There is something worse than no feedback; when people stop by and only complain. The maps are nice.
Janszoon, A Dutch Australia TL
- Thread starter islander
- Start date
There is something worse than no feedback; when people stop by and only complain. The maps are nice.
Just north of Java, 1947
The great ship turned silently, all of the on-board lights had been dimmed. It didn't stand out, black on black. Waiting. Watching. lights appeared on the horizon, soon morphing into the distinctive shape: Conning towers, flat top, even from this distance aircraft could be seen outlined in the ship's lights. The great ship Tasman was a predator, a new breed of warship, radar, unguided rockets and torpedo's, a thin and long vessel, designed to resist attacks from the air as much as from other ocean goers. The carrier was blissfully unaware of this predator. She was escorting a transport fleet, supplying the front in Java. Routine mission, little danger, all enemy assets were focused on the landings in Suma according to high command. The Tasman readied herself, her guns were slowly turned into position, perfectly lubricated brackets and engines buried deep within the ship ensured they remained quite. The Carrier lacked a Radar system, the 15 year embargo with the west had deprived its owners of this fantastic technology, their sets were primitive and expensive, though the carrier was one of the last not to be equipped. The captain of the Tasman was a patient man, a smart man, this would be the action that immortalised him. The guns were in position, all torpedoes and rockets were primed for launch, even AA batteries were aimed at the the carrier and the small armada trailing it, they were that close. The Captain screamed to fire. and all hell broke loose.
Admiral Tongkwu was falling, fire was everywhere, glass, metal, bones and kerosene flew in every direction, the carrier flipped quickly, his tower was hit and he was thrown, over the burning, already listing flight deck, the last thing he saw as his vision faded to blackness, was a great red sun, still fluttering over what remained of his tower. It was burning.
The great ship turned silently, all of the on-board lights had been dimmed. It didn't stand out, black on black. Waiting. Watching. lights appeared on the horizon, soon morphing into the distinctive shape: Conning towers, flat top, even from this distance aircraft could be seen outlined in the ship's lights. The great ship Tasman was a predator, a new breed of warship, radar, unguided rockets and torpedo's, a thin and long vessel, designed to resist attacks from the air as much as from other ocean goers. The carrier was blissfully unaware of this predator. She was escorting a transport fleet, supplying the front in Java. Routine mission, little danger, all enemy assets were focused on the landings in Suma according to high command. The Tasman readied herself, her guns were slowly turned into position, perfectly lubricated brackets and engines buried deep within the ship ensured they remained quite. The Carrier lacked a Radar system, the 15 year embargo with the west had deprived its owners of this fantastic technology, their sets were primitive and expensive, though the carrier was one of the last not to be equipped. The captain of the Tasman was a patient man, a smart man, this would be the action that immortalised him. The guns were in position, all torpedoes and rockets were primed for launch, even AA batteries were aimed at the the carrier and the small armada trailing it, they were that close. The Captain screamed to fire. and all hell broke loose.
Admiral Tongkwu was falling, fire was everywhere, glass, metal, bones and kerosene flew in every direction, the carrier flipped quickly, his tower was hit and he was thrown, over the burning, already listing flight deck, the last thing he saw as his vision faded to blackness, was a great red sun, still fluttering over what remained of his tower. It was burning.
I suspect that this can't be right.
Google satellite view seems to confirm my guess that this is not an estuary of choice.
http://www.fishbermi.com/where2fish.htm says-
'Bega River is also prone to long periods of being landlocked- therefore no tidal influences."
But it seems that the river has changed significantly since white settlement-
http://serc.carleton.edu/vignettes/collection/34756.html
One of your earlier map shows Abel as being just above the point of the NSW/Vic border, apparently on Twofold Bay which is far more suitable for settlement.
An additional point - exploring inland from Twofold Bay would be very difficult for early settlers.
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it is located on the estuary of the Bega river, it is fading quickly in significance, much like Plymouth isn't that significant in the USA. The woody hills around the area are not impenetrable but are tough. Significant settlement is happening around Union and the OTL Murray river and Boer bay. The Dutch as the masters of aqua-engineering have managed to open up the Bega river in a more significant way.
basically the Ottoman empire manages to seal off north Africa, and consequently shuts down a decent part of the ivory trade. Pragmatic Danish leadership results in them opening up their old colonies in search of ivory, which they find, get rich, and colonise more, see Platahagen. They are mainly on the coast, but nobody disputes their claims as the land is so worthless.
