. It represents a nation that has risen from the shadows, been thrust into the limelight, and performed beautifully. Now, let the celebrations begin!"
Cheers oncemore dominated the amphitheater. The Imperial Band begun a rendition of Occitania's national anthem, Dels Fòrça Valent, followed by Baytika's national anthem. The guards at the inner gates opened the doors, letting out the contestants for the first game of the Celebration. The contestants were comprised of captured revolutionaries, decrepit prisoners, kidnapped children, and anyone else deemed interesting enough. The first game was to be swordfighting - to the death, of course.
As the attendees once again erupted into applause and cheer, the man began to climb down from the platform again. As the Emperor, he had much more important matters on his mind.
· · ·
On his way to Kesse from Ciudad Real, Emperor Savaric spotted an Imperial Patrol heading towards his caravan, having come from the northwest. Pulling to the side of the path, Savaric waved down the patrol. He was met by a young minister, no more than a junior officer, carrying a long scroll that clearly deserved much more careful handling than the officer was giving it.
"Sir, I bring a message from the Northern Military Governor. He brings grave news..." said the officer. He pulled out a scraped-up roll of paper and begun to read it out.
"'Report; Governor Loriguero; WD106. In our region, the situation has gotten more dire. Mutinies are increasing at the same rate, and supplies are running out. Insurgents have gained control of Districts C, J, and K. Additionally, they have captured the border woods. Lusitania is all but lost. These matters are of the utmost importance, and I must request that you send more-'" 
"Hey- where are you going?" the officer watched as Savaric brushed past him, briskly near-running back to his wagon.
Savaric responded coldly. "Do you think I have time for some inconsequential ruffians in the border country? I have important meetings to attend."
"But my liege-" the officer was now attempting to climb onto Savaric's wagon.
"Get out of my way!" Savaric navigated around the officer. He sighed. "If you must give this report to someone, bring it to the Central Military Governor. You can irritate him, too." Savaric signaled to the wagon driver to set off the caravan, leaving the officer in the dust.
After a lengthy travel south, Savaric finally reached the Imperial Complex in Granada. There, he was to discuss the concerns his southern Generals had regarding Baytika.
· · ·
"Baytika is unsustainable! My Emperor, surely you can see that?"
Savaric's head was spinning from the argument. He repeated his previous statement, frustrated at how long this conversation had dragged on for.
"Nonsense! Baytika is as integral to the victory plan as Marselha. You will maintain your orders." The Empire's top generals, advising him to abandon his most impressive accomplishment yet? The situation could not have devolved to that level, Savaric knew that. He had to keep them from bringing his Empire to ruin.
"My Emperor, you know that the Baytikans will oust you at any sign of weakness. If you wish to retain control, we need to act! The military governors have sent a proposal for reform, covering several sections of the occupation; I recommend you read it through before making any-"
"For the last time, General! None of this 'reform' is needed! If our... friends... in Iberia don't accept what is necessary, than I order you to make them! I don't give a damn how - level the roads, burn their cities, slaughter the bastards if you must! We can't get caught up in the fine print, or else we will fall behind the enemy."
Another General spoke up from the far corner of the War Room. "You can't possibly think that the Baytikans are that naïve! What will the Baytikan vassals do when they see our war maps, and notice that we don't actually control all of the land we have marked? What will they do when the shipments of supplies we promised them are redirected to the north? We can't lie to them - it will run this Empire into the ground."
"I don't care about the maps! Mark them as usual. We. Show. No. Weakness."
"...and what of Bordeu?"
A long silence endured in the War Room. The General, appearing to realize his mistake, attempted to correct it, but Emperor Savaric silenced him.
"General Berduc... I'm sure that we both know very well my stance on Bordeu. If you wish to remain a General, you will instruct the publishers to mark the maps as usual."
Berduc did not live to see the next war meeting.
· · ·
At the Royal Bunker in Kesse, Savaric was discussing matters of the north with his top advisors. 
"Amorica is impenetrable," said General Yselda. "All of our landings have failed. It's a meat grinder."
Savaric thought deeply. "We need to keep up a distraction. Yselda, continue the landings, but commit fewer troops. Keep most behind the strait in case the Ænglish try any... funny business."
He turned to his right, addressing the advisors closest to him. "General Esterèu, Major Dolssa, find a way to get around the island's defenses. Leave out absolutely no solution."
"Of course, my Emperor." Esterèu said. He and Dolssa filed out, on their way to the Planning House.
Savaric turned back to his other officers. "What is our status in the Basque?"
General Peyre, the commander of the Imperial Army in the Basque theater, answered. "Good, my liege. We are pushing the traïsonistas back bit by bit. They become weaker every day. Britonia has attempted to send them aid in the form of military supplies and roughly a myriad soldiers, but it is no matter. They will fall, believe me. And of Britonia itself, we believe it to be no threat. The nation has declared neutrality, and looks committed to it. They have begun constructing walls on our border to try and keep us out. If anything, the Kingdom appears to be scared of us."
A rousing wave of laughter circled around the Royal Bunker. Savaric, though, remained silent.
"Peyre, you must make absolutely sure that Britonia is of no issue. I trust you to ensure your claims that they are not a threat."
"Of course, my liege. I wouldn't dream otherwise." Peyre responded.
The rest of the meeting consisted of more reports of the Empire's varying successes in different regions. To Savaric's dismay, the frontlines in Bahamut were falling in favor or the revolutionaries. He had not the time nor supplies to reinforce those lines though - the mainland was a more important matter. Additionally, the Central Valley was under attack from a new unified assault by Provisional and Allied forces, and the Emperor expected to need to redirect several divisions to defend it. 
Later in the meeting, General Peyre came forth with the news that classified documents belonging to the rebels had been captured. These documents described the revolutionary war plans to retake the Carcassonne. While Savaric had suspected this as an end goal (it was the most powerful city in Occitania, after all) the dating of the planned attack was much sooner than he had expected. Unfortunately for the Empire, the descriptions of the planned attacks were written very vaguely; nothing enough to be more than a general guide.
Suddenly, a blood-covered, shaky officer burst frantically into the Royal Bunker. 
"My- my Emperor," he began, out of breath. "They- they've taken Ciudad Real. The city is ablaze. The Celebracion... the amphitheater collapsed. Everyone-" he coughed up a worrying amount of blood. "They're all dying."
· · ·
Word of the full situation soon arrived. Dissuaded with the Emperor's empty promises, several Baytikan vassals had joined forces and formed an army to enter Ciudad Real, which was the last place they knew Emperor Savaric to be. Their goal was to peacefully enter the city, capture Savaric, depose him as King of Baytika, and try him for his crimes against the nation. However, the situation in Ciudad Real soon deteriorated when it was discovered that Savaric had left the city hours before. Rather than follow him, the rebel army decided instead to sack the capital of Baytika, burning and looting anything that stood in their way. 
The bloodbath in Ciudad Real was sobering news to Savaric. It was with this knowledge that the Emperor signed an order to evacuate Baytika, and escape to the nearest land held safely by the Empire's forces. Riding in the Imperial Caravan, Savaric knew that he was witnessing his grand Empire unfold in front of him. All he had worked for, all of his great plans, ruined by his own hubris. But, he knew, it was not over yet. He would retain control over the homeland, he had to. 
Ordering the Imperial Army to consolidate in Occitania and Ispania, Savaric began enacting his emergency plan to save the Empire. 
All was not yet lost...
he hoped.
== Feb 18 ==
=== Philippe I falls ill in Cyrenaica, diagnosed with ‘Ligma’ ===
“Urmggehgrh”- Philippe
=== Escalation, with the Emissary ===
Watching from a peak near Ciudad Real, the Emissary contemplated its massacre. 
He had heard among the rebel lines the plan to capture Savaric: an hopeless endeavor, he thought. Yet, if it had worked, it would have instantly destroyed the card castle built by the Emperor's propaganda. Now he wished it actually worked.
The rebels decided that, unable to take control of the city, turning it into scorched earth would have been the better option.
While this was not the outcome he wanted, he couldn't negate that the sack will surely bring the enemy morale down a notch. The war in Iberia was reaching a turning point, this and the recent developments in Lusitania being proofs.
The Emissary picked his lantern and descended the mountain, which was getting engulfed by the smoke caused by the many fires in the city. Next stop: Southern Baytika and the Bosnian Headquarters. The least he could do was spread the news. 
=== American Updates Regarding the Occitanian Conflict ===
The Department of Defense has appointed a temporary commander as the previous head of the DoD has gone missing mysteriously. (Quinn is not active so I am taking his role as head of DoD until he becomes active again)
==== USA COMMITTING 150 000 TROOPS TO THE WAR ====
After the recent population boom that saw the American population explode from 1.2 million to 5.6 million (12 villagers to 56 villagers), the US Armed Forces has concluded seeking volunteers for the Occitanian Civil War. The troops are almost fully trained and will see combat soon.
==== RESD COMPLETES 12 NEW WARSHIPS ====
RESD has completed the 12 new 'modern'  warships it set out to build. These new warships include cutting edge technology to incorporate steel to strengthen the ships' hit taking capabilities, and extremely powerful naval artillery developed with the help of MerDer LLC. These new ships will see combat immediately upon entering service, and will enter service quite soon.
Along with the 12 new large 'modern' warships, RESD has completed dozens of other smaller and less modern warships to more immediately aid in the conflict in Occitania. 
==== USA REQUESTS MEETING WITH TRIPLE ALLIANCE ====
The acting head of the DoD has requested to meet with the military leaders for the Triple Alliance to better coordinate troop movements, and potentially to coordinate advances on the front lines.
=== Experiments in a secret MerDer LLC facility near Occitania reveals unexplainable time warping ===
Experimentation by MerDer LLC in collaboration with the American government has confirmed the existence of the "Occitanian Time Warping Zone" . The phenomenon affects all military and some civilian support coming from outside nations into Occitania, taking place as soon as it crosses Occitanian land and maritime borders. Technology is somehow "reverted" back by 175-200* years. For example, the developmental Mk 21 hand grenade when entering the zone will turn into an small explosive suitable to the early 1800s (of which I cannot find any definitive type atm but they existed, kinda). This affects ships, guns, bullets (even after they're fired), armor, tanks, explosives, and even the flags painted on such equipment. 
