Imperial Germany
Characters of Importance
Player Characters/Coup Characters
- Hendrik Baumer | Kaiser - 1921
- Landa Vought | Prinzregent - 1921
- Luka Sommer | Prätor - 1921
- Archibald von Drachenburg | Ministerpräsident - 1921
- Johann von Rittenhaus | Kriegsminister - 1921
- Reinhardt von Pyrmont | Innenminister - 1921
- Reinhardt Weiß | Konsul - 1921
- Ägid von Hausen | Generalkommissar der NSB - 1921
- Ziener Degurechaff | NSB-Polizeikommandeur - 1921
Historical Characters
- Rosa Luxemburg | Co-Leader of the Spartacus League
- Karl Liebknecht | Co-Leader of the Spartacus League
- Leon Trotsky | Foreign Supporter for the Communist Revolution
- Wilhelm II | Kaiser of Germany
Abstract
Following Germany’s loss in World War I, a group of Communists known as the Spartacus League began a widespread revolution throughout the country demanding the end of the monarchy. As a result, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated his throne and fled the country on November 9th, 1919.
With the military support of Leon Trotsky and the Bolsheviks in Russia, the Spartacist Rebellion succeeds in controlling most of Germany’s industrial region, beginning a “Red Terror” which sought to suppress the nation’s military aristocracy.
In response to this infringement upon nobility and their authorities, Generalleutnant Hendrik Baumer, Duke of Brandenburg, rallied his most loyal soldiers under his command and began to act in defiance to the Spartacist Rebellion which controlled much of the critical infrastructure of the nation.
After mounting a successful defense against the encroaching Sparacists, members of the aristocracy and military around the nation began to feel emboldened. Rallied behind the newly formed “White Rose Coalition”, Hendrik Baumer forced an end to the “Red Terror”.
After the Spartacist Rebellion was defeated, an Imperial Diet of each German royal house was held, akin to the Diet’s of old to elect a Holy Roman Emperor, and the nobility resoundingly supported Hendrik Baumer in ascending the throne. Kaiser Hendrik Baumer began his reign on January 22nd, 1921.
The War for Imperial Germany
Following Germany's defeat in World War I, the seeds of discontent sprouted across the nation, and a group of fervent Communists, known as the Spartacus League, spearheaded a sweeping revolution with the resounding demand for the abolition of the monarchy. The turmoil that ensued prompted Kaiser Wilhelm II to make a momentous decision; on November 9th, 1919, he relinquished his throne and fled the country, leaving Germany's fate hanging in the balance. On November 13th, 1919, the Spartacus League, inspired by Wilhelm II’s abdication, started their rebellion to seize control of Germany, thus began the Spartacist Rebellion.
The Spartacist Rebellion, fortified by military backing from notable figures like Leon Trotsky and the Bolsheviks hailing from Russia, now recognized as the Soviet Union, successfully established a significant presence in the industrial heartlands of Germany. The founders of the Spartacist League, Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, instilled fear and terror to all that crossed their army of rebels. This marked the inception of a tumultuous period known as the "Red Terror" during which the rebels sought to quell the influence of the nation's military aristocracy and Catholic citizenry.
In the face of this brazen challenge to the nobility and their traditional authority, Generalleutnant Hendrik Baumer, Duke of Brandenburg, emerged as a steadfast beacon of resistance. With unwavering resolve, he rallied his most loyal soldiers, also known as the Rose Guard, and embarked on a courageous mission to root out cancerous the Spartacist Rebellion that had entrenched itself within the heart of the nation.
Baumer's resolute defense against the encroaching Spartacists kindled a spark of hope among members of the aristocracy, archdiocese, and military throughout the land. United under the banner of the newly formed “White Rose Coalition” Hendrik Baumer orchestrated a campaign to bring an end to the "Red Terror" that had gripped the nation in fear.
With the defeat of the Spartacist Rebellion on December 25th, 1920, an Imperial Diet was convened on January 15th 1921, harkening back to the traditions of ancient Diets that had once elected Holy Roman Emperors. Inspired by Baumer's valor and leadership, the nobility and archdiocese rallied behind him, championing his ascent to the throne. Thus, on January 22nd, 1921, Kaiser Hendrik Baumer was consecrated and ascended to power, marking the start of a new era in Germany's history.
