The South Touli War

[aimway921]

Dirka has let go of Yeeda, straighting himself up.

"You have a chance to right the wrongs your government has inflicted upon these people. We can't make you take it, but Stars Above be my witnesses, we will nudge you in the right direction."

Dirka then walked out of the room. A single guard walked back in, and sat down on the stool by the door. The guard was ordered to be silent, but even if he wasn't, he didn't speak any language but Ashinaran, so he wouldn't be able to communicate with Yeeda. Yeeda was left to his thoughts.

Several hours later, the door opened again, and two soldiers walked in. One of them seemed to be a Private, while the other an NCO, possibly a Sergeant. The NCO said something to the guard, and the two Privates walked up to Yeeda and held him by his arms, while the Sergeant pulled a key out of his pocket and unlocked the shackle binding Yeeda to the bedframe.

The two soldiers then lifted him up, and led him out of his room.

Outside he would observe Ashinarans, Franerri and Tafatu all walking about, helping the wounded. Through the windows he'd be able to catch glimpses of the ruined city, devastated by UST's artillery, where soldiers in both Ashinaran and Franerri uniforms were helping the locals clear the streets of rubble and bodies.

Going through several hallways, they have arrived in a room on the first floor of the hospital. The room wasn't big, and had a simple set of furniture. Some tables, a closet, filing cabinets and a few chairs. The window was boarded up, with the only light in the room coming from several kerosene lamps on the tables, as well as some streaks of sunlight shining through the gaps in the boards on the window. There was also a chair in the middle of the room, and that is where Yeeda was seated. The two soldiers who brought him there then stood on either side of him.

Yeeda was now face to face with the leaders of both the Tafatu rebellion and the Coalition intervention forces - Kendaya of Tafatu, General Lishenko of Ashinara and General Taureno of Franerre. There were also several other soldiers, of all 3 armies, evidently there to write down transcripts of the ensuing questioning.

[callmedelta]

The Second Battle of Tarafan

The cavalrymen on both flanks could sense the Union's breaking morale. They pressed further in, some even drawing their sabres and closing into melee range. "Where's the cowardly sonnovabitch you call a commander?!" Jordane called out, in the thick of the melee with his men. With any luck, he could give General Tauroneo the city, the commander, and a whole host of prisoners, "I promise any soldiers who surrender will be taken prisoner, and whoever points me to their commander will be allowed to walk free!"

The Questioning of Yeeda

General Tauroneo didn't even look up from his papers as Yeeda was walked into the room. "Please, be civil and face the facts, Yeeda. Answer all of our questions, and you'll have a comfortable prison sentence. Don't answer our questions, or answer them incorrectly, and you will have a very uncomfortable prison sentence, punctuated by plenty of torture. If you're hoping for Union forces to come and rescue you, your prison guards will ensure your execution before you escape. And even if you do escape, and somehow make it back to Union lines, I would be surprised if they didn't execute you." The General finally looked up from his papers, his face impassive and his eyes steeled. "So, will you talk?"

[Greywall]

The Second Battle of Tarafan

The Union soldiers firing now wildly and without direction began looking for Yakando, "Where is Yakando!?" the ranks began to slowly break as some UST soldiers began to run off the firing line. The Frannerre offer was too tempting, months of fighting and losing so many comrades devastated them, waves of them began surrendering. Some immediately pointed to the stable where Yakando kept his horse. Even officers joined in, the battle ended that quickly. But Yakando was long gone, pushing his horse to the breaking point heading for Ferville.

After a few days the Rebel army arrived in Tarafan, retaking their town and close to the anniversay of the conflict beginning were able to have their home back. "The tide is turning" muttered General Omani as his troops began to rest at the town and assist in taking the UST prisoners.

The Questioning of Yeeda

Kendaya knew Yeeda, he was career soldier, a man blocked by promotion due to corrupt politics and an insistence on doing things the right way. He knew if anyone in the UST army had a soul, it was Yeeda. After hearing the Frannerre and Ashinara speak he would then approach him, "Yeeda."

Yeeda's eyes burned with hate glaring at Kendaya, "You fucking traitor, had you just done your duty to your country we wouldn't be facing all this death Kendaya! But no! You selfish asshole, you had to seize a chance to have power! Didn't you!?" Kendaya kept the solemn look he was giving Yeeda, "Yeeda, not everyone is like those in the South. I am genuinely fighting for a free Tafatu, I want a new start, Okeena and his oligarchs will never let up on abusing the people. That includes you, Yeeda, they're using you." Yeeda grinned, "I'm a soldier, a Union soldier, I keep order in our Union from terrorist scum like you" Kendaya began to walk back to his seat but before doing so looked to General Tauroneo, "General, please don't torture him. He's misguided, I think after some time he might come around." Kendaya took his seat, Yeeda began shouting "I won't cooperate with you! You're invading my home! You align with rebel scum! How dare Frannerre and Ashinara betray a fellow Independent Touli State! You make the old world laugh at your attempts, and Kendaya! They're using you too! They'll puppet Tafatu!"

