RHINELANS

The Unification of the Alemani

The Holy Catharin Empire was dissolved following a decisive defeat at the hands of the Frankish Emperor Carlo Beaucaire in 1805, he would enforce the creation of a puppet state known as the Confederation of L'Allemagne that would bring him one step closer to consolidating Frankish power over continental Europa. Yet it would be short lived, as the Frankish Empire would crumble only a decade later. Yet the impact from Beaucaire and the Frankish Revolution that gave him the stage to storm Europa, had caused a cascade of revolutionary thought across Europa, with the Alemani peoples fostering the idea of Nationhood. The Osterlanders had been the de facto leaders of the loose confederation and even the Holy Catharin Empire of the Alemani, after the fall of Beaucaire the Noble House of the Osterlans once again assumed control. The Borussians hailed from the eastern reaches of the Empire, formed from the crusading state of the Teutons, they began the tradition of the Iron Warfare, being instrumental in the defeat of the Frankish Empire. They would begin to plan for the eventual Unification of the Alemani. The Rhinelanders, where the Osterlans had consolidated the benefits of the lands of the Alemani and had for the longest time drifted further to the south dealing with the Magyars and the city states of Italia, the Rhine had formed a strong alliance with the other principalities in Western and Central Alemani.

During the Wars of Alemani Unification, which were marked by three short but major conflicts between 1855-1861 in which the Borussians would dismantle the Osterlans control over Alemani in two major battles that would leave the Borussians victorious but weakened, ultimately they would be defeated by the Rhinelans and unified into the the Greater Empire of the River Rhine, with the Osterlans being allowed to maintain their independence away from the core lands of the Alemani.

The Weight of the Iron

“All the awareness we have accumulated doesn't guarantee transformation, despite all the Intelligence and progress that we have achieved as humanity pales in comparison to the noise in the world, the primal essence of the truth that has existed throughout time, violence is the primal language of the world. It is a struggle in which we exist, blood flows everyday and our hearts beat that rhythmic war chant. Humanity will never be able to transform past this primal truth, yet in it we must find just cause and righteous calls. That is the weight of the iron in our hands, even to achieve peace in this world we must be willing to shed blood, to bleed, to fight for that promised field under the good graces of Heaven. It is a real weight in our hands and hearts, it is our burden and the weight of Iron is a good weight to have.”~ Kaiser Müller 1912 “Ioseb Incident”

The Rhinelan Reich

The Reich of the River Rhine, found in the heart of Europa. It was born from the Alemani Unification Wars of the mid 19th century, as the rightful successor to the Holy Catharin Empire and the empire of antiquity that once ruled over all of Europe. It has managed to scale and rival its continental peers, defeating the second Frankish Empire, conquering Polania, surpassing the Oster-Magyar Empire in influence across central and eastern Europa. The Porcelain Empire of Britannia even entered a defensive pact with Francia and the Kievan-Rus against the Rhine and their growing potential threat to the balance of power on continental Europa.

Following the end of the Europan war in 1912 and the establishment of the NADC, the Rhine has contributed the most to the success of the organization, aside of the Americans and their contributions, they have volunteered to be intervene and operate across the Ural against the Kiber-Tvar, as well as the various other situations that have sprung up throughout the subsequent decade. With the changing and ever shifting political atmosphere of an ever more interdependent world, the political factions within the Reichstag have been forced to adapt. Kaiser Müller would abdicate his throne following the end of the Europan War, the Ioseb Incident, and the first war against the Kiber-Tvar in 1915, leaving his position to his youngest son Albrecht. Even now Kaiser Albrecht is still a very young man hoisted into a role that he perhaps lacks the knowledge to fully command without being puppeted by the various power blocks of the Reichstag.

Factions within the Reichstag

The Eisenkreigers

Holding the Majority of seats in the Reichstag, the Eisenkriegers stand for a hardline militaristic and interventionist approach to political matters, they often use the talking points that the Rhine by all measurable means triumphed in the Europan War, that they were the first to respond and break the Kiber-Tvar advance across the Urals. The Rhine has been and must continue to be the military powerhouse of Europa, it is vital for the continued existence of not just the Rhine, but all of the other nations. They are generally open to cooperating with other groups, although they still wish to not be puppeteered by the Americans. In the view of the Kaiser, the Eisenkriegers have begun to push for a less centralized form of governing, one in which the Kaiser doesn't have the final say on all military matters.

The Schwarzwald

Formed following the establishment of the Schwarzwald group, they openly advocate for a strong military response to the threats in the East, the Kiber-Tvar. They don't care where the aid comes from, but they strongly wish to see it spent fortifying the eastern front. The Schwarzwald is known for this hyper focused approach to matters, with nearly all their policies being guided to what they have coined as the “Apocalyptic front”. The Schwarzwald has also been known for pushing radicalizing material, often rallying the public into a frenzy, recruitment for the Schwarzwald as expected is always high with them often painting the Eisenkriegers as incompetent in comparison. On the matter of the Kaiser, they have shown a large degree of apathy to him and the Imperial house.