Glossary
The Aftermath of World War I
The cataclysmic conflict of World War I had left Germany in a state of disarray, both economically and politically. The war's end brought about crippling consequences for the country, including the imposition of punitive reparations and territorial losses through the Treaty of Versailles. Amid this atmosphere of despair and economic hardship, discontent simmered among the German populace.
The Spartacus League and the Call for Revolution
In the midst of this uncertainty, a radical group of Communists known as the Spartacus League seized the opportunity to call for sweeping change in Germany. They demanded an end to the monarchy, viewing it as a symbol of oppression and inequality. Led by notorious figures such as Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, the Spartacist Rebellion gained momentum, and their revolutionary fervor swept through the country.
Kaiser Wilhelm II Abdicates
The pressure of the revolutionary tide reached its zenith when Kaiser Wilhelm II, the German Emperor, abdicated his throne on November 9, 1919. Fearing for his safety, he fled the country, leaving Germany without a reigning monarch for the first time in decades. This momentous decision underscored the gravity of the situation and set the stage for further political upheaval.
The Spartacist Rebellion's Rise and the "Red Terror"
Buoyed by the military support of influential Bolshevik leaders like Leon Trotsky and the Russian Bolsheviks, the Spartacist Rebellion succeeded in wresting control over significant portions of Germany's industrial heartlands. This marked the beginning of a period known as the "Red Terror," during which the rebellion sought to suppress the influence of the nation's military aristocracy. The "Red Terror" was characterized by violence, intimidation, and the suppression of perceived opponents of the revolution.
Generalleutnant Hendrik Baumer's Defiance
In response to this encroachment upon the nobility and their traditional authority, Generalleutnant Hendrik Baumer, the Duke of Brandenburg, emerged as a stalwart figure of resistance. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Baumer rallied his most loyal soldiers under his command and undertook a courageous mission to defy the Spartacist Rebellion, which had firmly entrenched itself within the critical infrastructure of the nation.
The Emergence of the White Rose Coalition
Baumer's successful defense against the advancing Spartacists emboldened members of the aristocracy, archdioceses, and military across the country. They united under the banner of the newly formed political movement the “White Rose Coalition” which aimed to counter the radical Spartacist agenda and restore a semblance of order.
End of the "Red Terror"
Under the leadership of Hendrik Baumer and the concerted efforts of the White Rose Coalition, the "Red Terror" came to a grinding end on December, 25th 1920. The coalition's unwavering commitment to stability and tradition resonated with those who sought an end to the revolutionary chaos.
The Imperial Diet and Kaiser Hendrik Baumer
With the Spartacist Rebellion defeated and a degree of stability restored, an Imperial Diet was convened, echoing the historical Diets of the Holy Roman Empire. During this pivotal assembly, the nobility and archdiocese resoundingly supported Hendrik Baumer's ascension to the throne. On January 22nd, 1921, Kaiser Hendrik Baumer officially began his reign, ushering in a new era for Imperial Germany.
Timeline of Events
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CHAPTER ONE - The Battle of Berlin (December 25th, 1919)
Generalleutnant Hendrik Baumer, the Duke of Brandenburg, found himself at the epicenter of history during the Battle of Berlin on December 25th, 1919. As he surveyed the turbulent landscape of the German capital, he knew that the fate of the nation rested upon his shoulders. Baumer, a hero from the Great War, had spoken out against the Spartacus League from the beginning. However, the aristocracy was spent, its authority and power exhausted during the Great War, his protests fell upon deaf ears. And so, with the bastion of imperial might about to fall to the control of the Spartacus League, Hendrik Baumer, consumed with righteous fury, assigned himself the mission of freeing Germany from the Red Terror.
Berlin, one of the largest urban centers in the world, was a labyrinthine system of factories and manor homes of evicted aristocrats. The Spartacus League had not been kind to the long standing nobles of Berlin, they had been the first to be thrown from their homes. These vacant manors and brownstone palaces within the city became the perfect ground to launch an assault against the Red Terror that gripped the city. With the moon hidden behind storm clouds, Hendrik Baumer enacted his plan, the machinations of weeks of planning were to be carried out in this single evening.