[callmedelta]

The Second Battle of Tarafan

“Damnit!” Jordane screamed in frustration at the empty stable. It was almost the coup de grâce for the remains of the Union army, but that little snake Yakando had gotten away. His men were tired, and there were plenty of prisoners to deal with. There would be no pursuit for the man. Jordane fished in his pocket for his flask, taking a swig. He still had a city and a bunch of prisoners, though. Always keep focused on the good parts. “Alright, everyone!” Jordane called to his men, “Get those prisoners rounded up and get some rest. Tomorrow, we’re rebuilding the city.”

By the time the Coalition’s main army had arrived, some basic foundational rebuilding had been completed, but it was not much. Any Union prisoners taken were relinquished to the Tafatu.

The Questioning of Yeeda

Yeeda’s outburst had drawn a small frown from Tauroneo, though it was clear the man was far angrier than that. “You are sorely mistaken, Yeeda. It is the Union who is at fault. Exploitation and subjugation are the highest crimes a nation can commit. It is those crimes that have been perpetuated by mainlanders for centuries, and continue to be perpetuated to this day. For one Toulian state to do those to those within its borders is completely and utterly unforgivable. In that case, it is the duty of the people to rebel, just as it would be if a colonizer nation invaded, and it is the duty of other independent Toulian nations to support them in any way possible. I will acquiesce to Kendaya’s request and, should the Ashinarans agree, leave you in their care. But that is the last bit of sympathy you shall have from Franerre, unless you change from your arrogant ways.”

[aimway921]

"The Captain who has captured him will not be happy," General Lishenko said.

"Ashinaran custom is that if a noble captures another noble, or man of great importance, he will get a ransom before setting his prisoner free, even if it is merely transferring him to someone else.

But since this is an international matter, we shall forgo this. If the other two parties vote to transfer Captain Yeeda into Tafatu custody, so shall I."

[Greywall]

Yeeda was taken to a prison camp West of Le Troi where several of the survivors of the 5th army saw him being escorted in, they gave respectful nods knowing he was the only main leader to remain with them but they looked grim and disheveled.

The fall of Tarafan into the hands of Frannerre forces greatly inspired more Tafatu to join the rebellion, within a few weeks an additional 50,000 volunteers joined the rebellion. Farmers and Tafatu business owners began contributing what they could to the cause feeding and equipping the rebels. The Tafatu finally with the aid of some textile workers acquired a formal uniform for their cause. Using brown fabric and yellow arm bands that largely identified the entire rebellion against the UST, the rebels finally looked more professional.

[Greywall]

He was dirty, filthy, barely hanging onto his starving horse. Yakando had been running for weeks, avoiding the approaching coalition forces and finally arrived in Ferville. The city watch, a military force of barely 5,000 riflemen gave little notice as they had allowed fleeing UST soldiers to traverse through their city to head back to friendly lines.

The city was neutral, but utterly Tafatu, Yakando sneered at them with hatred. He wanted to whip out his revolver and kill them, but the watch were everywhere and kept an eye on him. His horse was at the point of collapse when a voice cried out, "Let that poor thing eat!" he looked up and saw a heavy set man walk to him, "I have a stable nearby, let your horse rest and eat for a day or two." Yakando tried to reject the offer but his dried throat burned and hurt when he spoke, "I insist! He will die otherwise, it'll be free of course." Yakando slowly took himself off the horse and allowed the man to walk to a nearby stable within the city. The man couldn't help but try to keep downwind, "You should head to the Silver Smith, its an inn and pub two blocs from here, they're loyal to the UST. They'll feed and give you a bath." The man walked Yakando's horse in and left the officer standing outside, Yakando walked toward the pub hoping to get a proper bath and some food.

After a few minutes Yakando arrived hearing laughter and some men carrying on within. As he entered he realized the men inside were survivors of the Fifth Army, his panic was cut as some looked at him. "Wait...is that? No fucking way." the entire building was now silent, Yakando felt entire body slowly stiffed but he walked to the bar and leaned against it with anxiety building up, "Need some food, drink and a hot bath please." before the bartender could finish saying "Of course" an angered voice cried out "YOU HAVE SOME FUCKING NERVE!" Yakando turned around and saw several of the UST soldiers stand up from where they were sitting. The man that cried out walked up with rage in his eyes, "I saw you! I saw you kill him!" Yakando realized it was the runner Yeeda sent at the end of the battle of Le Troi.