The Catharin Reformist

The Second most numerous party within the Reichstag, often referred to as the moderates with political circles, the Catharin Reformist advocate primarily for internal policies that help improve the lives of the average Rhinelander. Generally their foreign policies aligned with that of the Eisenkriegers, this has made them into what many consider a power block. As it benefits both groups to support each other and maintain a status quo in which both parties push for their agendas. Even the Catharin Reformers push for further democratization has been accepted more by the Eisenkriegers than the Sepp more radical alternatives. Interestingly the Catharin Reformers have expressed support for independence movements too like the Sepp.

The “Sepp” Demokratischer Bund

A recently formed party led by a notable veteran from the Europan War, the DB has been branded with many names, radical reformist, American pawns, and anti-traditionalist. Most of the ire towards them comes from their open advocating for the “self governing” of several states conquered by the Rhine during the late 19th century. Furthermore they are open to collaborating and accepting economic aid from the Americans, something that stings the pride of many Rhinelanders. Equally they are staunch supporters of the NADC, something that they often collaborate with the Eisenkriegers. As for the Kaiser, they aren't opposed to the Imperial House's, although they do advocate for the democratization of the Rhine.

The Grauer Schild

The third largest group within the Reichstag, the Grauer Schild or Grey Shields are advocates for the Imperial house of the Rhine, many of them holding royal titles and claims. They seek to maintain the internal stability of the Reich, and advocated for more internal policies. Often opposing the Interventionist campaigns of their more reactionary peers. They frequently drag their heels on matters involving the Americans and the NADC (North Atlantic Defensive Coalition). Seeing them as a drain on the Rhine's resources and man power.

The Varsovia referendum 1924

Having been once again delayed within the Reichstag by a joint decision by the Eisenkriegers, the Schwarzwald, and the Grauer Schild factions within the political apparatus of the Rhine. The young Kaiser Albrecht had once again called for a discussion to be held on the proposed establishment of several states to the east of the core Rhine territory. This had been proposed by the Demokratischer Bund and the Catharin Reformist earlier in 1922. The core argument presented was that it would be a beneficial strategy for the Rhine, in several ways, it would help lessen the administration load, it would provide stability within the eastern front, it would be a diplomatic gesture of good will that would strengthen and ease tensions with their allies, and it would also de-incentivize the adoption of Utopianists ideology across the eastern holdings.

Recent developments have shown a shifting in the stance of the Schwarzwald and Eisenkriegers. As the Schwarzwald has focused less on the politics behind the Urals and have begun to push for more aggressive actions across the Ural Defensive Line against the Kiber-Tvar, the matter of a state's sovereignty is a secondary concern to the war against the Kiber-Tvar. As for the Eisenkriegers it is becoming a pragmatic issue, the Rhine can not afford to face an internal uprising, if by placating the people to the east can prevent this, perhaps it is time to consider a different approach, one in which the Rhine, like the Americans, has junior partners.

The Rhine Armed Forces

The Alemani have always had a strong militaristic culture, but specifically the Borussians and their EisenKrieg can be credited with the backbone of the modern Rhine's military institution. It was the first great political pact established following the end of the Alemani Wars of Unification. The Rhine did not seek to force upon the Borussians their brand of warfighting, but they wanted to fully embrace the ways of the Iron War. This was found to be an acceptable outcome, after all the goal of the civil conflict was ultimately the unification of the Alemani people.

Infantry

The fresh recruits of the Rhine, it is easy to tell that them apart, due to the Harvest Knot that they all wear on their right arm, a traditional ritual practiced since the days of the Holy Catharin Empire, in which soldiers would wear knots that represented their villages and towns from which they came from. The removal of the knot symbolized the transition from a peasant to soldier of the Empire.

Stormtrooper

The main fighting force of the Rhine, once a new recruit is bloodied and has the ceremonial Harvest Knot removed from their arm, they are no longer just soldiers of the Rhine, they are from that moment on the Stormtroopers of the Rhine.

Armor hunter specialist

Tasked with taking out enemy armor, planting explosives, and even doing sapper work. Armor hunters are essential squad level engineers, with the additional duty of carrying out the Fire Teams anti-armor response.

Sharpshooter

Selected for their skill in marksmanship, sharpshooters are a versatile specialist class, they can function alongside a fire team or be sent out to operate alone in a variety of missions, from reconnaissance to hunting specific targets.

Heavy weapons specialist

Given the job of carrying the machine gun for the Fire Team, these specialists are sometimes selected for their character as much as their physical strength. As it is key to have them be of strong morale resolve, as function as the backbone of their squad.