Failure would result in death, victory would result in Berlin, the capital of the German Empire being released from Spartacist control. Even with victory, the future of the nation was shrouded in uncertainty, for who could say if others would answer this call to arms? Was there still strength left in the ancient noble houses of the Holy Roman Empire? Or was the blood of Charlemange spent? Would Germany fall to the Sparticists and their radical movement?
With safehouses across the city in the abandoned manors of nobility, veterans of the Great War who were loyal to Generalleutnant Baumer, struck simultaneously across the city. Strongholds of the Sparticist movement were decimated in mere moments as these self-styled "Rose Guard" attempted to take the city by storm. Arrogance had clearly crept within the Spartacist League, for it took hours for them to muster a defense against the forces loyal to the Duke of Brandenburg, and by then, the city was almost taken. Within the halls of the Reichstag, the Spartacus League made their final stand within Berlin.
Hendrik Baumer, not known for his self-preservation in battle, strode to the very doors of the Reichstag itself and demanded to speak with the commander of the Spartacist defense. Within moments, the massive doors to the Reichstag opened just slightly, but just slightly enough for a man to slip his way through them and speak to Baumer upon the steps. The contents of what they spoke about is unknown except to Hendrik Baumer and the unfortunate commander of the Sparticist defenses, but onlookers say that the man's face went pale, and his hands began to shake. And when he returned inside the Reichstag, he returned with his men in tow, the remaining members of the Spartacus League defending the city had surrendered.
With Berlin once more in the grasp of the German Aristocracy, Hendrik Baumer sent word to all corners of the German Empire, he would not die lying down. He would fight to rip this nation from the claws of those who seek to destroy it, or he would burn the nation to ash trying. Only time would tell if the victory in Berlin would inspire others to take up arms.
CHAPTER TWO - The Liberation of Leipzig (February 24th, 1920)
In the aftermath of the Great War, Generalmajor Johann von Rittenhaus, Margrave of Holstein-Kiel, stood at the crossroads of uncertainty as the echoes of disarmament disbanded his once-potent division. Yet, fate intervened when Minister Archibald von Drachenburg, Baron of Nordhausen, materialized on the scene, having executed a daring escape from the clutches of Spartacist rebels. Archibald's arrival marked a pivotal moment, as he informed Generalmajor von Rittenhaus and a cadre of officers about the dire straits that had befallen Leipzig.
Amidst the wreckage, Archibald's words carried a weight of urgency as he detailed the chaos that had unfolded within the New Town Hall. The exchange between the two leaders was characterized by a solemn recognition of the city's peril, Archibald spoke of the ministers' valiant but futile defense and the ruthless efficiency of the rebels. In response, Generalmajor von Rittenhaus, his gaze fixed on the horizon where Leipzig's turmoil unfolded, exchanged a knowing look with Archibald. The unspoken understanding between them formed the bedrock of a newfound alliance. As Archibald recounted the desperate escape through the back of the besieged hall, the two men, united by a common purpose, forged a plan to reclaim the city that had slipped through the fingers of order. With a sense of purpose rekindled, Generalmajor von Rittenhaus transformed the disheartened officers into a resolute band, their mission clear: to reclaim Leipzig from the clutches of rebellion. Raiding weapon depots, the makeshift division armed themselves and surrounded the city, marking the beginning of the campaign to retake Leipzig. The Liberation of Leipzig began on February 24th, 1920.
The initial skirmish unfolded at St. Nicholas Church, an ancient structure steeped in history since the 12th century. Within its sacred confines, the battle took on a visceral quality, echoing the gritty struggle for the very essence of the city. The sounds of gunfire, sharp and relentless, bounced off the church's walls, as each shot marked a decisive step towards victory for the tenacious defenders. Amidst the flickering candlelight and centuries-old stones, the tide of the conflict began to shift, with the rebels finding themselves gradually overwhelmed by the relentless determination of those fighting to reclaim their city.
