The basis of the story has Texas remaining as an independent country. It was not
involved in the ACW, although individuals fought on both sides. The ACW still happened, without
official Texas involvement, with the same overall result. This alternate history has Babbage
calculating devices and other discoveries making for some technical advances and differences than what really happened.
Advance through Wadi Falafel, played at Fort Worth Wars, 1999. The Turks and Germans have repelled an assault with wind wagons and are moving to counter a flanking attack to the left. The British and Texan wind wagons can he seen. Killed figures (many from each side) have been removed.
In October of 1840, the newly built Texas oil-steamer Alamo, bound for the Paris exposition, somewhere in the east Atlantic near the equator, survived a massive oceanic disturbance and series of tidal waves, lasting three days. The sky stayed dark the whole time, the conditions were incredibly precarious, and the ship only remained intact because of its innovative design and engines, and the intrepid actions of the crew. After the "storms" were over, the ship sighted a new land mass, off the western coast of Africa. It was a huge plateau, thrust up from the bottom of the sea by volcanic activity.
The crew made a landing and explored a couple of miles inland. For the most part, the new island was relatively flat, but very rough. Far inland could be seen rugged peaks, with a single great volcanic caldera still belching smoke and steam. The land was devoid of vegetation, but was apparently rich in minerals. Many dead sea creatures lay on the surface of the new land. The Alamo circumnavigated the entire new island, which was about 160 miles from north to south, and 120 east to west. Several landings were made, photographs taken, specimens gathered, and flags planted. The entire coastline was mapped. The crew together decided to name the new land, simply, Tidal.
Steaming directly for France, the crew delivered the stunning news on arrival. Of course, Europe was aware of the disturbances in the weather and ocean, but no one had any idea that a new land had been offered to the world. As news spread, by trans-oceanic telegraph cable and other means, people around the globe became excited. It was generally recognized that Texas had a powerful claim to the land. The Texas government began plans to colonize and mine Tidal, and was ready to allow many others to join in.
Sometime during these few weeks, the exact dates are not known, a Turkish freighter of the Ottoman Empire, which had been in port during the upheaval that created Tidal, happened upon the new land mass. The crew landed, claimed the island, and headed home with the news. The Ottoman Empire therefore rejected the prior and well-documented claim of Texas, and planned colonization of the island. Germany, dissatisfied with the generous offers and concessions of Texas, sided with the Ottomans.
For 40 years, Texas and her allies worked to establish Tidal as a new land for many people. Colonists moved in, plants and animals were imported and established, mining operations were set up. The land was very harsh, but gradually became enriched with life, thanks in great part to the rivers from fresh water springs in the volcanic mountains in central Tidal. The coastal towns could be mistaken for European or American or Texan establishments, which is really what they were. Railroads linked these communities and the farms and mines inland. Texan explorations extended more than halfway into the island from the west, and included the great volcano, which became known as Heart of Tidal.
At the same time, the POE (Prussian-Ottoman Empire) was pumping people and resources onto the island from the east. The Texan government continually protested. However, the island was so large that it seemed to many, even some Texan legislators, that there could be room for all. The situation was unresolved for years, and for months at a time, even ignored. Many people and nations were growing richer from the great new island. Money talks, and it spoke louder than those who foresaw any problems or even felt that Texas was naive and being taken advantage of.
After 40 years the expanding realms were getting too close to each other. Complaints and charges flew across Tidal and around the world as Texans and allies confronted the POE on issues like boundaries, mineral rights, fencing of land, water rights, free access, trade agreements, and limits on immigration. Occasionally there was trouble on the borderlands, even some shooting, and even some deaths. But somehow, everyone hoped and thought that things would be resolved peacefully.
A surprise raid by a combined Ottoman and German force on an American-Texan farm and mine community in 1880 finally set the stage for open conflict between the Allies and the POE. More than 150 soldiers attacked and looted the inland village of Curtis (named for the crewman of the Alamo, who was originally from Maine, who took the first photographs of Tidal). Several houses, barns, and storehouses were destroyed, as well as livestock, and seven men, two women, and a child were killed. Two of the attacking soldiers were killed, but the population of the town was forced to run out into the fields, away from town, once the main force of soldiers arrived. Twenty thousand dollars worth of herbs, spices, and gold, as well as valuable personal effects, were taken by the invaders before they faded into the night.
The POE denied the event until the bodies, one German and one Turk, were produced in evidence. Then they denied that the two units involved were acting under higher orders, but could not provide an explanation of how they could have conducted a joint operation of such magnitude, using units of two countries, without approval Then they left the international council meeting that was investigating the event. Americans and Texans called for honor and vengeance, and declared that no incursions by POE soldiers or settlers would be tolerated. The POE decried this as violating the "free access to the wealth of Tidal." The POE therefore declared an open state of war against Texas and the USA. Britain came out in support of the western countries. Other nations joined in, but the Texans and some Americans, along with the British, faced off mainly against the Turks and Germans.
This war involving many of the major nations of the world would continue from 1880 until 1900.
The games can include elements of science fiction, in that weapons that were not actually developed until later, or never at all, may be used. These can include aeroplanes, Zeppelins, flamethrowers, wind wagons, land ironclads, walking machines, and amphibious craft.
I use 25mm figures from the following companies: Light Horseman, Tin Soldier, England Invaded, Foundry, Warrior, Old Glory, and Castaway Arts. I use figures from the American Civil War on up to WWI, including some Victorian SF figures. Australian WWI figs serve as most of the Texan infantry and cavalry. ACW Confederates are militia, cowboys are citizens, etc. I use England Invaded figures for my armored Texans, the Armadillos, and the armored Germans, the Neujaegers.
The Mort Poresby scenario is correctly named - the town is named for Mortimer Poresby, the first miner to settle there, The Landfall Rifles are from the town of Landfall, where men from the Texas ship Alamo first explored Tidal.
In a convention game, I try to give each TATA player both a Texan and a British unit, and each POE player both a German and a Turkish unit. Each player may also get some special equipment, like artillery or a windwagon. The windwagons work pretty well on the flat volcanic plains of parts of Tidal. Players seem to like the new "toys" on the wargaines table. I have not heard of them in any other game system.
More Lone Star: Texas-Anglo Alliance vs. the Prussian-Ottoman Empire
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© Copyright 2000 Hal Thinglum
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