The Balkan League balkan_wars.1 · dlc014
We have been offered the opportunity to become a member of the … alliance against the …. A unified army with a singular purpose may be the only means to banish them from the region once and for all.
"Gentlemen! The opportunity is nigh to grasp. This might be our only chance to retribute the grand debt of our forefathers. Let this brotherhood stand as one for countless centuries when the day of our collective triumph is here." The committee stood up and clapped. It was as if the victory had already been achieved, despite the weasels in the room.
End of an Era balkan_wars.2 · dlc014
It is done. … has finally been driven out of the …, with its former territories now belonging to their rightful owners. The Balkan League has proven to be a successful initiative.
"Mother! Mother! The bell is ringing. Let us not be late!" The little boy, dressed in newly tailored local attire, was having the most exciting day of his life. The parade that was supposed to travel to the capital was about to march through the village center. It had been a while since the news of glory reached them, but saluting their veteran heroes was a feeling like no other.
Freedom Undone balkan_wars.3 · dlc014
Thralldom has taken the place of our thirst for glory. Our subjugation by the … has ended our capacity to align with any strategic coalition.
According to local legends, there once was a supreme leader who asked his advisor to teach him a piece of wisdom worth a lifetime. "Tell me, old man. What would be the one thing you advise to a ruler with the potential to be on top of the world, and the exact opposite?"
Broken Alliance balkan_wars.4 · dlc014
With the fall of the Balkan League, there is no longer a force strong enough to make a stand for the cause. Any hope that may have existed for the reclamation of our territories has been lost.
Life succumbed to monotony once again for the fair folk of the Balkans. They seem deceived and broken for the promises made by leaders without foresight and expertise. Certainly, in a world full of imperialistic juggernauts, an alliance that is separated by borders in these savage lands is a daydream now, rather than a unifying ambition. The struggle persists, bleaker than before.
Disposable Loyalty balkan_wars.5 · dlc014
We have willingly resigned from the Balkan League. If we wish to build a solid future, showing our teeth to the … must be the least of our concerns.
A sense of mutiny was in the air when the declaration was given directly by …. It revolved around the idea that perhaps, it is wiser to stay content and not make any tempered choices to prevent grander catastrophes by pursuing delusive ambitions. The audience seemed to be more and more persuaded as the speech neared its crescendo.
Failed Ambitions balkan_wars.6 · dlc014
We have failed to achieve our goal of kicking … out of the …, but we have still retained our independence.
Mothers and wives have shed tears and lamented for piles upon piles of young dead men. They left their villages to pursue greed and blood in the name of expansionism for politicians. All that is left now are monuments and mass graves. Inanimate objects of national shame. "Hard walnut is a strange fruit, you broke it not, it broke your teeth!" —Petar II Petrović Njegoš, Gorski vijenac
Local Draftees balkan_wars.7 · dlc014
We have decided to draw a little more from the coffers. This will allow us to realize an increase in conscription for our struggle against the ….
Awestruck by standing next to a pair of professional guardsmen, the youngster took a deep breath before entering the hall. It has been hours of waiting in line since the early hours of the day, just to receive a uniform. One that will probably not fit anyway, calling for the tradition of a recruit's first trade. This is usually when you meet your first comrade before turning into a detail among hordes of men.
A Student of Strategy balkan_wars.8 · dlc014
Our general, …, has been sent abroad to exchange knowledge and experience with peers as part of our military research funding.
Well protected, on an express with a band of commanding officers, the man in charge was taking in the beautiful scenery. The soothing change of pace from all the usual formalities made him discover what life is all about once more. Despite the shaking table, he proceeded to ink his pen. There was still a pile of reports to finish.
Caught in the Middle balkan_wars.9 · dlc014
…, aided by locals, has been driving … people out of their homes in …. This may easily turn into bloodshed if unchecked.
Neighbors of old are actively seeking opportunities to target unguarded Turks at every turn. In the absence of the …'s forces, vulnerable communities are enduring daily harassment and hostility. Escalating tensions have led to the alarming disappearance of several family members in certain villages, with authorities showing blatant indifference. Predictably, some officials are even complicit in these raids.
Surplus Management balkan_wars.10 · dlc014
There has been a surplus from this year's fund expenses in …, and the administrators are asking where to funnel it.
Amidst the chaos, it would've been rather easy to make a 'mistake' on the accounting reports. Despite the temptations, that did not seem to be the case. This is a clear sign of nationalistic ambition towards a common goal and a show of true character. The people who are involved with the movement of capital take the biggest risk against themselves. Nations arise on the shoulders of such individuals who do not stray from the straight path of truthfulness.
Chaos in the Balkans balkan_wars.11 · dlc014
An alliance of our former subjects in the …, the Balkan League has officially declared to rise against us. If they win the upcoming war, we will lose all our lands in the region and new nations will be formed.
The old imam turned around to face believers on the steps of the minbar, and started delivering the khutbah. "O believers! Know that this day, as in the days of our forefathers, the Ottoman Sultan, the shadow of God on Earth, commands us to rise in defense of our faith, our lands, and our honor. This war is not merely a conflict of men, it is a test from the Almighty, a struggle in the path of truth against tyranny and oppression!"
The War Begins balkan_wars.12 · dlc014
On behalf of all Balkan League members, … has officially announced a preparation of war to reclaim all … lands in the ….
Guarded by a handful of mercenaries, the bellman's proclamation was received with mixed feelings among the villagers of all walks of life. "Hear ye, children of …! By the explicit order of the honorable … …, our army is preparing for a sacred campaign against a common enemy. Let it be known to all; in the following months, brave new men of these lands shall be recruited, maybe to fight one last time to cleanse what used to be our villages, towns, cities, meadows, mountains and claim what is ours by right..."
The Cataclysm balkan_wars.13 · dlc014
We have lost all lands in the … after a successful campaign led by …. Having fulfilled its purpose, the Balkan League is no more, and new nations have sprouted from its ashes.
"We had struck a slap across the face of truth, We had stood defiant against the rule of conscience. We had built a bridge over the flames of Hell, The craven’s bridge—swept away by the flood. Hey, Rıza! This spilled blood was ours... The beloved, now a servant to foes, was ours... The land of Rum!... That cherished homeland was ours— But we deemed it unworthy, and another claimed it." —Rıza Tevfik, "For Rumeli"
Rumors of a Balkan League balkan_wars.14 · dlc014
Our spies have learned that several nations, all old … subjects, have formed an alliance. If one were to support our independence, we could join their upcoming war.
"But uncle, they're a different people, wanting their own lands. Can we trust them?" "I don't care where they're from. I don't care what they believe in. I don't care what valleys they claim. As long as they hate these … tyrants half as much as we do – as long as their war might lead to our freedom – I'll gladly bleed beside them."
Dynamic text (names, places) shows as … · option effects beyond named modifiers are scripted · all event groups