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Kaiser-Conti — Warlords of Devia
Published: 2011-06-26 11:25:37 +0000 UTC; Views: 7753; Favourites: 91; Downloads: 0
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Phew! Another academic year is over and thus i've got 3 entire months of holiday, which probably shall be terribly misused for bumming around....but shhh...When exams are near, it's the best (and least appropriate) time for pondering about the past experiences. My attention was caught by the former Dreamsquadron/Men of War (v.1.0) rpg...ah those were the days... DEVIA, WHY U GONE D; I WANT U BACK
now a bit more seriously, let's take a look in the pic where some smart-dressed leaders of Devian nations can be seen! I focused only on main faction leaders on the republican side. At the same time, I am fully aware that the whole Devia universum was full of other interesting characters that greatly contributed to the plot, and neglecting them is a great shame. All i can do as a modest compensation is to thank them all.
As for the pic (from left to right):
- , Colonel, later Brigadier, Benjamin Casey, the Duke of Devonshire, commander in chief of the 61st Marines as well as most British land forces on the isle of Devia. Recipent of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and the Cross of Devia. And organized officer and a gentlaman as well! I'm not sure if i portrayed him as a Colonel or a General lol... blame me...
- , Admiral sir David Vyse, Recipent of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and the The Most Honourable Order of the Bath as well as the Cross of Devia...and since he has got a large set of military experiences, probably he's the owner of a whole bunch of other decorations, hidden in the drawer... An eccentric but amiable and much-in-demand admiral, unquestionable leader of the so called Republic of Devia, if i'm not wrong the co-creator of Devia.
- le moi again! His Serene Princely Highness, the Dauphin of France, exiled heir to the French throne, (de iure King of France after the execution of Louis XVI in 1793) and I dare to say the most important Frenchman in the Carribean, and commander-in-chief of all royalist troops in the area, stationed there to secure the remnants of French colonial empire both from the British and the filthy French revolutionaries. The Dauphin is also a titular colonel and owner of the Regiment du Dauphin, which uniform he usually wears, additionaly adorned with the Order of the Holy Spirit and the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece. Not the easiest ally to cope with, master in writing complaints to admiral Vyse on various british officers...
- , another co-creator of Devia, commodore John Paul Jones...oh pardon, CHEVALIER John Paul Jones!
hero of the American War of Independence, loved by the Americans, usually despised by the English, calling him an ordinary pirate. Recipient of the American Cross of Devia as well as the French l'Institution du Mérite Militaire order. A close friend of admiral Vyse, he never parts with his faithful pipe, as well as with his immortal quote "I have not yet begun to fight!" I based him on the painting by Charles Willson Peale.Hope you all like it lads! it was really fun to rp with you, pity that it ended so soon.
I used a painting of the Battle of the Nile by Nicholas Pocock and the Battle of Fontenoy by Pierre Lenfant as background pics. As for uniforms I tried to do my own research, but mostly I used pictures from each respective deviant's gallery. First time decided to draw a navy uniform rofl...
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Comments: 62
Vyse: "I see a Kake!"
Dauphin: "Non M'sieur c'est un Gateau n'est pas?"
Casey: "Shouldn't cake be spelt with a 'C'?"
Jonesy: "Who needs a cake when you have a pipe?"
I saw this a day or two ago and it is most excellent, I've enjoyed reading the above comments too. I've had your e-mail and I'm not sure what to think, I won't delay judgement much longer as you ought to strike while the Iron is hot.
I was thinking of a British 74, HMS Troutbridge and in addtion one 100man company of marines for land service. My main problem would be finding the time to devote to the forum as I already spend too much time on the Internet.
As for Vyse, as Simon says, the character was killed off, but I did that in a pique of heat and when I was very Angry/Cheesed off. Also, he's my intellectual property so I would do as I please with him, however, a Character called Lt Blackwell comes to mind.
Have you heard of the Character Jack Absolute?