Luckily, the backbone of the American diet, Baked Potatoes, remain in their delicious and nutritious modern form.
Interestingly, the effect of the time warping is not static, but relative to the era of the technology. The 1930s M1 Garand converts into a musket typical of the Seven Years War. Both in spite of and because of this effect, American military support will continue to come in its modern form in order to give the Provisional Government its' best fighting chance.
When asked on the origin of the effect during the press conference, head scientist PersonMerson simply shrugged and responded "Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle maybe?"
== Feb 19 ==
=== TRIPLE BRETON NEWS ===
==== LUSITAN AMBASSADOR ARRIVES IN BRITONIA ====
Hailing from the Republic of Lusitania, an ambassador has arrived in Britonia to meet with the King to request recognition and supplies. Without validation of the existence of this Republic and unease among the monarchy of Britonia, the Bretons have yet to agree to the ambassador's requests, but have sent him home along with a group of diplomats to confirm the existence and policies of the rebellion.
==== KING OF BRITONIA CONSTRUCTS FORT ALONG BORDER WITH ISPANIA ====
Due to ongoing conflicts surrounding Britonia in Iberia, the King of Britonia has commissioned and constructed a new fort along the Border with Ispania. Along with this, recruitment efforts has been made to increase the number of Breton troops. Most troops previously were sons of noblemen serving as knights, but with this new recruitment effort, any citizen of Britonia can serve. These new troops shall be trained and stationed here and along the Great Wall of Britonia.
==== NATIONALISM GROWS IN BRITONIA ====
A nationalistic movement has sparked in Britonia, centering around the countries deep history. An example of this is St. Budoc, the founder of the region known as Britonia and the cornerstone of many legends. One of which is the legend of him casting all the chickens out of Britonia and into the sea, creating the creatures we know as ducks. Flags have been hung up along city streets and statues of St. Budoc and bounties have been placed on any Breton chicken's head.
== Feb 20 ==
=== RHINELAND INDUSTRIALIZATION ===
Saxony Plans Development of Heavy Industry in the Rhineland, Three New Cities, Internal Borders Redrawn Saxony’s Finance Minister Vespermann has announced the Initiative zur Industrialisierung des Rheinlandes (IIR), a plan to construct heavy industry in the Rhineland. The goal is to take harness the Rhine’s potential and introduce state of the art industry and urban development. “The Rhine is the greatest resource of Saxony,” stated Vespermann, “and the Rhineland shall be the industrial heart of the nation.” Plans for three new cities have also been introduced. Two of the cities, Kooln and Bonn, are to be located in Hesse. A third city, Essen, is to be located in Westfalen, just north of Kooln. These developments, in conjunction with the IIR, will make the Rhine region one of the most developed in all of Saxony. Hesse’s borders with Westfalen have been redrawn. Hesse was allocated all land of Westfalen south of the Trans-Saxon Canal. Westfalen was allocated all land of Hesse north of the canal.
=== INTERNET BOAT REPAIRED, PHILIPPE MAY FINALLY LEAVE CYRENAICA!!! ===
=== Philippe I Docks at Sinope! ===
After leaving Cyrenaica, Philippe I of Picardy has docked in Sinope on the Pontic coast of Asia Minor, hearing of storms supposedly impeding any return back west for a while.
The Duke noted the region’s usefulness as a potential fort, pointing out the mountain between the two rivers and along the coast. Discussions are reputably taking place between Philippe and his advisors on constructing a fort, and whether it will be worth the expenses.
== Feb 22 ==
=== BREAKING NEWS: REVOLUTIONARIES RUSH TO BORDEU, ENGAGE IMPERIALS IN LARGEST BATTLE YET ===
Reports from the Provisional Military Command show that following the collapse of the Kingdom of Baytika, an unexpected advance towards Bordeu was authorized, and has begun. Two nights ago, the 4th and 5th Provisional Armies set out towards the ex-capital, meeting several unprepared divisions of the Imperial Army in the fields of lower Auvernhe. After a swift victory for the rebels, they continued the push southwest, being joined by Saxon reinforcements and the 2nd Provisional Army. The operation is purportedly being headed by Grand Marshal Frances de Belvezer, one of the highest ranking officers in the Provisional Army.
Today, a major battle began surrounding the small town of Briva la Galharda, when the Allied forces met two armies of the Empire, the Army of the Carcassonne and the Army of Bordeu. The Battle of Briva la Galharda is set to be one of the largest and most fiercely-fought battles of the war, with some 140,000 Imperial troops and 120,000 Allied troops engaging each other. Imperial reinforcements arriving from the east have been seen moving west, and will arrive soon. If the Provisional Government can defeat the Empire in this battle, it will bring the rebels ever closer to Bordeu, the capture of which would be an immense moral, strategic, and material boon to the revolutionary cause.
Currently, no side has the upper hand. Throughout the night, Allied battalions attempted to break the Imperial lines, but to no avail. Imperial counter-charges occurred right after any allied charge, with the Imperial effort ramping up significantly with the arrival of the Army of Bordeu in the morning.
Pictured: Provisional and Saxon troops engage the Imperial defenses in the early morning. Imperial cavalry charges can be seen in the foreground. Provisional troops in blue/red, Saxon troops in blue/red, Imperial troops (Carcassonne) in yellow/white and (Bordeu) red/white.
=== USA Lands Troops in Occitanian Civil War ===
After some delay, American troops are now assisting the rebels in the fight against Savaric. An enormous 150 00 troops set sail from the ports of Flagstaff and New Reykjavik on WD 109.
==== WD111 ====
80 thousand troops landed in Amorica to assist Aenglish troops and to gain more control of the Atlantic coast.
35 thousand troops have also landed in the Basque region
Both atlantic coast landings proceeded without much resistance at sea and have yet to sustain any naval losses
The Mediterranean expeditionary force met heavy resistance in the strait of Gibraltar by Bahamut. The naval convoy was able to pass but sustained considerable losses, 7 ships out of the 40 sent were unfortunately sunk by Baytikan forces.
==== WD112 ====
The Mediterranean expeditionary force consisting of roughly 28 000 remaining total troops made landfall in 3 key locations to assist Bosniak forces take control of the Mediterranean. 7 000 landed in northwest Sardinia, 12 000 landed in southern Corsica, and 9 000 at Marseille.
=== For whom the Pyre Burns ===
The empty Bahamut is a spectacle on itself. A storm makes it look even more barren. 
Without any actual wall done yet, the Emissary rests in his underground shelter with the rest of the populace, planning its next move in Iberia and the fate of the city. 
Suddenly, a villager calls for his attention. They feel a fire in the vicinity. A weak, but unrelenting feeling of burning. Another villager feels it. Then another. And another.
The Emissary leaves the shelter, seeing the culprit: the wooden roof of a would-be house caught on fire due to a thunderbolt. Yet the rain doesn't extinguish it. 
He closes the shelter and approaches the fire, which has soon engulfed the entire structure. Heat. Bone-melting heat, which would have been a problem, if he had any.
By the time he has reached the house, the burning feeling has become obvious in his nature. 
"Took you long enough."
The fire whirls and bends under the wind and the burning become intelligible. 
"The Great Flame simply required a spark. You know the situation you're in. 'Tis a Realm of ashes."
The Emissary chuckles and throws some wooden equipment on the pyre. 
"The countries have started to rage war. I have found myself unable to not take a side. Also a group of people somehow decided that I was their religious leader. This has been a... complicated realm."
"The Great Flame finds this... interesting. While its status is concerning, He does not find this Realm soon to break. Your mission is yet unfinished. May you accept this help."
"No need for formalities, I won't leave the war without setting at least one Occitanian thing on fire first."
The pyre lights up one final time, as if it was laughing. Soon a scorching cinder falls from the roof, as the fire begins to be put down by the rain.
The Emissary picks it up and puts the manifestation in his lantern, smiling.
Finally, he could have some fun.
== Feb 23 ==
=== Picard Plans CANCELLED - Philippe to sail for the Kingdom of Prester John! ===
=== The Trans Duke???? ===
The former Duke Philippe of Picardy has transitioned into Duchess Constance of Picardy
=== ÆNGLISH FORCES CAPTURE IMPERIAL OCCITAN ATLANTIC POSESSIONS ===
Reports indicate the capture of the Imperial Occitan occupied Canary Islands, Senegal, and Southern Atlas territories by the Ænglish Royal Navy and Royal Marines. This marks the end of the brief occupation of these former Baytikan territories by Imperial Occitan forces. While small garrisons were all that was present in these territories. their capture removes any potential for the invasion or attack of nearby lands, any potential of harboring hostile forces, and any potential of running or breaking blockades. 
The capture of these three territories seem to have happened around the same time, with two naval and marine taskforces departing from Woodmont and landing in the Canaries and the Southern Atlas Territories, and a third departing from the Saint George's Isles and landing in the Senegal. These were well coordinated operations which had been in their planning and preparation stages since Ængland first entered this conflict. 
How long Ænglish forces will be present is uncertain, as this war may carry on for a long time. Because of that, basic administration in these captured territories will be carried out, allowing for these territories to remain peaceful and to escape the devastation which has afflicted other areas.
=== Republican Protests Erupt in Danubia ===
Across the Holy Roman province of Danubia, protests have ocurred calling for democratic reform and representation. The Danubians have long since been oppressed, and it's only gotten worse with the recent take over by the Mack'Vlantscheir government.
=== Danubian Government Cracks Down on Protesters ===
Following the recent wave of republican protests in Danubia, the Mack'Vlantscheir government has begun to crack down. Curfews are being implemented across the region, and there have been several violent confrontations between police and protestors. Republican leaders are debating whether or not to call on Bosnia for support.
== Feb 24 ==
=== Bosnian Peacekeepers Deployed to Danubia ===
The senate has voted to deploy a peacekeeping force to Danubia in order to protect the protestors from the Mack'Vlantscheir government and ensure that order is maintained.