The once-holy site of St. Nicholas Church bore witness to a haunting transformation as the battle unfolded within its ancient walls. Piles of bodies, both friend and foe, created a macabre tapestry that told a gruesome tale of the struggle for control. The air hung heavy with the acrid scent of gunpowder, and the flickering candlelight revealed the harsh reality of war etched into the faces of the fallen.
Beneath the towering arches and stained glass windows, the sacred space had become a field of carnage. Bodies lay haphazardly, limbs askew, forming grotesque mounds that obscured the once-pristine floor. The silence that once graced the church was shattered by the moans of the wounded and the occasional groan of collapsing bodies. After the battle of St. Nicholas Church the Marktplatz was next, the vibrant heart of Leipzig's civic life, transformed into a grim theater of conflict. The once-grand square, flanked by majestic buildings, became a battleground where the tides of war did not favor Generalmajor von Rittenhaus or Minister Archibald. Amidst the ferocious street-to-street fighting, the rebels, now pushed onto the defensive, fiercely clung to their positions against the relentless onslaught led by Generalmajor von Rittenhaus.
The intensity of the conflict escalated, leaving both Archibald and Generalmajor von Rittenhaus vulnerable to the harsh realities of war. Archibald, in the midst of the chaos, bore the brunt of the rebels' resistance, suffering two gunshot wounds – one piercing his upper right arm, and another striking his right side. The pain etched across his face mirrored the broader struggle for Leipzig's soul.
General von Rittenhaus, despite his strategic prowess, faced a harrowing setback as the rebels unleashed a barrage of high-intensity sniper fire and machine gun volleys. The once-advancing forces now found themselves entangled in a deadly crossfire, and the toll on Generalmajor von Rittenhaus's men was staggering. Over a quarter of his forces succumbed to the relentless hail of bullets, their sacrifice echoing through the cobblestone streets. Amid the chaotic fracas on Marktplatz, Minister Archibald, reeling from the searing pain of gunshot wounds, faced a dire dilemma. The relentless onslaught left him with no choice but to endure a gruesome field extraction. With the assistance of Generalmajor von Rittenhaus, Archibald undertook a harrowing self-operation, hastily stitching his own wounds as the battle raged on around them.
In the midst of the urban warfare, amidst the echoes of gunfire and the screams of combatants, Archibald gritted his teeth against the agony, determined to continue leading alongside Generalmajor von Rittenhaus. The makeshift field extraction became a testament to the brutal exigencies of war, where survival depended on the courage to confront not only the enemy at the gates but also the internal battlefield of pain and fear. General von Rittenhaus, his face etched with a stern resolve, assisted Archibald through the impromptu surgery, the two men bound together by the crucible of conflict. Minister Archibald was able to mend himself enough to pull himself up, pick his rifle up and pressed on.
The Siege of Leipzig, marked by the visceral battles at St. Nicholas Church, Marktplatz, the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, and Südfriedhof, unfolded as a testament to the unwavering alliance between Generalmajor Johann von Rittenhaus and Minister Archibald von Drachenburg. Amidst the grim backdrop of war, the defenders faced setbacks and gruesome wounds, yet their shared commitment prevailed, reclaiming the city inch by inch. The triumphant conclusion saw Leipzig emerge from the crucible of conflict, scarred but resilient. Through the combined efforts of Generalmajor von Rittenhaus and Minister Archibald, the city, once gripped by chaos, found itself restored under the mantle of order. The Siege of Leipzig became a poignant chapter in history, echoing the indomitable spirit of those who, against the odds, reclaimed their city.
CHAPTER THREE - The Battle of Essen (April 21st, 1920)
The warm spring fell into a bitter fall as the rebels fought to control the industrial stronghold of Essen. As news of Generalleutnant Baumer’s victories in Berlin and Leipzig became common knowledge, so too did the resolve of the Spartacists. Essen, now a fortress filled with munitions, rebels, and morale, stood ready for a fight-- and a fight they found.
The night was a cold one, like the steel on the helmets of the fast-approaching army. Reinhardt von Pyrmont, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont, less than two-hundred kilometers away, attached his forces to Hendrik Baumer, Generalleutnant and savior of the nation. Together, they marched towards the citadel that awaited the inevitable, to the capital of the Ruhr, to Essen. Thus began the Battle of Essen on April 21st, 1920.