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Haha, Dauphin's quote fits his way of being so much xD but what i joy the most is that you like the pic sir
So you're initially interested in the whole matter? Well, it is up to you what character you shall rp as, (but I won't hide it that everyone would be happy to see Vyse, someone really decicated to the common devian identity idea 
As for Jack Absolute, well nope never heard of it before, i googled it up when you mentioned it and it's nice that there are new boks covering such topic 
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Scratch that, think smaller, 6th rate - 28 guns.
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The sheer idea of RPing a military commander w/a good plot providing some intellectual challenge caught me in awe. RPGs like these are what the world is in dire need of.. My respect for your rendition of the uniforms, too. Looking yummy as ever.
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Ah , respect coming from a person being several levels above me means a lot to me, thank you
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Nice work! Guessing you took the uniform from each character's personal preference in previous pics?
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Why thanks, I tried to come up to people's expectations and was nervous about their feedback. As for your question, mostly yes. Vyse had a nice pic of his character in full gala which I compared with some paintings of Horatio Nelson. Jones had JPJ depicted in his gallery as well, thank God, because I'd draw him red lapels of a Navy Captain otherwise (as painting of JPJ suggest) There was some problem with Casey's uniform as Vyse drew him a couple of times and there are visible differences. Casey himself preferred a rather manga feel to his character drawings, hence I had to be careful when it came to uniform details. Luckily he seems to enjoy the result, which is a reward in itself
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You did very well as it matches perfectly to people's designs for their uniforms (even though some of us lacked knowledge back then
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I gues the lack of knowledge goes also to myself, my previous designs of the regimetal uniforms look so odd when I look at them. Only after some time I've managed to establish how the Regiment du Dauphin uniform looked like prior to the Revolution, a design used by my troops on Devia (the 1791 regulation switched traditional blue facings to some damn creme nonsense ...it really makes me think that this absburd gave Dauphin a reason to abandon France xD)
Btw, I'm collecting peoples' voices on the subject, if there was a possibility, should Devia become alive again? if so, in what shape, time etc?
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Well for me it's still alive so I can't really pass comment as I would not really want to sprad myself between two incarnations ^_^;
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lol, but Devia without Vyse?
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Vyse is dead, as a character unfortunately. The NHS cancer department is sucking Dave's soul from his body
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Ha ha ha ha! Wow! This truly was a surprise! The detail and coloring of this piece is superb, Monsieur! The expressions and poses of each character recapture each of their unique spirits and personalities.
Ah yes, the glory days... how I do dream of them. I must say, Men of War was my first and most memorable RPG. Not only did I really get to know each of the amazing people behind each character, I also had some of my best RPG experiences on that board. Oh yes, there was a good amount of now embarrassing squabbling as the island evolved and became the subject of imperial tug-of-war, but what I would give to relive those fun times. It has indeed crossed my mind on many occasions as I've tried to get into an RPG as good as MoW... to try and bring back the Dream Squadron/Men of War "Pratts" for a reboot... a re-envisioning of the legendary RPG that started it all.
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'twas ze plan Commodore!
As for the reboot idea, YES! you have my sword, all spontons of my officers, and every bayonet in my regiment to fight for giving MoW another chance my good sir!
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Quite! The idea is most appealing and now that you've posted this... it sparks a powder keg of zeal for the old board in my heart that I think cannot be vanquished!
How would you go about rebooting the original board? What would you make the same as the old board and different to accommodate the new times?
I for one have a couple of ideas:
* To start, each person is limited to a single character and unit/ship.
* The characters and units/ships should not be of high rank, size, or rating.
* While we may decide to retain our external cultures (such as a uniform from British service or French language), we should endeavor to make the Republic of Devia an indigenous and sovereign power, free of external influence. I think this best undermines the possibility of an imperial contest that would cause friction between players.
* Ultimately, a transition should be made to develop a Devian culture and assimilate into it - meaning architecture, flags, government, currency, customs, uniforms, ranks, etc. For example, the uniforms of the Devian Dragoons are based of the French, the Naval uniforms the Royal Navy, and the Light Infantry uniforms the United States, while the Line Infantry is a completely new design. It allows both retention and compromise.
* A Devian government must be established. The old board literally started, as your artwork's title suggests, as an alliance between warlords that quickly deteriorated as each warlord lobbied for his home country being the dominant cultural influence. I think there should be a tripod government with representation from all nations involved in the Republic of Devia. This would also put checks and balances onto the military component of the board.