=== BREAKING NEWS: RAIMON DE LA CARCASSONA, SON OF ALARI, MARTYRED AT BRIVA LA GALHARDA ===
The ongoing Battle of Briva la Galharda has taken a major turn. Late yesterday evening, a revolutionary scouting battalion at the rear of the Provisional lines spotted a very worrying sight - the Army of Chamaleiras. This army, the second-largest belonging to the Empire, is being personally commanded by Emperor Savaric. However, it was not the army itself that worried the Provisional scouts. It was the fact that the Army of Chamaleiras was advancing from behind the revolutionary line. Savaric's army had managed to break the eastern front of the battle, cutting across in an attempt to encircle the revolutionary forces. Acting swiftly, the battalion alerted General Clemens Escudeyr, who ordered the Provisional forces to shift into a defensive circle. Falling back into the walls of Briva la Galharda, the 4th and 5th Provisional Armies secured the town's defenses overnight. Though the revolutionaries managed to hold out throughout last night, today's developments have played out in favor of the Empire. While the Armies of Chamaleiras and Bordeu were sieging down the town's defenses, the Army of the Carcassonne moved into a formation of outward defense, in case Provisional reinforcements arrived. This has effectively trapped the Provisional forces inside Briva la Galharda itself.
This afternoon, the Provisional leadership within the town decided that an overwhelming assault against the Empire was necessary to break out of the town and regain composure. A daring break through the Imperial line was planned, to be done on horseback, and to be led by General Escudeyr. However, before the rebels could act on their plans, the Imperial forces breached the outer walls of Briva la Galharda. Complete chaos ensued. The organized lines broke down, each and every house becoming contested ground.
In a heroic final attempt to break free from the anarchy, Major Raimon de la Carcassona, the beloved son of Alari, ordered his troops of the 31st Battalion to scale a wall and push out the Imperial unit on the other side. Raimon and the 31st knew that the charge was a doomed maneuver, but it would draw out the Imperial forces in the buildings nearby, and provide a necessary distraction to allow the other Provisional forces to regroup and retaliate. Leading the effort, Raimon jumped the wall first, soon followed by the remainder of his troops. Under fire from all sides, and vastly outnumbered, the brave warriors of the 31st all fell in battle - but they achieved their goals. The rest of the revolutionary soldiers in the area were able to escape their clashes and form a new defensive line in the west town. Spurred on by the 31st's sacrifice, the majority of the other Provisional troops were able to fight their way out of Briva la Galharda, pouring out upon the Army of the Carcassonne. A double-layered encirclement now exists on the battlefield, though this is sure to change quickly as the battle progresses.
Recent reports from revolutionary sources show that the 1st Provisional Army is soon to arrive to assist the revolutionary cause. Led by Archduke Alari, the 1st Army has been chasing the Army of Chamaleiras for the past several days. However, the 1st Army was forced to make a detour due to a clash with an Imperial garrison in the town of Embèrt, and as such is late to arrive. After capturing the town, Alari is once again leading his army towards Briva la Galharda. It is currently unknown whether he has recieved the news of his son's noble death.
Pictured: Major Raimon de la Carcassona (standing on a wall, middle top) leads his troops to assault the Imperial force stationed on the other side. Imperial troops of the Army of Bordeu can be seen firing upon the revolutionaries. Provisional troops in blue/white, Imperial troops (Bordeu) in red/white.
== Feb 25 ==
=== Admiral lost, colony founded ===
Several weeks ago, a Hollandisch war fleet was created and sent towards the Atlantic Ocean to deal with Savaric’s forces in the Occitan war. Holland, having no active mitary personnel, appointed retired wool trader and self proclaimed master of the seas Wopke Blaumann as admiral of the entire naval power. This decision proved questionable, as the fleet sailed right past Occitania, heading to Africa. As the sea became wilder, Wopke noticed that his fleet was lost, but expertly led his crew to safety; they ended up in the natural port at the tip of Africa, which they dubbed the Cape of Good Hope. Realizing that they did not have enough fuel left for the journey back, Admiral Blaumann made the decision to settle down there for the time being. The new Saxon of Die Kaap, and its capital Kaapstadt, were established. The most recent reports seem to say that ‘They’re chilling.’
== Feb 26 ==
=== PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT REVEALS RECOVERY PLAN ===
As revolutionary forces march ever closer to the homeland of the Empire, it becomes clearer and clearer that the Occitan Civil War is not long for this world. As such, the Provisional Council has been tiring to devise a plan for recovery after the war ends. This will take place in several phases. A rough overview of the plan is shown below:
* Ensure that the Empire's borders and internals are safe and secure.
* Ensure that institutions threatening imperial security, safety, and democracy (eg. Savarite political factions) are unable to do so.
* Focus on reinstituting democracy within the Empire.
* Either re-establish old parliamentary systems, or devise a new government form.
* Guarantee Autonomy for minority regions within the Empire (eg. Corsica, Navarra, Gallia, etc.).
* Revitalize marginalized regions of the Empire.
The Provisional Government has been working closely with its allies to begin Phase One ahead of schedule, given that the Civil War has not won yet. Critics claim that this may allow the Empire to discover exploitable weaknesses from within the Provisional Government, and that the plans will detract from the 'main focus' at this time (defeating the Imperial forces). Despite these criticisms, news has broken that Al-Anharbay (Senegal), currently under occupation by friendly forces, has been sold to Saxony. This is to make up for war debts incurred by the Provisional Government during the Civil War. Additionally in this deal, the County of Paris has been transferred to Occitania. Vive l'Empèri! Glòria a Occitània!
=== IGNI FERROQUE ===
"Well, this is not ideal" is now the average opinion of most Baytikan warlords. What could bring such extreme views on the current war? The answer is quite simple, actually: the burning of several strategical infrastructure along most defensive lines. All at the same time. "Utmost peculiar" is the second most common opinion on the matter, as the situation, while confusing, doesn't seem too tragic. The Baytikan front has been relatively stable, with very little rebel activity, so this will never be a problem, right guys? Near some of those fires a figure has been spotted, the only supposed victim, allegedly "praying to the flames".
== Mar 1 ==
=== OCCITAN CIVIL WAR: PROVISIONALS PUSH SOUTHWEST, HOLD EASTERN LINES ===
==== OTHER NEWS: BOSNIA LIBERATES MOST OF CORSICA, BAYTIKAN FRONT FALLS TO ANARCHY ====
Heavy fighting has dominated the landscape of the Central Valley since the last war report. Two major battles are ongoing; the Battle of Briva la Galharda and the Battle of Orlhac will determine the fate of the hearlands of Occitania. The 1st Provisional Army, led by Alari de la Carcassona, en route to Briva la Galharda, was intercepted at Orlhac, and thus has not been able to arrive at the western engagement. However, battlefield letters from Briva la Galharda denote that despite this, revolutionary forces are gaining ground, and have struck several effective blows against the Imperial forces present at the battle. In Corsica, Bosnian and American volunteers have retaken the majority of the island. American troops also made a successful landing in southeast Provença, now making an attempt to liberate the southern coast. The American landing in Sardinia, however, was forced to abandon their invasion after a devastating defeat on arrival. The surviving forces sailed north to assist in the Provençal theater. In the Basque, revolutionary forces are making a slow push outwards, fueled on by the arrival of new American reinforcements. In Baytika, a second anarchy has erupted, with Imperial control faltering nearly completely. To the east of Baytika, Ispanian resistance forces have liberated the south of the nation, and march northwards to free Kesse. Imperial Bahamut has nearly fallen entirely to Bosnia, with the last Occitan forces holding out in Ceuta.
=== AMERICAN UPDATES IN OCCITANIAN CIVIL WAR ===
* After a decisive victory by Amorica, the 1st and 3rd Armies look to push inwards along the Occitania/Aenglish border. the 4th amry which was also present in the landings remains at the landing site building fortifications and securing supply lines. 13 000 brave American soldiers perished to fight tyranny at Amorica; may their souls rest in peace.
** The 1st and 2nd fleets suffered no losses in the Amorica landings, and continue to harass and bombard targets along the western coast.
* The 7th and 8th armies bolstered Basque troops, and helped gain some territory. the commanders of these armies have deferred to Basque command as American intelligence of Occitanian forces in the region is poor. 1 500 brave American soldiers have perished so far in the Basque conflict; may their souls rest in peace.
** The 5th fleet after escorting the 7th and 8th amries to the Basque region have sailed north to join the 1st and 2nd fleets in their campaign to harass Occitanian forces on their western coast.
* After a devastating defeat at Sardinia, the majority of the 3rd army was wiped out, as well as many ships in the 4th fleet. The remainder sailed north to Provence where the 6th army with the aid of the 3rd fleet successfully landed and secured several beaches and some highlands. The 3rd and 6th armies are pushing to the northeast to meet with eastern rebel forces to create a sea access for them.
** The 3rd fleet along with the remaining 4th fleet from Sardinia continue to patrol the southern coast by Provence.
** 5 500 brave American soldiers perished in Sardinia; 6 ships were sunk. 2 000 brave American soldiers perished securing the beaches and highlands of Provence. May their souls rest in peace.
* The 5th army landed successfully in Corsica and caught Occitanian troops by surprise. Bosnian and American troops conducted a pincer movement to encircle the enemy for a decisive victory. The island of Corsica will soon be liberated from the forces of Savaric. 1 000 brave American soldiers died in the battles on Corsica; may their souls rest in peace.
** A portion of the 4th fleet continues to scout Occitanian troops positions along the Corsican coast.
=== Scottish Court of Justice uncovers a massive underground scheme of gangs supplying arms into Imperial Government of Occitania. ===
"The Scottish Court of Justice has discovered a massive black market of arms and weapons being sold to the Imperial Government of Occutania. Despite our generally silent response to the civil war, it was ruled this Thrusday that the sale of weapons/arms and or non humanitarian aid to the Imperial Government is considered unlawful." -Joint Statement released by Court of Justice and Parliament Several members of the Parliament have considered raising proposals of blockaides against the Occitanian Imperial Government and possibly even supporting the rebels.
== Mar 2 ==
If you are reading this, our coded message has safely made it through to allied hands. 
I am Dagobèrt, Prince of Corsica and Duke of Eastern Occitania. On WD100, 21 days ago, Emperor Savaric declared me dead. He lied. 
When I was captured at the start of the war, I was taken to the Bordeu Penitentiary. The Penitentiary had terrible conditions, nothing that would allow the political prisoners thrown unceremoniously into it to remain alive. 
On WD99, fighting broke out in the 3rd wing of the Penitentiary. Prison riots were and are common, but this was no prison riot. Throughout the WD90s, we had been secretly planning an uprising within the Bordeu Penitentiary. Our goals were to break out and plead our case to the wider public of Bordeu. 
