Alyska. A kingdom of ice and Iron.

[Count of Crisco]

Forward.
Over the last number of years Alyska had appeared frequently in the news as the civil war unfolded before the eyes of billions via the power of television. With the recent reunification of the country under Catherine III following the bloody Yukon campaign and Posadka Siege many questions have arisen about the nations place in the modern world. With some pundits even claiming the country will not last much beyond the 2030s given the massive ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity which led in part to the recent thirty year period of civil unrest.
But whether or not the new state of Alyska will outlast its monarch or not is beyond the scope of this work which is intended to explore the long and rich nation which preceded it and for nearly four hundred years stood as a center of learning, experimentation and innovation.
This work is based upon years of exhaustive and time consuming research with many of the sources kindly provided by the Royal Museum of history of Novoya Amsterdam. A number of the sources referenced in this work were previously unknown outside of a very few museum curators and clerks.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Chapter One.

Discovery and Settlement.

Portrait of Kublai Khan, recognized by some as the first king of Alyska and founder of the first settlement in western North America.​

Fifth great Khan of the Mongol Empire Kublai Khan had a dream of unifying the world under his and his successors control. To accomplish this Kublai sent armies to invade Song China, Tibet, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and even the island of Java. Most of these invasions were successful and ended in Mongol rule over much of Asia and eastern Europe by the end of his reign, although due to infighting amongst the heirs of Genghis much of this empire was under the control of various other lesser Khans. Early in his reign the young Khan would finally subdue Song China, eventually making his capital in what would become the city of Beijing. Kublai was a patron of the arts, science and literature. Funding many schools and universities and encouraging a new golden age of Chinese opera, poetry and astronomy to flourish. He also encouraged the expansion of Chinese seafaring with the aim of creating a large fleet for the carrying of troops.

Each of these widely disparate fields saw considerable government funding. But it was into the navy that a majority of Kublai`s money, and interest went. A major effort went into the building of invasion fleets intended for landings on the Japanese and Indian islands. However large amounts of funding also went into the creation of a large navy intended for the defence of the coasts and protection of the trade routes. A few of these ships were even sent out on missions of exploration to chart the islands of the Pacific and arctic oceans. It was one of these ships that stumbled upon what would become known as Alyska. A report, surviving today in the Royal archives in Novoya Amsterdam, was made of the ships exploration of what was thought to be a very large land mass with few natives, abundant natural resources and wildlife.

The great Khan quickly decided that this land needed to be settled and added to the empire. Now advanced in age and feeling as if he needed to leave a legacy, and with his recent attempts at new conquest failed Kublai ordered an immediate colony to be established on the new land. Which was named Gazar Doorkh Gazar, land across the waters. Not wishing to face the wrath of the increasingly irritable Khan his ministers worked quickly to accomplish his dream and by 1283 an outpost had been founded in what would become known as Oranje bay. In fact the colony was located roughly where the modern day city of Fredericksburg would one day be founded.

The new colony, named Aguu Khan Khot, or city of the great Khan, was soon flooded with transports which over the next ten years brought over sixty thousand colonists from all parts of Kublai`s empire. Though a majority of the colonies population was formed of both Han Chinese and ethnic Mongols. Farms and pastures were quickly set up but the harsh Alyskan winter and wild soil made crop yields small and livestock of meager frame. Food supplied for the colony had to be continually imported from China, often falling victim to Japanese pirate attacks. Making the presence of warships in the convoys a must, adding further to the expense of the colony. Upon the death of Kublai in 1294 the empire suffered a severe economic collapse. Brought about by years of inflation, costly invasions, civil wars and massive building projects. The crisis forced Kublai`s successor Temür to cut back on many of his grandfathers more grandiose projects. Such as the proposed third invasion of Japan, second invasion of Java and rumored participation in the ongoing invasion of India by other Mongol Khanates.

Portrait of Temür Khan. Successor to Kublai and the one responsible for the end of the original settlement.​

Unsurprisingly one of the first things to be cut by Temür would be Aguu Khan Khot. By order of the Khan himself no further ships would leave for Alyska after 1300. Until then any settler of the colony who wished was welcome to return with one of the ships and resume their life in the empire. Though their future prosperity was not in any way guaranteed.

While some would indeed travel back with the last few merchant ships the majority, perhaps fifty thousand chose to remain behind. Believing they had mastered the land and would be able to feed themselves when the last of the imported grain had been consumed. Likely a driving force for their refusal to leave was the lack of a certain future for them once they did return. They had abandoned their farms, pastures and shops when they had left Asia and had nothing to return back to. With that in mind the homes they had built in America seemed the more promising of the two options.

As per the orders of Temür the final Mongol merchant ship left the colony in 1299. And despite initial hopes to the contrary by a few of the colonists no further Mongol ships ever anchored in Oranje bay. And also against the hopes of the colonists the harvest of 1300 proved quite poor. As did the harvest of 1301, 02, 03, 04 and 05. By 1310 the colony was in very dire straits. Half the population had died during the previous decade, while the other closer half resembled emaciated skeletons than men. Drastic action was called for if any were to survive. It was just that none in the colony knew what action would be drastic enough to ensure survival.

Abandonment.​

In 1311 the answer came with the abandonment of the colony and the dispersion of the remaining settlers to regions to the south were the climate was somewhat milder, soil better suited to limited agriculture and game and pasturage more plentiful. It was soon after that the settlers came into contact with the native tribes. Which were quick to see the benefits of adopting the ways of the newcomers. Building their own permanent settlements. Farming their own crops and salting the annual Salmon catch to make it preserve longer. Over time the Mongol settlers would assimilate into the tribes. Working initially with them on shared irrigation projects and communal fields. Only later assimilating completely and nearly seamlessly into the ranks of the natives. Passing on many Chinese, Mongolian, Korean and Russian words onto the languages of the tribes and introducing them to writing and primitive metal working. Inciting the spread of copper farming and hunting implements across the continent in the process.

By 1400 very little of the original settlers could be seen. The colony had been more or less dismantled shortly before its abandonment and the settlers dispersed into the surrounding peoples. However their impact would be seen across the new world with their tools of writing and metal working spreading to the far corners of the Americas so that when in 1492 when the Italian Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Hispaniola and claimed it in the name of the king and queen of Spain the curious natives which came out to meet him presented him and his men with copper arrowheads and knives as a symbol of friendship. Only later showing the Europeans the gold that would cause them so much misery and hardship over the following half millennium.

The new world had been changed irrevocably by its first interaction with the old. Though the next generations of colonists would not know if the fact until archaeological discoveries in Oregon and Columbia during the 1960s and 70s brought to light not only the real presence of the Mongol empire in the new world. But also the enormous impact they would have over the cultures and societies of the local populations.

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[Count of Crisco]

Treasure Hunters​

By 1315 tales of a land of abundant gold and silver had begun to circulate in many Asian cities. Especially in Japan where the pirates which had preyed on the Khans merchant ships told of ships brimming with precious metals on their way back from secret mines in a land far to the east. By 1340 these tales had become accepted as fact by most of Japanese society. Leading some to consider making the dangerous voyage to this land to find the rumored gold.. Although no documented voyages would occur until 1345 at the earliest. And even then these early treasure hunters would make landfall in the Aleutian islands and not the mainland.

