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unmerged(25313)

First Lieutenant
Feb 1, 2004
244
0
During World War One Greece had tried to remain neutral. Pressure from the Entente forced Greece into the war against the Middle Powers after the king, Konstantin abdicated. In 1919 Greece occupied Smyrna which caused a war with Turkey. In 1922 they were defeated and over a million Greeks fled Turkey. This caused land reforms that led to the dominance of landowners. In 1924 Greece became a republic which lasted until 1935. Georg II was put back on the throne in 1935 by the royalists.

However in mid 1935 a new face had arrived on the scene. BigDan, who had earned fame for several victories in Greece's war with Turkey, entered into politics. He had many supporters especially in the army. Eventually the support became to much for the king. He ordered the arrest of BigDan and his supporters. Luckily BigDans supporters had spies in the government. He was able to flee to northern Greece where the majority of his supporters were.

August saw the first major encounter between the royalists and BigDan's imperialists at Volos. The royalists had no chance. Greece's cavalry wing had given its support to BigDan. The only cavalry the royalists had was the few that remained with the king and some quickly trained citizens. Out of the ten infantry divisions seven had went imperialist. At the battle of Volos the royalists lost around 3,000 men before they fled. The imperialists lost only about 700.

The siege of Athens in late September was hardly a siege. After arriving at Athens the king immediatly asked BigDan for terms. Georg was allowed to keep his throne but the real power went to Dan who immediatly became head of the government and the virtual dictator.

GhostWriter immediatly became the foreign minister. He was chosen for this because of his success in gathering over 6,000 mercenary soldiers for the Imperialists. He was also famous for his successful campaign resulting in the capture of Crete in August.

Mr.G was originally the minister of armaments for Georg. When the civil war started he fled to the imperialist camp. He became one of the party's main supporters because he saw that the party could potentially lead Greece to greatness. He had great plans for Greece but was unsure of wether they would raise Greece up or bring it crashing down.

The position of chief of staff was given to Poppy. He was the commander at Volos and he had been BigDan's aide during World War One and the Turkish War. He was a capable and very competent military strategist. Greece's survival and dominance rested upon his shoulders.

Jenn of Athens became chief of the army. Her brilliant campaign in Southern Greece provided all the credentials she needed. In about one and a half week the Peloponnesian Pennisula was conquered. She captured intact one regular army divison and three citizen militia regements. In the process she only lost 19 men. In fact six were from an artillery shell accident.

In his Graciousness His Imperial Greatness BigDan kept Georgs ministers of security, intelligence, navy and air. Of course these people were kept under continous survelliance. BigDan knew he had to replace them with more loyal people the moment he could. Of course in order to avoid breaking the peace agreement there would have to be proper cause.

BigDan had aspirations. He had created the the Order of Constantine and the Imperial City(OCIC). All his cabinet ministers and several Greek field commanders became members. The order was dedicated to rebuilding the Byzantine Empire. This had Greece's neighbors worried even though he assured them it was all fun and games. Of course people had doubts when BigDan assumed the title of His Imperial Greatness and became the Chancellor. His neighbors became even more concerned when it was announce Greece would rebuild it's legions strong enough for the challenges to come. The world watched helplessly as BigDan and his Imperialists started a movement for the greatness of Greece. It comforted no one when the Greek government started talks with Hitler and Greece rapidly started changing. While most countries advanced into the future Greece went back. Back to a past where it had greatness and Glory. As BigDan relected on this he wondered if he truly was leading Greece to a great future or a horrible nightmare.

 
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good start! more! :D
 
I love it! :D Looking forward for more. :)

Greece will not just become as great as the Byzantines of old, but even greater. It shall become the unqeustioned ruler of the Mediterrian! (and albania!)



Jenn of Athens became chief of the army. His...
Her? ;) Sorry about nitpicking!
 
JVega said:
I love it! :D Looking forward for more. :)

Greece will not just become as great as the Byzantines of old, but even greater. It shall become the unqeustioned ruler of the Mediterrian! (and albania!)

Her? ;) Sorry about nitpicking!
that is NOT a nitpick!

also, i have already sent Daniel a "PM"... ;)
 
Looks like a great start.:) NICE!
 
Originally Posted By JVega
Her? Sorry about nitpicking!