As to the setting, I offer three ideas:
* 1783 - Immediately after the American Revolution, the fledgling United States, Great Britain, and France use Devia to try and forge relations after the war. This soon evolves into the birth of a new island nation as the triple alliance there unites against a common enemy and begins to build a "Devian identity."
* 1793 - The setting of the original board. After learning much about history while playing on the old MoW, I learned that a setting in the 1790s is hard, mostly because Britain goes to war with Revolutionary France and the fact that I was playing a man (JPJ) who died in 1792. If 1794 was chosen, I would more than likely make an American heavily modeled after (perhaps even trying to become and immortalize) JPJ, but not play the man himself.
* 1803 - This setting is also conducive to a reboot, as Devia could be explained as an attempt by Britain and France to make amends during the peace. This was also a time of American interest expanding beyond our shores, as we were beginning to get involved in the Med with the Barbary pirates.
Your thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?
I hope other old board boys see this and feel the same passion Dauphin and I feel! It would be something to relive this!
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As for the timeline I’d leave the original setting…I’m too connected with Dauphin to create a different French character, and moving the plot around 1783 would require this. The year 1803 would require me having a rather bonapartist Frenchman, but I think the Napoleonic ethos fits Europe better than a remote island. A royalist émigré like Dauphin, plotting to strengthen his position in front of the powers (by gaining control of the French colonies to avoid them being captured by the British – his [oh the irony] main allies in the game for recovering the French throne) fits better! Also Dau has some unique traits. He’s more than an aristocrat, dethroned and forced to live in a completely new sphere, with people he’s always considered plebeians, slowly forming stronger bonds with them, even if he never stops to see himself as a member of some “better breed”. (the tragedy of the Dauphin, he’s placed between two world, the royal and “commoner” , never to amalgamate with any of them) He also has some dramatic past,. The year 1793 as you stated is difficult, but I think . We could omit the revolutionary France as a faction, as it’s role in the area was greatly weakened by the revolution and in 1791 the revolt on Saint Dominique/Haiti. The French would on one hand have the easiest way to create a new state-identity, as they have to organize themselves to avoid being swallowed. But on the other hand, Devia is a royalist stronghold (Dau’s corps) So all in all, I’d stick to the mid-late 90ties.
What would I make the same, hrm, well. I think that the warlord-age of Devia, was quite interesting. I’ve always seen the establishment of Devia, as a federation of colonies, granted some authonomy after the first devian war. Time passed, and the other devian state- the Empire grew stronger, slowly focusing all it’s resources and powers and becoming a modern, strong and centralized state as opposite to the Devian Republic constantly shaken by national rivalry and misunderstanding and mutual suspicion. And now when the Empire feels strong enough to try to unite the island once again, the Republic is facing internal problems, the same as you mentioned: “Why we should fight together with the French/British/Americans?” “why we should transform it into a single state, an idea promoted by some British admiral Vyse?”. It keeps everyone in suspense! Will the “Republic” manage to survive? That was a great thing! The only problem was that we couldn’t escape the “neighbour syndrome” : “Damn, the Brits received an entire brigade of reinforcements from the King…we’ll ask the Congress for twice as much!” My suggestion to avoid this is to make Devia way more isolated. Also let’s play it on a smaller scale as you suggested. Because otherwise, it’s obvious the British will dominate…the others won’t be “necessary” for saving Devia, and wasn’t the whole thing planned as a heroic story where David defeats Goliath?
Another thing- leadership, I think that without Vyse all efforts of rebooting are pointless…if he agrees, we can run the whole thing…he’d again be the ultimate Game Master in terms of grand strategy (with other nation representatives as voices of advice, what some certain faction is planning to do, but no more)
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I think that in the case of 1793, I can accommodate an interesting American character. At this time, America was still putting the final touches on its beta government and policies. As such, they were sending ambassadors to the likes of Paris and London, doing their best to maintain neutrality in the face of war.
