Map Thread XVIII
- Thread starter FesteringSpore
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Here's a new map-scenario I've ironed out over my spare time. DeviantArt link here.
This one's based on SEGA's other classic franchise, Sakura Wars/Sakura Taisen. Set more or less after the end of the fifth game, So Long my Love.
For those not familiar, Sakura Wars is a rather unique JRPG/Third-person Strategy Game/Dating Sim/Visual Novel set in an alternate history version of the 1920s where magic exists, the "Demon Wars" took the place of World War I and mechanized spiritually-enhanced robots are used in combat. It's also, despite the bleak undertones, rather upbeat and hopeful in its themes (with the alternate Imperial Japan for instance being what a prolonged and more successful Taisho Democracy would have been like), as well as a celebration of female empowerment. It's also spawned myriad OVAs, sidestories and a spritual successor in the form of the Valkyria Chronicles series; coincidentally, a new Sakura Wars sequel (as of this post) is in the works, being developed by the team behind Valkyria Chronicles. Someone on YouTube has even made this documentary chronicling the series, for those interested in learning more about it. As much as possible, I try to incorporate much of the lore into the map, though I've added some creative liberties and touches to further build on the setting.
And just be sure, this is a work of fiction. This is not a political or ideological spiel. All rights belong to their respective owners.
All that said, I hope you enjoy this!
No one knows for certain when the line between the material and spiritual, myth and reality first blurred. History has shown this happen more than once, from the manuscripts of Cleopatra's more esotetic adventures, to tapestries of samurai charging fiends straight out of the underworld and tales of crusading knights fightning djinn in the forsaken deserts. By the 19th Century in the Christian recoking, more reliable records bore further testament to this peculiarity, notably the bloodied final weeks of the American Civil War. Even then, most chose to ignore the signs. They had good reason to. For it was a time of great promise and optimism. Of industry and hope. Despite hardships and even conflict, it seemed as though there was nowhere else to go but up. Not even the flare-ups across the globe, whether it be the Russo-Japanese War or the Franco-German one over Alsace-Lorraine, could dissuade such sentiment.
Then came the Demon Wars of 1917-18: a series of interconnected occult battles waged by the legions of Hell itself against mankind. Depending on where one was, one would point to myriad theaters like as "Western Front" (started by cultists using the Franco-German skirmishes around Verdun to invoke a forbidden ritual) or the "Middle Eastern Front" (where revolutionaries opposed to the Ottoman Empire tried to weaponized the tomes of the so-called "Mad Arab" only for the plot to backfire). But the most famous of these was the "Japanese Front," in which a so-called Anti-Kouma Squad (commanded by distinguished Russo-Japanese War veteran General Ikki Yoneda) led an offensive that defeated the Hive of Darkness ( the most powerful of the demonic hordes) in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan. That same offensive also crushed, albeit with much sacrifice, the very dark essences that allowed demons to run amok, making victory across the globe all but inevitable. While the world would never be the same, the hard-earned triumped seemed to reinforce the upbeat optimism of the years before, though now with a healthier respect for the spiritual. All the while propelling the Empire of Japan, under the liberalizing reign of Emperor Taisho, to new heights as a respected power among equals.
That was over a decade ago. Much has happened in the intervening time. The Russian Civil War that followed its bloody revolution in 1917 also brought about the rise of the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin and his compatriots, but also a remnant of the old Tsarist order in the Far East. The House of Osman at long last opened the Sublime Porte to the political reformers saving the Ottoman realm from certain destruction. After the tumult of the Qing's downfall and the ensuing chaos, the Chinese Federation is beginning to stand up once more on its feet, closer to fulfilling Sun Zhongshan's vision of a proud and free China even while still making the most of its European and Japanese benefactors. The Empire of Japan itself is seeing an economic and cultural renaissance as the democratic reforms and liberties brought forth in Emperor Taisho's name take root, both in the homeland and elsewhere (notably in Korea). Many of the Great Powers of the Old World still bear rivalries and grudges, though the Demon Wars have given them common cause to prevent a potential apocalypse from ever happening again through the European Municipal Defense Project. Despite hardships and the occassional attacks from terrorists and cultists, the world continues to turn.
