Re: [DL] Europe and World War I in 1877

[Eric Avedissian <eric@pro-usa.net>]

>So, if there was a WWI-like War in the 1870ies, the Alliances would
look
>different. Spain was fighting a Civil War in 1874, so it couldn't
really
>help France against Prussia.
>Despite the Three-Emperor-Treaty I seriously doubt that any of the
three
>involved countries would have followed it (as they didn't in reality
when
>Russia declared itself part of the Entente in 1914).

Historical research is the deciding factor in mapping out an alternate
Europe for Deadlands. However, one cannot forget there's a decidedly
supernatural element out there in the world, one feeding off fear and
mistrust. While these alliances are likely in the historical parameters
of educated guesswork, they could be turned upside down in Deadlands.
Remember, in our world, Maximillian was outsted way before 1877.
Assassinations, plots and other nefarious workings could underlie a
Deadlands Europe. Evil hucksters could form an anachist movement,
dedicated to purging monarchs and ruling under a society of magic, for
example. The dead from the Franco-Prussian war could still stalk haunted
battlefields. A cult of vampires could haunt the catacombs beneath
Paris, and trolls in Germany's Black Forest. A manitou-crazed Teutonic
nobleman, inspired by heroes such as Seigfried, might embark on a
crusade to conquer Europe.
The Reckoners will see to it that Europe, like America, undergoes a
darker transformation, which means a fun and chilling atmosphere.

Marshal Eric