UPDATE: Changes inbound!

Hi all so this post is slightly different than some of my previous ones. I have been thinking quite a bit about Oronegro and this project I have been working on for many years now. In short looking back there are some things I would like to change, others I want to keep. Some elements of the story line, particularly the 21st Civil War are going to be changed fundamentally if not scrapped entirely.

No models today so here's a cat.

I am looking at changing the story up. New (and some ever present but inactive) factions are going to make an appearance. The map of the land, indeed the world, is going to change. I will start posting different types of stories. All that and much more. Oronegro has been and always will be a land of mystery, danger and adventure. 

That's one happy face. Ignore the mess in the background. That's not my room so not my responsibility haha

Don't worry I am not going to fundamentally change what Oronegro is. Rather I want to change the story to better fit those characteristics that make Oronegro what it is. Some of the other things I want to change relate to creating a more believable history. I will keep some elements of utopianism to early Oronegro, I will also keep the fantasy elements. Rather I am looking at how I can take those elements but have them exist in a world where the human interactions, motivations and attitudes are just as reasonable as if this were an attempt at historical fiction. In addition I am going to use images differently. Many of those I linked were later removed so posts ended up full of broken images. I am looking at avoiding this occurring in future.

The perfect cat trap has been devised! This one is my room so critiquing the state of it is allowed.

As you could imagine given that a substantial rewrite is in progress I am interested in your suggestions and ideas. Although Oronegro is very much my own project I never wanted it to be mine alone, where I the sole master and creator ruled over it all. Rather I had always hoped others would have their own piece of the world and took up threads of story and ran with them. I look forward to hearing from you all. (Except the spam comments which I finally dealt with, tougher measures in place to stop them now)
Oh and as I haven't done this in a while I give thanks to my new followers Aidan, Baconfat, Maj. Guiscard and Sam Wise. I know some of you have been following for quite some time but better late than never as they say. ;-D

General Atena Minervista

Last time we discussed the illustrious Las Minervas the famed women of La Tierra del Diablo who, though not numerous made a significant mark on the military history of Oronegro. Today we shall look at one of Minerva's most famed daughters, Atena Minervista, who although she came from obscure origins was to rise to the highest ranks of the Oronegrean military.

Atena was one of the few women to gain the rank of general within the Oronegrean military

Atena was born into a poor artisan family, who, unable to support her gave her over to the priestesses of the goddess Minerva. Under the tutelage of the priestesses Atena demonstrated a particular propensity for classical history and excelled in all her areas of study. Upon her coming of age she, as with all girls presented to the temple, was submitted with the choice on how she would dedicate herself to Minerva henceforth. Much to the horror of the priestesses, who had expected her to take up a clerical role, Atena instead chose to take up the spear and join Las Minervistas. Although at first Atena struggled with the rigours of martial discipline, it was not long before she would demonstrate her skill.

Sgt. Atena directs the Samurai as they prepare to leave his castle.

It was on a mission to Japan, to secure the safe passage to Oronegro of a disgraced Samurai and his family that her tactical genius became apparent. The family and their attendants, escorted by Las Minervas were making their way down to the coast when they were ambushed by assassins. Atena, at the time a sergeant, noticed one of the mules head between two rocky outcrops and with quick thinking directed the party into the path. The winding track took them down to the shore where the boats awaited them. With only the loss of a few guards they were able to make their getaway.

It was at this point that their translator Jorge Zanja y Corriente revealed that he was not in fact a humble staff officer but in truth the head of Oronegro's refugee underground lifeline programme. Impressed Sgt. Atena's efforts he swore he would secure her a commission upon their safe return. So it was that at the age of 20 Atena became the Lt. Col. of the 1st cohort of the 21st regiment of foot Los Lobos (the wolves). It was with this unit that she had her first experience of large scale warfare while they served as mercenaries in Europe. During a siege she noticed some bandits harassing a mother with her children. Despite orders to remain in position she and a couple picked men rushed to the aid of the family chasing the bandits away and getting them to safety inside the town itself despite of risk of being attacked by the defenders. The town would surrender shortly after, with Lt. Col. Atena and the 21st Los Lobos ensuring that there was no looking or damage of civilian property.

Lt. Col. Atena personally intervenes to save the family even in the midst of battle.

