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Post by Czar Nikolai on Aug 14, 2015 21:25:05 GMT
Nikolai awoke, he was drenched in sweat and the thin bedsheets were clinging to him. He pulled then away and swung his feet out of the bed, he stood and walked towards the balcony door, quietly opening it so as not to disturb his wife. He stepped out into the chilly night air, it was a cool summer evening in Saint Petersburg and the area around the Palace was quiet. But his mind was in absolute turmoil, his hands gripped the stone ledge tightly as he recalled the nightmare that had disturbed his sleep and woke him at such an improper time. He had dreamt of a young family, somehow he knew them to be his descendants, something about them inspired respect and pity in him, to emotions he thought should not be present in the same being. But he had seen the beaten, dethroned and slaughtered. His nightmare had been one of epic proportions, the collapse of Russia, falling like Constantinople to the savages. He had seen Moscow and Saint Petersburg burn in fires so red that he had been blinded.
He could not let this dream become reality, he must do something. Nikolai turned and went inside, he left his bedroom and walked over to his study. He sat at his desk, pulling a bottle of Vodka and a glass from the desk, he took a few gulps and then reached for his pen and some paper. His work started tonight.
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Post by Czar Nikolai on Aug 16, 2015 19:09:28 GMT
Nikolai reclined in his favouite chair, with his favurite cup full of something which looked like water, but which was definately not...
He looked at the various letters strewn across the flagstone floor of his garden patio. Most were letters from various nobles who seemed worried at the idea of a department for 'education'. Nikolai was somewhat perplexed, in effect his new department was no different from the old one, whats in a name he though.
"Your Majesty, perhaps we should consider a name change? To keep those, less forwards thingking nobles happy?" the man speaking was Alexander Alleyevich. He was a man from the city, and spoke with an accent that Nikolai always found mildly amusing, the slang Alexander used fascinated Nikolai, and the two were close friends, with Alexander acting as head of the Czars household.
"How about, the department of I'M THE FUCKING CZAR!" Nikolai hurled his now empty cup across the patio and heard the tinkling of smashed china some way off.
"That is one option your majesty, but maybe something along the line of 'The department for Church and Imperial teaching'? That should ruffle fewer feathers." Alex stepped back as the Czar bellowed more abuse at the imagined crowd of nobles, once Nikolai had exhausted his rather extensive vocaulary of insults and curses he seemed to calm down.
"I suppose it will have to do." Nikolai sprung from his chair and headed inside "Now piss off, there's a maid somewhere around here who was giving me the..."
Before the Czar could finish Alex had hurried off through another door, not wanting to hear what the maid had apparently given the Czar, and what the Czar was going to give her in return. Hopefuly not Siphylis...
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Post by Czar Nikolai on Aug 16, 2015 19:36:28 GMT
Nikolai itched his crotch, the bloody bitch must have given him something. No worry though, he would get the physician to take a look. No fumbling with the wife for a week or two though...
Nikolai turned his attention back to the map that was laid out in front of him, and the two men standing on the other side of it.
"You see, your Majesty, there is a natural harbour there which would make an incredible port for basing warships and trade. the local inhabitants are mostly Chinese, but the land is Russian. A post here would allow us to trade with Japan and other prosperous Asian nations, as well as massively extending our military influence."] the men waited in hushed silence.
"I see, I see. The problem with trade is that once the goods are unloaded there, we have no effective way of getting them here... But I have a solution in mind for that, and it would be very useful to have a military facility in the East. Gentlemen, you have my backing."
An expedition is to be organized to the Golden Horn Bay in Russias far east. It will be a large naval expedition consisting of warships taken from the Black Sea Fleet and formed into a new Far East Fleet. The expedition will include civil servants, private surveyors and Russians who for a small price can purchase a large plot of land on which they can farm. Private ships will be allowed to convey these settlers with the Imperial Expedition. The Czar orders the various departments to organize the expedition and make a lay out of costs.
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Post by Czar Nikolai on Aug 16, 2015 21:08:38 GMT
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS THIS?!" The booming voice of Czar Nikolai echoed around the armoury and almost deafened the soldiers paraded outside, and made the camp commandant almost wet himself.
"Colonel Petrov!!!" Nikolai stalked out of the armoury, followed by his staff, his face was red with anger.
"Yes your Majesty?" Petrovs voice was almost a whisper, the man had practically shrunk back into his uniform.