However, unbeknownst to us, Savaric had put Bordeu under martial law, and thus had revoked nearly all of the citizenry's rights. Additionally, hehad stationed many more troops in the city than we had planned for. These issues led to our revolt taking much longer than we had expected. 
Still, on WD115, us Prison revolutionaries fought our way out of the Penitentiary, our brave forces spilling out into the ex-capital. As of today, WD121, we control nearly half of the city. We have liberated nearly the entire north city, including the Capitol Building and the Catedrala de Sant Sarnin. 
We have recieved word from friendly intelligence that American forces have landed on the coast of Peitau. We request that allied troops begin plans for liberation of Bordeu posthaste. Our weaponry is running low, and what we have is in poor condition. Our warriors, though valiant, are tiring. 
Vive l'Empèri! Mòrt a l'Emperaire!
=== Scottish Parliament Officially Enacts a Emergency Order #A31. Under this order, Scotland has officially declared war against Imperial Savaric Regime and offically recognizing the Provinical Government in the East as the Official Government of Occitania. ===
"Under this Emergency Order, the Scottish Nation will begin to provide arms to the Provinical Government in the East to help aid against the Imperial Government. Not only that, Scotland Parliament members may propose talks with the USA to allow Scottish troops to be transported on US Naval ships to be deployed onto Imperial Controlled territory" -Scottish Defense Ministry
== Mar 5 ==
=== ASSAULT ON KESSE ===
==== A few days ago, the Occitan front has collapsed in the southern portion of Iberia, leading BAI forces to commence their largest military operation yet in the war. Below is a snippet from Ekisa Ešan (The Truth to be Told), the revolutionary paper of Ispania. ====
... The collapse of the invaders in the south presents us a unique opportunity to not only expand our revolutionary capacity, but to also finally achieve one of our main goals of our struggle: the recapture of Kexe, as well as the complete and utter encirclement of Occitan forces in Arxe. The invaders had failed to make any further headway in the western portion of Arxe, thanks to the brave men and women fighting to keep our homeland free. With assistance from the Americans, we also initiated a push towards the liberation of Kalɣurri, where the fight will be tough, but one of which we will ultimately prevail. We see victory in our war of attrition against the Occitans, and also in the Invader's homeland, where Revolutionary forces approach their capital with each and every day. Not only will we throw off the shackles of occupation by the abominable Erromadeks, we will also cast the monarchy of old to the side in the name of Socialism, Democracy, Liberty, and a newfound Prosperity! 
¡BIŠI URALČA! 
¡BIŠI DEMOKRAŠIA! 
¡ASKADAŠŨ TU LÃƔESEK! 
=== RELIEF BILL PASSES IN OCCITAN PROVISIONAL COUNCIL, TO PROVIDE FOR FURTHER MILITARY COOPERATION ===
==== IMPLEMENTATION IS SET TO BE ROLLED OUT UPON SUPPLEMENTAL DISCUSSION WITH RELEVANT POWERS ====
The Relief Bill was introduced to the Council on WD119. Following several minor revisions, it passed almost unanimously during this afternoon's session (WD124). 
With the Relief Bill's passage, the Provisional Government now "has full legal precedent to assist the survival and restoration of fellow legitimate governments of nations across the world stage," said President for the Department of Communications Agnes d’Espero in a press meeting earlier this evening. While a web of individual alliances and coordination previously bloated the Provisional Administration, the reforms brought about by this law "will heavily streamline the process of military defense and intervention." (d’Espero). 
Ambassadors to the Axuba of Ispania are being transported to the exiled government's temporary headquarters in North Africa, reportedly in an effort to make more coordinated efforts in the restoration of the Axuba's government to Ispania. These ambassadors are sailing through Triple Alliance-controlled waters as this post goes out, and are expected to reach Free Ispania by the early morning. 
Ambassadors have also been sent to Baytika, though it is as of yet still classified what their goals specifically are. As the relationship between Occitania and Baytika is a very complicated one in recent times, the results of these mysterious discussions remain to be seen.
== Mar 7 ==
=== BREAKING: SECOND BATTLE OF THE CARCASSONNE ERUPTS, BRIVA LA GALHARDA AND ORLHAC LIBERATED ===
==== OTHER NEWS: PROVISIONAL VICTORY BELIEVED TO BE WITHIN REACH, NATION REJOICES ====
The Revolutionaries have defeated the Imperials at the two most important battles of the Civil War yet to occur. Several days ago, Briva la Galharda was won by the Provisional armies at the battle, who then advanced further south to meet Archduke Alari's army at Orlhac. With that battle also won, the rebels continue to push south. Alari, now personally leading the Provisional force, is reported to be unrestrained and furious. The particular cause has slipped through our reports, but can presumably be attributed to the death of both of his sons - Philip de la Carcassona was slain at Orlhac. Alari has ordered the 3rd Provisional Army to detach from the main Provisional force, and head southwest to assist the Bordelais Rebellion. The rest of the revolutionary military advances on to their final obstacle - the Capital of the Occitan Empire, the Military City of the Carcassonne - Alari's former capital. The situation is tense, and fighting has supposedly already broken out. Further battle updates will be reported.
== Mar 10 ==
=== BREAKING NEWS: BORDEU ERUPTS INTO FLAMES, SET ABLAZE BY FIGHTING ===
The Battle of Bordeu has reached a new fervor today, as early this morning fire could be spotted in the east of the city. The flames have spread across the entire central city, separating the north and south. It is unclear how exactly this great fire began, but it is undoubtedly due to the ongoing battle. Revolutionary soldiers have pushed into the northeast, but have been stopped by the red-hot barrier. Imperial defenders of the city still pose a threat to the emergency aid being deployed to fight the fire. Though the fire of Bordeu only started today, it has brought far greater damage to the city than the battle itself; many continue to perish. 
Pictured: A building set alight during the Fire of Bordeu; the flames were so intense that their smoke completely blocks out the sunlight.
== Mar 15 ==
=== OCCITAN CIVIL WAR: BORDEU LIBERATED, UNDER COMPLETE REVOLUTIONARY CONTROL ===
==== OTHER NEWS: IMMEASURABLE DAMAGE CAUSED BY STILL-ONGOING FIRE TO BE TACKLED IN LOCAL RECOVERY PLAN ====
The last remaining Imperial troops have evacuated Bordeu, escaping to reinforce the defenses at the Carcassonne. Generals of the 3rd Provisional Army met with local resistance forces led by Prince Dagobert to discuss an emergency government. Provisional troops in Bordeu are now fighting a new enemy: the Great Fire of Bordeu. Lasting 5 days as of WD143 (today), it is the most devastating natural disaster to hit Occitania. However, it appears to be in its final stages, and is being handled even quicker with the Imperial threat gone.
Pictured: Imperial forces retreat from Bordeu towards the Centrtal Valley. In the center-right, the Imperial General surrenders to a Provisional battalion while his troops abandon him.
== Mar 19 ==
=== Elections in Exiled Ispania ===
For perhaps the first time in his life, the Axuba declared an election would occur in about a month. Given the unusual circumstances of the election, considering most of his land is under enemy control, it raised eyebrows across the realm, especially in mainland Ispania who, while excluded for obvious reasons, appear to feel somewhat betrayed by this edict. Why wasn't it declared when the nation saw peace and stability? Why now, when his realm is reduced to a few small coastal cities and a colony raking up debt in a far-flung land? 
When the results came out, while reportedly making the Axuba surprised, appeared to show a gloomy future for democracy in Ispania, if the Axuba even wishes to keep the institution in a reunited Ispania. 
"It's clear to everyone that this election is biased towards the Axuba's party winning," A representative for the BAI states, "... the other two parties formed during this election to serve as controlled opposition and to give the people of Alɣasira an illusion of a free election. Better to have two parties formed by your own princes, so that you can rubber-stamp everything without worry for anyone opposing any policies you may propose." Additionally, a BAI militiamen with Tamaziɣt blood said, "I know my people, I know that they won't vote for a man from across the sea, who is more seen as an invader than their leader. So that makes me curious why so many of my people supposedly voted for him, considering his negative connotation."
== Mar 22 ==
=== THE SAGA OF THE OCCITANS, CORSICANS, AND BASQUES ===
==== Part Four ====
· · · 
THE CARCASSONNE, WD92 
· · · 
Silence. A rare thing, considering the circumstances. It seemed all of Occitania had convened upon this moment, forcing each and every sound into one's ears, each noise more and more deafening than the last. But not right now. It gave the man some time to think - another rare occurrence. He looked around him, turning his head slowly so as not to further his injuries. To the right, the nurses and surgeons lit up by dim lamps. To the left, the outside world. As he looked at the entryway, cold air swept through the makeshift bunker in a brisk manner. It cut deep into the man's wounds like daggers reaching for his bones. He had never experienced any sort of pain like this before; laying there on the stretcher, he could feel every single nerve in his body scream at him for release, for rest, for death. But he would not give death to himself. He knew what he had volunteered for the very second his ink hit the paper. He could not give in, for without people like him, the nation would be lost. Without people like him, Occitania would fall to the antithesis of its ideals; the very opposite of what the Empire stood for. 
After silence came roaring, thunderous sound. The booming of cannons, the cracks of gunfire, the shouts, cries, and screams of poor souls committing themselves to suicide. The man knew that by morning, he would be the one committing himself: the defense of the Carcassonne was wholly unprepared for this battle, and they needed every soldier they could get. Thinking about his unavoidable destiny, the man decided that maybe giving himself death wasn't a bad alternative. As he drifted off to sleep, the pandemonium of war acting as a lullaby, he allowed his body to finally have peace. 
· · ·
TWO DAYS LATER
· · ·
Archduke Alari sat contemplative at his war desk. Every second, shells crashed above him. Yells and battle cries dressed the blood-thickened air. The walls of the Base could only stand so long. Alari continued his pondering. The public declaration of the Provisional Government had raised morale for a time - it had given structure and purpose to what the revolutionaries were fighting for - but this morale had been short-lived. The ailing defenses of the Carcassonne were simply not prepared to handle an entire loyalist onslaught, and nothing else could be said about it. Gripping his pen furiously, he continued addressing the numerous reports and letters that were to be sent to the Provisional capital, Montpelhièr. It was only when a louder-than-usual explosion reverberated through the chamber that his concentration faltered. Alari heard the indistinct shouts and clamoring get louder, and turned his head to see vague movement at the long end of the hallway. The normally-unwavering brightness at the edges of the doorway began to change: figures that were indisputably human were encroaching upon his isolation.