 After service in Europe she would return to Oronegro, now with the rank of Colonel. More important was her reputation, not only for her skill in command but also her personal bravery as well as the concern she showed not only to her own troops but all those she came across. 

It was at this time that one of the native tribes allied to Oronegro was threatened by a large war host who were encroaching on their territory from the North. Colonel Atena's 21st Los Lobos, along with the 28th grenadiers San Francisco, and the 8th Las Minervas were dispached to assist the tribe. During the march through the jungle the army was ambushed, which lead to Col. Atena and one cohort being separated from the rest of the army. Extremely vulnerable to attack and with night spreading through the valley Col. Atena, with only the moon shining through the canopy to guide her was able to lead her soldiers back to the camp. The next day the army was to withdrawal to safer territory ceding ground to the warhost while reinforcements were brought in from La Ley.

The night march of the lost 200, was one of the defining moments of her career.

During the months that followed a full legion, was amassed to return to fight the warhost. During this time the expeditions commander an elderly man named Fernando died dysentery. Due to unusual circumstances the chain of command was unclear so it was decided that the next commander would be decided by the vote of all 5,500 soldiers present. Much to the surprise the gentlemen officers and to the press Atena Minervista won that election by a significant margin. With her commission endorsed by the head secretary of the army, one Jorge Zanja y Corriente, General Atena Minervista became the second woman to achieve that rank in Oronegrean history.

Here concludes her story, her deeds and achievements after this time will no doubt be recorded elsewhere.

Las Minervas, daughters of the goddess, a history.

"Lágrimas de plomo" - "tears of lead" 

The Motto of Las Minervas

In the history of Oronegro there's one unit who stands out above the rest, indeed they do so quite literally. The 8th regiment of line, Las Minervas, from La Tierra del Diablo was one of the first units to be formalised during the founding of Oronegro's standing army. As with all these early regiments they were recruited from and garrisoned in one of Oronegro's major settlements, in this case La Tierra del Diablo which contests with La Ley the honour of being the first settlement established in Oronegro. La Tierra del Diablo is unlike any other settlement in Oronegro founded by witches, heretics and pagans the settlement is home to a few mysteries and people whisper of unspeakable horrors that stalk the streets on dark and misty nights.

Las Minervas may be unusual in many ways but too often foes have mistaken their apparent novelty for incompetence a mistake they rarely get to make twice.

Such stories and the aversion to the religious beliefs and practises of La Tierra's inhabitants have been the source of much mistrust towards the settlement from Oronegro's other inhabitants. This mistrust is returned as it was known that the inquisition, ostensibly outlawed by the constitution was given free reign in many of Oronegro's cities. In this climate of mutual loathing and suspicion it should come as no surprise that when the time came for the formalisation of Oronegro's armed forces there were few volunteers from the militia of La Tierra del Diablo to establish a regiment. There was one exception however, the followers of Greco-Roman paganism, specifically those devoted to the goddess Minerva. According to the popular account it was an oracle who foretold how it would be the daughters of Minerva who would save the settlement in a time of great calamity. So it was that the daughters of La Tierra stood up and announced themselves as Oronegro's 8th regiment, Las Minervas, the daughters of Minerva.

Las Minervas occupied an odd position withing the Oronegrean military. On paper they were a line regiment, which normally would be composed of 1000 troops divided into two cohorts of 500 infantry, officers and other attached forces. Except Las Minervas never reached that size during their history. At their largest they numbered around 500, the size of a cohort. However, the most usually fielded for combat (in campaign that is, most remained behind to defend La Tierra, as per the prophesy) was around 120-150. Due to their small size they operated more as a century than a regiment. Numbers, however, are not everything and despite their small size in numbers they were exceptional in many ways. The first and immediately notable was their height. At an average height of 194cm or 6'4" they towered over their fellow soldiers. Indeed they were so well known for their height that Frederick William I of Prussia became obsessed with them, trying many times to kidnap the women of the regiment. He was unsuccessful, due to both the strength of the women who repeatedly fought off his hired thugs and by prudent measures put in place to guard the women when they were off duty.

Rosa Alexandra Minervista, the commander of Las Minervas, devoted to her sisters whom she commands and to her goddess. She is highly respected by both her fellow officers and by her foes.