Casual Development 1740-1750
A hot and dusty place, filled with people who do not speak correctly - chairman Of the VOC 1749
The economic centre of gravity has shifted across Janszoon many times. First it was Dieman, as it had a most agreeable climate and a high population density. Then Union took centre stage because of its good harbour and access to the gold of the interior. Then Boer and Bakker bay took the spotlight because of their food resource's, which were of critical importance to the swelling northern gold fields, which cannot sustain themselves agriculturally. Then finally it was Contrapondia, as many educated and skilled Frenchmen arrived there during the turmoil in their country, only to be received with more turmoil when they arrived at their destination.
Now the centre has shifted again, during the rebellion immigrants were encouraged to go settle on the Angelina river, as they would be able to cultivate their own food, not burdening Zuyderzee with any more pressure, as it had to supply the whole millita with food. In 1740 the town of Angelhaven was the fastest growing in Janszoon, and the Angelina river was becoming an agricultural powerhouse. A green line of farms extended 10 miles from each bank, running from the town of Angelhaven to the sea. grain was moved down the river in barges, and sent east to Contrapondia, as agricultural production was harmed in the revolt, ( it would reach pre revolt levels in 1745), or shipped north to support the tropical colonization efforts.
The Northern raads of Janszoon were the least populated and least profitable, that was until they inherited half of the Dutch east Indies, there is Dutch settlement along the south coast of Papua, natives are treated with customary PSC 'kindness' and soon begin a retreat into the mountains. Other spice islands begin to receive Dutch settlements, though Papua at the moment is being colonized the hardest, with 12,000 Dutch living in various forts and towns along the south coat, growing spices and sugar.
Contrapondia was rebuilt after the war, the PSC had sunk serious investments into the region and gold discoveries had made it one of the most important on the continent. By 1748 the economic output of the region had surpassed its pre war hight, boosted by high immigration to the rebuild towns of New Paris and Heldstad, both much more liveable and spacious than their destroyed predecessors. A distinct form of art developed during the war, called (by contemporary critics and experts) Janszoonian desolationism, the painting of desert vista's, or of vast plains. (Some of the earliest examples of desolationism have sold for millions of Janszoon Dollars).
The PSC population, though it took a dip because of the war, grew fast across the decade, union was truly a city, with wide boulevards and contemporary architecture. It has been given a nickname by its inhabitants: the red city, as bricks build out of Janszoonian sand are stained red, as such, most buildings in union have a reddish hint.
It was a dark night, a cold night. The fires of union had dimmed and the city was sleeping. A figure emerged from a door. He gestured to me to come in, I was sweating, despite the cold, fear, I felt fear. I was lead into a warm, well lit room under the building, a map of union on one wall and a painting of the great desert on the other. A few skewers of Springenkonijn were heating over a small stove. I was gestured to sit around a large table at which a dozen other men were placed. Welcome ! - said a man who had just confidently strode into the room. - Welcome to the meeting of the Purple order. You have all shown qualities that most do not have, a yearning for something greater, and the belief that all men are born free and equal. (there was a murmur of approval at the table). We men have a duty to our not enlightened brothers and sisters, who are spread across this vast land, A duty to show them the light, and to light the fires of inspiration in their hearts. as such this movement is small and quite, you all hold positions of influence within this society, you shall educate your children to think as you do, you shall teach your trusted friends how to yearn for something. This will not happen in our lifetimes. But a man who plants a beautiful tree can leave this life knowing that his children and their children can awe at it! I am Sven Nassau. (son of Karl Nassau, spiritual leader of the order of purple) We can build a new Athens on our soil. At this point he pulled out a velvet purple banner from his pocket, and proclaimed it the symbol of Janszoonian independence from the PSC and their Dutch overlords. I was taken aback by this, but i was also ready to be part of something greater, as Janszoon and her people could be part of something greater. - Henri Bander, Artist and part owner of a shipbuilding establishment. Quote from his dairy, recently sold as Purple and orange. (no1 best-seller for 3 weeks). the Purple comes from the two things that will allow the order to triumph, the Red blood of dedicated men, and the blue of the oceans that separates them from their oppressors.