"Archduke!" one of the figures yelled. Alari instantly recognized the voice of Grand Marshal Descarcheur. "We must leave immediately. The third wall has been breached. Loyalist forces are overpowering the last lines, even our Centurions." His out-of-breath voice was strangled under the grasp of an infinite emotion; the weight of the horrors he had witnessed in battle present in every word. Next to the officer were two soldiers, part of his Personal Guard. They began to collect Alari's papers, but the Archduke shooed them off; no time to waste in a situation as dire as this.
Acting urgently, the group made a swift escape through the Base's emergency passages. At the exit, a carriage and driver were waiting for them. Alari recognized the carriage as the pride of Descarcheur's military caravan. Alari noticed the lack of security around the carriage - there were no other guards stationed nearby. Only another, far less extravagant carriage was parked in front of the first. Evidently, the security brigade had been sent to the front lines. 
"After you, my liege," Descarcheur said, gesturing for Alari to enter the carriage. The soldiers from Descarcheur's Personal Guard rode up ahead in the second carriage. As they traveled to safety, the two discussed the state of the battle. Provisional troops had been pushed back to the third and final defensive line, and it was buckling quickly. The scheduled reinforcements had been held up in the east, and would not arrive for at least 3 days. Descarcheur had decided to evacuate the Archduke early, in case the Carcassonne's defenses collapsed entirely before then. Now, they rode out to the safety of the Central Valley. The Grand Marshal suggested that Alari travel to Montpelhièr; Descarcheur had already arranged a caravan which could bring him there. The Archduke concurred - he must inform the Council that the Carcassonne was about to fall.
· · ·
The time came that Descarcheur was needed in battle, and the two went their separate ways. Alari set off for Montpelhièr in the arranged caravan. The Council would not be pleased to hear the news regarding the Carcassonne, a city which the rebels had hoped would be both a launching point for future offensives and a major strategic bastion for the revolution. The Archduke knew that when the city inevitably fell, it would be nearly impossible to retake. It would necessitate a force larger, stronger, and more determined than had ever been seen across the Empire. Alari pondered his choices as the caravan continued east.
· · ·
THE CARCASSONNE, WD135
· · ·
General Combret looked upon the rolling hills beyond him. The fields that long ago used to glisten in the early morning light, now stood scarred by the horrors of war. An unimaginable immensity could be found alongside every part of this battle. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers of all ages clashed blades with one another, launched barrage after barrage across the plains, and charged down the hills towards the other side's lines. Continuing to crest his eyes across the battlefield, he listened to the almost-calming repetition of cannonfire as he watched each and every encounter unfold. Slowly but surely, the warriors of the revolution advanced towards the impenetrable city that lay ahead. While he was in the midst of the spectacle, he was approached by a field reporter. 
"Sir, we have received word from the 29th Battalion. They-" an explosion across the valley cut her off. "They say that Imperial reinforcements have been spotted marching our way, coming from the west."
The General dismounted his horse, and took the scroll the reporter had been reading from. Dated two evenings ago. He was sure of what that meant - the reinforcements were coming from Bordeu. Whether this meant Bordeu had been lost to Savaric, or that the reinforcements were fleeing a liberated city, he did not know. He did, however, know that the reinforcing army would pose a threat no matter its size.
"Relay this report to the Grand Marshal. Inform her that the 7th and 20th will not be able to defend a new line. Tell her to send the Young Centurions." If there's anything left of the Young Centurions, Combret thought aloud to himself. Unhearing, the reporter climbed her horse and took off for the northwest. 
· · ·
THE NEXT DAY
· · ·
Another close explosion rattled Alari's ears. "Onward!" he cried to his Personal Guard. The elite cavalry charged down the hill, following the Archduke closely. He had never been in the heat of so ferocious a battle; each encounter was a challenge requiring more tactics and luck than the last. Alari liked it. Close ahead was a squadron of infantry, with several cannoneers backing their position. Despite the Archduke's battle cry, this Imperial unit was distracted by a different revolutionary charge. Realizing his chance, Alari led the Guard forward. Before the musketeers had a chance to fire a volley, they had been cut down. Unifying with the other Provisional charge, the Guard continued onwards, outpacing the slow-moving imperial cannons.
With every cannon evaded, with every infantryman overrun, the Provisional armies came closer and closer to the walls of the Carcassonne. It was only a matter of time until the Imperial defenses were breached. Taking a moment to determine his next move, Alari looked across the battlefield. One of his elites spotted several Provisional battalions making an advance towards the first wall's gate, pushing the Imperial resistance back through the open entryway. Making a sweeping motion across the plains, the Guard cut through the loyalist lines towards the gate. Each Imperial brigade that Alari and his soldiers overwhelmed allowed them to push further and further south, until they were connected with the forces assaulting the gate.
By the time the Guard reached the gate, the rebel troops there had captured enough ground to wrest the entrance from Imperial grasp. Coming from the path cleared by the Archduke's Guard, more Provisional forces joined the assault. The warriors of the revolution spilled through the first wall, the front stabilizing at a generous distance from the second. It seemed to Alari that victory at the Carcassonne was approaching faster than originally thought. One of the Generals who led the original assault yelled a battle cry, and his battalion raced forward towards the recovering loyalists before they could mount a strong defense. Quickly following suit, Alari ordered his troops to accompany them. 
As they charged onward, artillery lines and cannons from atop the walls battered the advancing rebel soldiers. A new regiment of loyalist cavalry poured out of the Imperial lines, decimating the Provisional infantry. Alari and his Guard came around to face them. Alari's Personal Guard, the most elite of any Provisional soldiers, had been hand-selected out of the Old and Middle Centurions. Even the most adept and well-trained Imperial cavalry would be no match for them.
Just then, Alari heard a yell from within the Imperial battalion - but this was no ordinary battle cry. This unmistakable sound was one that struck fear into the entire nation. Instinctively, Alari dismounted from his horse. He felt as if the entire battle had just faded away; it was of negligible importance compared to this encounter.
"Savaric!" Alari cried, drawing his sword. The villainous Emperor stopped in his tracks, clearly not expecting the presence of his nemesis.
"Let us end this battle now, before our nation is consumed forever by this disunity!" the Archduke continued. He advanced slowly, watching with fury as Savaric dismounted.
By the time the Guard reached the gate, the rebel troops there had captured enough ground to wrest the entrance from Imperial grasp. Coming from the path cleared by the Archduke's Guard, more Provisional forces joined the assault. The warriors of the revolution spilled through the first wall, the front stabilizing at a generous distance from the second. It seemed to Alari that victory at the Carcassonne was approaching faster than originally thought. One of the Generals who led the original assault yelled a battle cry, and his battalion raced forward towards the recovering loyalists before they could mount a strong defense. Quickly following suit, Alari ordered his troops to accompany them. 
As they charged onward, artillery lines and cannons from atop the walls battered the advancing rebel soldiers. A new regiment of loyalist cavalry poured out of the Imperial lines, decimating the Provisional infantry. Alari and his Guard came around to face them. Alari's Personal Guard, the most elite of any Provisional soldiers, had been hand-selected out of the Old and Middle Centurions. Even the most adept and well-trained Imperial cavalry would be no match for them.
Just then, Alari heard a yell from within the Imperial battalion - but this was no ordinary battle cry. This unmistakable sound was one that struck fear into the entire nation. Instinctively, Alari dismounted from his horse. He felt as if the entire battle had just faded away; it was of negligible importance compared to this encounter.
"Savaric!" Alari cried, drawing his sword. The villainous Emperor stopped in his tracks, clearly not expecting the presence of his nemesis.
"Let us end this battle now, before our nation is consumed forever by this disunity!" the Archduke continued. He advanced slowly, watching with fury as Savaric dismounted.
Savaric, normally a crass and eager fighter, drew his sword cautiously. "You are a fool, Alari!" he yelled. "Do you not remember what I said to you the last time we spoke?" The two great warriors advanced slowly towards one another, their blades not yet making contact. "My vow to end your life and your pathetic rebellion? You are a speck in the history of this Empire, old man! Can't you see how feeble your war is?" Savaric's goal of angering Alari was succeeding. The Archduke moved left, keeping his blade pointed at Savaric, but his composure was beginning to slowly falter.
The Emperor opened his mouth again, intending to start a new tirade. Before he could do so, Alari let his feigned anger fall away; whipping his hand to the right, Alari's saber clashed with the tip of Savaric's weapon. Then, he swung the blade counterclockwise around Savaric's, aiming to twist the sword out of the Emperor's grasp. But Savaric was no apprentice of Alari's anymore. He would not fall prey to such a textbook move. As soon as their blades connected again, Savaric pulled his sword back quickly, away from Alari's reach. Then he dragged his sword up and swept it down in a flash, intending to force Alari into blocking and leaving an opening from below. Of course, Alari was no novice himself, and jumped a pace backwards, his sword remaining directed at Savaric. 
Regaining his stance, Savaric began to tread left; at this distance, both were safe to maneuver freely. Then, without warning, he lunged forward, crossing the distance with immense speed. The Emperor's sword came within inches of Alari's chest - but this was the move Alari had been waiting for. As soon as Savaric was locked into his move, the Archduke sprung his trap. Pulling out a concealed dagger with his free hand, Alari swiped his two blades quickly, deflecting the advance with his saber and wrapping his dagger-arm around Savaric's throat in a single, near-instantaneous motion. Savaric's saber went flying to the left, having been caught on the Archduke's blade.
"Yield, and you will live." Alari said gravely. He had the Emperor entirely in his control - or so Alari thought. Just as quickly as he had become captive, Savaric elbowed Alari in the gut, momentarily paralyzing him. He slid out of the Archduke's grasp, quickly wrestling the dagger out from Alari's hand. He thrust the dagger back blindly, but Alari swatted it out of the way with the hand that a second ago held it. Paying no attention to the newly-acquired cut spanning his entire right hand, Alari grabbed for Savaric as the Emperor attempted to leap to his blade. He caught the Emperor for a second, but without enough force to keep hold. Savaric continued towards his blade, but was interrupted by another move from Alari; trying to keep Savaric from escaping him fully, Alari spun his blade-hand to the left, cutting across the Emperor's back. Red droplets oozed slowly onto the Emperor's uniform as Savaric completed his lunge backwards.