The first recorded voyage to Alyska took place around 1350 at the behest of one of the greater Japanese clans which sent out three ships and seven hundred men. Ordering them not to return until they had found the source of Kublai Khans wealth. Which they intended to use to fund a conquest of all of Japan. The expedition would return by 1353 with no gold but with tales of abandoned Chinese towns and deserted fields. They claimed that the gold mines must have given out. Causing the rapid abandonment of the colony by Temür Khan shortly after the death of Kublai. A story that the clan seemed to accept as no punishment is said as being given to the unsuccessful treasure hunters.

They were far from the last expedition sent though as the myth of a Mongol gold mine refused to die. Each ended in disaster or failure. Many documented tales of men visiting the ruins of the Mongol settlement have survived (For further reading on the subject see Nippon in America, the story of Japanese explorers in the new world by professor Hikaru Malushai of the University of Aikaido. Specifically the early chapters) With each nail in the coffin of the myth the number of treasure seekers only grew until defeat was finally recognized by most in around 1370. Though a few further missions were recorded up until the turn of the century.

Hunters of a different kind.
Following hot on the heels of the treasure seekers were men interested in making their fortunes a different way. From fishing the rich grounds off Alyska`s coast which were overflowing with cod, Halibut, Mackerel, Sardines, Herring, and an assortment of other fishes. While the lands many vast rivers, lakes and streams held even more species such as trout and especially salmon in a number of different species. All species were caught in huge numbers. Making the owners of the vessels that caught them phenomenally rich, and the crews who manned the ships far from poor as well.

While the numerous species to be found in Alyska did lead to massive Japanese activity along the coast it would prove to be salmon rich would cause the establishment of permanent settlements on the mainland. These settlements, established near the deltas of many rivers and streams, served as harvesting centers where the incoming wave of salmon were caught as they made their way from the sea inland. The fish were then held in special ponds until they could be salted and placed in barrels for the journey back to Japan. Early on when the season had concluded the settlements were abandoned until next year.

Salmon species of Alyska and the north Pacific coast.Many of these species today are under the protection of the Alyskan governemnt and can only be caught in certian years.

However as the years went by and the fishing industry grew in importance and scale these settlements became more permanent. While also diversifying their business to include the building and repair of the ships of the ocean going fleet, providing entertainment and living space for sailors enjoying leave, and acting as warehouses for the catches of the increasingly permanent fishing fleet which began to sell their catch to cargo ships which made the voyage to Alyska from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and China regularly to buy and later sell fish in the markets of the great Asian cities.

In time the settlements of Alyska would come to host large populations, by 1500 the city of Umiyoshima boasted a permanent population of twenty thousand. Far more than any European settlement of the same period and more even than many cities in Europe at the time. Most of the citizens of the city were either directly or indirectly employed or had been at one time employed in the fishing industry. But a growing number of the settlers of Japanese America (a term used by many westerners who choose to treat the Japanese settlements as proper colonies of the Empire rather than private ventures originally funded by individuals and later by the clans) were employed in other fields.

By 1550 the farming of crops such as Buckwheat, rye, oats, rice in some places, as well as livestock raising. Notably cattle and later reindeer or Tonakai in Japanese (a very important animal even today for the surviving clans of the Yukon provinces) most of these crops were used to supply the fishing fleet with provisions, hardly any was sold outside of that, and none was sold for export to Japan itself. In time however the cultivation of local plants such as Majubi, Usagimi and others became an important industry as the call for spices rose during the onset of European trade, and later colonization of Asia. In time the spices and teas of Alyska would lead some Europeans to Alyskas shores. However for the moment export of spices was of very second importance to the fishing industry, though slightly ahead of the fur industry that would not come into importance until well into the first Republic period.

Thus, even while the Americas remained a vast unknown to Europe and the so called civilized world Alyska was fast becoming a place of intense interest for the Japanese. In time even Alyska would come to be called a part of Japan proper. With the cities, farms and territories of the various clans being placed alongside Japan itself in maps made from the beginning of the seventeenth century and beyond.

Fishing junk off the city of Novoyo Amsterdam today. The vessels that carried the early gold seekers, and later fishermen were of a similar, though less advanced design.
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[Count of Crisco]

Age of Warlords
1375-1450​

As the cities of Alyska grew and expanded they began to develop a well deserved reputation of lawlessness and disorder. A reputation made all the more worse as travel between Alyska and Japan grew more common in the 1380s. Travelers reporting prostitutes lining the wharves shouting their rates and willingness to sailor and passenger alike. Streets being lined with taverns and gambling halls, and fights and muggings occurring in broad daylight along the main streets. Many travelers even reported that they themselves had been the victims of robberies. Sometimes by the sailors of the very ships bringing them to Alyska.

The cities, often lacking any form of government or law enforcement agency were ruled by gangs which ran the brothels and gambling halls, orchestrated robberies of warehouses and offered insurance against robberies in the form of payments. While the countryside was plagued with roving bands of robbers and gangs of Ronin, disgraced Samurai who had choose not to commit ritual suicide or Seppuku upon the death of their masters. Some of these gangs held upwards of a thousand men, not all necessarily Ronin, and were even known to attack cities. Such as the sacking of Yurikonomu in 1411.

In this climate of general lawlessness and lack of civil control a number of Ronin, often former chiefs and leaders back in Japan, became warlords. Building up large, well trained bands of fighters. Initially focused on seizing what they could from the cities and countryside some of the smaller cities, and later turning to conquest. In response some cities hired mercenaries and formed militias from the populace. Often relying on honorable Ronin who had not turned to a life of crime to train their forces. These new citizen armies quickly replaced the often unreliable mercenaries in most cities. Just in time for a number of the Ronin to launch attacks against them in an attempt to sieze the cities and rule them as their own.

During the late fourteenth and early fifteenth century the cities of Alyska came under the control of Ronin warlords who grew stronger with each city taken. Enlisting the populace in their armies and moving on to the next target. trade and fishing were soon forgotten as war consumed the land. Sending the land into a depression which only quickened the pace of decline. In a little over a century Alyska had grown from small coastal villages, to massive well fortified cities. And it appeared that with the lack of trade and fishing the area would not last into the next century.

Arrival of the Clans​

As the Ronin warlords took control of the cities and countryside a mass exodus occurred amongst the upper echelons of society. Practically all those that could afford it fled to the safety of Japan. Though they escaped with their lives many, namely wealthy farmers, and business owners, had lost everything and came to Japan as poor as the lowest peasant.

Numbers are uncertian but it is possible that out of a population of roughly two hundred and fifty thousand in 1425 between ten and fifty thousand would flee for Japan between 1420 and 1447. These people would need homes, food, clothes and jobs if they were to make it in Japan. However all of those things were in short supply. Due to the upset caused by the warlords little to no fishing had been done for at least a decade. Causing a rise in prices for local fish and and economic decline as thousands of Alyskan fishermen were suddenly without jobs.

​

Some of the lesser Diamyo and other nobles saw an opportunity for glory. They planned to mount an expedition against the Ronin and take the cities of Alyska in the name of the Emperor. Bringing them fully into the Japanese political organization by making the extensions to their own clans. Ruled on their behalf by the ousted elite of the cities which had fled the Ronin. Approval from the emperor, in actuality the ruling Shogun, was swift and from 1423 onward armies were raised, ships built and weapons forged in preparation for attacks.

