Old Rancagua Press/December 22, 07

Old Rancagua Press
Price: If you have to ask...	Editor: Antan Christenson	The Month of December, Recounting the Fourth Week
Press Location: In Oroya

Loss of a Hero

It is with great sadness that I must report the loss of one of the finest members of Old Rancagua. Master Alexei Dolohov was slain battling the Fontanese in Tabost. He died a valiant death, fighting courageously on the front lines. We have lost a baron, hero, and most importantly a friend. An old man, who had seen many years and countless battles, he lived a life most only dream of. Chadro'ez Vando, a Priest of the Order, orated the following eulogy fittingly: "Welcome, people of faith, believers in the Order if the White Tree, Welcome also, nonbelievers who have gathered here in order to mourn on the passing of a Great Hero of Old Rancagua, Alexei of the Dolohov family. Welcome all who came here to pay the last respects to a men worthy of living. Many of you might not know, that Alexei comes long, long time ago from a realm named Sandalak, on the South-East Island, better known as the Island of War. He started his career as a quiet police officer, but quickly became known for his knowledge of the Realm's Laws. His total history is to long to be told here, so I shall not. But let it not be unsaid, that Alexei Dolohov was a name known throughout the whole South-East Island. He has been known to hold a Dukeship in three of four Duchies there, Sandalak City, Toren Stronghold and Ikalak City. He has also had numerous Government positions, and fought alongside heroes that we only know from Tales told by Minstrels. He has fought in battles beyond our imagination. And that all whas before he traveled to our beloved realm, Old Rancagua. A brother of mine, who currently resides on the South-East Island, has told me that Alexei was torn apart because of a Civil War in his Realm, Ikalak. And rather than to pick a side, he decided to leave and so he came here. Alexei died in a Battle against Fontan, a battle we won. Today, we are gathered here, to bring a last salute to the Hero Alexei Dolohov the one-armed. Today we give him back to the nature he came from and bring his soul to the just hands of Ora. Alexei died a hero, aged 46. Next time you embrace your sword, think of him, remember him. He has died in order to protect and serve. He may not always have agreed with each other, but he died a true Hero: For his Realm and his Believes. Alexei, I salute you."

Change in Command

Indeed, after a time of much confusion and unrest over the topic of the position of High Marshal, the matter has been resolved. In an announcement by King Dekion, Master High Guard Tezokian was proclaimed as the new commander of the Old Rancaguan forces. The paper and all those here offer our best wishes to him in the coming months, may he lead us to victory. When the announcement was finalized, Master High Guard had the following to say, in front of an expectant group of soldiers and nobles alike: "I appreciate the sentiments from everyone. This position requires me to make adjustments to myself, or so I am consistently told. I'll do what I can for those that feel this way, but I will not compromise the importance and integrity of this position. We're in a war for our survival. It may not be as dire for us as it once was, with legions of armies lining up to take hits at Oroya, but it's not that way for all of our friends in this fight. Just to the south, LoF is in exactly the same position this realm began in. They are down to their last defenses, because they chose to join us in the fight against Fontan. Friends are not forgotten, nor are enemies. Fontan will be made to pay for what they've started, and what they've done. We will end this war because it is our obligation as soldiers and protectors of this realm to do so. Follow my orders, and that's what will happen."

The War Report

The fighting between the allied forces and Fontan has been fierce and tough. Early in the week Fontan claimed control of Sordidus, all but sealing the fate of Light of Fountain. However, Sirion gained a victory in the north by relieving Oberndorf from its formers owners. Sirion and Fontan now control 21 regions each.