My fault, I do have an explanation. When I was reading over the planning thread it seemed as if you gave your position to GhostWriter. That was how I originally wrote it down. I realized that seemed weird so I double checked. When I took out GhostWriters name and replaced it with yours I forgot to replace the hes with hers. I knew you weren't a guy though.
 
bigdan said:
..I knew you weren't a guy though.

that word "guy" has a double meaning. i have relatives on the US west coast. all westerners use the word "guys" colloquially to mean "you", that is, what we on the east coast would mean by "guys and gals". :wacko: anyway, i lived out there for a few years, and when i use the word "guys" it means all present, male and/or female. :cool: once, just after i returned to Florida, i addressed a group of five girls as "guys". man, did i get a strange look. of course, i immediately realized what happened, so i just explained it to them, and all was OK. :D
 
Well, I use "you guys" as I'd use "you all", but when I talk about a guy I tend to take it as a male. :)

I can't wait for the next chapter. 8)

BTW; shouldn't we try and include relations, talks and chats between important figures (us!) in the AAR? Such as discussions of whether or not we should make a Homeguard could turn into fiery arguments in the AAR. :) Ooh, and on that note.. we should get maps of Albania and make a 'plan of attack'. ;)
 
JVega: Well, I use "you guys" as I'd use "you all", but when I talk about a guy I tend to take it as a male. :) I can't wait for the next chapter. 8)

yep, that pretty much says it all. :cool:


JVega: BTW; shouldn't we try and include relations, talks and chats between important figures (us!) in the AAR? Such as discussions of whether or not we should make a Homeguard could turn into fiery arguments in the AAR. :) Ooh, and on that note.. we should get maps of Albania and make a 'plan of attack'. ;)

excellent ideas, ALL. :D
 
Gfront said:
Instead of you all, you could just write Ya'll like we talk in the South. It even sounds smarter when you say it. :p
what part of the South are Ya'll from? :cool: and, yes, the spoken Southern language is very pleasing to the ear! :D :)
 
Head of State-Georg II
Head of Government-BigDan

Foreign Minister-GhostWriter-Ideological Crusader
Minister Of Armaments-Mr.G 24-Administrative Genius
Minister of Security & Intelligence-Georgios Logothetis- Crime Fighter, Dismal Enigma
Chief of Staff-Poppy7143-School of Mass Combat
Chief of Army-Jenn of Athens(JVega)-Guns and Butter Doctrine
Chiefs of Navy-BigDan & Poppy7143-Open Seas
Chief of Airforce-Black Shadow(for AAR-N/A)

Field Commanders

Field Marshalls
GhostWriter-1 skill Logistics Wizard and Offensive Doctrine
Poppy7143-5 skill Trickster
Mr.G 24-3 skill Panzer Leader
Jenn of Athens-2 skill Defensive Doctrine and Logistics Wizard

Generals
Acronym-skill 4 Offensive Doctrine
 
1 January 1936

The year began with a heated debate for Greece. Germany had the Jewish question while Greece had the Albanian question. It wasn't that Greece blamed their problems on Albania or claimed that Albania was rightfully theirs, it was that Albania had resources. Wars have been fought for many reasons including resources. Ancient armies might have fought over a certain hunting ground or gold mines. Well Greece needed coal, steel and oil. Albania had these things and Greece was willingly to go to war to obtain them. Not everyone in Greece wanted this. Greece was still weak from internal strife and the people were tired of fighting. While they knew that there would be war under the Imperialists they had hoped this would be later and that for now Greece would build up using what it had. The party had to do something to encourage the people to go to war.

"Gentlemen," BigDan began, "we are here to discuss what to do about Albania. Everyone including the Albanians themselves know we have plans on them. They've known that since we took power. The thing they are unsure of is the when and how. That is what we are going to decide. We must pick when and how we are going to hit them. First, GhostWriter. As Foreign Minister what would you expect from the diplomatic community?"

GhostWriter took his time getting up and explained, "Chancellor, if we go to war we must only worry about Italy or Great Britain. It will most likely be one or the oth..."

Immediatly JVega got up and interrupted, "Italy is busy in war currently with a pitiful army and Britain can only blockade us. They will stand no chance against the army...oh please forgive me the legions that is."

"I can forgive you for saying army instead of legions but I will not forgive you for interrupting a minister. We all are members of the Order of Constantine and the Imperial City. Now GhostWriter as you were saying."

"Yes thank you," he began once again, "Both previously mentioned countries will not declare war on us at the same time. However if we take Albania by February at least we may not have a problem with either country. Britain may have some Mediterranean bases but they will most likely be limited to a bloackade for a while and Italy is already caught up in a war."

"Chancellor may I speak," questioned Georgios Logothetis, the intelligence minister.

