Ash Sea Chronicle/Issue 4

http://wiki.battlemaster.org/images/ASI_small.png The Ash Sea Chronicle
Price: Free	Editor: Landesred Stromsfiordspace	Issue: No. 4 - 27th January

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Printed in Ash'rily for the glory of the Islands

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BREAKING NEWS: Tara Declares War on Abington

Word is filtering in to ASI that Tara has declared war on Abington. This comes after their declaration of war last week on Abington's ally Redspan. The news was welcomed by some Ashlanteans, anxious to see Redspan and Abington get their comeuppance for raising the black flag against ASI.

Tara has been aggrieved at the activities of the triple alliance of Carelia, Redspan, and Abington, made known by a missent letter detailing planning for an attack against Tara. Many have thought that a war between the powers was inevitable given the letter and that it was only a matter of time before Tara would defend her honor.

Redspan is on the front-lines of the conflict with Tara. ASI remains at war with Redspan due to Redspan's unwillingness to bend in negotiations for an end to struggle. This puts some pressure on Redspan as it faces a bit of a two front war. Redspan will definitely have to rely on Abington as it faces an irritated Tara. Tara remains neutral with Carelia.

The situation on Atamara is somewhat chaotic and it remains to be seen how it will settle out in coming days.

News You Can Use: Serving Ash Sea Islands

In recent days, several troop leaders have lost their positions in ASI due to failure to follow orders or communicate in a timely manner. Ash Sea Islands has a strong military history and tradition and its troop leaders have a strong sense of duty to the realm. As a smaller realm amidst large powers Ashlantean nobles do not have the luxury of a life of ease. Our resources are adequate, but there is not an overabundance. Ashlantean leaders must be selective about the makeup of the ASI defense forces. Those selected are chosen based on their honor, sense of duty, and responsiveness to orders over time. It is an honor to be selected, but no dishonor to be passed over. Those who are attentive and dedicated do well, those who wish a more peaceful life are given the opportunity to find a home that fits them better.

BREAKING NEWS: Ashlantean Takes Tournament Victory

Sir Ambrosius of ASI has taken the Swordfighting Title at Strombran. Sir Ambrosius defeated gorge of the Barony of Makar in honorable combat in the finals to take the prize. The jousting contest was won by Sir Vulcan, Duke of Barad Falas. All Ashlanteans are familiar with Sir Ambrosius's skill and now all of Atamara has been informed.

BREAKING NEWS: Victory in Rogeshore

Units from ASI's western army entered Rogeshore this morning and dispersed a band of Redspanian infantry occupuying the disputed territory. The Ashlantean force had little trouble and were welcomed by the citizens of the region who have suffered under occupation for some time.

BREAKING NEWS: Carelian Invasion Thwarted in Barnlure

A Carelian invasion force was thwarted by defenders in Barnlure. The invasion force outnumbered the defending ASI forces. Halden, the High Marshal of Carelia, Count of Canock has been captured by Ash Sea Islands forces. Azurei, Tharan, and Silverowl of Carelia were all seen being carried from the battlefield on stretchers.

A Note

The banner of this newspaper indicates that the newspaper is printed in Ash'rily for the glory of the islands. The newspaper is no longer printed in Ash'rily due to that city's status as an occupied city. However, Ash'rily is the birthplace and the home city of this newspaper despite the occupation and so the banner will remain.

New Laws on the Way in ASI

The vast majority of ASI nobles have bemoaned the state of Atamara in recent days. Many have commented that a sense of "honor" has left the continent. Realms increasingly act out of a sense of power and might rather than out of a sense of honor, duty, and chivalry. This is part of the reason for the outbreaks of looting, rapine, and pillaging we have seen in the latest conflict. This has been seen especially in the south of Atamara.

ASI has avoided such inhumane and distasteful behavior despite being the victims of an organized campaign of looting, theft, and unecessary executions. Despite this, the majority of ASI nobles have called for a revitalization of the concept of honor in ASI.

In response, the Senate is in the process of drafting laws on honorable behavior on the battlefield, particularly regarding speech. The said law is intended to restore dignity and hopefully encourage other realms to see where the continent is heading and where it should be.

There are questions from some nobles about the extent of the new law and its potential to be abused. Squelching the speech of nobles could get out of hand and the truth should always be a positive defense to any charge under the new law.

Demands issues to Redspan

Peace discussions with Redspan have been unproductive according to sources close to the negotiations. It is rumored that ASI has demanded the return of ASI provinces seized during the conflict. This stance is very popular amongst the citizenry of ASI who have become increasingly frustrated with Redspans lack of movement in negotiations.

Peace signed with Tara

An agreement of peace has been signed with Tara. The Tarans have behaved honorably in there dealings with ASI during our recent time of need. Tara did not take advantage of the troubles and kept their word during negotiations even in our darkest hours.

Peace signed with Darka

A treaty of peace was signed between ASI and Darka today. Trade has increased with Darka in the last weeks and their actions have been honorable and they have been forthright in their dealings with ASI in these troubling times.

Peace signed with Cagilan Empire

Diplomatic discussions have led to a peace agreement with the Cagilan Empire. The Cagilan Empire has not sought to take advantage of recent turmoils and have behaved honorably and forthrightly with ASI and its people.

Neutrality Agreement Signed with Abington

Ash Sea Islands brought the war on the islands to a conclusion today, signing an agreement with Abington obliging both parties to cease fighting and refrain from provocations on the islands. The agreement is limited in nature and apparently was designed to divorce the issue of peace with Redspan from the island agreement. Abington appeased its ally by indicating that it would still aid Redspan to some extent in defending territories that realm had stolen from ASI. The treaty with Abington does however allow ASI to concentrate its forces on its western flank.

ASI Force Assists Nordland

ASI forces were present on the battlefield at Ashmoor, fulfilling treaty obligations with Nordland with whom ASI shares a rich cultural heritage. ASI forces were under the direct command of King Doc's Revenge who wished to assist personally. The combined forces put up a tough fight but were unable to prevail.

Editorial Some realms in Atamara want to be known for their might, some for their wealth, some for their cruelty, some for their culture. ASI seeks to be known for its honor, duty, and chivalry. There is often money and land gained in winning a battle, but there is no real glory without honor. The most powerful force in the world is just a gang of thugs without honor. A ruler will be primarily remembered not for the battles won, but how they were won. A ruler can gain much land and wealth and people will still spit when they recall his name. Those who make the Ash Sea Islands their home will live in an honorable realm. Those who we defeat will be treated with the same dignity we showed to the fallen Feldric at Ash'rily, even if it is not returned. Looting and pillaging is the easy way, our way is the hard way. If you do not want the hard way, ASI is not the place for you.

King's Statement No King's Statement at this time.

DISCLAIMER: Ash Sea Chronicle is an independent journal. Opinions contained herein are not necessarily the opinion of the government of Ash Sea Islands and are strictly the responsibility of its editor.