The Eastern Gazette/2022/January/Content

The Stalemate of Sovereignty

The Sirion and Shadowdale war has just seen its second month come to an end. Yet still, no real progress has been made by either realm. So, how did we get here?

Beginnings

Prior to the war, Sirion pressed Shadowdale for the right to enter Shadowdalian land. The goal was to supposedly "investigate" some disappearances. Shadowdale had no interest in allowing this breach of their territorial sovereignty. The discussions between the two northern realms proved fruitless, and finally Shadowdale declared their war of Sovereignty against Sirion. Shadowdale's terms were simple:

1. A treaty where Sirion recognizes Shadowdale's sovereignty and autonomy.
2. Sirion's region of Elmbar, which borders Shadowdalian lands, would be rogue.

As for Sirion, they responded with only three terms:

1. Shadowdale's region of Montijo becomes rogue or a part of Sirion for at least two weeks.
2. Shadowdale makes a statement of intent to allow Sirion open access to their borders for a period of one month.
3. Shadowdale officially grants five Sirion nobles, along with their retinues, the right to travel to the Shadowdalian cities of Karbala, Krimml, and Fontan.

The First Month

When the war began, Shadowdale wasted no time entering Sirion territory. With haste they occupied the border region of Elmbar. Sirion disorderly marched upon the invaders and were slaughtered in two consecutive battles. Their failure on the battlefield would immediately have consequences: Shadowdale drove Elmbar rogue. These battles were easily won by Shadowdale, but they took their toll. Unable to stay in the field any more, they left for their homelands. As the month reached its end, the two forces did not meet again. Sirion started to retake the farmlands of Elmbar, but had yet to complete their task.

The Second Month

With Sirion close to reconquering Elmbar, the Shadowdalian army returned once more. It was a race against time. Who would finish their goal first? Would Sirion take the region once more? Would Shadowdale get to Elmbar in time to stop the takeover? On the first day of the month, the question was answered. Mere hours before the arrival of Shadowdale, the region once more flew the Sirionite banner. The Sirionites had no time to celebrate, for the battle was on hand. Even though it was, Shadowdale once more acquired a victory. Despite the victory, Shadowdale took too many causalities and were unable to drive Elmbar rogue once more.

Following a refit, Sirion went on the offensive, successfully defeating a Shadowdalian small force in the first battle of Montijo. This marked the first victory of the war for Sirion. The Sirion offensive was short lived. Sirion retreated into Elmbar once the large Shadowdalian army threatened their position. Shadowdale's counter attack proved successful as they defeated the Sirion army in Elmbar before taking over the region. Shadowdale seemed to continue their domination of the war, but yet again, they would have to refit which allowed Sirion to retake Elmbar. This marked another campaign of Shadowdalian victories on the battlefield, but no territorial gains.

On the morning of the 23rd, one day after Sirion retook Elmbar, the two forced met once more in those open fields. This time the forces were evenly matched. At the end of this brutal battle, Sirion emerged victorious. In the evening, the remaining forces of Shadowdale tried once more to defeat the remnants of Sirion's army. This too failed.

The two forces retreated back to their capitals to prepare for another round of combat. After a week of rest and travel, Shadowdale returned to the front to find that Sirion had entered Montijo. Just as on the month was coming to an end, the evenly matched forces clashed once more. This time Shadowdale emerged the victor, breaking Sirion's successful streak before it even started.

Here, my dear readers, is where we are at the present time of writing this. Shadowdale has clearly had the upper-hand. Despite this, the war has proven thus far to be a stalemate. The only question is who's army or willpower shall break first?

- written by Titus Foote