Only a few hours later, the streets of Essen echoed with the thunder of conflict. Generalleutnant Baumer, a figure of discipline and resolve, had ensured the morale of the army was unbroken by the labyrinth of defenses and the initial heavy losses. Prince Reinhardt von Pyrmont, ready to confront the Spartacist rebels in the very heart of the Ruhr region's industrial labyrinth, led his division in an offensive to seize the industrial heart of the city.
Amidst the towering factories and labyrinthine mines, Baumer's loyalist army prepared to quash the rising tide of rebellion. Prince von Pyrmont, a master of strategy, wove plans as intricate as the city's own network of factories, anticipating a swift victory over the dissenters.
However, as the battle raged, it became apparent that the rebels knew the city far better than their attackers. Unseen and unexpected, platoons fell under ambush, and Baumer and Pyrmont took losses far greater than expected. Many of the loyalists' well-laid plans unraveled amidst this chaos, their disciplined advances stymied by the rebels' advantages.
In this urban arena, where every street became a battlefield and every factory a fortress, neither side could claim definitive triumph. The battle, anticipated to be a decisive strike for the loyalists, instead dissolved into a stalemate, mired by the complexity of urban warfare in a time when such tactics were unheard of.
Thus, for weeks, the Battle of Essen ended not with the clear-cut victory Generalleutnant Baumer and Prince von Pyrmont had sought, but in a quagmire of uncertainty. It stood as a testament to the unpredictable nature of war, where even the mightiest can be confounded by the innovation of an enemy.
It was only through the establishment of the Prince’s intelligence system that the battle reached an end. Reporting to Generalleutnant Baumer, Prince von Pyrmont delivered news of turncoats, of traitors to the rebel cause. These traitors were exploited, being used to undermine the very defenses the rebellion had worked for months to construct. Defenses which eventually fell, as did the rebel cause. In the annals of Imperial history, this battle would be remembered not for the might of arms, but for the shadowy dance of espionage that dictated its decisive end.
CHAPTER FOUR - The Battle of Stettin (June 3rd, 1920)
In 1920, the Battle of Stettin emerged as a critical juncture in the struggle against the Spartacist rebels, mirroring the intensity of the earlier Siege of Munich. Generalleutnant Hendrik Baumer, leading the loyalist forces, faced a formidable uprising in the strategically crucial port city of Stettin. Baumer, known for his tactical prowess and commanding presence, steered his forces with a blend of discipline and strategic acumen, ready to quell the rebellion.
A commander with exceptional skill called Ziener Degurechaff, played a vital role in this pivotal battle. His innovative tactics and decisive actions, especially in leading a crucial counteroffensive, were instrumental in shifting the momentum in favor of the loyalists. Degurechaff's approach, marked by ingenuity and boldness, complemented Baumer's overarching strategy, creating a formidable command duo.
The urban landscape of Stettin, with its intricate network of streets, factories, and warehouses, turned into a complex battlefield. Baumer and Degurechaff, leveraging their deep understanding of urban warfare, turned the city's terrain to their advantage. They deployed forces in strategic locations, creating choke points and ambushes that disrupted the rebels' movements and communications.
As the battle intensified, the loyalists' discipline and coordination began to overpower the rebels. Baumer's units advanced through the city with precision, systematically dismantling the rebels' fortifications and strongholds. Degurechaff's units, meanwhile, executed flanking maneuvers, cutting off rebel reinforcements and supply lines, further weakening their resolve.
The intense urban combat saw a mix of close-quarters engagements and long-range exchanges. Baumer's forces, adept in both, gradually gained ground. Degurechaff's flair for unexpected tactics resulted in several breakthroughs, allowing loyalist forces to encircle and isolate key rebel positions.
In the end, the Battle of Stettin culminated in a decisive victory for Baumer's forces. This triumph was a product of their effective leadership, meticulous planning, and the cohesive synergy between Baumer and Degurechaff. Like the Siege of Munich, the victory at Stettin was a testament to the loyalists' resilience and their capability to overcome challenges, solidifying their control and quelling the rebellion in a key strategic location.