Yakando swallowed some spit and attempted to assert himself, "Stand down soldier! I am your commanding officer!" whispers in the room flooded the void, "It is him, the bastard" "I can't believe he's alive" they all said to one another, the runner kept at Yakando, "You shot him! And left our brothers to die!". Another man slammed his fist into a nearby table, "He left more to die at Tarafan! He ran like a coward!" the entire room was now against Yakando, the bar keep now recending his offer and stepping away. "Silence! I am your commander! I will report this insubordination!" the room fell silent, the runner broke it saying "How will you? You're dead." Yakando's face turned pale, the men slowly approached him staring right through him. "Stay back! I'm warning you!" they all lunged and grabbed him dragging him to the door of the inn, "YOU CAN'T DO THIS! I'M AN OFFICER OF THE UNION ARMY!" the runner shouted, "Fine! Then a trial. A trial for a coward and a traitor" The men placed Yakando on his knees as the runner pointed at him, "Yakando! You have been found guilty of crimes against our Union! Cowardice, shooting a comrade, leaving your command TWICE! Violating locals and bringing disgrace to us all. What say you!?"

Yakando took whatever moisture he had in his mouth and spat, "FUCK YOU! THIS IS A TRAVESTY! YOU ALL BE HANGED! YOU'RE ALL COMPLACENT MORONS! YOU'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!" they brought him back to his feet "TAKE HIM OUTSIDE!" an angry cheer erupted from the bar as Yakando dug his worn out boots to the ground now begging, "NO! PLEASE! I DON'T WANT TO DIE! NO NO NO NO NO, THIS IS WRONG DON'T KILL ME!" tears streamed down his eyes in desperation as the men threw him out the door, Yakando tried to reach for his revolver but it was gone now in the hands of the runner, "GO TO HELL" a loud pop and Yakando's head erupted red mist from the back as the bullet entered his forehead leaving a lifeless body in the street. "Leave his corpse for the dogs and lets celebrate his decent to hell!" the men cheered and re entered the bar, leaving their disgraced officer in the street to rot.

[Greywall]

Marrlander guns were now equipping a new massive rebel army, Aniyah looked over from her horse at the brave faces now willing to March south to ferville. She wasn’t a military leader in any respect, but she had someone to help lead them. It was a hell of a gamble but she needed to get these people down there. “I hope you know I’m putting alot trust in you.” She said to the commander.

He remained silent, on his own horse overlooking the rank and file. “When we get down there, let me do all the talking. They’re going to be rather…displeased to see you.” The commander nodded, “just keep the deal we struck with me and my men. Once this is over, we’re allowed to leave central touli.” Aniyah pulled her horse next to his, “as we agreed on, it shall be kept, Yeeda”. Commander Yeeda was looking for a second chance at it all, after spending close to a year in war camp healing he learned that yakando had indeed shot him. That the Union was falling apart and burning itself to the ground. He convinced over 30,000 UST soldier POWs to defect with him from the labor camps and helped build the 2nd army. Aniyah kept a vigilant over watch on the former Union officer.

350,000, Tafatu was now ready to fight its war for independence. It had let Frannerre and Ashinara carry them, but with Marrlan weapons, they now had the army to take lead in the conflict. They began marching south to Ferville to face Yeeda’s former superior in a battle for the survival of the North.

[StaolDerg]

General Feng Lai Zhang

Born in a village outside of Pozhal in 1889 as Feng Mo Sen, Zhang was the third child in a family of eight, members of the Yupai Community, a branch of the Meisong Community in Pozhal.

Considered a troublemaker by his family, he was sent to live with a local inselni elder, Sen Ye Yuan Tai, after a particularly rowdy incident at 13. The elder was a veteran of the late collapse of the Sanshan Empire, and among the last officers who was a senior alumni of the late Sanshan War Schools. Though Lai Zhang’s family had only asked the elder to raise him with a touch more discipline, the elder was becoming old and wanted a student to pass on the legacy of the Empire before he passed on.

As a result, Sen Ye was not particularly conventional with raising and educating Lai Zhang, and instead drillied him like a traditional officer cadet of the War Schools, responding to deviation and mistakes with “practical correction:” Breaking a bowl meant making ten new bowls that were the same quality, if not better, than the original, and being sloppy with drill meant continuing to march for hours on end until he was absolutely perfect with each step.