The forces which would land in Alyska were not unified or numerous. Belonging to a score of different men from lesser nobles wishing to make a name for themselves as conquerors and warriors, to forces of the Shogun, who wished to add new territory to the lands ruled by his clan and give himself a powerbase in Alyska to challenge the ambitions of those lesser in status than him. In total it is estimated that only around three thousand men would make the journey to Alyska between 1430 and 1437. With landings made up and down the coast from Churkiyoki in the north to Ashiyoyu in the south. In none of these sites is there any evidence to suggest that any armies opposed them as they made landfall.

Painting of a Samurai circa 1800. The Samurai which participated in the Japanese invasion would have worn garb of a similar look.
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In fact it would not be until 1434 that we have our first recorded battle. The cause of this delay between the arrival of the Samurai armies of the Diamyo and the first battle is likely due to the attempts of the warlords to negotiate with the nobles to both legitimize their control over their conquest, reignite trade between them and the Japanese mainland, and to form alliances between themselves and the nobles against rival warlords. A number of documents only recently coming to light following excavations around Fredericksburg and Novoya Amsterdam show this clearly. The letters found are correspondence between one of the Samurai commanders to his superior telling how negotiations are progressing between himself and the warlord of Ashkaeo, whos name is not mentioned. They show clearly the fate which befell many of the warlords who choose not to negotiate.

Although many warlords did oppose the invaders it was often with little success. Their conscript armies of poorly trained, equipped and led farmers and shop keepers proving of little use against the steel weapons and skill of the Samurai armies of the Diamyo. One by one the cities and settlements of Alyska crumbled and were taken. Often following bitter last stands by the resident warlord who would often die by the sword of the best Samurai. Their territories and people were then brought under the control of the Diamyo, who often placed their most loyal and trusted officers in charge of their territories while they themselves departed for Japan. Safe in the knowledge that their new lands would soon be back to making money once the fisheries were running once more.

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[Count of Crisco]

Economic Growth.​

Following the establishment of cohesive rule in Alyska by the Samurai invasions (the period ending the warlords era came to an end) and the clans of Japan established enclaves out of the previously free cities and towns of the land trade and population boomed. Primarily this was due to an increased desire for the spices, teas, herbs, and animal skins that were in high demand by the elite of Japan and soon the world.

The increase in population coupled with the increase in domestic Japanese fish production in the period led to a decline in the salmon trade with Japan. A decrease that was matched by an increase in local demand for the fish as the population of the cities boomed during the late fifteenth century. By the time Europeans began to probe north as far as Alyska fishermen rarely sold their catch to far away Japan. Choosing instead to sell to locals. However by this time whaling had arisen in Alyskan coastal waters in a big way. A trade that would have dramatic implications for the future of Alyska and north America as a whole...

 

[Count of Crisco]

Time rolls on.​

As things stabilized in Alyska following the establishment of the clans and the economic situation returned to its normal prosperity things began to settle down in Alyska. While occasional fights between clans over land and fishing/hunting rights did flare up these were quite rare and few and far between. Things were far from Idyllic in Japan however as the Muromanchi period or Ashikaga shogunate fought to bring all of Japan under its control. Clashing with a number of clans in the process.

Many of the defeated clansmen, mostly Samurai and nobles, were then either exiled or voluntarily traveled to their holdings in Alyska. Escaping the wrath of the Shogun and ensuring that they maintained some of their power. Even if their mainland territory was given to another.Exile of political opponents to Alyska would become a common theme in the Ashikaga and later Edo period or Tokugowa Shogunate. During the latter period many Christians would be exiled to Alyska. Leading to the widespread adoption of the religion by the peoples of the region and abandonment of Shinto and Buddhist faiths until then prevalent in the region.

However this was for the future as the first Christian would not be exiled to Alyska until 1627. However following the Onin war, a succession war over who would become the next Shogun following the death of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, a number of very prominent Diamyo would be exiled to Alyska where they would quickly take over much of the country. Leading to the botched Senso war in which the Shogun attempted unsuccessfully to reestablish his control over Alyska.

The Senso war ended in disaster for the forces of the Shogun following a massive naval battle off the coast of Yukasubi which led to a major victory for a coalition of the Diamyo warlords and the stranding of the Shoguns army in Alyska with no hope of rescue on the horizon. Managing to hold out for almost two years this army of sixteen thousand men was finally defeated by three Diamyo in the battle of the three gorges. And thus for a time Alyska was placed under independent rule once more. An independence that was maintained during the Sengoku period but lost during the early years of the Tokugawa Shogunate when a massive invasion fleet fought the Diamyo and conquered much of the cities of the region and installed lords over the land loyal to the Emperor.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Well at long last here is a map showing the spread of civilization (Everything the Mongol settlers brought with them when they abandoned their settlement like metal working, agriculture, urbanization, medicine and sometimes written language) from roughly 1300 until 1500 when things began to go poorly for the natives.

Purple shows the spread of knowledge in 1300.
Orange from 1350
Green from 1400
Blue from 1450
Light Green to 1500.

Not all areas colored the same have the same level of advancement however. With few if any areas developing large cities and well developed farming methods. For the most part tribes which came by the knowledge of metal working and agriculture would build permanent villages. Where the would farm what they could and forge whatever implements they could with whatever metal they could find.
Also there was a well developed trade system at this time which caused most regions to have some degree of interaction with metal tools, farmed goods and other manufactured items such as cloth and pottery. The colors show only areas in which the natives had the ability to make these things themselves to some degree.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Alright so hectic week again (I am coming to hate them) and so I did not have time to write a full update and rather than give you lot a really short one again this week I decided to make another map showing the area of Japanese settlement (Red) extent of Japanese trade with natives (Purple and Blue) the Tlingit (Blue) which will become a big deal in the next few years as well as the Aztec and Maya peoples. Note that this map is around circa 1500ish.
Tomorrow if all goes well I will write a timeline of events from the early settlement of the Mongols to the present. This is something I have wanted to do for awhile now and also so far I feel my dates have been somewhat few and far between so I will rectifty that.

 

[Count of Crisco]

1271
Kublai Khan, Grandson of Genghis Khan, is crowned head of Mongol empire.
1283
Colony city of Aguu Khan Khot (City of the great Khan) is founded in what would become Oranje bay on what was then known as Gazar Doorkh Gazar (Land across the waters)
1294
Kublai Khan dies and is replaced by his son Temür Khan as great Khan. One of his first acts is to abandon the colony of Aguu Khan Khot in an effort to curb the finances of the empire.
1299
Final merchant ship travels to the colony.A few colonists go back with the ship but most remain in the colony.
1300-1310
Poor harvest, frigid winters and disease all take their toll on the colony.
1311
The settlement is abandoned and the colonists disperse over the next few years into the native tribes where they assimilate and pass on some tech onto the natives. Such as metal working and agriculture.
1315
Rumors begin to circulate in Japanese and east Asian cities that Kublai Khan had a far away city which was the source of his vast wealth.
1345
Based on the rumors a number of expeditions were launched in an attempt to find the source of the Khans wealth. They are all unsuccessful and come back empty. However a number of the voyagers did notice that the land had massive fish stocks. Which over the following years are exploited in the establishment of a number of settlements and a large fishing fleet being established.
1364
The first settlement is established in what would become in time the city of Umiyoshima. Following quickly a large number of settlements are established along the coast and rivers and streams. These settlements grew and expanded gradually into large city states which were quite rough places with a reputation for lawlessness and elicit activity.
1375
Age of warlords begins as settlements of Alyska are taken over by bands of disgraced Samurai known as Ronin. Upheaval caused by their conquest leads to many fleeing Alyska and heading for Japan. Where they beg for help in ousting the warlords.
1430
An invasion of Alyska is launched from Japan with the intention of ousting the Ronin warlords. Largely successful many of the Ronin are deposed and their lands given to the Diamyo nobility. The new rulers of the city swear allegiance to the emperor and Alyska is officially brought into the Japanese empire by the edict of Kyoto.
1467
Many people are exiled to Alyska as the Ashikaga Shogunate attempted to bring all of Japan under its control during the Onin war. For the most part those exiled are those unlikely to threaten the stability of the regime but still those unwilling to swear allegiance to the Shogun.
1486
The Senso war begins in Alyska as a number of Diamyo exiled to Alyska revolt against the Shogun back in Japan. The Alyskan Diamyo formed a coalition and revolt. However in 1490 the shogun attacked with a large fleet in an attempt to awe the Diamyo of the region. The Shoguns fleet is sunk during the battle of Yukasabi and Alyska assumes self rule. Though still swearing fealty to the Emperor the authority of the Shogun is refused.
1587
During Japans warring states period a massive invasion fleet is launched which roflstomp the alliance of Diamyo which by this point had begun to fracture. The new leadership of Alyska, now loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate assume control.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Northern Ally​