"Could you please tell me where the fucking weapons are?!"
"They are in the armoury, your Majesty." Petrov should not have tried being clever.
"Oh they are? Does this look like a weapon to you?!" Nikolai thrust a rusty musket into Petrovs arms, parts of the ancient firing mechanism fell of and landed on Petrovs boots "Because to me, they look like fucking relics! Where are the very modern, and very expensive muskets that should be filling those empty racks?! Whilst we're at it, where are to pissing cannon? There aren't even bayonets in there!!!"
Petrov screams and tries to run away, but the Czars accompanying guardsmen seize him and remove him to the camps prison. The Czar dismisses the troops to their quarters and returns to the palace.
After a very brief interrogation it becomes apparent that Colonel Petrov had been selling new equipment and lining his pockets with the funds. Further investigation reveals that this has been a fairly common occurrence across Russian Army bases, although not in the Guards Divisions. Nikolai institutes a full, in depth investigation with officers responsible being demoted, or in the worst cases imprisoned.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 16, 2015 21:19:14 GMT
(OoC: Russia did not acquire Vladivostok or the surrounding coastline until the Treaty of Beijing in 1860.)
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Post by Czar Nikolai on Aug 16, 2015 21:49:49 GMT
OOC: I was aware that Russia founded Vladivostock in the mid 1860's, In that case the expedition will head for Chumikan which is further north, in a natural harbour and most definitely Russian at this point.
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Post by Czar Nikolai on Aug 20, 2015 13:42:37 GMT
Nikolai watched as the men of his Imperial Guard regiments marched by. The sound of their metal plated boots crashing on the cobblestones was music to his ears. Then there was the actual music, music which had changed little since the days of Bagration and Shermeteyev.
”You know Alex if I had twenty thousand men like this I wouldn’t need to worry about the rabble we call an army…”
”Yes your Majesty, but we do have to worry about them. Whilst we were in Austria I took the opportunity to have a few private meetings with some of the Austrian staff. I picked up a few ideas that may well help us polish the army up a little.”
Nikolai saluted as the parade finished and the soldiers formed into the ranks and raised their bayonets in a return salute, he turned and walked back into the palace, leaving the balcony.
”You really are a clever bastard Alex. Well, what did you pick up? Nikolai took a cup of coffee from the waiting servant and went over to his desk.
”Well for one, permanent barracks. The army currently resides in temporary camps. This is bad for discipline and morale, and it makes each camp a festering ground for disease. I would suggest establishing permanent fortified barracks. Some of the larger ones can be established in those fortresses founded by Pyotr the Great, we can update the defences and expand them if needed. It would be cheaper than founding them all freshly.”
Nikolai raised an eyebrow ”That sounds awfully expensive Alex…
Alex smiled that cheeky smile of his ”Yes, it will be. But some of the nobles are unhappy about the new ministry system. If you are seen to lavish support and attention on the military then you will win back more support from them. As well as securing the military’s unwavering political support. We could also introduce some economic reforms and policy whilst we are at it…”
The Czars Office releases the following policy statements:
1 – Reformation of military basing in Russia:
- The Russian army will move into permanent barracks and out of their camps. Large barracks will be established in St Petersburg, Moscow, Smolensk, Minsk, Kiev, Zaphorizia, Mariupol, Riga and Talinn.
- Smaller barracks will be established across the realm. These barracks will act as town garrisons and the troops will be largely responsible for maintaining lines of communication and defending supply dumps. These garrisons will number 500 infantry and 100 Cavalrymen. They will be commanded by a Major.
- The large bases will accommodate several regiments of Infantry and cavalry, as well as a full complement of artillery.
- The barracks at St Petersburg and Moscow will house troops from the Imperial Guard and will.
2 – Expansion of the Imperial Guards Corps
- The imperial Guards will be expanded significantly to represent the elite of the Russian Military.
- The current strength of two infantry and two cavalry divisions supported by small brigades of artillery and sappers will be remodelled and expanded along more modern lines.
- The current strength of around 18,000 men (infantry and cavalry) will be expanded to 30,000 men.
- The forces will be split with 15,000 men stationed in St Petersburg and 15,000 Stationed in Moscow.