Squad Leader

Tasked with relaying between command and the squad, these officers are a vital linchpin in the organization of the Rhine's forces. Although the ability to follow the exact orders handed down from a superior officer is required, it has also slowly been accepted that they must be able to effectively operate without the direct guidance of command. Something the younger officers have begun to embrace more openly about the American doctrine of war.

Flamethrower specialist

Specialized units within the Rhinelan armed forces, they are primarily utilized in clearing aberration and abnormalities. They have also seen use in clearing out enemy bunkers, they are usually attached to engineering teams as well for landscaping purposes.

William Rosenwächter

Adopted into the prestigious Rosenwächter family, who claim to descend from the legendary Wolf Hound Knight that waged war against the Doomknights during the 14th century, this claim of legitimacy is dubious at best. Yet it has given the Rosenwächter family a high status amongst the upper strata of the Rhine Society. His late adoptive father gave his life fighting alongside Kaiser Müller during the War against the Kiber-Tvar, earning posthumously a River Cross for his valor. William carries it with him as a luck charm, something that has earned him some flak, as many would argue that it is not his to wear or hold.

Despite the skepticism he faces from the older breed, for his as they say flaunting of the River Cross and his unorthodox approach to command. Seen as too American, for the taste of the Eisenkriegers. He has repeatedly proven his worth, rapidly earning promotions, he is currently the captain of the Nord Army Group 3rd Division, 1st Company.

The Rosenwächter family is a close friend to the Kornblumes, William met Mathilda at a young age, the pair have maintained a steady friendship over the years following. With the notoriously prickly Mathilda even taking up the role of the 1st's Warwitch.

Nord Army Group 3rd Division, 1st Company “Panzerfaust”

Led by Captain William Rosenwächter, attached to the Lorraine Legions High Command under Lyon.

Captain Rosenwächter serves as a liaison between Lyon and the Rhine Command of the Nord Army Group.

Nord Army Group has largely been garrisoned across the Eastern holdings of the Rhine, although historically they had been positioned across the Rhine-Frankish border, during the Europan War they saw combat across western front. 3rd Division is largely an unproven stock, the current intervention in Francia will be the first combat experience for many of the men of the 3rd Division. As per tradition of the Iron Fields, the new unblooded soldiers of the 3rd Division all wear a yellow, white, and black rope around their right upper arm known as a “Harvest Knot”.

Westen Army Group Guerra Zulu Division

An elite Division within the Westen Army Group, the men of the battalion are highly skilled in Asymmetrical Warfare often preferring to embed themselves deep within contested territory, they are able to make their initial supplies last far beyond the expected amount of time. With confirmation of the spread of Utopianism in the lands of the Serbijans, they have been allowed full reign of the counter insurgency operations.

As with all things in the Rhine, the politics do matter to the men of the Guerra Zulu, they are made up primarily of a new more radical young guard of the Grauer Schild party, known as the Grauer Ribbons. They fully support the Imperial Family and the young Kaiser Albrecht.

Ost Army Group November Bell Division

A notable Division within the Ost Army Group, often equipped with a surplus of Assault Cords and other armored vehicles. They are generously backed and some would even accuse them of being fully supported by the NADC or more specifically the Americans. This is unsubstantiated, but the fact is that they do appear to receive preferential resupplies from NADC sources. This has given them a muddy reputation amongst the Ost Army Group, but as long as they keep performing and being effective, not much can be done about them. They are unsurprisingly often associated with the Demokratischer Bund Party of the Reichstag.

Warwitches

Throughout the history of Europa, the power that certain women were able to wield was tremendous, capable of turning the tide of a battle into the favor of one side or another. In the age of the empires of antiquity these women were known as scryers or oracles, later they would be known by the sanction of the Catharin Church, as ordained Sisters of a holy order or as dangerous Witches of a wild and wicked nature. Either way it was understood that these women could be dangerous weapons. As the Catharin Church lost influence across Northern Europa to Protestant sects it became a matter of the state to deal with the young women that presented the powers of a Cognition User.

It would be the Borussians that would first establish a formal educational system for them under their Military Colleges. They would be trained as soldiers and agents of the state, Warwitches.

To ease the channeling of raw Cognition, a Warwitch is given a weapon that will serve as their main talisman. They would also learn and memorize runes that they inscribe into their bullets, as it serves as a way of structuring the often volatile and unpredictable outcomes of undisciplined Cognition. Furthermore they also receive a unique form of tattoo, that can stretch from the back and across the arms all the way to the tips of their fingers. Usually most opt to only have it up to the elbow. The Holy Markings serve to help a Warwitch ground herself in reality, as the use of Cognition can severely destabilize an individual's mentality. Lastly all Warwitches receive an Amber Jewel, known as the God's Eye, which is able to deepen in color to red in the presence of overwhelming Cognition in an area, be it from an Aberration or as a warning to the Warwitch that she has exceeded her limits and is dangerously close to overexerting herself to a lethal degree.

