Wed Apr 14, 2004 10:13 pm by Puke Barwalker
Maybe REALLY ANCIENT allies, say the Tokyo-Rome-Berlin Axis of WWII in the 20th century back in the Solar System. But remember that FL takes place in the 31st Century AD, in earth time. And even back on earth, Japan attacked Germany in the Pacific in 1914 in order to seize the German colony at Kiau Chau, China -- which took some tough doing -- and to annex the German islands in the South Pacific. Historically even on earth, Britain and Germany (especially Prussia) were traditional allies, usally beating up on the French. It wasn't until the German states united and got stronger than France that Britain switched its friendship to the Froggies.
In FL, the Rheinland arrived late in the Sirius system, after Liberty, Bretonia and Kusari had got the best of the planets. I suppose this is a reflection of earth history, when Germany did unify so late after the other colonial empires had glomped on to the good parts of Africa, South America, the Pacific etc. Even in FL, Rheinland does seem to feel that it gets the short end of the stick most of the time.
The 80 Years War may be a reflection of WWI, which was a disaster for Germany. And the Kusari support for the GMG may reflect Japan's small role in WWI too.
Digital Anvil had to get their ideas from somewhere.
Jose Chavez: "Trent! It's good to see my kind of scum."