Consequently, I think the United States would be very interested in sending someone to an island inhabited by British and French forces, as the goals of the Europeans would be to use this island as a negotiating ground while also trying to secretly accomplish their agendas in the New World. The American diplomat would constantly harp on maintaining neutrality between the two nations and emphasizing sovereignty. I imagine the Europeans, in turn, might try to use the Americans to their advantage in this political game.
This presents another issue for the Congress. During this time, parties were beginning to emerge in the United States. Is the leading American a Federalist or Republican? Does he throw in his towel with Citizen Genêt or does he support John Jay's efforts to finalize a treaty with Britain? Another thing to consider is this - the diplomat's personal agendas. This adds another facet of American interaction, as the man could personally want to "Americanize" Devia either in the spirit of this age of revolutions or to buffer America against France or Britain.
Furthermore, as the goal is ultimately to reach an independent Republic of Devia squaring off against the Devian Empire, the American might be looked to in establishing this republic, since he recently took part in the forming of his own country. This might garner disapproval from the French on Devia, as they would undoubtedly be Monarchists... or would they support them as the Marquis de Lafayette supported the rebelling colonies?
I think that at first the American presence in Devia will be extremely small, limited to literally one man and his associates. I cannot see Congress sending what little military the country has to a tiny island in the Caribbean. It doesn't match their foreign policy. As such, the American(s) will be a diplomat and maybe a handful of those working for him, perhaps even the diplomat's schooner on which he took passage. The six frigates would not be ordered until 1794, so there will be literally no American military presence in Devia until later... either because Congress will somehow send forces (due to us changing history with our RPG and meriting American military presence) or because the diplomat will locally raise forces in the name of the United States.
I see your logic in creating a setting conducive to plot twists... facilitating monitored friction would do the RPG good and add realism. Like you said, none of us should start out as golden heroes.
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hrm...well an american diplomat sounds interesting, as you don't see that too often. Americans are usually shown as born heroes with fists fast and heavy as iron
What i was thinking about is that at first we start with some national contingents of each respective faction, but would it be enough? There's lots of opportunities for a really dashing story. But all in all we won't do much with cool stories on dA alone. We need action!
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Oh, believe me... an American diplomat would have undoubtedly fought as a junior officer in the Revolution... so even he would be a born hero with fast iron fists!
I think that the story would begin with small contingents meeting for talks... perhaps Britain sends it's representation to try and work with the exiled French monarchist and the US sends its diplomat to maintain neutrality. Then something happens... what if the island is heavily populated by the VOC and the company agent has some diabolical personal vendetta? He forges an alliance with local pirate coalitions and starts to make his own country, called the Devian Empire. Threatened with attack by this loose cannon and knocking off the political balance in the Caribbean, the European and American contingents have to put their talks aside and respond.
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Ah I'd rather see a strong Empire, which additional role is to be the main "inspirer" of national rivalry within the Republic, for example the French royalists who basically have no quarell with the Empire, nor any stronger bonds with the rest of the Republic. The whole use of privateers and pirates sounds, personal tug-of-war like a plan for an adventurous yet a bit more dark scenery of Devia (yummeh!) I had an idea about diplomats and privateers hired by the Empire which could serve as an introduction of the French into the story. But basically our thoughts can be put together if we manage to convince people that Devia can be alive again. I'm trying to contact Vyse, let's see what he thinks about it , I'd gladly see your support in my modest initiative sir
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You have my support in this endeavor! Since MoW ended, I've never truly been able to get myself into another RPG where I feel the same excitement, see the same amount of activity, or enjoy the same quality of intellectually driven plot. MoW was a gem that must be restored!
A strong empire is my idea too. I think that a Dutch madman who uses the financial strength of his personal wealth from working with the VOC, recruiting pirates for his navy, and perhaps even reconnecting with a fellow madman back in Europe who happens to be a Hessian who served the Brits in the Revolution (and hated his service to them)... we could see a very strong, fanatical, and belligerent Devian Empire.
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Haha, well I appreciate that and agree to the full extent that we should give another try with Devia. Maybe you should note a couple of old Devia friends and see what's their
hrm fanatical you say. I see no problem with having the common folk of the Empire infected with the "one Devi - The Empire of Devia" idea, but wouldn't it be more demanding to face an enemy (the leading authorities) that is sober thinking, rational, even machiavelic, and thus even more dangerous?