The main five schools are as follows, a Warwitch will be trained in all of them, specializing after gaining a basic understanding of them.

Sowulo-Inguz: The school of the burning sun, under this esoteric teaching a Warwitch is capable of igniting bursts of flame to sheer their enemies, when inscribed in their bullets the damage done is amplified by an eruption of Internal fire.

Kenaz-Uruz: The school of Radiant Light, under this esoteric teaching a Warwitch is capable of producing powerful rays of hard light that are capable of punching through human bodies and at the higher end tank armor. When inscribed the bullets are capable of tracking their targets, as long as the Witch is capable of maintaining focus on them.

Isa-Thurisaz: The school of ice, under this esoteric teaching a Warwitch is capable of flash freezing the moisture in the air around them, they are instructed in the art of manifesting the freezing effect within the enemy via the runic inscription of their bullets.

Ansuz-Hagalaz: The school of destruction, under this esoteric teaching a Warwitch can empower their abilities to cause devastating explosive effects, it is unsurprisingly the path most Rhinelander witches study under. When inscribed on a bullet, it becomes a highly explosive ordinance.

Algiz-Mannaz: The school of protection, under this esoteric teaching a Warwitch is able to produce shields that can deflect small gun fire, depending on the size of the projection it can be fine tuned to withstand more damage or cover a larger area at the cost of how much damage it can sustain. When inscribed in a bullet the Witch is able to deploy multiple shields at a distance, although if it hits a target it has been shown to be able to burst them from within.

Mathilda Karla Kornblume

Born to the prestigious Kornblume family, Karla from a young age showed a heightened affinity for the esoteric arts and with a notable amount of potential she was guaranteed a spot in the Imperial Academy for training as a Warwitch. Anyone from any walk of life could be a Warwitch if they had the potential for it, it was based on that predisposition and subsequent merit that made a Warwitch. Yet Karla has always harbored a chip on her shoulder as she would often notice the silent resentment that many of her peers and even strangers had for her and her family name.

She was the privileged daughter of the mighty Kornblume dynasty, born with a platinum spoon in her mouth, what could she possibly know of hardship and struggle. Perhaps nothing that would be immediately recognizable to the people around her, she didn't know it. If by the uncontrollable circumstances of her birth she would be judged, she would have to accept such terms and not allow the unreasonable people any power over her.

Karla could be described as misanthropic and she would agree to an extent. If treated with common decency, she will be reasonable too. Animals understand that. Which she prefers the company of over most people, with a few exceptions

Ellie Becker

A young Warwitch specializing in the school of Kenaz-Uruz, she has only recently completed her training and has been deployed to assist in the pacification efforts against the Serbijan rebels known as the Ruka. Ellie comes from a long line of Warwitches. Her great grandmother fought during the Alemani Wars of Unification, as such she carries on the martial tradition with pride. Picking an unorthodox weapon to be her talisman, as typically Warwitches use bolt action rifles or revolvers, Ellie opted for a newer weapon, a submachine gun.

One in every seven bullets is inscribed, just to be efficient and also thematic with the lucky number.

Astrid Maria Fuchs

Born in the slums of the capital Kolin, her mother was a woman of ill repute and her father was nothing more than a lowlife thief and shortly after a corpse. Under these conditions Astrid endeavored much, a childhood stolen and forced into a grim world. She still bears a noticeable scar across her face from this time, something that she tries to cover alongside the rest of her skin with her uniform and witch hat. She was taken in by the Imperial Academy, after she stumbled to a local clinic suffering from a near fatal infection, her Alpha Particle Emissions were taken after noticing her crimson eyes, the authorities were informed of her readings.

Warwitches are enrolled early in life, the academy functioning as an actual educational system before transitioning to the more esoteric specializations. As such it was strange for Astrid, as she was already well into her late teens by the time she began to be taught the basics of reading, writing, and so on. She took all these lessons to heart, with a hunger that was voracious, she wanted to learn, to change her life. It was her escape, a second chance, one she would not let go of. By all metrics Astrid excelled academically in mundane and the esoteric ways.

She was an old soul by the time she began her education, she wasn't like the other Warwitches who while disciplined in character, could act causally among others. Astrid struggles with trusting people, men, women, old, and young, no distinction seems to really matter. This has made her a lone operator, once that to the state is the ideal agent, a soul loyal first and foremost to the nation.

Camille Wolf

Educated by the Seele Institute in Kolin, Camille is classified as an OMEN class individual, her Alpha Particle Emissions are alien when compared to that of what is largely understood to be of human origin. The wave pattern present is abnormal, sharp and deep, even the shade of red of her eyes is distinctively bright. From what has been able to be uncovered about the American's Lady Liberty, Camille appears to be comparable to her in many ways that indicate a possible genetic tie. Claiming anything further might be a step too far, unless genetic material can be recovered that is. Due to these traits it has been agreed upon that she will be conditioned into becoming an equivalent to the American super asset, serving a similar role to her.