Unwanted attention of Prussian kings were not the only threats the unit faced. Their daring and bravery in battle along with their skill (and the terror they caused amongst their foes) brought the admiration of their fellow soldiers. They were known to stand firm even as the rest of the line crumbled around them. Officers from Las Minervas, all of them women, were known to become some of Oronegro's finest generals, the tales of whom should be familiar to any student of Oronegrean history. One of these women, Rosa Alexandra Minervista (Minervista being the name taken by those who fully devoted their lives to the goddess) would lead Las Minervas to reach the pinnacle of their prestige. Their achievements during her command will be accounted elsewhere. For now we shall conclude this history with a discussion of their final years.

Las Minervas were often paraded before visiting dignitaries. Many of whom were deeply impressed by these tall women. Their enemies were equally impressed by their skill in combat

It can be said that Las Minervas represented the best of Oronegro's pre-independence culture. While the tolerance and acceptance of that society existed more on the pages of the constitution than in practice there were some instances of genuine progressive policy. The approval of the 8th Regiment, Las Minervas, into the ranks of the fledgling Oronegrean army was one of those. Where elsewhere women were being murdered on suspicion of witchcraft or being shunned for pursuing tasks seen as too masculine, these openly pagan women became the pride of a nation! A nation however, that was changing and lamentably was becoming less open to them. 

During the civil war of the 1860s they fought the last of their battles. Taking the side of the Royal/anti-independence forces they stood against the nationalists who wanted to impose a more conservative order on Oronegro. They fought bravely until the end. Refusing to surrender they died defending La Tierra del Diablo. It was during this fight that they managed to kill Don Juan de San Antonio, leader of the nationalist forces who had sworn to wipe the heretical town from the face of the Earth. In so doing it was said that they did indeed fulfill the prophecy, for the new commander a man of a more gentle nature would not allow the civilians of La Tierra to come to harm. The victorious nationalist forces celebrated the rebirth of the nation. However, this new nation was not as welcoming as the old. There was no place in it for women soldiers, nor pagan soldiers. As such Las Minervas was formally disbanded and would not be officially reconstituted until the end of the Second Oronegrean Civil War in the mid 21st century.

Oronegrean Patrol ships - Naval history

Oronegro has always been a naval power. Right from the start it was the ships and boats of the settlers that enabled them to venture into the interior up Oronegro's many rivers and connected the many coastal settlements that were established. Roads were later built connecting these places, and later still railways also linked the growing towns (Oronegro being the first to both build steam engines and railways - a story for another day). However, water remained the main link between the settlements and these links needed constant protection.

El San Francisco is typical of the many patrol ships in the Oronegrean navy

Almost from the start Oronegrean ships found themselves attacked, by hostile tribes on the rivers and by pirates along the coast. In response a series of ships were built to counter the threat. These included small vessels designed almost exclusively for use on shallow rivers and estuaries. These ships were often armed with only 2 light cannon or some swivel guns or no guns at all, relying on her crew to use their weapons to fight any foes they encountered.

The River going craft had shallow drafts to enable them to go in shallow waters or to land on beaches or river banks

Some threats however could not be dealt with by these small vessels. This was especially true along the coasts and shipping routes. Out here the river craft were, by design, less suitable and a different type of ship was needed. While a variety of naval ships could be used, such as frigates, cutters and sloops, it was decided that specially designed patrol shops would be made. These vessels were often armed with between 6-12 cannon and swivels. Not enough to take on other naval ships or larger pirate vessels but fire-power wasn't the focus.

Pirates were the main threat in these waters, but sometimes merchant ships would run into trouble and need assistance.

These ships were able to sail in quite rough seas, were fast and had shallow drafts (making them suitable for use on larger rivers). Although their primary task was to defend shipping lanes and coastal settlements they also served other roles. First amongst these was as search and rescue craft. Because of their speed they were sent out after storms to look for any survivors of wreaks, either clinging to floating debris or washed up on the coast. Another role was transporting important cargo securely. Quite often this meant that letters and parcels being sent during times of war were taken by these ships. In a similar vein high value individuals may also be transported. Such as officers being sent to or brought from the front lines.

Storms were deadly, sinking many ships. Oronegrean patrol ships looked for survivors often with little success.