As the two reset their positions against one another, they recognized that both of the two now had relatively moderate injuries. Neither slash had been deep enough to end the duel, but both fighters would be disadvantaged. The two leaders circled each other, pacing slowly, each one calculating the other's next move. Then, in a sudden lunge, Alari launched himself forward, this time his saber the one coming within inches of striking. Savaric pushed the hilt-end of his own blade against Alari's saber, the quillons stopping the Archduke's move entirely. The tip of Savaric's sword was now pointed directly at Alari's face; but before he had a chance to act on this advantage, Alari had disengaged and moved into a defensive position. Savaric, learning from his near-loss before, did not advance. 
The two returned to their circular dance, neither one taking the chance of attacking. The intensity of the bout was beginning to take its toll on the both of them, but more observably so in the aging Alari. Savaric took notice of this, and let out another jeer.
"Tired, old man? You can't keep this up forever." The heavy panting in his voice as he spoke the taunt betrayed his sentiment. "You should have killed me when you had the chance, Alari! Now you leave yourself to be overpowered, and your soldiers to the same." Savaric's words angered Alari for real this time, but unlike the young Emperor, Alari had spent years of his life training himself to be unaffected by his emotions in battle. The Archduke gave out a quick but tiny thrust, a deceptive motion to trick Savaric into a overzealous parry. The trick worked, and Alari again caught Savaric's blade with his own. Alari tried to replicate his earlier success in forcing the blade from Savaric's grasp, but Savaric put his other hand on the hilt as well and retained control. Alari began to walk forward slowly, the two sabers still intertwined, the two duelists putting in maximum effort to determine who would be disarmed.
Alari continued his paces forward; soon he was face to face with Savaric. The Emperor had the upper hand in this challenge of strength, due to his age and lack of an injured hand. Each looked at the other with unimaginable hatred. Alari was the first to speak, each word grunted with the same force that he gave his sword.
"You... will... not..." Alari began to push Savaric back, all of his effort going into defeating the Emperor. "Win... this..." Savaric's guard began to fail; Alari used this to continue forcing him back even farther. Gathering all of his might, Alari suddenly gave an unanticipated yell. "Saavaaric!" This surprised the Emperor, breaking his guard entirely. As he shouted, the revolutionary warrior shoved with all of his weight into Savaric's chest, knocking the Emperor back and disconnecting the two weapons. Savaric immediately regained his composure, but he was still on the defensive. Now both were exhausted. Alari did not pay any attention to his physical state, his strength nearly giving out with every massive slash he aimed at the Emperor.
The two sabers clashed again and again, as Alari continued his advance. With every strike Savaric was forced to move further back. Quicker now, Alari kept up his upwards and downwards slashes, forcing Savaric to block each of Alari's attacks instead of being able to make any himself. During one such strike, Savaric was able to counter Alari's attack, throwing him off balance. Now Alari was the one pushed backwards, though Savaric did not pursue him. The two once again backed out of sword-range, both needing to recover some strength before either made the next move.
Savaric was the one to attack first. Enacting a similar offensive to Alari's earlier slashes, the Emperor whipped his blade back and forth quickly in a figure-eight pattern - too quickly for Alari to block. Instead, the Archduke was forced to backtrack over the ground he had just gained. Then, Savaric lunged with a forceful "Haaurgh!". Alari parried with a circular flick of the wrist and a slight lean to the left. Savaric's blade went right past Alari's right side, instead of through him as his Imperial opponent had hoped. Savaric was unable to stop in time, leading him right into Alari's sword. Slowly, the Emperor looked down at his fatal mistake. Then, Alari removed his sword and Savaric fell dead. The duel was over.
· · ·
The liberation of the Carcassonne, and certainly of Occitania in its entirety, was not long to be completed. By the late-evening of WD136 the last Imperial holdouts in the Carcassonne had surrendered, and Provisional troops entered the inner city. The red-and-yellow striped banner of the Provisional military was raised as Savaric's imperial standard was lowered, and peace was restored to the archduchy. Alari and several other top officials set off for Geneva the next morning, to inform them of victory over the Empire. Of course, remnants of the Empire would have to be dealt with, but these would be easily quelled. The support of the Triple Alliance and the Concòrdia had undoubtedly proved essential to the revolutionary victory. Matters of diplomacy with the allies would have to be determined in the next meeting of the Provisional Council. And of course, there was an even larger matter to be determined...
· · ·
GENEVA, WD138
· · ·
It was a cool, crisp morning. The sun had just begun to wake, climbing the clear blue sky at a leisurely pace, and Geneva was following suit. Drifting through the slowly-waking city was a soft breeze, which broke across Geneva from the direction of the lakeshore. Alari wondered whether to get up and make use of the early day, but decided to continue his rest. From the peak of Mount Salève, nearby Prince Dagobert's Geneva home, Alari could see the entire city - that is, the part not obscured by Geneva's characteristic fog; low clouds that still sat present atop the groggy web of buildings. The fog would clear by noon, but for now Alari enjoyed the gray blanket over the stirring city. He mulled over his morning purèa, a staple of the man's breakfast for as long as he could remember. How fitting, Alari thought, that he was looking over the homeland of traditional purèa this morning.
After his breakfast, which Alari took great lengths to draw out through the early afternoon, he ventured down from the low peak and headed into town. With enough luck, he would be able to escape having to sign any more cards or greet any more citizens. Right now, he just wanted time to rest. He wouldn't have much time for that in the coming days, after all - too much planning, too much work, too much fixing the mess that the nation had spent every day since WD74 creating. To his great dismay, Alari was spotted by a group of far-too-enthusiastic-looking teenagers near the west side of the city.
"Look - it's really him!" said one, pointing to the rest. The group rushed over to Alari, each one holding out excited hands to shake and hastily-thought-of gifts to accept. 
Unfortunately for them, Alari had never had much patience for this sort of thing. Attempting to politely refuse their gestures, he made his daring escape with a quick excuse and a dash towards the city gates.
· · ·
The trek to the Carcassonne took the better part of the day and the next. Had Alari not been such a skilled rider, it would have taken longer. He enjoyed the travels through the wilderness of Occitania. After reaching the Central Valley early in WD139, he slowed his pace. The native poppies of the valley were in full bloom, their bright red color representing the nation they called home. Nesting birds could be heard in the few trees that dotted the grassy plain. This was the country that he had spent his life fighting for. Occitania was finally beginning to heal. 
When he reached his own home, Alari was received by the majority of the city's population. A celebration of his return, and of the newfound peace had been prepared in his absence. The Carcassonne, despite being the site of two of the most major battles of the Civil War, was largely intact. Several sections of the third wall had collapsed in the final stages of the city's liberation, but reconstruction was already underway. The inner city, which, due to the nature of the Carcassonne being a military city, was more of a large fortress than a city, was also in pristine condition. Despite the celebrations going on, Alari skipped the socialization and headed straight for the inner city. Returning to his palace, the Base, was all Alari wished to do. He had not gotten the chance after the Second Battle of the Carcassonne, and thus had not seen his own home since the evacuation of WD94.
Reaching the Base, Alari noted the changes made during Savaric's occupation of the largely-underground chateau. The interior of the entryway had a collection of abhorrent statues, apparently representing each of the loyalist victories during the war. They were clearly very cheap - the past Emperor was apparently a money-hoarder. When Alari finished navigating the long passages to his personal rooms, he was relieved to see them untouched. Apparently, the Empire's finest detectives had not been able to find his hidden entrance. The remainder of the day passed, along with the following night, though with how far underground Alari's chambers were one would never be able to see the daylight come and go. 
Waking the next day, Alari looked at his bedside clock, and went back to sleep. Many long days were ahead of him, and he wanted one final rest before his new work started.
END SAGA
=== Remembrances ===
==== Southwest Baytika ====
The figure was there, right where he saw it. The young Amir could spot the tall silhouette standing on top of the local mountains.
Normally something so afar wouldn't have been visible, but the recent fires had left the land scorched, making that little white spot stand out.
Curious, he had decided to venture past the woods to see what, or who, that elusive figure was. Having reached the top, he now had even more questions.
The... person, if he could call it that, stood tall, facing north, towards yet another fire down the valley. Amir slowly approached it, starting to hear a low tune, a chant. Yet he could not make out any words, if sounds at all. As he got closer to the figure, Amir started feeling heat. Greater and greater heat.
The heat itself sung, rising and cooling almost in harmony. He could not make sense of it. Not even a meter away from the figure, he had to stop, for the heat had become unbearable, sending him to the ground, gasping for air.
He could almost understand it, at least in its intent. Was it...
"Praying." the figure spoke, turning to Amir. "Merely praying."
The air had gone slightly cooler, almost as to accommodate the kid. "P-praying?" he asked.
"Praying. For someone. Someones. Some things as well, it's a very broad group really." it said, with its mouth stuck in a smile.
Before he could question the statement, the figured continued. "It is a shame really. Sometimes a fire can't be saved. Anything can go wrong. 
Even with all the wood on the planet, a storm can strike it down with no effort. Or maybe it was just forgotten and burned itself out, that's... also common."
Amir looked straight at it, clearly confused by the babble it had just spewed.
"Oh, where was I even going with this? I am not one for metaphors, I should kno-"
For a split second, the figure's smile winced.
"Alas, his flame has been quenched. There truly was no other way." it muttered, disjointing its fingerless hands from that prayer it was holding. 
Before Amir could even breathe, the figure almost disappeared in its robe. 
"You can go home kid. The war is over."
"W-what?" was the only word he could exhale after that encounter. 
"It's over. Go home, have fun, play, have a good life. There should be enough fuel for you to do that. These ashes are still warm."
As the caped figure walked away, Amir was left with more and more questions, but one prevailed among the rest. 
"Who? Who are you!?" he screamed, in utter confusion.
"It isn't important. I am no one important, a mere messenger, an ambassador even. When the time will come for the truth to be told, I hope you will not be there."