This is in no small part thanks to the so-called "Combat Revues" instrumental in helping keep the peace. Although various groups, militias and secret orders had existed with the task of using spiritual powers in defense of their fellow men, since the end of the Demon Wars concerns arose for a more organized effort lest the fiends returned. As Japan (Tokyo in particular) was the site of the most powerful demonic incursion, the Imperial Diet quickly commenced the Imperial Capital Defense Program, which was met with international approval. This led to the formal establishment of the Teikokukagekidan, or "Imperial Floral Defense Troupe," on New Year's Day, 1922 under the command of (officially retired) General Yoneda. While answering to the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy (thus part of the military), it's granted considerable autonomy to conduct its crucial role in defending the Imperial Capital and the nation at large. This considerably leeway (along with provisions for funding "off the books"), though, is also due to its rather eccentric nature.
Due to the nature of the Teikokukagekidan, its operatives from the very beginning were expected work undercover primarily as theater actors and staff; the rationales given, particularly from those "acting," include boosting morale, preventing unwanted panic or attention within the city and the view that song and dance had been traditional methods that could suppress evil. What's even more peculiar, however, is how the majority of those comprising the group (especially the principal fighting divisions) would be female; while this was reinforced by early observations of how women were more capable of channeling their spiritual energies and harnessing enhanced weapons, this didn't exclude men from playing a direct role (notably Captain Ichiro Ogami). While there were those among the Japanese government and military hierarchy who initially scoffed at the Combat Revue, whether due to the notion of women in combat or being seen as a waste of money, it was soon put to the test amidst attacks from demons, terrorists and rogue malcontents. More than once, the Imperial Capital was nearly destroyed by such threats, be they Aoi Satan and the so-called "Lords of Death," a conspiracy by rogue IJA officers to stage a coup (with the aid of dark magic) or the machinations of the corrupt Douglas-Stewart Company (an American arms manufacturer suspected of illegal occult activity). In all those cases, however, the maverick organization succeeded in thwarting those dastardly plots. With names such as Sakura Shinguji, Sumire Kanzaki and Maria Tachibana soon becoming renowned names (albeit for different reasons) both in military and theatrical circles.
Such was the resounding success of Teikokukagekidan within the first couple of years, other countries across the civilized world began adopting similar initiatives, with Japan in one way or another serving as a model. These were also factored into the European Municipal Defense Project, which soon bore fruit, as participating countries began establishing their own Combat Revues, heavily based on both local customs (whether pagan, secular or Christianized) and theatrical traditions; most notable of these included the French Groupe Fleur de Paris (founded in 1924), the Italians' Compagnia di Fiori (1925) the German Empire's Deutsche Frauenrevue (1926). This likewise extended to both the Russias, such as the Soviets' SZA (said to also double as a propaganda unit) and the Russian Far East's Novaya Bolshoiskaya. Even the United States joined in, with the New York Combat Revue established in 1927 and plans for similar organizations across America.
Not everyone, however, follows that model. The British Colonial Empire, most notably, followed a more different path based on its own experiences in 1917-18. Seeing the Japanese model as absurd, King George V and London's Parliament instead had a new branch of the British Secret Service formed: the unassuming-sounding Special Affairs Division. Initially comprised of both elements of Foreign Intelligence (known colloquially as MI6) and veterans of the Demon Wars, its role is to act as both a research unit and special "ungentlemanly" task force (whether for frontline duty or covert operations), seeing action across the globe against demons, cults and terrorists; while majority male at first, female recruits were soon sought after upon noticing similar observations on spiritual energy. Organizations of a similar mould thave also come to light, most notably in Europe in the form of Austria-Hungary's Reichsevidenzbureau (more focused on internal security) and the Papacy's reconstituted Inquisitional Knights of St. John (which while distinguished is more notorious for its rivalry with the Compagnia di Fiori). But while the British and Japanese "models" often clash, these nonetheless have at least some begrudging respect of either.