- The new structure of the Guards will be as follows:
New recruits to the Imperials Guards Senior Echelon must fit the following entry criterion:
• under 35 years of age at entry
• at least 10 years' service
• at least three campaigns
• had to face enemy fire at the front and survive
• Must be at least 5’8” tall
The Guards will be organised into two echelons:
- The Senior Guard will be composed primarily of the units already in the Guard. These men will be prioritized in equipment and shall receive higher rates of pay.
- The Junior Guard will be chosen from the cream of each year’s crop. They will be the most physically capable recruits, as well as those who show the greatest mental competence and ability at arms.
- The Senior Guard will be based in St Petersburg with the Junior Guard based in Moscow.
Each echelon will contain the following regimens and brigades:
First Echelon, Senior Guards:
- 1st Guards Infantry Division:
- Life-Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment (1,000 men)
- Life-Guards Semenovsky Regiment (1,000 men)
- Life-Guards Izmailovsky Regiment (1,000 men)
- Life-Guards Egersky Regiment (1,000 men)
- Life Guards Lithuania Regiment (1,000 men)
- 2nd Guards Infantry Division:
- Life-Guards Moskovsky Regiment (1,000 men)
- Life-Guards Grenadier Regiment (1,000 men)
- Life-Guards Pavlovsky Regiment (1,000 men)
- Life-Guards Finliandsky Regiment (1,000 men)
- Emperor of Austria's Life-Guards Kexholm Regiment (1,000 men)
1st Guards Cavalry Division (2,500 men):
- 1st Brigade: Her Sovereign Majesty Empress Maria Theodorovna's Chevalier Guard Regiment Life-Guards Horse Regiment
- 2nd Brigade: His Majesty's Life-Guards Cuirassier Regiment, Her Majesty Empress Maria Theodorovna's Life-Guards Cuirassier Regiment
- 3rd Brigade: His Majesty's Life-Guards Cossack Regiment
1st Guards Artillery Division:
- 1st Life-Guards Horse Artillery (4 batteries)
- 1st Guards Howitzer Artillery Battalion (4 batteries)
- 1st Life-Guards Sapper Battalion (4 companies)
Second Echelon, Junior Guards:
3rd Guards Infantry Division:
- 1st Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
- 2nd Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
- 3rd Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
- 4th Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
- 5th Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
4th Guards Infantry Division:
- 6th Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
- 7th Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
- 8th Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
- 9th Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
- 10th Regiment Junior Guards (1,000 men)
2nd Guards Cavalry Division (2,000 men):
- 1st Brigade: Life-Guards Horse-Grenadier Regiment, Her Majesty Empress Alexandra Theodorovna's Life-Guards Lancer Regiment
- 2nd Brigade: Life-Guards Dragoon Regiment, His Majesty's Life-Guards Hussar Regiment
- 3rd Brigade His Imperial Highness the Sovereign Heir and Tsesarevich's Life-Guards Ataman Regiment,
2nd Guards Artillery Division:
- 2nd Life-Guards Horse Artillery (4 batteries)
- 2nd Guards Howitzer Artillery Battalion (4 batteries)
- 2nd Life-Guards Sapper Battalion (4 companies)
A wider reorganisation of the army and navy is expected to be announced in the near future, with a more regular system and changes to the lifelong enlistment terms being talked about in government circles.
Economic policies:
1 – Tax exemptions – Companies and individuals, whether Russian or foreign investors, who invest in the construction of railway lines, port facilities and canals will receive tax exemptions for the duration of their investment.
2 – Tariffs and protection: Tarrifs on foreign imports of Iron, Coal, Gold and Wood will be raised in order to aid those industries. Russia had large quantities of all of those materials available and hopes to drive domestic demand with those areas.
3 – Farmers who can show they have invested significantly in the industrialisation of their farms will be eligible for a partial tax rebate in order to encourage modernization.
Improvements to government infrastructure:
1 – The new government departments will be established in a newly constructed government sector in St Petersburg, with each department maintaining its own building and offices located on a wide central street alongside other departments. This is aimed at fostering inter-departmental communications.
2 – The department for education is quietly closed and replaced with a department of Universities. This department will aid in the financing of State universities across Russia. Intended for the education of the nobility and merchants in areas of mathematics, science, engineering and so forth.
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Post by donquixote on Aug 21, 2015 8:46:49 GMT
Ooc: What happens if you get an application from a candidate that took enemy fire and didn't survive?
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Post by Czar Nikolai on Aug 21, 2015 10:31:32 GMT
OOC: That did occur to me shortly afterwards. A translation problem I think.
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