Silence filled the peak, with even the birds inexplicably stopping their chirping.
"Amir, right?" the figure spoke, turning towards him.
He nodded, not even realizing he had never mentioned his name before.
"I'll remember you. Farewell" and thus it walked behind a charred tree trunk, disappearing in thin air.
Amir slowly got up, with all that heat vanished he could finally breath well.
He looked around, trying to find the figure, to no avail. It was as if he was it never was there in the first place.
Reaching the top of the peak in his search, he looked down at the valley.
The wildfire had stopped expanding and was being put down by the firemen below. 
Amir, despite everything, smiled. Maybe things would actually start looking up for his broken homeland.
=== ARCHDUKE ALARI ELECTED NEW EMPEROR OF OCCITANIA AFTER UNANIMOUS COUNCIL VOTE ===
==== REVOLUTIONARY NOBLES OFFICIALLY RESTORED TO TITLES; SAVARITES STRIPPED OF HONOR AND POSSESSIONS ====
The day is WD141. The old Empire is in ruins:  leaderless, most remaining Imperial holdouts have surrendered to the Provisional Government. The Empire is now under nearly total Provisional control, as revolutionaries celebrate across Occitania. And today, the interregnum is over. The Provisional Council has announced the result of their vote to establish a new Emperor: Alari de la Carcassona, Archduke of Occitania, Margrave of Septimania. The result comes as no surprise to any who know the war; Alari was the most famed war hero of the Occitan Civil War, and the slayer of the previous Emperor Savaric.
As his first act, Emperor Alari signed an Imperial Edict to restore the titles and distinction to all revolutionary nobles, and to strip the very same from any loyalist nobles. He, along with the Council, is beginning a program of "de-Savarification". Following this program, a bill has been introduced to the Provisional Council to outlaw the support of the loyalist regime, hoping to prevent anything similar from arising in the future. This bill would also sieze the assets, wealth, and possessions of loyalists, serving both as a punishment and as a way for the Council to acquire funds to rebuild the nation. Emperor Alari has also announced that he plans to go forward with the Autonomy bills passed in the WD110s and WD120s, promising regional representation for all citizens in the near future. Matters of this representation are also being dealt with; a new constitution and legislative body are being created as this news post goes out, to supersede the Provisional Council and restore full democracy to Occitania.
Alari has appointed Sauvinhon Descarcheur, son of the late Grand Marshal, as the new Archduke of Occitania. A revolutionary general during the Civil War, and a profound military genius, Archduke Sauvinhon has been given much authority in restructuring the Provisional Military for the full nation. As other revolionary nobles were killed during the Civil War, their heirs have generally been given their titles. Full news of title redistribution will come in the near future.
Emperor Alari is to be crowned in Geneva within the week. It will be a private event, open to select individuals.
Vive l'Empèri! Glòria a Occitània!
=== SAVARIC DEAD ===
==== WAR DRAWING TO A CLOSE ====
The righteous fight against the armies of Savaric will finally come to an end. Last evening, reports arrived that Savaric was killed by Archduke Alari at Carcassonne. Savaric, who caused so much pain and destruction, deserves no pity. A devastating loss has been inflicted upon the Loyalist forces, and as this article is being written, armies of the Triple Alliance are embarking on a rapid advance through the crippled remnants of the enemy lines. The Saxon High Command have determined that resistance is likely to cease in a matter of days. Marshal Qwasic, the Duke of Hesse, has stated “As the war ends we must face the new objective, winning the peace.” The Democratic Coalition in the Reichstag have assembled a number of bills along this line. Achieving prosperity and security for Saxony is a top priority, and assisting Occitania on their new path is critical to achieve it.
=== OCCITAN DEPT. OF IBERIAN AFFAIRS PUBLISHES REPORT OF ELECTION FRAUD IN WD136 ISPANIAN ELECTIONS ===
The WD136 National Elections in the Empire of Ispania, which were announced by the Axuba of Ispania (its national leader) to the world on WD138, have reportedly been the subject of a top-secret investigation by the Department of Iberian Affairs since their publicization. Today, on WD141, the Department has published its investigation and findings, which claim that the WD136 Elections were highly controlled by the Axuba's government:
# Electoral fraud in the form of destroying dissenting ballots and in the form of creating false ballots occurred frequently during the election, with between 68% and 92% of the final votes believed to be altered in some way.
# Parties registered and formed unofficially (through independent person-to-person allegiances) were cracked down upon by the Axuba's government; only three parties were official options during the election, and the two opposition parties were puppets of the Axuba's party.
# Voter suppression was widespread during the elections; soldiers and armed police were reportedly common at ballot stations, and state-sponsored voter intimidation campaigns ran rampant.
# The most prominent targets of voter suppression were supporters of the BAI in the homeland, but various other anti-Axuba, pro-autonomy, and pro-republican groups were targeted as well.
Emperor Alari of Occitania has not yet commented on this report, but the Provisional Council has sent a message of "condemnation towards this deplorable attack on democracy in our world", after a 31/6 vote earlier today to adopt the status. Further action from the Occitan government is unknown at this moment, though any large measures are unlikely this soon after Savaric's defeat. Other nations have also yet to react to the news.
=== A NOBLE EFFORT ===
==== Heinrich Höver Sent to Assess Food Security in Occitania ====
With the end of the war, Saxon officials are developing plans for the recovery of Occitania. In an effort to prevent mass starvation in the devastated regions of Occitania, the Reichstag has tasked Heinrich Höver, a wealthy miner from Silesia, with assessing food security in the country.
=== The Heroes Come Marching Home ===
While not quite as involved in the fighting as the Saxons, the Bosnian army provided crucial support in holding the southern defensive line during the war in Occitania. With the war over, the Senate has voted to recall the first, second, and fourth legions from Occitania.
== Mar 23 ==
=== TERRA DEL PALUNS OFFICIALLY INTEGRATED INTO OCCITANIA, HOME RULE GRANTED ===
Tèrra del Paluns (Bengal) was founded on WD116 by mages fleeing the Occitan Civil War. There, they intermingled with local inhabitants of the land, teaching them the ways of magic and defending the region in return for knowledge of how to hunt the elusive and native beast, the Slime. Together, the mages and locals formed a largely-unrecognized, technically-independent state that was operated de facto as part of the (Provisional) Empire. Today on WD142, Tèrra del Paluns has officially been made a Margraviate of Occitania.
The first Marqués del Paluns is a local to the land. He has vowed to raise the Margraviate to new heights, and make it a truly awe-inspiring region of Occitania.
=== IMPENDING ECONOMIC BOOM? ===
==== Major Saxon Economists Predict Massive Post-War Expansion ====
A Hamburg-based think tank of the leading Saxon economists have published a report suggesting that a massive boom in growth will soon occur. They purport that low interest rates, the expansion of housing availability, returning servicemen, and heightened defense spending will pull up the economy in a boom. Additionally, the advent of strong stock exchanges have allowed for greater economic capacity than before. Due to measures enacted during the Occitan Civil War, any expansion in the Saxon economy is likely to affect Occitania and other western European nations in this interlinked world.
== Mar 24 ==
=== BREAKING NEWS: OCCITAN PROVISIONAL COUNCIL EMBARGOES ISPANIA, RECOGNIZES B.A.I. GOVERNMENT ===
==== NATION SEEKS CLOSER TIES WITH SAXONY, ECONOMIC REFORM; CONDEMNS "ANTI-DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP" OVER WALLAND ====
Developments in Ispania continue today, as Emperor Alari announced a complete Occitan embargo towards the Axuban government of Ispania. In his decree, Alari stated, "We in Occitania find the Ispanian Empire's crimes against democracy to be reprehensible, and have considered our position thoroughly. It is evident that the Axuba does not have the Ispanian peoples' best interests in mind. Therefore, effective immediately, all Occitan trade with and travel to the Ispanian Empire will cease indefinitely. Occitania will not support any dictatorial regime, including that of Ispania."
In addition to the embargo, the Emperor also announced that the Provisional Council has voted to recognize the BAI as the legitimate rulers of Ispania. Ambassadors from Occitania have been sent to Kesse, which is under BAI control, to negotiate the formation of a stable coalition government of Ispania. This coalition government will be under the guidance and protection of Occitania, until the Empire has achieved its goals of "assisting the people of Ispania to reclaim and protect their freedom, liberty, and democracy." Only time will tell how the Axuba reacts to this declaration of republican support from Occitania.
In other news, the Provisional Council is continuing its Recovery Plan, introduced on WD116. Plans for economic reform have already begun, and members of the Council have stated that "significant advancements" are to come in the near future. Additionally, current Primièr of the Provisional Council, Matheu Pontier, has confirmed the Council's aspirations to expand Occitania's relationship with its north-eastern neighbor, the Kingdom of Saxony.
In a Press Conference earlier today, Pontier stated, "We in the Provisional Council see the benefits of forming prosperous connections with our European neighbors, including Saxony. The connection between our nations have skyrocketed in recent times, and the Council is prepared to commit itself to furthering ties with Saxony." The details of these future ties were not given, perhaps deliberately. If the two nations have already begun talks of military alliance, economic partnership, or other connections, they have not been revealed to the public. Pontier did give some clarification to the press; stating that "at this time the Council is not seeking political integration or unification with Saxony." 
Later in the conference, several key issues were brought up. When asked about the Council's position on the pro-Savarite prevalence in several regions of Saxony, Pontier explained, "The Provisional Council sees Saxony as a capable and trustworthy nation. We in the Council have faith that Saxony will pass similar anti-Savarite laws to Occitania, prohibiting such blatant intolerance and bigotry. We also implore the Kingdom to hold its regional governments responsible for their support of Savaric's Empire; if Saxony does not support Savarite ideals, it must show that." Pontier also condemned recent Wallander attempts to assert control over Middlecelts in Bosnia, connecting these developments to Walland's historic issues with minority representation, and stating that the attempts "follow the same anti-democratic ideals that Walland's leadership have expressed again and again."
One final comment was given before the conference ended; Pontier reassured the press that "we have flourishing relationships with many of our neighboring countries, and of course wish to continue these endeavors. Saxony is not the only other nation in the world." Most obviously, this refers to the 'Special Relationship' between Occitania and the United States, though it may also hint at a Council push to seek alignment with Bosnia or Ængland, two other notable powers in the region who both have recent ties with the Empire.