"Of course," BigDan said uninterested in anything he might have to say.

Logothetis began, "As you all should know we have had an increase in intelligence gathering since your party took power..."

BigDan thinking to himself said, "That little bastard. Who does he think he is saying YOUR party. If I had it my way the guy would be dead. Damn, the treaty and the peace I should have killed Georg and his cabinet before I agreed to it. I may have to get some of the ministers and my bodyguards together later."

"...Tirana the capital. That's all we must take then the Albanians will surrender," Logothetis ended.

Jenn of Athens stood up, "If that is all I request permission to lead the invasion force sire."

Poppy couldn't believe this, "Forgive me sire but a woman? Athenian you may have captured Crete during the coup but anyone of us here could have done that. What makes you more qualified than the rest?"

GhostWriter tried to calm things down, "Think about Poppy, a woman. Greece will be the first modern nation I know of to let a woman command an invasion force. The first nation to allow a woman to accept an enemies terms. This will win the female support for the party. Even if it is against your beliefs do it for the party."

"GhostWriter, don't even try he's to much of a...," Jenn couldn't finish.

"Enough, ministers do we really need to bicker so? Poppy you may be a military strategist but even you should know that what Jenn and GhostWriter are proposing is helpful to the party. I knew what was good for the king when I was a general. I allow you, Jenn of Athens, to lead the invasion force. Your troops will be transported to Albania via sea and the moment you are in position we will declare war. Now to the economy. Mr.G please begin."

"Oh good," Mr.G thought, "no matter what I say I don't think it will conjure to much heat now. I think my proposal will be passed."

"I propose first off that we expand our industries in Argostoli, Mitilini, Patrai, Agrinion, Larisa and Ioannina. I also propose that we research basic land mines, basic light machine gun and basic flamethrowers. We will recieve a stock pile of resources while we build our industries and once we conquer Albania we will have the resources to run these industries."

"Any disagreements," BigDan asked "no, then the proposal is passed. There is nothing else on the agenda for today so everyone is dismissed."

While everyone was leaving BigDan went back to his desk. The fruits of his labor would soon become apparent. The world had for the most part recognized the Imperialist Party once they saw the efficiency of the government. Soon every Greek would have a regained sense of nationalism and love for the country. Greek was beginning its journey. First stop Albania then who knows? Returning from his daydreaming BigDan set to work putting his ministers plans into action. While there may be disagreement among them from time to time BigDan knew the fate of Greece and his own fate rested on their shoulders. They are the best Greece has to offer and if he wanted to stay Greece's ruler he knew he needed their help to garner support from the populace.
 
Gfront said:
Shelby, North Carolina
d*mn, that looks to be about 50 miles from Rock Hill, SC. :cool:
 
Party Meeting minutes, 17 Jan 1936

1235 hours, 17 January 1936​

the party members had slowly gathered. a special arraignment of tables was assembled in a large hall for this meeting. no one in attendance knew who or how many would be attending this meeting other than BigDan and, possibly, Poppy. the only clue was the table arraignment. each table had two chairs except for one, the one reserved for BigDan: BigDan was expected to be the last one to arrive. Poppy was at the chair closest to BigDan's right. the second chair at the table was not occupied. the next table to BigDan's right was occupied by two men, who appeared to be businessmen. they looked somewhat familiar, but no one other than Poppy seemed to know who they were.

the government leaders were seated to BigDan's left. at the first table clockwise from BigDan was (in order of seating) Mr. G and Jenn of Athens, GhostWriter and Acronym.

next were military officers known to everyone by name, and to some personally. Lt Gen Drakos (Markos) and AF Mj Gen Kellas (Siminiagos), Rear Admiral Tsamotos (Alexiou) and Lt Gen Lavdas (Giorgios), AF Gen Geanados (Gaecia) and Rear Admiral Miaoulis (Atanassos), and Lt Gen Tsounoukas (Vassilios) and AF Gen Papagos (Markos, brother of the FM), FM Papagos (Alexander) and Admiral Votsis (Nikolaos). there is one empty table between the Admiral and the businessmen. NOTE: in the game, the AF Gen Papagos and the FM Papagos are the same person. in the AAR, they are cousins.

the tables were arraigned to approximate a circle and each chair was comfortable and identical, even BigDan's chair. the tables were two meters long and one meter wide. the arraignment was to allow easy listening and discussion as long as only one person spoke at a time.

the military had provided waiters for the occasion.