A hot and dusty place, filled with people who do not speak correctly - chairman Of the VOC 1749
The economic centre of gravity has shifted across Janszoon many times. First it was Dieman, as it had a most agreeable climate and a high population density. Then Union took centre stage because of its good harbour and access to the gold of the interior. Then Boer and Bakker bay took the spotlight because of their food resource's, which were of critical importance to the swelling northern gold fields, which cannot sustain themselves agriculturally. Then finally it was Contrapondia, as many educated and skilled Frenchmen arrived there during the turmoil in their country, only to be received with more turmoil when they arrived at their destination.
Now the centre has shifted again, during the rebellion immigrants were encouraged to go settle on the Angelina river, as they would be able to cultivate their own food, not burdening Zuyderzee with any more pressure, as it had to supply the whole millita with food. In 1740 the town of Angelhaven was the fastest growing in Janszoon, and the Angelina river was becoming an agricultural powerhouse. A green line of farms extended 10 miles from each bank, running from the town of Angelhaven to the sea. grain was moved down the river in barges, and sent east to Contrapondia, as agricultural production was harmed in the revolt, ( it would reach pre revolt levels in 1745), or shipped north to support the tropical colonization efforts.
The Northern raads of Janszoon were the least populated and least profitable, that was until they inherited half of the Dutch east Indies, there is Dutch settlement along the south coast of Papua, natives are treated with customary PSC 'kindness' and soon begin a retreat into the mountains. Other spice islands begin to receive Dutch settlements, though Papua at the moment is being colonized the hardest, with 12,000 Dutch living in various forts and towns along the south coat, growing spices and sugar.
Contrapondia was rebuilt after the war, the PSC had sunk serious investments into the region and gold discoveries had made it one of the most important on the continent. By 1748 the economic output of the region had surpassed its pre war hight, boosted by high immigration to the rebuild towns of New Paris and Heldstad, both much more liveable and spacious than their destroyed predecessors. A distinct form of art developed during the war, called (by contemporary critics and experts) Janszoonian desolationism, the painting of desert vista's, or of vast plains. (Some of the earliest examples of desolationism have sold for millions of Janszoon Dollars).
The PSC population, though it took a dip because of the war, grew fast across the decade, union was truly a city, with wide boulevards and contemporary architecture. It has been given a nickname by its inhabitants: the red city, as bricks build out of Janszoonian sand are stained red, as such, most buildings in union have a reddish hint.
It was a dark night, a cold night. The fires of union had dimmed and the city was sleeping. A figure emerged from a door. He gestured to me to come in, I was sweating, despite the cold, fear, I felt fear. I was lead into a warm, well lit room under the building, a map of union on one wall and a painting of the great desert on the other. A few skewers of Springenkonijn were heating over a small stove. I was gestured to sit around a large table at which a dozen other men were placed. Welcome ! - said a man who had just confidently strode into the room. - Welcome to the meeting of the Purple order. You have all shown qualities that most do not have, a yearning for something greater, and the belief that all men are born free and equal. (there was a murmur of approval at the table). We men have a duty to our not enlightened brothers and sisters, who are spread across this vast land, A duty to show them the light, and to light the fires of inspiration in their hearts. as such this movement is small and quite, you all hold positions of influence within this society, you shall educate your children to think as you do, you shall teach your trusted friends how to yearn for something. This will not happen in our lifetimes. But a man who plants a beautiful tree can leave this life knowing that his children and their children can awe at it! I am Sven Nassau. (son of Karl Nassau, spiritual leader of the order of purple) We can build a new Athens on our soil. At this point he pulled out a velvet purple banner from his pocket, and proclaimed it the symbol of Janszoonian independence from the PSC and their Dutch overlords. I was taken aback by this, but i was also ready to be part of something greater, as Janszoon and her people could be part of something greater. - Henri Bander, Artist and part owner of a shipbuilding establishment. Quote from his dairy, recently sold as Purple and orange. (no1 best-seller for 3 weeks). the Purple comes from the two things that will allow the order to triumph, the Red blood of dedicated men, and the blue of the oceans that separates them from their oppressors.
I'm curious as to the buttlerflies that have caused such a drastically different Americas in TTL - not that I object to a more powerful Denmark mind you, but I'd love to hear more about it!
Also, why British North America is so... differently designed? I assume the lack/loss of New Amsterdam played out differently?
Also, why British North America is so... differently designed? I assume the lack/loss of New Amsterdam played out differently?
Cool - but then does Virginia ITTL not include 90% of what the Commonwealth of Virginia included OTL?
And Now some more future.
Batavia 2050.