Although receptive and capable of a shocking level of fluency in not just our language, but also any language presented to her. She is apathetic and generally uninterested in the presented materials, she has agreed to help however. Stipulations being that she gets to name herself and also is allowed to travel around the world, she has a particular interest in the Floating City of Atlantropa. These two requests are acceptable, naturally under supervision during her travels.

As a small show of willingness to work alongside the Seele Institute, she has demonstrated her mastery over a previously unknown metallic substance. It is still being determined what the wider application for this metal could be.

Steinbock

A custom built Kat-Bot commissioned for Camille, the Seele Institute believes it is necessary to foster attachment in her towards others. Although cooperative with facility personnel, she was largely content keeping to herself, prolonged isolation can lead to adverse mental illnesses, which could not be allowed by the Rhine. Steinbock was given a personality that was predisposed to being combative and extroverted, highly convicted and prideful, all aspects that the Seele Institute wishes to pass on to Camille. The introduction process went about as expected, Steinbock had managed to get Camille irritated enough to complain to staff about Steinbock. This was a success, as Camille had shown only indifference before, as of now she has begun to tolerate Steinbock's presence more.

Panzermensch

The origins of the Panzermensch trace back to the Magnolian incursion into Europa in the 13th century, during a period of six years they would threaten to cross past Eastern Europa and into the West. They crushed the Ruthenian Principalities, and managed to best even the Doomknights in pitched battles; they would only pull back due to the passing of their Great Khan Kublai. The Magnolians were devastating combatants, whose elite warrior cast known as the Baatars, towered over normal men. It was due to a substance that they consumed back in their homelands, physical cognition residue known as Blood Honey. Over the centuries the written account of these giants would persist, only until the 19th century would the Principality of the Rhine invest in acquiring the samples of the Blood Honey, it was costly, but it proved to be the decisive move that would help the Rhine best the military might of the Borussians during the War for Alemani Unification.

The Seele Institute would be established to refine the Blood Honey; they would succeed in this endeavor, creating two substances. Artificial Blood Honey or as it would be called Wodyn's Ichor, and a residual substance known as Seele Serum. The Wodyn Ichor would prove to produce an improved physical development effect, surpassing what Blood Honey could do. A Panzermensch stands on average at 8ft tall, a foot taller than a Baatar, equally muscle mass was also increased. There was a drawback, as the increased size and muscle mass made it extremely dangerous to be administered to a fully developed man, as such it was decided that it would be best to perform the procedure at a younger age, approximately 12 to 13 to coincide with puberty. This would also give the Panzermensch time to grow fully into their new reflexes and strength.

The Seele Serum, this is a highly concentrated byproduct of the refinement process, noted for its fluorescent blue glow. It is capable of greatly enhancing the Cognition Capabilities, but it must be administered at an earlier age, 9 years old, as the brain needs to not be fully developed for it to have the greatest effect. As such the Seele Institute in a joint effort with the government began screening new born baby boys for naturally heightened Alpha Particle Emissions, these boys would be documented and their parents would be informed of their eligibility for the Rhine's Panzermensch Program. Framed as a great patriotic honor, with substantial benefits for the family in turn for their son's future service to the Reich. The Seele Serum is able to produce highly predictable outcomes, with the most common being the ability to fire highly lethal Bolt lightning, yet it is not limited to this.

During the administration of the Wodyn Ichor is when the young boys are taken permanently from their families, they are taken to the various Seele Institute facilities to be monitored, trained, and educated on the manner in which a Panzermensch is expected to carry themselves. Furthermore it is at these facilities in which they are given their gear and weaponry, they are taught how to maintain it all and also the limits of their abilities. Due to the strain of their Cognition abilities, they must use them sparingly and deliberately, as over use can lead to severe migraines and even death. Once their training and development is completed they are allowed to visit their homes, before being shipped out to their units.

Panzermensch are universally hailed as heroes and receive often excessive celebrations when they arrive home and depart.

Vingthormensch

Specialized Panzermensch, the Vingthor are equipped with a massive jetpack system whose original design was a joint project by the Rhine and Americans. The goal was to develop gear that could give their super soldiers the ability to participate in air assault operations and additionally give them new methods of traversal as well. Due to a difference in design principles the Rhine and Americans split the program, both sides shared all the information they had gathered, but would continue on their own path afterwards.

The Vingthor system allows the Panzermensch to rapidly ascend into the air and descend in an arc, while this is not true flight, it is able to provide them with quick elevation and repositioning. More importantly they are able to be deployed from high altitude, with the ability to control where they will land; this is relevant for the tactic they have developed. The Blitzdive, the Vingthor descends and produces a Cognition Shockwave capable of devastating enemy positions and even defeating enemy armor by liquefying the material around their landing zone.