the following government leaders were not present: Minister of Security & Intelligence - Georgios Logothetis and Chief of Air Force - Black Shadow. it was assumed by all that Georgios Logothetis would have his own sources for what transpired at the meeting. It was later learned that he was told about the meeting but was given an assignment that precluded his presence.

there was some small talk going on: Mr. G, "anyone know why we are here?" Acronym (puzzled) responded, "i was told that we are to have a planning meeting." Mr. G said, "true, but beyond that?" no one was able and willing to answer that question. generally, the discussion revolved around the plans for the invasion of Albania. the five tables of officers also discussed why they were given such a peculiar seating arraignment.

shortly thereafter, Poppy stood up and cleared his throat. all immediately stopped talking and looked at him. Poppy started by saying, "all of us have been instructed to be here, but not everyone knows everyone else. therefore, as myself and the two tables to my left are known to all, i ask the military officers to stand and state their name and why you are here." Poppy then nods to Admiral Votsis who stands and gives his name, then finishes with, "i joined the party at my first knowledge of it. i was told that i am here because of my loyalty to the party and to Greece which i showed by my skill and daring in battle." each of the remaining officers stated nearly the same, ending with Lt Gen Drakos. note that the AF before the rank denotes a member of the Air Force. Poppy then stood and said, "there are others who were invited but could not attend." Poppy then sat down and the small talk continued. it was understood by the introductions that the two businessmen were not to be identified, at least not at this time.

somewhere in the distance, a gong like sound was heard. Poppy stood up and said, "all rise." all stood up.
 
Party Meeting minutes, 17 Jan 1936

1300 hours, 17 January 1936​

BigDan came into the room with three people. he nods to the two businessmen and the one on the left steps one chair to the left to be at Poppy's table. the businessman on the right moves two chairs to the right and is next to the Admiral. BigDan escorts a businesslike man and his wife to the (now) empty table and another businessman to the remaining chair, on their right. the businessman looks at BigDan who nods to him, and the businessman seats his wife at their table. BigDan also nods to Mr G who seats Jenn of Athens at her seat. as this is done, BigDan goes to his chair and says, "please be seated." all sit down except BigDan. Acronym mentally notes that the room could easily accommodate four times the number in the room.

BigDan announces, "the central planning committee of the party is now in session." all except BigDan and the two tables to his right are amazed. this is news to them. BigDan continues, "there are others who were invited but could not attend. the first business of the committee is to plan the rational for the invasion of Albania. GhostWriter, please take notes and be prepared to write a speech for when that becomes necessary." GhostWriter nods acceptance of the order. BigDan notes that everyone who has heard of Albania is aware that Greece has imperial interests in Albania, as does Italy. BigDan also tells everyone that the reason for the table arraignment and the identical chairs is to symbolize that all in this meeting are to function as if they are equals. BigDan also states that the officer seating arraignment is to prevent clicks from forming, and that the seating arraignment may change from meeting to meeting. BigDan says, "no one has all necessary information to make all the decisions for us to be successful. you may wonder why i have picked some low ranking officers to be on this committee. this was by choice as i feel that each of you on this committee can make an important contribution and also because all of you have shown exemplary loyalty." BigDan then states that the method of operation for the committee is to throw the issue up for discussions between each person and a neighbor and, perhaps, someone at the next table for a few minutes. after this is done, BigDan asks, "suggestions?"

Lt Gen Drakos stands up. BigDan nods. Lt Gen Drakos says, "i have a second cousin who is a granddaughter of King Zog. perhaps we can arraign a marriage between her and the prince. she is four years younger than the prince. would that be helpful?"

BigDan says, "doesn't seem to be. the prince is already married, and Marta is not in secession to the throne." at this, Jenn of Athens realizes that the granddaughter solution is a plant, as do the men at each side of her. she shifts in her seat just enough to bump Mr G's leg, and he touches her arm in a manner that tells her that he also is aware. Jenn then looks at GhostWriter and from the look on his face realizes that he also is aware. she then surveys the room and sees that no one else picked up on it.

GhostWriter stands up. nod. "could this be a means to open discussion with King Zog concerning our interests in Albania? i am also familiar with the house of Zog, and Marta could be an instrument acceptable to King Zog that would allow the opening of discussions. we could express an interest in a peaceful unification of our two countries, something that King Zog would not even consider discussing in the past. although the prince is married, his brother (who is less than a year younger than he) is single. we are all aware that at some point in the future, Italy will take an active interest in Albania and, perhaps, we could use that to our advantage."

as GhostWriter is finishing, the businessman's wife stands up. nod. "i also am related to the House of Zog. one thing that would be important to King Zog is how he feels we would treat his people. another thing, it is very unlikely that he would give up his throne."