While he trained and drilled, the old inselni would lecture him on war theory and draw scenarios in the dirt, then force Lai Zhang to solve them no matter how tired he was. They could be anything from entirely simple and easy skirmishes with encounters in his favor to long, drawn-out campaigns with unfair odds. If a single mistake was made, the elder would very pointedly illustrate just how badly things would go, then make him do the whole thing over again over a series of days.

The only times Lai Zhang did not encounter such brutal trials was during meals and leisure time, where the elder would recount the glory days of the Empire and lament what he considered to be spineless and cowardly behavior by the remnants of Sanshan civilization. Though at the time Lai Zhang did not think much of the old inselni’s stories, he was made to write all of it down, along with the military theories that he had been taught, recorded into a large number of notebooks for studying.

Despite the harsh studying and training, Lai Zhang came to respect the old inselni as a second father, and declined the opportunity to return to his home village, instead choosing to stay at Sen Ye’s homestead to continue learning.

Unfortunately, Sen Ye’s physical state began to seriously deteriorate until he was bedridden in 1914, where he spent his last few years desperately recounting all the doctrine he could recall to Lai Zhang over a period of three years, before finally becoming too weak to communicate effectively and pass away on the Ninth of Mynti, 1918. Of the four thousand, seven hundred and twenty-nine chapters in the Schools of War curriculum, Lai Zhang had learned one and a half thousand of the chapters, six hundred in gross detail, with a further three hundred saved in notes.

Lai Zhang found that his mentor had left him the whole homestead, but with his mentor gone, Lai Zhang instead passed running the homestead to the rest of his community and joined the UST army. He would quickly find that Sen Ye’s teachings had been more thorough and effective than the boot camp he went through, and was granted candidacy for officer training at the UST’s primary officer school of Osena Lake.

He would emerge from Osena Lake with the rank of lieutenant, and was immediately assigned to a platoon of Bianjingren conscripts. Taking after his mentor, Zhang was immediately assertive of his role, but maintained dignity as a traditional Sanshan officer: he refused to attend officer functions with other officers who disrespected his men, ensured that supplies were always in a healthy supply at all times, and slept with his men in the same barracks. Though his troops were under strict command at all times, they rapidly became the most well-drilled and trained platoon in the unit.

The first action he would see would be in the UST-Kithium war, where his platoon was part of the 78th Southeastern Division’s Eighth Rifle Battalion, a unit that was majority Bian. While he would perform admirably in action, receiving a promotion to Captain and then to Lieutenant Colonel, he also witnessed the brutality and corruption of the UST’s forces and clashed often with his superiors from the treatment of prisoners to disagreements over tactical decisions.

The final straw came in an incident where soldiers under his command apprehended a number of UST soldiers looting a village under the pretense of searching for contraband. Furious that their commanding officer would not punish them for what Lai Zhang viewed as dishonorable conduct, he had the offenders rounded up and forced to repair the property damage they had caused at gunpoint as well as return the stolen goods.

With this extrajudicial move, Lai Zhang was nearly demoted to private, but a superior instead suggested that his unit be reassigned to the frontlines to participate in a hastily organized offensive as the first advancing unit in what would become the Battle of Caspia. If his unit survived and performed admirably, he was promised that he would keep his rank, but failure would mean court-martial.

In the battle, UST forces would be defeated decisively and routed from the battlefield. Lai Zhang’s unit wound up trapped behind enemy lines, but he managed to conduct a safe and orderly withdrawal back to friendly lines, where he was blamed for the failure of the offensive. In his trial, he would be sentenced to a garrison post in Pozhal as its newly-appointed military governor.

The war had a profound impact on Lai Zhang’s beliefs on politics, and as he came back into contact with his community, he came to despise both the established feuds between different communities and the stripping of privileges from the Bian people by the province’s governor. Nevertheless he continued his duty as military governor, though he would also ingratiate himself with his charged garrison and community when he mediated on behalf of the city, such as when the province’s governor raised taxes and ordered him to seize grain as payment.

In the course of his duties, he came into contact with members of anti-UST organizations like the revanchist Blacksmith Society and became sympathetic to groups who desired the return of the Imperial System under the Sanshan Empire. In politics, he only became more dissatisfied with the establishment with the observance of ethnic conflicts that had been largely absent in the Sanshan’s rule, and became convinced that the only way to restore peace to central Touli was to bring back the Sanshan Empire’s system of management.

With the eruption of the Tafatu rebellion, Lai Zhang’s opportunity arrived to officially secede from the UST. With several months to prepare, he mobilized similarly dissatisfied and angry citizens and drilled them into what he considered a barely-passable fighting force. Defensive plans for the city were drawn up, as well as agents dispatched to surrounding communities to sound the general mobilization and agitate the Bian population into revolt once more.