Following the 1587 invasion of Alyska by the Tokugawa Shogun the next century passed more or less peaceably with no major wars, uprisings or natural disasters taking place in either Alyska or Japan proper. It was during this period that the Japanese became aware of the arrival of the Spanish to mesoamerica with merchants recounting tales they had heard second hand from natives of the fall of one tribe after another to white men with horses, iron and guns. However these stories caused little alarm in the cities of Alyska due to the distance separating them from these newcomers.

Of far more more concern to the Japanese was the rapid rise of the Tlingit tribe to the north to a position of dominance over the surrounding tribes. The tribe had begun to copy Japanese technology in the late 1400s, adopting many aspects of Japanese culture and building large cities in the process. During the century long Diamyo rule of Alyska or the Konton or chaos era from 1490 to 1587 the tribe had begun to expand in all directions. Conquering many of the surrounding tribes and occupying their lands. Under the chieftan Kontkosh II the various clans were unified and a formal kingdom proclaimed.

Many in Alyska feared a Tlingit attempt to conquer the region completely.
The nobles sent letters to the Shogun in Edo explaining their fears and asking for permission to raise armies to fight the Tlingit kingdom. Shogun Iemitsu, who was far from a champion of Alyska and the man responsible for expelling all Christians from Japan to Alyska, refused. Even accusing the nobles of treason for daring to raise armies against him. A number of Diamyo were even forced to commit Seppuku and having them replaced by his own distant relatives.

It is fortunate then that the Tlingit made no attempt at conquering the Japanese cities, rather king Ahtankis I, Kontkosh`s nephew, offered to swear fealty to the Emperor and adopt Japanese customs and laws fully in exchange for open trade with the larger more prosperous cities of Alyska. An offer Iemitsu was unlikely to accept but which the Diamyo happily agreed to. Trading guns, iron, silk, tea, and whale oil for Tlingit art, fabrics, and various spices and fur pelts which were then sold to the elite of Edo itself.

This alliance would persist until king Francis I forced the Diamyo and Tlingit to swear their loyalty to the house of Weston rather than the Chrysanthemum emperors of Japan. Officially ending Japanese control over the colony. It resulted in the widespread adoption of Japanese culture, art, writing and military practices. As well as Christianity by the Tlingit kingdom. Though native language and dress were never entirely supplanted by Japanese. Nor did Japanese cuisine ever make serious inroads into the kingdom.

The influence went both ways with many in Alyska adopting some elements of Tlingit dress and a number of Tlingit words making their way into the vocabulary of the cities. However it was always very clear which was the dominant culture and Tlingit fashion trends would come and go and Tlingit words would gradually fall out of common use until the arrival of large numbers of Europeans flooded the regions to the north and south of Japanese Alyska.

 

[Count of Crisco]

New arrivals.​

Dramatic changes occurred in the Americas following the arrival of Columbus in the Caribbean in 1492. With many local tribes being simply wiped out and their lands seized initially by the Spanish, and later Portuguese, Dutch, French and English. When the Spanish Conquistadors made landfall in central America the Aztec empire and surrounding cultures all fell apart before the addvanced Spanish weaponry, such as horses, iron blades, armor and firearms. While many millions more died by the hand of European diseases that the natives had no immunity from.

Afterwards Spain, later joined by Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and eventually England established and rapidly expanded settlements in both the Caribbean and north and south America properly. In time these European powers would come to dominate the new world. Eclipsing most native civilizations, with the exception of the Sioux tribes and Incan empire. The nations would then begin fighting amongst themselves for domination of the continent.

By the middle of the sixteenth century Spanish dominion extended across much of the Caribbean, as far south as the Andes mountains, where the Incan emperors were made subjects to the king of Spain in 1528. The northernmost boundary of the vast empire ruled by Spain was the Mojave desert of northern Mexico. A dry nearly impassable barrier effectively impeding further conquest into the interior. Within these lands lived millions of surviving natives forcibly converted to Christianity by torture and other means, ironic considering the principles of the religion. While millions of Spaniards slowly arrived in the new world and began to settle in newly cleared native lands. Establishing vast estates, mines, plantations and cities for themselves in the process. Lands which were worked by the natives as virtual slaves. Later proper slaves being imported from Africa to work plantations in Brazil, New England and the Caribbean.

Most of the new European settlements were confined to the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the new world. With the exception of the Spanish vice-royalties of Peru and Nova Espana of course. Few men were brave enough to make the daring journey inland, and those few that did often never returned. Much of the west coast also remained largely unexplored for almost a century and a half following Columbus. Due to the distance involved no major voyages of exploration were launched to chart the western coast of the continent. And so knowledge of Alyska, the bronze age natives of the Oregon coast, and Tlingit remained known only through rumor and myths gleaned from natives.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Explorers​

Although both the Viking settlements along the current Newfoundland coast, or Vinland as it was known to the Norse, and Mongol/Japanese settlement predated Columbus by hundreds of years it would be the Spanish backed Italian who`s expedition would have the most lasting impact upon the new world. Landing in the Bahamas initially, and later making landfall on the island of Hispaniola, both of which he claimed for Spain Columbus thought he had discovered a route to the Indies and hastened back to Spain with the news. Further expeditions by Columbus saw landings made in many of the islands of the Caribbean and even charting of the northern coast of South America.

Portrait of Christopher Columbus, discoverer of the new world.
Meanwhile other explorers were being sent out by not just Spain, but England, France, Portugal and the Netherlands in an attempt to determine what exactly it was that Columbus had stumbled upon. The first of these explorers being the English backed Giovanni Caboto, John Cabot, who was the first man to make landfall in North America proper when he charted the coast of the future Newfoundland in 1499. He claimed the lands he discovered for England, competing with Spanish claims of sovereignty over the entire region.

The first English explorer to reach the new world, the Italian Giovanni Coboto, better known as John Cabot.

It was soon understood that Columbus and following men had not indeed reached Asia, but rather discovered an entire new continent. Spanish Conquistadors rushed into the new continent while England and others rushed to wrestle the islands of the Caribbean from Spanish control for themselves. All the while waves of new explorers were sent to expand the map of the new continent in both size and detail.