GhostWriter stands up. nod. "would it be possible that we could somehow allow King Zog to retain his throne until he dies, or is otherwise willing to step down.? also, could we negotiate the granting of Greek citizenship to Albanians and otherwise alleviate his concerns regarding how his people would be treated? finally, we could negotiate even as we complete preparations to invade Albania, so that no time is lost regarding that action."

BigDan realizes that this amounts to a free action and that he probably does not have a better option. he asks, "anything else?" to the committee. no one has anything else to add. BigDan continues, "OK, i will make a decision before the end of the meeting. the next issue on the table is the Spanish civil war. discussions." the room is abuzz for a few minutes.

BigDan asks, "suggestions?"

Acronym stands up. nod. "I suggest that in the Spanish Civil War, we send as many commanders as possible over with expeditionary forces to gain experience."

Jenn of Athens stands up. nod. "I'm all for the experience, but I'm NOT willing to shed Greek blood for Spain."

Acronym stands up. nod. "We wouldn't lose any manpower from sending men to Spain. Spain reinforces them automatically, IE - they lose manpower, not us."

BigDan: "If Spain will reinforce them, then I don't have a problem with it."

Admiral Votsis stands up. nod. "the Navy can transport two units at a time to Spain."

FM Papagos stands up. nod. "please remember that any units in Spain will not be available to defend our small vulnerable country, nor will they be available to attack our enemies should an opportunity arise. Admiral Votsis, how long will it take for a one way trip to or from Spain? also, would you leave the transports in Spain while we have troops there which would leave the homeland without the immediate use of those ships, or would the transports be brought back to Greece which would double the time needed to return those expeditionary forces? finally, if the transports are left in Spain, where would be a safe place?"

Admiral Votsis seated, responds, "i should be able to have those answers in two days."

GhostWriter stands up. nod. "the real issue is which side do we take. if we take the Nat Spain side, we offend the English, their allies, and the Soviets. if we take the Rep Spain side, we offend the Germans and any who are inclined towards their side. additionally, we even may offend the English and their allies. i don't think that we should tip our hand this early. i say that we should not participate in Spain. also, there is the possibility that participation in Spain may seriously hinder my efforts in other fields."

BigDan, after a few moments of silence: "anything else?" no response. "OK, i will make a decision within a few days. the next issue is..."
 
Party Meeting 20 January 1200 hours

Everyone was curious about this meeting. Most knew this would be the day Greece finally answered the Albanian question. BigDan was going to make his "unofficial" ruling. Of course he had to get the kings approval to go to war but with a few soldiers rifles to the back of his head there was no real reason for the king to not sign a war declaration, unless he was suicidal. The party members filed into the room and took their seats. BigDan and Poppy had been waiting for sometime. There was something behind Poppy but it was covered in a cloth.

GhostWriter noticed this and said to Jenn, "I hope that's not what I think it is."

Jenn replied, "It's right behind the chief of staff, I think that soon we will be at war."

"Attention, attention," BigDan began as he hit his gavel twice, "Our meeting three days ago was quite productive. Now we shall begin with Albania. The Georgios, Poppy and I decided yesterday that Zog will not give up his throne. We have therefore decided that the only solution is war. At three today I will announce our declaration. The king disagreed with us at first but then we showed his the... oh, let's call it the benefits of agreeing with us."

Everyone started laughing, not so much as they thought it was funny but partially out of fear and respect.

"Order, let's have order people," BigDan started again, "Those two business men I had with me yesterday will be in Rome. They will keep Italy off our backs. Poppy please reveal our plans."

Poppy got up and began, "Thank you. One division shall land in Tirana, their capital, and one will come up from the south. However my intellegence reports that the Albanian Army will probably give up once we control Tirana."

BigDan got up, "Thank you, Poppy, thank you. As you all can see we hope this will be an extremely short war. Now as to Spain. I'm sure you all wonder how I know Spain is going to have a civil war. The answer is that we have many spies there. They report that certain generals have been plotting and the most likely time for this will be summer this year. If there is a civil war we will send troops to help Nationalist Spain in their struggle. As you all remember we were oppressed once by a tyrannical government, it is our duty to aid our brothers. I care not about the British. However if they are unable to reinforce our men we will get out of there. Meeting adjourned"