=== The Great Transfer ===
The fate of Bahamut has been long left a mystery. The ghost megalopolis was split by the former Baytikan government into several colonial possessions, with the largest one being owned by Bosnia. Despite its helpfulness during the Occitanian Wars, it has become obvious that as a territory, there was little opportunity to grow, as any attempt of refurbishing all of the city frames would have taken resources much more needed in the mainland. 
Thus, when the Emissary presented himself with the proposition of buying it, Bosnian Bahamut was given to him for free. It is unknown why it happened, but some think the Emissary reaching the Bosnian parliament riding a bulldozer might have partially contributed. 
"I wanted to make my plans about Bahamut obvious, thought it would have been a nice metaphor. Might have scared them by accident. Sorry." was the statement of the Emissary on the matter.
=== DEMOCRAT COALITION PASSES F.A.I.R. ACT ===
==== Foreign Aid and Internal Revisions Act Passes Reichstag 21-8 ====
The Democratic Coalition has utilized their newly found majority to pass acts that were previously stalled in the Reichstag. The first of these is the Foreign Aid and Internal Revisions Act. It includes various measures for rebuilding and strengthening ties with Occitania. It also includes numerous domestic provisions such as assessing the feasibility of a national road system, potential incentives for land ownership changes, and tax breaks to agriculture.
Image credit to Crovanian
== Mar 25 ==
=== BAI ANNOUNCES RIVAL GOVERNMENT TO THE AXUBA ===
After the Axuba's clearly rigged election, the BAI has announced from the former royal palace that the BAI is officially at war with the Axuba. As such, they declared that a rival government would be established in Kesse, which served as the former capital of the Axuba and is already purpose-built to fit that role. With cautious assistance from Occitania, the BAI is currently undergoing renovations from an united militia force to a proper government. 
Factions within the BAI had declared their own political parties, already far more diverse than what the Axuba had to offer. The BAI also declared that an election would occur soon to determine representatives to the People's Assembly, with all seats up for election, as well as the positions for Secretary and President.
== Mar 26 ==
=== OCCITANIA-SAXONY ALLIANCE FORMALIZED ===
==== Bordèu Accords Signed in Occitania ====
Following victory in the Occitan Civil War, the governments of Saxony and Occitania pursue closer economic and security bonds. The seeds planted by the partnership of the Triple Alliance and the Provisional Government have bloomed into the most powerful bilateral military-economic alliance the world has ever seen. The Bordèu Accords call for collective security, the demolition of trade barriers, and fostering of good will between Saxony and Occitania.
=== PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT DECLARES ""TOTAL VICTORY"" FOLLOWING COMPLETE LOYALIST SURRENDER ===
==== EMPEROR ALARI CROWNED AT GENEVA, IBERIAN NATION-BUILDING PROGRESSES, ALLIANCES WITH SAXONY & OTHERS FORMED ====
The last vestiges of Savaric's Empire have been defeated. The final loyalist armies, commanded by General Robert Esterèu (who was crowned by loyalists as Emperor Robert), have surrendered at Nauned. Esterèu has been arrested, and is to be tried later today. After this surrender, Emperor Alari gave an address to the nation in Geneva:
"The legitimate government of the Empire has prevailed in this war to defend Occitania against evil. I am now proud to declare a state of peace in Occitania. We, the great peoples of this righteous Empire, have achieved total victory against the traitors to our democracy, our freedom, our equality, and our solidarity. Our civil war is over. Long live the Empire, and Glory to Occitania!"
Throughout every city, every town, every street in the Empire, crowds are cheering and celebrations of even greater vitality than when Savaric was slain and Alari was proclaimed Emperor have erupted. People from all across Occitania can be heard repeating the three tenets of Alari's speech; the three ideals of the revolutionaries: Libertat! Egalitat! Solidaritat!Just after the Provisional Victory was declared, Emperor Alari was received at the Parliamentary Building in Geneva, where he was crowned as Emperor by the Provisional Council. Though he has been Emperor for several days, Alari is now at the height of his grandeur. In other news, the situation in Iberia has progressed; the BAI of Ispania has declared a formal government in opposition to the existing Ispanian Empire, and has declared war on this rival government. As per the Relief Bills and existing precedent, Occitania is supporting the BAI, with the hope of bringing about the youthful democracy's victory in the Ispanian Civil War.
Though the BAI and Occitania are not formal allies, Primièr Matheu Pontier claims the Provisional Government has not ruled out "direct military intervention" in the conflict, should the Ispanian Empire make a "dangerous move". In addition to involvement in Ispania, the Empire has sent a group of diplomats and aid workers to Baytika, to assess the effects of the ongoing Baytikan Anarchy. The diplomats have not returned to Geneva yet, but when they do, their assessment will be used to see if a stable government can be created with Occitan assistance (similar to what has happened in Ispania).
In the final news for today, the Bordeu Accords, the alliance between Occitania and Saxony, have been ratified by the Provisional Council, and go into immediate effect. This alliance will be highly beneficial for both nations, as it entails mutual defense, a non-aggression agreement, and economic benefits like free trade. The Council has hinted at ongoing discussions for similar alliances with other nations, which will reportedly be finalized in the near future.
=== Occitania-Tiānzhú alliance ===
==== Bo-Tarrasso Pact Signed in Bengal ====
With no diplomatic ties to the world, The Constitutional Empire of Tiānzhú decides to enter the world stage with an alliance to the most powerful nation in the world. The Bo-Tarrasso Pact is an economic and non-aggression pact between the empire and Occitania that shall foster great relations between the nations and grow our friendship to be the best. 
== Mar 27 ==
=== PROVISIONAL COUNCIL AUTHORIZES NAME CHANGE OF OCCITANIA: "MORE ACCURATE", CLAIMS COUNCIL ===
Occitania, whose full legal title has up to now been the Empire of the Occitans, Corsicans, and Basques, has been rechristened with a name "more accurate to the citizens represented in the Empire", according to the official Council report. Occitania's new legal title is the Empire of the Occitans, Corsicans, Basques, Gallians, Africans, Palunis, and Numidians, in order of how long ago each ethnic region became part of the Empire. This is the first part of the "Representation Plan", of which the second part will result in a fully-representative parliament and local autonomy for each and every region of the Empire. This second part is currently being debated by the Provisional Council, and is reportedly soon to be finalized.
== Mar 29 ==
=== MAJORITY OF CONSCRIPTS DEMOBILIZED, PEACETIME TRANSITION WELL UNDERWAY ===
==== Saxon Government Demobilizes 75% of Mobilized Military Personnel, War Materials Board Suspended ====
Following the cessation of hostilities and the destruction of most Savarite remnants, the Saxon government has announced a major wave of demobilization. This is the largest instance of demobilization thus far and it is expected to have a positive impact on the economy as workers return to their jobs. The remaining conscripts are to assist the Occitan government in military matters to ensure a speedy rebuilding process.
The War Materials Board, set up to regulate wartime production, was suspended today as part of the transition to a peacetime economy. The Board’s task was to incentivize and make rules around war production in order to keep the armies of Triple Alliance and Provisional Government afloat during the Occitan Civil War. Given the end of the war and the subsequent prosperity of the economy, it was seen as best to end it’s authority. The economy remains strong, despite fluctuations in the stock market. Prices are low, housing is cheap, and interest rates are dropping. 
== Mar 30 ==
=== NEW PROPHET AND FAITH DECLARED IN BAYTIKA: FOLLOWERS UNITE REALM, SPREAD TEACHINGS ABROAD ===
The foundations of a new faith are upon us. From the ashes of the second Baytikan Anarchy, a group of preachers emerged in Ishbiliya (a region in southern Baytika). These preachers claimed to be the followers of a new prophet, a messenger of Allah, and the savior of the Baytikans. Throughout the WD140s, they quickly spread the teachings of their prophet across all the lands of Baytika. Soon, a great majority of Baytikans began to listen to these teachings, believing in the words of the prophet, and calling themselves tafhim: those who understand.
The prophet is an unsuspecting figure: a young Baytikan boy, of average complexion, aged 9. His name is Amir. He is not especially tall, nor especially athletic. This boy, however, has quickly become the most sacred figure in the entire Iberian peninsula. Tafhim sacred text regales that Amir was visited on three holy occasions, each more divine than the last. 
* The first, by an angel on WD141, who foretold that Baytika's torment would end: "Go, young child, and return to your home. Your times of sorrow shall draw to a close. Though these lands are but ash and fire, they will soon be rejuvenated."
* The second, by Muhammad on WD142, who told Amir that he must be the one to save Baytika: "Child, you alone shall have the powers to restore peace to the world. No other figure will match your holy strength."
* The third, by Allah himself, on WD143. During this final visitation, Amir was granted three sifas, or divine characteristics. The first, eternal life: Amir cannot age, nor can he lose his mental or physical quality. The second, infinite knowledge and wisdom: despite being only 9, Amir is smarter than any other human to have lived. The third and most important, a direct connection with Allah: Amir is his messenger, and carries out the will and duties of Allah.
Throughout the WD140s, a large swath of Baytika has been united under tafhim rule. Proclaiming Allah's wish for peaceful coexistence, Amir instructed all those of Baytika to end the violence that had endured for 100 WDs, and to unite. He ordained that the people of Baytika must come together, working in unison to rebuild their homes, their cities, their nation. The establishment of such a powerful and expansive state in such a bloodless manner is an unprecedented development, considering the vast political instability Baytika has endured for a generation.
The teachings of Amir, which are compiled into the Book of Faham, have been spread by his disciples to more than just Baytika. Occitania is the second-largest home of tafhims, in particular Bordeu and Provenca (both some of the most affected parts of the nation after the Occitan Civil War). There are also reports of the faith, called Faham after its scripture, gaining followers in other countries, though these have not been confirmed.
=== The Emissary reacts to the news ===
"Fuck fuck Fuck FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK"
== Aftermath ==
And thus, the news chronicling the Occitan Civil War draws to a close. Many significant events in Occitania's history happen soon after the Civil War; to name but a few: the Edict of WD150, which annexed East Gallia into Occitania; the Beginning of the Ispanian Civil War and Occitan involvement in the war; and further expansion of the Fahamic faith.
Category:Season Three