While humanity has made tremendous leaps in technology in the days prior to the Demon Wars (from railroads and factories to telephones and radio networks), since then even more sophisticated advances have been made, more often than not involving the spiritual alongside the material. With powerful diesel and steam engines being commonplace, improvements in aircraft design and novel inventions (such as computing machines and so-called televisions) appearing even more, standards of lliving have risen considerably. This also extends to weaponry, most notably those enhanced by magic or spiritual energies (including so-called "spirit bullets" that could be fired from conventional rifles). Among the most notable of these are the Koubu, known to Americans as Super Telekinetic Assault Robots (STARs) and Germans as Gepanzerte Männer (GMs). Originally produced by Kanzaki Heavy Industries, these mechanized suits of armor contain various materials and gear that remain classified. What is known is that they're not powered by artificial means alone and that they somehow amplify their pilots' spiritual powers, making them far more potent against the demonic threats.
And there are many, including shades of the distant past and even the remnants of the Lords of Death. Perhaps the worst is yet to come. Perhaps a War to End All Wars may be near. But so long as the Combat Revues are there, running lightning-fast and roaring gloriously at the foe, the world would continue. Facing death in the fact with a grin and hope for a better tomorrow.
At least, for now.
This one's based on SEGA's other classic franchise, Sakura Wars/Sakura Taisen. Set more or less after the end of the fifth game, So Long my Love.
For those not familiar, Sakura Wars is a rather unique JRPG/Third-person Strategy Game/Dating Sim/Visual Novel set in an alternate history version of the 1920s where magic exists, the "Demon Wars" took the place of World War I and mechanized spiritually-enhanced robots are used in combat. It's also, despite the bleak undertones, rather upbeat and hopeful in its themes (with the alternate Imperial Japan for instance being what a prolonged and more successful Taisho Democracy would have been like), as well as a celebration of female empowerment. It's also spawned myriad OVAs, sidestories and a spritual successor in the form of the Valkyria Chronicles series; coincidentally, a new Sakura Wars sequel (as of this post) is in the works, being developed by the team behind Valkyria Chronicles. Someone on YouTube has even made this documentary chronicling the series, for those interested in learning more about it. As much as possible, I try to incorporate much of the lore into the map, though I've added some creative liberties and touches to further build on the setting.
And just be sure, this is a work of fiction. This is not a political or ideological spiel. All rights belong to their respective owners.
All that said, I hope you enjoy this!
----
Sakura Taisen: Brave New World
AD 1929/Taisho 17
Sakura Taisen: Brave New World
AD 1929/Taisho 17
No one knows for certain when the line between the material and spiritual, myth and reality first blurred. History has shown this happen more than once, from the manuscripts of Cleopatra's more esotetic adventures, to tapestries of samurai charging fiends straight out of the underworld and tales of crusading knights fightning djinn in the forsaken deserts. By the 19th Century in the Christian recoking, more reliable records bore further testament to this peculiarity, notably the bloodied final weeks of the American Civil War. Even then, most chose to ignore the signs. They had good reason to. For it was a time of great promise and optimism. Of industry and hope. Despite hardships and even conflict, it seemed as though there was nowhere else to go but up. Not even the flare-ups across the globe, whether it be the Russo-Japanese War or the Franco-German one over Alsace-Lorraine, could dissuade such sentiment.
Then came the Demon Wars of 1917-18: a series of interconnected occult battles waged by the legions of Hell itself against mankind. Depending on where one was, one would point to myriad theaters like as "Western Front" (started by cultists using the Franco-German skirmishes around Verdun to invoke a forbidden ritual) or the "Middle Eastern Front" (where revolutionaries opposed to the Ottoman Empire tried to weaponized the tomes of the so-called "Mad Arab" only for the plot to backfire). But the most famous of these was the "Japanese Front," in which a so-called Anti-Kouma Squad (commanded by distinguished Russo-Japanese War veteran General Ikki Yoneda) led an offensive that defeated the Hive of Darkness ( the most powerful of the demonic hordes) in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan. That same offensive also crushed, albeit with much sacrifice, the very dark essences that allowed demons to run amok, making victory across the globe all but inevitable. While the world would never be the same, the hard-earned triumped seemed to reinforce the upbeat optimism of the years before, though now with a healthier respect for the spiritual. All the while propelling the Empire of Japan, under the liberalizing reign of Emperor Taisho, to new heights as a respected power among equals.