These patrol ships operated in conjunction with the navy but were distinct from it. Often they were part of the Oronegrean Marines (which also operated in tandem with the navy.). This was because of the fact they were used for riverine and estuarine warfare which was considered the marines domain. This relationship wasn't permanent and the patrol ships were placed under the command of the navy and a distinct branch at others. It was this distinct branch - The coast guard - that would eventually become a permanent fixture of the Oronegrean state and carry on the legacy of the patrol ships until the current day.

Alberto and Sophia Castillo

Alberto and Sophia are the last members of the Castillo family to have their biography written, They are the second youngest son and eldest daughter respectively.

Sophia was born in 1719. Her childhood was a happy one and she spent many days reading down by the steam next to the family home. As she got older Sophia took to riding great distances in the cool Oronegrean evenings. It was on one of those evenings that she chanced upon a beautiful blue pebble in a stream bed. Upon returning home she asked her parents to encase the pebble in a golden case too keep as an amulet. It was this amulet that she wore to a local ball as a necklace when she turned 16. It was said that the son of a local aristocrat was so entranced by the pebble and Sophia's beauty that he asked her to dance with him. This caused quite a stir as it was expected for him to dance with the young ladies in attendance rather than the daughter of a merchant. 

It was soon after this that Sophia, possibly encouraged by her mother, started trying to court the young gentlemen of Oronegro. Although it was more common in Oronegro for someone of lower class to marry one above them it was still news when it happened.

Sophia out riding her horse, She doesn't wear her amulet most days for fear of losing it. She firmly believes that it once belonged to a queen of the indigenous peoples who lost it long ago. A local legend does support this idea although most are sceptical of this.

Although she has yet to marry she has caught the eye of many fine gentleman. And her mother tries her best to make sure that the finest match is made. Many suspect Maria's motives are securing her family a position within Oronegro's ruling elite. Whether or not Sophia shares her mothers motives is unknown and many do not care.  Most are just happy to see a young lady making her way in the world.

Clearly this ride is a short one, perhaps it is the heat or maybe she has an appointment to keep.

If his sister wants to be the glamorous aristocratic lady Alberto Castillo is most certainly not gentlemanly.  Born in 1714 he had a good childhood playing with his older brothers outdoors often exploring the woods around the family's property. As he got older he didn't take up a position within the family's trading business instead he went out hunting and drinking with his friends. This inevitably caused problems with his mother who had ambitious plans for expanding the family business that most definitely included him. So it was that in 1722 he moved out of the family home into a small hut on the edge of the forest. Although he would often visit his family he enjoyed his time away.

Here Alberto can be seen hunting. He appearts to have caught an Oronegrean short eared red hare.

Fishing, Hunting and Drinking take up considerable parts of his new life but he is not a fool. Although the black sheep in his mothers eyes he is respected by his brothers and is fiercely loyal to his family. Although unmarried he is known to have had (and probably has) multiple female companions. Considered a bit of a rouge he is not averse to danger and is a crack shot. What will become of his lifestyle is unknown but he's happy as he is and it doesn't look like he'll make a change any time soon.

Alberto returning to the shade of his hut to get out of he hot sun. Heat stroke it a very real problem in Oronegro's hottest months.

This concludes our biography of the Castillo family. Please refer to our expanding selection of biographies and histories to learn more about the people and events that make up the land of Oronegro.

Well that's all for the Castillo family. From now on I won't include dates for my Biographies this will enable more flexibility with dates. And it also removes Oronegro somewhat from our world in time just as Oronegro is somewhat removed in space through the use of a portal. Again this is all about flexibility it allows Oronegro to be 18th century without having to conform to all the realities of that period. I may include some dates for other things such as technological developments or conflicts.

Fernando and Maria Castillo

Maria Castillo is wife of Jose Castillo and mother of their six children: Fernando, Rolando, Sophia, Alberto, Rosa and Giorgio.

Mother and eldest son together. Fernando seems to have found himself a nice mug of coffee.

 Maria Castillo's age is unknown, nobody dared to ask her for it. What we do know is that her no-nonsense attitude and stubbornness was legendary. And although she may have seemed harsh at times she always took the best care of her children.

Maria likes to wear simple garb as it is less likely to get ruined in the rural areas of Oronegro. Fine clothing doesn't last long there.