The War Machines of the Rhine

Eisenwolf

The iron wolves of the Rhine were built jointly with the assistance of the Iron Kingdom Company of Switzerlans, who are renowned for their ability to construct automatons that are technically superior to even the machines of the Americans or Atlantropa. Famously the Iron Company is responsible for the manufacturing of the widely popular Kat-Bots, which are purchased as personal assistants for Atlantropeans and Americans. The Eisenwolf is more in line however with their offensive offerings, such as the Panther or Leo Construct.

Standing at 4’5”ft tall, the Eisenwolf was designed as an agile support unit, capable of quickly traversing between different battlefield conditions. It can easily find its way through trenches, urban rubble, forests, and more. It is able to be loaded with supplies and a mounted machine gun on its back. Additionally they have highly maneuverable wire tails, which can manipulate simple objects. At its core is a Construct Intelligence System.

Neu Puma

The mobile eyes and ears of the Rhine's Vanguard forces, these armored reconnaissance vehicles have been in service since the Europan War. They would prove themselves to be a problem for the Frankish and Britannians on the western front, but would distinguish themselves against the Ruthenians in the east. This however could be attributed to the low morale that the soldiers of the Kievan-Rus Empire had, they would easily be routed. The Puma has received various upgrades over the following decade, most noticeably being equipped with NADC TOW missiles, which give them an alternative method of dispatching armored targets.

King Leopard

Recently manufactured and deployed in small numbers, the King Leopard was designed to phase out the older doctrine of armor specialization. As part of the NADC technological development treaty, the Rhine has been able to improve their manufacturing in all aspects. This has led to the various upgrades to pre-existing tanks, but the King Leopard presents the Rhine's attempt to not only match the Americans and their Centennial Abrams MBT, but to surpass it. As such a lot is placed on the success of the King Leopard, even on a political level, it would be another factor pushing the Rhine further into the NADC war doctrine.

Messer Group 1st Gen Anti-Infantry Cord

Stu.Ko.Wa. 163 Ausf. D Rüstung

Height: 19ft Engine: Junker Compact Single Reactor [SUMO-022]

Spinal system: Semi Lumbar 2nd Gen System

The Rüstung Anti-Infantry Cord, the first domestically produced Cord by the Rhine's Messer Group. It would experience middling success during the European War and the Kiber-Tvar War. Where it would suffer greatly would be its proprietary fuel system, unlike the American’s miniaturized reactors, the Gamma Substance Reactor would be prone to leakage. This would be bad in and of itself, but the Gamma Substance is an extremely volatile and more troubling corrosive substance that has led to the brutal and untimely deaths of various Rüstung pilots.

With the Rhine being part of the NADC, they have received shipments of American surplus Storm Phantoms and other older generation Assault Cords. Which have effectively rendered any notions of upgrading or using the Rüstung obsolete. Due to this most of them have been retired and scrapped, with only a select handful still left in the hands of the Messer Group for testing and experimentation purposes. It is safe to say that the Rüstung is likely to never be seen on any battlefield again.

McMurray-Miles Corporation 2nd Gen Assault Cord

Stu.Ko.Wa. 4 Ausf. R Sturm Phantom

Height: 35ft Engine: New Electric Solutions Compact Dual Reactor [IC-12]

Spinal system: Complete Thoracic 3rd Gen System

Following the creation of the NADC, the Americans quickly began to ship their old reserves of AC 4 Storm Phantoms, refitted and rearmed for the use of their NADC allies. American Assault Cords tower over the domestically produced Europan Anti-Infantry Cords, as per American doctrine, they prioritize speed, and fire power. Although to follow the pre-existing system of the Europans, specialized gear and Weaponry has been produced to fit the requirements. Initial Rhine pilot feedback during 1913 led to several modifications to the Storm Phantoms, which has led to the current Sturm Phantom.

Weaponry

128mm Heavy Machine Gun

Heavy Reinforced Shield

Heavy One Handed Axe

Southrop Corporation 4th Gen Experimental Assault Cord

Stu.Ko.Wa. 44 Ausf. A Vampyr

Height: 42ft Engine: New Electric Solutions Micro Beta Super Reactor [IC-999]

Spinal system: Full Cervical 1st Gen System

The EC-23 Widow was an Experimental Cord designed by the Southrop Corporation as part of the American Total Dominance Cord Program. During a high altitude test flight the EC-23 would go missing as it seemed to go completely dark mid flight, attempts to locate it failed. This would set back the goals of the Southrop Corporation and guarantee the adoption of the EC-22, later known as the AC-22 Star Raptor.

A cutting edge Assault Cord, which has implemented experimental Beta Element technology, mainly among them the reactor system. Which has made it possible for the Cord to generate a Beta Element Shield which is capable, depending on its intensity, of eroding solid projectiles and disintegrating biological materials that come into contact with it, however it is defeatable with enough speed and force. It is also capable of producing a violent explosion, sending out a flash of highly lethal Beta Element Energy. Beta Element particles are not known to deteriorate or dissipate from the surrounding environment, furthermore the ramifications of this on the environment and humans is yet to be known.