CHAPTER FIVE - The Siege of Munich (October 14th, 1920)
Munich, a city of profound political and cultural significance, found itself thrust into the crucible of conflict. Generalleutnant Baumer, Prince Landa Vought, Lord Ägid von Hausen, and Reinhardt Weiß keenly recognized the imperative to thwart the rebels from establishing a stronghold in Bavaria. Under the strategic guidance of Prince Vought, the leadership of Lord von Hausen, and the political acumen of Weiß, Baumer's forces besieged Munich on October 14th, 1920. The theater of urban warfare and fortified blockades defined the Siege of Munich, where the combined efforts of these leaders shattered the rebels' grip on the city, preserving its order and tradition amidst the tumult of ideological strife.
Prince Landa Vought, recognized for his intricate knowledge of the region's politics, played an essential role in the Siege of Munich. His early experiences in Munich's aristocratic circles and adeptness in business and political dealings made him a respected figure among the city's elite. Long before the coup, Prince Vought established connections that extended from opulent ballrooms to the back rooms where political machinations unfolded. His familiarity with the aristocracy, combined with his ability to navigate the intricate web of Munich's political landscape, positioned him as a linchpin in the loyalists' strategy. As the siege unfolded, Prince Vought's influence proved invaluable, allowing the loyalists to not only understand the city's political intricacies, but also to manipulate them in their favor. His role went beyond military strategy; it was a delicate dance of alliances and negotiations that contributed significantly to the loyalists' success.
Lord Ägid von Hausen, distinguished for his administrative prowess and police-style command, emerged as a key figure in the Siege of Munich. Prior to the coup, Lord von Hausen had a storied career in law enforcement, where his leadership skills and administrative acumen were honed. As the head of Munich's police force, he not only maintained law and order but also cultivated a deep understanding of the city's layout and the sentiments of its residents. His extensive knowledge of police tactics and crowd control became a valuable asset during the siege. Lord von Hausen's reputation as a fair but firm administrator preceded him, earning him respect among both the loyalist forces and the local population. His transition from the realm of law enforcement to military command showcased his versatility and further solidified his role as a crucial architect of the loyalists' success in Munich.
Reinhardt Weiß, a skilled politician with a strong aversion to communism, employed strategic maneuvers to unite the people of Munich during the Siege of Munich. Recognizing the imminent threat posed by left-wing forces, Weiß skillfully redirected public attention toward shared values such as national unity and the preservation of democratic institutions as he understood the importance of a cohesive front. Weiß emphasized the need for a temporary alliance to repel the common enemy, downplaying ideological disparities to focus on the immediate threat at hand. In doing so, he successfully rallied diverse factions in Munich, showcasing the pragmatic side of his political acumen and highlighting the art of compromise for a common cause.
The rebels, fortified and entrenched, had turned Munich into a fortress of defiance. Barricades, hastily erected, lined the labyrinthine streets, creating a complex network of obstacles. Snipers, their positions carefully chosen, lurked in the shadows of buildings, turning every corner into a potential danger zone. The city had become a warren of uncertainty, where peril awaited at every turn.
Every inch of ground became a hard-fought battleground, with structures providing cover for both attackers and defenders. The city's aesthetic charm persisted, but its streets bore witness to the struggle for dominance. The clash of ideologies played out within the city limits, leaving an indelible mark on its urban landscape.
Baumer's troops, undeterred by the daunting urban terrain, moved with a precision born from the combination of military strategy and political finesse. The siege unfolded in a relentless series of skirmishes, with loyalist forces navigating the treacherous streets inch by inch. Each alley and intersection became a theater of war, with buildings serving as strategic points for both sides. The sounds of gunfire and explosions reverberated through the city, creating a tense atmosphere that underscored the intensity of the conflict.
Street by street, house by house, the battle for Munich was waged in close-quarter combat. The loyalty of the population hung in the balance as the loyalists confronted barricades and hostile rebels at every turn. The struggle for control of key points became a pivotal aspect of the conflict, with each building serving as a potential stronghold or a tactical vantage point. The urban landscape retained its charm, but it became a battleground where the fate of the city would be decided.