1500 saw the Portuguese Pedro Alvares Cabral discover Brazil, Ponce De leon became the first confirmed man to set foot in North America in 1513 when he made landfall in Florida. A slew of Spanish explorers mapped Mexico, many of them taking an active part in the invasion of the Aztec empire and surrounding peoples.
The Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan would become the first man to circumnavigate the world from 1519-1522. Though he died in 1522 and the expedition was completed by his first officer Juan Sebastian Elcano. Francis Drake would follow later in the century, raiding Spanish ships and colonies in the Caribbean before continuing into the Pacific. And from there Asia, Africa and eventually England once more.

Jacques Cartier sailed the river bearing his name and claimed the lands along the banks for the king of France. Becoming new France in 1535. While in the early seventeenth century the Dutch Henry Hudson claimed the bay bearing his name for the Dutch East India company. He believed he had reached a passage through the American continent itself that would allow him to reach Asia.

In the meantime the English, French, and Dutch made slow inroads into the continent, soon matching and exceeding Spanish settlement and becoming true rivals to the established Spanish and Portuguese colonial empires. Though impressive and far reaching these ecpeditions only served to map the coasts of the new world. With few of the aforementioned men going more than a few kilometers inland. With the exception of the Spanish and to a lesser degree Portugal no major expeditions would be launched to chart very far inland, leaving the myriad of natives tribes and kingdoms to themselves.

Textbook page showing the routes of explorers from major European countries. Including the marathon voyage of Magellan and his ships.

Alyska to would be spared interference by European nations as well. Being to far northward for either Magellan or Drake to reach and to far removed from areas under Spanish influence for the kings of that nation to consider it worth launching an expedition to explore it. Only with tales of Asian cities and gold would the Spanish send ships to explore the lands of Alyska. And only then it would take until 1636 for any expedition to be actually lost. And it would be 1639 for an expedition to return.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Discovery​

Portuguese traders first arrived in Japan in the year 1542. Shocking the Japanese with their foreign customs, strange language and dress. Inability to understand Japanese and problem using chopsticks. Trade relations were quickly solidified and soon gunpowder firearms, superior iron, spices, books and Christianity and even European style ships were soon flowing into the land of the rising sun. Japanese trade goods were soon also available in the markets of Europe.

Some Europeans were even granted Samurai status by the Imperial government, while some even attained lands in Japan proper. Usually fiefdoms in the Miura peninsula south of the capital of Edo. Japan soon became an important center of trade for the expanding Portuguese colonial empire in Asia. With huge amounts of money being made selling arms and technology to the Diamyo which quickly caused widespread instability in the empire. Being a contributing factor in the civil war that would see the Tokugawa Shogunate come to power in the year 1600.

A group of Portuguese (Nanban in Japanese) in Japan. Circa 1600​

It was through the Portuguese trade with Imperial Japan that Europeans first heard stories of Alyska. Often heavily embellished by the time they reached the continent proper these tales were enough to pique the interest of many to visit this strange land which was claimed to be home to wondrous spectacles, fantastic beasts and abundant resources.

In the late sixteenth century a few claimed to have sailed to this land aboard Japanese fishing vessels. Their accounts of elves, dragons and armies of giants are obviously false and not so subtle in hinting that their adventures were purely made up. By edict of the Emperor (Ruling Shogun) no foreigners were allowed to step foot in Alyska under penalty of death. And this claim was rigorously enforced.

Proper European contact with Alyska would only come in 1626 when the Dutch East India Company vessel Hoogvlieger made port in Umiyoshima. Although the ship was turned back by panicked city officials her crew told of tales of a fantastic city, the rival of any in Europe when they arrived back in Dutch waters. Leading to increased interest in this land by the East India Company. Which was then looking for new markets to expand into free of competition from Spanish, Portuguese, and increasingly, British merchant ships. Alyska seemed like as good a place as any to expand into. However the continued resistance of the Shogun to allow foreign vessels into Alyska harbors (or indeed to any harbor outside of Dejima) meant that this plan had to be more or less abandoned by 1640.

Eastern keep of the city of Friedericksburg, old Umiyoshima. This impressive structure, recently completed in 1619, would have been the castle glimpsed by the Dutch as they entered the cities harbor in 1626.​

Rebellion​

As the century continued to tick on by the clans in Alyska grew increasingly discontent with the tight Tokugawa control over their lands. High taxes, limits on the size of Samurai retinues and intense governemnt oversight all led to serious animosity to develop for the Imperial government in both the merchant and noble classes of Alyskan cities. This would spark into the Tobu rebellion.
In 1663 a group of clans staged a mass revolt against the Tokugawa governors. Killing them and a large part of their garrison in a siege of the city of Gureshima. The revolt spread in the next year until most of the land was under clan rule. Large armies of Samurai and conscripted peasants were raised to combat the Shogun army which they knew would be arriving.

And arrive it did in 1666 with a force of around forty thousand men disembarking from over a hundred ships hastily raised for the operation. Marching from the city of Dejioshima northwards the two forces clashed outside of Tokyomini first. Leading to the withdrawal of the rebel army to the citadel of Umiyoshima and the year long siege of the city from 1666-67.
Without any avenue of escape open the rebel force stormed the Shoguns forces. Achieving a surpising victory over the veteran crack troops of the Imperial center and routing the flanks of the army. Causing its disorganized retreat. Over the next few months elements of the army were tracked down and slaughtered by self proclaimed Azuma no Oji (prince of the east) Ori Kokyotamasa and his army. Afterwards the prince sent what few men were still alive of the Shoguns forces back to Japan with an envoy of his own.

The news of the defeat of his army sent Shogun Ietsuna into a shock. Which was made all the worse when Ori`s messenger delivered the terms of his master. They stated that Alyska was now under the direct rule of the emperor (Clans themselves) and not the Shogun. No imperial troops, tax collectors or governors were to be sent to the lands again. Other terms were listed. Such as the fishing fleet was to be placed under the control of Ori and the ships captured by his forces were to be gifted to the prince as a sign of goodwill. Giving him a powerful navy. Ietsuna reluctantly agreed and the briefly lived Kokyotami shogunate was born.

The newly legitimized Ori opened Alyska to Europeans when he contacted the Dutch merchants in Dejima with a request for guns, ammunition and new ships. An offer the governor of the city readily accepted. Sending three ships laden with the requested good eastwards as quickly as he could. They landed in Umiyoshima and were gifted to the overjoyed Ori as a sign of friendship. Formal trade deals followed with guns, ships, swords and spices, primarily sugar, being traded for Alyskan fur, whale oil, spices and leasing rights on the island of Kabenoshima, and island just south of Umiyoshima.

Following Ori`s death in 1678 and subsequent power struggle Ietsuna reestablished his control over the region with a second invasion. Decimating the local clans and forcing them into submission. Killing many clan elders and replacing them and their families with his own relatives. Taxation and Japanese garrisons were reintroduced by his death in 1680. However the Dutch were allowed to remain. Provided they stopped distributing weapons to the Alyskans. Terms which the Dutch agreed to. But never followed all that closely.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Williamstad​

The small island of Kabenoshima, roughly five kilometers square, quickly turned into a massive trade outpost. With goods flowing in and out of the city aboard dozens of Dutch and Japanese merchant ships. Formed in 1668 the settlement known as fort Beer (Bear) quickly expanded in both area and population. By 1680 boasting nearly a thousand men and women. Large warehouses, elaborate mansions and several large protestant churches.