The EC-23 Widow would end up in the hands of the Rhinelan Messer Group, who had orchestrated the disappearance, via a network of spies with Southrop, which would collapse shortly after due to a series of brutal investigations and purges by Southrop and the American Intelligence Agencies. Due to the sudden rise of the Kiber-Tvar threat, the Americans had to turn a blind eye to the EC-23 situation. It would be redesignated as the Stu.Ko.Wa. 44 Ausf. A Vampyr by the Messer Group. Who would attempt to reverse engineer the Beta technology to little success, leaving the Vampyr as the only Gen 4 Assault Cord in the Rhine's arsenal to this day.

The Vengeance Proposals

An endeavor by the Rhine Military Command to produce methods and weapons to retaliate in the event of a breach of the Ural Defensive Line by the Kiber-Tvar or alternatively in the event of an all out war with the Americans. In other words the Vengeance Proposals are the Rhine’s attempt to answer the two greatest existential threats in the current age, the Star that Hates with its Utopian Dream and the Star that Sublimates with its Manifest Destiny.

Vengeance One- The Vatarlan (The Grey Army)

Discovered partially buried in the dunes of Jutlans, it was for centuries used primarily as the foundation for a fortress in that region, until the late 19th century when the Rhine set out to excavate it. The full scale of the ancient construct would be discovered when it was accidentally activated, the still intact Daemon Core within it bringing it back to life. The Vatarlan stands at a staggering 600 meters, with an estimated width of a kilometer from the end of one arm to the other, in total the structure has 8 arms, these bear a resemblance to the decks on American aircraft carriers. The sheer output generated from the Daemon Core within the Vatarlan is able to produce a high density of Beta Particles, which allow the mega structure to remain undetectable by radar, it is even able to interfere with satellite imaging, as the output is speculated to generate the persistent storm conditions around it. Having gone under extensive repair and rearmament, it was not able to be used during the Europan War, only being fully operational in 1915. It is extensively armed with multiple missile systems and several anti-air guns, but most notably being the set six 800 mm cannons on each side of the core of the Mobile Fortress.

It is currently under the command of the former Kaiser, Müller and operated by the men that choose exile with the man they still call Kaiser. In what is known as the Grey Army. Its exact location is known, although it is speculated that the Grey Army is currently somewhere near the tip of South Afrika. The Rhinelan official has no associations with the Grey Army, unofficially the Grey Army is willing and able to provide full support to the Rhine in the event that the Ural Line falls or the Americans decide to impose themselves on Europan sovereignty.

Vengeance Two- The Mutter der Wölfe

Recovered within a Black Sarcophagus in a deep underground facility that was only able to be discovered due to the Americans Nuclear Strike against the Kiber-Tvar during the Ioseb Incident. It was a site that predated the Vulnerate, the writing on it was however legible, it was the American dialect of Englican, or English. “Signal- White Base.” Exploring the facility uncovered several weapon caches, artifacts, and devices, with most of them being unrecoverably damaged. Yet at the very center of the facility was the sarcophagus.

Within it was a female humanoid, in a partial state of what appeared to be regeneration. The site holding her would go dark, upon investigation it would be discovered that every single person in the site had been consumed or partially consumed. Near the Sarcophagus a young woman would be found, in a catatonic state. Upon examination her physical capabilities would be comparable to that of a Panzermensch in raw strength, with her reflexes and spatial awareness far surpassing that of even a trained Panzer.

She is currently being trained, having taken the name of Camille. It is obvious that she is what emerged from the sarcophagus, despite her appearance. For now it is advised to play along with her delusions and foster a deeper sense of duty and loyalty to the Rhine via psychological manipulation. It is likely that she will be a highly valuable asset as the years go on. A response to the Americans own Lady Liberty.

Vengeance Three- Doppelgänger

Initially worked on solely by the Intelligence branch of the Rhine Intelligence Group, through their work the American Assault Cord EC-23 Widow was able to be acquired by the Rhine. Yet it came with the steep cost of an immediate retribution by the Americans and their own Intelligence apparatus, which systemically broke the spine of any Rhine operations in the Americas. A new approach was needed to be developed.

The Doppelgänger program, through the careful surgical practice it is possible to steal the identity of an individual. The RIG has developed various methods to achieve the infiltration of the Americans. Method one, the surgical alterations of an operative's face to match that of a pre-existing target. Method two, the application and implanting of Cognitive Hazards into a captive in order to produce sleeper agents. Method three, the utilization of reverse engineered Kiber-Tvar Neural Staples, which have been found in the remains of Utopianist elements across Europa. This is still undergoing several trials.