After Silently cruising across Java the mayor's train entered yet another tunnel. Thud!, as clamps closed around the train and the pressure equalised around the sealed cabin. A she picked up her bags the mayor set her translation to Javanese, and quickly left the underground station, stepping out into the chaos that was Batavia .Traditional markets were overshadowed by thin glass skyscrapers and green farmscapers, inter-spaced by small winding roads, mosques and street vendors, the whole city stank of spices and cooking, as food was prepared on the street for the busy workforce, this is my kind of place thought the mayor, as her and her entourage set out on the quick walk (cars banned in the city in 2039) to the conference building; a 813 meter tall skyscraper known as the Star of Java, not as impressive as Union, she thought, but not far off. "Bonjour Mademoiselle Nassau " said a tall thin man who was ascending the steps up to the entrance of the building at the same time as her. It was Rolande Dubios, mayor of New Brest and grade-A dickhead. "what do you want Rolande, Because I am in a rush" said the mayor, mentally congratulating herself at the bluntness of her question. Rolande mocked offence before boldly stating that the trade deal was his and he was going to 'destroy any competition'. Dickhead!, she thought the mayor as he slithered away to greet some Philippine diplomat. She boarded an elevator and was wizzed up to the top floor of the building, she turned and looked out over Batavia, her eyes were drawn to one particular building, the embassy, and the vast Purple Flag that flapped lazily across the sky.
Batavia 2050.
After Silently cruising across Java the mayor's train entered yet another tunnel. Thud!, as clamps closed around the train and the pressure equalised around the sealed cabin. A she picked up her bags the mayor set her translation to Javanese, and quickly left the underground station, stepping out into the chaos that was Batavia .Traditional markets were overshadowed by thin glass skyscrapers and green farmscapers, inter-spaced by small winding roads, mosques and street vendors, the whole city stank of spices and cooking, as food was prepared on the street for the busy workforce, this is my kind of place thought the mayor, as her and her entourage set out on the quick walk (cars banned in the city in 2039) to the conference building; a 813 meter tall skyscraper known as the Star of Java, not as impressive as Union, she thought, but not far off. "Bonjour Mademoiselle Nassau " said a tall thin man who was ascending the steps up to the entrance of the building at the same time as her. It was Rolande Dubios, mayor of New Brest and grade-A dickhead. "what do you want Rolande, Because I am in a rush" said the mayor, mentally congratulating herself at the bluntness of her question. Rolande mocked offence before boldly stating that the trade deal was his and he was going to 'destroy any competition'. Dickhead!, she thought the mayor as he slithered away to greet some Philippine diplomat. She boarded an elevator and was wizzed up to the top floor of the building, she turned and looked out over Batavia, her eyes were drawn to one particular building, the embassy, and the vast Purple Flag that flapped lazily across the sky.
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The Drum beat of war. 1750-1760
That country breeds hard men, strong men and great men, the weak suffer and wither in the heat. - The PSC representative in the Netherlands; to Staadholder Henri Oranje.
There is tension in Europe, though there is always some tension in Europe, this is different. The United kingdoms and the Netherlands clash over trade power in the north sea and the channel, The Dutch and French stare at each other in the southern Netherlands, the French have now solidified their power over Walloonia which the Dutch claim. Spain and Portugal have entered a war of words over colonial boundaries in south america, and Denmark is beginning to use its ivory wealth to manoeuvre itself into a position to restore the great Kalmar union. Alliances and coalitions are being quietly formed, armies are being trained and fleets are being constructed. It was not a question of will the war happen, it is a question of who will be the winner, and when. Europe's deadliest war is coming, though, it will have to wait until next decade.
Janszoon was blissfully separated from all of this by 1000's of miles of ocean, though it had its own problems to deal with. The lack of rainfall in 1756 caused a drought in the east of the continent, which was forced to reply on Nautica and Papuan food to avert a starvation crisis. After this happened the governors of the Eastern Raads decided to begin major irrigation works around the Angel river mouth, turning an already fertile region into a breadbasket by diverting water with windmill based pumps for miles around. This process was repeated around all of Janszoons rivers, and soon Janszoon Had more windmills the the Netherlands.
