Smirnov Family/SATA/Archive/Carelian Military Games

Welcome to the first issue of Southern Atamara Telegraph Agency (SATA)!

Upon arriving to Carelia, I've discovered an interesting exercise being conducted by the Military - internal war games. War games are always fun to watch and discuss, especially if you participate, which most of us do. I've decided to make a first issue of SATA on this topic. I'd like to express my appreciation to all the participants in making this story a reality.

It all started with a simple: "My name is Serge Smironov. I am working on a Southern Atamara Telegraph Agency... I would like to conduct an interview..." General Ramou Hedgebeater, being busy as he is with keeping our lands safe, Armies at the ready and swamped with the war games preparations, agreed to answer a few of my questions.

"SATA: Do you mind explaining what is this (war game exercises) all about?

Ramou: The maneuvers are to provide practice working together for our enlisted nobles. It is also to help provide some relief from the day-to-day tedium that peace-time can bring."

Blades and Hammers are two participating teams. Government Archives contain information regarding our two fine regular Armies:

• Hammers of Carelia - The Hammers of Carelia are the fighting force of the Duchy of Sullenport.
• Blades of Carelia - The Blades of Carelia are the fighting force of the Duchy of Strombran.

Carelia is a proud nation with a proud Military. In fact General recommends everyone to join Military and contribute one way or another regardless of political situation within and without.

"Ramou: I encourage you (all) to participate... by joining one of our armies immediately... if you wish a less combative position within the realm, you should contact Judge Leta... (who) runs the army tasked with managing the realm when the rest of us are out campaigning abroad." (From Archives: The Carelian Arms are a team of Courtiers and Priests responsible for maintaining the realm.)

Military service seems a tradition in the land of Carelia: in peace there are maneuvers, a civilian service (where even Priests serve) as well as an opportunity to anyone who chooses a Troop Leader path. Despite a passive war with Eston (due to political considerations it's not an open one) Carelia enjoys a time of peace. So what triggered these maneuvers? The answer is a fine tradition we all enjoy today:

"Ramou: These maneuvers have been in the planning since long before I became General, and have been inherited. However, the idea of getting our armies to dust off their arms and learn to work together again after such a protracted period of peace remains sound." You can still participate in these war games "by declaring "allegiance" with one side or another for the duration of the maneuver", General says.

"SATA: I'd like to know a bit more about the rules of the games.

Ramou: Based on positioning of knights and their troops, combat settings and a random element, we will evaluate combat ourselves, declare victors and assign casualties as needed."

An interesting concept, that would require a lot of preparation work, an objective evaluation, and perhaps a whole staff of scribes, a committee of experienced warriors that comprise our Military Council, and even hours upon hours of sleepless work. We can all be proud of our Military minds that keep things interesting and entertaining for us all.

When I approached the master minds behind each team, I've received some tactic appraisals for the opposing team as well as some thoughts regarding these war games.

"SATA: As a Marshal of the Blades... what (do) you think about the initial idea of such games, as well as you and your army's part in this event. Could you also provide any tactical insights into your opponent without revealing your own tactic?

Sonya Jimenez, Duchess of Strombran and Marshall of the Blades of Carelia: I think these games are good to motivate our warriors.

About the bales i will test the movement rate of the army, since it has been a long time since we mobilized, but i hope everyone enjoy this exercise. About the hammers? well i think they have the Advantage of nearing city Sullenport, which this they can just rally in a day without getting much equipment damage. But i look forward to see the outcome."

As you can see, the Armies are lead by masterminds that care about supplying their armies, moving them coherently, and thinking tactically analyzing opponents strengths and weaknesses. This shows dedication to the Crown and a healthy competition.

With a recent announcement that the first battle has taken place, we can all just wait and see the fine tradition to unfold itself so we could enjoy the outcome results and prepare ourselves for more entertainment to come.

This was my first story, many more to come. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.