Kabenoshima was a gold mine. The exotic spices, teas and other goods which came out of the city could be found nowhere else. Allowing the VOC to completely control the market, and price, for the goods. This cash flow was vital during the period due to the nearly constant clashes between English and Dutch India companies in the period over control of the spice and tea trade.
The only issue to the Dutch merchants had in Kabenoshima was that the only way to get ahold of the sought after goods of Alyska was to buy them from the city officials of Umiyoshima. Which charged what the Dutch viewed as exorbitant prices. Which increased the cost of the goods and drove profits down.

With this in mind the Dutch governor of fort Beer sent out a number of small ships from 1681-84 to chart the coastline of the region roughly thirty days south of the city. He hoped to get beyond areas settled by the Japanese and find a location suitable for the establishment of a VOC settlement on the mainland. All this was done in secret and under the noses of the Japanese port authorities. Exploration of the region being expressly forbidden in the treaty allowing the Dutch to settle on Kabenoshima.

By 1684 these expeditions had yielded results, a large natural harbor being found with room enough for a hundred ships, a large river and fertile delta well suited for farming. Vast forest surrounding the bay on all sides. And easily defensible locations at the mouth of the harbor. And hills surrounding it. A dispatch was sent away on the next indiaman out of the city for the VOC chairman back in Amsterdam.
After a lengthy debate the VOC approved the establishment of a large colony that could easily provide for its own defense, grow its own food, support its population and expand it, as well as grow the lucrative Alyskan crops. Notably Majubi and Usagami. Though Yellow and blue tea were also intended to be grown.

Due to the complexity and risk involved the company spent several years planning and gathering the men and resources necessary to establish a colony. Only sending out a convoy of three vessels in 1692. Which arrived at the site the following spring. Naming the site Williamstad they set to work building a small fort and establishing farms. Further ships from the Netherlands would arrive over the following years. Bringing even more settlers and more materials.

 

[Count of Crisco]

1271
Kublai Khan, Grandson of Genghis Khan, is crowned head of Mongol empire.
1283
Colony city of Aguu Khan Khot (City of the great Khan) is founded in what would become Oranje bay on what was then known as Gazar Doorkh Gazar (Land across the waters)
1294
Kublai Khan dies and is replaced by his son Temür Khan as great Khan. One of his first acts is to abandon the colony of Aguu Khan Khot in an effort to curb the finances of the empire.
1299
Final merchant ship travels to the colony.A few colonists go back with the ship but most remain in the colony.
1300-1310
Poor harvest, frigid winters and disease all take their toll on the colony.
1311
The settlement is abandoned and the colonists disperse over the next few years into the native tribes where they assimilate and pass on some tech onto the natives. Such as metal working and agriculture.
1315
Rumors begin to circulate in Japanese and east Asian cities that Kublai Khan had a far away city which was the source of his vast wealth.
1345
Based on the rumors a number of expeditions were launched in an attempt to find the source of the Khans wealth. They are all unsuccessful and come back empty. However a number of the voyagers did notice that the land had massive fish stocks. Which over the following years are exploited in the establishment of a number of settlements and a large fishing fleet being established.
1364
The first settlement is established in what would become in time the city of Umiyoshima. Following quickly a large number of settlements are established along the coast and rivers and streams. These settlements grew and expanded gradually into large city states which were quite rough places with a reputation for lawlessness and elicit activity.
1375
Age of warlords begins as settlements of Alyska are taken over by bands of disgraced Samurai known as Ronin. Upheaval caused by their conquest leads to many fleeing Alyska and heading for Japan. Where they beg for help in ousting the warlords.
1430
An invasion of Alyska is launched from Japan with the intention of ousting the Ronin warlords. Largely successful many of the Ronin are deposed and their lands given to the Diamyo nobility. The new rulers of the city swear allegiance to the emperor and Alyska is officially brought into the Japanese empire by the edict of Kyoto.
1467
Many people are exiled to Alyska as the Ashikaga Shogunate attempted to bring all of Japan under its control during the Onin war. For the most part those exiled are those unlikely to threaten the stability of the regime but still those unwilling to swear allegiance to the Shogun.
1486
The Senso war begins in Alyska as a number of Diamyo exiled to Alyska revolt against the Shogun back in Japan. The Alyskan Diamyo formed a coalition and revolt. However in 1490 the shogun attacked with a large fleet in an attempt to awe the Diamyo of the region. The Shoguns fleet is sunk during the battle of Yukasabi and Alyska assumes self rule. Though still swearing fealty to the Emperor the authority of the Shogun is refused.
1492
Christopher Columbus sets foot in the new world. Many hundreds of thousands of Europeans follow. Exploring the new world, settling colonies and wiping out the natives over the next centuries.
1528
Incan empire becomes a vassal of the Spanish crown, agreeing to adopt Christianity and pay annual tribute to the Spanish in exchange for near total autonomy. Over time the empire modernizes and adopts more and more European customs and traditions. Abandoning some of their own beliefs and traditions in the process.
1547
Portuguese traders land in Japan. Ushering in a new era of European influence and trade with the broader world for the traditionally isolated Japanese empire. As trade with the empire grew Portuguese merchants began to hear heavily embellished tales of Alyska. Often telling of a land of giants, ice bears and abundant gold. Leading to the first European interest in the area.
1587
During Japans warring states period a massive invasion fleet is launched which roflstomp the alliance of Diamyo which by this point had begun to fracture. The new leadership of Alyska, now loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate assume control.
1626
The Dutch trading ship Hoogvlieger makes port in the city of Umiyoshima. She returns with tales of a large and well developed city with evident prosperity.
1663
The Tobu rebellion kicks off with the siege of Gureshima which sees most of the Tokugawa officials killed or sent back to Japan. Afterwards large armies were raised to defeat the Shogun army when it returned. Which it did in 1666, being dealt a serious blow by the forces of self declared shogun Azuma no Oji. Who then forced the reigning Tokugawa shogun Ietsuna to allow Alyska to run its own affairs.
1667
Azuma shogunate begins its rule.
1668
Dutch merchants are permitted to enter Alyska through the island trade outpost of Kabenoshima. Selling European goods in exchange for Alyskan foods, spices, teas and oil from the whaling industry.
1678
Ori dies and the Tokugawa return to Alyska. Reestablishing their rule by 1680, though they allow the Dutch to remain with some stipulations.
1681-84
Dutch ships explore the coasts to the south of Japanese settlements. Eventually finding a suitable sight for the establishment of a colony.
1692
Williamstad is established in a large natural harbor. The site will grow over the next decade to become a major sight for the production of native Alyskan crops which are then sold for a hefty profit in European cities all over the continent. Large numbers of Dutch settlers are brought in to allow the colony to have an independent population that will be able to provide its own defense in the event of a Japanese or native attack on them. A large fort is also built to guard the settlement.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Spices​

During the middle of the fourteenth century a large number of Japanese vessels visited Alyska, known as Hinokoe'tochi (Land beyond the rising sun) in Japanese, with the intention of discovering a massive city of gold which was rumored to be one of the main sources of the wealth of the former Mongol empire. They returned home in defeat.