As the siege progressed, the loyalists faced the grim reality that victory would come at a steep cost. The streets, once vibrant with life, now witnessed the clash of opposing forces. Though the city remained standing, it bore the scars of intense clashes — the remnants of the struggle etched into its urban fabric. The Siege of Munich, marked by its intensity and the convergence of military prowess and political maneuvering, would leave an indelible imprint on the city's history, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of power and ideology.
CHAPTER SIX - The Hallowed Offensive of Cologne (December 22nd, 1920)
In 1914, Pope Benedict XV, the Pope of the Catholic Church, engaged in consultations with Kaiser Wilhelm II to discern a fitting archbishop to preside over Germany's dioceses. Guided by prayer and wisdom, Bishop Luka Sommer from Berlin emerged as the chosen candidate. By the decree of Pope Benedict XV, in the same year, Luka Sommer was appointed as archbishop to oversee all of Germany's dioceses and took residence in Kölner Dom, the largest cathedral in all of Germany. Sommer was a true believer in God’s chosen kings, and he saw Kaiser Wilhelm II as an important figure in leading a righteous campaign in WWI. During the war, Sommer directed efforts across Germany to care for the poor and wounded soldiers. However, as the war approached its conclusion, a sense of disillusion pervaded the German populace, reflected in the diminishing attendance within the sacred halls of Kölner Dom during Sommer's Masses.
Things turned for the worse during the tumult of the Spartacus Rebellion, as Karl Liebknecht, the co-founder of the uprising, orchestrated the assault on cathedrals across Germany from the very beginning of the "Red Terror”. After the abdication of Wilhelm II, Sommer prayed for a resolution while witnessing the desecration of cathedrals and the persecution of believers. Undeterred, Sommer fearlessly declared to the nation in his memo, “Excommunicado Contra Spartacists” on January 21st,1920 that the Spartacus League was a heretical organization for their godless ideology, disseminating memos across Germany to urge citizens not to be swayed by their false cause. As the rebellion pressed on, Sommer received reports from his bishops of a man, Generalleutnant Hendrik Baumer, halting the communists and safeguarding churches from complete destruction. Baumer, celebrated by many for his unwavering determination and faith, had recently triumphed at the Siege of Munich a few months prior.
As the tide of the civil war shifted in favor of Baumer, co-founder Rosa Luxemburg of the Spartacus League also sought the complete annihilation of the Catholic Church in Germany.Their central focus rested on none other than the grandeur of the Kölner Dom, the largest cathedral in all of Germany, situated in the city of Cologne. On Sunday, December 12th, 1920, during Mass, the Spartacus League launched an invasion of Cologne to seize control of the Kölner Dom. The communists' plan to invade on a Sunday was devised to insult God and perpetrate mass religious persecution. On that fateful day, over 6,000 innocent believers were executed in the public square, personally overseen by Luxemburg herself. This brutal event, known as the “Massacre of Cologne” showcased the true horror of the “Red Terror”. Amidst the invasion, Archbishop Sommer urgently dispatched a letter from his personal courier, aiming to reach the Rose Guard and summon assistance.
For the next 10 days, the Spartacists wreaked havoc, plundering residences, looting local establishments, abducting, and devastating families they suspected of holding beliefs in Christ. Throughout these arduous 13 days, Sommer eluded the Spartacists by discarding his religious attire and blending in with the citizens. Taking refuge in homes, he delivered impassioned sermons of the Good News to the people of Cologne, urging them to steadfastly hold onto their faith and even led prayer sessions for divine judgment against the Spartacists.
On the faithful day December 22nd, 1920, Generalleutnant Baumer answered the call and arrived at the beleaguered city. This began what is known as “The Hallowed Offensive of Cologne” during which, for three relentless days, Baumer waged a fierce battle against the entrenched communists. On the same day Sommer met with Baumer in the outskirts of Cologne. Upon meeting him, the archbishop was deeply moved by Baumer's unwavering devotion to both God and country. Sommer prayed that God would intervene on behalf of the German people, and the prayer would seem to be answered on that day. Committed to bolstering Baumer's offensive, Sommer wholeheartedly embraced the mission by preaching a compelling message to the people of Cologne, imploring them to rise against the godlessness and heresy of the Spartacists. Three days later, on December 25th, Christmas Day, the Spartacists were defeated. Rosa Luxemburg attempted to hang herself inside of the Kölner Dom, but in the eleventh hour, the Rose Guard intervened and stopped her. Baumer, in the pursuit of justice for the innocent lives lost, ordered the execution of Luxemburg by hanging, drawing, and quartering. Karl Liebknecht abandoned the Spartacists League and unfortunately escaped Germany to join the Communist Revolution against the White Army.