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Hm... but what is meant by fanatical? Fanatically Machiavellian?
I'll see about noting some of the other old timers!
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well...by fanatical I mean blinded by ideology that makes seeing the surrounding world rationally and reacting in a well-thought-out way to achieve one's goal impossible
Yes, yes! we're gonna need them!
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A good point, though is it impossible for a madman to carefully execute his plan? If one was truly Machiavellian, than he would be impossible to beat... but do we not intend to eventually win against the Empire? Like Hitler and Bonaparte, this man could be extremely charismatic, run an empire that is well organized and administered, yet eventually makes blunders that allows the underdog to win. That is how history works... eventually, the big successful empire makes a blunder and falls. The United States is beginning to blunder now... which I hate, but see.
Unless you intend to have the Empire squash the players and have us running back to our homelands?
Note sent!
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ah your point of view does not collide with my own then. I just wanted to avoid the situation where the Emperor and his closest advisors are a bunch of morons who cackle in an evil manner with insanity in their eyes every single time they make some decision
I've just read it, let's see if it causes some stir
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Oh, a moron was never my intention! Ha ha! Where would the fun be in that?
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Excellent work and a breath of fresh air considering how long it's been since I last saw MOW themed artwork!
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well...if there hasn't been much MoW stuff lately...shouldn't it rather mean bringing a breath of decomposing corpse air with this pic? xDD
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Eww... eeeewwww... that's... ugh! Nonsense! All the corpses have been buried in breathtaking monuments, therefore causing a breath of fresh air!
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I sense an English pun! zey alwayz use punz! *is suspicious* xD
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any uniform that is full of lace sure is cool! swords make a nice completion though!
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Wow! Been ages since I've seen anything like this. You did good, Casey is dressed as RM Colonel here. Only criticism I'd have is that he wasn't quite the fellow to wear lipstick lol. Oh, and he was Duke of Devonshire, rather than Edinburgh, a true Englishman. Thanks mate, it's been a long time since anything like this has been drawn. It's nice to bring it back to life. Hears to you good sir!
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oh Devonshire! Devonshire it is ,right, my bad, lol...changed that as well as the lipstick effect, there were just some multiplicated layers, no hidden motives mate xD I hope now it's acceptable
Our team on Devia was the best xD As for the colonel uniform, it's always hard for me to find good reference pics for the Brits, hence my caution.
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Well, like our Admiral would say, 'throw caution to the wind.'
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Ah, risking costs me nothing, but then you could see yourself in a 1795 uniform wearing a large bicorne!
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Perhaps, though I have tried 'restarting' two or three times now, and every time it seems as though no one is interested save, two or three, which isn't enough to keep a board going. Now, if I had 10 or at least the core originals from last time, that would be different.
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hrm, well, i guess we have a bit less in our ranks so far, we'll see if that number shall increase or decrease xD
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Hmm, so much old uniform goodness and more decorations than you could shake a stick at...
master in writing complaints to admiral Vyse on various british officers...
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hahaha! yes, decorations! personally my biggest dream is to have some fancy sash and/or order...preferably the Habsburg Golden Fleece...but i'm no aristocrat *pout* xP
and oy, but it's the English' fault! EVERY SINGLE TIME XD
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Aww that's a most agreeable dream if you ask me, as improbable as it is :3
Of course it's always their fault, M. le Dauphin. Here, have some champagne and forget about those fish&chips-eating rascals for now : D
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Let's hope that the Habsburgs will become liberal enough to get that order! They're already breaking their ancient family code by marrying parvenu millionaires...so who knows? xD
Mais oui! Zem silly! Seeervaants *claps hands* Would you honour me with your company madame? xD *offers a glass of champagne*
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Keeping fingers crossed for you; in the meantime, see if you can achieve some heroic deed that will force them all, down to the ghost of Charles V, to give you the order for special merit
How could I refuse? 
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ah, magnifique then! Let uz drink then, let beauty never leave women, let courage never desert men!
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And let women be considered more than their looks 
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