Later in the century the Japanese returned in fishing boats and began to ply their nets in the rich waters off the coast of what is today known as Noordelijk land. Soon settlements were established to allow the fishing fleet to remain on site all year. Eventually shipyards and warehouses were built to allow new ships to be built nearer the fishing grounds and vessels to store their catch instead of heading back for Japan each time their holds were filled. By the dawn of the fifteenth century some settlements held almost ten thousand people. Peace was brought to the region by the first invasion of Alyska in the early part of the century which deposed the warlords which had seized control over much of the country.

Up until this point the Gaikoku no Toshi (Foreign cities) derived their prosperity primarily from the fishing of Salmon, Carp, Pollock, Tuna and other species. Whaling, while important, would not become truly vital to the region until the late sixteenth century. Likewise much of the diet of the early settlers to Alyska was comprised of fish. With some grains eaten on occasion, normally brought from Japan rather than grown locally.

However as the population continued to bloom during the fifteenth century, with more and more people earning their living in professions not related to fishing, diets began to change to include more grain, meat, dairy and spices. Many of these were imported from Japan, leading to them becoming a luxury for many of the poor of the cities who could not afford the high prices.

By the start of the fifteenth century some crops were grown outside the cities. Mostly by peasants and those unable or unwilling to earn their living at sea. Domestic animals were soon also brought along such as pigs, chickens and cattle to provide meat and act as beast of burden for the farmers. Despite a limited growing season and cold winters the fertile soils of Alyska proved capable of growing a large variety of Japanese crops. Notably buckwheat which would in time become a staple for the entire region. Remaining even today more popular than wheat or barley with Alyskan farmers.

Domestication​

However many Asian spices did not grow so well in Alyska, necessitating that they be brought from Japan, making them very expensive and available only to the wealthy. As a way of getting around this a number of native plants were grown by Japanese farmers, who sold any excess crop to the cities, where it helped supplement their meager incomes. In time some traders began to sell Alyskan spices in Japan, and from their it came into the hands of Europeans.

Initially Alyskan spices had very little appeal to European merchants due to their cost, limited availability and mild flavor. However as Dutch and British companies clashed for control over spice markets the Dutch East India Company (VOC) began to push steadily eastwards in search of new spices to trade that had no British merchants to compete with. This would lead to the Dutch trading with the Tokugawa shogunate during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The VOC being the only European presence in Japan for several hundred years.

It was through Japanese merchants that the Dutch became aware of Alyska and its spices. Which were quickly bought in large numbers from Japanese ships, fetching high prices in Europe due to their unique flavor and novelty. The VOC decided to control the trade for these spices, leading to them establishing a fort on the island of Kabenoshima in 1668, and then the settlement of Williamstad in 1692.
From Williamstad farms were quickly established to allow for the farming of Alyskan crops. Over the next several years the VOC would rapidly expand its operation in Alyska with the building of new settlements, building of new factories and trade with the natives. Eventually the VOC expanded its operation beyond spices. Getting involved in the whaling and fur trades during the early part of the eighteenth century as a way of competing with the British. Which arrived after the Dutch in 1711, founding port Ann on the island of Shtutland.

Uses​

Today Alyskan spices remain popular ingredients to many Dutch and English dishes, even if they never caught on outside of northern Europe. In Japan and Korea likewise various Alyskan spices have made their way into their cuisine. The industry generates around two billion dollars annually, with farms spread all around the country partaking in production of various plants. Today five or six crops dominate the Alyskan spice market. Majubi, Yellow and Red tea, Usagami and Yukon root. With Fuyu`no me, Suppai`ne and others remaining popular in Alyska itself.

Majubi and Yukon root are both derived from the roots of native plants, hardy tubers which grow in wild varieties all over the country. They each have a soft tart flavor, perfect for seasoning meats, soups and other hearty dishes. In some recipes Majubi is used similarly to ginger, being used in candies, breads and even pickled and served as a popular treat. Yukon root is the key ingredient of Dansk Cola, a popular drink throughout much of Alyska.

Pickled Mujabi sweetened with honey is a popular dish in much of Alyska today​

Usagami is derived from the bark of the bush bearing the same name. Growing only in southern regions the shavings of the plant are boiled and then dried. Producing a powder that can be used in many lighter dishes requiring a pungent and strong flavor. A small amount of the spice often suffices for all but the most intense of recipes. In past days Usagami was often used to mask the flavor of bad meat in many dishes.

A fine powder when fully processed Usagami is widely used in many dishes both inside and out of Alyska​

Red and Yellow Tea both derive from the leaves of native plants and have very similar flavors. Being somewhere between the strong taste of black or earl grey and the lighter more aromatic flavor of green tea. Red tea can be mixed with milk or cream but cannon be done with its Yellow cousin. Neither beverage has attained widespread acceptance in Europe outside of the Netherlands, though it remains very popular in Japan and Korea where is is served alongside green tea in many cases.

Though not popular outside of Alyska Red tea is a commonly consumed morning beverage in Alyska and a staple for many. Surpassing even coffee for many people as a morning pickmeup.​

 

[Count of Crisco]

Consolodation​

By the end of 1693 the settlement of Williamstad was mostly complete, homes, streets, armory and warehouses had been built inside a wooden stockade some three hundred meters in diameter. A small harvest of majubi had also been harvested during the fall which resulted in a meager return for the VOC which promised to increase with time. Much of that winter was spent by the settlers on improving their settlement. Notably expanding the area covered by the stockade significantly by some dozens of meters. Building of a battery of artillery which could cover most of the bay, now named Amerika Baai. And the construction of an improved gatehouse to serve as the entrance into the town. More land was also cleared for additional fields and future houses.

The VOC did not leave its newest outpost to its own devices and sent during the winter a series of vessels laden with further settlers and equipment that would prove helpful to the settlement. Several dozen Java and Sumatra natives were also brought along by the ships to serve as laborers and servants by the richer settlers. The ship would arrive in Amerika Baai in early March of 1644. Finding a settlement largely healthy and with few deaths despite the ravages of winter.

The new arrivals quickly meshed with those already there and soon the fields around Williamstad were filled with a second harvest of Majubi and a first harvest of Usagami was doing well. Though wheat was found to have some difficulty due to the short growing season. Necessitating the establishment of a large fishing enterprise using makeshift nets and the boats from an Indiaman in order to have food for the next winter. Even with this challenge the settlement managed to ship an impressive ten tons of spice by the end of the short Alyskan growing season. Fetching the VOC a very healthy sum which went a long way towards paying the expense of establishing a colony. Plans were also made by the governor of Williamstad, Peter van Creister, to learn what crops the Japanese grew instead of wheat to be planted the following spring.

Illustration of Williamstad about 1697.​

British Jealousy
​

The English East India Company was initially unaware of the Dutch settlement at Kabenoshima, however as new and exotic spices began to reach European markets aboard Dutch ships they quickly grew suspicious. Spies were sent out which soon found the source for the new products to be a distant land known as Alyska. And that the Dutch were trading with the Japanese, who controlled its source, for them. However the supposed distance from the Indies meant that the EIC made no effort to find the source for themselves. Contenting themselves with purchasing large quantities of the spice from the Dutch for sale in England and the American colonies.

In 1695 the English learned of the precise location of Alyska from a Dutch sailor. He agreed to guide a ship to the land. An expedition was hastily arranged and the Dutch sailor, Johanne Markweis, acting as second Lieutenant of the brig Constance which departed Portsmouth for Alyska in August of 1695. Over the next eleven months the ship would sail around the Dutch East Indies before making a final push through the Pacific for Alyska. Which they reached half starved on the third of July 1696. The area was surveyed, position taken, and some local plants and animals collected before Constance departed the area on the nineteenth of August. The ship would circumnavigate the Americas and arrive back in Portsmouth in May of 1687.

