Köln, so far from Germania and yet even further from Paris. Over the years, it has become the epicentre of a colossal struggle between two civilisations. The French, a caged beast barely restrained enough to be held in Western Europe and the German civilisation. A patchwork of duchies, electorates and Emperors all jostling for their own private slice of influence inside the asthmatic colossus of the Holy Roman Emperor. On the frontlines of this war, sits Köln. France, under the brutality of the Wehrmacht, has been subjugated so brutally and efficiently that the War has been won.

The frontlines have evaporated and the struggle ceases. But what is left in the ashes? Köln, even before the Reich's total victory in Europe, provided the crucial step that Hitler needed to take control of Germany. It was in the city of Köln that Hitler met with von Papen to foster a secret alliance to bring down von Schleicher's government.

To that, Hitler owes his thanks to the city.