Vengeance Four- Hellion

Noted by the Imperial War College of the Rhine, the Cognition Capabilities of the current generation of Warwitches has been keeping steady with the prolonged and unfortunate decline that has been seen from generation to generation. The causes for this are not known, a common cause that is given, which is not backed by any credible source, is the progress of technology and a more materialistic world view. This is one of the more tasteful theories, as more fringe and radical positions claim that it is due to the dilution of the Volks Blood and the spread of American ideas. These are all highly reactionary. Regardless of the cause, it is likely that at the current rate, the Warwitches will be functionally extinct by the turn of the new millennium.

Yet even in this dire state, a handful of exceptional Warwitches have been noted. Chiefly among them Warwitch Astrid Fuchs, she is capable of utilizing the Runic system to its limits, her Alpha Particle emissions are not able to be recorded, as they exceed the current systems. She is what has been categorized by the Americans as an OMEN class individual. Astrid Fuchs has not been informed of this or the true extent of her abilities, as it would be unnecessary. Her loyalty to the Rhine is unquestionable, if the day comes for her to take action, she will, alongside the handful of other Hellions.

Vengeance Five- Valkyrie

A new project being undertaken by the Seele Institute, by using information taken from the Americans on the development of the ABC synthetic bodies used by the MARs Witches. The Seele Institute has begun to administer the same surgical practice to lethally wounded or catastrophically crippled Warwitches that would otherwise perish or be permanently unable to fight. It is hoped that these Valkyries will be able to surpass the baseline potential, given their new bodies capacity for enhanced channeling of Cognition, prolonging their service to the Rhine.

The MARs Witches were created as a medical treatment for a mysterious illness that affected women with high Cognition sensitivity. It was a condition that ultimately ended in a slow and painful death. Through the surgical removal of the Spinal Cord and head it was possible to save their lives via the creation of the ABC cores, synthetic human bodies. Instances of the illness dropped sharply near the last quarter of the 19th century, by the current year of 1925 it has been fully eradicated, making the creation of new MARs Witches no longer needed.

Although the Americans are now using and developing new Cognition Specialists assets, the Seele Institute believes that they are being short sighted. Pending on the success of the Valkyries, the Seele Institute will consider approving the modification of Warwitches that are deemed insufficient in their current capabilities.

Vengeance Six- Vampyr

Although largely unable to reverse engineer the experimental Beta Element technology of the EC-23 Widow, the engineers of the Rhine have been able to learn tremendously from the design language and other systems of the EC-23, facilitating the development of the homegrown Assault Cord industry. Although the legal status of the EC-23 is a highly problematic topic in NADC, all parties have largely agreed to not bring the subject up in polite conversations. The Americans largely content with just pretending it never existed, instead focusing on their AC-22 Star Raptor platform, leaving the Widow as a largely niche footnote in the developmental history of the 4th Generation Cords.

The Vampyr has been used to great effect by the ace pilot Franz Freiherr, more famously known as the Red Razor. This is a belief that the Rhine would rather keep intact for morale purposes. During the testing of a new interface system, named the Cerebellum System, for the Vampyr. Freiherr would die, as the strain of the system on his body was too much. As such a new Red Razor needed to be chosen, ace pilot Lothar Adler would assume the role of his late friend.

Engineers would refine the Cerebellum system; the updated Cerebellum-Cortex System is able to share the strain with the pilot and provide quicker reaction time for the Cord. The breakthrough was the implementation of a Wet-Drive Unit, undisclosed to Alder, it is the brain of Freiherr. The Vampyr stands as the Rhine's key Assault Cord asset, being capable of independently turning the tide of battle.

Vengeance Nine- Wodyn the Artificial Deity

The latest proposal, Vengeance Nine, was not developed by the Seele Institute, but by the highly radical researchers and engineers of the Schwarzwald Research and Development Group. Already known within military circles as committing to creating highly lethal weapons and machines for combating the Kiber-Tvar in the east, many of which have slowly trickled back to the Rhine after being proven time and time again to be effective. The Schwarzwald is riding a dangerous line, one in which the mask of cold and calculated utilitarianism slips and cracks showing the rapidly spiraling fanaticism behind it.

Created as a peace offering, a show of good will to the growing skeptics and alarmists within the Rhine. Styled in golden armor, formed to mimic the shape of an idealized man and named after the deity Wodyn. The actual mechanical side of things is that the Artificial Deity was created with a recovered fragment of a Daemon Core, which emits a purely Beta Element form that is held within the golden body. Wodyn stands at 9ft tall, is capable of sustained flight, is stronger than any Panzermensch, and has a natural mastery of bolt lightning. Wodyn is at the same time a symbol as much as it is a weapon of mass destruction, that even in a theoretical defeat can lay waste with a highly explosive chain reaction.

The Schwarzwald handed it to the Rhine, willingly and freely. A bargain with the devil.

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