That was over a decade ago. Much has happened in the intervening time. The Russian Civil War that followed its bloody revolution in 1917 also brought about the rise of the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin and his compatriots, but also a remnant of the old Tsarist order in the Far East. The House of Osman at long last opened the Sublime Porte to the political reformers saving the Ottoman realm from certain destruction. After the tumult of the Qing's downfall and the ensuing chaos, the Chinese Federation is beginning to stand up once more on its feet, closer to fulfilling Sun Zhongshan's vision of a proud and free China even while still making the most of its European and Japanese benefactors. The Empire of Japan itself is seeing an economic and cultural renaissance as the democratic reforms and liberties brought forth in Emperor Taisho's name take root, both in the homeland and elsewhere (notably in Korea). Many of the Great Powers of the Old World still bear rivalries and grudges, though the Demon Wars have given them common cause to prevent a potential apocalypse from ever happening again through the European Municipal Defense Project. Despite hardships and the occassional attacks from terrorists and cultists, the world continues to turn.
This is in no small part thanks to the so-called "Combat Revues" instrumental in helping keep the peace. Although various groups, militias and secret orders had existed with the task of using spiritual powers in defense of their fellow men, since the end of the Demon Wars concerns arose for a more organized effort lest the fiends returned. As Japan (Tokyo in particular) was the site of the most powerful demonic incursion, the Imperial Diet quickly commenced the Imperial Capital Defense Program, which was met with international approval. This led to the formal establishment of the Teikokukagekidan, or "Imperial Floral Defense Troupe," on New Year's Day, 1922 under the command of (officially retired) General Yoneda. While answering to the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy (thus part of the military), it's granted considerable autonomy to conduct its crucial role in defending the Imperial Capital and the nation at large. This considerably leeway (along with provisions for funding "off the books"), though, is also due to its rather eccentric nature.
Due to the nature of the Teikokukagekidan, its operatives from the very beginning were expected work undercover primarily as theater actors and staff; the rationales given, particularly from those "acting," include boosting morale, preventing unwanted panic or attention within the city and the view that song and dance had been traditional methods that could suppress evil. What's even more peculiar, however, is how the majority of those comprising the group (especially the principal fighting divisions) would be female; while this was reinforced by early observations of how women were more capable of channeling their spiritual energies and harnessing enhanced weapons, this didn't exclude men from playing a direct role (notably Captain Ichiro Ogami). While there were those among the Japanese government and military hierarchy who initially scoffed at the Combat Revue, whether due to the notion of women in combat or being seen as a waste of money, it was soon put to the test amidst attacks from demons, terrorists and rogue malcontents. More than once, the Imperial Capital was nearly destroyed by such threats, be they Aoi Satan and the so-called "Lords of Death," a conspiracy by rogue IJA officers to stage a coup (with the aid of dark magic) or the machinations of the corrupt Douglas-Stewart Company (an American arms manufacturer suspected of illegal occult activity). In all those cases, however, the maverick organization succeeded in thwarting those dastardly plots. With names such as Sakura Shinguji, Sumire Kanzaki and Maria Tachibana soon becoming renowned names (albeit for different reasons) both in military and theatrical circles.
Such was the resounding success of Teikokukagekidan within the first couple of years, other countries across the civilized world began adopting similar initiatives, with Japan in one way or another serving as a model. These were also factored into the European Municipal Defense Project, which soon bore fruit, as participating countries began establishing their own Combat Revues, heavily based on both local customs (whether pagan, secular or Christianized) and theatrical traditions; most notable of these included the French Groupe Fleur de Paris (founded in 1924), the Italians' Compagnia di Fiori (1925) the German Empire's Deutsche Frauenrevue (1926). This likewise extended to both the Russias, such as the Soviets' SZA (said to also double as a propaganda unit) and the Russian Far East's Novaya Bolshoiskaya. Even the United States joined in, with the New York Combat Revue established in 1927 and plans for similar organizations across America.