The British quickly put their plans for the establishment of a colony of their own into motion. Organizing a few hundred settlers, mostly convicts, and a number of ships during the next few months. The whole endeavor being placed under the command of Richard Harrison, a former Naval Lieutenant hailing from the American colony of New York who had for many years served as captain of a number of East Indiamen. His leadership would prove crucial in the survival of the colony in its early years.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Struggles​

Settlers arrived in north America in the spring of 1697. Naming their settlement port Mary after the then Queen of England the English immediately came into trouble with the natives when a sentry fired upon a group of men approaching the settlement. Fighting then broke out between the two groups over the next few weeks, seeing a dozen English and an unknown number of native deaths and many injuries. The violence only ended with the Danish tagalong Ernst Rykers bringing the two parties together to come to an understanding. The English were allowed a small area along the coast to settle, and the native tribe (Either the Salish or Nuu-Chah-Nulth) given some firearms, blankets and the like.

Matters turned for the better soon however with the climate and soil of Stuttland (What the island initially called King Williams Land came to be known) proved much better suited to agriculture than the more northern latitudes of Williamstad. The first summers harvest produced enough grain for the year with some left over. Fishing and hunting in the surrounding area also gained a serious amount of meat and fur.
Things did not stay this way for long however, as a fire broke out in the settlement which killed twenty one people and destroyed most of the grain stores of the colony. As well as burning many houses and much of the stockade guarding the settlement to the ground right before winter set in. Things became all the worse when much of Port Mary caught dysentery. A further thirteen would be killed during the winter from both the dysentery and starvation before the spring thaw.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Reaction​

With the Dutch and British settlements growing their own spices and turning a profit for themselves the Japanese sale of spices to the Europeans began to decline noticeably. Initially the governor of Hinokoe'tochi, or Japanese Alyska, thought the sudden decline in spice sales was the result of a change in European interest towards other crops. He even approached Dutch merchants in Kabenoshima and offered them lower prices for Usagami and other spices. Only to be refused.

It was not until the early eighteenth century that the Japanese discovered the British and Dutch settlements to their south. And only then after the news had been told to them from a Dutch merchant who became drunk during a party. A party was hastily assembled to find the exact location of the settlement in June of 1703. Returning home saying that the Dutch had built a large settlement with many fields and strong walls (by this point it is likely that some of Williamstad`s walls had been rebuilt with stone) many people were seen within and without.

This enraged the governor of Umiyoshima who ordered the Dutch to abandon their settlement, as it lay in Japanese territory. A force was also assembled to attack the British settlement farther to the south consisting of a number of Samurai and conscripted infantry. The force even featured a sizable cavalry contingent and field artillery using cannon purchased from Dutch merchants.

The Dutch refused and Kabenoshima was placed under siege with many of the guns planned for the attack on Port Anne diverted to fire on the battlements of the Dutch enclave. However the fort guarding the island mounted guns of its own which were used with devastating effect against the Japanese. Similarly the lack of a Japanese naval presence allowed Dutch ships to sail at will in and out of the harbor. Allowing for resupply and reinforcement to come and go on a regular basis.

The Japanese army marched south slowly during the summer, Wintering near the current site of the city of Wintrand during the winter of 1703-04. Meanwhile the settlers in Williamstad, warned of the approaching Japanese by a ship from Kabenoshima began preparations to face the Japanese during the spring. The British were also warned, though port Anne was still in the grips of plague and unable to raise any serious defense.

A Samurai army besieging a castle. Men such as these would have comrprised the forces that attacked the Dutch and British settlements in north America.​

 

[Count of Crisco]

Campaign​

Following the end of the winter of 1704 the Japanese army, likely numbering some two to three thousand men, under the command of Kaiygo Mutkoguma resumed its march to the south. Shadowed by VOC ships who kept both Williamstad and Kabenoshima aware of the Japanese movements. This allowed Williamstad to carefully prepare its own defenses with the walls strengthened, number of gun batteries guarding the settlement increased to four, and militia raised and trained. A warning was even issued to Port Mary of the impending Japanese invasion.

However even with these precautions and steps taken the Dutch were still at a decided disadvantage. With their forces comprised mostly of sailors and farmers with a limited stock of ammunition, especially for the ten field guns guarding the town which had at most ten rounds each. The lack of experience of the militia was also a sharp disadvantage compared to the seasoned troops which comprised the Japanese force.

Portrait of the general Kiagyo Mutkoguma circa 1690. Courtesy of the Posadka national museum.​

Once Kaiygo had come within fifty kilometers of Williamstad his forces began to be harassed by parties of Dutch militia and sailors who used ships to land troops behind his line and attack his rear. Causing significant losses to his baggage train, and a sharp decline in morale. The attackers never stayed long enough for the bulk of the Japanese force to be brought to bear and outnumber them. Retreating at the sound of shouting and horses. As the Japanese marched ever closer to Williamstad the number of attacks increased and losses mounted.
Regardless of these setbacks the Japanese reached the gates of Williamstad on the third of June 1704 and immediately encircled the town. Cutting it off from all hopes of reinforcement and burning the fields. Kaiygo sent an envoy into the town informing its inhabitants that they could live. If they agreed to leave Alyska and never come back. The Dutch responded by sending the envoy back out and letting loose a barrage of cannon fire into the massed front line of the Japanese army. Killing and wounding many. A Japanese attack on the gate was also thwarted with high losses before nightfall.

After several further days of pointless attacks and exhausting fighting the two sides settled in for a long siege. With the three thousand Dutch settlers huddled in their walls while outside the Japanese built a wall of their own around the town before constructing a fort of their own. Over the next month an additional six hundred Japanese troops reinforced Kaiygo`s army, replacing his killed and wounded. No major fighting took place during this time.

Stalemate
​

Over the next three weeks the two sides exchanged sporadic musket and cannon fire. However a lack of powder on both sides kept the fighting limited mostly to brief skirmishes beyond the walls and along the edges of the fort. Casualties remained fairly light on the whole during the period because of this. However rapidly diminishing food supplies on the Dutch side would soon force a move.
With supplies rapidly diminishing the Dutch militia attempted a bold attack through the gates on the 26th of June at two in the morning. Catching the Japanese sentries on duty by surprise and quickly overrunning the Japanese camp, sending fleeing men and animals in all directions. It would be a day before Kaiygo managed to bring his forces back together and move back into his camp, finding his supply train captures, horses slaughtered and structures burnt.

With the tables turned and the Japanese now being the side lacking food Kaiygo was forced into making a final attempt to storm the town. A huge push was made with most of his forces taking part in the front line. This left the general with very few reinforcements to back up or bolster his line, but had the advantage that he had more men in the initial attack.

Beginning on the morning of the 1st of July Kaigyo`s charge at it became known was a disaster. The by this time well seasoned Dutch troops easily fighting off the Japanese attack and then sallying out beyond the walls to hit the retreating Japanese rear. Which quickly fell into disarray and chaos. This time the Dutch did not allow the Japanese to regroup and small detachments of Japanese troops were caught and dismembered by the militia. It was during this period that it is believed that Kaiygo was killed, likely in a small skirmish in the woods some miles from Williamstad.