With peace restored and justice served in Cologne, Archbishop Sommer sent a letter to Pope Benedict XV, recounting the tales of Baumer's noble deeds for the nation. In a bold move, he also requested the consecration of Hendrik Baumer as Kaiser of Germany. Without hesitation, the pope granted his approval. Archbishop Sommer took part in the Imperial Diet and declared, on behalf of the Catholic Church, his support for Hendrik Baumer. Finally, on January 22nd, 1921, Archbishop Sommer consecrated the rule of Hendrik Baumer as Kaiser of Germany.
Epilogue - The Rise of the White Rose and Kaiser Baumer
On January 23rd, 1921, the newly appointed Kaiser oversaw the revitalization of Imperial Germany. With the Spartacist Rebellion quelled, a new era of reconstruction called the “Rose Miracle" or “Rosenwunder” had begun on February 14th, 1921. While the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 had economically impacted Germany, Kaiser Baumer pressed on with his restoration projects and instituted economic reforms to stop the hyperinflation from decimating the markets. The “Rose Miracle” ended on July 7th, 1934 when Kaiser Baumer declared Germany had been rebuilt after 13 years of reconstruction and stabilization of the markets.
At the start of Baumer’s reign, and with the majority of the Imperial Council dead from the rebellion, Baumer began appointing his longtime allies who stood by him against the Spartacists and helped with the reconstruction:
Starting with Prince Landa Vought, who was appointed to be Prinzregent of Germany to oversee the country's affairs in his absence. His heroic deeds during the “Red Terror”, his skills shown throughout his adventures with Kaiser Baumer as his personal confidant and his loyalty to the Nation made him the perfect candidate for this position.
Military affairs having been largely neglected due to the reconstruction efforts, the Kaiser has decided to appoint his trusted companion Johann von Rittenhaus to the vital position of Kriegsminister. The appointment was made with the full intent of refocusing the Imperial agenda to sharpen their claws for the future exploits to come.
With dioceses back in order, Kaiser Baumer was in need of a peacemaker to ensure that stability and uniformity remained across Germany. Given Archbishop Sommer's commitment to purging the nation of heresy and reunifying it under the church and Empire, Kaiser Baumer appointed Luka Sommer as the Prätor of Germany.
Archibald von Drachenburg proved to be a worthy political ally to help. He was named Ministerpräsident, a position befitting his astute political strength As Ministerpräsident, Drachenburg was made responsible for guiding the nation's policies and being the driving force behind the legislative process, shaping the future of the realm under the Kaiser's reign.
During the 13 years of the “Rose Miracle”, Prinz Reinhardt von Pyrmont has been diligently working to create a sense of Order within his own Land of Pyrmont. Having recognized the effective organization of the municipal police forces within the land of Pyrmont and the strategic genius shown in the battle of Essen, Kaiser Hendrik Baumer has ordered him to take up the mantle of Innenminister of Germany, and Pyrmont appointed Ägid von Hausen Generalkommissar der NSB and Ziener Degurechaff as NSB-Polizeikommandeur.
To allow the vision of the Coalition to be safeguarded by a stalwart guardian of political intelligence, a search was conducted to find the appropriate representative of the movement within the White rose ranks. Reinhardt Weiß, having been one of the loudest advocates for the White Rose Coalition during the Red Terror and having fought in political battles side by side with the Kaiser, was selected. Reinhardt Weiß was appointed to Konsul of the White Rose Coalition.
The current year is 1939, 18 years after the “Red Terror” and the future of the Nation may change once again… for better or for worse.
Ave. True to Caesar.