Not everyone, however, follows that model. The British Colonial Empire, most notably, followed a more different path based on its own experiences in 1917-18. Seeing the Japanese model as absurd, King George V and London's Parliament instead had a new branch of the British Secret Service formed: the unassuming-sounding Special Affairs Division. Initially comprised of both elements of Foreign Intelligence (known colloquially as MI6) and veterans of the Demon Wars, its role is to act as both a research unit and special "ungentlemanly" task force (whether for frontline duty or covert operations), seeing action across the globe against demons, cults and terrorists; while majority male at first, female recruits were soon sought after upon noticing similar observations on spiritual energy. Organizations of a similar mould thave also come to light, most notably in Europe in the form of Austria-Hungary's Reichsevidenzbureau (more focused on internal security) and the Papacy's reconstituted Inquisitional Knights of St. John (which while distinguished is more notorious for its rivalry with the Compagnia di Fiori). But while the British and Japanese "models" often clash, these nonetheless have at least some begrudging respect of either.
While humanity has made tremendous leaps in technology in the days prior to the Demon Wars (from railroads and factories to telephones and radio networks), since then even more sophisticated advances have been made, more often than not involving the spiritual alongside the material. With powerful diesel and steam engines being commonplace, improvements in aircraft design and novel inventions (such as computing machines and so-called televisions) appearing even more, standards of lliving have risen considerably. This also extends to weaponry, most notably those enhanced by magic or spiritual energies (including so-called "spirit bullets" that could be fired from conventional rifles). Among the most notable of these are the Koubu, known to Americans as Super Telekinetic Assault Robots (STARs) and Germans as Gepanzerte Männer (GMs). Originally produced by Kanzaki Heavy Industries, these mechanized suits of armor contain various materials and gear that remain classified. What is known is that they're not powered by artificial means alone and that they somehow amplify their pilots' spiritual powers, making them far more potent against the demonic threats.
And there are many, including shades of the distant past and even the remnants of the Lords of Death. Perhaps the worst is yet to come. Perhaps a War to End All Wars may be near. But so long as the Combat Revues are there, running lightning-fast and roaring gloriously at the foe, the world would continue. Facing death in the fact with a grin and hope for a better tomorrow.
At least, for now.
I think there's a case to be made for it. It almost was IOTL, after all.
Found this one on Reddit. I wonder what a scenario with this in would be like.
"Look you godless ahtiest of god doesn't exist then why does this!?!?!?!?"
Found this one on Reddit. I wonder what a scenario with this in would be like.
MAGNUM EST IMPERIUM ROMANUM!
Afghanistan iTTL definitely attracts those alt-left radiation sensitive types, and tourism isn't unusual (The Buddhas of Bamyan still stand iTTL). It is rather restrictive, but not more than OTL Cuba. The millet-style system of government for the different tribes and ethnic groups does make it a challenge for non-locals to really settle down though, as the government doesn't have legal categories for peoples not represented by groups in the Afghan populace.
Found this one on Reddit. I wonder what a scenario with this in would be like.
My god, what are you doing?
Oh yeah, great work on this... Love Harry T's AH works - It must have taken you lots of time/research to do this... kudos to you on a job well done!
Can you please not quote the entire work.
WhiteDragon25
Banned
Found this one on Reddit. I wonder what a scenario with this in would be like.
On the bright side, at least Russia now has some warm-water ports!
Found this one on Reddit. I wonder what a scenario with this in would be like.
If the Middle East is as instable as the Near East (here, the distinction of the two terms is really important), then Europe is getting double the number of refugees.
But to be honest: Do you have any idea what the climate of East Italy would be like (assuming West Italy is in the OTL position)?
I think East Italy would have roughly the samw position as Ukraine, with Sicily being like the Crimea. It also depends on if there are a East Alps
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