 Despite her stuborness she also had a keen sense for trade and it was as much her effort as José's that their trading enterprise got off the ground. And it was thanks to her teaching that her second born Rolando gained the insight into trade and was able to take the family business from the local to national scale. Of her social life and other exploits we know little. She was quite conservative in that regard and kept as much information as possible to herself. No rival would be able to find her weakness and none ever did.

Although it may not seem like it Maria and the Castillo family are very well off. José's successful trading business.

 With his golden blond hair Fernando takes after his father. Also like his father he participates in the family business captaining one of the family's river boats up and down the Oronegro river and its tributaries. Born on the 6th of February 1709 he would become quite famed for his numerous romantic exploits much to the annoyance of his mother who had hoped to arrange a good marriage with a family of Oronegro's established upper classes.

Fernando with his coffee. Coffee being one of the commodities the Castillo's trade regularly.

 Although his still with trade was competent he was soon overshadowed by his younger brother Rolando. Despite some fear that this could cause a rift between them, the result was actually a strengthening of the bonds between them. Fernando who was always following his heart rather than his head felt glad that the family business would transfer into his brothers capable hands rather than his own. Although recent rumours that his brother may split and establish his own trading company have unnerved Fernando.

Fernando may well take over the family business if Rolando does decide to set up his own.

 Fernando and Maria are quite different in their attitudes but both love their family and will strive to do what is best for it.

well that's it for these two for now. We'll be hearing of them again in the future but for now work is going on to complete Fernando's other siblings.

As always good day/night. :-)

Bunker Teck de-classified information

The Bunker in the heart of La Ley shall always be remembered for it's former occupants. NAZI scientists, dubious characters and greedy, power hungry individuals! These people commuted great atrocities, created horrific viruses, undertook unthinkable and immoral experiments on innocent people and made, sold and later used highly advanced weapons utilizing strange, rare and once thought simply fictitious compounds.

The Stuff of Science Fiction

Witnesses to the attacks by Bunker troops from the bunker agree that the technological superiority of their weaponry was absolute and that such technology only existed in "our times" in works of fiction! True these forces were repelled to the most part by troops armed with standard weapons however their use of what has popularly been called "Laser Rifles", force/energy shields, hover vehicles and "Star Fighters" meant that early on these forces were seen as not only unbeatable but also as invincible and unstoppable!

As would later become clear the Bunker was not alone in this fight. Allies came to it's aid from far and wide, and by far and wide beyond the earth and the solar system in some cases. The total number, of what came to be considered hyper-advanced forces (HAF), in Oronegro was never fully determined. Many, perhaps most left once the Oronegrean defence forces started to find ways to overcome the technological advantage and began to seize the initiative.

The fight back

At first the gains were made by Los Angeles Negros. Who were not afraid of taking on advanced forces and by taking the weapons of their fallen foes gained party in terms of small arms. Their superior training meant that with or without these weapons their speed, cunning and shear determination meant that the weapons and armour of their foes were only a hindrance.

Los Angeles Negros- the black angels

Later other forces began to put pressure of these advanced forces. The Soldiers for Earth's Defence - Los Soldados por la Protección del Mundo (SPM), a unit more secretive and almost and well trained as the Black Angels, inflicted catastrophic defeats on the HAF. This unit of the Oronegrean armed forces- Las Fuerzas Armadas de la Republica de Oronegro (FARO)- had been created during the cold war as part of a global initiative to provide the Earth with defence forces in case of alien invasion. (There was a fear that the detonation of the first nuclear bomb would attract unwanted inter-stellar attention). The SPM were well armed and armoured their weapons coming from the bunker itself.

Eventually standard forces gained the upper hand as the shock of the enemy wore off and news that they could be taken down spread.

Conclusion

At the end of the war the bunker and it's forces lay in ruins. The lead scientists were tried for war crimes and were sentenced to 200 year sentences (many being immortal or claiming to be). The Earth was again divided and much lay in ruins but after such fierce fighting people came together and started to rebuild. And although walls divided East and West once more it was both sides that put them up crying as they said goodbye to those on the other side.

What will come in the near future is unknown. With 2030 fast approaching the great upheaval of the 2020's is not going to heal any time soon but globally people are coming together renouncing war and forgetting boarders perhaps the walls will comedown once again to cheering crowds. One can only hope.