Nautica and Plattsdeburgen applied to form a 3rd grand council; the Pacific council. This was agreed to appease Nautica Raad, which was fast growing and supplied grain to Eastern Janszoon after the drought. The Two island Raads were developing a distinct culture from the rest of Janszoon as the climate was less harsh and the land was better to farm. The Southern Island of Plattsdeburgen was a huge wool exporter and used the Rotterdam plain for agriculture. Their Joint council was declared in 1758. Nautican Explorers discovered an island for north of them in 1754, named as St. David (new Caledonia), A small settlement with a port was opened and it was soon added to Nautica Raad after Sandalwood trees were discovered on the island, a prized commodity.
"They were bound sir {stammers}t.they were bound and thrown into the Angel." Whilst some around the table look shaken, Sven Nassau looked angry. He sat back into his chair, carefully considering what he had to say next. He had to keep these young men calm, lest they panic and do something really stupid. He for one didn't want to end his existence tied up at the bottom of union bay. The PSC had realised the existence of the movement 3 years ago in 1753, they had declared it a pirate organisation, and anyone affiliated was to be punished as if they had committed piracy, hence the watery end for 3 men in Angelmond. They were here to discuss the latest PSC law, a blatant way of keeping the Raads firmly under their thumb. he spoke: "We are all at the mercy of the PSC, for they control the trade fleets that we need for our economy to function. To that end, they have forbade the construction of trade ships outside Union bay and Deiman. This is a power grab my friends, and they know we are too weak to stop them. Though this will set back the cause, we shall not be beaten, we will have to infiltrate the merchants and the Trade captains, so when the time comes for revolution we will be able to run out own trade missions. Leave now and begin your new mission"
That country breeds hard men, strong men and great men, the weak suffer and wither in the heat. - The PSC representative in the Netherlands; to Staadholder Henri Oranje.
There is tension in Europe, though there is always some tension in Europe, this is different. The United kingdoms and the Netherlands clash over trade power in the north sea and the channel, The Dutch and French stare at each other in the southern Netherlands, the French have now solidified their power over Walloonia which the Dutch claim. Spain and Portugal have entered a war of words over colonial boundaries in south america, and Denmark is beginning to use its ivory wealth to manoeuvre itself into a position to restore the great Kalmar union. Alliances and coalitions are being quietly formed, armies are being trained and fleets are being constructed. It was not a question of will the war happen, it is a question of who will be the winner, and when. Europe's deadliest war is coming, though, it will have to wait until next decade.
Janszoon was blissfully separated from all of this by 1000's of miles of ocean, though it had its own problems to deal with. The lack of rainfall in 1756 caused a drought in the east of the continent, which was forced to reply on Nautica and Papuan food to avert a starvation crisis. After this happened the governors of the Eastern Raads decided to begin major irrigation works around the Angel river mouth, turning an already fertile region into a breadbasket by diverting water with windmill based pumps for miles around. This process was repeated around all of Janszoons rivers, and soon Janszoon Had more windmills the the Netherlands.
Nautica and Plattsdeburgen applied to form a 3rd grand council; the Pacific council. This was agreed to appease Nautica Raad, which was fast growing and supplied grain to Eastern Janszoon after the drought. The Two island Raads were developing a distinct culture from the rest of Janszoon as the climate was less harsh and the land was better to farm. The Southern Island of Plattsdeburgen was a huge wool exporter and used the Rotterdam plain for agriculture. Their Joint council was declared in 1758. Nautican Explorers discovered an island for north of them in 1754, named as St. David (new Caledonia), A small settlement with a port was opened and it was soon added to Nautica Raad after Sandalwood trees were discovered on the island, a prized commodity.
"They were bound sir {stammers}t.they were bound and thrown into the Angel." Whilst some around the table look shaken, Sven Nassau looked angry. He sat back into his chair, carefully considering what he had to say next. He had to keep these young men calm, lest they panic and do something really stupid. He for one didn't want to end his existence tied up at the bottom of union bay. The PSC had realised the existence of the movement 3 years ago in 1753, they had declared it a pirate organisation, and anyone affiliated was to be punished as if they had committed piracy, hence the watery end for 3 men in Angelmond. They were here to discuss the latest PSC law, a blatant way of keeping the Raads firmly under their thumb. he spoke: "We are all at the mercy of the PSC, for they control the trade fleets that we need for our economy to function. To that end, they have forbade the construction of trade ships outside Union bay and Deiman. This is a power grab my friends, and they know we are too weak to stop them. Though this will set back the cause, we shall not be beaten, we will have to infiltrate the merchants and the Trade captains, so when the time comes for revolution we will be able to run out own trade missions. Leave now and begin your new mission"